Who should  be our leader?  

The 2 best options are a youthful gunslinger who moves as fast as he thinks, just not always in the right direction or,  the old, smooth veteran who is so comfortable in the pocket he may just break out some chairs and a hibachi..

With that as your only info, it's an easy choice.  I think in the Ravens case the decision is made for them.  Steve McNair is the guy and it has very little to do with Kyle Boller's performance these last few weeks. McNair, the former AFC champ has been recovering while the Ravens bored us to death with wins over the Niners and Rams and an  unexpected loss to Buffalo.  Boller's been average in his limited time.  As I see it, that's better than Baltimore's fans expected and, we got a pair of wins.

Now it's crunch time in this 2007-2008 season and McNair is the guy.  With John Ogden coming back and Willis McGahee establishing himself as a bona fide weapon in the run attack, McNair now has his most valuable allies on offense playing together for the first time.  The benefit of Ogden is that nobody will get to McNair's blind side, raising the smooth operator's pocket comfort just a bit.  So far McNair's groin injury has prevented him from stepping forward into his throws and led to criticism that he has 'no downfield ability whatsoever'.  While I won't dispute that opinion, I will say that with the best left tackle ever born and a healthier groin McNair will win a couple of games where the purple birds are underdogs. 

Boller's appeal is his arm strength and heart.  Throwing the ball downfield and going all out on every play are admirable qualities that have endeared Kyle to me, but don't help when you're stuck in a rut on the opponenents' side of the field.  The main difference between the two QBs is pocket presence and Boller simply put has none.  His drops are rushed and his center-to-QB exchange is going to be off rhythym at least once a game.  This could lead to turnovers and possibly points which doesn't mesh with Baltimore's defense+possession game plan. 

What Boller does bring is the winning attitude.  This city's been down on him for years and he has fought to win its approval.  He has stayed positive throughout the local and nationwide bashing and is an example to all who follow sports of a never say die attitude.  Perhaps that was developed by watching his dad and brothers save lives as firemen.  Maybe it comes from Boller's seemingly endless supply of confidence.  Staying positive has served Boller well, at least in my mind and he deserved the extension he got weeks earlier, but he's not our best option.  He also brings the downfield threat, especially with all 3 wide recievers healthy and contributing.  It seems that Demetrius Williams only has good games when Boller's in.  As much as Williams can be an explosive game breaker, we need the possession routes from Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason to be our main means of matriculation.

When we resume play after the week 8 bye, I want McNair starting @ PIT.  I want Ogden protecting his blind side and Willis McGahee maintaining possession with ball control.  I want Chris McAlister back, but that's a separate article.  I want Kyle Boller as my #1 guy out of the bullpen, knowing now that things won't be that bad if he enters in relief.

                                                         -Eric Garfield

This past Sunday the Ravens lost to the underrated Buffalo Bills and in Baltimore there were many bridge and tall building warnings issued.  Any Ravens fan expected to be 5-2 going into the bye week, certainly not 4-3.  What we saw in Sunday was all too familiar to those who've followed this team under Brian Billick's watch. 

There was passing in obvious run situations like second-and-one or third-and-one.  The play calling was also paper thin and Billick's failed reverse pass to Kyle Boller in the end zone was simply put a bad call.

There were so many penalties on linemen.  Rookie Bills QB Trent Edwards had our guys so out of rhythm they looked like me on Dancing With the Stars. 

And the Red Zone.  What can the Ravens do to improve their percentages inside the 20?  I have no idea, but it's not passing to the quarterback.  And I wouldn't wait around for the real answer because this issue has been present for about a decade.

Short answer-Get rid of Boller and Billick.

But, from all the negatives, including an 0-2 record in our division, there are some signs that we should not abandon ship.

All-Universe LT John Ogden was able to play and contribute for about 10 snaps.  He made a difference on the field, but needs to get healthy enough to go from whistle to whistle.  I see that happening as we have a bye this weekend.  Also CB Chris McAlister will be back in week 9 against PIT, a rivalry that would drive up the adrenaline of any player.

Mark Clayton was finally able to make plays in the passing game and looks healthy as ever in purple, no doubt a very good sign.  Due to our lack of a big, physical wideout, we need our guys to do their work after the catch and that's Clayton's game as he was in the top 10 last year in YAC, getting about 16-17 a pop per catch.

Ray Lewis is pissed and from my perspective that's only a good thing.  This time he's mad because of the losing, the assumption that the D is at odds with the O, and because former Raven Adalius Thomas has begun a media housed war of words with the occasionally insane Lewis.  #52 was born with plenty of motivation but now has more due to Thomas opening his mouth.  AD talked of a different environment in NE compared with Baltimore where he said there is a 'star-system in place' and that certain players (and coaches) wanted "the limelight more than they wanted wins".  I respectfully disagree, but Ray will give his response on Monday December 3rd when the teams meet in Charm City.

Next up after the bye is @ PIT and we swept the Steelers last season.  Won't be so easy now as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and WR Santonio Holmes is coming on and looks in his 2nd year to be a highly above average player.  Their defense is excellent as usual and they'll be getting key contributors back as well.  NT Casey Hampton is a load inside and he should be good to go by week 9.

I expect a great matchup that will be closely contested.  When the news comes out about who's starting @ QB for Baltimore we'll have a better idea of game predictions.  Until then don't jump. 

We can always end up 13-3 again.

                                                                   -Eric Garfield

This weekend marks an important game for the Ravens early as they travel 2,821 miles to San Francisco to face the Niners.  The measured distance shows this will be a bare bones statistical type  .  The Purple Birds have started off 0-2 on the road and were 6-2 away from  Baltimore last season.  History however favors the Ravens as the last time these two matched up Baltimore won 44-6. 

Through the first few weeks of the season the 49ers offense has proveen to be offensive only to their fans.  They roll in to this week 5 matchup having gained a first down 50 times so far this season.  That's last in the NFL.  Niners playmakers have brought the semi-hyped squad 56 points thus far, an average of 14 a game.  That's not hot.  Of their 56 points, Joe Nedney, the kicker has accounted for 26 of them. 

As much as I like the organization as a whole, what can you say about such garbage? 

Don't smirk at Nedney either.  Since joining SFO in 2005, he's 6-for-9 on onsides kick attempts.  Depending on field position, clock and the score, that's something that may come into play this weekend.  The Ravens don't blow teams out regularly, so possesion could become vital.

Speaking of possesion, the Ravens are second in the league thus far in time of possesion per game at 33:55.   Off season pickup Willis McGahee has been just what the run game needed as he's yet to score but has 376 yards through 4 games, averaging 4.7 a pop.  The former Miami Hurricane has faced the Niners before, slicing them for 102 yards and a pair of TDs as a Bill in 2004.   

The other former Hurricane RB, San Fran's Frank Gore is a horse and carries their offense.  Gore's off to an ok start, with 254 yards and 3 TDs so far, but his average is low; 3.7 per carry.  Another lackluster offensive performer is QB Trent Dilfer who Ravens fans know well.  On 7 step drops last week vs SEA he had a rating of 0 which is low with a pair of INTs, getting sacked twice.  Dilfer is the starter while Alex Smith is out.

Continuing the next man up theme of the Niners offense is the TE issue.  The team is down to one on the roster and he's an offensive tackle regularly.  Patrick Estes wasn't even that good at tackle, getting cut at the end of camp only to be called back and asked to be a TE against the #5 ranked defense in the league.  Ouch.

Baltimore's down in the TE department too as Heap's banged up along with his replacement Daniel Wilcox.  Rookie fullback LeRon McClain could see time in multiple TE sets.

Ravens fans will miss CB Samari Rolle, a change from last year as he's out and his replacement is Corey Ivy.  Ivy has underperformed as of yet and will be the tested man as Dilfer won't throw near Chris McAlister.

Despite getting burned through the air, Baltimore's defense has stopped the run admirably, allowing 71 yards per game.  The battle up front should certainly favor the Ravens as left tackle Jonas Jennings, an established veteran, is out with a "private matter". Larry Allen, an eventual Hall of Famer at guard and center Eric Heitmann have had trouble with stunts, a staple of the Ravens pass rush.  Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan will send waves of Terrell Suggs and  Haloti Ngata to collapse the pocket of the lead footed Dilfer and I see more sacks than Seattle had last week.

PLAYERS OF NOTE: QB Steve Mcnair, who's stats vs the Niners are:
1 game 343 yards/3 TD in 2005.

Also LB Ray Lewis has a good history.  In that 44-6 win back in 2003 he picked off a pass and took it 29 yards for a TD while totaling 19 tackles.  Good numbers abound in the Ravnes offensive huddle with the recievers off to a strong start.  Derrick Mason's doing his part to get open and make grabs,  gathering in 33 catches, his best over a 4 game span.  TE Todd Heap will be a game time decision, but he's money when he plays and has 3 catches in his last 20 games.  That's the longest such streak in the NFL right now. 

Some Niners off to good starts include former Ravens D-Lineman Marques Douglas.  Price Marque D has 28 tackles, a pair of sacks and 6 stuffed plays so far, a stat that leads the NFL.  I don't know what 'stuffed plays' is a measure of exactly, but Douglas is good at it.  Rookie LB Patrick Willis, compared by many scouts to Ray Lewis at this year's draft has 51 tackles through 4 games, on pace for just over 200 on the year. 

Those are the facts.  This is my opinion.

The Ravens look like a good team and may win their division, perhaps make in the playoffs.  They lost at CLE but will get that win back at home later.  San Francisco does not look like a team ready to protect their home field or their quarterback against a very motivated Ravens D.  Baltimore will keep the ball and limit Dilfer's chances.  He's talked less than favorably in the past few years about his feelings towards Ravens coach Brian Billick and Billick's decision to release Dilfer after Super Bowl IIIV.  We may see the negative result of Dilfer's complaining on the field at Monster Park as Baltimore's D simply may not see a weaker opponent this year.

I see a 28-3 game,  maybe in the 25-10 range, but no closer.  I'm quite sure that the Ravens won't have to exert much effort to beat San Francisco by double digits. 

                                                          -Eric Garfield

This weekend marks an important game for the Ravens early as they travel 2,821 miles to San Francisco to face the Niners.  The measured distance shows this will be a bare bones statistical type  .  The Purple Birds have started off 0-2 on the road and were 6-2 away from  Baltimore last season.

Through the first few weeks of the season the 49ers offense has proveen to be offensive only to their fans.  They roll in to this week 5 matchup having gained a first down 50 times so far this season.  That's last in the NFL.  Niners playmakers have brought the semi-hyped squad 56 points thus far, an average of 14 a game.  That's not hot.  Of their 56 points, Joe Nedney, the kicker has accounted for 26 of them. 

As much as I like the organization as a whole, what can you say about such garbage? 

Don't smirk at Nedney either.  Since joining SFO in 2005, he's 6-for-9 on onsides kick attempts.  Depending on field position, clock and the score, that's something that may come into play this weekend.  The Ravens don't blow teams out regularly, so possesion could become vital.

Speaking of possesion, the Ravens are second in the league thus far in time of possesion per game at 33:55.   Off season pickup Willis McGahee has been just what the run game needed as he's yet to score but has 376 yards through 4 games, averaging 4.7 a pop.  The former Miami Hurricane has faced the Niners before, slicing them for 102 yards and a pair of TDs as a Bill in 2004.   

The Purple Birds have reached their annual early season crisis and fans are in a funk as to what the future holds for the team, the cocahing staff and most importantly, the Quarterback. 

 In the red zone, the Ravens have excelled with Kyle Boller at the helm.  Sitting uncomfortably in the recent memory of the fans however is the fact that Steve McNair just led the team to a loss at Cleveland.  Oy.  McNair is one of the game's true warriors and although he appears to be held together by duct tape and chicken wire is a winner as well.  A playoff game winner.  An AFC Championship game winner.  He is the one who is paid to lead the offense and it's about to be money time.  At Cleveland this past weekend his drives stalled and the ones that worked were either thwarted by penalties or too much littleball.  When the team needed yards 20 or 15 at a time, McNair was settling for  5 and six.  That didn't work last year and it's obviously not going to work now.  Cleveland had a 49 yard pass to TE Kellen Winslow and an 80 yd TD bomb to receiver Braylon Edwards (who predicted bothe to have great games?).  The AFC Central ain't about running in the A and B gaps anymore.  If you can't stretch the field you can't win.

That's where Boller comes in.  I am a full fledged Boller supporter and 'Eric from Reisterstown' is registered on ESPN Radio 1300's Kyle Can Do It List.  But now's not the time.  When we lose one more and can directly place the blame on the experienced shoulder of McNair, then you mkae the switch.  But now's not the time.  Steve McNair might make the NFL Hall of Fame and pulling his team out of horrible situations is why.  He is a leader and although he can't execute the downfield throws, he's paid to win and lead.  Now's the money time.

Another factor not getting much consideration here in Charm City is that the Browns are actually pretty good.  I give them plenty of credit for stepping up in a rivalry game at home and letting their big time players, on both sides of the ball make plays.  I say that they earned a win and the Ravens earned a loss.  Something else pleasantly ignored in Baltimore is the telling quotes from locker room leaders Ray Lewis and McNair concerning the team's confidence overall, as well as the team's confidence in coach Billick.  Uh-oh.  With the pressure put on the head coach from last year's dressing down coming dirctly from owner Steve Bisciotti, this isn't what Brian Billick needs.  The quotes from Lewis cited a lack of direction and motivation, and being exhausted by the ho-hum performance of the offense.  Ravens fans, stop me if you've heard this before. 

I think we'll be fine and will have a preview of this week's road game at San Fran, facing former Ravens Super Bowl champ Trent Dilfer, yet another known Billick hater.  Maybe some game grades for last week if I can find some film, sound etc.

                                             -Eric Garfield

Baltimore's purple birds travel to Cleveland this week and every time I think of Cleveland and sports the opening scene and song from the movie Major League comes to mind......................

'There's a red moon rising
On the Cuyahoga River
Rolling into Cleveland to the lake'

Man that was a while ago.  Since then this midwestern city has lost their beloved football team, the Browns,  who stunk and became the Ravens.  Then they got a team back and that new team is even worse.  Seems fair right?

Browns fans always stood by their team, even when they didn't exist.  As odd as that is, I believe this group to be the most dedicated and realistic fan base in professional sports.  We'll get to them later.

Cleveland's offense does not stink like their pre 2005 draft record, but the running game has yet to get off track.  Despite Jamal Lewis' 209 yard effort, this is a passing offense and that has to do more with personnel than game plan.  The offensive line is relatively old and slow so pocket maintenance is more natural for this group than the pulls and stunts associated with a successful run attack.  Think Joe Gibbs and the hogs.  Cleveland also has a weak defense and finds itself in a position to throw often.  That is not necessarily what the Ravens want as they've been having trouble in their defensive backfield.  Starter Samari Rolle is already out at CB and his replacement Corey Ivy is absolutley not capable of covering stud WR Braylon Edwards.  If the Browns offensive play-callers want to pick up major yardage, they'll isolate Edwards on Ivy pre-snap and take their chances.  If they do this 5 times in the game, it will work at least twice.  K2, or Kellen Winslow II also has been having a great season.  He has no trouble getting open in the middle of the field and presents an excellent target while working to get open.  He simply is a freak of an athlete and can hold off defenders while squaring his body to the passed ball.  Even though the Ravens boast coverage expert Bart Scott at LB and all-everything MLB Ray Lewis, I think that Winslow will have opportunities to make plays.  Winslow's shoulder seperated last week, pay attention to this injury as he needs the strength in the shoulder to 'box out' while the balls in the air.  Lame Dick, I mean Derek Anderson is the QB and the Ravens know him well.  He's slow of foot and in his delivery.  The Ravens will be blitzing and stunting like crazy and will bring pressure from everywhere on every down.  Anderson's best asset is his arm so maybe he'll have a chance to hurl the ball before his head is removed once or twice. 

Jamal Lewis has made comments that make it seem he yearns for this game.  Don't believe it.  He knows what Ray can do and how Ed Reed and Jarret Johnson can bring it.. He wants none of the middle and will have to put up with his share of Haloti Ngata.  Jamal please.  As much as he is one of my favorite athletes ever, he ain't impressing me as a liar or promoter.  Not even his backstory makes me want to watch. 

When the Ravens have the ball expect a dose of Willis McGahee so strong it may bore you.  Baltimore's newest 40 million dollar man has been gaining steam each week.  The Ravens want to go power I all game and make use of the 2 fullbacks on the roster.  This presents an interesting challenge as CLE's young MLB D'Qwell Jackson is a top class run stuffer.  I believe the battle will be won by Baltimore here more often than not, but CLE will make their presence felt.  Steve McNair will lock onto his secondary targets often but in this game it will work to his advantage.  Little known CLE CB Leigh Bodden is a truly elite, top-level defender and he'll probably stay with Derrick Mason most of the day.  Bodden is so much better than Cleveland's other defensive backs that you really can have success simply working on the side of the field he's not on.  Mason is averaging over 6 targets per game so far, even more reason to think that opponents feel if they shut down Mason they shut down the Ravens passing attack.  2nd year WR Demetrius (Spyda, Scrilla) Williams is banged up as is Mark Clayton but they'll have plenty of chances against these corners and safetys.  Williams will use his height and if healthy enough Clayton will use his hard cuts, jukes and stops to shake who's on him.

I see both teams having a bit more yardage gaining success than expected yet less scoring.  Last year Matt Stover won a relatively low scoring game by himself providing most of the offense and booting a game winning 49 yarder as time expired.  Ouch.  If I was a C-town fan I'd be hittin the sauce hard after that.  They had us.  On the ropes and teetering.  Browns fans know Stover and how clutch he is.  After all, he's the only Raven who was a Brown before the switch.  He may even be a Hall of Famer, but we'll debate that later.

I see the Ravens winning a very boring game either 17-14 or 20-10.  For you gamblers that's a 31 or a 30.

Now let's give some credit where it's due.  There are lots of sports traditions and fanbases all over the world.  When I hear the word 'Brown' I think of Jim Brown the all world running back, Cleveland's brown helmets, and their original owner Paul Brown.  This hard working metropolis loves their hard working football on a level most may never understand.  Brown is so appropriate because there's no flash in their game and less style than substance.  The Dawg Pound is the end of the stadium where the fans sit and take aim at opposing players and fans with dog bones and biscuits.Last week Bengals WR Chad Johnson thought it was a good idea to leap Pound bound last week. Bad idea Ocho as he was doused in adult beverage and biscuit even before his flight began.  I respect these fans immensely and wish that one day soon they get some wins.  Just not now, not tomorrow.  What do you think?

                                                             -Eric Garfield

This game preview is dedicated to my man Hayden, who is the most biased and unreasonable NYJets fan that has ever lived.

  Tomorrow is the beginning of week 2 in the 2007 season and teams with playoff expectations who lost in week 1 are 'pissed' to say the least. 

 If you're Ray Lewis you don't need more reason to walk around with a chip on your shoulder, but now it's there.  If you're youthful yet talented Jets QB stand-in Kellen Clemens you will need to combine wine and Lunesta if you want to sleep tonight.

Both of these teams should be in the playoffs this year, but are at different types of crossroads in the early going this year.  Baltimore simply cannot afford an 0-2 start.  It's that simple and tomorrow represents a must win showdown for the purple birds.  See,  the back half of their schedule is contender heavy featuring battles with Indy, Seattle, San Diego and New England.  Just naming those teams makes me shudder.  If the Ravens don't give themselves the opportunity for a mulligan later, they may get pushed out of the playoff picture by a Steelers team that appears for real.  Not to mention Baltimore also has Pittsburgh on the ledger, twice. 

The Jets are in survivor mode early as they're already on quarterback #2, never a good idea against the Ravens.  Recent history has shown that young QBs simply aren't ready for the speed and pursuit the D brings in charm city.  Ask JP Losman, Andrew Walter, Charlie Frye and even Ben Roethlisberger or Carson Palmer what's going on in the Ravens defensive huddle and count the seconds before they turn white.  None of these guys succeeded last year vs Baltimore. 

Clemens is an interesting case as his arm strength and deep ball are above average, but we've yet to see his decision making and leadership tested.  Chad Pennington is an excellent example of an on field coach, but his skills have been eroding, injury by injury since his second year.  I have a feeling Clemens will do a bit better than folks think and keep his Jets close (within 8 or 9). 

Some skill players to keep an eye on:

Leon Washington (RB)-This scat back provides excellent burst through holes you'd think he couldn't even fit into.  As a special teams player he has a veteran level understanding of using angles and the whole field.  In other words, I see Washington as a guy who could have a number of long runs to daylight both this year and in his career.

Justin McCareins (WR)-McCariens is a veteran who's had a nondescript career as of yet.  The reason he's highlighted here is due to his noted relationship with Clemens and the chemistry they share.  Both have received most of their snaps playing together with the second team before this week of practice.  He is pretty good along the sidelines on go routes and at 6"2' can go up to get the ball.  Rushed hard, Clemens will wing it deep to McCariens.

As much as the Ravens are banged up,  there are no excuses this week.  Simply put we cannot turn the ball over.  In Cincinnati we gave them the ball 6 times more than we should have.  The parity in the league is too evident to expect to win when helping your opponent that much.  If the Ravens can't hold on to the ball, they'll lose again but I don't see that being a problem.  I see McNair starting and not finishing and Boller coming in and doing fine despite some hot pursuit from LB John Vilma. 

SCORE:  BAL 27 NYJ 19

PS-Enjoy the Week 2 Games and I'm sorry Hayden

                                                             -Eric Garfield

So we're a week in and 0-1, but I saw signs both good and bad in a battle at Cincinnati that featured hard hits and inspired play from both teams.  The bad news is it looks to me that OT John Ogden will never play football again.  I'm not a doctor but have suffered from various ailments associated with my big toe.  And I'm not dragging around 325+lbs on mine.  The look on Ogden's face was just puzzling enough to suggest that the intellectual lineman was contemplating his legacy as a Hall of Famer and not his future on the field.  Personally, I've been bracing for this coming early season and am not shocked or let down by the fact big 7-5 may see some pine time.  After all, my 1st piece was on the OLine transition, and the guys who are playing in Ogden's stead practiced all summer together. 

Then there's our Ray Lewis and his tricep.  This injury creates questions too.  Questions like; Is Ray going to sit the year out? or Can Ray play the season hurt? or Is Ray done forever? or What will our defense do without him?

To answer these questions we'll probably need to hear from the team's medical staff, particularly concerning the severity of his injury.  But I can tell you that Ray proved he is willing to play with pain, and is literally breaking his body to show us  that pain truly is only temporary. 

Then there's McNair and his variety of injuries.  When players talk about waking up the day after a game and how it feels like being in a car accident or falling down a mountain, I always think of watching Steve McNair get up from the turf.  I bet he digitally crinkles like the Transformer sound from the 1980's as he rises up, beat up section by section.  While I respect Slingin Steve, I recognize that he was physically torn to shreds before he got to Charm City.  Let me say this.  If it turns out to be a mistake long term to acquire McNair, it's one I would have made myself and will never lay blame on the Ravens for bringing him in.  However, to ignore the fact that his career has caught up with him at this point is looking past what is painfully obvious.  His best asset however is his smoothness in the pocket, something he demonstrated on several occasions while keeping Cincy defenders on his back.  He's so cool and confident in terms  of avoiding the rush and his sidesteps are still excellent for young quarterbacks to see as he'll never speed his actions up to justify a rush or blitz. 

Kyle Boller was featured in the contest, to relieve McNair late and performed adequately at best.  #7 put a fastball on Todd Heap's jersey from about 12 feet away that bounced off Heap's pads and into a CIN defender's arms for the final play.  As fans we should embrace the fact that Boller was signed for a very specific reason and that reason came up about a week after the ink was dry.  If Tim Rattay, Chris Simms or any of the NFL's other retread backups we're coming in to rally the Ravens I'd have absolutely no hope.  When Kyle comes in, especially after the spiral gem he twirled to Derrick Mason's outside shoulder, I feel like something may happen.  We're going to see plenty of Kyle this year and I hope he's ready. 

Speaking of Mason, he played very well and was flattening out his routes exactly where he did with McNair all those years in Tennessee.  Mason caught 77 yards worth of passes and calmed the team down offensively after the initial 'problems'.  Jarret Johnson also looked like a man possesed and was tough to stop.  Ngata made a few plays down low and was couldn't be stopped by one man.  McGahee found several holes both off handoffs and sweeps.  Screen plays did not necessarily work in the Ravens favor, perhaps because of McNair's robot-like post snap maneuvering.  He's just a hair slow turning his body while backing up which could be an indication of hamstring or groin strains.

The Call

Just in case you didn't watch, Baltimore had a chance to tie in the final seconds and did so on a fade route from Boller to Heap in the back of the end zone.  However the referee in the area signaled Offensive Pass Interference on Heap and the Ravens lost the down and position on the half yard line.  Replays showed that the ref blew the call clearly and broadcasters made a case for Defensive Pass Interference as the DBack had a handful of jersey at first and then elbow. 

Baltimore fans and supporters have done me proud by not whining about the bad call when I listen to the radio shows, read the blogs and the newspapers.  However even the most objective fan or analyst could have seen that the call, at that time cost Baltimore a chance to tie or win this game.  I will not, as our fans haven't, blame the referee for us being 0-1.  There is a lot of season left and we will prove that one call will not make or break our season.

The Ravens executed on their first drive from scrimmage, starters vs. starters against the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve McNair hit big TE Quinn Sypniewski for a 3-yd touchdown catch early.  This play set the tone for the rest of the game, one in which the Purple Birds looked better than the boys in green.  But victories in the preseason are not to be measured in points compared to the opponent.  These August heat battles are to see how far your young players have come since OTAs and to keep your starters and key contributors from getting injured.  In that case, the Ravens are up 1000-0.

Rookie LB Antwan Barnes is more of a beast (so far) than I predicted and if you've watched ESPN in the last 3 days, you've seen his hit on the PHI punter Rocca that rocked the kicking man's world and probably has Rocca still clearing cobwebs today, 5 days afterwards.  Much has been written now about Barnes and his impact on the teams' second unit.  Not to be overshadowed are his mates in the middle of the defense Prescott Burgess and Edgar Jones.  The  rookie LB's have learned the system quicker than expected and all, especially Barnes are players who will see time on the gridiron this season.  Early reports have this being one of the best drafts ever for Baltimore.  Included in this haul of talented youngsters is manchild Jared Gaither, a supplemental pick who will cost the Ravens a 5th round draft choice in 2008. 

Up to now, the word on Gaither, who is six-foot-nine and about 340 lbs is that he'll spell HOF LT John Ogden when Ogden's foot or various injuries pop up this year.  If so, the raw rookie from the University of Maryland has the early lead on draft pick of the year. 

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Ravens staff is due so much credit for this haul.  There have even been reports about how talented the Ravens second unit is and has been for years, creating a developmental, minor league type of feel.  Bart Scott is the most recent example as he was a mid round draft pick and was a Pro Bowler last year.  This year many expect him to play above last year's level and start the Pro Bowl this year.  If that's true, watch out QB's and I'm not talking just Ben Roethlisberger, who Scott tossed around and down like a rag doll last season. 

The offense has always been the Ravens achilles heal and under Brian Billick the concepts have led to little on-field success.  So far there are signs that the O will be the key to W's as the team has developed some confidence that is easy to see.  QB Steve McNair, lauded for his quick thinking throughout his career, is now fully entrenched in the system and is using play action to buy himself that extra look in the pocket.  That was not the case last year as he was new to the team.  So far the wide receivers have been catching everything (thrown by anyone but Kyle Boller) as well as blocking their collective asses off downfield.  If Mark Clayton, Derrick Mason, and Demetrius Williams can help the running game and Willis McGahee I say watch out early season opponents because the boys from Charm City may get on a serious roll.  That almost seems unfair. 

So, in conclusion I'm way too excited for the season to start and have expectations of a Super Bowl victory and at least 5 Pro Bowl invites.  We'll win the AFC over the talented Patriots and Adalius Thomas and he'll see quite clearly that he chose dollars over the real prize, something he can't be faulted for.  Ahh the preseason-I love it!

After defeating the Redskins in an organized 11-on-11 scrimmage this afternoon, the Ravens are primed to enter the preseason.  Businesslike in their effort today, I won't even waste cyberspace to describe what was seen at M&T Bank Stadium except to say that PJ Daniels scored the lone touchdown, the offense stalled in the red zone (que Twilight Zone theme), and we had more points on the ledger than the redskins. 

If you've read anything previous about my opinions towards the Ravens staff you know how I feel, if you haven't I give them more credit than Chemical Bank.  This year they took Jared Gaither in the supplemental draft and as of now it's clear he's an NFL player.  Both ESPN's Len Pasquerelli and the Sunpaper's Mike Preston have said that he has the talent and the size to eventually replace John Ogden and Gaither's been around for about 2 and a half weeks.  That's some serious foresight.  It's probable that the Ravens will be laughing all the way to the playoffs for years, the Gaither move yet another victory against the rest of the league.

Demetrius Williams, aka 'Spydaman' has been working his web off in the offseason as he came back a bit bigger.  His desire to start is obvious in this, his 2nd training camp/preseason.  Spyda had 3 catches today, but his presence alone is enough for the offensive staff to line up 3 wide on about 60-70 percent of the practice snaps so far, down from less than 50 percent last camp.  He's tall and fast and scored twice last year.  Spyda's talent has folks talking that Derrick Mason could be squeezed out of his starting spot by week 12. 

3 wide sets could be the way to go for the Ravens this season as our starter at fullback maybe a rookie, albeit a 260-lb. one!!!!  Willis McGahee can shift through a line by himself and is one guy who can have a relatively successful season without a lead blocker on every down, and I'd make adjustments if I could to get Spyda on the field.

The D has been sick so far and Jarret Johnson has been playing the role Adalius Thomas vacated.   JJ's coverage skills look to have improved as he chased TE's down in today's game and at camp.  The nickel could be Ronnie Prude and he's probably better equipped to handle one-on-one downfield situations after his NFL all-rookie defensive season.  Prude was also coached in college by Nick Saban at LSU so my man's got pedigree to go with his bit of experience.  Haloti Ngata is probably the player I'm going to follow closeest this year and I expect big things from the gentle giant who was suspended in high school from rugby for unnecessary roughness.  When the Ravens set defensive records in 2000, the middle of the D-line was enormous, but not skilled.  Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams were enough size to disrupt the planetary shift, but neither could chase down a QB.  I'm calling for between 9-11 sacks for the aggressive Ngata.  Having super technician Kelly Gregg at his side will allow for the big guy to plow towards qbs.

The news so far from the secondary is that communication will be stressed.  Ed Reed has been told, make that ordered, to not gamble or else risk his playing time.  He will cooperate for sure as Reed's desire to win certainly outweighs his desire to make big plays, a sure sign he's growing up.  Last season however he made his backfield mate Samari Rolle look horrible and that's the teams only real issue going forward.  If Baltimore's Purple Birds have two corners in synch and in coverage for 5-8 seconds downfield, the front 7 is going to do more damage than Melanie Griffith's plastic surgeon. 

Rookies that stand out so far have been scarce, but Edgar Jones may be one to watch.  Last year at Southwest Missouri State, the linebacker led the nation in sacks with 12 and he got Mark Brunell today.  That's how you get the coaches to notice you. 

In conclusion, we need some passing sets and plays that work and the D will lead Ravens Nation to the Super Bowl capping Lewis' and Ogden's hall of Fame careers.  The NFL is for dreamers in August, I don't want to wake up.

Previously I've explained how Ozzie Newsome has kept the Ravens in the upper tier of the NFL, both talent-wise and when it comes to managing the cap.  Baltimore's administrative staff, including head college scout Eric DeCosta and 'Capologist' Pat Moriarty, deserve more credit than the multiple paragraphs that came from me. 

Now let's take a minute to observe the other side of the transaction list.  There have been players who the Ravens decided not to sign for whatever reason.  Most recently Adalius Thomas left the purple and black to sign with New England, the end being signaled when AFC Pro Bowl coach Bill Belichick surprised everyone and spoke out about how talented AD was during practices.  As a fan, Thomas' loss hurts on every level.  The guy was an example of doing things the right way and is a true pro.  In the community he sponsored events out of the goodness of his heart and gave away tickets to any group that asked him.  On the field he was a coach's dream earning a Pro Bowl invite early on when he played special teams exclusively.  Adalius progressed and saw more of the field, eventually earning another trip to Hawaii in February as a linebacker, despite playing with his hand down about 40% of the snaps. 

Adalius Thomas is a good person first and a heat seeking defensive missle second and I wish him the best, even when the Pats come to Baltimore. 

However, I have a feeling floating around in my head that the Ravens let him go because they truly felt he wasn't going to be worth the money he wanted. I have so much faith in my team's front office and their decisions, enough for me to think that there will be absolutely no drop off without #96 on the field.  AD, I love ya but this is about my purple birds.

Let's take a look at some guys that Baltimore has let go over the years and their contributions to the teams that signed them.  AD may be the exception, but we'll know more after his 1st year with the Pats.  A favorite example of mine is linebacker Jame Sharper.  When the Ravens D was breaking records for points allowed and the such, the middle was absolutely  the reason why.  A young, hungry Ray Lewis and sackmaster Peter Boulware (more than a personal favorite) coming from the edge made QB's hesitate and coaches squirm.  But it was Sharper, he of the uber-high tackle totals that was the glue, not to mention quite a presence in the locker room.  He left for Houston and again posted high tackle numbers,  leading the league with 166.  However his age showed often and it was the plays he missed that highlighted his season.  Besides, in the Ravens swarming scheme making tackles ain't the thing.  Sacks, picks and picking up fumbles is what makes M&T Bank Stadium rock on Sundays.

Next up there's Sam Adams, the house of a defensive lineman who manned the middle next to Tony Siragusa in an effort to force runners outside to Ray.  Adams was a hell of a player here and seeing him go hurt too.  But he's old for the NFL and he has been for years.  Adams is still around due much more to his massive size than his playmaking ability at this point.  You know what, if I were  6'3" and weighed over 350 lbs there might be a roster spot out there for me too.  Being big is important in the trenches and if you've ever seen Mr. Adams in uniform or street clothes, you'd know he's got that down pretty well.  He'll be playing with the Broncos this season and he's another one who deserves my well-wishes.  But the Ravens made the right choice to not give in and pay for his steaks and such, for another go around.

Rod Woodson will end up in Canton one day and in the Ravens' championship season displayed talent and heart not seen in a safety since Ronnie Lott.  That is high praise.  Woodson is the definition of an on field leader and when his signing was announced I remember telling my friends that he was the last piece in assembling a championship roster.  I was right.  Woodson was a key part of the championship squad, however he was also the one player whose dropoff the next year was so obvious, you could see it in just about every play.  The next year his hits weren't as body rocking, his speed was down and he made less plays.  When Oakland inked him in 2002, something came back and he put up staggering numbers.  Picking off 8 and bringing a pair to the paint was more than he did wearing 26 in purple.  Woodson was again a championship caliber player, but as the old man in the barber shop from Coming to America said, "aaa cha, AAA CHA!!!".  Newsome and Co. had their eyes on a certain Ed Reed and took him to fill Woodson's spot.  Tell me that was a bad move.  And, even better,  Reed cost less than Rod was asking for at the time. 

Ed Reed folks.  Let's be real.  Letting an aging DB go and replacing him with a talented, hungry cheaper pup from U of Miami is a move we'd all make. 

Edgerton Hartwell is not a high profile player and he wasn't one in Baltimore.  But he still felt the need to ask us for over 20 million guaranteed dollars.  After contributing as a middle linebacker following Sharper's departure his contract was up.  The Ravens let him go without even offering him, realizing that his agent had built Hartwell up, not his talent.  Edge signed with Atlanta and stunk basically.  Following that he got cut, hurt and cut in that order.  Now, he's hanging on and may play this year in Cincinatti.  Edge, if Chris Henry invites you to a hotel party, say "no" faster than Nancy Reagan.  Maybe Chad Johnson will let you groom the next horse he races.  But nothing he's done since leaving Baltimore indicates he's worth the veteran minimum.

Maake Kemoeatu left last year for Carolina and the jury's still out on him.  He is massive, checking in at over 6'5" and over 350.  The nimble defensive lineman may play a big part in the Panthers D this year and I hope he does.  But last year he saw the field a ton and his team gave up an average of 110 rushing yards per game.  That's too much for a good team and for a guy who asked for a similar deal to Hartwell.  Remember to be nice to the gentle giant, the last letters of his last name are EAT U. Just be like me and wish him well, just not well to the tune of 20 million plus in a Ravens uni.

Gary Baxter was a special teams player early on after being drafted out of Baylor and is a Scorpio born in 1978 like myself.  The lanky safety showed good ball skills in coverage, but coaches thought he was getting by on athletic ability, not in understanding the scheme.  He played every game for his 3 years in Baltimore and then proceeded to play 8 in his first 2 years on dreaded Cleveland.  The Ravens felt he never lived up to his 2nd round draft status and he probably never will.  I read on a recent injury report that he's on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list for Cleveland going into camp.  That's a little too early to be banged up.  Too bad.  I liked him here and again wish him well.  I hope he gets healthy enough to prove me wrong as he's still a young guy, and after missing some time there's still some tread left on his tires.  I love that sports cliche.

Now I obviously love this team and am fully behind them, but they aren't perfect.  Letting Casey Rabach rot on the practice squad and not having him in their plans has already bit them in the butt as he is an above average center for the skins who is worth every penny he earns.  With Rabach I always had the impression that the team didn't realize what they had.  Winning seasons matter more however and Rabach is not the type of player who will influence a game's outcome as much as a running back or defensive back.  When Chester Taylor was Jamal Lewis' backup for 4 years, all of us in Ravens Nation knew two things.  First of all he could really run, and secondly,  that when his contract was up he was goin g to keep running all the way to the bank.  He signed with the Vikes when the Ravens said no thanks and has been a very effective #1 running back.  But Chester now has to compete with rookie Adrian Peterson so.........good luck with all that.  Starting running backs score more than 6 times a season in their best year, so my money's on Mr. Taylor going back to bench real soon.

There have been some stinkers too.  Duane Starks did absolutely nothing after leaving us and he was a key in the championship campaign.  A 1st round D-Back out of Miami, Starks had a huge pick in the playoffs and a few years later was used up.  He got a big deal in Arizona and a smaller one in New England afterwards and is now in Oakland.  Starks had 3 tackles last year.  Point made.

Sometimes in sports it's the people who see the big picture who can do the most. Ozzie is guilty of seeing the next step with every player the Ravens acquire as well as the ones they let go.  His foresight has benefitted the organization economically and has always left us in a position to excel.  I hope these examples demonstrate his true ability,  and show how he is now and has been for years the most crucial part of the Baltimore Ravens success. 

-Eric Garfield

With the recent news about Michael Vick threatening to ruin the training camp season, I came up with a great idea for Ravens fans;  an objective look back at the last few years of transactions to get a look at how the roster became what it is.  Now it's important to note that Ozzie Newsome has been GM officially only since 2002, but has been evaluating NFL talent for decades working first for the Browns (old regime), and was trained under the expert eye of Bill Belichick.  I've read Belichick's biography The Education of a Coach, it's an all-time great,  and here's what it boils down to;  Belichick and anyone he picks out as a disciple are against failure.  Eric Mangini, Tom Brady, Ozzie Newsome,  Phil Savage and Charlie Weis are some success driven examples who prefer to never, ever get anything wrong.  Perfectionists are the rare among us who never stop trying to excel. Most of us can sit back and watch as they struggle to complete every pass or go through a game unpenalized.

  Ozzie however is a bit different.  His moves have to be perfect.  He's the GM and the Baltimore Ravens' buck stops with him.  The last thing that happened before his tenure began was a Ravens playoff loss to the hated Steelers where bad acquisition Elvis Grbac threw 3 picks.  He was and is totally necessary to the team's success.  Just like Peter Angelos with the Orioles, Ozzie gets the final say on who signs, who is drafted, who's let go and how much they all make.  So let's get in the way back machine and look at some of Ozzie's moves.  We hear all the time how 'GM X is a great talent evaluator', or how 'Mike Sherman can construct a roster with the best of 'em' but rarely do we hear Ozzie's name when credit is dished out.  That should change and here's why.

When Ozzie became the GM, we were 2 seasons off a Championship and in salary cap hell.  Players who made alot and were well known had to be shown the door.  On February 27th of that year, Newsome and the Ravens said goodbye to DE Rob Burnett, DTs Tony Siragusa and Larry Webster and future Hall of famers S Rod Woodson and TE Shannon Sharpe.  The next day it was DT Sam Adams sent to the chopping block. That's the core of the Super Bowl winning team of 2000.  Adams is the only one to be heard from again.

The fan base was shocked because the moves were so dramatic and all at once.  Where was the young talent going to come from?  In Ozzie should we trust?  After the 2002 draft the Ravens, as is common practice, signed a few undrafted rookie free agents.  Hoping to hit on a few, Newsome brought in a large group that included DT Maake Kemoeatu and S Will Demps.  The group went and those two stayed and enjoyed standout careers on a defense ranked no lower than 5 throughout their tenure.  Let's give the wizard that's Oz some credit for getting some free production out of those two.  The next couple of months had some action, but draftee Chester Taylor's signing and Edwin Mulitalo putting his name on the dotted line aren't headline grabbers.  In July, buliding towards camp the birds signed QB Wes Pate, TE Terry Jones Jr, and S Chad williams to name a few.  A name that stood out in camp was DE Anthony Weaver, a 2nd round pick from the year before who had yet to make an impact.  The Ravens however let his actions speak on the field and he left before the 2006-07 season for a big money deal with Houston.  Weaver's a perfect example of the Ravens developing top level talent and letting them walk at the right time.  Back to the point though and next for the Ravens was a decision on Ed Reed, the 1st round pick.  Should they give the team's 1st rounder some serious loot?  Ozzie chose wisely and Reed is still the Ravens team leader and headhunter, and as a Ravens fan I wouldn't have it any other way.  E Reed you are the man.  Aside from waiving a hundred guys nobody's ever heard of, Ozzie signed QB Anthony Wright to the practice squad and a few weeks later thought he saw something in Miami practice squadder OL Damion Cook.  Cook was signed and used, and eventually Wright was an active player even seeing time after DE Marques Douglas went down.

2003 started out not so hot, with the decision being made by Ozzie to franchise disgruntled CB Chris McAlister.  McAlister ironically appeared in the Belichick book also and was scouted as the Patriots head honcho coming out of Arizona.  Belichick noted that McAlister had the athletic ability of an olympian and the football instincts of a veteran, but lacked true desire and sometimes his play suffered a bit when Chris would become emotional.  Ozzie learned from one of the best, maybe the best, ever and Belichick deserves a great deal of credit-he was head on with McAlister all the way back then.  The next list of players signed certainly includes some duds, so here they are.  Chronologically, DB Corey Fuller, FB Harold Morrow, OT Ethan Brooks, OT Orlando Brown, DE Marques Douglas, S Ray Perryman, WRs Frank Sanders and Randy Hymes, QB Anthony Wright, LB Bernardo Harris and TE John Jones were signed.  None of those guys are impact players and none of them landed a big money deal that summer, so Ozzie recognized that he had a bad group and made the best of it, cheaply.  The money they had to give that summer went to restricted free agents LB Adalius Thomas and S Anthony Mitchell.  One good, one bad as AD left this off-season as one of the most loved Ravens ever.  July 2003 was a big month for the franchise as Terrel Suggs, the team's newly drafted DE/LB from ASU was inked as was DT Aubrayo Franklin, FB Ovie Mugheli, monstrous OT Tony Pashos and RB Musa Smith, also recnt draftees.  These are recognizable names because they eventually developed into starters who, at the very least, could earn playing time or big money contracts elsewhere after being developed in the purple and black. 

August of 2003 will be remembered for signing epic draft bust Kyle Boller.  I like Boller but still recall the day he was drafted thinking 'wow, this guy can throw 50 yards from his knees' and then 'wow, what a mimbo'.  I can be right sometimes too. As likable as Boller is, and as many former SI cover models as he can date-he stinks at playing QB and Ozzie and the boys were duped by a workout wonder.  Ravens haters though I ask you this.  How many other teams can draft a 1st round QB, let him play and stink throughout 2-3 years and never develop, and not have it be that big of a deal?  Kyle will play, stink and walk this year and that's that.  Steve McNair's now nesting and we were 13-3 last year, not at all dependant on Boller. 

The next few months were spent cutting, waiving and practice squadding.  There were no players any fan would remember except for LB TJ Slaughter coming on late in the year as Adalius was put on Injured Reserve.  Also, once the player personnel dept. realized they had a potential bust in Boller, former Jet QB Ray Lucas was brought in for depth and maybe more.  There was no more as Lucas was waived a month later.  This season will be remembered for Boller's arrival, Jamal Lewis' single season rushing total of 2006 yards and the 10-6 team's 20-17 playoff loss to Tennessee on an Al DelGreco FG.

The 2004 season was all question marks.  Contracts of established veterans were up, but the talent level on the roster was increasing, creating some tough calls for Ozzie and his staff.  Matt Stover was a dependable kicker, but he was getting up in years.  Sign him said Ozzie.  Center Mike Flynn, Orlando Brown, Anthony Wright, Adalius were all unrestricted free agents.  Oz played the role of proud papa and took care of his first signing all UFAs to deals.  Hoping the loyalty would pay off, Newsome again franchised McAlister and went work on the restriced free agents and eventually rookies.  The restricted group included G Bennie Anderson, Marques Douglas and G/T Casey Rabach as well as CB Ray Walls.  All were signed and all except for Walls contributed.  Out of the large post-draft group of 'unsigned hype' one player became a pro, returner BJ Sams.  Needing some serious veteran help before camp, QB Kordell Stewart was signed as was CB Dale Carter.  These 2 moves represent a pair of mistakes for the Ravens, but don't seem so immediately.  While depending on Stewart, the team underperformed and he was a bad choice.  Carter was depended on as well and it was clear (crystal) that his best days were way behind him.  The last player signed before camp was TE Daniel Wilcox who today is a damn good H-Back.  The draft class from that year is just junk and theres no good way to spin it.  Dwan Edwards, the DE from Oregon State was the team's first pick and he has made little progress of note, even until now.  WR Devard Darling is just not a good player, but he's still around as of today.  Devard, rent don't buy.  WR Clarence Moore is wiry and long, but has bad hands.  The team likes him so he'll get another 1-year deal and hopefully produce a bit.  LB Roderick Green you may remember for getting stabbed outside the Kings Point bowling alley, but certainly not for his coverage skills.  Once the season started, CB was a problem so we signed Deion Sanders.  I will leave room here for you to insert your own comment

Sanders was not an impact player and depending on him got the team burned on more than one occasion.  Pashos was brought back from Europe and signed to the practice squad and, days later to the active roster.  He saw some time early which would only aid his progression.  TE Darnell Dinkins was brought in, practice squadded out and later signed to the active roster when Darling went down.  Ozzie also signed former Raven speedster Patrick Johnson and that move made little impact.  Later in the season, T Brian Rimpf was moved from the practice squad to the active roster out of neccessity.  Musa Smith went on IR for the 1st time also that season in December. 

Starting 2005 with high expectations, the team wanted WR help.  Ozzie inked us Tennessee impact player Derric Mason and he has been everything the team and fans wanted.  Being a veteran prescence and #1 WR has endeared Masoon to his new city after playing with the Titans hiw whole career.  He brought with him Ravens fans favorite whipping boy CB Samari Rolle whose play has been up and down at best.  OL Keydrick Vincent was signed away from Pittsburgh and the teams talent level rose yet again.  Vincent wasn't expected to start,  just provide depth.  Chester Taylor was resigned.  Kemoeatu and Demps re-upped and so did S Chad Williams.  A name and talent the staff liked was LB Bart Scott, so he was signed weeks after going undrafted.  He is now a huge part of the Ravens D and a fan favorite.  That year's class of rookie free agents came and went with one guy staying,  long snapper Matt Katula who is still with the squad.  A difficult and tearful (at least for me) goodbye was said to Ravens LB great Peter Boulware that off-season.  The decision was made official on May 11th as his contract expired.  Seeing his last career QB sack live with my dad on his birthday will always be a memory that stands out for me.  Boulware was the man and he'll always be among my favorites.  After deciding to keep Deion around one more year, the draft class had to be signed.  LB Mike Smith, FB Justin Green, QB Derek Anderson, LB Dan Cody, OT  Adam Terry and C Jason Brown signed in that order before camp but not 1st rounder Mark Clayton.  He held out and didn't sign until August.  His progression as a player has been something to watch.  Clayton's now an established yards-after-catch weapon as a starter and as he gets stronger and heavier he is able to position himself for catching and being hit.  Clayton's athelticism on comeback routes has saved scoring drives time and again and he represents the kind of player who would fit in any offense or style.  Ozzie, nice choice.  Terry and Brown have been mentioned previously and are on excellent progress tracks, but Cody is a standout to me.  Despite being hurt every year of his career he is a warrior type who comes back hungry each camp.  This year was no exception as he's been injured again but has been seen strengthening his knee in a sand pit while his teammates towel off.  Cody was hurt weeks ago and may miss this season. 

Nobody who was waived that season made a future impact however it is worth noting that OL Marques Ogden, big John's little brother has signed a recent deal with Tennessee and is competing for a starting spot. 

Right before that season in September, the team saw something it liked in DBack Jamaine Winborne and put him on the practice squad along with K Robbie Gould.  Gould is now a Bear and an excellent kicker.  He was squeezed out because of a lack of roster space.  Patrick Johnson was cut and re-signed the same week and Aaron Elling was signed strictly for kickoffs as Stover's leg was weaker during the season than it appeared in camp.  Recent drafteee Derek Anderson, a tall QB from Oregon St. fell way down in the pecking order and was waived to sign Brian St Pierre.  That move may come back to bite the Ravens in the tailfeather as Anderson has forced Brady Quinn to the bench and is Cleveland's starting signal caller as they go to camp.  An in season move that may pay off was signing DB Evan Oglesby as depth in reaction to Will Demps' season ending injury.  Oglesby began to see more of the field last season and may be ready to contribute as a young, skilled and inexpensive nickel.  If so, that's a major coup for Mr. Newsome.  The Ravens D depends on nickel and dime DBacks staying tight for extended counts and if Oglesby's ready for that, the D may be airtight yet again.  The year however was a letdown as the squad finished 6-10.  Hopefully when looking back, Ravens Nation can take solace in the fact that this was a hiccup in a period of long term success.  Some key guys got time and game action, both have the potential to pay dividends in the future.

2006 was to be huge and it felt that way from the beginning when the team announced the signing of DT Justin Banaan from Buffalo.  Just kidding, but things got increasingly hyped up when Steve McNair's jersey went up in local stores.  Finally, there was a QB to lead the team, not just follow a script.  Bart Scott was to be kept.  Ozzie looked west and brought in veteran RB Mike Anderson and DE Trevor Pryce.  Quick analysis here:  Anderson was under-utilized and will probably remain that way, but Pryce had his best year ever.  Ozzie doesn't deserve all the credit but he never hesitated due to Pryce's advanced age during negotiations.  Ozzie showed he wanted Pryce and Pryce played his ass off.  I don't see that as coincedence.  DE Jarret Johnson and Pashos inked 1-year pacts as were Katula, CB Corey Ivy, Sams and Musa Smith.  Talented depth was finally bursting through the pipeline that Ozzie developed. 

The draft class last year was led by hulking DT Haloti Ngata.  He was picked to fill the middle and occupy blockers.  Both skills he developed on-field in 2006-07 and he will be a mauler going forward.  Again, props to Ozzie because there were skeptics pre-draft who advised against Ngata.  To them I say 'Ngata Please'.  Also plucked from the college ranks was a lithe, wiry WR from Oregon, Demetrius Williams.  Spydaman was awesome last year and has the stop-and-go gear to develop into a deep threat to be reckoned with.  But wait there's more.  Draftee Chris Chester will soon be the team's center as a transition away from Mike Flynn is already underway, initiated by you guessed it, Ozzie Newsome.  Punter Sam Koch played in every game as a rookie and has an NFL leg, and both TE Quinn Sypniewski  and RB P.J. Daniels will have a chance to contribute this season on 3rd downs.  More progress.  A late round pick, QB Drew Olson from UCLA was practice squadded, with that guy Winborne, and then Olson went to NFLEurope and was a top ranked passer last season.  During the season, an unsuccesful 13-3 campaign, Winborne was added to the roster when Musa went down.  Other than that we lost to Indy in the playoffs 15-6 and that's all anyone's going to remember.  It hurt and I rooted for Manning the rest of the way because he beat our D.

In April of this year a need arose for a returner, due to BJ Sams being injured along with suspended for the 1st 4 games.  Ozzie takes Yamon (Yo) Figurs, college football's fastest draft eligible player who has been turning heads at OTAs.  We needed OLine depth and took the best tackle, Ben Grubbs and a standout Iowa Hawkeye Marshall Yanda.  Maybe soon we'll need a QB so insert Heisman winner Troy Smith.  Ozizie thinks Smith will be NFL starter material someday within the next few years and I'd agree with just about anything he said by now.  Antwan Barnes is a missle with an attitude from South Florida so I expect big things from him immediately. 

If you're not a Ravens fan I can't understand why you would want to read through all of this.  There is a point though and it's that Ozzie Newsome is an excellent and rarely wrong evaluator of NFL talent.  His biggest bust is Boller and that's blatently Billick's.  But the offensive minded wordsmith wanted/needed offense so Oz gave in.  While the Hall of Fame TE from Alabama is not going to win GM of The Year every year, he has kept my team in contention season after season.  He represents the Ravens way of thinking and along with Director of Scouting Eric DeCosta has formulated a system that is talent based, rather than need dictated.  Best guy on the board is how they pick and it's working.

  Personally, I can't wait to see the season that Mark Clayton puts together and am looking forward to the swan song of an All-Time great, Johnathan Ogden.  Baltimore fans can look back this summer on the career of Cal Ripken and think how none of us ever had any doubt that Cal's name would be in the lineup.  Similarly, I think that every decision that Ozzie makes will someday benefit my football team.  Ravens fans please don't take the gentle giant for granted.  If you are a fan of another team, recognize the progress the Ravens have made under his watch. 

When the Ravens sat down and strategized as to who would make up the teams' first draft class, they wanted a cornerstone offensive lineman and a defensive leader.  So they went with  OT John Ogden out of UCLA early and Ray Lewis from the U late, snagging the speedy assault missle style LB with the first round's last pick.  Lewis had a starstruck college career  playing first class football, however always surrounded by just enough talent to dull his shiny star.  But the Ravens' war room knew who he was and what he could do on the field if given free reign.

That brings me to this year's 4th round pick, Antwan Barnes from FIU who also has a Hurricane connection.  Florida International is usually a pasty on the 'Canes early season ledger and this past season was no different.  Well, maybe a little different as this years game was marked by a brawl where some helmets were used as weapons. But back to the point, Baltimore has another linebacker from south Florida who most folks slept on.  More folks than Ray Lewis in 1995. Barnes was a star in college, just on a smaller scale then Lewis.  If you watched U of Miami in the last few years, you may have seen (or possibly fell in) the huge hole they had in the middle, a spot they held open for Barnes.  He declined their scholarship offer and decided to do the big fish, small pond thing, preferring to shine by himself.  And shine he did.  Barnes is in the FIU record books for most career sacks, 23, as well as most tackles for loss with 57 (-247 yards).  He also had enough football skill to earn 1st team in his conference his sophomore year, despite not starting until halfway through the season.  Touching the football was also a hobby of Barnes', as he racked up 6 forced fumbles, recovering a pair of them, tipped 5 passes and picked off 2. 

Numbers like that, as well as Barnes' draft status spell 'situational pass rusher', but I believe that Billick and crew see him as every down material when he learns how to use his speed behind the line.  A hybrid D-lineman or tweener is a player with pass rushing instincts and/or ability who lacks the size to line up on the end.  Barnes will never be six-foot-one, 290 lbs.  Actually, he'll always be six-foot-one, but he will never weigh enough to line up where Michael McCrary or Peter Boulware set up shop in the past.  So for now the Ravens will spot him in and out, having him play on probable pass rushing downs.  At the NFL's draft combine, he was at the head of his class as far as athletic ability among LBs.  His 40 time was 4.43, good for 2nd best at his position, and his 31 reps of 225-lbs was the best.  So Ravens fans can rest assured that thier LB of the future will see the field this season.  Ironically, when asked before the draft who his style compared to, Barnes cited a future teammate, saying  "Terrell Suggs. He's a great player who is versatile and helps his teams in many ways."  The Ravens tend to draft athletes and make them first class football players, former 6th round pick Adalius Thomas comes to mind.  Thomas contributed on special teams early in his career, making the Pro Bowl in the role, but eventually grew into a  top class hybrid LB/DE who justified a monster free agent deal with New England.  Ozzie Newsome knew he had to replace him so the birds from Baltimore plucked Barnes.  His game is not without flaws as his coverage skills are far from developed and he tends to warm up slowly in games, occassionally lacking the intensity early to make a big play.  With proper coaching and some tips from the Ravens first Dade County linebacker, the aforementioned Mr. Lewis, Barnes will be much more than a starter in 2008-09. 

                                                   -Eric Garfield

Last year Jonathan Ogden went down with a toe injury and it seemed like everything was lost for the Ravens in 2006-07, especially offensively. But what that injury really did was set the wheels in motion for a literal changing of the guard. After the season the team decided to let veteran guard Edwin Mulitalo sign elsewhere and he's now a Detroit Lion. The 2007-08 offensive line will have a different look as the team prepares for a future without its cornerstone left tackle.