With potentially more attention being paid to the Ravens passing game, Ray Rice may be the biggest benefactor. Last year Rice rushed for over 1300 yards at an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He also caught 78 passes for over 700 yards, averaging 9.0 yards per catch. Those numbers are nothing to scoff at, and they may improve this year.

It’s hard to imagine people overlooking Ray Rice, but even if he does get attention there’s no way he’ll get all of it. Where Rice could really do damage is on draw plays and screens. The Ravens passing game will be respected by defenses this year, and the more the second and third levels of the defense respect the passing game the more Rice could be a serious threat.

The Ravens have always been known for their defense, but this is starting to change. John Harbaugh is starting to really put his stamp on this team, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Flacco showed steady improvement in his first two seasons and looks to continue that improvement this year. The real centerpiece of this offense may wind up being Ray Rice. He’s a serious threat in the running game and he could turn out to be a reliable outlet for Flacco when things don’t look so good downfield. This could be the year Rice emerges as an elite all around running back in the mold of a Marshall Faulk.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Joe Flacco, John Harbaugh, Ray Rice

If teams thought it was hard running up the middle on the Ravens defense it’s going to look downright impossible now. The human mountain Terrence Cody from Alabama will literally plug the middle for the Ravens and is an eventual replacement for current anchor Kelly Gregg at the nose tackle position. Tight end is a strong position for Baltimore and it just got stronger. They drafted tight ends Ed Dickson from Oregon and Dennis Pitta from BYU. Both guys are big and athletic with good hands and gives really good depth to the position. Utah receiver David Reed brings scary speed and could wind up being their return man.

Surprisingly there was room in the middle of the defensive line to bring in one more guy. Syracuse tackle Art Jones is another large body and if he can stay healthy he’ll see some time. Their offensive line got some more depth adding Morehouse tackle Ramon Harewood. At 6′7″ and 360 pounds he could be the biggest player drafted this year. The Ravens are scary good and they look like they could be the cream of the crop this year.

Technorati Tags: 2010 NFL Draft, Baltimore Ravens, NFL

Free agency started on Friday and teams were chomping at the bit for it to start. The Bears seem to have been the most active, or at least have signed two of the bigger names in free agency. They landed Julius Peppers to a 6 year deal with $42 million guaranteed. They also grabbed Chester Taylor away from the Vikings.

Karlos Dansby signed with the Dolphins for 5 years. The deal gives him $22 million guaranteed. Division rival New England Patriots signed Tully Banta-Cain to a three year deal and were able to reach an agreement with Vince Wilfork for 5 years with $25 million guaranteed.

Baltimore was able to trade for Anquan Boldin. Arizona gets Baltimores 3rd and 4th round picks this year in exchange for Boldin and the Cardinals 5th round pick in 2010.

Lots of action for the first few days of free agency, and I’m sure it won’t be letting up anytime soon.

Technorati Tags: Anquan Boldin, Chester Taylor, Julius Peppers, Karlos Dansby, Tully Banta-Cain, Vince Wilfork

Nothing was working for the Ravens last night. Nothing was really going good for the Packers either but they were able to make a few more plays.

Joe Flacco seemed to have his worst night of the year, maybe even his career. He looked flustered and very unsettled. Not something people are use to seeing from Flacco.

On defense Baltimore didn’t look like it’s normal self either. Aaron Rodgers had very little pressure on him all night and the Ravens just didn’t look as aggressive as they usually do.

Green Bay was able to put themselves in better position. It’s highly unlikely they’ll win the division but a wild card spot looks like a strong possibility.

The Ravens still seem to be struggling to find any kind of rhythm. Not having Suggs out there really seems to take a lot of bite away from that defense. Finding a way to finish has been difficult for Baltimore. At this time of year it’s finish or be finished.

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, NFL

Anyways, after having a look at it I’m really not sure what the problem is. All this talk about a chop block, do people even know what they’re talking about when they say that or are they regurgitating what other people say. A chop block involves engaging in a block BELOW the knees, Quinn hit Suggs in the thighs.

I understand the refs threw a flag on the play, it was marginal. But I’ve seen way more obvious low blocks/hits, away from the play I might add, not called. And Quinn hit Suggs with no intent to injure but to slow down Chris Carr. That hit from Quinn didn’t allow Carr to advance the ball any further.

The shot was marginal and it’s too bad Suggs got injured. But my point here is the double standards that defensive players have. They think the offensive players get too much protection, but as soon as a defensive player gets hurt on a “cheap shot” the league is the most unfair place in the world. Isn’t every defensive players response to marginal cheap shots made on their part something like “It’s football, there’s contact!”. Child please!

Technorati Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns, NFL, Terrell Suggs