Inside The Ravens with Aaron Wilson

Ravens sign a "new defensive tackle"

2011-09-23T05:27:00.002-04:00

Chuck Pagano related a story about how John Harbaugh communicated the news of defensive tackle Haloti Ngata's five-year, $61 million contract to the coaching staff.

"John walked in the room, he wasn't with him, he just walked in the room kind of somber," Pagano said. "We're in the middle of game-planning, so it's kind of nobody's mind was even on that at that time. Obviously, it's been on our mind, but not at that time.

He walked in and said, ‘We signed a new defensive tackle.' And we're all looking around like, ‘I wonder who we cut and who we...'

And then big Haloti walked in. Obviously, we all went crazy. He deserves everything that he got. Obviously, having him around might keep us all around for another five years."

Ravens Hit Cover of SI

2011-09-14T08:44:00.001-04:00

The Ravens placed outside linebacker Michael McAdoo on injured reserve for remainder of the season with a previously undisclosed knee injury.

Wide receiver and kick returner David Reed takes over the vacated roster spot as he returns from a one-game suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy. Reed was officially reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday.

McAdoo went undrafted in the NFL supplemental draft and was signed to a three-year contract by the Ravens late in the preseason.

A 6-foot-7, 245-pound raw pass rusher, McAdoo was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for academic violations and accepting extra benefits from agents. …

Joe Flacco and Ray Rice share the regional cover of Sports Illustrated this week.

This edition of the magazine is available in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia. ...

Harbaugh wasn’t the only winning coach in his family Sunday.

His brother, Jim Harbaugh, won his coaching debut with the San Francisco 49ers with a 33-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

“That was a great win for Jim,”Harbaugh said. “To be 2-0 as a family is pretty cool.”

Oher Handling Change

2011-08-27T13:13:00.002-04:00

As a hulking Bryant McKinnie walked around the sidelines in workout clothes one day after passing his physical and signing his $7.5 million contract, there was already change on the Ravens’ offensive line.

With the arrival of the former Pro Bowl offensive tackle triggering a watershed change with Michael Oher about to move to right offensive tackle from the left side, the Ravens still had Oher start at left tackle against the Redskins Harbaugh indicated that Oher will be moving to the right side, though, as McKinnie takes over at left tackle.

“Our plan right now is to move Michael to right and to move Bryant to left.,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see how that goes. Everything is fluid. I’d love to say that’s set in stone, but that’s not set in stone. Bryant has played there, Michael has played the right side. Michael is about as good a person and as great a team guy as I’ve ever been around in my career.

“Ozzie [Newsome]and I brought him in, and we talked to him the night before last. He said it before we said it: ‘Whatever I need to do to help this be the best football team and the best offensive line it can be, all the career stuff can wait.’ We’re trying to be the best football team we can be, and that’s exactly what he said.”

Although this marks the second time he’s had to change positions, Oher seemed to take the pending change in stride.

“Whatever is the best situation for the team for us to win, that’s the No. 1 thing,” Oher said. “He’s a good guy. Obviously, he’s a pretty good player, a Pro Bowl player. He’s been blocking for great running backs, great quarterbacks. He’s going to be a big help to the offensive line.

"I think we’ll do great this year with him. You always want a good player. You want to play with the best guy. I’m a team guy. I’m trying to win and I want the best for the team. That’s what it’s all about.

Oher said he’s comfortable going back to right tackle where he played as a rookie after being drafted in the first round out of Ole Miss.

“You got to adjust, you got to play football,”Oher said. “You got to do what the team needs. As long as you’re out on the field making holes for the running back and protecting Joe Flacco, we’ll be all right.”

McKinnie didn’t look anywhere near the nearly 400-pound girth he reportedly showed up weighing when he showed up to the Minnesota Vikings’training camp prior to being released.

He looked to be in reasonable shape, albeit hefty, for an offensive lineman.

McKinnie went through a workout with the coaching staff before the game.

“He’s been working out and he’s been eating right,” Harbaugh said.“He’s been working on football. We just had a great meeting with him. I’m very impressed with him. He’s a very mature guy, very excited to be here, very intelligent guy. He picks up football like that, and I’m looking forward to getting him to fold.”

Tyrod Taylor's confidence is building

2011-08-27T13:07:00.002-04:00

Rookie quarterback Tyrod Taylor executed his first NFL comeback, leading the Ravens to a win with his nine-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

“Well, Tyrod, I would say he’s made the team. Newsflash,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “Tyrod played well. There are things that he needs to learn from. You have the ball third-and-two down there, you don’t take a sack.

“I think that’s something he’ll learn from. Yet and still, some of the throws he made in the teeth of pressure were just exceptional for us. He was using his feet to get out of trouble a couple of times.”

Taylor completed 11 of 18 passes for 125 yards, a touchdown and a 100.5 quarterback rating.

In three preseason games, Taylor has completed 35 of 57 passes for 392 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions for a 73.1 passer rating.

The Ravens are still expected to sign a veteran to back up Flacco, but Taylor is doing his best to convince the team he can handle the job.

“I know I have to impress people and people are going to be watching me as far as the No. 2 job,” Taylor said. “At the same time, I’m just trying to be the best quarterback I can be and show the coaches that I can be that guy if they need me to.”

Torrey Smith plagued by dropped passes

2011-08-27T13:01:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS – Visibly frustrated at his locker after dropping two passes, Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith thinks he’s identified the problem.

It’s all in his head, believes the second-round draft pick from the University of Maryland.

“I had two of them I would like back,” Smith said. “I've been a playmaker forever. That hasn't changed. It's more trying to get in a groove and I've kind of been pressing. I've really been wanting to make a play. Everyone has been making plays around me, the whole receiving corps. I just got to be patient and let it come to me instead of pressing the issue.”

The worst drop was on a third-down route where he was all by himself.

“Obviously I can catch the ball,” Smith said. “I know I can catch the ball. It's just a concentration issue. I’ve been practicing, wanting to make a play, wanting to make an impact instead of letting it come to me. I was wide open on one of them. I've got to get back to the basics and starting feeling like myself.”

Smith caught just one pass for six yards during the Ravens’ 34-31 victory over the Washington Redskins on Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium.

For the entire preseason, he has managed to haul in just two passes for eight yards.
Quarterback Joe Flacco thinks that Smith is simply thinking too much rather than letting his natural abilities show.

“Torrey just has to go out there and play, use his abilities,” Flacco said. “Got to make a move, run by guys, use his hands, go out there and play confidently and use his ability and make moves. I think he has a tendency to overthink things. He always wants to do the right thing. He always comes up to me and tells me he wants to do the right thing.

“Sometimes when you go out there on Sundays, you just have to let it go and play. If you go out there and make mistakes, you make mistakes. You just have to go out there and play. He's just going to have to learn that. He has all the ability to go out there and let it come to him.”

Nakamura honored for his Japanese relief efforts

2011-07-02T07:48:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens safety Haruki Nakamura was honored by the American Red Cross and a Japan ambassador for his fundraising work to aid Japanese disaster relief.

Nakamura helped raise over $60,000 by organizing an autograph session at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen for himself and several teammates. That included quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Ray Rice, cornerback Chris Carr, safety Ed Reed, defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and retired wide receiver Qadry Ismail.

Nakamura was presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Red Cross Board as well as the Ambassador's Seal from Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki.

And Nakamura presented the Ambassador with his jersey.

"If it wasn't for the generous hearts of the Baltimore Ravens fans, I wouldn't be here today," Nakamura said when asked how it felt to be recognized.

TJ Houshmandzadeh impressed by Jimmy Smith

2011-06-29T21:44:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Veteran NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh has been working out with Baltimore Ravens rookie Jimmy Smith in California, and he has come away impressed with the imposing cornerback.

The Ravens drafted the 6-foot-2, 212-pounder from Colorado in the first round in April.

"He's a big kid," said Houshmandzadeh, who played for the Ravens last season. "He's works hard. Yeah, I like him. He works hard. I talk to him a lot. He asks me about the Ravens and I told him he couldn't have got on his knees and prayed to wind up on a better team. He is very lucky to be drafted for the Ravens. It gets no better."

An unrestricted free agent, Houshmandzadeh wishes he could return. He acknowledged that he's unlikely to be back.

"It just sucks that I was only able to play one year there," Houshmandzadeh said. "Top to bottom, it's great there. Steve Bisciotti is unreal as an owner. It's almost like he's too cool to be an owner. Ozzie Newsome is really cool. I really thought highly of John Harbaugh. I just wish I could have made some more plays."

Derrick Mason calls Joe Flacco the Ravens' Michael Jordan

2011-06-23T10:38:00.002-04:00

In what's getting to be a familiar exercise this offseason, veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason stuck up for quarterback Joe Flacco.

In the wake of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley predicting the Ravens will never get to the Super Bowl with Flacco under center, Mason defended Flacco with a touch of hyperbole.

"Flacco is our Jordan," Mason told ESPN. "He's our Michael Jordan."

A big basketball fan from Detroit, Mason compared the Ravens-Steelers rivalry to the battles between the Chicago Bulls and the Detroit Pistons. The Bulls won six NBA titles after initially struggling to combat the Pistons' bullying brand of basketball.

"They've had our number for the last couple years," Mason said of the Steelers. "I equate it to the Chicago Bulls, they couldn't beat the Pistons, and then they finally beat the Pistons."

What's with all the trash talking in the offseason during a lockout?

"You can talk all you want during the offseason," Mason said. "No one plays the game, no one hits, during the offseason."

True, indeed.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times

Ravens' Allen disappointed by ties to a porn event

2011-06-16T09:01:00.003-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Anthony Allen distanced himself from an upcoming pornography event that used his name on promotional materials without his permission.

The seventh-round draft pick from Georgia Tech issued the following statement through his agents:

"I wanted to clarify an event that took place on May 20th at Club Play in Florida. I lent my name in conjunction to a party which I believed to be hosted by other NFL players. I had no knowledge and never would have given any authority in any way for my name to be associated with Exxxotica 2011. I am deeply disappointed that my name was manipulated by the promoters of this event. I am truly sorry that this has occurred."

Mason thinks Ray Lewis' crime predictions are arrogant

2011-05-27T06:39:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis' prediction about an impending crime wave if the labor dispute cancels the NFL season has been met with a lot of skepticism.

That includes wide receiver Derrick Mason respectfully disagreeing with Lewis' opinion.

"I respect anybody's opinion," Mason said. "Ray's a passionate guy, and of anybody I respect him as a football player and a person. But I'm not naive or arrogant enough to think what I do is going to affect John Doe or Mary Sue when they are at home or out there walking the street. I'm not going to be that arrogant.

"My life and what I do doesn't necessarily affect someone else on an everyday basis. They might get disappointed because we're not playing on Sunday, but for them to go out and change their whole lifestyle based on what I do. That's pure arrogance, I think. I'm not going to think that. But you respect everybody's opinion. If he felt that way, he felt that way for a reason."

However, running back Ray Rice expressed support for Lewis' remarks.

"Any time Ray says something, it comes from his heart," he said. "He hit on something. People are really struggling. It doesn't have to be us because we might make a few more dollars. But what about the people who work at the concession stands? What about the people who work at the facilities? What about the people getting laid off?

"The one thing I know, it's a true stat when we win games, crime goes down. On my Twitter page ... people said, ‘I'm a Steeler fan, but what Ray Lewis said makes sense.' It's about the game. You're taking people's livelihood away. Their Sundays aren't the same without it. I was touched by what he said."

Here's what Lewis told ESPN:

"Do this research. If we don't have a season - watch how much evil, which we call crime, watch how much crime picks up, if you take away our game. There's nothing else to do. There's too many people that live through us, people live through us. Yeah, walk in the streets, the way I walk the streets, and I'm not talking about the people you see all the time."

Newsome: "I was taught by Bill Belichick"

2011-05-11T14:33:00.003-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens veteran general manager Ozzie Newsome has always been a fixture at every practice, attending each session and keeping a watchful eye.

He wants to know his football team better than any other.

The Hall of Fame tight end learned the value of self-scouting from New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick when the Super Bowl winning coach was running the original Cleveland Browns.

Newsome rose in the organizational ranks after working for Belichick in coaching and scouting.

"I think everybody has to find their niche where they're very much at ease in their position," Newsome said during a conference call with season ticket holders. "I know Ted Thompson from Green Bay, he came up as a scout, so he likes to be on the road. And I know Phil Savage, when he went to Cleveland, he came through as a scout, so he liked to be on the road. But, I came through as a player. I spent time on the road, but for the most part, I've been in locker rooms and I've been at practice.

"I was taught, by Bill Belichick, at a very early age that scouting begins on Sunday. You need to know your football team. The only way you get to know your football team is you've got to be able to watch them at practice, I watch the practice tape, so that's why I do that. That's my niche. But the only way I can do it, I have to trust [director of player personnel] Eric [DeCosta] and [director of college scouting] Joe [Hortiz] and the scouts and their ability to go out and do their job."

Cameron will still work the sidelines as Ravens Offensive Coordinator

2011-05-11T14:25:00.001-04:00

OWINGS MILLS - Unlike many NFL play-callers, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron prefers to do his work from the sidelines.

He believes the vantage point helps him get a better feel for the game and allows him to interact directly with the players.

According to Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, Cameron has no plans to change his approach next season.

"No, I think Cam is going to continue to be down on the field," Newsome said during a conference call with season ticket holders. "He likes to be down there with the action. Some people like to call it from up in the box, but he likes to be down there. He gets a chance to look the players in the eyes when they come off the field."

Newsome expressed confidence that the offense will improve because of the increased involvement of coach John Harbaugh and the time the offensive staff has put in since the end of the season.

The offense faltered during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers as turnovers, penalties and dropped passes were among the self-inflicted wounds.

"The reason why I say we're going to be better from an offensive standpoint is that I've seen all the work they've done this offseason refining the offense," Newsome said. "One of the things we have in our head coach is .. he grew up in the game, coaching special teams and coaching on the defensive side. And you can see over the course of the three years he's been here, the progress that both of those elements of our game has gotten better.

"Now that he has that the way he wants it, now he can come over to the offensive side. What happens when you give a guy that understands defense coming over as a head coach to the offensive coaches, he can sit there and he can talk with them and say, ‘No, no, no. If I'm the defensive coordinator, I can defeat this.' So now they get another set of eyes."

Ozzie Newsome thinks Modell deserves HOF honor

2011-05-05T07:03:00.003-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome is concerned that Art Modell won't be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame until after the former Ravens and Cleveland Browns majority owner is dead.

"I don't know what we can do," Newsome said last night during a conference call with season ticket holders. "My biggest fear is once he passes away then he'll get the opportunity to go in. I don't think that's fair."

Modell has been a controversial Hall of Fame candidate since moving the original Browns to Baltimore in February of 1996, making him an extremely unpopular figure with Cleveland fans.

Modell suffered a mild stroke and a mild heart attack nine years ago. After moving the franchise to Maryland, he eventually sold majority interest of the Ravens to Maryland businessman Steve Bisciotti.

Modell retains a one-percent ownership and has an office at the Ravens' training complex. There's a large painting of Modell in the lobby of team headquarters located above the Ravens' lone Vince Lombardi trophy.

Modell hasn't been a finalist for the Hall of Fame in a decade. He didn't make the cut to the finalists again this year.

"He deserves to be in there," said Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end with the Browns who was inducted in 1999. "He deserves to go in before I did."

Jimmy Smith gets his Ravens playbook

2011-05-04T08:38:00.003-04:00

Plus Smith visits with the "Barfly"

OWINGS MILLS -- Due to the lockout rules that are now back in effect, the Baltimore Ravens weren't able to distribute playbooks to the majority of their draft picks.

However, first-round cornerback Jimmy Smith was able to get one. Smith flew in from California prior to the re-launch of the lockout Friday night.

"The rules are we're officially back into a lockout," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "We have an administrative stay. Once we're done with this press conference, then these young men have to return back to their homes or college campuses. The extent of what they can do is only marketing and media opportunities."

So, second-round wide receiver Torrey Smith wasn't able to get a playbook.

However, there's nothing stopping him from conferring with veterans like quarterback Joe Flacco and getting a copy.

"I think it'll have maybe a little effect," Torrey Smith said of the lockout. "But at the end of the day, you're going to have to prepare the best you can in order to make sure that when you do come, you get the call that you've got to report, you're ready.

"Luckily for me, I get the opportunity to connect with a bunch of these guys. Like I said, it's a 30- or 40-minute drive for me to get here, so I plan on getting in touch with those other guys, the vets, and see what's going on."

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=61936a32-d371-4920-95a0-4f65a99ae3dd" target="_new" title="">Barfly: Week 10</a>

Michael Oher takes offense to ESPN McShay's comments

2011-05-04T08:32:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- When Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher was heading to the NFL out of Ole Miss, he was downgraded by ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay for unspecified character issues.

Oher had no known issues with the law and had a good reputation with his teammates and coaches and was the subject of the best-selling Michael Lewis book, "The Blind Side" that was eventually adapted into a popular movie with Sandra Bullock starring as his adopted mother.

Oher was angry about the characterization from McShay at the time. And he remains fired up about McShay's remarks regarding him and other NFL draft prospects, especially since he said he never met the draft expert.

"What is Character issues?!?" Oher wrote on his Twitter account in a rare rant from him. "Somebody tell me? I never got in trouble with the Law . . . yes sir no sir guy . . . But this Todd Mcshay guy acts if he knows ppl on a personal level get real!" What if someone was to talk about your son . . . and he had character issues!!

"Thats how my family felt. You need to meet ppl first and then judge them not go off what you hear!! . . .@McShay13 tell me what are character issues because I dont know... you said I had them and you never met me?! And I respect Mel Kiper way more then I respect you...your a joke!!"

McShay hasn't responded to Oher's verbal assault.

Ravens worked out Appalachian State safety Mark LeGree

2011-04-24T11:57:00.003-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Appalachian State safety Mark LeGree has conducted a private workout with the Baltimore Ravens.

The All-American selection has visited the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints.

LeGree intercepted 22 career passes, ranking second in Southern Conference history.

As a senior, he intercepted five passes and broke up eight passes and recorded 49 tackles.

As a junior, he intercepted seven passes and posted 70 tackles.

As a sophomore, the 6-foot, 210-pounder led the nation with 10 interceptions as he registered 58 tackles and seven pass deflections.

LeGree is the first three-time consensus first-team All-American at Appalachian State since three-time Pro Bowl selection Dexter Coakley.

Versatile Randall Cobb works out for Ravens

2011-04-23T09:02:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Kentucky wide receiver Randall Cobb conducted a private workout for the Baltimore Ravens late this week.

Cobb has also visited the New York Jets.

Cobb has confirmed he'll attend the NFL Players Association rookie debut during the NFL draft.

Cobb is a 5-10, 191-pounder who has played wide receiver, running back, returned kicks and can run the Wildcat offense.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at the NFL scouting combine.

Last season, Cobb caught 84 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed for 424 yards and five touchdowns and combined for 955 yards returning punts and kickoffs.

He caught 13 passes for 116 yards against Tennessee, rushed and caught 226 yards total with two touchdowns against Vanderbilt and had 12 catches for 171 yards against Mississippi State.

He broke the Southeastern Conference record with 2,396 all-purpose yards last season. He threw three touchdwowns in the Wildcat.

Ravens put CB Brandon Harris through the paces

2011-04-23T08:52:00.003-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- University of Miami cornerback Brandon Harris has conducted a private workout for the Baltimore Ravens.

He has visited the Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers and the St. Louis Rams.

He has also worked out for the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Falcons, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles.

Harris is regarded as a late first-round, early second-round draft target.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the NFL scouting combine where he bench pressed 225 pounds 13 times and posted a 35 1/2 inch vertical leap, a 9-5 broad jump and a 6.77 three-cone drill.

He struggled in the Hurricanes' bowl game against Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, but otherwise had a strong season.

He was named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference as he recorded 44 tackles, 10 pass deflections and one interception.

As a sophomore, he ranked second in the nation and led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 15 pass deflections and was named first-team all-conference. He was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist with 52 tackles, six tackles for losses and two interceptions.

As a freshman, Harris ran track as he competed in the 60 meters, 400 meters and 4x400-meter relay.

He finished with 132 career tackles, nine tackles for losses, four interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks and 28 pass deflections.

Ravens looking close to home for WR talent

2011-04-20T07:49:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- University of Maryland wide receiver LaQuan Williams is visiting the Baltimore Ravens today, according to a league source.

Williams is a local prospect from Baltimore Poly High School.

He was a freshman all-conference selection.

He has played several positions for the Terrapins.

Last season, he blocked two punts and earned special teams captain honors while starting three games at wide receiver.

He also caught a touchdown against Florida International and Wake Forest.
He played in 10 games as a wide receiver as a freshman and finished with 217 receiving yards.

A former defensive back, Williams was also recruited by Virginia and Virginia Tech.

Georgia WR Kris Durham visited the Ravens

2011-04-20T07:41:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- University of Georgia wide receiver Kris Durham has visited the Baltimore Ravens.

The 6-foot-5, 217-pounder has also visited the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks.

The New York Giants have also displayed significant interest in Durham, who's regarded as a rising draft prospect.

Durham ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds at the Bulldogs' campus Pro Day workout.

The 6-foot-5, 217-pounder bench pressed 225 pounds 17 times and posted a 35-inch vertical leap and a 10-1 broad jump.

He turned in a 4.09 short shuttle.

Durham caught 32 passes for 659 yards and three touchdowns last season for the Bulldogs, playing opposite star wide receiver A.J. Green.

He caught four passes for 112 yards and a touchdown against Vanderbilt, five passes for 101 yards against Arkansas and three receptions for 90 yards against Georgia Tech, including a career-long 66-yard catch.

Durham missed the 2009 season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Judge Nelson Puts Foot Down

2011-04-11T17:27:00.002-04:00

Orders NFL and players to mediation on Thursday

Federal court Judge Susan Richard Nelson has ordered the NFL and the players' representatives to go to mediation in Minneapolis with Chief Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan assigned as the mediator, according to the Associated Press.

Boylan is set to meet with the players Tuesday followed by the NFL the next day. Mediation failed under the supervision of George S. Cohen in Washington D.C., prior to the players' union decertifying, filing a class-action lawsuit in federal court and the NFL locking out the players.

Nelson has been assigned the players' preliminary injunction request to end the lockout and has said she'll issue her decision in a few weeks.

This mediation isn't expected to lead to a new collective bargaining agreement.

And Nelson's pending decision is expected to be appealed to the Eighth Circuit.

Ravens met with Denarius Moore

2011-04-06T07:05:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Ever since the season ended, Tennessee wide receiver Denarius Moore has boosted his draft stock into third-round to fourth-round consideration.

The latest example was his 4.37 in the 40-yard dash at his campus Pro Day workout after running a 4.43 at the NFL scouting combine to go with a 36-inch vertical leap, a 9-10 broad jump, a 1.55 10-yard split and 13 repetitions in the bench press.

Now, Moore is reaping some of the benefits of his athleticism with some face time with NFL teams. He visited the Miami Dolphins over the past two days and visits the Pittsburgh Steelers later this week.

He has already visited the New York Giants and has conducted a private workout for the Atlanta Falcons.

He also had a meeting with the Baltimore Ravens in Knoxville, Tenn., the night before his Pro Day.

The nearly 6-foot, 194-pounder caught a touchdown pass in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. As a senior, he caught 43 passes for nine touchdowns and 981 yards and averaged nearly 21 yards per reception. As a junior, he caught 40 passes for 540 yards and seven touchdowns.

Hines Ward feels hot flashes on Dancing with the Stars

2011-03-26T07:10:00.002-04:00

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran wide receiver Hines Ward is more known for his aggressive downfield blocking than any fancy footwork.

However, he's finding that his dancing shoes are a good fit as he's off to a solid start on Dancing with the Stars. Not that it's easy, though.

“It’s five hours a day, six days a week," Ward told 93.7 The Fan In Pittsburgh, per SportsRadioInterviews.com. "It’s kind of like being in a sweat box. We’re in there constantly moving around, and you’re doing it for five hours. So it’s like for me, it’s great rehab for my me because that’s what they wanted me to do, start getting some movement in my knee.

"So you know what, I actually enjoy it. I don’t know what I’m really doing to be honest with you, but when I pick up on it….You should have seen me day one with my dancing to the night of Dancing with the Stars, it’s like night and day. I was just so amazed that I came so far, and to go out there and do it on live television. It’s crazy. It’s almost surreal because I never thought I could dance like that.”

Ward acknowledged experiencing some nerves.

“When the cameras go on, it’s so loud in there I couldn’t even hear the two people that were talking on the microphone," he said. "To be honest, I didn’t even know where to look at, so I just tried to go through the routine in my head and go please don’t embarrass myself on national television. So to be honest, people said you look nervous, I was nervous because it’s different in football — you have butterflies when you run out on the field in football. Words can’t describe the feeling you feel when you run out on the field at Heinz Field anyway. But to do something that’s out of element, out of your environment, oh man I had a hot flash right before I went out. My whole body went hot when they said ‘Hines and Kim doing the cha-cha-cha. Literally I almost passed out because I was like I can’t run now, I got to go out there and do it. It was more anxiety because I had been working on that dance for awhile.

"I wanted to hurry up and get it over with, but at the same time the nervousness of going out there and not messing up, because I got so many texts from my teammates saying ‘don’t go out there and embarrass yourself. ‘ Then to go out there and do the routine, I got hundreds of texts like ‘way to represent, way to represent, you can do it all the way.’ So it was just great to have that support from the guys. Because the locker room, they’re your worst critics. If you come on the plane and you’re dressed wrong, you’re going to hear about it. If you do anything wrong you’re going to hear about it. I was more concerned with the outfit. I knew it was a little high on my butt and stuff like that. But all the guys were cool, they were like ‘you kept it cool.’ So I was happy about it.”

Ward said he's getting positive feedback from his teammates.

Which of his teammates were texting him immediately after his performance:

"I was just glad I didn’t mess up on national television, because everyone’s going to watch that first show," he said. "You may lose some fans afterwords, but everyone’s going to be like ‘I’m going to see how Hines is going to do on that first show.’ So all eyes was on me and I knew it was so crazy, but I was just happy man just to do it, do the best that I can. And I’ve got a great dance partner.

"She just told me…because I’m a perfectionist, I want to do something so perfect. So I was more worried about the technical things rather than just going out there and having fun. And right before we went out there she said, ‘don’t worry about the technical stuff, you’re not a ballroom dancer anyway, so don’t over-analyze the dance’. So that’s what I did.”

WHILE THE CAT IS AWAY, WILL THE MICE PLAY?

2011-03-22T19:24:00.002-04:00

NEW ORLEANS -- The league isn't enforcing its personal conduct policy during the lockout, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said today during a press conference at the close of the annual league meetings.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello reiterated after the press conference that the NFL will monitor arrests or any other trouble with the law and then implement its usual code of conduct and punishments following the end of the work stoppage.

Goodell said he believes that it's important for the NFL and the fans that the personal conduct policy be respected.

And Goodell said if a player violated the personal conduct policy he doesn't know how it would apply during the lockout.

Goodell dishes out more fines, this time to teams

2011-03-22T19:20:00.002-04:00

NEW ORLEANS -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said today that five NFL teams were fined for having illegal contact with players during a designated dead period.
"They were fined," Goodell said.

The punishment stems from a violation of a provision of the collective bargaining agreement.

The NFL didn't disclose the teams or fine amounts and league executive Jeff Pash said after the press conference that the five teams are either being fined or investigated.

The Miami Dolphins are regarded as one of them because of the contact between quarterback Chad Henne and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and other staffers.
"Five teams were contacted, whether they were inquiries or fines or some of each, I haven't read the letters so I don't know," Pash said. "The commissioner sort of rather strongly suggested that one team in South Florida might have crossed the line. Beyond that, I don't know."

The Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers are also considered likely violators of the rule, according to published reports regarding the contact that took place between new head coaches/coordinators and their players.

The NFL released the following portion of the collective bargaining agreement that governs the violations:

"There have been rules in place for years that govern what is permissible prior to the start of the offseason program. It is the interpretation of Article XXXV of the CBA. Before the offseason program begins, generally around March 15, players are permitted to use the Club's facilities on a voluntary basis subject to the following rules:

(i) such players may not receive per diem payments or workout bonuses of any kind and may not be paid or reimbursed expenses for travel, board or lodging during this period;

(ii) such players are not permitted to participate in organized workouts, practices or meetings of any kind;

(iii) the Club's strength and conditioning coaches may not direct such players' individual workouts, but may supervise use of the weight room to prevent injury, correct misuse of equipment, etc.;

(iv) such players may not be directed or supervised by position coaches during this period."

NO REPLACEMENTS SEQUEL FOR GOODELL

2011-03-22T19:15:00.002-04:00

NEW ORLEANS -- One day after an NFL official said that the league has the right to use replacement players during the lockout, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made a strong statement that isn't the direction the league is heading.

"We have not had any discussions or consideration of using replacement players," Goodell said today as the NFL wrapped up its annual league meetings. "It's not in our plans."

So, apparently there won't be any need for a sequel of "The Replacements."

The NFL used replacement players during the 1987 NFL strike. They were referred to as "scabs" by striking players, and the nickname stuck.

Peyton Hillis is thinking big

2011-03-07T06:31:00.001-05:00

Expect Browns to win it all

The Cleveland Browns' bruising running back envisions a winning season and perhaps even a playoff run in the ultra-competitive AFC North.

Perhaps Hillis was playing to the fans in attendance at a recent radio appearance, but he also feels strongly about his football team.

“We’re bringing winners to the table,” said Hilllis, per the Canton Repository. “We feel like we’re gonna win it all.”

Hillis was apparently prompted by radio host Tony Rizzo to give the Browns fans something to feel encouraged about.

“Well then I’ll say it,” Hillis said. “We’re gonna win. There’s no doubt about it.”

Hillis said he definitely isn't getting cocky after last year's breakthrough season as the Browns' featured running back.

“I don’t believe in getting a big head,” Hillis said. “I try to stay as humble as I can be. That’s what the good Lord wants.”

Amen.

Ravens Zbikowski touts Ngata for heavyweight boxing

2011-03-05T19:48:00.002-05:00

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens hard-hitting safety Tom Zbikowski is getting back into the boxing ring, and he's of the opinion that Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata would be an outstanding heavyweight.

At 6-foot-4 and a relatively lean 350 pounds, Ngata is extremely athletic. He's a former rugby player.

“If you let me train Haloti Ngata he’d do some damage," said Zbikowski, who's set to fight March 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas for his second professional fight. "He’s seriously the most gifted athlete I’ve ever been around and he’s 330 pounds. There’s no one who would be able to compete with him physically. He’s just a bear.”

Zbikowski agreed with a suggestion that many of the great potential American heavyweight boxers are playing in the NFL instead of pursuing boxing.

“It might be true," Zbikowski said. "The Klitschkos are the best right now and they’ve been the best for a long time. Just because they’re in Europe doesn’t mean there are not great heavyweights. I think a lot of the American heavyweights right now are playing football. Boxing is honestly one of the most athletic things you can do and to be a good boxer you have to be very athletic.

"Right now you’re seeing the top athletes go to college to get an education. I think if you have boxing back at the collegiate level you might have some more American heavyweights but right now they’re seeing that as the best path to go.”

Steelers' Ward set to go Dancing with the Stars

2011-03-03T05:30:00.005-05:00

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran wide receiver Hines Ward isn't known for his end zone touchdown celebrations, but he's about to try out his dancing steps.

He was named to the Dancing with the Stars cast Monday night.

Several NFL players have appeared on the show in the past.

That includes Chad Ochocinco, Jason Taylor, Emmitt Smith, who won the competition, Lawrence Taylor, Michael Irvin, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Jerry Rice.

Here’s the full cast via an ABC press release:

Ralph Macchio, 49, the baby-faced star of three Karate Kid movies and My Cousin Vinny

Kirstie Alley, 60, starred in Fat Actress, Veronica’s Closet, and, of course, Cheers

Petra Nemcova (pictured), 31, a Czech model who’s been linked to James Blunt and Sean Penn

Wendy Williams, 46, a frank talk-show host

Sugar Ray Leonard, 54, the Olympic gold-medal-winning boxer who, as a pro, famously claimed world titles in five weight divisions

Psycho Mike, a.k.a. Michael Catherwood, 31, a popular deejay for KROQ in Los Angeles

Chelsea Kane, 22, best known for playing Stella on Disney Channel’s Jonas L.A.

Romeo, 21, once known as Lil Romeo, is a rapper, actor, and son of past DWTS participant Master P

Kendra Wilkinson, 25, the former star of E!’s The Girls Next Door and the current star of her own eponymous reality show

Chris Jericho, 40, a pro wrestler who won 23 championships in the WWE

Hines Ward (Editor's Note: Why waste a picture?), 34, an NFL Pro Bowler from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the third wide receiver to appear on DWTS

Former Ravens' QB Lucas seeks help in rehab

2011-02-08T19:04:00.002-05:00

Former New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Ray Lucas is seeking help for a painkiller addiction.

According to the New York Daily News, Lucas is at the Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, a West Palm Beach, Fla., drug rehab clinic.

And he has been writing about his experience on his Facebook page.

Lucas has been posting comments about his rehab experience, which is being supervised by former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Randy Grimes, who dealt with his own addiction to pain killers.

"I arrived in Fla. Randy tells me not to be nervous but that is impossible. Nervous about everything, my palms are sweating. This weather will be good for my body. Got a text from my mom she & my family are relieved I am here. I am on my way to start my life over. Can't believe all the FB responses already its a good sign & the support is needed. ..

"The end of day 2 detox. The symptoms of detox are taking hold, I am in a lot of pain & everything hurts. This gets me scared. This place is amazing, having another player, Randy Grimes, who has been through it by my side is a difference maker. Today in a session for the first time in my life I was dealing with the emotional impact of my departure from the NFL. This is the start of the fight & I AM WILLING TO FIGHT!"

Jersey Shore's Pauly D at Polar Bear Plunge

2011-01-30T09:44:00.001-05:00

Flacco reminds that reality star isn't from New Jersey

SANDY POINT - The Jersey Shore flavor arrived in Maryland on Saturday with reality television star Pauly D spinning hip-hop tunes while a large crowd of girls pumped their fists in tune to the beat at the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Pauly D is actually from Providence, R.I., a point that Baltimore Ravens quarterback and South Jersey native Joe Flacco was quick to point out when asked about the ultra-coiffed DJ.

"Pauly D is from Rhode Island," Flacco said with a smile after taking the plunge Saturday afternoon at Sandy Point State Park. "He's a transplant. It's awesome. I heard people weren't even dancing. I heard they were looking up at him in amazement. It's pretty cool for him to be out here."

Speaking of cool, a shivering Flacco was rushed to his trailer to change into warm clothes. Known as Joe Cool, Flacco was literally ice-cold Saturday in 32-degree temperatures.

The NFL quarterback got a big round of applause from fans when he dove head-first into the Chesapeake Bay, braving the icy waters.

"It was cold," Flacco said. "It took my breath away. I just tried to get in there as quickly as possible and get out as quickly as possible."

This was the 15th consecutive year the event has been held to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. There was a big crowd of roughly 25,000 attending with $3 million raised for the charity.

"Oh definitely, I think you can see how many people are out here supporting it," Flacco said, "and how many people really care about this."

Suggs voted for Pro Bowler Brady after all

2010-12-30T08:08:00.004-05:00

Hopes Patriots’ QB gets to play in Honolulu

Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs fessed up, acknowledging that he put aside his feud with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady long enough to give him his vote to the Pro Bowl.
Suggs has railed against Brady ever since losing to the Patriots earlier this season, suggesting that the NFL gives the former Most Valuable Player preferential treatment.

“Let’s go ahead and let the cat out of the bag: We did vote for him,” Suggs said. “We’ve got quarrels and our beefs but you got to respect play. It was kind of decided as a unit who we vote for. We did vote for him.”

Suggs did issue one zinger, saying he hopes Brady gets to play in the Pro Bowl, which is scheduled before the Super Bowl.

“One of us is not going to get to play in the game,” Suggs said. “I hope he has a good time in the Pro Bowl, and hopefully everything goes according to plan, I’ll be watching him from Dallas.”

Suggs was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time after turning in a resurgent season with 11 sacks.

"I said I wasn't going to have a season like I did last year, and I came back and made it to the Pro Bowl," Suggs said. "I'm still young. I just turned 28. I want to become one of the greatest. I'm just going to keep working at it and wherever I end up, I'll be satisfied."

Kindle may not be cleared to play in 2011

2010-12-22T10:41:00.001-05:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Sergio Kindle might not be allowed to play football next year after fracturing his skull in late July.

Kindle disclosed that doctors have expressed concern that he won't be medically cleared for next season.

"Dr's up here make'n me nervous bout my chances of come'n back next yr!!" Kindle wrote on his Twitter account. "dey aint say'n i wont play but dey aint say'n i am eitha!! KING SERG ..

"yal know its a business so if i cant play next yr, dey aint gon keep me here!! But [expletive] IT i gota keep grind'n so i can ball out next yr!!"

Kindle has previously told 24x7 that he expects to take part in offseason minicamps, if there's no lockout.

Signed to a one-year minimum contract with no signign bonus, Kindle is on the reserve non-football injury list and isn't allowed to practice.

He attends meetings and practices, lifts weights and goes to therapy.

The Ravens can retain Kindle's rights for next season as an exclusive-rights free agent.

TEST SCORES ARE IN: Ravens avoid Texas-sized collapse

2010-12-14T08:07:00.002-05:00

BALTIMORE RAVENS' REPORT CARD

Quarterback: B-minus

Joe Flacco delivered a strong performance with accurate spirals and sound decisions. However, he was sacked five times and slowed down in the second half with only seven completions and no scores. He seemed more mindful of the pass rush and decisively picked out his targets. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 235 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions for a 107.5 passer rating.

Running back: C

Ray Rice and the running game didn't have a big impact on the game other than keeping the Texans' defense honest. He rushed for 54 yards on 19 carries, catching eight passes for 66 yards. Le'Ron McClain blocked well in his return from a sprained left ankle that forced him to miss the Steelers game, but displayed some signs of rust. Willis McGahee scored a rare touchdown on a goal-line run.

Receiver: B-plus

Derrick Mason redeemed himself after an early drop, catching two touchdown passes in the first half. He caught one over the middle with his fingertips and got both feet down in bounds. Then, he dashed up the left sideline on a 26-yard score. Mason provided most of the offense downfield with Anquan Boldin facing bracket coverage from the Texans' suspect pass defense. Boldin was limited to three receptions for 41 yards. Starting in place of tight end Todd Heap, rookie Ed Dickson had only one catch for seven yards.

Offensive line: C

The pass protection was shoddy overall, allowing a season-high five sacks and nine quarterback hits. That's 13sacks in the past three games and 22 sacks in the past six contests. Michael Oher has a bad case of offsides, committing his seventh false start of the season.

Defensive line: C-plus

Cory Redding had one sack, five tackles and three quarterback hits. Haloti Ngata had three tackles. Kelly Gregg had an uncharacteristically quiet game with no tackles. Terrence Cody and Brandon McKinney were nonfactors.

Linebacker: C-plus

Terrell Suggs posted his 10th sack of the season. The Ravens struggled in pass coverage against Owen Daniels, but he dropped several passes to curtail his impact. He caught five passes for 91 yards by the fourth quarter, but was targeted nine times. Middle linebacker Ray Lewis had nine tackles. The Ravens mostly contained MVP candidate Arian Foster as he rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries, but gained 16 of them on the first run. They abandoned the run once they fell behind. Jarret Johnson had an average game and had trouble getting off blocks.

Secondary: C

Josh Wilson intercepted quarterback Matt Schaub and returned it 12 yards in overtime for the game-winning touchdown. This grade would have been lower if not for Wilson's clutch play. They allowed a long touchdown pass to Andre Johnson on a botched coverage by free safety Ed Reed, who tried in vain to leap for a pass thrown over his head. Johnson finished with nine receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns, heating up as the game went on. However, if the Texans could catch the football, this game could have been a different story altogether. They dropped a ton of Schaub's passes, derailing early attempts he made to get the offense going.

Special teams: B-plus

Rookie wide receiver David Reed set a franchise record with a 103-yard kickoff return for a score. Sam Koch averaged 45 yards per punt. Lardarius Webb averaged 12 yards per punt return. Billy Cundiff leads the NFL in touchbacks, booming his kickoffs deep into the end zone. The kick coverage was inconsistent.

STEELERS ACCUSE CHESTER OF CHEAP SHOT

2010-12-09T05:35:00.001-05:00

The Steelers have accused Ravens offensive guard Chris Chester of going after outside linebacker James Harrison on an extra point.

Chester was flagged for a false start, firing off the ball and hitting Harrison.
Harrison wasn't injured on the play. Usually, offensive linemen stay in on extra points.

"Of course it was deliberate," Harrison told reporters. "There's no way that happens on an extra point because [offensive linemen] don't shoot out. It's obvious it was blatant. It was on purpose.

"Yeah it's cheap, but when it comes down to it, it's only a 5-yard penalty, they move back to the 7 and re-kick. It's not going to hurt them."

Added inside linebacker James Farrior: "It was a dirty play."

Chester, playing his first game since suffering a lower leg infection weeks ago, doesn't have a reputation for being a dirty player.

"I think it was a designed play," said defensive end Brett Keisel, who is on the extra-point defense. "He just took off and kept driving him. I do think it was intentional.

"It ticked us all off," Keisel said. "First you get scored on, but, when you do something like that deliberately, we just kept fighting through and we won the game. We had the last laugh."

Harbaugh on Roethlisberger's injured foot: "I could care less"

2010-12-04T09:39:00.002-05:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was in no mood to discuss Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's broken foot.

Roethlisberger reportedly has a broken fifth metatarsal. Listed as questionable on the injury report, he's expected to play Sunday night.

"I don't even think about it," Harbaugh said when asked about Roethlisberger. "I don't care."

When asked if he believes the foot is broken, Harbaugh had a terse reply.

"I could care less," he said. "He's going to line up and play quarterback."

Landry good to go on Sunday Night

2010-12-04T09:34:00.002-05:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens strong safety Dawan Landry said he expects to be able to play Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers after suffering a mild concussion against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Landry has passed an impact test, but still has to pass a baseline test later today to test his neurological responses.

"I feel regular," Landry said. "I'm ready to go."

Landry said he'll take the test this afternoon, but expressed confidence that he'll be able to pass the test.

The only symptoms he had was a slight headache following his hit on running back Cadillac Williams.

"I got to take it later today, in a little bit," Landry said. "I'm good, man. I feel good. Felt good all week."

Le'Ron McClain: "I'm in for Sunday"

2010-12-04T09:28:00.001-05:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl fullback Le'Ron McClain returned to practice, and he demonstrated that his sprained ankle is getting better by running off the field Friday into the locker room.

He predicted he'll be ready for Sunday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I feel good today," McClain said. "No pain or anything. I went out there and had a good pradtice. Yeah, I'm in for Sunday. I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure. I'm good, man. I'm going to be ready Sunday. It just depends on the coaches, if they want to use me Sunday or not."

McClain said offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has contingency plans in case he can't go. The team signed veteran fullback Jason McKie earlier this week.

"Just like last week, I know Cam has got a plan if I play or if I don't," McClain said.

McClain said he never had any swelling in his ankle.

"I knew it wasn't that serious because I didn't have no swelling," he said. "I knew it was all pain. I'm working all the kinks out of my ankle. I went out today and had a good practice. I've got no pain.

"It was just a whole bunch of pain. I couldn't step on it Sunday. Now, I'm running around like nothing's wrong."

McClain said he worked with the first-team offense today.

"I took reps with the ones," he said. "I did some pass block plays. I had a running play today. I ran the ball today. I feel good."

Boldin places team record before personal stats

2010-12-01T03:57:00.001-05:00

Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin caught three passes for 27 yards against Tampa Bay, and he said he was dealing with bracket coverage at times.

"A little bit, a little bit," Boldin said.

Against the Carolina Panthers, Boldin caught three passes for 29 yards. He was limited to two catches for 28 yards against the Miami Dolphins, but did catch five passes for 50 yards in a recent loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

For the season, Boldin has been productive with 51 receptions for 652 yards and six touchdowns.

However, his numbers have gone down lately. He's not upset, though, about his involvement.

"No, I'm fine," Boldin said. "As long as we're 8-3, that's all that matters."

At this point, the Ravens don't anticipate any griping from Boldin who has maintained a team-first attitude.

"I think that goes without saying," Harbaugh said. "I just think the question gets asked so many times you just start kind of rolling your eyes at it. It's like, ‘How many times do the guys have to answer this question?'

"Guys want to win. Guys want to contribute. Guys want to be a big part of it. They want to catch passes. They want to block. They want to do all the things that help you win. It's very simple to me."

Kick returns job is David Reed's to lose

2010-11-19T10:32:00.002-05:00

Special-teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg gave his seal of approval to rookie wide receiver David Reed as the Ravens’ primary kickoff returner.

The fifth-round draft pick from Utah is averaging 21.6 yards per kickoff return with a long return of 31 yards, and Rosburg announced that Reed will continue to return kicks this Sunday.

"I think David Reed has grown every week we've put him back there," Rosburg said. "You see things in the return that you like to see. I like his spirit. He practices hard. He's an exciting guy. The guys like blocking for him. We're going to give him another shot this week."

Rosburg didn’t announce who’s going to return punts, but Lardarius Webb is listed atop the depth chart. The Ravens are also planning to work in Donte’ Stallworth and have Ed Reed and Chris Carr as options, too.

“We’ll find out Sunday,” Rosburg said. “I have no announcements on punt returns. Donte’ is one of the guys to be considered, yes.”

Panthers to start journeyman QB St. Pierre

2010-11-19T10:18:00.002-05:00

OWINGS MILLS – Remember, Brian St. Pierre?

He’s the journeyman quarterback who spent a season with the Baltimore Ravens five years ago.

He’s the obscure guy who was spending his time as a stay-at-home dad until joining the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad on Friday last week and was promoted to the active roster Tuesday.

And St. Pierre, a former Pittsburgh Steelers fifth-round draft pick who has only thrown five regular-season passes, is the surprise starter for the Panthers on Sunday against the Ravens.

Instead of going with unheralded rookie quarterback Tony Pike with starter Jimmy Clausen out with a concussion, Panthers coach John Fox chose to go with St. Pierre, 30, because of his slightly superior experience.

“Great guy, great quarterback,” tight end Todd Heap said. “We’ve seen him play over the years. He’s a guy that we kind of know what he’s capable of. We’ve seen what he can do, his arm strength.

“He’s a smart guy, we know that about him. Our defense hopefully will be ready for that, and a lot of guys on that side of the ball know Brian St. Pierre and know what type of quarterback he is.”

Nose guard Kelly Gregg also spoke highly of St. Pierre, who has completed 2 of 5 career passes for 12 yards, one touchdown and one interception during previous stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Steelers.

“He’s a good guy and a good quarterback,” Gregg said. “He’s a tough guy and he’ll be ready to go out there on Sunday.”

Strong safety Dawan Landry said he doesn’t remember much about St. Pierre.

St. Pierre will have just four practices to get ready for the Ravens.

“At least he’s been around the league,” Landry said. “You can’t take anybody lightly, not at all. He’s a veteran guy. We’ll prepare the same way we always prepare.

“He just got there this week, too? Wow. At least he’s a veteran guy. He just got there, so hopefully we can take advantage of that.”

St. Pierre didn’t go through a training camp this summer.

Now, he’s quarterbacking the 1-8 Panthers against the NFL’s 10th-ranked defense.

"I know what the situation looks like to everyone," St. Pierre told Charlotte reporters. "It is what it is. I'm not going to complain about it."

Three years ago, the Panthers started a 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde and managed to win a game.

"John Fox came in to me on Wednesday and said, 'Vinny Testaverde came in and did this three years ago," St. Pierre said. "And I said, 'Well, Vinny has a little better resume than I do.'

"I appreciate they have enough faith to throw me out there. I hope I can reward them by holding my own Sunday."

Derrick Mason says he broke his finger again

2010-11-12T07:22:00.001-05:00

ATLANTA -- Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason acknowledged that he broke his surgically repaired right pinkie finger against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night at the Georgia Dome.

Mason underwent X-rays immediately after the game and had his finger wrapped up.

"It looks like it's broken again, the same finger," Mason said after leaving the locker room following a 26-21 defeat where he finished the game despite the injury. "It doesn't look good."

Mason said he'll have the finger examined again when the team returns to Baltimore today.

Mason initially broke the finger during an Oct. 17 overtime loss to the New England Patriots.

Then, he played through the pain against the Buffalo Bills before having the damage repaired with a pin inserted in the finger to aid the healing process during the Ravens' bye week.

Now, Mason will likely have to play through the injury for the remainder of the season.

The other Reed

2010-11-06T09:33:00.002-04:00

Special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg always plays his cards close to the vest, declining to reveal who's returning kicks. The Ravens are expected to utilize Carr as the primary punt returner with Zbikowski expected to be ruled out.The Ravens could also use Stallworth and Lardarius Webb.

"We have a number of guys back there who are practicing," Rosburg said. "You've probably heard this answer before, but we'll see who shows up on Sunday."

The Ravens could wind up using rookie wide receiver David Reed on kickoff returns as well as cornerback Josh Wilson. Reed was a productive returner in college at the University of Utah, and the fifth-round draft pick says he's ready to contribute.

"Definitely, I can't wait," Reed said. "I just want to get that ball in my hand and show the team I can make plays and be explosive with the ball.

"I'm a north-south runner. I don't do a lot of juking I'm going to hit it. You're going to see me hit it for sure. Just watch out."

Ravens impressed with Yanda at tackle

2010-11-06T09:20:00.002-04:00

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron doled out some heavy praise for offensive tackle Marshal Yanda, a converted offensive guard.

Yanda hasn't started at tackle on a regular basis since his rookie season, but the former Iowa standout has improved each week this season.

"Marshal has been tremendous," Cameron said. "There aren't many guys that can bounce out to right tackle and the play at the level that he's playing. Obviously, a lot of football left, but he's just another one of the good football players we have here."

Yanda grew up on an Iowa pig farm and plays the game with a gritty, aggressive style.

"Marshal was really good in college," Cameron said. "I wasn't here his rookie year, but he played as a rookie. He's been a good football player for a long time. He's like a lot of these guys. They come in the league, they get a feel for the league, they get a little bigger, they get a little stronger.

"And they start to understand the personnel matchups they have each week. Marshal is just continuing to grow as a professional. He's about as dependable of guy as you'll ever come across."

Foxworth on the fast track back

2010-11-06T09:15:00.002-04:00

Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth is on the fast track, reporting steady progress in his rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Foxworth said he's confident he'll be able to take part in offseason minicamps, saying he has set a goal of being physically able to practice by early February.

"I definitely think that's attainable," Foxworth said. "The goal that I've set is a more steep goal that that, but it doesn't really matter. Obviously I won't be able to play before the season, but I'd like to be able to.

"I'd like to be in condition to be ready by the Super Bowl. Obviously I won't be in the game, but I'd like to be able to feel good and cut and change directions. I think it's attainable given the progress I've made so far."

Foxworth injured his knee in late July during a non-contact walkthrough, one day before the Ravens' opening full-squad practice of training camp.

No longer on crutches after undergoing surgery Aug. 10 with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews repairing his knee, Foxworth is already able to run and lift weights.

"I've been running, changing directions," Foxworth said. "I squatted 315 [pounds] yesterday. I'm feeling pretty good right now."

Foxworth said he doesn't discuss his injury much with cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb, who tore their ACLs late last season and have returned this season.

"They have more important things to worry about," Foxworth said. "When we talk, we talk football most of the time. Only thing I talked to Fabian about was I was telling him how good I feel, and he was saying, 'Take it easy, because sometimes, it's an illusion.'"

Disappointed about being out for the season, Foxworth said keeps himself available to offer advice to younger players and his house is always open for film sessions as it was in the past.

"You're never really with the group unless you're on the field," Foxworth said. "No matter what, I don't really feel like I'm a part of it, but when guys, young guys especially, come over and want to watch film together, that's available whenever.

"We do it sometimes, and we haven't had a big group or anything, but I'm sure at some point, we'll start doing the group meetings at my house again."

Mason has surgery

2010-10-27T05:40:00.001-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason had surgery to repair his broken right pinkie finger, a procedure that should allow him to return in time for a Nov. 7 game against the Miami Dolphins following a bye.

"I had surgery on it Monday," Mason told FOX Sports 1370 radio. "Put a pin in it, so it's good for me that we've got a week off, almost two weeks, so it allows my hand to heal and I'll be out there ready to play when we play Miami."

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Mason hasn't missed a game in eight years.

He has been dealing with the injury for the past two weeks after initially breaking it against the New England Patriots.

Mason ranks second on the team with 26 receptions for 357 yards.

"If the bye week hadn't come this week I would have just waited until the bye week to get it done," Mason said. "I played with it in the New England game and I played with it last week.

"Eventually I was going to have it done, so why not have it during the bye week? That gives me two weeks to heal and then be ready to play."

We got the Housh but he's not happy

2010-10-09T09:07:00.002-04:00

Veteran wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers, hauling in an 18-yard strike.

However, he's not satisfied with his complementary role behind starting wide receivers. Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason and tight end Todd Heap.

The former Pro Bowl selection ranks sixth on the team with five receptions for 80 yards with one touchdown.

Houshmandzadeh said the Ravens assured him he would catch 50 to 60 passes prior to signing a one-year deal after being cut by the Seattle Seahawks.

"For me, I knew coming in what I was getting myself into," Houshmandzadeh said. "But I believe in myself. So the belief in myself said once they see me, things will change. We'll see if that holds to be true."

He has seen limited action in the past few games after struggling against the Cincinnati Bengals, his old team, when he failed to come down with big catches with two drops.

"I was shocked that I played as much as I did in the first and second game," Houshmandzadeh said. "I wouldn't say that got me greedy, but then I expected it, so to speak. But then I didn't play much against Cleveland."

Houshmandzadeh said he hasn't complained to quarterback Joe Flacco and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron about not being more heavily involved.

He knows that people are probably aware of how he feels about not being utilized more.

"The bad part of my personality is I tend to not to say it but my body language says that," Houshmandzadeh said. "That's bad but that's who I am. Q [Boldin] is going to be happy. That's just the reality of it.

"Q and Heap, they're going to get their balls. They brought Q in, they gave up draft picks and gave him a nice contract. They're going to find ways to get him the ball. I can appreciate that. I wish it was me, but it's not."

Harbaugh is quacking up!

2010-10-09T08:55:00.002-04:00

John Harbaugh said he still plans to honor his lost bet to rookie tight end Ed Dickson on the Stanford-Oregon game by wearing some Ducks gear. Harbaugh's brother, Jim Harbaugh, coaches Stanford. And Dickson is a former Oregon standout. "He says it's on order," Harbaugh said. "I can't imagine what this jersey's going to look like." Dickson said he's providing Harbaugh a special T-shirt that should arrive today. "It's a shirt that says 'I Love My Ducks' on the front," Dickson said. "That's actually a theme that's been running through Eugene, Oregon since last year, since the Rose Bowl time. I'll make sure he has it on Wednesday and you guys will be ready for it. He's a man of his word, and he's going to wear the shirt." Added Harbaugh: "I'm not wearing it during the game, I don't think." Harbaugh paid his cash bet to defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, another Oregon alum.

Harbaugh sings praises for Webb, Ngata

2010-10-06T05:11:00.002-04:00

John Harbaugh was complimentary of cornerback Lardarius Webb for how he contained swift Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Webb broke up a pass intended in the end zone for Wallace, who caught two passes for 24 yards.

Webb tore his anterior cruciate ligament last December against the Chicago Bears, ending last season on injured reserve.

He displayed good recovery speed to catch up with Wallace.

"That's probably the first time you got a chance to see him in a one-on-one situation going up to make a play," Harbaugh said. "Since he didn't go through training camp, this time of year you don't get too many of those kind of battles in practice. Just playing the ball is something he does extremely well, and that showed up in those two plays.

"Mike Wallace can run, he can go up and get a ball, and Lardarius made up a little ground on him and then timed it perfectly and got the ball out twice. Those were huge plays in the game."

NGATA DOMINATES: Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata thoroughly trounced the Steelers' offensive line, recording a career-high 11 tackles with one sack.
Ngata lined up at defensive end for the majority of the game and was practically unblockable.

"Haloti Ngata, first of all, is playing as well as any defensive player in the league right now," Harbaugh said. "There's no denying it. I'm proud of him. He's a great guy. Nobody works harder, he's a good family man.

"He's just the kind of guy you root for, and he's dominant. We played him at defensive end most of the game, you know, out there over Flozell [Adams] and Max Starks, and he just held up really well against some of their inside and outside zone schemes.

IR a possibility for Gaither

2010-10-06T05:09:00.001-04:00

OWINGS MILLS - Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jared Gaither hasn't been medically cleared to resume playing football by California back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

Although Gaither's back injury is improving, he's still not considered ready to play.

His status is regarded as week to week.

Gaither flew to California Monday for another medical opinion from Watkins to examine a thoracic disc injury suffered during the first week of training camp.

Gaither was carted off the field Aug. 5 with an upper back injury that triggered back spasms.

Gaither returned to practice last Wednesday on a limited basis, but was unable to practice after saying his lower back was bothering him.

"We just don't know. That's a mystery right now," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said last week. "Jared is as frustrated as anybody. We'll know more on Monday when he gets a re-evaluation. We'll see how that goes."

Gaither was initially feeling better, but had trouble making it through a light practice.

"He said he was feeling better and he'd be able to go next week, he thought, so he went out there and went through a very light practice," Harbaugh said. "The next day, came in and his back was sore. So, we're sending him for a re-evaluation.

"Our doctors have looked at it, and they don't see it in there right now. So, we've got to find out from the best experts what exactly is causing that problem."

Harbaugh said that injured reserve is a possibility.

"Obviously, the clock is ticking on something like that," Harbaugh said.

Scott Kooistra was added to the roster after trying out Tuesday along with offensive linemen Jake Grove, Brett Romberg, Nick Leckey, Kynan Forney and Kirk Chambers.

The Ravens tried out offensive linemen Donald Thomas and Quinn Ojinnaka on Monday.
Kooistra is a 6-foot-6, 335-pound former Cincinnati Bengals seventh-round draft pick from North Carolina State.

Kooistra, 29, has played in 84 career NFL games with one start.

Trevor Pryce a Jet per Terrell Suggs

2010-09-30T11:01:00.000-04:00

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs says that veteran defensive end Trevor Pryce has signed with the New York Jets.

The Ravens cut Pryce on Wednesday to re-sign safety Ken Hamlin, and coach John Harbaugh had indicated that the team planned to bring back Pryce.

"kinda sad 2day. my boy trevor pryce signed wit the JETS!!!!!" Suggs wrote on his Twitter account. "happy for him but would rather he be on my team!!!!! "

The move isn't surprising considering Pryce's ties to Jets coach Rex Ryan.

Football runs in the family for Ray Lewis

2010-09-18T11:10:00.002-04:00

Lewis isn't the only member of his family that's off to a good start on the football field this year.

Ray Lewis III, a sophomore running back and linebacker at Lake Mary Prep (Fla.), gained 504 all-purpose yards in a win over Windermere Prep last week.

Ray Lewis' son rushed for 104 yards, gained 101 yards on kickoff returns and had 206 yards and two touchdowns on punt returns with 27 receiving yards and 66 yards passing on 6 of 6 accuracy. He also recorded six tackles and deflected a pass.

"It’s funny, man, because my kids are putting pressure on me now," Lewis said. "I’m telling them, ‘I’m getting ready to one day tailgate so I can chase y’all.’ You know? My oldest boy had his game Friday night, and then my 10-year-old had his game Saturday, and both of them scored three times, and the text I get and the phone call I get is, ‘It’s your turn.’ I’m like, ‘Well, how do I show up 500 yards?’ You can’t show up 500 yards.”

Lewis III led his team in rushing and tackles last season as a freshman.

The 5-foot-9, 186-pounder was 5-foot-5, 140 pounds two years ago as an eighth-grader.

“He’s bulked up and looks great out there,” Lake Mary coach Buck Gurley told the Orlando Sentinel. “He hits the weights hard over the summer. He’s far advanced for his grade level. He’s definitely going to be a Division I prospect.”

Lewis, whose Ravens beat the New York Jets 10-9 Monday night as he recorded a huge hit on tight end Dustin Keller, is extremely proud.

"He’s a great kid, a great kid, all of my boys," Lewis said. "I give them hard criticism even when I watch their films and watch the things they do on tape. Whether it’s the ball is in the wrong hand, whether you should have used a stiff-arm, whether you should have went outside, inside, whatever it is.

"I don’t critique them to down them, but the effort is kind of what I always keep up with. And just to see what I saw on tape about what he did this last week, just his effort and his leadership on how he kept his team involved, there’s no greater reward for a father than to see that, than to see your son.”

Lewis said he's the type of parent who isn't shy about voicing his approval whenever he gets a chance to attend a game in person.

"Oh yeah, every bye week I usually see him," Lewis said. "I’m faithful to it. I’m not the parent that’s going to sit back and be quiet. I’m the one that runs all the way. If you run 100 yards, I’m running 110. So, good thing."

Kindle says, "I'm Back!"

2010-09-06T06:26:00.001-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens injured rookie outside linebacker Sergio Kindle traveled to Baltimore from Texas on Sunday to be examined by doctors after fracturing his skull in late July and being sidelined for the entire preseason.

The second-round draft pick from the University of Texas is scheduled to undergo a series of neurological exams.

Kindle will have to pass a physical before he can be signed to an NFL contract.

As an unsigned player, Kindle isn't currently on the roster and hasn't been given any designation as far as the reserve physically unable to perform list. He's expected to be placed on that list eventually and would have to miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season.

Kindle is extremely upbeat about his prospects and hopes to be playing football as soon as October. However, he has to be medically cleared, sign a contract and get into football shape.

"Its official, i'll be wear'n number 94!!!" Kindle wrote on his official Twitter account. "ima sit out some games but look for ya boy on that field sometime next month!! King Serg. ..

"Whats good world! Ya boy is up get'n ready for my flight to B-More!! Yea buddy...IM BACK!!!"

Webb is back and having fun

2010-08-24T06:23:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens are taking a cautious approach with cornerback Lardarius Webb while holding out hope that he'll return in time for the first game against the New York Jets.

Webb was activated from the physically unable to perform list today after passing his physical.

He tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Dec. 20 against the Chicago Bears.

"I really don’t know," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said when asked if Webb would play in the team's remaining two preseason contests. "You would love to just because if he was out there doing it, you know he was ready, but we’re not going to push it. We’re not going to do anything earlier than, as much you can be, sure there won’t be a setback."

The Sept. 13 regular season opener isn't being viewed as a lock, but the Ravens are privately optimistic.

"I wish I could but I’m not a doctor, and the doctors don’t even tell us that," Harbaugh said. "It’s impossible to put a number on."

Webb took part in individual drills, running around and cutting without incident.
"It was fun," Webb said. "Glad to be out with my teammates. They welcomed me back fine and dandy. It was great."

Webb was reluctant to say when he'll return as far as playing in games, deferring comment to Harbaugh.

"My expectations are to get through this whole season healthy and to help my team win a championship," Webb said. "Play my role, if that's cheering them on from the sideline, if that's being a starting corner or starting nickel, hey, I could be a coach. It don't matter. Just want to be a part of this team this year, so I'm doing everything to get back with these guys."

Webb still on PUP but not for long

2010-08-19T18:35:00.002-04:00

Lardarius Webb continues to work on the side while the Baltimore Ravens practice at McDaniel College, staying on the physically unable to perform list this morning.

That status could change soon, though.

"It felt good," said Webb, who tore his right anterior cruciate ligament against the Chicago Bears last December. "It's coming along. We're working real hard every day and hoping I can be back as soon as possible. I hope so."

Webb has been accelerating his workout schedule, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh is optimistic that he could return soon.

The Ravens would like to have Webb activated as soon as the third preseason game against the New York Giants.

"It's up to the doctors, but he's right there," Harbaugh said. "He wants to play."
Webb has said, though, that he doesn't want to play in the preseason.

The Ravens and Webb have both said they'll err on the side of caution and won't rush him back onto the field.

Photo by Kevin Moore

WEBB COULD BE ACTIVATED SOON

2010-08-19T07:53:00.002-04:00

Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb is making steady progress with his surgically-repaired torn anterior cruciate ligament, improving to the point where he could be on the verge of passing his physical and being activated from the physically unable to perform list.

Webb took a portion of the running test Wednesday at McDaniel College, and his interval times were even better than initially expected.

However, Webb has made it clear that he's not inclined to rush his rehabilitation schedule since he suffered the knee injury last December against the Chicago Bears.

Earlier his week, he said he doesn't believe he should play in any preseason games.

Webb is already well ahead of schedule and wants to err on the side of caution when it comes to when he'll begin practicing.

If Webb has concerns about it possibly being too soon to get back on the field, that could put the brakes on the Ravens' plans.

Regardless of when Webb gets activated, the consensus opinion is that the former third-round draft pick is making an impressive recovery.

"We might want to be cautious with him," Harbaugh said Tuesday "We’re going to be cautious with all these guys. The thing you don’t want to do is have a setback. He’s really doing well. I think he’s progressing ahead of schedule, that’s what I’ve been told.

"It won’t be long before you see him off the PUP and out here practicing with the guys, but I think we are going to be cautious with him. If he can play in the preseason and we feel very comfortable that it’s not going to be a setback, then we’ll do it. If we think there’s any possibility of a setback, then we probably won’t.”

The Ravens eased cornerback Fabian Washington., who tore his ACL last November, back into practice sessions. He's now slated to start Saturday night against the Washington Redskins and will likely play for a quarter.

Cousins carted off field

2010-08-18T16:35:00.002-04:00

L. McClain, Gooden sit out practice

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Oniel Cousins was carted off the field this morning at McDaniel College due to headaches, according to coach John Harbaugh.

“He developed a headache, so that’s where we’re at,”Harbaugh said. “I don’t know any more than that.”

Cousins will be examined for concussion symptoms.

Cousins may have also been dealing with fatigue issues.

He has been taking the first-team work at offensive tackle with Jared Gaither sidelined with a slight back tear and back spasms.

Tony Moll, who had his own concussion earlier in camp, stepped in with the first-team offense at right tackle.

Several offensive linemen are injured, including Hale (back), center Matt Birk (neck), Stefan Rodgers (shoulder) and center-guard Daniel Sanders (shoulder).

Pro Bowl fullback Le'Ron McClain sat out of practice due to a tight back.

He said he expects to return to practice as soon as Thursday and play Saturday night against the Washington Redskins.

"It's my back," he said. "It's a little tight today. Coach told me to chill out today.

"It's just all muscle. Come back get ready for practice tomorrow and then get ready for the Redskins."

Inside linebacker Tavares Gooden was sidelined from practice Wednesday morning due to a neck injury.

Gooden got injured against the Carolina Panthers and was able to practice Tuesday with no restrictions on contact after wearing a red jersey Monday that signified he was off-limits to hitting.

Now, Gooden's not practicing at all as the Ravens are hoping that rest will cure what's ailing him.

"Tavares has got the neck thing from the game," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said . "It just keeps tightening back up on him, so we just need to sit him down and settle him down. He’s tried to go the last two days. Every time he’s tried to go, it spasms back up, so we just need to settle him down for a couple days and try to get him out there on Saturday.”

Gooden was under consideration to start Saturday night against the Washington Redskins.

So, Baltimore might go with Dannell Ellerbe or Jameel McClain, who started against Carolina.

The Ravens want to evaluate all three candidates to start opposite All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

"Yeah, that’d probably be part of it," Harbaugh said. "We also want to get Jameel some work at Sam [strongside linebacker] because he’s a multiple guy, and in order to play the position, you’ve got to get some work there. So, we’ll move those guys around for the next two weeks and we’ll know where we’re at.”

Photo by Kevin Moore

Zorn set to revisit Redskins, Fedex Field

2010-08-18T03:51:00.002-04:00

Jim Zorn isn't consumed by bitterness, grudges or hard feelings.

The Baltimore Ravens' quarterback coach hasn't spoken with Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder since the night he was fired as head coach a few hours after returning from the Redskins' season finale in San Diego.

And it doesn't sound like Zorn has plans to seek out Snyder when the Baltimore Ravens face the Redskins Saturday night in a preseason game at FedEx Field.

It figures to be an emotional evening for Zorn as he'll be on the opposing sideline after coaching the Redskins for the past two seasons.

Known for his positive demeanor, Zorn didn't stray from the high road during an interview after practice Tuesday at McDaniel College.

"What is the right way [to deal with it]? You just get fired, thank you very much and you move on." Zorn said. "I really think that's how we have to handle it, or we could go sit in our rooms for a few weeks and mope and feel sorry for ourselves.
It's not the way life is, really. We're called to handle difficult situations as well as glorious situations."

It was an extremely rough year for Zorn last season.

One year removed from a somewhat promising 8-8 campaign as a rookie head coach, the Redskins went into a downward spiral.

They nosedived to 4-12.

Zorn was embarrassed when he was relieved of offensive play-calling duties six games into the season having lost four games. The Redskins gave the responsibilities to assistant Sherman Lewis even though it had been years since Lewis had called plays or worked in the NFL.

Introspective by nature whether he's coaching or riding his trademark mountain bike, Zorn said he learned a lot from the experience even though it didn't turn out the way he wanted it to.

"It's an exciting position, it really is," Zorn said. "It's intense. There are so many details of the football game. You do feel like the intensity level is very high. You can't have an error, you can't have a mistake. That's what we coach to: perfection.

"I think that's been brought out in me extensively. It's kind of to the max. When you think about a position coach versus the head coach. ... There's just sort of a heightened awareness there."

The Ravens are acutely aware of Zorn's contribution.

As a former Seattle Seahawks quarterback who set several franchise records, Zorn has provided a lot of perspective to Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

And the Ravens know this will be a big night for Zorn as he returns to square off against his former employers, who are still paying his salary out of the remaining years on his contract.

"Jim Zorn, obviously, we've had fun with it," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "And it's going to be very meaningful for him. I hope the Redskins fans are very respectful. This is a good man. He's a great coach.

"He's brought a lot to us as a Raven, and I know he gave his heart and soul for the Redskins for two years. That's kind of what it's all about. It's a tough business, but we're proud to have him here. He's meant so much to our quarterbacks and to our team, and he's made us a better football team."

Harbaugh and Zorn got to know each other over the past few years as both were hired as head coaches two years ago.

Both are active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and their wives got to know each other, too.

"We had become good friends just being up the road from them," Harbaugh said. "We had developed a little bit of a relationship with the families. So, we'd been talking pretty much all the way through."

Once quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson accepted the Oakland Raiders' offer to become their offensive coordinator, it wasn't long before Zorn interviewed for the vacancy. He met with Harbaugh and other team officials at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and a deal was quickly worked out.

"When Hue Jackson had the opportunity to go to Oakland as the offensive coordinator, then the dialogue changed," Harbaugh said. "We were just very fortunate that he chose to come here."

The most emotional aspect of the reunion for Zorn is likely to take place on the field before kickoff and after the game.

That's when players and coaches congregate and traditionally have a few conversations.

Zorn figures to be warmly received.

"I got close to some of those players that are on that team, so I wish them well, but we all move on," Zorn said. "My concentration is now to help this football team win. I'm really excited about being a part of the Ravens.

"That's where my concentration is. I don't spend a lot of time going, ‘Gosh, oh gee, whiz, I'm not this or that,' because we don't have time. We're all concentrating and focusing on this football season. That's it."

How's it going to feel for Zorn to run out on the field wearing purple and black instead of burgundy and gold?

What's it going to be like to gaze across the field and see Mike Shanahan running his old football team?

"It'll be different," Zorn said. "I don't know how weird it'll be because my responsibility is to get these quarterbacks ready and get this offense ready in any way I can. That's what I'm doing right now."

If Zorn ever gets another chance to become an NFL head coach again, he says he wouldn't shy away from giving it another shot.

Right now, though, that's not his focus.

He's enjoying what he's doing, working with Flacco, Marc Bulger and Troy Smith.

"I don't know, the circumstance is either going to be there or it's not," said Zorn, who has previously tutored Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Batch. "I'm not in any hurry. If the opportunity arises, I'd like to have the opportunity. I really enjoyed [it]. If I have the opportunity to be here for however long, 10 years in the capacity that I'm in right now, I'm willing."

Gaither saga continues

2010-08-07T02:35:00.001-04:00

The Jared Gaither saga took another repetitive turn Friday as he remained sidelined with upper back cramps that have rendered him unable to play football.

The Baltimore Ravens' towering offensive tackle is down to 311 pounds, admittedly more than he planned to lose after playing last season at 340 pounds.

The former University of Maryland lineman is struggling with the adjustment to playing at a lighter weight, a development that the Ravens hadn't anticipated when they opened training camp.

"Jared's got some muscle cramps, spasms I guess you'd call them, between his shoulder blades and his upper back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "So, he just can't get into his stance and really play right now. So, we've got to work that out somehow."

This marks the second time that Gaither has cramped up. His blood work has come back negative.

He was carted off the field a week ago and had ice packs placed on his lower back.

He was able to practice for the majority of this week after returning Monday.

Now, he's sidelined again.

Gaither attended practice, and strength and conditioning coach Bob Rogucki helped him stretch out.

Earlier this week, Gaither acknowledged that he overdid the weight loss. Gaither worked out on his own away from the Ravens' supervision.

He has said he lost the weight to reduce stress on his foot and toe injuries. However, he's also now far much lighter than most right offensive tackles and resembles a tight end or a basketball player more than an NFL offensive lineman.

"I had a couple of cramps," Gaither said. "I dropped a couple pounds over the summer. I'm just preparing for a great season. I lost a little bit more than I was anticipating and cramped up a little bit my first time out there. I'm back now, and I'm fine."

Gaither's workload at right tackle was taken over by rookie Ramon Harewood and Oniel Cousins as they divided the snaps with the first-team offense.

Harewood is a relatively inexperienced football player having grown up in Barbados playing volleyball, soccer, cricket and rugby before emerging as an NFL prospect at Morehouse, which he attended on an academic scholarship.

Harewood was sidelined during minicamps because of a soft-tissue knee injury, but is 100 percent healthy now.

"Ramon, he comes out here and he's fighting through," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He's playing both sides, he's taking every snap and he's the kind of guy that doesn't make the same mistakes twice.

"Really a smart player for a guy that has very little football experience. He has a long way to go, but he's moving pretty quickly."

Ravens looking to cut down on penalties

2010-08-06T07:12:00.002-04:00

WESTMINSTER --The Baltimore Ravens got tired of seeing yellow flags flying in their direction last season, a trend that never halted as they led the NFL penalty yardage.

Ranked fifth in total penalties assessed last year with 115 for a total of 1,094 penalty yards, the Ravens continue to have college officials working their training camp to make sure the players follow the rules.

“I would say it’s a big point of emphasis for us,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “It’s always been a big emphasis, but probably more so than it has been ever before.”

NFL referee Ron Winter and his officiating crew visited the Ravens to go over new points of emphasis and rule changes earlier in camp.

The aspiring NFL officials are told to not hold back with the flags at camp.

Sometimes, the players argue and lobby for calls or have a bit of fun with defensive end Cory Redding tossing a flag into the air recently.

“We’ve told them to call it tight,” Harbaugh said. “And our coaches are instructed to coach the penalties, not argue about them. And we’ve always tried to do that, but I think more so this year than ever probably.”

So far, Harbaugh said that the Ravens have been cutting down on holding and pass interference penalties.

He’ll judge the real results when the penalties actually count.

“When the games start, we’ll find out,” Harbaugh said. “I think guys have been very conscious about technique. I’ve seen improvement with regard to those things.”

There's a new CB kid in town

2010-08-05T21:59:00.002-04:00

The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent cornerback Chris Hawkins.

The 6-foot, 187-pound former LSU starter worked out for the Ravens earlier today at training camp at McDaniel College.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for him,” Hawkins' agent, Darin Morgan, told the Carroll County Times. “Hopefully, Chris can take advantage of the opportunity. He certainly has good size and good measurables. The Ravens like cornerbacks with some size, and he fits the bill for what they like.”

Hawkins was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars following the draft.

Jacksonville cut him in July before training camp.

The Ravens lost cornerback Domonique Foxworth for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

They traded quarterback John Beck to the Washington Redskins this week for cornerback Doug Dutch.

Hawkins was invited to the NFL scouting combine in February.

He recorded 119 career tackles, 19 pass deflections and five interceptions for the Tigers.

Ravens to try out cornerback Chris Hawkins

2010-08-05T07:54:00.001-04:00

WESTMINSTER -- Still searching for depth at cornerback, the Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to audition former LSU cornerback Chris Hawkins on Thursday.

Hawkins is a 6-foot, 187-pound undrafted rookie free agent who was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars following the draft.

However, Jacksonville cut him in July.

The Ravens lost cornerback Domonique Foxworth for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. They traded quarterback John Beck to the Washington Redskins this week for cornerback Doug Dutch.

Hawkins was invited to the NFL scouting combine in February.

He recorded 119 career tackles, 19 pass deflections and five interceptions for the Tigers.

John Beck traded to Redskins

2010-08-02T12:32:00.003-04:00

WESTMINSTER, Md. -- Rumors have been swirling for days that the Baltimore Ravens were looking to trade one of their reserve quarterbacks, John Beck or Troy Smith.

Beck is now expected to be traded to the Washington Redskins.

The former Miami Dolphins second-round draft pick was with the Ravens last season. He was competing with Troy Smith to be the third quarterback.

UPDATE: Ravens receive CB Doug Dutch in return. Dutch spent time on the Redskins’ practice squad in 2009 as a cornerback prospect. He played cornerback at the University of Michigan after converting from wide receiver. He was also a special teams standout in college.

Signed with the Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 28, 2009

2009 (Redskins)

Signed with the Redskins’ practice squad (11/16) for the remainder of the 2009 season.

Played in all 12 games as a fifth-year senior and played mostly on special teams
Saw action in all 13 games as a senior in 2007, tallying one tackle on defense but seeing the bulk of playing time on special teams

Played in seven games as a junior, seeing action at wide receiver

Played wide receiver in seven games as a sophomore and served on special teams
Caught four passes for 34 yards in sophomore season and returned two punts for 16 yards

Did not see any action as a freshman in 2004

Attended Gonzaga College High School and was a three-year starter and letterman at wide receiver and cornerback

Totaled 60 career receptions for 1,000 yards and scored 25 total touchdowns in his career

Made 207 career stops and 10 interceptions on defense

Held a kick return average of over 50 yards for his high school career

Caught 22 passes for 320 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior andtotaled 45 tackles, 11 pass break-ups and six interceptions returning one for a score
Had 16 receptions for 337 yards and three touchdown catches as a junior
Had 19 punt returns for 238 yards and one return for a touchdown along with five kick returns for 267 yards

Was a three-year letterman in basketball and four-year letterman in track where he holds a school record 10.5 second 100-meters

Holds the school record in the 200-meters (21.7) and 400-meters (46.84)

http://www.nfl.com/players/dougdutch/profile?id=DUT105903

Domonique Foxworth's season over due to torn ACL

2010-07-30T12:59:00.001-04:00

WESTMINSTER, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, a major blow for a defense already missing cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb.

"We had an orientation practice and it's a slow-pace, short practice and we lost Domonique Foxworth," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Domonique tore his ACL. He wasn't touched. There was no contact. He just planted the wrong way and the thing popped.

"We're disappointed about that. I'm most disappointed for Domonique. I can't wait to see who steps up to fill that spot. We're going to have a great defense."

Webb and Washington remain out due to their own surgically-repaired knee ligaments that were torn last season. Plus, cornerback Cary Williams is suspended for the first two games for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.

The Ravens have signed Walt Harris and Travis Fisher this offseason and also have Chris Carr. Carr and Fisher lined up as the starters today.

It's possible that general manager Ozzie Newsome will look to sign another cornerback, too.

"The one thing with the Ravens, as you all know, Ozzie's always going to get guys here," defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "He's going to always give you enough bullets. We are very confident in that and we'll do whatever we have to do to get that defense ready."

Heap sidelined with illness, F. Washington good to go

2010-07-30T04:16:00.001-04:00

Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap was placed on the non-football illness list.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection will be sidelined for the first full-team practice Friday.

The nature of his illness is unknown at this time, but it's not regarded as serious.
Practice was closed to reporters on Thursday at McDaniel College.

Meanwhile, cornerback Fabian Washington (knee) has passed his physical and has been activated from the physically unable to perform list.

Washington has made a rapid recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last season.

"It really felt good running around with the guys again," Washington wrote on his Twitter acount. "The knee feels great."

Undrafted rookie wide receiver Rodelin Anthony (knee) also passed his physical.

Cody scales the conditioning mountain

2010-07-29T06:30:00.002-04:00

Huffing and puffing his way across the finish line, massive rookie nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody finally beat the clock and conquered the Baltimore Ravens' challenging conditioning test.

One day after twice flunking a timed running test at McDaniel College, the 6-foot-4, 350-pounder was activated from the physically unable to perform list and joined his teammates for training camp practice as an anchor in the middle of the defensive line.

Cody earned some respect for his perseverance by passing the test at 7 a.m., and he's gained a new nickname from veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata: "Cheeseburger."

While Cody took the joke in stride, he was embarrassed initially when he was unable to make the times.

"I didn't pass and I was kind of down on myself, telling myself I could have worked harder," Cody said. "I had a lot of people behind me, cheering me on after I failed it. It was just like, ‘Get it next time, or try again tomorrow.'

"I had my family call me and ask me what was going on. I had to tell them. I slept on it and got up this morning with a head full of steam and passed it. It was a relief."

And Ngata delivered some comic relief at the big rookie's expense.

"Ngata kind of nicknamed me, ‘Cheeseburger.'" Cody said with a smile. "He calls me that. He's a real nice guy."

Cody weighed 400 pounds a few years ago, so his fitness and nutrition remain a work in progress.

The running test is especially tough for a defensive lineman with Cody's girth.
It consists of running 25 yards, up and back, up and back, up and back, in 35 total seconds. Then, there's a 70-second rest period between intervals. It's repeated six times and the target time remains the same for each run.

With Cody passing the conditioning test, it represents the Ravens' first upset victory of the season.

"I will have to admit that I was surprised this morning when they told me he passed the conditioning test," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We have it on tape, and we will verify the results of that test. I think it's a credit to him.

"Obviously it shows you that he was in shape. He's a little heavy right now. He's got to lose a little weight, but that will happen in training camp. The fact that he's in shape is important. So, it shows you that he's done the work."

Cody was a sloppy 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl all-star game this winter, but got down to 350 pounds by the NFL scouting combine. He said he weighs about 350 pounds, which was his weight at minicamp.

"Around that range," Cody said.

The Ravens wouldn't specify what kind of target weight they have for the consensus All-American from Alabama. During the spring, a goal of 340 pounds was bandied about for Cody by team officials.

"I don't want to put a number on it," Harbaugh said. "We have that number and we'll get him to that number, but that's not something I want to share right now."
It's rare for a nose guard to run distances as long as 25 yards unless something disastrous has happened like a long run or reception.

Plus, the Ravens believe that Cody can be more than just a run-stuffer who operates on first and second down and is off the field in passing situations.

"We didn't label him as just this and just that. We basically think this guy can play football for us," Harbaugh said. "So whatever he grows into, if he can push the pocket on third down for us, that would be great. I see no reason why he can't do that for us. That's what training camp is all about. That's why you put the pads on."

Cody has already become a popular figure in the locker room.

Fellow Alabama football alum Jarret Johnson, the Ravens' starting outside linebacker was impressed with Cody passing the first test. There will be many more to come, though, in the form of taking on veteran blockers.

"We weren't too hard on him," Johnson said. "That's a tough task, especially for those big guys. Guys who are 350 or so, to run that test is pretty impressive."

Photo by Dave Munch, Carroll County Times

Cheeseburger in Training Camp

2010-07-28T15:27:00.002-04:00

WESTMINSTER -- Now that Baltimore Ravens massive rookie nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody has passed the conditioning test and is practicing, the 6-foot-4, 350-pounder is the subject of some good-natured ribbing from teammmates.

Veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata has dubbed the former Alabama standout, "Cheeseburger."

"He likes to kid around and stuff," Cody said. "He kind of nicknamed me Cheeseburger. He's a real nice guy and he does help me out, what I have to do, what I have to remember on this play."

Cody said he currently weighs 350 pounds. The Ravens would like him to get down lower than.

This spring, they were hoping he could get down to 350 pounds.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he was surprised that Cody was able to pass the running test.

It consists of running 25 yards up and back, up and back, up and back followed by a 70-second rest period and repeated for six intervals. Cody had to make a time of 35 seconds for each 150-yard run.

"I’ll have to admit that I was surprised this morning when he passed the conditioning test," Harbaugh said. "But we have it on tape that will verify the results of the test. Obviously, it shows you that he was in shape. He’s a little heavy right now. He’s got to lose little weight, but that will happen in training camp. But the fact that he’s in shape is important. That shows you that he’s done the work."

Harbaugh didn't specify what weight the Ravens want Cody to get down to.

"I don’t want to put a number on it," Harbaugh said. "We have that number and we’ll get him to that number, but that’s not something I want to share right now."

Cody has weighed as much as 400 pounds in the past and was 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl this winter, but has gotten in better shape through increased workouts and a more nutritious diet. He says he has stopped eating late-night snacks and is now eating breakfast to speed up his metabolism.

Cody was upset to not pass the test right away.

"I didn't pass it," he said. "I was kind of down on myself, telling myself I could've worked harder. But I had a lot of people behind me, cheering me on. It was like, just get it next time, or try again tomorrow. I had D-Line, Jarret, Kelly, Haloti all cheering me on, keeping me going."

Cody acknowledged that he needs to keep improving his conditioning.

"I feel like it's pretty good, but I can get better," Cody said. "There's always a lot of room for improvement and that's what I had a talk with with coach Harbaugh. I can get a lot better before the season starts."

"Big Cody passed..."

2010-07-28T15:25:00.000-04:00

WESTMINSTER -- Baltimore Ravens rookie nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody has passed the team's conditioning test, according to cornerback Fabian Washington.

The second-round draft pick from Alabama will now be eligible to practice.

"Big Cody passed his conditioning test," Washington wrote on his Twitter account. "Woooooooooooo"

The Ravens' conditioning test consists of running 25 yards, up back, up back, up back for a total of 150 yards. Then, there's a 70-second rest period. Six total intervals with a time requirement.

Cody's time requirement is believed to be 35 seconds.

Cody and cornerbacks Walt Harris and Prince Miller didn't pass the test on the first day of training camp and were place on the non-football injury list.

RAVENS NOTEBOOK: Amongst the walking wounded Ngata feeling "great"

2010-07-28T04:15:00.006-04:00

Plus other news and notes from Training Camp

Ten players were sidelined for the Baltimore Ravens for the first day of training camp for various health and conditioning reasons.

The Ravens designated offensive tackle Oniel Cousins on the non-football illness list because of his offseason throat surgery to have a cyst removed from his esophagus.

And the team placed rookie nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody and cornerbacks Walt Harris and Prince Miller on the non-football injury list.

The Ravens placed the following injured players on the physically unable to perform list: safety Ed Reed (hip), cornerbacks Lardarius Webb (knee) and Fabian Washington (knee), running back Matthew Lawrence (knee), center Matt Birk (neck) and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (quadriceps).

Ayanbadejo has been sidelined since last October when he tore his quadriceps tendon against the New England Patriots, an injury that required surgery.

"I feel good, but I'm not 100 percent," Ayanbadejo said. "I'm pretty anxious to get out there and play football. I'm pretty eager."

It's unclear when Ayanbadejo will be able to return, but the former Pro Bowl special-teams ace hopes it will be soon.

"We don't know," he said. "It's up to when the quad heals. It's just not strong enough to do everything I need to do to play full-contact football. It's healed. It's a matter of getting the strength back. That's the hardest part is getting the muscle back to where it was before."

Cousins is working to regain his strength and some weight lost from the throat operation following a bad case of strep throat that developed into a pain in his chest that made it difficult to eat.

Luckily for him, it wasn't cancer.

"It was definitely scary," Cousins said. "I'm feeling better, I'm getting better every day. I think I'll be back next week.

"I'll continue to work every day and condition myself and get back. I've been able to tolerate a lot more food now. I'm feeling good. I'm improving every day."

NGATA FEELING GOOD: Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is regaining his range of motion and strength following offseason surgery to repair a pectoral muscle he tore during the Pro Bowl.

Ngata predicted he'll definitely play in the first preseason game.

"I'm feeling fantastic," Ngata said. "I have healed fast and started lifting weights about 2½ months ago. I feel good right now. I'm a little stiff and sore, but that's more about getting into football shape.

"I'm working on things like my range of muscle and definitely building that muscle. I'll definitely be ready for that first game."

Ngata said he's taking precautions with not getting his arm caught in an awkward position.

"I'm going to try to get in front of the runner," Ngata said. "None of those wide arm tackles."

CHOOSING A THIRD QUARTERBACK: With the acquisition of veteran quarterback Marc Bulger as Joe Flacco's new primary backup, the job security of Troy Smith and John Beck has taken a hit.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said it won't be difficult to determine which quarterbacks to choose.

"It's not as complicated as everybody thinks," he said. "We've got a lot of practice left, a lot of reps in practice. You just watch every drill, watch every practice, watch through the preseason games. It usually clarifies itself, and it's usually pretty obvious. It's really not as difficult as most people think."

QUICK HITS: Birk said he arrived early at camp mostly to help out the rookies. Plus, he wanted to get to work. "My family's back at home," he said. "Idle time is the devil's playground. I like to stay busy." ... Unlike Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant, Webb said he would never have an issue with carrying a veteran's shoulder pads and helmet. "If somebody asked me to take a helmet. I'll take a helmet," Webb said. "Not a big deal. I don't feel disrespected. It's just some things they do. I don't care." When players reported to camp, coach John Harbaugh reiterated that he doesn't believe in hazing rookies. "We're not a hazing team," Harbaugh said. "It's not something that we believe in. We think all of our players are Ravens. That's why we brought them in here, and they're Ravens until they're not. We try to be very respectful of all the guys, and that includes rookies, but I also think there's a certain protocol for the young guys to have an opportunity to show some humility and some respect for the veterans and what they've done in this league. If that means stepping back in line at dinner, stepping back in the taping line, taking care of pads coming off the field, that stuff is being deferential to a veteran. We encourage that, and our guys have always been good about that."

Ten Ravens deemed physically unable to perform to begin camp

2010-07-27T15:03:00.000-04:00

WESTMINSTER -- The Baltimore Ravens have opened training camp with 10 players on the physically unable to perform list.

That group includes safety Ed Reed (hip surgery), linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (quadriceps), nose guard Terrence Cody (flunked conditioning test), cornerback Walt Harris (flunked conditioning test), offensive tackle Oniel Cousins (throat surgery), cornerback Lardarius Webb (knee), cornerback Fabian Washington (knee), wide receiver Rodelin Anthony (knee) and cornerback Prince Miller (undisclosed).

The Ravens could also wind up placing offensive tackle Jared Gaither on PUP with a foot injury.

He hasn't reported to training camp yet.

Cody flunks Ravens conditioning test

2010-07-27T14:59:00.001-04:00

WESTMINSTER-- Baltimore Ravens massive rookie nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody flunked the team's mandatory conditioning test and was held out of the first practice of training camp.

"He didn't pass the conditioning test," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Part of our process is everybody has to pass the conditioning test to be sure that they're ready to compete. Our practices are fast. We've got to be sure guys are physically ready to practice. So when he passes the conditioning test, he'll practice."

Cody is listed at 6-foot-4, 349 pounds, but the second-round draft pick from Alabama is likely a bit heavier than that.

However, he's in much better condition than the sloppy 370 pounds he tipped the scales at during the Senior Bowl.

Harbaugh said he's not surprised that Cody, a big run-stuffing defensive lineman, didn't pass the test.

"I'm not surprised," Harbaugh said. "Every year, certain guys struggle with that. There's a certain level of expectation of conditioning that goes with being an NFL player, especially for this team. So, he's going to have to get himself into the kind of shape he needs to be in. We expect all our guys to be in world-class shape. So, he'll be in world-class shape soon enough."

PUP List could be crowded to kick off training camp

2010-07-27T07:17:00.002-04:00

WESTMINSTER - The Baltimore Ravens' physically unable to perform list is getting a bit crowded with injured players as the team kicks off training camp today at McDaniel College.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh indicated that cornerbacks Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington, who are recovering from torn anterior cruciate ligaments, as well as free safety Ed Reed, who underwent offseason hip surgery, will begin camp on the list.

The active designation means they'll be unable to practice initially, but can be activated from that list anytime during camp.

"I expect there to be a few guys that we'll be cautious with," Harbaugh said. "We'll just keep them on PUP until they're ready to practice in such a way that they can protect themselves and compete and be ready to go."

Meanwhile, former Pro Bowl special-teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo is also expected to begin camp on the list. He spent the majority of last season on injured reserve with a torn quadriceps tendon.

Sidelined during minicamps after offseason shoulder surgeries, nose guard Kelly Gregg and linebacker Jarret Johnson said they'll practice with no restrictions today.

Webb has made a lot of progress since hurting his knee last season against the Chicago Bears.

Still, it hasn't been very long since he suffered the injury.

"My hope is to do as much as I possibly can and work back as fast as possible, but patiently," Webb said. "So, I'm just waiting to see."

Webb is holding out hope that he'll be activated by the start of the regular season. Otherwise, he'll miss at least the first six games of the regular season.

"We're going to see how everything happens," Webb said. "We've got a whole month ahead of us, and I guess ya'll can see how everything goes."

Washington declared that his knee is ready for action.

"I feel like it's ready to play," Washington said. "I plan on being full-go, but of course we'll let the doctors and John Harbaugh make the final decision. I hope to be running around with the guys from Day 1."

Washington said he has been training at IMG in his hometown of Bradenton, Fla., with Mike Jenkins, Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie and Dexter McCluster.

"Dexter McCluster is a really shifty guy," he said. "I got some good work in."
The Ravens signed Walt Harris and Travis Fisher this offseason to add depth to the cornerback position due to the injury situation.

"We're probably bringing more corners into this camp than we have any camp since we've been here because of that," Harbaugh said. "All indications are positive, but until you get them out there practicing, changing directions, competing, you're not really going to know for sure. That's why we've signed some extra corners."

CODY SIGNS: Rookie second-round draft pick Terrence "Mount" Cody reported to camp and signed his $3.385 million maximum value contract, which includes a $1.12 million signing bonus. He received $1.595 million in total guaranteed money, including his one-timer clause.

The 6-foot-4, 350-pound defensive lineman received a 6.3 percent increase in his total guaranteed money at his slot.

"Very excited about Terrence Cody," Harbaugh said. "That means really all of our guys that can practice are signed."

RAVENS STILL HIGH ON WILLIAMS: Despite being disciplined by the NFL with a two-game suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy, reserve cornerback Cary Williams' stock still remains high with team officials.

Williams was suspended for a personal family issue where he was not arrested.
"I haven't spoken with Cary since he left," Harbaugh said. "He knew this was going on. We weren't sure how the appeal was going to go. Obviously, all this stuff happened in Tennessee.

"Cary's still got to make our team and still has to prove that he can be a guy who can play corner in his league, but we have high hopes for Cary. We think he's very talented. He's come a long way since what happened in Tennessee happened. He's got to put that behind him now."

Williams said he's upbeat about his prospects and is looking forward to putting the incident behind him.

"The NFL has rules set in place, and it's our job as players to follow the rules," Williams said. "Unfortunately, I didn't do that. Now, I have to pay the consequences."

QUICK HITS: Offensive tackle Jared Gaither was moved to the right side this offseason, replaced by Michael Oher at left tackle. He was also sidelined for virtually the entire offseason with a bruised foot. Gaither was also linked to several trade rumors. "I have not had the chance to talk to Jared," Harbaugh said. "Looking forward to seeing him. I know he's done some things with his orthotics, and he's been rehabbing on his own. So, we'll see how he feels." ... Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who underwent surgery to repair a pectoral muscle torn during the Pro Bowl, is here early for camp. Ngata has said he expects to participate fully in drills. ... The Ravens are expected to contend for a Super Bowl berth, but Harbaugh couldn't hide his enthusiasm about the first practice of camp. "My expectations are really, really high for [today's] practice," Harbaugh said. "We expect it to be the best practice in the NFL. That's how you go about taking care of business. That's how you get yourself in position to talk about playing in the Super Bowl. We have a lot of work to do between now and then."

Ravens respond to Reed

2010-07-26T05:10:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens have reacted to star free safety Ed Reed's claim that he wasn't provided with game film when he requested it a few weeks back.

“If this happened, it had to be a misunderstanding of some sort,” team spokesman Kevin Byrne said. “We know Ed is a great student of the game and studies video all the time. We encourage our players to do this.”

Reed has said he has a text message that backs up what he's saying. He has not made the text message public, though.

“Don’t treat me like that after I gave my blood, sweat and tears for this guy, for this organization,” Reed said. “I train my tail off. I’m putting my life on the line. But I have to give you an excuse to study tape?

"When I do give you an excuse, and my excuse is I’m studying tape, that’s not a good enough excuse. But Ed is wrong for asking for a new contract. Come on, man.”

Reed has also hinted that he could retire if the conflict persists.

We've been told that Reed's game film claims do have some merit.

However, we're hearing that the primary aspect of Reed's issues is a financial one because he was rebuffed in a request for a new contract last year. The disconnect also centers on the team wanting to have Reed's surgically-repaired hip examined by team doctors and have the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year meet with coach John Harbaugh.

“I don’t have to be playing for them," Reed said. "I could retire. I don’t need the money."

And the drama continues.

Kindle suffers head injury in accident, will not report to camp

2010-07-25T15:42:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens rookie linebacker Sergio Kindle is in stable condition with a head injury after falling down two flights of stairs in Austin, Texas.

The second-round draft pick is at University Medical Center Brackenridge.

The unsigned former Longhorns star won't be reporting this week for training camp as he recovers from his injury.

“Members of our medical staff, including Bill Tessendorf and Dr. Andy Tucker, have spoken with doctors in Texas. We understand Sergio is stable at this time and that he is being tested and observed,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement.

Like a good neighbor, Bulger is there for Flacco

2010-07-16T04:20:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS - Marc Bulger didn't join the Baltimore Ravens to challenge Joe Flacco, or look over his shoulder.

A starter for the majority of his nine years with the St. Louis Rams, the former Pro Bowl quarterback has no intentions of crowding Flacco while adjusting to his new backup role. Bulger passed his physical and signed his one-year, $3.8 million contract earlier this week.

"It should be a different role, but it was made clear to me upfront that would be my role there," Bulger said during a Wednesday conference call. "I understand that I'm coming in and whatever capacity I can help Joe, I'll do it. It's just about helping us win football games."

Spoken like a true insurance policy.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Bulger has completed 62.1 percent of his career throws with 122 touchdowns and 93 interceptions.

The Ravens envision Bulger, 33, being a mentor to Flacco even though the former first-round draft pick is already an established NFL starter.

Heading into his third NFL season, Flacco has never missed a start since Baltimore drafted him in the first round.

Bulger, who has never met Flacco, emphasized that he doesn't want to overload him with too much advice.

"He's proven himself already in his short career," said Bulger, who can make up to $5.3 million if he triggers incentive clauses based on playing time. "I don't want to be the guy that comes in here and thinks I know it all and put too much on him. I'm going to let Joe let me know how much input he wants me to give.

"I just don't want to be the know-it-all backup. It's real easy to stand on the sideline and tell the guy who's actually doing it how easy it is because I've been in that situation before. I had a great mentor in Kurt Warner. I'll leave it up to Joe how much help he wants, but I'll be there for anything he needs."

Cut by the Rams this spring after management decided to draft Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the top overall pick, Bulger missed out on potential starting jobs because of the timing of his release.

There had been speculation about Bulger possibly going to the Arizona Cardinals and the Chicago Bears.

Ultimately, the Ravens provided the most lucrative option for him and allowed him to go to a playoff team with Super Bowl aspirations.

"It's obvious that the longer they held me, the more opportunities were getting taken by other players," Bulger said. "They had a responsibility to the Rams first. No hard feelings from it. It definitely took a couple opportunities away, but this opportunity here would have never been there, and I think it's the best situation for me."

Bulger started eight games last season for the 1-15 Rams, passing for 1,469 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions with a 70.7 passer rating.

His production took a serious dip during a catastrophic year where he took a beating, ending the season on injured reserve with a fractured shin bone.

Bulger said he wasn't concerned about passing his physical.

"I was healthy," Bulger said. "I had heard reports about all these different things I had and I really just had the cracked bone in my leg. I've broken some bones throughout my career, but I've really had no surgeries and I was pretty confident going into it."

As a starter for the Rams, Bulger went 41-54 as he passed for 22,814 yards with an 84.4 career passer rating.

Joining the Ravens gives Bulger a fresh start after a rough stretch in St. Louis in recent years.

"I'm just more interested in football again," Bulger said. "I'm interested just to put the fun back into it. The last three years have been pretty difficult. You only win five games in three years and the building's just down. You get a new atmosphere where you're talking about trying to win a Super Bowl."

Named to the Pro Bowl 2004 and 2006 when he passed for 4,301 and 3,964 yards, Bulger was signed to a six-year, $62.5 million contract that included $27 million in guaranteed money.

Since that deal, though, Bulger has thrown 34 interceptions with 27 touchdowns as the Rams disintegrated around him.

By signing Bulger, the Ravens have added their most accomplished backup since the days of Kordell Stewart or Randall Cunningham.

Bulger is arguably one of the best backups in the NFL. He's a lot more experienced than third-string and fourth-string quarterbacks Troy Smith and John Beck, who have combined for only six starts.

"I'd like to think that I'd be one of the top guys," Bulger said. "If I happen to get in, I wouldn't be a backup anymore. I'd be the starter."

Ideally, though, Bulger will never see the field except in the event of a blowout.

If he has to play, Bulger's confident that he'll run the offense adeptly.

"I've been in a lot of situations, played a lot of football in the NFL," he said. "They'd have a guy that's confident, wouldn't be a nervous young guy coming off the bench that's never played before.

"I think I could just keep the team rolling, and we wouldn't have to miss a beat. Let's hope that doesn't have to happen."

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Bulger officially a Raven!

2010-07-14T07:55:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Marc Bulger has passed his physical.

Bulger has now officially joined the team after agreeing to terms last month on a one-year, $3.8 million deal that can be worth as much as $5.3 million if he triggers incentive clauses.

Bulger dealt with a broken leg, strained groin, a hamstring and concussion symptoms last season, ending the year on injured reserve with two games left.

Bulger was released this offseason as the Rams drafted University of Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford with the first overall pick of the draft.

Bulger will back up Joe Flacco, a sturdy 6-foot-6, 240-pounder who has never missed a start in his NFL career.

Harbaugh now a member of NFL Competition Committee

2010-07-13T08:49:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Heading into his third season as the Baltimore Ravens' head coach, John Harbaugh has accepted an invitation to join a subcommittee of the NFL competition committee.

Harbaugh's responsibilities will include making recommendations on rule changes to the competition committee, the team announced. He'll also attend meetings for the general manager advisory committee.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome is a longtime competition committee member.

Subcommittee chairman John Madden invited Harbaugh to join the subcommittee and he accepted back in May.

"It's an honor and responsibility to join the competition subcommittee chaired by coach Madden," Harbaugh said in a statement. "I have the utmost respect for coach Madden and for his commitment to the game of football, as well as for commissioner [Roger] Goodell and his vigorous efforts to seek out and implement ideas in every area of our sport.

"Coach Madden and commissioner Goodell share in that commitment to work in every way possible to improve and maintain the quality of football for everybody involved in the game; especially the fans. The opportunity to be a part of that work is appreciated greatly and I will take it very seriously."

Mason suggests it's Super Bowl or bust for Ravens

2010-07-13T08:44:00.001-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason declared that anything short of a Super Bowl victory this season would render the entire season a failure.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection is certainly aiming high.

The Ravens have become a trendy Super Bowl contender in league circles after acquiring Anquan Boldin via a trade this offseason,"Anything less than a Super Bowl win, really, is a disappointment to us," Mason told 105.7 FM.

"I think we've done more than enough over the last three years to put ourselves in a position to win a championship. To do all we've done and not come out of this thing with a championship would be disheartening, especially for me because I'm looking at one, two years tops before I leave."

Mason signed a two-year contract this offseason. Now, he's looking to finish his career on top.

"I know a lot of the older guys on this team want to win a championship before they hang their cleats up," Mason said. "I just feel we are primed, and put together a great team. This is our opportunity to win a championship."

Of course, the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and the Cincinnati Bengals will have something to say about that in the AFC. Not to mention the NFC competitors vying for a Super Bowl berth.

Breaking down Pitta, Jones’ contracts

2010-06-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

The details are in for Baltimore Ravens rookies Dennis Pitta and Arthur Jones' contracts.

Pitta's three-year deal is worth $1.58 million and includes a $371,000 signing bonus.

Drafted in the fourth round out of Brigham Young, Pitta received the standard base salaries of $320,000, $405,000 and $490,000.

Meanwhile, Jones, a fifth-round pick from Syracuse, received a bonus of just over $133,500 on a three-year, $1.348 million deal.

The Ravens have five remaining unsigned draft picks, including second-round linebacker Sergio Kindle and second-round nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Veteran CB spurns Ravens offer

2010-06-18T05:29:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- Veteran cornerback Walt Harris declined the Baltimore Ravens' contract offer this week.

Harris,35, had a strong tryout for the Ravens where he displayed that his surgically repaired knee is back in working order.

However, Harris decided not to sign with the team at this time. Per our source, something could still be worked out with Harris between now and the Ravens' training camp in late July.

The Ravens have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with veteran safety Ken Hamlin, who also auditioned for Baltimore at a passing camp along with cornerback Ken Lucas.

Harris was out for all of last season with the San Francisco 49ers due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Ravens' ex's heading to Texas?

2010-06-16T06:46:00.003-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- A pair of former Baltimore Ravens are auditioning for jobs with the Houston Texans this week.

Veteran cornerback Frank Walker is trying out for the Texans along with linebacker Willie VanDeSteeg.

Walker is an unrestricted free agent. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has spoken highly of Walker, who drew criticism for his tendency to commit penalties last season.

However, the Ravens haven't made any attempt to re-sign Walker.

VanDeSteeg is a former undrafted rookie from the University of Minnesota who spent last season on the Ravens' practice squad.

He was released last week primarily due to a lack of repetitions in practice because of the crowd of outside linebackers in Baltimore.

According to the Texans, they also tried out: former Seattle Seahawks fullback Justin Griffth, who has previous stints with the Oakland Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons, undrafted rookie cornerback Kasey Brown (Northwestern State), long snapper Preston Powers (Ole Miss) and wide receivers Derrick Townsel (Murray State) and Bobby Williams (North Alabama).

Mark Clayton returns to practice for Ravens

2010-05-26T05:04:00.002-04:00

Wide receiver Mark Clayton practiced without restrictions after undergoing an arthroscopic surgical procedure on his right shoulder last month, running routes and catching passes in individual and team drills.

"It felt great," Clayton said. "I was able to fly around. I had my range of motion. I was able to catch balls."

Clayton said he's not quite 100 percent and will know more about the shoulder once he's grappling with cornerbacks to test the strength of his shoulder.

Clayton is competing for playing time behind starters Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason.

"We're still trying to see where I'll fit," Clayton said. "I'm just working hard. Anytime you get an opportunity to make a play, make a play and keep moving. It's exciting."

Nakamura ahead of schedule

2010-05-26T04:59:00.003-04:00

Backup safety Haruki Nakamura has made an impressive comeback from surgery to repair a gruesome broken fibula suffered last season against the Cleveland Browns.

He participated in full-team drills on an extended basis for the first time this week.

"It's a good feeling to be back out there," Nakamura said. "I started out last week with a couple of plays. The coaches felt I was doing well enough and I felt physically well enough to take more steps. It's a great improvement.

"I've been really focused on getting back and getting healthy. This is just one of those steps you have to take to get better."

Nakamura is surprised to be back at practice this soon.

"With an injury like that, you never know if you can come back," he said. "I really focused on doing the things that got me here throughout my career and it really helped me out a lot."

Only last week, Nakamura was favoring his injured right leg noticeably and couldn't cut. He's still not quite 100 percent.

"I can run a lot better now, less of a gimp," Nakamura said. "When I first started out, I couldn't jog without limping. Now, I can get a full-speed burst and get back out there. I can make all my cuts on it now.

"At first, I was really overcompensating for it and depending on my left leg. I can do all my speed turns, can do cuts. I have a lot of confidence in it now."

And his personal erector set is still in his ankle from his surgery and may remain there until next year, if not longer.

Nakamura still has a metal plate and eight screws in his ankle.

"I'm debating whether I'll take it out next year," he said.

So far, he hasn't set off any metal detectors at airport security.

"I've flown a couple of times already," Nakamura said. "I haven't had an issue."

Troy Smith returns after another bout with tonsils

2010-05-26T04:55:00.001-04:00

Other than being sacked by massive nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody and having one of his passes rejected by the rookie defensive lineman, it was a good day for backup quarterback Troy Smith.

The former Heisman Trophy winner is feeling much better after having his tonsils removed, returning to practice this week after being sidelined a week ago after the procedure.

"Oh my god, it's tremendous," Smith said. "It's like night and day. That was huge."
Smith was sidelined for five games during the 2008 season because of tonsillitis, an illness that cost him his chance to possibly claim the starting job.

He has had recurrences of the tonsillitis since that year, recently dealing with a case of strep throat that prompted him to have his tonsils taken out.

"I just decided that this was enough," Smith said. "It was tough, but well worth it. Everything is getting back in order. It's still trying times when I bark out signals and use my voice, but we have practice. You show up, you got to work. I'm feeling great."

HARBAUGH WANTS A BALTIMORE SUPER BOWL

2010-05-26T04:52:00.000-04:00

With New York awarded the 2014 Super Bowl despite resistance from Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti due to concerns about wintry weather, Harbaugh made his case for Baltimore to get a Super Bowl.

"You put one in New York, then come on down here to Baltimore and we'll have a Super Bowl, too. That's what I'd be for," Harbaugh said. "Baltimore built a stadium, put a lot of money into a brand new stadium. So, you start bringing it up here, I think we want one. But the main thing we're concerned with is getting into the Super Bowl. We try to take care of that first as a football team."

Quick Hits with the Baltimore Ravens

2010-05-26T04:42:00.002-04:00

QUICK HITS: Besides Oniel Cousins (illness) and Jared Gaither (foot), several other players didn't practice due to injuries. That includes cornerbacks Lardarius Webb (knee surgery) and Fabian Washington (knee surgery), defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (pectoral surgery), nose guards Kelly Gregg (shoulder surgery) and Brandon McKinney (back surgery), safety Ed Reed (hip surgery), offensive tackle Ramon Harewood (sprained knee) and wide receiver Maurice Price (ankle). Tight end Todd Heap was limited in drills as well as linebacker Jarret Johnson, who's recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. ... Several veterans didn't attend the voluntary practice, including: Boldin, middle linebacker Ray Lewis, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive ends Trevor Pryce and Cory Redding and running back Willis McGahee. ...Wide receiver Demetrius Williams left practice after landing on his face, but Harbaugh said it was just a precautionary measure. ...

Terrence Cody was especially active one week after missing practice with inflamed hip tissue. "It's still giving me problems," Cody said. "It's still sore." Despite the pain, Cody dominated inside. "I hit my gap, I knew I had to get there fast," Cody said. "I bull-rushed and collapsed the pocket and threw my hands up. Troy didn't pump-fake. I touched him and sacked him. I didn't try to knock him down." ... Running back Ray Rice practiced after having his wisdom teeth removed Friday. The swelling has gone down. "It's not too bad," he said. "My jaw was a little sore, but now it's pretty good. I was out there running around." ... Rice said he's playing at 210 pounds this season. He was feeling spry enough to dunk the football over the goalpost after a touchdown. "It's all about having fun," he said. "You've got to get some spunk in practice." ... Rice ran over to undrafted rookie cornerback Prince Miller after he got juked badly by Mason. "I asked him if he was all right," Rice said. "It looked like Michael Jordan taking a guy to school, basic fundamentals. We knew what Mason was doing. It looked like the little, young boy had a little problem. I asked him if he was OK. I didn't want him to get offended by it. That's Derrick Mason." ...

The Ravens are set to unveil their new high-definition video screens at M&T Bank Stadium during a press conference Thursday. The screens cost over $7 million and will be used this weekend at the NCAA lacrosse championships.

Ayanbadejo looks toward training camp for return from leg injury

2010-05-12T07:24:00.002-04:00

Travis Fisher invited to next OTA; "Ray Lewis Way" unveiled

OWINGS MILLS – Baltimore Ravens special-teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo is still facing a long road back to recover fully from a torn quadriceps tendon suffered last season.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection and reserve inside linebacker is still experiencing pain in his left leg, but is confidently targeting training camp for his return.

“I still have a lot of pain, an unusual amount of pain,” Ayanbadejo said during the Ravens’ weekend minicamp. “With that being said, I still get better every week. I think they’re probably hoping I’d be further along than I am. I still expect to be ready by training camp in August, and that’s when they expected me to be ready.”

Ayanbadejo was scheduled to undergo a follow up visit with his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday.

Ayanbadejo was making a significant contribution in the Ravens’ nickel package when he injured his leg against the New England Patriots, ending his season.

He tore up his leg while tackling running back Sammy Morris by the sideline.

Ayanbadejo was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week following the third game of the season against the Cleveland Browns, registering a sack, an interception and six tackles.

Ayanbadejo’s durability had been impressive, appearing in 100 consecutive NFL games before the injury last season at Gillette Stadium.

“I never missed a game in college, high school, nothing,” Ayanbadejo said. “Never missed a game in my career, so the first game I missed was last year and I don’t plan on missing anymore.”

NOTES: Following a successful tryout last weekend, veteran cornerback Travis Fisher has been invited to the Ravens’ next organized team activity.

Fisher hasn’t been signed to a contract yet, but has been told that’s in the offing.

“They invited me back and said we’ll work something out,” Fisher told 24x7 on Tuesday from his home in Miami. “I’m sure we’ll get the paperwork done soon. They already gave me a plane ticket to come back to Baltimore for the next camp.”

Fisher drew praise from Ravens coach John Harbaugh following minicamp.

The former St. Louis Rams second-round draft pick tried out for the Ravens before the playoffs last season, but injured his hamstring during the workout.

Fisher, 30, has intercepted nine career passes with 32 pass deflections.

“The Ravens are a great new opportunity,” Fisher said. “It’s my kind of defense.
I’ve still got a lot of football left in me. I can still run and am still fast and I’ve got no injuries.

“I want to be on this team. I’m looking for that Super Bowl ring. The Ravens have a great defense and I want to be a part of it.” …

“Ray Lewis Way” was unveiled Tuesday afternoon at the corner of North Avenue and Broadway in Baltimore.

The All-Pro middle linebacker and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was honored at a ceremony attended by Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Harbaugh.

“If Ray Lewis Way does nothing else, just look up instead of looking down,” Lewis told reporters. “If the street does nothing else but make you look up in life and say he did it differently, let that be the goal. .. Baltimore, I love you with every inch of my soul.”

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Cody's quick start impresses coaches and teammates

2010-05-09T07:47:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS – Rising out of his stance, massive nose guard Terrence Cody shot his meaty hands into the midsection of veteran center Matt Birk and charged forward.

The power that Cody generated was sufficient to stand Birk up high enough to straighten out his upper body after being hunched over the football at the snap.
That wasn’t the most impressive move from the Baltimore Ravens’ beefy rookie defensive lineman.

Cody disengaged from the clinch and nimbly maneuvered his 6-foot-4, 354-pound frame through the center-guard gap to penetrate the backfield. The surprising quickness from the second-round draft pick from Alabama opened a few eyes around the Ravens’ training complex during their minicamp that concludes today.

“Terrence is a big, strong guy who uses his strength and hands well,” said Birk, a six-time Pro Bowl selection. “He’s more than just big. He’s got a little wiggle to him. He’s impressive so far.

“Pushing a guy like that, I’ve got to use good technique or I don’t stand a chance because he’s so much bigger and stronger. It’s good practice for both of us.”

Despite weighing 400 pounds when he was in junior college and slightly less than that astronomical figure in high school, Cody is extremely athletic.

He claims to be able to dunk a basketball, which no one has ever disputed. He played tight end in high school, also starting on the basketball team. He even played fullback at times in junior college.

Is he off to a good start a few practices into his NFL career?

“I feel like I am, and the coaches think I am,” Cody said. “And it’s good right now.”

Cody weighed 370 pounds at the Senior Bowl, 354 pounds at the NFL scouting combine and 349 pounds at his Pro Day workout.

The weight is melting off.

“He’s been on schedule,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He’s been losing and he’s been lifting and training, and I think he looks good. I know he’s going to even look better when training camp starts.”

Cody has set a goal of eventually getting down to 330 to 335 pounds.

With his weight decreasing, his stamina seems to have improved.

He’s noticeably leaner than he was a few months ago.

“My conditioning is good,” Cody said. “I feel I can get my conditioning is better, and I can practice my way into shape. My weight is fine. The Ravens like it and I’m good with it.”

While Cody is one of the slowest defensive linemen to be drafted into the NFL in terms of the 40-yard dash with a 5.72 clocking, his ability to provide leverage and clog holes are extraordinary and he covers ground fast in a short area.

The Ravens like what they’ve seen out of Cody so far.

“The one thing you noticed on film and the one thing he showed out here, for a guy as big as he is, he’s got a really quick first step,” defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. “He really moves quick on his first couple of steps, and that’s very important in there with the guys he’s going to be playing against.

“We’ve always prided ourselves in stopping the run first. Terrence Cody has had a great reputation, has done a great job in his college years as a run-stopper and I don’t see any reason why he won’t do the same thing here.”

With starting defensive linemen Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata sidelined after shoulder and pectoral surgeries this offseason, Cody has been operating with the first-team defense.

Cody hasn’t looked out of place with one of the top defenses in the league.
And his run-stuffing, block-occupying style has been met with approval by All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

“My mindset definitely changed when we drafted Cody,” Lewis said. “I think I get to run around and have fun again, and that’s always a good thing.”

Cody’s intimidating presence is reminiscent of when the Ravens had super heavyweights Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams lined up in front of Lewis, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“I’m getting a lot of positive feedback,” Cody said. “We have a lot of fun in meetings. When I make a good play and it helps him out, he’s happy and I’m happy.”

During Cody’s two seasons at Alabama, he recorded 52 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, 10 ½ tackles for losses and two blocked field goals.

During that span, the Crimson Tide never allowed an opposing runner to eclipse the century mark. Lining up behind Cody, middle linebacker Rolando McClain won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker before being drafted eighth overall by the Oakland Raiders.

Now, Cody is learning on the fly in the NFL as an understudy to Gregg.

“He’s been teaching me a lot, telling me a lot, telling me things I can key in before the snap,” Cody said. “I have a real big chance to be probably a starter or sharing reps and such. I think it’s a big opportunity I can be that.

“I came from one of the best programs in college, but it’s a whole lot different. The speed is faster, and everybody’s bigger and stronger.”

At 6-foot-4, Cody occasionally plays too high. There’s been an emphasis that he lower his pad level.

Practicing against a technician like Birk has been an invaluable experience for Cody.

“We had a couple good battles,” Cody said. “He’ll get me sometimes, and I’ll get him sometimes. We just duke it out.”

Before the Ravens launched their minicamp, Cody was visited at his Florida home by defensive line coach Clarence Brooks.

While the playbook was discussed, it was mostly an opportunity to form a bond.

“At first, it was just to get to know me as a player and then as a friend because he wanted to build a relationship,” Cody said. “So, he wanted to get to know how my personality was. That’s when we talked about the defense and he went over some plays to get me ready for camp.”

Now that Cody is in the NFL, he has improved his discipline and eating habits.

For him, it’s a lifestyle choice as much as a smart move for a demanding job.

And Cody emphasized that his fitness is more important to him than it is to the Ravens.

“It wasn’t hard, it’s just that you had to think about your future and I thought about if I didn’t do the right things then I wouldn’t be here right now,” Cody said. “It was just a life thing. I feel it’s more important to me than it is to them because it’s my life and if I don’t get control of it and do what I’m supposed to do then I’m not going to have a long career or a long life.”

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Ravens Notebook: Jared Gaither doesn’t practice due to ‘injuries’

2010-05-09T07:38:00.002-04:00

Cousins steps in

OWINGS MILLS – Offensive tackle Jared Gaither remained on the move Saturday, one day removed from the Baltimore Ravens shifting him to the right side and replacing him with Michael Oher at left tackle.

This time, his destination was the training room where team officials said he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified injury.

Gaither wasn’t available for comment as he wasn’t present during the entire hour that the locker room was open to reporters. Gaither, who battled ankle, foot and neck injuries last season, made no mention of any injury Friday and didn’t appear to be in any discomfort.

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron didn’t indicate how Gaither got hurt or if he’ll practice today as the Ravens conclude their mandatory minicamp.

“I don’t know if it’s any one thing,” Cameron said. “It’s just a series of things. I don’t know if it’s any one specific play.”

Gaither is already the subject of rampant trade rumors, and his absence fueled further speculation about his status. The Buffalo Bills are known to be extremely interested in Gaither due to their inadequate tackle situation, and he has also been linked to the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and the Washington Redskins this offseason.

Gaither is an unsigned restricted free agent who’s due a $2.396 million one-year tender.

Because he’s unsigned, he doesn’t have to attend these minicamps.

Gaither is represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who has a history of applying leverage to get his clients a new contract or a new employer.

Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt suggested that two of Rosenhaus’ players, wide receiver Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett, sat out of minicamp with fabricated hamstring injuries to show their displeasure with their respective contract situations. Boldin is now a Raven with a $28.5 million contract after switching representation last year to CAA.

“They showed up last night and reported an injury that we weren’t aware of,” Whisenhunt said last spring. “So as part of our procedure we sent them for MRIs. Hey, we know what’s going on, so I’m not really going to have much to say about that.”

Without being prompted, Cameron was extremely complimentary of backup right tackle Oniel Cousins.

Cousins worked with the first-team offense with Gaither out Saturday.

“I think the thing that’s most pleasing is the confidence in Oniel Cousins,” Cameron said. “We got a glimpse of it last year. He’s coming, and he’s playing well. He’s picked up right where he left off, and we’ve got three good young tackles.”

Cousins started three games last season. His run-blocking was solid, but he was exposed in pass-rushing situations in a late-season game by Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

“I keep working hard and preparing to be a starter whenever they need me,” Cousins said. “I love playing for the Ravens and I just keep working on my technique to become the best player I can be.”

Cameron, who informed Gaither that he was moving to right tackle, also emphasized that the Ravens want the former University of Maryland lineman back on the field.

“I think we all know the talent that he is,” Cameron said. “I think we all know the kind of player he can be. It’s just a matter of getting him healthy. Offensive line play is really the unit, not the individual talent or group of individual talents.

“We’re going with the five guys right now that are out there that give us the best continuity that can grow together and we can’t wait to get him back. I can tell you that.”

HAREWOOD INJURED: Rookie offensive tackle Ramon Harewood was carted off the field with a right knee injury and will be out for the next three to four weeks.

A sixth-round draft pick from Morehouse and the first NFL player form Barbados, the 6-foot-6, 341-pounder fell awkwardly during practice when he was accidentally tripped from behind.

Harewood said he only suffered soft-tissue damage with no ligament tear when he twisted his right knee.

“It could have been a lot worse,” said Harewood, who was down on the field for a long time. “They said I just did some damage to the tissue. I just know it’s not a ligament. I’m just happy about that.

“I thought it was some kind of ligament gone, but the doctor just said my knee cap probably slipped out a bit and it moved some tissue with it. It’s an injury, but it could have been a lot worse.”

Harewood had been working with the second-team offense at right tackle and was replaced by Stefan Rodgers.

Harewood could be back for a rookie minicamp that begins June 1.

Harewood had his leg wrapped, but was standing on his own without crutches and said he wasn’t in significant pain.

“It’s more frustrating because I’ve got a point to prove,” Harewood said. “That’s the reason I’m here. It’s more frustrating than anything else. It hurts a little bit, but that’s the hard part right now is just dealing with the frustration.”

Harewood drew praise from coach John Harbaugh for his size and mobility.

Coming from a small school, there’s a big adjustment for Harewood.

“I’m used to kind of dominating, so [Friday] was kind of an eye-opener,” Harewood said. “A couple of the older guys, they told me it’s the NFL. You go back to baby steps and you start again.

“I came out with my best foot forward. I actually thought I was having a good practice mentally and physically and then this happened. So, you move on from there.”

KATULA IS BACK: Long snapper Matt Katula proclaimed that he’s 100 percent recovered from tendinitis in his snapping elbow that plagued him last season.

“The elbow feels very good,” said Katula, adding that he’s ready to play golf at his charity golf tournament Monday. “It was kind of what we thought. Rest is what it needed, and it kind of went away.”

The Ravens signed undrafted rookie long snapper Morgan Cox, but Katula remains entrenched as the starter.

Last season, Katula’s elbow played havoc with his snaps and led to missed field goals. He had a pair of bad snaps in the Ravens’ final regular-season game against the Oakland Raiders.

Now, he has regained his old form.

“It was a struggle last year, it really was,” Katula said. “I’m just excited to get out and clean the slate.”

KINDLE LEARNING ON THE FLY: Rookie outside linebacker Sergio Kindle backed off his post-draft prediction that he’ll be named Rookie of the Year.

He has too much to learn to get hung up on ambitious goals. Right now, he just wants to learn the playbook.

“When I said that, it was just an exciting moment for me getting drafted,” Kindle said. “My head was in the clouds. First of all, you’ve got to learn the playbook, get on the field and then perform well to get Rookie of the Year.

“It will be a good goal for me to set for myself to try to strive to, but I’ve got to take it one step at a time. So, if you can copy, paste and delete that, that would be nice.”

Kindle reiterated that his knee feels fine after several procedures at the University of Texas and a report that he’ll need to have microfracture surgery eventually.

“My body felt good,” he said. “No knee issues.”

The speed of the game is Kindle’s biggest adjustment.

“The tempo out here was about 10 times faster than college, especially when they were throwing plays at you like bullets,” Kindle said. “First of all, you’ve got to slow down your head spinning. Then, you have to make your legs run as fast as your head is going and you’re just crashing.”

Kindle has already drawn praise from middle linebacker Ray Lewis, who announced him as the Ravens’ second-round pick.

“I just think he’s a great kid,” Lewis said. “I told him that when I got ready to call his name at the draft. I watched him in college. I like his fire, the way he plays the game.”

Lewis gave Kindle a welcoming sideline hit as congratulations for a good play.

"When he was coming out to the field and he slapped me on my head, he almost gave me a concussion," Kindle said. "That's when I knew he was intense 100 percent of the time when he's on this green grass. That's what I love about him."

QUICK HITS: Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson isn’t 100 percent yet after undergoing offseason arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He’s expected to make a full recovery by training camp, but will need to regain some of the bulk he’s lost. He’s down to roughly 245 pounds. … The Ravens are trying out undrafted former Mississippi State player Tay Bowser at defensive back. Bowser played wide receiver and cornerback in college. … Special-teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg didn’t say whether the Ravens are close to signing another kicker, referring questions to general manager Ozzie Newsome. They met with Shayne Graham during the NFL owners meetings. Rosburg also praised returning kicker Billy Cundiff. “You’ll have to talk to Ozzie about that,” Rosburg said. “He doesn’t let me make those decisions yet. I’ve been working on him, though.”… Two former Negro League baseball players addressed the team after practice. … Several players are in the mix to challenge Chris Carr for punt return duties, including wide receiver David Reed and Prince Miller. Carr is lining up with the first-team at cornerback with Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington recovering from knee surgeries. … Cameron praised rookie fullback Mike McLaughlin, a physical undrafted player who excelled at linebacker at Boston College. “It’s early, but he’s a football player,” Cameron said. “He’s going to shine when the pads come on like most good fullbacks. When they’re out here without being able to hit anybody, they seem just like another guy out there. We’ll know more at training camp.” … Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison was complimentary of cornerback Cary Williams. “Cary has got a great body,” Mattison said. “He’s a prototype corner. He’s got a lot of length. He’s got good speed. A lot of emphasis is on him to see how good we can get him in a short period of time.” … Special-teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo is still expected to return by training camp after tearing his quadriceps last season against the New England Patriots.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Ed Reed expected to return by training camp

2010-05-08T08:31:00.002-04:00

Clayton recovering from shoulder surgery

OWINGS MILLS – Now that Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed has undergone hip surgery, he's in a race to recover in time for the regular season.

The Ravens are projecting the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year will return at some point during training camp.

Training camp is set to begin at McDaniel College in late July.

"He decided to get the procedure now to give the best chance to get back for most of training camp that he can and be ready to go for the season," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.

The six-time Pro Bowl selection had a torn labrum in his hip repaired. A floating bone fragment was also discovered during the procedure in Vail, Colo., where Reed is recuperating.

Reed injured his hip during the first week of last season and fought through the pain before being sidelined for four games in December.

"We’ll have to see how it progresses," Harbaugh said. "What we try to do with Ed is push it as long we could from a rehab perspective. This is Ed’s process more than anything. I think he understands his body better than anybody. He’s been driving this."

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis said he sent Reed a text message, but hasn’t spoken with him.

“When people go through that, you let them know that you’re praying for them and they’re in your thoughts,” Lewis said. “Outside of that, Ed will definitely reach out when it’s time for Ed to reach out. When you go through your surgeries, you’ve got to figure it out for yourself like, ‘OK, where’s my mindset?’

‘Then, you kind of get back into football mode. He doesn’t want to hear about any football right now. Right now, it’s about his health and getting back healthy enough to walk.”Reed has contemplated retirement, but is expected to return this season. He has yet to make any kind of announcement, though.

“I’ve never thought about not having him,” Lewis said. “It think that’s one thing that me and him have always kept each other accountable about. When that first whistle blows, I know 20 is going to be behind me. So, that’s all that matters.”

CLAYTON HAS SHOULDER SURGERY: Wide receiver Mark Clayton had minor surgery on his right shoulder, a cleanup procedure that will sideline him for the next three weeks.
"It was just a scope to clean it out," Clayton said. "I'll be back soon."

A restricted free agent who has yet to sign his tender, Clayton had the surgery three weeks ago.

"Just a minor deal," Harbaugh said. "He should be back for most of the OTA's."
Clayton hasn't been present for the Ravens' voluntary offseason conditioning program because he has been working on completing his bachelor's degree in communications at the University of Oklahoma.

A restricted free agent, Clayton hasn’t signed his one-year tender yet. He indicated that he plans to do so soon.

Now that he's back and recovering from the shoulder surgery, Clayton faces major competition from newcomer wide receivers like Donte' Stallworth.

"That's what we like," Clayton said. "We want to put as many weapons on the field as we can and leave it at that.”

SIDELINED: Besides Reed and Clayton, several other players didn’t practice.

That includes Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (pectoral surgery), nose guard Kelly Gregg (shoulder surgery), cornerbacks Fabian Washington (knee surgery) and Lardarius Webb (knee surgery), safety Haruki Nakamura (ankle surgery), defensive tackle Lamar Divens (hip surgery) and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (quadriceps surgery).

“Lardarius and Fabian are doing well," Harbaugh said. "They are ahead of schedule."
Washington tore his anterior cruciate ligament in November.

He expects to be back by training camp.

“I feel pretty good,” he said. “The recovery is ahead of schedule. I plan to be there for training camp, ready to go.”

Washington said he’s regaining his old movement, but doesn’t want to risk hurting it again.

“I can run, cut, backpedal, I can do it all,” Washington said. “It’s just at a little slower pace than normal. I just can’t re-injure it or else I’ll definitely be gone for the year. So, I’ve just got to take it slow.”

The Ravens lined up Chris Carr as the first-team cornerback opposite Domonique Foxworth.

Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson (shoulder surgery) and wide receiver Marcus Smith (knee surgery) practiced.

TRYOUTS: The Ravens tried out veteran free agent cornerback Travis Fisher and defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery.

Fisher, 30, is a former St. Louis Rams second-round draft pick who has also played for the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks.

The 5-foot-10, 189-pounder has intercepted nine career passes and deflected 32 passes.

“I can give them my experience,” Fisher said. “I’ve played this game for a long time and I hope I can contribute here.”

Montgomery is a former Washington Redskins fifth-round pick who was cut four days ago.

He has recorded 78 career tackles and three sacks in four NFL seasons.

The Ravens are also trying out rookie defensive backs Wondy Pierre-Louis (University of Florida) and Brad Jones (Cincinnati), wide receiver Reggie Smith (Elizabeth City State) and veteran punter Jeremy Kapinos.

Alabama running back Roy Upchurch wasn’t able to tryout because he didn’t pass his physical.

UNDRAFTED CLASS: The Ravens announced the signing of nine undrafted rookie free agents.

That includes UNLV wide receiver Rodelin Anthony, long snapper Morgan Cox, Wyoming defensive end John Fletcher, Marshall safety Ashton Hall, Marshall outside linebacker Albert McClellan, Georgia cornerback Prince Miller, Boston College linebacker Mike McLaughlin, who’s trying out at fullback, Central Washington cornerback Courtney Smith and Memphis running back Curtis Steele.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Boldin off to fast start in Baltimore

2010-05-08T08:29:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS – Anquan Boldin accelerated past a flailing young cornerback before cutting sharply toward the middle of the field, a destination that represents familiar territory for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Extending his hands after gaining plenty of separation on a short post pattern, Boldin caught a Joe Flacco spiral in stride for a long completion.

It was their best connection of the day during Boldin’s first official practice with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday since joining the team through a March trade from the Arizona Cardinals and being signed to a $28.5 million contract extension.

After Flacco overthrew Boldin on a long post during their first play in team drills during the first day of the Ravens' mandatory full-team minicamp, failed to hit him in the red zone and Boldin dropped a post when he fell to the ground, the Ravens were glad to see some burgeoning chemistry between the newly-minted passing tandem.

“Everybody has those first-day jitters,” Boldin said. “For myself, I’m just trying to get out here and get familiar with my surroundings. Right now, we’re just getting into it, just to get a feel for everybody with the offense. I think the day went pretty good, considering it’s the first day.”

Of course, this wasn’t Boldin’s first actual day working with Flacco.

They have thrown together during several informal workouts as well as a series of quarterback schools ever since the Ravens acquired Boldin.

This atmosphere is the closest they’ve come to simulating what it will be like to work together during an actual game with Boldin as the Ravens’ new featured wide receiver.

The knowledge of where Flacco likes to deliver the football and Boldin’s preferred catch zone is something they’re working overtime to perfect.

“It’s growing,” Boldin said. “It’s a process. It’s a long season. Right now, we’re just trying to get a feel for one another. He throws a real catchable ball. I’m looking forward to the season."

Boldin and Kurt Warner had quite the collaboration in Arizona, but that connection didn't happen overnight.

"Kurt is a smart guy, a veteran guy," Boldin said. "I look to develop that same chemistry that I had with Kurt with Joe."

Between Boldin’s veteran presence, ability to run after the catch and imposing size and fellow newcomer wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth’s deep speed, the Ravens appear to have definitely upgraded a wide receiver corps that was arguably one of the worst in the league last season.

At 6-foot-1, 217 pounds, Boldin provides an imposing, hard-nosed downfield target.

“Anquan is a big, physical guy that makes every catch look easy,” Flacco said. “It can be two feet behind him and he’ll make it look like it hits him right in the head. And Donte’, he can just get up and go and I think he’s going to be a huge help to us.”

Stallworth had the catch of the day with his one-handed grab where he snared it with his right hand.

Besides adding Boldin and Stallworth, the Ravens also retained veteran possession receiver Derrick Mason.

“We did some good things this offseason,” middle linebacker Ray Lewis said. “Bringing in Anquan, bringing in Stallworth, re-signing Mase, picking up two great tight ends in the draft. Overall, we have a lot of pieces in a lot of places.”

The Ravens have built a rich defensive tradition and they’re known for a smash-mouth running game.

Now, they’re trying to transition into a more balanced attack.

“There are going to be times during a game where the defense has to carry the offense just because you have one of those days, and vice versa when the offense has to carry the defense,” Boldin said. “For me, I love to play with a great defense because they give you the ball.

“Whenever you have those types of weapons, it gives defenses fits. You can’t really key in on one guy or double a guy because you can spread the ball around, get the ball to different weapons. Having these guys definitely makes my job easier.”

Wearing his trademark No. 81 jersey, Boldin wore a nearly constant smile during the workout in his new environment and his new purple colors.

“Yeah, I look good in it,” Boldin said.

Boldin has been ultra-productive with the Cardinals, catching 586 career passes for 7,520 yards and 44 touchdowns in seven NFL seasons.

Now, the Ravens are looking for him to rejuvenate their offense with a strong outside presence.

So far, it’s been a smooth transition for Boldin in Baltimore as he assimilates his game into a new offense in a new city.

“I thought Anquan looked good,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “He made a couple of plays, taught the young guys a little bit. With man coverage underneath, you saw he got himself open pretty clearly against some of the rookie corners. He looks like he’s kind of in midseason form right now.”

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Michael Oher moved to left tackle

2010-05-08T08:25:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS – Michael Oher shuffled several feet to his left Friday, and it wasn’t just a case of the Baltimore Ravens deploying him as a pulling tackle.

The Ravens have shifted Oher to left offensive tackle with Jared Gaither vacating the spot and being moved over to the right side where Oher lined up last season as an all-rookie blocker.

Now the subject of the best-selling book and popular movie, “The Blind Side,” has been assigned to protect quarterback Joe Flacco’s blind side. This is expected to become a permanent move.

“Nothing is official,” said Oher, who took every snap at left tackle as the Ravens began a mandatory minicamp. “You’ve got to get used to every position that you play. It’s a muscle memory. It’s like taking a basketball player that’s right-handed and telling him to play left-handed. It’s a big difference.”

Ravens coach John Harbaugh indicated that he’s inclined to stick with this alignment at tackle as long as it’s an effective strategy.

“What we try to do with every unit is put the guys together the best way we can for the best group we can,” Harbaugh said. “I wouldn’t read too much into it. It’s going to be permanent as long as it’s the best thing for us. .. It’s not a big story to us.”

The tackle flop fueled rampant trade rumors that have surrounded Gaither for the majority of the offseason. The Buffalo Bills are extremely high on Gaither and have a major need at offensive tackle.

However, no deal is imminent and the Ravens would probably be reluctant to part ways with Gaither unless the compensation is extremely attractive.

Is Gaither aware of the trade rumors?

“They were rumors, it didn’t sway me here or there,” Gaither said. “A lot of people talk and a lot of people listen, so it is what it is. You just have to stay focused and be prepared for anything.

“You don’t want to stop what you’re doing and not work out because you’re looking forward to getting traded. Then when you get traded, you won’t be as good as you thought you were.”

Displaced from his old position and moved to a spot that he hasn’t played since his freshman year at the University of Maryland, Gaither didn’t seem unhappy about the move. The 6-foot-9, 340-pounder apparently wasn’t offended by being moved to a lower-profile position on the line.

Gaither drew criticism from Harbaugh during the NFL owners meetings for not attending the offseason conditioning program.

He reported the following week and appears to be in good shape.

Asked to predict whether he’ll be with the Ravens when the regular season, Gaither replied: “Right now, it’s 100 percent. I don’t know anything different.”

Oher is an athletic 6-foot-4, 310-pounder who was a consensus All-American at Ole Miss.

He excelled in five starts at left tackle last season in place of Gaither when he was sidelined with ankle, foot and neck injuries.

“I know he'll do great," Gaither said. "He has a tremendous upside. He's much more improved and has much more improvement to do. He'll do a phenomenal job at left tackle."

Although Oher has been groomed to play left tackle ever since he emerged as a coveted blue-chip recruit in Memphis, Tenn., there will still be some adjustments to make.

“It’s kind of like telling a basketball player that’s right-handed that has to play left-handed,” Oher said. “It’s different. Did you see LeBron James shoot that left-handed shot? Something like that.

‘I’m trying to get back in the swing of things. You can’t go from position to position and it feels like home again as soon as you get back over there. It takes time to get used to things.”

The Ravens have a much longer-term investment in Oher, who’s signed to a five-year deal with a maximum value of $13.8 million that includes $7.8 million in guaranteed money.

Gaither is an unsigned restricted free agent who’s slated to play this season under a first-round tender of $2.396 million.

He can’t be traded until he signs his one-year tender.

Now, Gaither has to get acclimated to an unfamiliar position.

“It’s a task that I’ll have to overcome, and it’s something that I have to do,” said Gaither, adding that he learned of the change from offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. “Definitely, I’ve got an ample amount of time. Talking to Mike and talking to the coaches, it’s something we shouldn’t have a problem doing.

“Just being used to trying to learn a system for three years and flipping it all in your mind, it’s a little bit tough, but it’s a task I’m looking forward to. Things change and you make adjustments and I’m ready to do that. Take it full-steam ahead the best I can.”

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Demetrius Williams, Tony Moll sign restricted tenders

2010-04-20T03:08:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Demetrius Williams and offensive lineman Tony Moll to their original round $1.176 million restricted free agent tenders, the team announced.

Williams is a former Ravens fourth-round pick and Moll was selected in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers.

Williams, who ranks behind Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, Donte' Stallworth and Mark Clayton on the depth chart, caught eight passes for 142 yards last season.

He has registered 63 career receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns, but hasn't lived up to expectations.

Moll was traded to the Ravens last year from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive back Derrick Martin.

He played in five games last season in a reserve role.

He has started 18 career games.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES: Ever wonder what options restricted free agents have? When do they have to sign? Are they at risk if they don't? Find out HERE!

Ducks' Ward visits with Ravens

2010-04-20T02:15:00.002-04:00

OWINGS MILLS -- University of Oregon safety T.J. Ward took official predraft visits with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The two-time honorable-mention All-Pac 10 selection also had two private workouts with undisclosed teams.

At the NFL scouting combine, he had roughly 10 formal interviews. That included meetings with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets.

Ward has drawn second-round grades from NFL teams and is projected to go anywhere from that spot to the fourth round.

Ward is regarded as a hard hitter who has excelled in classroom work with NFL teams, displaying his football savvy.

The 5-foot-11, 211-pounder ran a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash at his campus Pro Day workout, improving on his 4.54 from the NFL scouting combine where he bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times and posted a 34-inch vertical leap.

His 4.12 20-yard shuttle at his Pro Day ranks him ahead of Taylor Mays, Nate Allen and Chad Jones.

Invited to the East-West Shrine all-star game, Ward recorded 190 career tackles, 13 pass deflections and three interceptions. He forced five fumbles over the past two seasons.

Ward has drawn praise from NFL draft analyst Gil Brandt, a former Cowboys executive.

Ravens news & notes

2010-04-13T08:13:00.002-04:00

Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson, a first-round prospect, is scheduled to visit the Ravens on Wednesday and Thursday. ... Oregon tight end Ed Dickson and University of Florida wide receiver Riley Cooper are among the Ravens' previous predraft visits. ... Incumbent kicker Billy Cundiff signed his one-year, $1.226 million restricted tender, per his agent. As an undrafted player, Cundiff was assigned the right of first refusal. ... The team announced that reserve quarterback John Beck has signed his one-year restricted tender. It's worth $1.101 million. Drafted in the second round, Beck was assigned an original round tender. Under the NFL's upgraded tender rule, the Ravens would receive a third-round pick if someone signed him to an offer sheet and they opted not to match. The deadline for teams to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets is Thursday.

"Mount" Cody visits Ravens, Troy Smith fires agent

2010-04-02T05:45:00.002-04:00

University of Alabama nose guard Terrence “Mount” Cody, a projected first-round draft pick, visited the Ravens on Thursday. Cody is a 6-foot-4, 349-pound consensus All-American selection…

In the wake of Baltimore Ravens backup quarterback Troy Smith switching representation to agent Neil Cornrich, his former agent commented for the first time on the situation.

Ralph Cindrich, who previously represented Smith, said in a telephone interview that a lengthy dispute between Smith's business advisor, Bobby George, and DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment triggered the end of his business relationship with the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Cindrich said that George sent a letter of termination to the firm on March 12. The NFL Players Association confirmed Wednesday that Smith is now represented by Cornrich.

Cindrich said that he hasn't spoken to Smith about the separation, but said he has no hard feelings toward the former Ohio State star.

"Troy is a great guy," Cindrich said. "I wish whatever differences they had could have been resolved. It was very delicate. I wish Troy the best of luck."

Cindrich said he works for DeBartolo Sports on a consulting basis.

Smith has expressed a desire to be traded through Cindrich, especially to his hometown Cleveland Browns but no market has materialized at this point for him.
The restricted free agent was assigned an original-round tender, a fifth-round selection.

Last month, Cindrich said that Smith "would crawl from Baltimore right now to be able to play in Cleveland.”

Instead of pursuing Smith, Browns team president Mike Holmgren acquired Seneca Wallace in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.

Cornrich, who's the agent for Mike Vrabel and several other NFL players, also represents many high-profile coaches.

Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

Blocking TE Byham to visit Ravens

2010-04-01T04:54:00.002-04:00

University of Pittsburgh blocking tight end Nate Byham is scheduled to visit the Ravens next month. Byham has visited the Pittsburgh Steelers and conducted a private workout for the New York Jets.

Byham is a three-year starter at Pitt who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds at his Pro Day workout. He caught a career-high 20 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown two seasons ago.

Troy Smith sends agent Cindrich packing

2010-04-01T04:50:00.001-04:00

Ravens backup quarterback Troy Smith has hired Neil Cornrich as his new agent, according to NFL Players Association records.

The former Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State had repeatedly requested a trade through his former agent, Ralph Cindrich. Smith hasn't stopped asking for a trade, but there has been no action toward his personal goal as far as a market materializing for him.

Smith is a restricted free agent who was assigned an original-round tender, a fifth-round selection.

A Cleveland native, Smith has consistently expressed a desire to play for his hometown Browns. However, Browns team president Mike Holmgren acquired Seneca Wallace in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.

Smith is regarded highly by the Ravens as a backup to Joe Flacco, who's entrenched as the starter. Harbaugh commented on Smith's situation during the annual NFL owners meetings.

"He wants to play," Harbaugh said. "I know he wants to be a starter. We think he can be a starter. I've said that a bunch of times. Troy's a really good player. You don't win the Heisman Trophy and take your team to the heights he did in college and when he's played for the Ravens he's played really well. I don't know what other teams are doing or thinking. I don't know that Ozzie [Newsome] has gotten a call or not. I don't know. Right now from a coaching perspective he's our backup quarterback and it's good to have a good backup quarterback. I think Troy could win games for us. I think John Beck could win games for us, too.

"That's not to say that we couldn't do more at quarterback, either. I'm not ruling out the possibility that we couldn't sign another quarterback if we wanted to put another guy in the mix there to cover ourselves in case John or Troy gets an opportunity that we couldn't pass up, either. It's all possible right now as far as really the whole team other than the fact that Joe will be the starter if he's healthy."

Can Ozzie Newsome correct another mistake?

2010-03-19T07:30:00.004-04:00

Baltimore Ravens News & Blogs by Tony Lombardi of Ravens24x7.com

During the 2004 NFL Draft the Ravens were boxed out twice on players that they really liked. One was S Bob Sanders. Sanders was plucked by the Indianapolis Colts with the 12th pick in Round 2. The Ravens tried to move up in that round but were unable to, eventually settling for the recently departed Dwan Edwards seven picks later.

You may recall that the Ravens had no first round pick that year having given that up to the New England Patriots in order to draft Kyle Boller the year before. The team was also without a fourth round pick and that proved costly. The player they wanted to obtain after repositioning their board for Day 2 of the 2004 draft was Nathan Vasher.

Vasher would become the 110th overall pick in that 2004 draft, going to the Chicago Bears in Round 4. The Ravens could only sit and watch with regret.

Vasher would eventually go on to be an All Pro and Pro Bowler in 2005.

Yesterday he was released by the Bears. His play has fallen off over the past few seasons.

Some wonder if he’s simply lost confidence, without question the equivalent of kryptonite for an NFL cornerback.

Some think that he simply needs a change of scenery.

Prior to being let go, Vasher was scheduled to make $2.6 million. Last year Frank Walker earned $2.2 million.

You thinking what I’m thinking?

It’s been said that defenders play better when they become Ravens.

Maybe Vasher can recapture that lost mojo and maybe Ozzie Newsome can correct another draft day mistake as he did with the recent acquisition of Anquan Boldin.

Discuss this on Baltimore Ravens Message Boards & Forums

Ravens' Mattison attends Gator Pro Day

2010-03-18T09:05:00.002-04:00

Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison attended the University of Florida Pro Day workout where quarterback Tim Tebow was the object of the media attention. The Ravens were probably a lot more interested in the performance of tight end Aaron Hernandez, who ran the 40-yard dash between 4.56 and 4.61 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times