SB Nation - Billy Cundiff

Preview: Ravens at Green Bay Packers

Brandon — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:00:29 -0000

by Tony Dejak - AP

This is going to be a good game. On paper, the Green Bay Packers seem to be the better team, but it's not a huge advantage. The Packers are favored by 3, but it's probably a pick if this were played on a neutral site. Every play is going to count, and any missed opportunity might be the reason someone loses.

The official team rankings (based on yardage) from NFL.com:

Team	Run Offense	Pass Offense	Run Defense	Pass Defense
Packers	11	6	4	6
Ravens	14	13	6	12

RB Ryan Grant vs. the Ravens run D. Opposing running backs are only averaging 3.5 yards/carry against the Ravens. While this makes it appear that the Ravens have the advantage, it's been hard to predict how Grant will play lately. The offensive line was great at opening running lanes against the 49ers excellent run defense, but they didn't help him much against the Lions when he only had 3.1 yards/carry. Also, the 49ers run a 3-4 defense, just as the Packers and Ravens do, so since the Packers see the 3-4 in practice, maybe that gives them some advantage against a 3-4 defense during a game.

QB Aaron Rodgers vs. the Ravens pass D. Based on the yardage rankings, this looks like a matchup that would favor Rodgers. But the Ravens have held opposing QBs to a rating of 79.0, with 12 TDs (12th fewest) and 12 INTs (7th most). Their pass defense is currently ranked No. 5 overall by Football Outsiders, which would be the best pass defense he's faced so far this season. Though they have lost both starting CB Fabian Washington (torn ACL) and star pass rusher LB Terrell Suggs (torn MCL) in recent weeks. Those injuries are similar to what the Packers have gone through, except LB Aaron Kampman is gone for the season and Suggs should return later this month. In their 2 games without Suggs, who has 3.5 of their 21 sacks on the season, the Ravens were without a sack against the Colts or Steelers, which should help the struggling o-line avoid any disaster. This is a tough matchup for Rodgers, but he's been good to outstanding in every game this season and I wouldn't bet against him.

RB Ray Rice vs. the Packers run D. The Ravens ran the ball a lot in 2008 (37 carries/game), but not nearly so much in 2009 (27.5 carries/game). But their yards/carry has actually gone up from 4.0 to 4.2, in large part to the outstanding season by Rice. I'll still pick the Packers great run defense to win this battle because they haven't struggled against an opponent since RB Cedric Benson's big game in week 2.

QB Joe Flacco vs. the Packers pass D. WR Derrick Mason and RB Ray Rice are having great seasons, and are the leaders in their passing game. Unfortunately they aren't getting much help from the rest of their receivers, though WR Mark Clayton had a great game against the Steelers last week. Football Outsiders has the Ravens pass offense ranked No. 12 overall, but the Packers pass D is ranked No. 3 by them. This looks like a matchup that would favor the Packers, but with two contrasting points. Flacco has a 90.2 QB rating with 13 TDs and 8 INTs, which is similar to QB Carson Palmer (86.7 rating, 15 TDs, 8 INTs) and he threw for 3 TDs against the Packers, in Lambeau, back in week 2. However, that was the first and only game started by SS Aaron Rouse, who was so bad he was released shortly after the game. If the forecast for snow holds up, that might throw all those stats out the window.

Special teams and penalties. Though Mike McCarthy won't admit the special teams have been a disaster in 2009, they've been a disaster. The Packers have been getting killed by hidden yards lost on sacks, special teams, and penalties all season. The sacks might not be a problem, as I noted above, the Ravens haven't had a sack in three weeks. The Ravens special teams have been generally good this season, and they recently signed K Billy Cundiff to have fix their only significant weakness: FG attempts. The Packers will lose at least some yards to the Ravens on special teams. Though the Packers have been awful with penalties this season (66.4 yards/game), the only team worse is the Ravens (66.6 yards/game). This has been an area that's killed the Packers this season, but the Ravens can only expect a slight bump from it.

If the snow turns this game into another HD Bowl (aka 2008 playoff win over the Seahawks) I've got no idea how it could turn out. Which ever team can control the line of scrimmage will win a snow game. Assuming there's no snow, this is still a game I expect the Packers to win. Packers 24, Ravens 17.

Winning, Regardless of How, Still Beats Losing

Bruce Raffel — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:37:27 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

20 days ago: Baltimore Ravens' Billy Cundiff (7) is congratulated by snapper Matt Katula, left, and holder Sam Koch, right, after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17 in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 20-17 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Prior to last nights 20-17 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens had lost five of their last seven games, some of them in classic 2009 Ravens' frustrating fashion. Therefore, winning a game, any game, much less one over their hated AFC North division rivals, feels pretty good by my standards.

Even without their top offensive and defensive players, Pittsburgh is still a tough team and played well enough to keep the game close and even had a chance to win it in the extra session. But the Ravens, faced with certain elimination from any real chance at playing in the post season, persevered and with a little help from a couple of rookies and a couple of second year players, pulled out the win off the foot of new kicker Billy Cundiff.

Rookie CB,Lardarius Webb, pressed into starting due to a season ending injury to Fabian Washington last week, almost ended the game with an interception but just couldn't hold onto what would have been a pick-six. Seldom used rookie LB Paul Kruger, who is also getting playing time due to Terrell Suggs' injury, made the totally unexpected interception in OT and ran the ball back deep into Steelers territory. From there, it was just a matter of seconde year QB Joe Flacco handing it to 2nd year RB, Ray Rice, to get the ball into better field position centered for the game winning Cundiff FG.

A lot of fans will say the team looked boring and flat and should have won this game going away. Remember, other than Troy Polamalu, this was the same Pittsburgh defense that shut down the Ravens three times last season and would know they needed to have a solid game to help their offensive issues. Third string QB Dennis Dixon had a great game up until that final interception, passing for one TD and running for another. Overall, the Steelers offense moved the ball pretty well, especially on the ground. One might have thought that the Ravens defense would do whatever it took to shut down the Pittsburgh running game and force Dixon to beat them through the air. However, that didn't happen as the Steelers ran for 153 yards, with 95 from Rashard Mendenhall.

Offensively, the Ravens might have looked boring and inefficient, but they still racked up decent yardage on the ground (132 yards), led by Rice's 88 yards and through the air on Flacco's 23 for 35 for 289 yards and the one TD pass to Derrick Mason(7 receptions for 62 yards). Wide receiver Mark Clayton had one of his best games of his career, catching seven passes for 129 yards, including a great catch off of a long bomb of 54 yards.

All in all, the win keeps us int he playoff hunt and looking at our competition for the post season, we now have the ability to control our own fate. Continuing the progress will require going up to Green Bay to face the Packers next Monday night in what will be the first night game in December in Green Bay history. Why is this? Because it's so damn cold there this time of year, so why do our Ravens get the honor of dealing with those elements? That should be a great game against a very good offense and a Packers team that has played pretty well the last few weeks and are chasing a post season berth themselves. More will follow on the Packers game but for now we can dissect and debate the Ravens win over the Steelers last night, a phrase we haven't uttered for well almost two years now.

The Morning After: This One Still Really Hurts

Bruce Raffel — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:48:04 -0000

More photos » by Nick Wass - AP

27 days ago: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco paces the sidelines in the closing moments of the Ravens' 17-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Ironically, the last time a Baltimore Ravens' loss hurt this much the next day was the 2006 playoff loss to this same Baltimore Colts' team. That game was extremely similar as the Ravens could only muster field goals rather than getting the ball into the end zone. All too familiar was the late red zone interception that sealed the win for the Colts and sent home optimistic Ravens fans with the same notion that their season was over.

While there are still six games left in the 2009 season, the Ravens would have to go undefeated for a chance to make the playoffs at this point. Playoffs! Playoffs? Wha, you're talking about playoffs!? To add to the misery, I said all week that I'd prefer to get blown out by the Colts than to lose on a Matt Stover field goal, so what ended up being the difference? A Matt Stover field goal after our new kicker, Billy Cundiff, go the loudest ovation for just a field goal in Ravens history, but despite hitting five field goals, still missed a chip shot that might have made a difference in the game's outcome.

Isn't it interesting how the oddsmakers knew exactly what they were doing when they opened up the betting line with the Ravens a one point favorite? Enough money was put on the Colts to move the line to Indy -1.5, and look what happens, they win the game by two points. Hmmm...something might smell a bit fishy if you were a wagering man.

But we digress from the task at hand, which is bashing the playcalling and even more so, the lack of execution. No one would be complaining about what plays were called if the players did their jobs on the field and executed them successfully. How does our quarterback look so good at the beginning of the season that not only are we talking about going to the Super Bowl, but our QB is also headed to the Pro Bowl. Now the team has not scored a first half offensive touchdown in the first half of a NFL game since week four against the New England Patriots. That's a streak of six games, and we've only scored two offensive TD's in the past three game in total. Not only is that definitely not a Super Bowl team, it certainly isn't a Pro Bowl QB either.

Say what you want about how good Joe Flacco is, give him a pass if you want for only being a second year player or blme it all on the lack of wide receivers or the playcalling. However, the kid has just not gotten it done, looks like he is regressing and has had a huge hand in some of these losses that have the levels of frustration amongst the fans at a boiling point with our most hated opponents getting ready to come into our house for what was supposed to be the battle for the division lead in the AFC North.

Flacco's interception while we were on the doorstep of scoring the go ahead touchdown was thrown right smack dab into the heart of the Colts' defense. He tried to throw it to Derrick Mason, who was not only covered, he was double or perhaps even triple teamed at the time. All day, Mason had scholled the Colts injury-depleted secondary with outside moves and when I saw him lined up outside I was like, "good, make a fake inside and Flacco will hit you in the front corner of the end zone fo rthe TD." In slow motion, I saw him cut across the middle and started shouting "nooooo..." and the interception came just as I expected. that's now three red zone interceptions in games that the Ravens have lost by less than seven points by the second year Flacco (including Cincinnati, New England)

Ironically, every team in the AFC North went down to defeat yesterday and a win over Indy would have came at a great time, as both us and the Steelers would be meeting next week at 6-4, with the Bengals only a game ahead of us at 7-3. ut alas, that is not to be the case, as the Ravens sit at .500 and with Pittsburgh coming in at 6-4, the battle is now to just see which team finishes in second and third place in the AFC North.

I know there have been a lot of comments posted here on The Beatdown, and hopefully you'll continue to vent more at the bottom of this post as well. Leave your thoughts, advice and frustrations to "add company to my misery!"

Ravens vs. Colts: Prediction and 'Open Thread'

Bruce Raffel — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:22:53 -0000

While I won't be able to join you for the 'Open Thread' I still urge everyone to keep it here on The Beatdown all game long to post your comments and thoughts as we cheer the Baltimore Ravens on to the upset victory and shock the league as well as the Colts and knock them from the ranks of the unbeatens just as we did two weeks ago to the then-undefeated Denver Broncos.

I'll be screaming from the Club Level in section 206, so if you make it there, stop by to have a cold one on me. Otherwise, park yourselves in front of the TV and join this thread as you watch the game. If the Ravens had followed my lead and confirmed my predictions on the previous nine games, we'd be sitting with the Colts at 9-0, as I've picked them to win every game so far in 2009, but for whatever strange reasons, they've decided to make their own decisions and look where it's gotten them. Unfortunately for that, the Ravens are teetering on the playoff ledge at 5-4 and desperately need a win today and even more so next week when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday night on prime time.

However, the focus is without a doubt on stopping Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts, while also trying to get off the schnide and score some early points for a change, which hasn't happened since the fourth game of the season. Falling behind the Colts plays right into their hands, as being forced to throw in order to play catch up instead of controlling the clock and keeping Manning off the field by running the ball down Indy's throat is a recipe for disaster.

At the same time, expecting to totally shutting down their high power, almost score-at-will offense is pretty much a fantasy, so the Ravens will not only need to win the time of possession battle but the offensive fireworks one as well. Mixing in the run and pass, throwing in a trick play or two to get some quick points, plus utilizing all the key personnel in the run and pass game by spreading the ball around to a bunch of guys is our best shot. Using Willis McGahee to spell Ray Rice, especially in the Red Zone, worked so well in the beginning of the season and should return today. Same thing goes for the passing attack, when Joe Flacco routinely hit six or seven receivers a game, making it difficult to just take Derrick Mason out of the game and expecting the air attack to flounder like it has lately. Get the tight end(s) in the game to open the middle of the field and exploit the loss of All Pro safety Bob Sanders.

In order to do that on the offensive side of the ball, we'll need to control the trenches and that all starts and ends with the Colts' defensive line bookends. Slowing down both Freeney and Mathis will be a major challenge for our tackles but it is a possibility with the right gameplan. The same thing goes for the defensive side of the ball and once again, the trench warfare battle should determine the game's outcome. If the loss of Terrell Suggs cannot be overcome by a decent game from the rookie, Paul Kruger, then I shudder to think of what Peyton Manning will do to our secondary. A solid pass rush with different schemes, looks, formations and of course, blitzes, will go a long way to helping our secondary stick with the great Colts' receivers and not need to follow them all over the field as Manning sits back there fro five or six seconds picking us apart.

So once again, but more importantly than ever, win the trenches, win the game. And vice versa. I'm predicting that the game is closer than most people expect, although I'm still a bit leery as to why the oddsmakers had the Ravens even open as a one point favorite, much less remain only a one point underdog. They're usually pretty good at their jobs so something appears to be up with what many are calling a "trap" game for bettors, although the line hasn't moved much so it appears that bettors seem to be staying away from this one, although the point total for the game (44) seems to be a decent wager.

While I'm obviously rooting for Baltimore to win, I'd much prefer to see us get blown out by Indy than to have Matt Stover kick the game winner for them as the clock expires. At the same time, I'd love to either see new Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff do the same to them, but even more would love to see Stover's 45 yard attempt to win it fall just short at the end of the game.

For the first time this season, I am not picking my Ravens to come out on the positive end of the score. However, they will make a game of it that should give us future confidence for the Steelers game next week, that is actually even more critical than today's.

Indy: 27-20

Week Eleven Preview: Colts at Ravens

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:23:22 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Indianapolis Colts quarterback and supposed John Unitas clone Peyton Manning (18) uses the Vulcan head touch to sap the knowledge from Senior Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore's brain. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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(Warning: This Colts v. Ravens preview is sans Mayflower trucks because, quite honestly, we've been there and done that. Most rational, civilized, well-adjusted people are over it already. Those that aren't need a life).

We made a big brew-ha-ha earlier this year about Baltimore native Barry Levinson's well produced but painfully flawed ESPN documentary titled ~~The Band That Wouldn't Let It Go~~ The Band That Wouldn't Die. The doc's story centered on the old Baltimore Colts marching band and their efforts to keep the spirit of football alive in the city of Baltimore after the Colts left town in favor of Indianapolis in March of 1984. ESPN probably should have waited until this week to air the doc, as it would have likely stirred up the fanbases in both Baltimore and Indy just in time for the now-seemingly annual Colts v. Ravens showdown.

Since 2004, the Colts have played the Ravens at least once a year. With this Sunday's game, the Colts will have played in Baltimore four times while the Ravens have traveled to Indy twice. In all the previous contests, the Colts have flat out owned the Ravens. Whether under the night lights of primetime TV, or in the pressure-packed moments of the playoffs, the Colts have consistently put their foot on the throats of the Ravens and strangled the life out of them each and every time.

Yet, despite the seemingly annual match-up, there does not seem to be any sort of animosity or hatred between the two teams. The reason for this: Peyton Manning. Baltimore fans and players seem to respect Peyton Manning more than any other QB in the league. I've heard more than a few fans from the "City of Firsts" say that Peyton Manning is as close to a clone of Johnny Unitas as they've ever seen. He even walks like unitas did, they say. There is also mutual respect from Colts players towards greats like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh (brother of former-Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh, a longtime fan favorite).

With this year's match-up, the rivalry now has the added dimension of a potent Ravens offense, led by a very impressive QB named Joe Flacco, and a Colts defense that, right now, is playing better football than the Ravens defense has this season.

John Unitas; quite simply, THE man

Image: pictopia.com

First and foremost, I'm a huge Joe Flacco fan. He's a better QB than Matt Ryan, absolutely no question about it. While Ryan is a cool customer who shows an impressive knowledge of the game of football, there is nothing Ryan does better than Flacco. In fact, from what I have seen, Flacco has a better arm and has been able to do more with less than Ryan has.

The Ravens offense is one of the best in football, averaging roughly 25 points per game behind a passing attack from Flacco that has generated 12 TDs and only 7 INTs. The Ravens also boast an impressive ground game behind (arguably) the most under-rated RB in all of football: Ray Rice. Baltimore's rushing attack averages 4.3 yards a carry and has scored 12 TDs. Just like when the Colts had to travel to Tennessee earlier this season and shut down all-world runner Chris Johnson, stopping Rice and the Ravens ground game will be top priority for the Colts defense.

Raymond Berry, one of my favorite players of all time

Image: www.profootballhof.com

What has been odd of late has been the play of Baltimore's defense. Though they are only surrendering 17 ppg (ranked 5th in the league), there have been some games this season where the Ravens D has fallen way short of the high expectations we fans set for them. They lost three in a row in October, allowing teams like the Patriots and Vikings to score seemingly at will on them. They righted their ship by defeating the then-undefeated Broncos, but have been a bit erratic ever since. The recent loss of Terrell Suggs will hurt their D, and while they certainly miss the play of departed linebacker Bart Scott (who signed with the Jets this past off-season) you absolutely cannot discount a defense with Lewsi, Reed, and all-galaxy defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who is the cousin of Colts rookie Fili Moala.

Keys to the game:

Stop the run. In the Ravens two loses to their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore's running game was limited. While Flacco is certainly capable of flinging the football around with the best of them, if you take away the running game and force him to throw more than he is comfortable, the results are often turnovers.
Robert Mathis v. Michael Oher. Oher's story is certainly worthy of a movie, but even if he did not come from abject poverty, Oher's story as an impressive rookie is very much worthy of respect on its own. Still, with Dwight Freeney likely to get loads of attention, Mathis must beat Oher and pressure Flacco. Mathis' play Sunday night was a big difference, flustering Tom Brady and hurrying his throws. Mathis must have a similar impact against Flacco.
The Patriots focused their defense on Dallas Clark, and the Ravens might do the same. Ed Reed might glue himself to Clark in an attempt to take away Peyton's ace. The Colts must counter this by either moving Clark around (playing him outside, in the slot, or as an H-Back), dictating to the Ravens how they should cover him. Clark is currently third in the league in catches with 64 and 5th in the league in yards. Clark's a tight end, folks. I don't know if I've ever seen a tight end have these kinds of numbers.
Ray Lewis is a student of the game, and he is correct in his praise of the Colts running game. Indy has made it a point to stick with the run, especially in the fourth quarter. The results speak for themselves. For three straight games, the Colts have used good, smart, hard running to close out games in the fourth. With rookie Donald Brown back from his shoulder injury and Chad Simpson flexing his muscles a bit as a running back (36 yards on 4 carries last week), Joseph Addai might finally get some help carrying the load for this team. Also, the decision to start Kyle DeVan at right guard over Mike Pollak has made a difference. Running plays to the right are no longer the lost cause they were earlier in the year.

Gino Marchetti (89) was Dwight Freeney long before Dwight Freeney was Dwight Freeney

Image: assets.espn.go.com

Sunday's game will also feature the return of Ravens legend Matt Stover, who spent 13 seasons in Baltimore as their kicker. The Ravens let him go this past off-season, and it was a decision they now openly regret. Stover has been damn impressive filling in for an injured Adam Viantieri. Meanwhile, the Ravens cut the kicker they replaced Stover with, and are now handing the kicking job to journeyman Billy Cundiff.

After a whale of a comeback against the Patriots last week, traveling to Baltimore will prove another tough physical and mental hurdle for the Colts to overcome. They've done this kind of thing before this season, winning a thriller against the Dolphins and then going on the road to face the Cardinals, who they spanked in their house. This will be Indy's first road game in nearly a month. You could really say this is Indy's first road game in almost six weeks. Their last "road" game was at St. Louis against the Rams, where it seemed there were more Colts fans in the stands than rams fans. Indy's last true "road game" was Week Five at Nashville against the then 0-5 Titans.

This road test will likely prove a strong one for the Colts as the Ravens are a very good football team. For more insight into the game, please visit Baltimore Beatdown, SB Nation's outstanding Ravens blog.

Ravens Roster Moves

Bruce Raffel — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:15:07 -0000

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP

about 1 month ago: Baltimore Ravens safety Haruki Nakamura is taken off the field after suffering an injury on the opening kickoff of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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From Chad Steele, Director of Media Relations for the Baltimore Ravens, comes today's corresponding roster moves to make room for the new kicker and players added as a result of the loss of safety Haruki Nakamura for the season due to his broken ankle in this past Monday night's Cleveland Browns' game:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ravens Roster Moves

The Baltimore Ravens have placed the following player on Injured Reserve:

Haruki Nakamura (S, 5-10, 200, 2^nd-year, Cincinnati) – Ankle

Nakamura’s season ended with him ranking sixth on the team with seven tackles and a forced fumble on special teams. He also posted a solo stop from scrimmage.

Baltimore has also signed the following player:

Billy Cundiff (K, 6-1, 207, 5^th-year, Drake) – Cundiff’s bio is attached

The Ravens have also signed the following player to their active roster from their practice squad:

K.J. Gerard (S, 6-1, 192, Rookie, Northern Arizona) – Gerard’s bio is on page 237 of the Ravens’ 2009 media guide

Baltimore also signed the following player to their practice squad:

Marcus Paschal (DB, 6-0, 201, 2^nd-year, Iowa)

(NOTE: See newly signed placekicker Billy Cundiff's bio after the 'Jump.')

GAMES PLAYED/STARTED: (2002, 16/0); (2003, 15/0); (2004, 16/0); (2005, 6/0) (2006, 5/0); (2009,
5/0) Total 63/0
PLAYOFFS: (2003, 1/0); (2006, 2/0) Total 3/0
TRANSACTIONS: Billy Cundiff signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens on
11/18/09…Waived by the Browns on 11/3/09…Signed as an unrestricted free agent by Cleveland on
9/26/09...Waived by Detroit on 9/6/09…Signed by the Lions on 8/26/09…Waived by Kansas City
on 6/16/08…Signed by the Chiefs on 2/18/08…Waived by the Falcons on 9/2/07…Signed as an
unrestricted free agent by Atlanta on 5/4/07… Signed by New Orleans on 11/24/06…Waived by Green
Bay on 8/17/06…Signed by the Packers on 3/28/06… Waived by the Cowboys on 12/26/05…Signed
by Dallas on 11/19/05…Cut by the Cowboys on 8/24/05…Re-signed with the Cowboys on 2/27/03…
Originally signed as a rookie free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on 4/29/02.
PRO: Strong-legged kicker who has played in 63 games, posting 302 career points in his 5-year
career…Cundiff has connected on 99% of his PATs (104 of 105) and 66 of his 89 FGAs, including
100% from under 30 yards or less…Posted a career-high 99 points with the Cowboys in 2003, as he
was 23-of-29 on FGAs and 30-of-31 on PATs…Has also seen action in 3 postseason games.
2009: (with Baltimore/Cleveland) Saw action in 5 games with the Browns, posting 22 points, going
6-of-6 on FGAs and 4-of-4 on PATs before being waived on 11/3…Converted both FGAs (24 and 18
yards) in Game 5 at Buf. (10/11)…His 18-yarder with 23 seconds to play lifted the Browns to the
6-3 victory...It marked the 4th 4th-quarter, game-winning FG of his career and his 1st since 11/12/03
when, as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, his 28-yarder with 1:11 remaining in regulation gave
Dallas a 23-21 victory against the Eagles…Converted both FGAs (26 and 31 yards), as well as both
PATs in Game 4 vs. Cin. (10/4)…Signed with Cleveland on 9/26.
2006: (with New Orleans) Saw action in 5 games for the Saints, kicking off 28 times, netting 3 TBs.
2005: (with Dallas) Saw action in 6 contests, connecting on 5 of 8 FGAs and 14 PATs for 29 points…
Also posted 1 TB on 26 KOs and added 1 punt for 35 yards with a TB…Was true on all 3 FGAs (39,
49 and 47 yards) and booted 4 PATs in game 12 at Sea. (12/6)…Connected on both FGAs, including
a career-long 56-yarder and posted a PAT in the 20-7 win in game 11 vs. Det. (11/20).
2004: (with Dallas) Saw action in all 16 games, converting 20 of 26 FGAs and all 31 PATs for 91
points…Also registered 1 punt for 34 yards, placing it inside the 20…Connected on all 3 FGAs (40,
24 and 45 yards) and his lone PAT in the season finale at NYG 1/2/05.
2003: (with Dallas) Appeared in 15 contests, connecting on 23 of 29 FGAs and 30 of 31 PATs for a
career-high 99 points…Also recorded a punt for 32 yards with a TB and converted his lone FGA (37
yards) in the postseason…Connected on all 4 FGAs (24, 42, 21 and 49) and his lone PAT in the 19-3
win in game 15 vs. NYG (12/21)…Tied an NFL record with a career-high 7 FGs (37, 49, 42, 21, 36,
52 and 25 yards) and nailed 2 PATs in the 35-32 win in game 2 vs. NYG (9/15).
2002: (with Dallas) Saw action in all 16 games, connecting on 12 of 19 FGAs and all 25 PATs for
61 points…Went 2-for-2 on FGAs, including a season-long 48 yarder, and booted a PAT in game 4
at STL (9/29)…Converted his 1st-career FGA (a 23-yard boot) as he went 1-of-2 (missed from 42
yards) and connected on his lone PAT in the season opener at Hou. (9/8)…Signed as a rookie free
agent on 4/29.
COLLEGE: A 4-year letterman at Drake University who converted 49 of 79 FGAs and 137 of 151 PATs
for 284 points during career…Set 15 schools records at Drake and 7 Pioneer Football League marks…
Held school records for points (284), FGM (49), FGAs (79) and PATs (137)…Connected on 8 FGs of
50-plus yards, 1 of which currently stands as the 4th-longest FG in NCAA Division I-AA history…
Was also a 3-year member of the Drake basketball team…Majored in history.
PERSONAL: Prepped at Harlan Community (Harlan, IA) HS…Was a 3-time All-State selection in
football…Earned his MBA from Arizona State and worked for a venture capitol firm prior to signing
with the Ravens…Married (Nicole)…Born William Ambrose Cundiff on March 30, 1980.
HT 6-1 WT 207
COLLEGE Drake
HIGH SCHOOL Harlan (IA)
BORN 3/30/80, Phoenix, AZ
JOINED RAVENS Free Agent, 2009
7 KBickerIL L• 5Yth NCFL USeasonNDIFF
7 billy cundiff
Year Team GP FG FGA Pct Lg Blk XP XPA Pct Blk Points
2002 Dallas 16 12 19 63.2 48 0 25 25 100.0 0 61
2003 Dallas 15 23 29 79.3 52 0 30 31 96.8 1 99
2004 Dallas 16 20 26 76.9 49 0 31 31 100.0 0 91
2005 Dallas 6 5 8 62.5 56 1 14 14 100.0 0 29
2006 New Orleans 5 0 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
2007 DID NOT PLAY
2008 DID NOT PLAY
2009 Cleveland 5 6 6 100.0 31 0 4 4 100.0 0 22
NFL Totals 63 66 89 74.2 56 1 104 105 99.0 1 302
7 billy cundiff

Ravens Release Hauschka

Bruce Raffel — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:27:51 -0000

More photos » by Amy Sancetta - AP

about 1 month ago: Baltimore Ravens kicker Steven Hauschka (6) watches as he misses a 36-yard field goal during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Cleveland. Holding for Baltimore is Sam Koch. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

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According to the Baltimore Ravens, the team waived placekicker Steven Hauschka Tuesday afternoon. GM Ozzie Newsome said, "We will sign a new kicker by tomorrow's practice."

The Ravens have tried out both Mike Nugent and Billy Cundiff, but are said to like Nugent better, so I am expecting them to sign him by tomorrow. Good luck Steven and hopefully you'll have another chance in the NFL, but not with the Ravens.

NOTE: (Added at 7pm) Here's the entire Press Release from the Ravens PR Dept.:

The Ravens released kicker Steve Hauschka this afternoon, it was announced by general manager and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome.

Here’s a statement from Newsome:

"We entered the season knowing that we would have to go through some growing pains with Steve. That happens with most new kickers in the NFL. But, for where we are as a team today, we need more consistent production from our kicker. Every one of our players has to step up to a Ravens’ level of play, and that was not happening for Steve right now.

"While we do believe Steve will kick successfully in the league eventually, we need better right now. The string of important games coming up that are likely to be close, tough battles and his lack of production are reasons we needed to make this move now. We will sign a new kicker by tomorrow’s practice."

Hauschka met today with Newsome, head coach John Harbaugh and assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg before leaving the team’s facility in Owings Mills.

Hooray for the Promotion of Youth! Marcus Benard Added to 53-Man Roster

Chris Pokorny — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:11:36 -0000

The Cleveland Browns signed rookie LB Marcus Benard to the 53-man roster on Monday, according to the OBR. If you recall, Benard was the linebacker who shined twice during the preseason -- once against the Green Bay Packers and once against the Chicago Bears. He actually made the 53-man roster to start the season, but was released prior to the season opener. He's been on the Browns' practice squad ever since. The other candidate to take a roster spot was LB Titus Brown. He will remain on the team's practice squad for the time being.

After waiving K Billy Cundiff and DB Anthony Madison last week, the Browns had two open roster spots. After signing Benard, one roster spot still remains open. That number could jump back up to two if the team decides to place veteran LB Eric Barton on the injured reserve in the coming days.

The OBR also reports that moving forward, it appears that LB David Bowens will continue to start at inside linebacker with LB Jason Trusnik starting at outside linebacker. The combination doesn't sound very flashy, but Rob Ryan's system worked against the Chicago Bears in using the tandem to help generate pressure.

Browns vs. Bears Primer - Joshua Cribbs and Devin Hester

Chris Pokorny — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:29:40 -0000

More photos » by M. Spencer Green - AP

3 months ago: Chicago Bears cornerback Zackary Bowman (35) celebrates an interception during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns in Chicago on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

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Here are some news, notes and nuggets as the Browns get set to take on the Bears on November 1st, 2009:

This will be the battle of the best kick returners, with Joshua Cribbs on one side and Devin Hester on the other side. Hester doesn't touch the ball on kickoffs anymore though after absorbing the duties of being the Bears' top wide receiver. Cribbs tried to make a similar adjustment to the receiver position, but his output (10 catches for 38 yards) has been far less impressive. Based on Cribbs' style, it makes sense why he's been more productive in the Wildcat formation on run plays.
Just which player is better at returning kicks? Quite honestly, I think it's unfair to compare the players' contrasting styles. Between the two, personally, I couldn't trade Cribbs for Hester.
The Bears do have a suitable replacement this season at returning kickoffs. Rookie Johnny Knox, who has also emerged as a decent wide receiver, is averaging 29.0 yards a pop in 18 attempts. Cribbs is averaging 28.9 yards a pop in 25 attempts, but also returns punts.
Almost all of Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota will see the Browns vs. Bears game on CBS at 1:00 PM EST, according to the TV Distribution Maps. If you hated the announcing crew from the Steelers game two weeks ago (Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots), then I suggest you mute your television screen in advance this week.
People in the Cleveland area will also get to see the 49ers take on the Indianapolis Colts at 1:00 PM on FOX. I love watching Peyton Manning quarterback, and I rarely get to see him in non-prime time games, so I'm sure I'll be flipping channels throughout our game. Pretty much the whole country will get to see Brett Favre return to Lambeau to face the Vikings at 4:00 PM on FOX. That game is begging for a ratings grabber, and I can't wait to see it.
Kicker Phil Dawson looks ready to return as the Browns' field goal kicker this week. The team didn't release Billy Cundiff though, and there's a chance he might be active as well to continue handling kickoff duties this week. The Browns have not attempted a field goal longer than 31 yards since Dawson's injury.
With tight ends Steve Heiden, Robert Royal, AND Greg Estandia all on the injury report, expect Michael Gaines to continue seeing action this week.
Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll indicated that Joshua Cribbs might be used more at running back moving forward. If that happens this week, I'll be both happy and upset. Happy that we went through with it, but upset that Daboll blew the potential surprise facing the Bears' defense.
Browns RB Jamal Lewis as struggled with a 3.4 yards per carry average this season, but Bears RB Matt Forte hasn't had much more luck with a 3.5 yards per carry average.
Chicago is set to have backup running back "The Other Adrian Peterson" return to action this week. He has been out since Week 4 with a knee injury.
A Browns wide receiver has still yet to catch a touchdown this season. After Carson Palmer torched the Bears for five touchdowns last week, will that change this week for Cleveland? You have to imagine that Derek Anderson will have his "beasting" game at some point...or not.
With D'Qwell Jackson out, the Browns' two leading tacklers this season are Eric Barton and Abram Elam, both former Jets.
Jay Cutler was picked 3 times last week; the Browns' defense has 3 picks all season.
The Browns will be facing their former teammate, RT Kevin Shaffer, who now starts for the Bears. Likewise, the Bears will be facing RT John St. Clair, their former starter.
Last week, Bears CB Charles Tillman struggled all day against Chad Ochocinco, yielding two touchdowns and over 100 yards receiving to the loud-mouthed receiver. CB Zackary Bowman also struggled, giving up an early touchdown to WR Chris Henry.
This is the second time the Browns are headed to Chicago this season. They played their on September 3, 2009 for their final preseason game.

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! Also, don't forget to change your clocks, otherwise you'll mis-time the start of the Browns game!

Browns Can Only Muster a Lucky-Bounce Field Goal in 31-3 Loss to Packers

Chris Pokorny — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:18:45 -0000

More photos » by Mark Duncan - AP

The Browns weren't even close to competing.

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GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-2)	WEEK 7	CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-6)
	VS.
31		3

Embarrassed in our own home stadium. Before the season started, I was hoping that we could make it to the end of the season without seeing fans with bags over their heads. We didn't meet that goal; heck, we couldn't even make it to the half-way point of the season to reach that point.

As goofy as Mangini sounded in his post-game press conference, he was right about the things the team needs to work on:

(On the style of play he is hoping to get from his players every week)- "Aggressive, intense, tough, physical, finishing, being able to respond to a successful play that our opponent has and come out and create a successful play ourselves, consistency, execution, communication. Good, solid, sound, fundamental, tough football. Physical football. Intense football. That’s what I want every week. That’s what I want every single week. We’ll make mistakes and there will be plays that aren’t executed as well as they should [be] or things that we can do better, but if you play at that level every single week, you give yourself the best chance to succeed."

In summary, we need to work on everything. For a "veteran" head coach, shouldn't we be much further along at this point?

Let's get to the review of the game...

WEEK 7 - GREEN BAY PACKERS VS. CLEVELAND BROWNS (COMPLETE GAME REVIEW)

GOAT OF THE GAME:

Derek Anderson: On the Browns' second series of the game, I was really impressed with Derek Anderson. He made quick decisions to the right players, and his passes were thrown at chest-level with a little bit of speed taken off of them. And then...the timeout came. After that, it was a complete meltdown at the quarterback position. Fumbled snap. Forcing the ball to a triple-covered receiver at the goal line. Horrible accuracy. Anderson should have lost his job with this effort, but Mangini said that's not happening.
I could list a lot more goats, but then I'd have nothing left to talk about in the "general notes" section.

AWARDING GAME BALLS:

Michael Gaines: That's right. A tight end we just signed as a backup while Robert Royal and Steve Heiden are out gets the game ball. All he had to do was catch 2 passes for 30 yards too. Both times he caught the ball, it helped us move closer to the end zone. Both catches were ones that Royal probably would've dropped too. Gaines' second catch was pretty spectacular, as the big man reached underneath and through his defender to haul in the pass while falling to the ground.

GENERAL THOUGHTS

The Packers fans had a lot to celebrate about in Cleveland Browns Stadium.

One Wildcat Play: Two years ago, the Miami Dolphins were the worst team in football. Last year, they improved upon that because they had the coaching staff that was creative enough on offense to implement and stick with the Wildcat formation. They didn't have the pieces to the puzzle at receiver to be a traditional offense, so they utilized whatever assets they had. It paid off, and it didn't even matter who was in the Wildcat either! It worked!

Mangini should've known that first hand from playing the Jets twice. We saw some more promise against the Steelers last week in using the formation more, but this week we only saw it once. Mangini claimed it was because we fell behind to quickly. I can understand that if you're down 21-0 in the first quarter, but half-way through the second quarter, it was still a 7-3 game. Our offense is clearly struggling, and for whatever reason we're failing to use our next best weapon after the departures of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards.
Stop Rolling to the Left! The only reason Derek Anderson should be rolling to the left is if it's a designed play, or if he steps ahead of the protection because the pass rusher was angled into the backfield. Instead, we again got to see Anderson roll to his left when Joe Thomas had his defender dominated.
Cundiff Still Perfect: Kicker Billy Cundiff still hasn't missed a kick since joining the Browns, which is pretty remarkable given his lack of accuracy historically. He shanked his 22-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, but it got a lucky bounce off the upright and still went through. Can you believe that? We were up 3-0 in the second quarter.
Smart Football: The Packers played smart football against the Browns (although it was pretty easy to begin with). Case in point: as soon as the Browns brought S Abram Elam on a safety blitz, Rodgers immediately fired the ball to slot receiver Donald Driver for a 70+ yard touchdown. Compare that to Anderson, who always points at the defense as if he recognizes something, only to see him throw it into double coverage or see a running back run the ball right into a stack of defenders.
Missing Edwards: Considering the lack of production we're seeing from the receiver position, I'm certainly missing the threat that Braylon Edwards offered. Brian Robiskie was targeted minimally and was held without a catch, and I don't even remember seeing Chansi Stuckey take the field. Mohamed Massaquoi was targeted several times, but the passes were usually way off.
Lack of a Pass Rush: The lack of a pass rush was more embarrassing against the Packers than any other game this season. What has changed that in Week 1, we were pressuring Brett Favre early and often, but that in Week 7, we can't even lay a finger on Aaron Rodgers, one of the most-sacked quarterbacks in the league? We're too "average" on the defensive line with no youth to speak of. I don't think Shaun Rogers is "quitting" on the team, but I can't imagine he's giving it his all when everyone else around him is playing like crap. I don't blame him, because all of his work usually goes for nothing when other guys are getting dominated.
Patience With Maiava: I can't jump too much on Kaluka Maiava because the only way to see if he can be a starter in the future is to let him get some reps now. There was a noticeable dropoff from D'Qwell Jackson though, and it showed when Ryan Grant gashed the Browns' on the ground all game long. Although it was nearly impossible to do, I believe the announcers also commented that Maiava was the man who came over late when Elam blitzed on Driver's big touchdown catch and run. Maiava was also flagged for a personal foul.
Rogers' Tripping Penalty: Can someone offer clarification on how Shaun Rogers was called for a tripping penalty? I'm not saying he didn't do it, but it seems unusual for a defensive player to do that, and I couldn't find the foul when they showed a replay of it.
Cribbs Fumbles Again: I said this earlier in the season: the Browns need to stop putting Joshua Cribbs into situations where he's going to catch the ball and get hit right afterward. He's a catch and run receiver. He's still to blame for fumbling the ball on his short catch, but the play doesn't utilize his strengths to begin with.

RB Ryan Grant tore through the Browns' defense for his first 100+ yard performance of the season.

Kicked Ball Out of Bounds: The Packers kicked the ball out of bounds twice. That removes the chance for some excitement from Cribbs, but it does give us great field position, something that the contending teams in the NFL would take full advantage of. Instead, we punt the ball and watch the opposition drive 90 yards in a play or two.
Too Much Regression: As bad as Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson have been this season, I don't believe this is the best that either of them have to offer. Both quarterbacks showed a lot more under the previous regime -- why have they regressed instead of improved? Sure, they've lost "weapons" on offense, but that's not what the problem is. The accuracy, decision-making, and overall confidence are just down the drain.
Case in Point: In the third quarter, Derek Anderson fired the ball...right to Charles Woodsen. Even Woodsen looked surprised, because the ball was thrown to his outside shoulder and the receiver he was covering had already broken on the inside, pretty well ahead of him.
Losing Streak at Home: The last time the Browns won a game at home was last season's "WTF" performance against the New York Giants. That was the last Browns game that I personally attended. I might be attending the Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens. If we win, something fishy will be going on...
Poor Officiating Decision: The officiating wasn't really a problem this week, but it didn't make sense for the officials upstairs to not call for a booth review when Ryan Grant lost the ball heading into the end zone just after the two-minute warning in the first half. The replay might not have been conclusive enough to overturn the call, but it seemed like enough to warrant a review. Boo.
St. Clair's Scuffle: When John St. Clair was mentioned on the Browns' first offensive series for getting into a "scuffle", it was the first time I've heard his name mentioned since Week 2 or Week 3 (which is a good thing, I suppose). Since St. Clair used to play for the Chicago Bears, I wonder if his past rivalry with the Packers had anything to do with the early push-fest.
Put in the Rookies: If we're going to lose in a blowout, then I at least want to have the rookies gain some experience. That includes playing Jerome Harrison, David Veikune, and Coye Francies more. Francies was inactive again, and Veikune was only seeing reps on special teams it appeared. It's smelling like Crennel all over again.
Brownies: I couldn't find anything positive about this game except Gaines' performance, although TE Greg Estandia also had two short catches...I'm worried about blackouts occurring later in the season...the Browns gave up another big run to a quarterback, this time to Aaron Rodgers for 19 yards...I can't believe I picked the Browns to score 28 points in this game, although I still correctly picked us to lose...I didn't mention the running backs for a reason -- they were a non-factor.

Up next, the Browns will head to Chicago to face the Bears. The Bears were atrocious against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday, but they know they are a better team than that. If Jay Cutler gets time, he will rip a defense apart. Considering the lack of pressure we're generating, it looks like it'll be another long day for our defense.