Baltimore Ravens Examiner

The Race

Now that it's summer, the preseason prognosticators have come out of the woodwork--just dying to tell us what they see in their proverbial crystal balls.  It surely doesn't take a crystal ball to see that the Patriots will have the AFC East locked up by mid October (or sooner).  The AFC South is a race between the Colts and the dangerous Jaguars.  The West belongs to the Chargers.  And the North?  Well, the North is by far the most intriguing division in the conference.  Though the Ravens finished 5-11 last season, they are not that bad.  Coach Harbaugh, I believe, will get the guys ready to play.  If they can win some early games and build their confidence, this team will make the division race very interesting.  The Steelers will be tough, though I think the loss of Alan Faneca will come back to haunt them.  The Bengals have talent, but they seem to also have problems with individual egos upsetting team chemistry.  The Browns have made some improvements and should contend.

Which brings us back to the Ravens.

If they can settle the quarterback issue (which should be the primary focus of training camp) and if Ray Lewis can rally the troops (like only he can), then the Ravens will be the one team that will be hard to handicap.  Can they win the division?  I think it's a long shot, but I don't think it's impossible.  There is a lot of parity in the North, which helps the dark horses--and the Ravens should be considered a dark horse. Our poor receiving corps, though, could hurt us--a lot.  Our defense will be ferocious, especially with Ray, Bart, and Terrell looking for new contracts.  As usual, the biggest questions are on the offensive side of the ball.  Until those questions are answered, things are hard to predict--even with a crystal ball.

How will this division shape up?  My prediction (made with no crystal ball) is Cleveland (11-5), Pittsburgh (10-6), Baltimore (9-7), Cincy (7-9).

What is your prediction?  Write in and let me know.

Kyle Boller...the former Raven?

 Well, we finally got some definitive news: Kyle Boller was placed on the Injured Reserve list today, ending his season and maybe his career in Baltimore.  The six- year veteran has a torn labrum.  He now hangs in limbo while the Ravens... Read More

Flacco is the future, but is he the present?

The Ravens coaches think Joe Flacco gives them the best chance to win against the Bengals.  I disagree with the decision, but, having said that, I'm curious to see how Flacco does.  I do wish him well.  He is the future.There is, however,... Read More

Make-A-Wish fundraiser with Terrell Suggs at Morton's The Steakhouse

         Terrell Suggs joins Morton's The Steakhouse for an exclusive fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation on September 16th.  Reservations are available from 6-8 p.m. The cost to attend is... Read More
Topics: Fundraiser at Morton's The Steakhouse

The quarterback war

The season starts on September 7, and the Ravens quarterback situation looks more unsettled now than it has since camp began.  Smith's stomach virus prevented him from starting and claiming the starter's job for the regular season.  Boller's... Read More
Topics: NFL

Ravens edge Rams

 Coach Harbaugh's decision to start Troy Smith in the third preseason game is a wise one.  Boller is a known commodity, but Smith's game still raises some serious questions in terms of reading defenses and making good decisions.  Starting... Read More
Topics: Preseason Games

Suggs is back...just in time!

The return of Terrell Suggs is good news and reason to celebrate.  The defense gets back a terrific pass rusher and plenty of attitude and swagger. Welcome back, Terrell.  You were just in time.Did you see the list of Ravens who missed... Read More

Rice and humble pie

 Here's a certainty: Ray Rice has been the shining star on the offensive side of the ball so far.  He had a great game against Minnesota, including his first touchdown on a six-yard run.  If Willis McGahee remains on the sidelines, he... Read More
Topics: Troy Smith , Ray Rice

Two nice moves