The Baltimore Ravens got off to another incredible start against the Pittsburgh Steelers today. The Ravens scored on just their 2nd play of the game on a TD pass from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin. Ray Rice has been a beast in the first half and had over 100 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs.
The Baltimore defense has played okay so far as well. Terrell Suggs caused Ben Roethlisberger to fumble and has been causing havoc for the Steelers offense all day. Before we get too excited though, we were leading 21 to 7 in the playoff game too before disaster struck. Hope lightning doesn’t stike in the 2nd half.
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the final preason game of 2011. Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan did not start as expected. Tyrod Taylor got his first start in a Ravens uniform but his debut ended early with a shoulder injury that knocked him out of the game. Some of the highlights of the game included a 55 yard interception return for a TD by rookie draft pick Chykie Brown. The Ravens went on to win the game 21 to 7.
The Washington Redskins jumped out to an early 14 to 0 lead on the Baltimore Ravens Friday night. The Ravens quickly came back to tie it however at 14 to 14. The game went back and forth like that pretty much the whole game with most of the starters playing until the 3rd quarter.
In the 4th quarter, the Redskins were hanging onto a 31 to 27 lead with under a minute to go. After a good return by rookie Laquan Williams, the Ravens scored the game winning touchdown on a pass from rookie Tyrod Taylor. The Ravens went on to win 34 to 31. It turned out to be one of the best preseason games that I ever watched.
Check out the Ravens vs Redskins preseason game highlights:
One thing is for sure. The Baltimore Ravens are too physical for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens destroyed them in the playoffs last season and nothing changed in the recent pre season matchup.
Some of key plays included Ray Rice breaking one for a TD and newly added wide receiver Lee Evans catching a nice deep pass from Joe Flacco. The offensive line also played much better in pre season game 2.
Rookie backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor was impressive as well, marching the Ravens downfield for two 4th quarter touchdown drives. The Ravens went on to win a 31-13 over the Chiefs.
The Baltimore Ravens traded a 4th round draft pick to the Buffalo Bills and have acquired wide receiver Lee Evansthis past week. Lee Evans is a seasoned veteran with good speed and will be another big target for Joe Flacco. Evans will be another deep threat to go along with rookie Torrey Smith.
Here is an ESPN video clip talking about the Ravens acquisition of Lee Evans:
Say it isn’t so. One of my favorite players for the Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Mason, has signed with the New York Jets. That’s right Derrick Mason is going to the New York Jets. Mason will most likely be playing against the Baltimore Ravens in week 4 of the season. Derrick Mason is the all-time leader in pass receptions and yardage for Baltimore Ravens. He was one of those players that I was hoping was going to retire wearing the black and purple. Even after the Ravens cut Derrick Mason, I was hoping that they would eventually re-sign him
Some people thought cutting Mason was a good move because of his age. I’m not so sure. Mason was Flacco’s number one target at wide receiver for many years including last year. Rex Ryan, the Jets head coach, sure didn’t waste any time trying to get him to come play for the Jets. Let’s hope that losing Mason and Todd Heap doesn’t come back to hurt us. Hopefully, Flacco will build some much needed chemistry with Anquan Boldin now that Mason and Todd Heap are gone.
Derrick Mason will surely be missed by me and many other Ravens fans. He was affectionately called Old Reliable. Even though he was starting to get up in age, he was always reliable. In tribute to Derrick Mason, it is only fitting that I post a video of Derrick Mason highlights. I found the following video on YouTube, and I feel that it showcases some of the amazing things Mason did as a Baltimore Ravens player. Check it out below:
Shannon Sharpe and Deion Sanders will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame today. Shannon Sharpe was a member of the 2000 Ravens and was a major contributor that year in helping us win the Superbowl. He also helped tutor Todd Heap at the TE position the following year. Deion Sanders played a year in Baltimore alongside Ed Reed in the secondary.
Both players were incredible and are well deserving of the honor. Not only were they both former Baltimore Ravens but they both won Superbowl rings with more than one team. Shannon Sharpe won 2 Superbowl rings while playing for the Denver Broncos. Deion Sanders won a Superbowl ring with the 49ers and another with the Dallas Cowboys.
Former Baltimore Ravens TE and fan favorite, Todd Heap, has reportedly inked a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Todd Heap who is a 2 time former Pro Bowler played 10 seasons for the Baltimore Ravens and will be missed by many fans here in Baltimore.
Todd Heap made many great catches while playing for the Baltimore Ravens. In tribute to Heeeeeeeeeeap, here is a video clip of one of his incredible catches.
After being officially released by the Baltimore Ravens this week, it is reported that running back Willis McGahee has agreed to a three-year, $7.5 million deal with the Denver Broncos on Friday. Willis McGahee is a player that I will miss. He was probably the most talented backup running back the Ravens have had since Priest Holmes. Willis McGahee was known for getting TDs in the red zone and had one of the most vicious stiff arms in the NFL. I wish him well in Denver except when they the play the Ravens.
Check out the video clip of one of the most memorable Willis McGahee plays:
As you should know by now, the Ravens have released Todd Heap, Willis McGahee, Derrick Mason, and Kelly Gregg. This news has caused many Ravens fans to panic seeing that these are some of the favorite veteran players on the team. Todd Heap and Derrick Mason have been the favorite targets for quarteback Joe Flacco in the past. It is kind of hard to see how our offense will improve with the release of these guys. Hopefully, the Ravens will be able to resign a couple of them at a lower price in the near future.
On another note, it is reported that cornerback Josh Wilson has already signed with another team and won’t be back as well. The Ravens have not brought in any big name free agent from another team so far. Other teams such as the New England Patriots and New York Jets are trying to make some major moves. The Patriots just signed Chad Ochocinco and the Jets have resigned Santonio Holmes.
