SB Nation - Haruki Nakamura

The Eric DeCosta Scorecard

John Morgan — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:32:25 -0000

Eric DeCosta's living resume, in repose.

(What follows is over seven pages and 2,500 words long. If you're interested in the gist of it, scroll down to the end.)

I did an overview on Eric DeCosta, but think I can do better and think you deserve better. Here's an attempt to hold DeCosta by the same standard I held Steve Keim. First I will look at his work as a Midwest scout for the Ravens from 1998-2002, and then his work as the director of college scouting from 2003-2009.

Baltimore did not draft a talent from the Midwest until 2001.

2001

3) 92 Casey Rabach C Wisconsin

4) 126 Edgerton Hartwell LB Western Illinois

7) 231 Dwayne Missouri DE Northwestern

Casey Rabach might remind some of Seattle's Chris Spencer situation. Rabach was drafted in the third round by the Ravens but struggled to break through early in his career. He then signed with the Redskins and became the most consistent player on their offensive line.

Hartwell was a pretty good value for the round he was taken in. He started his second season and from 2002-2004 before leaving in free agency. His approximate value in those seasons is 9, 8 and 9. Atlanta signed him to a six-year, $26.25 million contract before 2005, but injuries sapped his ability and he was cut in 2007.

Missouri is a seventh round pick that never broke through.

2002

2) 52 Anthony Weaver DE Notre Dame

4) 112 Dave Zastudil P Ohio U.

4) 123 Ron Johnson WR Minnesota

6) 206 Javin Hunter WR Notre Dame

6) 207 Chester Taylor RB Toledo

We see the rising influence of DeCosta in this draft, his last as a regional scout before being promoted. Weaver was a solid pick in the second. He was able to start his rookie season and started 16, 15 and 15 games before a host of injuries sidelined him in 2005. DeCosta scores twice on Weaver: For drafting him in the second and acquiring a Lawrence Jackson like end and for not re-signing him after injuries took their toll. Weaver looked like a stud back then, but fizzled away from Baltimore.

If you draft a punter in the fourth, he better stick and he better be great. Zastudil is not, by all accounts. His rookie season with Baltimore, the Ravens were below average punting the ball, and over his four season, he was twice below average and twice above average - almost in equal degrees. I am starting to think it is very hard to evaluate a punter from an outsider's perspective. I disagree with drafting a punter so early, but it seems Zastudil is, if nothing else, a competent punter that can be good.

Johnson never developed as a receiver or returner and was last a linebacker and receiver for the Cleveland Gladiators.

Hunter's career peak was a 63 yard kickoff return in 2002. He is not the same kind of flat bust as Johnson. Hunter started strong in the preseason and started three regular season games as a rookie. He ruptured his Achilles before the start of 2003 and was never the same player. Push.

Chester Taylor started his career as a third down back, but slowly worked himself into the running back rotation. Taylor was buried behind Jamal Lewis, but still produced, was signed by Minnesota in 2006, rushed for 1,200 yards, and was then buried behind Adrian Peterson. Taylor has been valuable throughout his career and is a huge win on DeCosta's resume.

Starting in 2003, we must assume DeCosta took a leadership position in the Ravens entire draft.

2003

1) 10 Terrell Suggs OLB Arizona State

1) 19 Kyle Boller QB California

3) 77 Musa Smith RB Georgia

4) 109 Jarret Johnson DE Alabama

4) 134 Ovie Mughelli FB Wake Forest

5) 146 Aubrayo Franklin DT Tennessee

5) 173 Tony Pashos T Illinois

6) 182 Gerome Sapp DB Notre Dame

7) 223 Trent Smith TE Oklahoma

7) 250 Mike Mabry C Central Florida

7) 258 Antwoine Sanders - Utah

Suggs has been a baller from snap one. He was a situational pass rusher as a rookie and recorded 12 sacks. He has 56.5 for his career, 5 interceptions, 32 passes defended and 18 forced fumbles. Suggs is an elite player, still only 27, and a young 27, and a grand slam pick for DeCosta.

Boller is everything I said about Suggs, applied to a quarterback, inverted and intensified. A complete bust that looked the part of a bust, my only tempering of this massive misstep by DeCosta is that Brian Billick pushed hard for Boller, and in those days, Billick was a respected coach, and a force slapdicks shouldn't defy.

Musa Smith looked like a talented back on his way up before Roy Williams effectively ended his career with a horse collar tackle. Smith suffered a compound fracture of his tibia. The play directly led to the banning of horse collar tackles, but the damage was done for Smith. He played sparingly the next two seasons and could never reestablish himself. Push.

Jarret Johnson took a slow path to success, but has been a regular starter in four of the last five seasons. A very good pick that is still paying dividends for the Ravens, notably, Johnson's AV in 2008 was 10, better than Bart Scott.

Mughelli didn't break through right away with the Ravens, but is now considered one of the best fullbacks in football. He was good in his final two seasons in Baltimore, but lured away when Atlanta offered him big bucks. A minor success for what they got.

The hits keep coming: Franklin was a valuable rotational player for Baltimore, even starting once, and is now a starter for San Francisco. Mike Nolan targeted Franklin, which says something about his perceived value, and though he never fully broke through with Baltimore, he was playing behind Kelly Gregg. Not a horn-blowing success, but very good value for the pick.

Pashos is what a right tackle should be: cheap and good enough. A good player for Baltimore and eventually Jacksonville, Pashos is a good run blocker that was a great value for the Ravens.

Gerome Sapp couldn't stick with the Ravens, signed with the Colts and then signed again with the Ravens. He played nickelback. Neither a bust nor hit, but a pick spent on a semi-talented player that just didn't fit on the roster.

Smith, Mabry and Sanders had no noteworthy NFL career.

2004

2) 51 Dwan Edwards DT Oregon State

3) 82 Devard Darling WR Washington State

5) 153 Roderick Green LB Central Missouri State

6) 187 Josh Harris QB Bowling Green State

6) 199 Clarence Moore WR Northern Arizona

7) 244 Derek Abney WR Kentucky

7) 246 Brian Rimpf T East Carolina

Edwards is still a sometimes starter, sometimes rotational end for the Ravens. He is neither a bust nor a hit, but a semi-valuable player acquired with a semi-valuable pick.

Darling never produced for Baltimore, and that's quite an achievement, because the 2004 Ravens leading receiver was Travis Taylor. Taylor had 421 yards receiving. Darling was last in Kansas City. His current whereabouts are unknown, but, presumably, not in Kansas anymore.

Green struggled to produce, was stabbed July 2006, subsequently released and is now out of the league.

The rest of the draft barely made an impact and all four are now out of the league. After ruling draft day, DeCosta's second draft produced no starters, and only one regular.

2005

1) 22 Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma

2) 53 Dan Cody LB Oklahoma

2) 64 Adam Terry T Syracuse

4) 124 Jason Brown C North Carolina

5) 158 Justin Green RB Montana

6) 213 Derek Anderson QB Oregon State

7) 234 Mike Smith LB Texas Tech

Clayton had a strong rookie season, an even better sophomore season and has since spun his wheels into the mud. The 22^nd overall pick, Clayton is not a prize, but surely a value, still young, and maybe has better seasons ahead of him.

Cody was a fine prospect whose career has been eaten by injuries. He started 42 games in college. Best to call this a push, as the injury seemed unpredictable and traumatic.

Terry was a second round selection that never fully broke out of spot starter duties. Terry has not played in 2009. This is another pick muddled by injuries and therefore hard to evaluate.

Jason Brown started his second season and is a highly regarded center. St. Louis threw smarts to the wind and signed him to googolplex dollars this past offseason, but, for three seasons, he was a cheap and very good center for Baltimore.

Justin Green was a special teams contributor.

Anderson was waived his first season and claimed by the Cleveland Browns. He then had one of the great fluke quarterback seasons of all time, before retreating into his well furnished mansion of suck.

Smith contributed briefly for the Ravens on special teams.

2006

1) 12 Haloti Ngata DT Oregon

2) 56 Chris Chester C Oklahoma

3) 87 David Pittman DB Northwestern State-Louisiana

4) 111 Demetrius Williams WR Oregon

4) 132 P.J. Daniels RB Georgia Tech

5) 146 Dawan Landry SS Georgia Tech

5) 166 Quinn Sypniewski TE Colorado

6) 203 Sam Koch P Nebraska

6) 208 Derrick Martin CB Wyoming

7) 219 Ryan LaCasse LB Syracuse

Ngata is considered one of the best 3-4 linemen in football. He has played end and tackle, is just entering his prime, and should the conditions be right, could be entering a lengthy run of Pro Bowl appearances.

Chester was recruited as a tight end, drafted as a center, converted to guard, converted again to tight end and then converted back to guard again. He has 32 starts in his NFL career, and if never a stand out on his own, has been a good part of some very good offensive lines.

Pittman had two interception in 2007 and a forced fumble. That about summarizes his NFL career. He now plays in the UFL.

Williams is a field stretcher that has never come into his own as an actual receiver. He is not a bad player, and is valuable for his draft position.

Daniels was put on injured reserve prior to his second season and never recovered.

Dawan Landry has started three of the last four seasons, and, apart from 2008, has been a very solid starter for Baltimore since his rookie season. He used to noogie LaRon Landry.

Sypniewski was primarily a blocking tight end, but received some in 2007 after Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox suffered injuries. He tore his ACL prior to this season.

Koch is the Ravens current punter. This season the team is slightly above average punting.

Martin is a talented young defensive back that was buried in Baltimore and now plays in Green Bay. Baltimore traded Martin for offensive tackle Tony Moll.

LaCasse never factored.

2007

1) 29 Ben Grubbs G Auburn

3) 74 Yamon Figurs WR Kansas State

3) 86 Marshal Yanda T Iowa

4) 134 Antwan Barnes LB Florida International

4) 137 Le'Ron McClain FB Alabama

5) 174 Troy Smith QB Ohio State

6) 207 Prescott Burgess LB Michigan

Supplemental

5) Jared Gaither T Maryland

Baltimore built their left side with this draft and in impressive fashion. Grubbs is a promising young starter and on the short list for best young offensive guards in football.

Yamon Figurs returned a kick and a punt for a touchdown in his first season, but could never stick as a receiver. Once the Ravens found a better return man, Figurs was cut, and is currently a free agent.

Yanda is a spot starter at guard and tackle that may have outright won the right guard position this season after starting the last four games and playing ably. I'm a big fan of Yanda.

Barnes is a rotational linebacker and special teams player for the Ravens.

McClain is a fullback better known for his rushing than blocking, but so what? He was astonishingly valuable in 2008 and the 11-5 Ravens leading rusher. This season he is buried behind Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. McClain's is a curious story to say the least. I am not sure he will ever repeat his 2008 performance, and certainly some of that performance must be credited the Ravens line, but for that year alone, we must credit DeCosta with another fullback find.

Smith was a member of the jobbers row of quarterbacks Seattle fattened against in 2007. He is now a Wildcat quarterback.

Burgess has split time between the Ravens and Patriots, and is, essentially, depth and a special teams player.

Gaither is the crown jewel of this class. DeCosta got Gaither for a fifth round pick in the supplemental draft, and now he is their starting left tackle, and franchise tackle of the future. Gaither isn't in the class of young Turk left tackles taking over the NFL, but he's close, a rare physical specimen (the tallest man in the NFL), a powerful drive blocker with developing pass pro skills. He was available in the supplemental draft because of bad grades, and available in the fifth round of the supplemental draft because a lot of other GMs didn't do their homework.

That leads us to the last draft we'll look at in detail.

1) 18 Joe Flacco QB Delaware

2) 55 Ray Rice RB Rutgers

3) 71 Tavares Gooden OLB Miami (Fla.)

3) 86 Tom Zbikowski FS Notre Dame

3) 99 Oniel Cousins T Texas-El Paso

4) 106 Marcus Smith WR New Mexico

4) 133 David Hale G Weber State

6) 206 Haruki Nakamura FS Cincinnati

7) 215 Justin Harper WR Virginia Tech

7) 240 Allen Patrick RB Oklahoma

Joe Flacco is a franchise quarterback.

Ray Rice is one of the best young running backs in football.

Bart Scott's replacement doesn't fill a stat sheet, but Tavares Gooden is starting for a top ten defense in his second season. It's premature to pass judgment on T-Good.

Everyone's favorite boxing white safety is mostly a special teams force, but in three starts this season, he has two interceptions and four passes defended. I liked this pick when it was made, but it's, again, a little early to project his future value.

Cousins has started the last two games at right tackle, but through force of attrition rather than eminent skill. Nevertheless, one injury ravaged offensive line to another, Cousins seems more capable than some of Seattle's replacements.

The next three players are special teamers, and Allen Patrick was cut.

2004 was a hot mess, and, tellingly, occurred after DeCosta swept the 2003 draft. So, all GMs and potential GMs have their highs and lows, but DeCosta's highs certainly seem to outnumber and more than compensate for his lows. If we wanted to put a stamp on his career in Baltimore, I would stamp it a success, but let's attempt something a little more nuanced.

He seems to excel at drafting offensive line talent. He has never invested major resources into the offensive line but still acquired Rabach, Pashos, Terry, Brown, Chester, Sypnewski, Grubbs, Yanda, Gaither and Cousins. He also has had several successes drafting defensive linemen, linebackers, running backs, fullbacks and safeties. His run of backs is particularly impressive. He doesn't trend towards a specific region and seems to have no major leanings towards small schools or big schools. His success at drafting quarterbacks is mixed. Kyle Boller was an inexcusable failure, but Anderson and Smith were decent value for their pick position and Flacco is a young stud. Truthfully, I'm not wild about Flacco's profile, and though he's stepping into this own, the big bodied, big armed profile DeCosta seems to favor is notorious for producing busts.

What excites me most about DeCosta is not his drafting record, but the prolific picks he secures. Few teams enter draft day so consistently stocked with picks throughout the draft, and unlike other GMs that will burn those picks to move up and select their guy, DeCosta stands pat and picks many players. He has benefited immensely from trawling the draft and seeing what value shakes out.

His high profile and history of finding offensive line talent should make him a favorite for the Seattle position. I don't know that DeCosta is the "Z" we desire, but on second inspection, he is a young, well connected executive with a diverse portfolio of success.

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

Perhaps Ravens Played Flat Last Night For A Reason

Bruce Raffel — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:23:15 -0000

More photos » by Scott Heckel - AP

about 1 month ago: FIreworks shoot from top of Cleveland Browns Stadium prior to the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns Monday, November 16, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Ravens won 16-0. (AP Photo/The Repository, Scott Heckel)

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Everyone from the announcers to the media to the fans were ragging on our Ravens about the boring, unoriginal and "flat" play last night in their 16-0 shutout victory over the woeful Cleveland Browns. The offense could only muster a little under 300 yards of total offense that was giving up an average of over 400 yards per game. They joined the Browns in combining to have the only non-scoring first half in the 2009 NFL season thus far. The Ravens could only muster 9 points of scoring offense all game, and scored 13 of their 16 points in a 17 second span of the third quarter.

But as the title suggests, perhaps the Ravens played "flat" on purpose for a reason that borders on strategy with a side helping of over confidence?

Everyone knew the Ravens were clearly the better team going into the game and it wouldn't be surprising to know that the team was likely already looking ahead to their next two opponents, much less the remainder of the season. While the team knew it desperately needed a win to remain in the hunt for a post season berth, they probably figured that just short of showing up was going to be good enough to pull out a win, as ugly as it may look to the rest of the football world watching last night.

I'm sure the team knew what it had to do to win the game, and only opened the playbook far enough to get the job done. Without revealing anything in that binder of formations that the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers could practice to prevent, the Ravens just concentrated in bullying the Browns enough to score more points while playing solid defense. Hence the game totals in plays ran from scrimmage, 36 rushing versus only 19 passes. The 19 passing attempts include an ill-timed 3rd down trick play with Ray Rice trying to get the ball downfield to a wide open Todd Heap, underthrowing him for an incompletion. Why they even brought out that play, much less on a third and two where they could have probably just ran the ball for the first down with the game in hand at that point confounded me as well as the announcers.

So before you decide to go off on the team for its bland game plan, try to see that the coaching staff couldn't care less what everyone thinks about their strategy as long as it ends with a victory, which it did. They may be a lot smarter than they are given credit for, as they got the win without revealing anything unusual about the game plan that the Colts and Steelers can take away from the game. However, the defense did shut out an NFL team, which has only happened a handful of times this season and is still a sense of pride regardless of the team they beat. This defense needed this shutout and can use the solid play from many of the guys who have not gotten a lot of reps this year, such as Dwan Edwards, Lardarius Webb, Jameel McClain and even Paul Kruger. Both corners played well, especially Fabian Washington against the run. Terrell Suggs has every reason to be angry at Brady Quinn, who had no reason whatsoever to be blocking Suggs after throwing an interception, much less below the knees and his post game excuse was obviously lame. Losing Suggs for the next stretch of games will hurt this team, as well as the loss of safety Haruki Nakamura, who broke his right ankle on the opening kickoff and should miss the rest of the season. Get well props to both of them, along with Tavares Gooden who suffered another concussion and Todd Heap, who bruised his chest late in the game.

On the Browns side, here's hoping return man Josh Cribbs is okay after taking a hard shot on the game's final play, although Dwan Edwards hit was legal and besides, the play was a stupid one for a team trailing by 16 points.

Finally, we can't end this post without mentioning the pathetic job our placekicker has done all season. Sorry to call you out Steven Hauschka, but when you put on the team's colors, you are in the spotlight and are only as good as your kicks, which have been hooking left since the first game of the season. Missing those easy ones will keep the talk about letting Matt Stover go fresh on the tongues on your detractors. While I was in favor of replacing Stover, he was money inside the 40 but was shaky beyond that. You are missing wide left regardless of the distance and have pretty much proven that the pressure of kicking in the NFL is well beyond your capabilities. Now the team should be signing someone else as they have tried out other kickers but for some reason decideed to give you another chance, which you blew big time last night. While the readers of The Beatdown know whom I'd like to see here, at this point I'm sure everyone agrees that anyone other than you will be an upgrade, as there can't be a single person over at One Winning Drive that secretly or openly has any confidence when you trot onto the field.

Other than that, I'm not discouraged, I'm satisfied that we are where we needed to be before last night to set us up for the next two games which will absolutely define our season and with that, our post season.

Final Score: Ravens 16-0

Bruce Raffel — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:45:38 -0000

More photos » by Mark Duncan - AP

about 1 month ago: Cleveland Browns running back Chris Jennings (34) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

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While the Baltimore Ravens knew they were playing a pretty bad team, they didn't expect to get the battle they did for at least the scoreless first half, finally pulling away early in the 3rd quarter to pitch a shutout over the Cleveland Browns 16-0. The Ravens did nothing to make their fans think they can stick with the better teams in the league, much less the next two opponents at home, the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

However, it is still a win and in the NFL anything can happen and let's be glad we leave Cleveland with a win. The injury status' of both Terrell Suggs and Haruki Nakamura should be clearer tomorrow. For now, we know Nakamura broke his ankle on the opening kickoff and most likely is done for the season. Hopefully Suggs is fine after a cheap, low blow by Brady Quinn after he threw his second interception.

The Ravens should be looking to sign another placekicker after Steve Hauschka missed another easy one, regardless of the fact he did hit one later in the game.

Let's get ready for the Colts now.

Ravens/Browns Injury Report

Bruce Raffel — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:36:31 -0000

Below is the recently updated Injury Report from the Ravens' PR Department for both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns in advance of their Monday Night Football contest. While the Ravens' Lardarius Webb was the only player on either team that did not participate in Saturday's practice, no one is currently listed as out for the game. More will be known as we get closer to game time.

	A	B	C	D
1	INJURY REPORT - BALTIMORE RAVENS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
2		MONDAY, November 16, 2009
3
4
5
6
7	*THURSDAY*	*FRIDAY*	*SATURDAY*	*GAME STATUS*
8	*OUT*	*OUT*	*OUT*	*OUT*
9
10	*DID NOT PARTICIPATE*	*DID NOT PARTICIPATE*	*DID NOT PARTICIPATE*	*DOUBTFUL*
11	CB Chris Carr (illness)	CB Chris Carr (illness)	CB Lardarius Webb (illness)
12	LB Dannell Ellerbe (illness)	LB Dannell Ellerbe (illness)
13	LB Ray Lewis (foot)	LB Ray Lewis (foot)
14	DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)
15	CB Fabian Washington (thigh)
16
17	*LIMITED PARTICIPATION*	*LIMITED PARTICIPATION*	*LIMITED PARTICIPATION*	*QUESTIONABLE*
18	T Jared Gaither (neck)	DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	RB Matt Lawrence (knee)	RB Matt Lawrence (knee)
19		CB Fabian Washington (thigh)	DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)
20				CB Lardarius Webb (illness)
21
22	*FULL PARTICIPATION*	*FULL PARTICIPATION*	*FULL PARTICIPATION*	*PROBABLE*
23	TE Todd Heap (ankle)	T Jared Gaither (neck)	CB Chris Carr (illness)	CB Chris Carr (illness)
24	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	TE Todd Heap (ankle)	LB Dannell Ellerbe (illness)	LB Dannell Ellerbe (illness)
25	S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	T Jared Gaither (neck)	T Jared Gaither (neck)
26	S Ed Reed (wrist)	S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	TE Todd Heap (ankle)	TE Todd Heap (ankle)
27	WR Kelley Washington (back)	S Ed Reed (wrist)	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)
28		WR Kelley Washington (back)	LB Ray Lewis (foot)	LB Ray Lewis (foot)
29			S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	S Haruki Nakamura (chest)
30			S Ed Reed (wrist)	S Ed Reed (wrist)
31			CB Fabian Washington (thigh)	CB Fabian Washington (thigh)
32			WR Kelley Washington (back)	WR Kelley Washington (back)
33	*THURSDAY*	*FRIDAY*	*SATURDAY*	*GAME STATUS*
34	*OUT*	*OUT*	*OUT*	*OUT*
35
36	*DID NOT PARTICIPATE*	*DID NOT PARTICIPATE*	*DID NOT PARTICIPATE*	*DOUBTFUL*
37	TE Steve Heiden (knee)	WR Chansi Stuckey (calf)
38	WR Chansi Stuckey (calf)
39
40	*LIMITED PARTICIPATION*	*LIMITED PARTICIPATION*	*LIMITED PARTICIPATION*	*QUESTIONABLE*
41	LB David Bowens (knee)	LB David Bowens (knee)	DL Kenyon Coleman (groin)	DL Kenyon Coleman (groin)
42	DL Kenyon Coleman (groin)	DL Kenyon Coleman (groin)	TE Michael Gaines (hamstring)	TE Michael Gaines (hamstring)
43	TE Michael Gaines (hamstring)	TE Michael Gaines (hamstring)	OL Rex Hadnot (knee)	OL Rex Hadnot (knee)
44	OL Rex Hadnot (knee)	OL Rex Hadnot (knee)	TE Steve Heiden (knee)	TE Steve Heiden (knee)
45	RB Jamal Lewis (ankle)	TE Steve Heiden (knee)	RB Jamal Lewis (ankle)	RB Jamal Lewis (ankle)
46	FB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)	RB Jamal Lewis (ankle)	WR Chansi Stuckey (calf)	WR Chansi Stuckey (calf)
47		FB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)	FB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)	FB Lawrence Vickers (hamstring)
48		P Dave Zastudil (right knee)	P Dave Zastudil (right knee)	P Dave Zastudil (right knee)
49
50	*FULL PARTICIPATION*	*FULL PARTICIPATION*	*FULL PARTICIPATION*	*PROBABLE*
51	DL Coye Francies (knee)	OL Hank Fraley (knee)	LB David Bowens (knee)	LB David Bowens (knee)
52	OL Alex Mack (wrist)	DL Coye Francies (knee)	OL Hank Fraley (knee)	OL Hank Fraley (knee)
53	TE Robert Royal (finger)	OL Alex Mack (wrist)	DL Coye Francies (knee)	DL Coye Francies (knee)
54	P Dave Zastudil (right knee)	TE Robert Royal (finger)	OL Alex Mack (wrist)	OL Alex Mack (wrist)
55	Limited Participation is less than 100 percent of a player’s normal repetitions.		TE Robert Royal (finger)	TE Robert Royal (finger)
56	Full Participation is 100 percent of a player’s normal repetitions.
57	Not Injury Related applies to situations in which a player is withheld from his normal repetitions for reasons other than injury.

Final Practice/Injury Report: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

Kirkendall — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:21:42 -0000

CINCINNATI BENGALS

QUESTIONABLE	PROBABLE
T Andre Smith (foot)	RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)
S Roy Williams (forearm)	DT Tank Johnson (foot)
	S Tom Nelson (shoulder)
	RB Bernard Scott (knee)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

QUESTIONABLE	PROBABLE
S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	LB Prescott Burgess (illness)
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	TE Todd Heap (ankle)
S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)
	LS Matt Katula (elbow)
	RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)
	CB Frank Walker (illness)

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)	LP	LP	FP
S Tom Nelson (shoulder)	LP	LP	FP
S Roy Williams (forearm)	LP	LP	LP
RB Bernard Scott (knee)	FP	FP	FP
T Andre Smith (foot)	FP	FP	FP
DT Tank Johnson (foot)	--	--	LP

RAVENS	WED	THUR	FRI
LB Prescott Burgess (illness)	DNP	FP	FP
LS Matt Katula (elbow)	DNP	DNP	FP
S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	DNP	LP	FP
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	DNP	DNP	DNP
CB Frank Walker (illness)	DNP	FP	FP
S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	DNP	LP	LP
TE Todd Heap (ankle)	LP	LP	FP
RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)	LP	LP	FP
LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	FP	FP	FP

Ravens' Thursday Injury Report

Bruce Raffel — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:54:34 -0000

Once again, there are no players listed on the Baltimore Ravens Injury Report as "out" after today's practice. However, long snapper Matt Katula (elbow) and DT Haloti Ngata (ankle) still are on the "Did Not Participate" list, which is not good. You almost never hear about the long snapper unless it is not good. It is also my recollection that our backup long snapper is none other than,....wait.....Willis McGahee! Is that silence and staring you are doing right now? That is not a typo, as McGahee was taking reps at the long snapper position in Training Camp and might indeed be Katula's backup. Time to cross your fingers, right? Ngata's ankle is not looking good but we are still pretty deep at defensive tackle but then again, how do you replace one of the two or three best DT's in the game so easily?

The following players were limited in participation Thursday: Todd Heap (ankle), LeRon McClain (shoulder), Haruki Nakamura (chest), Tom Zbikowski (illness). On yesterday's Injury report but practicing today were Prescott Burgess (illness), Jarret Johnson (shoulder) and Frank Walker (illness).

Practice Report: Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)

Kirkendall — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:52:16 -0000

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening, we'll (TRY TO) update the practice/injury chart leading up to Sunday's game. The chart is pretty self-explanatory. If the player is listed as out, they're out for the game. If they did not participate, they didn't practice. If they were limited, then they only participated during a portion of practice (typically means missing 11-on-11 drills). If the player is listed as full participation, it simply means that they practiced fully and that the only reason they're listed is because injury was an issue the week before.

Practice

BENGALS	WED	THUR	FRI
RB Jeremi Johnson (knee)	LP	LP
S Tom Nelson (shoulder)	LP	LP
S Roy Williams (forearm)	LP	LP
RB Bernard Scott (knee)	FP	FP
T Andre Smith (foot)	FP	FP

RAVENS	WED	THUR	FRI
LB Prescott Burgess (illness)	DNP	FP
LS Matt Katula (elbow)	DNP	DNP
S Haruki Nakamura (chest)	DNP	LP
DT Haloti Ngata (ankle)	DNP	DNP
CB Frank Walker (illness)	DNP	FP
S Tom Zbikowski (illness)	DNP	LP
TE Todd Heap (ankle)	LP	LP
RB Le'Ron McClain (shoulder)	LP	LP
LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder)	FP	FP

Wednesday Injury Report

Bruce Raffel — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:58:20 -0000

The Baltimore Ravens released their Injury Report for Wednesday. While there is no one listed as "out" for the game, the list of "Did Not Participate" is unusually long for the team, but should be pared down as the week progresses. So far the following players did not participate in Wednesday's practice:

Prescott Burgess (illness), Matt Katula (elbow), Haruki Nakamura (chest), Haloti Ngata (ankle), Frank Walker (illness), Tom Zbikowski (illness).

Todd Heap (ankle) and LeRon McClain (shoulder) were listed as "Limited Participation." Stay tuned for daily updates and changes as they occur when I receive the reports for Thursday, Friday and Final Game Status direct from the team.

Notes and links for Ohio football; if you love Cincinnati-area football, we might have a job for you

Kirkendall — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:28:48 -0000

Even though we're a blog that specifically talks about the Cincinnati Bengals, we try our damnest to talk about other area football teams; especially the Ohio State Buckeyes and the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. The truth of the matter is, when the Bengals were recording their worst season since 2002 (2-14), the University of Cincinnati was in the middle of their first BCS season since, well, the BCS started. It didn't just make the season the Bengals were having passable (if that phrase even exists); it was exciting as hell. As was the run the Buckeyes have, save for that one game during the third week of the season; I can't remember the result, or even who we played; in fact, I have no memory of September 13, 2008. If you're remotely a fan of the UC Bearcats, or have this uncontrollable instinct to simply cheer anything related to your hometown, then how are you not excited about the Bearcats? The Buckeyes. Well, we're extremely nervous. In truth, even with the Bengals and Browns, football in Ohio is the best football product in any state in the union; that includes Florida, Texas and California. I'm biased for Ohio football. I don't care. It's the best. So when we have time, or when we start feeling all Swine-Flu sick talking about the Bengals because their season turns into a wreck, we'll talk Ohio football. Now, I know readers might not care; they just want Bengals news and nothing else. I can respect that. So in our Ohio football that doesn't include the Browns posts, we'll keep it short, and anyone wanting to continue, can click on the jump.

(Note: if you have a love for Ohio football, especially the Bearcats and Cincinnati area football, drop me an email. I might have a job for you).

Now, onto links and notes.

Go Bearcats takes a look at the 12 former Bearcats on NFL rosters. They are Conner Barwin (Texans), John Bowie (Raiders), Brandon Underwood (Packers), Brent Celek (Eagles), Trent Coles (Eagles), Troy Evans (Saints), Andre Frazier (Steelers), Tyjuan Hagler (Colts), Haruki Nakamura (Ravens), Mike Wright (Patriots), Antonio Chatman (Bengals) and Kevin Huber (Bengals).

Seven former Bearcat players were released from NFL rosters this weekend: which includes Mike Mickens (Cowboys), Corey Smith (Chiefs), DeAngelo Smith (Cowboys) Digger Bujnoch (Saints), Adam Hoppel (Browns), Manalac (Bills) and Trevor Canfield (Cardinals)

However, Joe Reedy Tweets that DeAngelo Smith was claimed by the Browns.

The Bearcats season kicks Monday (Labor Day) at Rutgers at 4 PM. It will be broadcast on ESPN. Quarterback questions for Rutgers.

Brian Kelly doesn't like opening the season against a Big East team on the road.

Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard are great offensive players for the Bearcats and likely NFL prospects. However, the Bearcats also have Jeff Linkenbach, a 6'6", 311 pound left tackle.

"He had a great year last year," offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn said of Linkenbach. "Without him as our left tackle, who knows what could have been the outcome of the season?"

The Bearcats' newest defensive coordinator, Bob Diaco, is the complete opposite of Mike Zimmer. Aaron Webster, the team's free safety, says of Diaco. “He’s a real mellow person. You can tell not a lot gets to him. He’s not really flustered when there’s controversy or when adversity hits.”

UC joined IMG College and ISP Stadium Seating to provide Nippert stadium with 10,000 cushioned seats with backs.

"Over the past few seasons more and more fans have come up to us and asked if there was anything we could do about the uncomfortable red seats in Nippert. When we looking into this, the most economical and comfortable alternative was to partner with an outside vendor who could help us solve our fan's comfort issue, and do so at a reasonable price. We tested these types of seats over the last two years and decided to move forward with a mass installation for the 2009 season. ISP Stadium Seating has answered our charge and will serve our fans well this season and for many years to come."

Hopefully 2010 will be a season where seats aren't being used all that much. The seats, "black with a red c-claw on the backs", are being offered as part of a season ticket package for UCATS members.

We Will Always Have Tempe freaked out, as did we all, when the Buckeyes nearly let Navy beat them Saturday. Things don't look good for USC this Saturday.

Defensive back Anderson Russell gave up a long touchdown pass and "frequently misdiagnosed plays". However, Terrell Pryor, who wore eye black with the words "Vick", is a much improved passer over last year.

The Rivalry, Esq calls the Buckeyes performance a disappointing showing, especially when failing to establish the running game.

Navy recorded three 80-yard plus touchdown drives.

Elder, ranked fourth in the nation, beat Colerain, who is ranked 13th in the nation, 20-7. The game was sold out at the Pit, which holds over 10,000 and was broadcast live on ESPN.

The Mason Comets, my old stomping grounds, lost their first game of the season, to Centerville 14-34. That drops the Comets to 1-1. They play their first Greater Miami Conference game in two weeks.

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