The Ravens have yet to announce that he's been hired, but friends of Austin say he's already been informed that he'll be hired.
Austin would take over the position previously held by newly-promoted defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano."
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ravens Expected to Hire Teryl Austin as Secondary Coach
"The Baltimore Ravens have interviewed former University of Florida defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for their secondary coach vacancy and he's considered the leading candidate to land the job, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Senior Bowl: Top 5 Tackles
"With the Senior Bowl kicking off this week in Mobile, Ala., the Ravens have a few key positions to scout among the nation’s best prospects.
Offensive tackle is certainly one of them.
The Ravens posted a 12-4 record in 2010 despite playing out of position on their offensive line. Tackle Jared Gaither’s back injury threw things out of whack, and Michael Oher’s up-and-down performance has the Ravens potentially willing to move him back to the right side.
Luckily, several tackles who will go high in the draft are participating in the Senior Bowl festivities."
Take a look at the top tackle talents showing their wares at the All-Star event!
Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata and Billy Cundiff Named to This Year's All-Pro Team
"A player has made the team unanimously since 2004, including one of this year's All-Pros, Baltimore safety Ed Reed. The Ravens also have defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and kicker Billy Cundiff on the team." Baltimore Sun
Ray Rice Celebrates His 24th Birthday!
On January 22, 2011 Ray Rice celebrated his 24th birthday! Above is a picture of his cake that he posted to Twitter today!
Mike Preston's final Ravens report card (Baltimore Sun)
During the season Ravens colulmnist Mike Preston graded the Ravens' progress after each game. Today, Preston offers his final grades for the season by position, including the coaching staff.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Reports: Cundiff Agrees To 5-Year Deal
"[ It looks like Pro Bowl kicker Billy Cundiff finally has some stability and the Ravens have their long-term solution at kicker.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Cundiff has agreed to a 5-year, $15 million deal with the Ravens that he is expected to sign this week.
It’s the 15th NFL contract that Cundiff has signed during his career. He’s played for four different teams and had numerous tryouts during a two-year absence from the league in 2007 and 2008.
After beating out kicker Shayne Graham in training camp, Cundiff put together a record-breaking 2010 season.
His 40 touchbacks tied an NFL single-season record and Cundiff also nailed 89.7 percent (26-of-29) of his field goal attempts during the regular season and 4-of-4 in the postseason.
The Ravens will have their first long-term kicker since Matt Stover, who kicked for 12 years from their inception to 2008. The Ravens went with Steve Hauschka before signing Cundiff in late November. ]"
Full story here!
It’s the 15th NFL contract that Cundiff has signed during his career. He’s played for four different teams and had numerous tryouts during a two-year absence from the league in 2007 and 2008.
After beating out kicker Shayne Graham in training camp, Cundiff put together a record-breaking 2010 season.
His 40 touchbacks tied an NFL single-season record and Cundiff also nailed 89.7 percent (26-of-29) of his field goal attempts during the regular season and 4-of-4 in the postseason.
The Ravens will have their first long-term kicker since Matt Stover, who kicked for 12 years from their inception to 2008. The Ravens went with Steve Hauschka before signing Cundiff in late November. ]"
Full story here!
Mayor Makes Good On Ravens-Steelers Wager
"[ Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has made good on a wager with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl over the NFL playoff showdown the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As the losing mayor, Rawlings-Blake appeared in a video posted on YouTube wearing the jersey of the winning Steelers. In the video she says she is “contractually obligated” to record the video wearing the jersey and calls the Steelers the “superior football team,” also part of the deal, before changing into a black top and purple scarf.
As part of the wager Rawlings-Blake also promised to send Ravenstahl crab cakes from Faidley’s Seafood. ]"
Inside The Ravens With Aaron Wilson - RAVENS PRIORITY NO. 1: Improve running game!
"[ Despite the presence of a former Pro Bowl running back in Ray Rice and a former Pro Bowl lead blocker in fullback Le'Ron McClain, the Ravens plummeted to 14th in the NFL in rushing offense as they averaged only 114.4 yards per contest.
During the previous season, the Ravens ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing. They averaged 4.7 yards per carry. And this season they fell to fifth from the bottom of the league, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry.
Offensively, the Ravens fell from 13th in total offense to 22nd. And they only scored 22.3 points per game to rank 16th.
"I go back to our inability to run the football effectively for the whole year," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "I think that affected our passing game. I think that affected our production in all aspects of it. We will run the football better next year."
Rice had 53 more carries than last year but rushed for 119 fewer yards, finishing with 1,220 yards and five touchdowns. ]"
Full story here!
During the previous season, the Ravens ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing. They averaged 4.7 yards per carry. And this season they fell to fifth from the bottom of the league, averaging only 3.8 yards per carry.
Offensively, the Ravens fell from 13th in total offense to 22nd. And they only scored 22.3 points per game to rank 16th.
"I go back to our inability to run the football effectively for the whole year," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "I think that affected our passing game. I think that affected our production in all aspects of it. We will run the football better next year."
Rice had 53 more carries than last year but rushed for 119 fewer yards, finishing with 1,220 yards and five touchdowns. ]"
Full story here!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Taylor's Pick: Ravens 2010 MVP
This year, I'd have to say that my pick for MVP goes to Ed Reed.
After missing the first six games of the season, Ed Reed returned to the Ravens on October 27th for their game against the Buffalo Bills. During his first appearance of the season, Reed grabbed two interceptions and forced a fumble. Not bad after being injured for 6 weeks if you ask me!
Following his return, Baltimore went an impressive 8-2 and only narrowly missed winning the AFC North for the first time since 2006. He led the NFL with a record 8 interceptions, including three multi-pick games. Before he returned, the Ravens had only managed three interceptions in six games! With Reed's return to the defensive line for the Raven's final 10 games, Baltimore recorded 16 interceptions and forced 11 fumbles! To me, this says something about Reed's leadership ability and reliability. We always know that Ed Reed will be there when we need him to make big things happen on defense! As the numbers above indicate, the Ravens are a totally different team when they are missing Ed Reed.
It is Reed's ability to force turnovers that I believe makes him an invaluable asset to the Baltimore Ravens. Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata and Lardarius Webb all made great plays and were great weapons for the Ravens defense this season. However, turnovers change games and it really is incredible for a single player to be so consistent in his ability to cause them. The things that Reed was able to accomplish for the Ravens in his 10 games of the season is more than many other safeties were able to do all season.
One can only imagine what Reed would have been able to accomplish had he been able to play the full 16 games this season! His limited time on the field is certainly not apparent in his numbers that he produced and his impact on the Ravens is immeasurable. I believe that with the exception of Troy Polamalu for the Steelers, there is really is no other defensive player that is as valuable to his team as Ed Reed is to the Baltimore Ravens. He is a leader for the Ravens both on and off the field and I think that he truly was the Ravens most valuable player this season!
After missing the first six games of the season, Ed Reed returned to the Ravens on October 27th for their game against the Buffalo Bills. During his first appearance of the season, Reed grabbed two interceptions and forced a fumble. Not bad after being injured for 6 weeks if you ask me!
Following his return, Baltimore went an impressive 8-2 and only narrowly missed winning the AFC North for the first time since 2006. He led the NFL with a record 8 interceptions, including three multi-pick games. Before he returned, the Ravens had only managed three interceptions in six games! With Reed's return to the defensive line for the Raven's final 10 games, Baltimore recorded 16 interceptions and forced 11 fumbles! To me, this says something about Reed's leadership ability and reliability. We always know that Ed Reed will be there when we need him to make big things happen on defense! As the numbers above indicate, the Ravens are a totally different team when they are missing Ed Reed.
It is Reed's ability to force turnovers that I believe makes him an invaluable asset to the Baltimore Ravens. Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata and Lardarius Webb all made great plays and were great weapons for the Ravens defense this season. However, turnovers change games and it really is incredible for a single player to be so consistent in his ability to cause them. The things that Reed was able to accomplish for the Ravens in his 10 games of the season is more than many other safeties were able to do all season.
One can only imagine what Reed would have been able to accomplish had he been able to play the full 16 games this season! His limited time on the field is certainly not apparent in his numbers that he produced and his impact on the Ravens is immeasurable. I believe that with the exception of Troy Polamalu for the Steelers, there is really is no other defensive player that is as valuable to his team as Ed Reed is to the Baltimore Ravens. He is a leader for the Ravens both on and off the field and I think that he truly was the Ravens most valuable player this season!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Baltimore Ravens: 5 Players To Sign, 5 Players To Let Go in 2011 Free Agency
"[ The offseason for the Baltimore Ravens officially started after their devastating loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Saturday, and the team has already begun to make major changes for the better.
Shortly after Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison landed at the University of Michigan with the same coaching title, Baltimore’s current defensive backs coach Chuck Pagano was promoted to Mattison’s newly vacated position.
Pagano served two seasons in Oakland as the Raiders defensive backs coach from 2005-2006 before making the move to Baltimore.
Pagano is known for his aggressive style of coaching, so many Ravens fans hope he will be able to inject some fierceness back into a defensive unit that has had its share of setbacks in 2010.
Coaching moves are only the first part of what must be a highly successful offseason for the Ravens if they want to make a run at the Super Bowl in the 2011-12 NFL season. ]"
Click here for a look at the challenges Baltimore faces entering the free agent period, and examine several roster moves that should benefit the team going forward!
Baltimore Ravens: 10 Changes the Ravens Need To Make before Next Season
"[ The Baltimore Ravens 2010 season ended in heartbreak.
They had a 21-7 lead on the Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime of the AFC divisional round game. They looked to be in complete control; the defense was getting sacks and turnovers. Pittsburgh couldn't do anything. In the third quarter of the game, everything fell apart with three turnovers and zero first downs. They lost 31-24 thanks to some bad defense at the end of the game.
The news is not all bad in Baltimore. Right now, it's going to sting because they had their biggest rival on the ropes and couldn't finish them off. But they will be very good next year and have another chance at getting to their first Super Bowl since 2000.
They will have to make some changes between now and then if they hope to take the next step. You could see their biggest weaknesses on display late in that game against Pittsburgh. ]"
How Is Progress Measured?
"[ Under the coaching regime of John Haraugh and with QB Joe Flacco under center for the past three years, the team has finished with records, 11-5 (2008), 9-7 (2009), 12-4 (2010), making the playoffs and winning at least one postseason road game each of those years. However, they have just not been able to crack through to the Super Bowl, despite seeming to have what it takes on both sides of the ball to get there, only to disappoint themselves as well as their passionately loyal fans.
Has the team progressed each of the three years and if so, does that set up the Ravens to be once again on the verge of finally getting to the Big Game, as the window of opportunity grows smaller for some of the key veterans (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Matt Birk, Derrick Mason, Todd Heap)? Since the QB position seems to get most of the credit as well as most of the blame, let's look at Joe Flacco's progress over his three years in the league. Flacco has started every game in the team's past three years, tying for the most wins by a QB in their first three years in the NFL. He also is tied with the New York Jets' Mark Sanchez with four road victories in the post season, although Sanchez has the chance to break that record with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in this weekend's AFC Championship Game. ]"
Take a look at Flacco's career stats from NFL.com here!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Ed Reed Won't Play in the Pro Bowl
"[ Safety Ed Reed will not play in the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl after being elected to the honor for the seventh time in his career.
Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffen was named as Reed’s replacement, and will now be traveling to Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii for the Jan. 30 event, according to the Titans’ team website.
Reed, who is unable to participate due to injury, missed the first six weeks of the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after undergoing offseason hip surgery. Reed also dealt with neck pain this season and sore ribs in the Wild Card Round, but never missed time since coming off PUP.
Despite the injuries, Reed still led the league in interceptions (eight) while playing in just 10 games.
Not only will the time away from the Pro Bowl afford Reed the opportunity to rest his body, but he could also spend time with family.
Reed’s brother, Brian, is still missing after he jumped into the Mississippi River just days before the Ravens’ 30-7 wild-card win in Kansas City. ] "
ESPN's AFC North Blog - Morning take: Comparing Ravens, Steelers
James Walker provides his take on the biggest difference between the Ravens and the Steelers. He suggests that the reason we are unable to beat them in the big games is due largely in part to differences in the Joe Flacco's skills compared to those of Ben Roethlisberger.
Check it out here!
Check it out here!
Labor strife saving Cam Cameron?
If the league is unable to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement by March 3rd, a big chunk of the offseason regiment will fall to the wayside. Is it worth it for Baltimore to fire Cameron and implement a new coordinator, or are we better of sticking with something familiar?
Check out this answers to some of these questions provided in an interesting article by Tony Lombardi over at http://ravens24x7.blogspot.com/2011/01/labor-strife-saving-cameron.html!
Check out this answers to some of these questions provided in an interesting article by Tony Lombardi over at http://ravens24x7.blogspot.com/2011/01/labor-strife-saving-cameron.html!
Ravens say OL coach won’t be back next season
"[ The Ravens announced Wednesday night that John Matsko had “been relieved of his duties” after three seasons in Baltimore. Matsko met with head coach John Harbaugh earlier in the day.
The Ravens allowed 40 sacks during the regular season and also struggled to protect quarterback Joe Flacco(notes) in the playoffs. He was sacked nine times during two playoff games, including five in a 31-24 loss at Pittsburgh.
Matsko also has been an offensive line coach with Kansas City, New Orleans and St. Louis. He is scheduled to interview for a position with Carolina on Thursday.
Baltimore likely will promote assistant offensive line coach Andy Moeller to replace Matsko. ]"
Pagano's first task is to provide finishing touch
"We have to learn how to finish games as a football team," Pagano said. "And as a defense, if it’s our job – no matter what the situation is – to go out there and put the fire out and get off the field and win a game, that’s what we’re going to do. And that’s first and foremost with us. We’re going to take a close look at end of half, end of games, crunch time, fourth quarter, finishing.”
Full story here!
Full story here!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Taylor's 5 Takeaways from the 2010 Ravens Season
After the Ravens gut-wrenching loss to the Steelers on Saturday, it is time for me to fully accept that the season has come to an end. In doing so, I have compiled a list of 5 takeaways from the season. No Lombardi Trophy this year, but I will keep my hopes high for next year!
1. The defensive line owned. The defensive player of the year should be awarded to not one, but two Ravens this season. I think that the defensive success throughout the first half of the season can be largely attributed to brick wall, Haloti Ngata. However, as we entered the second half of the season we witnessed the resurgence of T-Sizzle as he concluded the regular season with 7 sacks in the last nine games. (He completed 5 sacks in the post season too!)
2. There is no obvious candidate for offensive player of the year. While Todd Heap missed a handful of games with his hamstring injury, it is fair to say that he was the Ravens most consistent offensive player. He was very visible when he returned from his injury which makes me wonder, could we have beat the Steelers in our second regular season matchup if he hadn't gotten hurt on the first play?
3. We couldn't have been any luckier to have Billy Cundiff and Sam Koch this season. Cundiff surprised everyone with his consistency this season! He made more than 90% of his field goals and tied the NFL record for most touchbacks in a single season. It was especially exciting to see other players, coaches and fans acknowledge his talents when they voted him into the Pro Bowl! It would be unfair to neglect all that Sam Koch did for the Ravens this season. Our special teams really shined and I was always confident in our punting and field goal attempts.
4. Rookie of the year has to go to David Reed. He made major contributions to the team and led the NFL kick off return average. We can't forget when he scored his big touchdown against the Texans among his many accomplishments this season!
5. Ray Lewis has ended another season without any indication that he might be getting to old. Does this guy age?! Seriously, he never lets us down and had many memorable moments throughout the season. His natural leadership abilities both on and off the field make him a truly valuable player and one that the team certainly would be at a loss without. Gotta love his perfectly clean hits, remember this big one against David Keller?
Later this week, look for my post about who I believe was the Ravens MVP this season!
1. The defensive line owned. The defensive player of the year should be awarded to not one, but two Ravens this season. I think that the defensive success throughout the first half of the season can be largely attributed to brick wall, Haloti Ngata. However, as we entered the second half of the season we witnessed the resurgence of T-Sizzle as he concluded the regular season with 7 sacks in the last nine games. (He completed 5 sacks in the post season too!)
2. There is no obvious candidate for offensive player of the year. While Todd Heap missed a handful of games with his hamstring injury, it is fair to say that he was the Ravens most consistent offensive player. He was very visible when he returned from his injury which makes me wonder, could we have beat the Steelers in our second regular season matchup if he hadn't gotten hurt on the first play?
3. We couldn't have been any luckier to have Billy Cundiff and Sam Koch this season. Cundiff surprised everyone with his consistency this season! He made more than 90% of his field goals and tied the NFL record for most touchbacks in a single season. It was especially exciting to see other players, coaches and fans acknowledge his talents when they voted him into the Pro Bowl! It would be unfair to neglect all that Sam Koch did for the Ravens this season. Our special teams really shined and I was always confident in our punting and field goal attempts.
4. Rookie of the year has to go to David Reed. He made major contributions to the team and led the NFL kick off return average. We can't forget when he scored his big touchdown against the Texans among his many accomplishments this season!
5. Ray Lewis has ended another season without any indication that he might be getting to old. Does this guy age?! Seriously, he never lets us down and had many memorable moments throughout the season. His natural leadership abilities both on and off the field make him a truly valuable player and one that the team certainly would be at a loss without. Gotta love his perfectly clean hits, remember this big one against David Keller?
Later this week, look for my post about who I believe was the Ravens MVP this season!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)