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Bruce Raffel

May 21, 2009 May 30, 2012 3705 15042

Bruce is the Manager, Editor and lead writer of Baltimore Beatdown. Previously utilizing the nickname, Rexx, I have decided to use my real name, as many of the so-called Main Stream Media think that bloggers use "fake" names to avoid being held accountable for their comments, opinions and sources of information. I certainly never intended that and this should show my openness to put my name at the top of each article I write.

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Baltimore Beat Down Baltimore Ravens Good Luck Charm

The Baltimore Ravens have proved that coming to M&T Bank Stadium is almost a guaranteed loss on an opposing team's schedule. The Ravens went undefeated at home in the 2011 season, going 8-0 in the regular season and adding a playoff win over the Houston Texans to that total in the post season.

The home town crowd plays a role in this trend but the one common trend about these wins is that when the team eats dinner at the local Sullivan's Steakhouse, the Ravens never lose a game. The team dined at Sullivan's before every home game last season and then went out and won each time. Now you too can dine like the pros at the team's newest good luck charm.

The already-popular restaurant is close to the stadium and even has a private dining room named The Raven Room. Along with their fine reputation for its hand-cuts of steaks, Sullivan's is also well-known for its fresh seafood, delectable side dishes, mouth-watering desserts and award-winning wine list. Located just blocks from the stadium at One East Pratt Street, you should check it out pre- or post-game, or any other time during the week.

(Click on the 'Jump' to find out more about Sullivan's Steakhouse, with the Baltimore location being one of 20 around the country)

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Baltimore Beat Down Worst-To-First: Which NFL Team Will Make The Jump In 2012?

Every year in the NFL, there seems to be one team that makes the jump from worst-to-first, shocking the league and its millions of fans. With eight divisions between the two conferences, that means those eight teams have the chance to jump to the head of their division and re-energize their depressed fan base.

SB Nation profiled the eight teams in order of their chance to leap-frog the other three teams in their division. The teams that finished last in their divisions were the Buffalo Bills (AFC East), Cleveland Browns (AFC North), Indianapolis Colts (AFC South), Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West), Washington Redskins (NFC East), Minnesota Vikings (NFC North), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South) and St. Louis Rams (NFC West).

Baltimore Ravens fans need not worry anytime soon, at least about the Browns jumping over them to take the AFC North crown, much less rising out of the division basement. Cleveland is at the bottom of the list of teams expected to have a chance to go from worst-to-first, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals well ahead of them along with the Ravens.


Poll
Which last place NFL team from the 2011 season has the best chance to go from worst-to-first in 2012?

  194 votes | Results

11 comments  | 

Baltimore Beat Down Former Ravens CB Domonique Foxworth Speaks Out On NFLPA Issues

Although former Baltimore Ravens CB Domonique Foxworth will probably not appear on the football team anytime soon, he will remain front and center on the issues surrounding the players. After two seasons of significant injuries, no team in the league has contacted the veteran for the 2012 NFL season.

In addition, sitting on the Executive Board of the NFL Players Association is certainly not an added incentive for teams to sign the guy who will remain on the opposite side of the bargaining table for any current or future issues. Foxworth sat down with local sports talk radio station WNST, and spoke about a variety of issues in a story posted by Sports Radio Interviews.

A classic example of the types of topics Foxworth is dealing with includes the personal safety of the players, including the new rule that will go into effect in 2013 regarding the requirement that everyone wear thigh and knee pads. His response to this issue:

"Obviously we’re always in favor of improved health and safety. The only issue that I take with this is, it’s kind of a micro health and safety issue. Obviously what everyone is concerned with is hits to the head, better regulations and helmets and mouthpieces, and concussion protection and prevention."

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens To Hold Full Team Practice Today

May 23, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Bryant McKinnie (78), tackle Michael Oher (74) and tackle Marshal Yanda (73) during the Baltimore Ravens OTA at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE

The Baltimore Ravens will be holding an Organized Team Activity (OTA) today at their Owings Mills, Maryland Training Facility. The rookies get to set how they match up against the veterans who know the team's playbook like the backs of their collective hands. It's nice to look across the line of scrimmage and see a rookie playing out of position, but now dealing with a majority of the team's veterans in camp, the level of competition will begin to ratchet up.

Baltimore Beatdown will be there along the sidelines, taking in all the action and bringing it to you as soon as it is over. However, don't expect to see the big name players who were not in camp last week, as the same issues remain, be it injuries (Terrell Suggs), contract status (Ray Rice), or aging veteran preferences (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed).

There still is a decent chance that both Lewis and Reed show up, but regardless, they will be here and ready when the time comes. More news, photos and interviews to follow as they are captured on digital media and posted for your viewing and reading pleasure.

45 comments  | 

Baltimore Beat Down Ravens News Around The Web

Here is a plethora of stories on the Baltimore Ravens from all around the World Wide Web:

Pressure is now on Flacco, Ravens offense - AFC North Blog - ESPN
Defense has been the big brother on the Baltimore Ravens for more than the past decade.

Paul Kruger in line to pick up Suggs' slack for Ravens - NFL.com
It looks like fourth-year Ravens defender Paul Kruger, not rookie Courtney Upshaw, will be asked to pick up some of Terrell Suggs' old stats while the injured Baltimore linebacker recovers.

Flacco says he'll attend OTAs, minicamp - Baltimore Ravens - CBSSports.com RapidReports
Get the latest NFL football news for your favorite team at CBSSports.com. We've placed 32 correspondents in each NFL city to report the news as it happens .

Boldin lends a hand to Ethiopia
Anquan Boldin isn’t just spending his off-season rejuvenating his body for another year in the NFL. The Ravens wide receiver also reached across the world to help people who truly need aid.

AFC North newcomers to watch - NFL Nation Blog - ESPN
Offseason training activities for veterans and rookies kick off today for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

ESPN Heads Say Steelers Finish 3rd In AFC North Because Of Too Much Change | Steelers Depot
ESPN had their special 2012 AFC North preview show Tuesday and it included the division predictions of Herm Edwards, Bill Polian and Marcellus Wiley.

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Baltimore Beat Down Will Ravens Win More Than 10 Games? Vegas Says "No"

Win totals for all 32 NFL teams have been released by Cantor Gaming, which operates seven sportsbooks in Las Vegas casinos. While the 2012 regular season is a long way off, now is the time to plop down your hard-earned cash on the team that you think will or will not go over or under the win totals posted.

The Baltimore Ravens, despite winning at least eleven games three of the past four seasons, are not getting much love from the Vegas odds-makers. Their win total is being projected at ten and if you think they will win more than that, it will cost you $110 to win $100. If you think they will tank and not get to the ten win mark, you'll have to lay $120 to win that same $100.

The story with all the wins totals and odds is at the National Football Post, but if you're too lazy to click on the link, then just click on the 'Jump' to see the full list of all 32 teams.

Poll
How many wins do you see the Baltimore Ravens getting in the 2012 NFL regular season?

  172 votes | Results

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52 comments  | 

Baltimore Beat Down Shutdown Corner Profiles Ravens Rookie Gino Gradkowski

OWINGS MILLS, MD - MAY 13:  Gino Gradkowski #66 of the Baltimore Ravens takes part in a practice during the Baltimore Ravens minicamp on May 13, 2012 in Owings Mills, Maryland.  (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

When the Baltimore Ravens drafted Delaware center Gino Gradkowski in the 2012 NFL Draft, many fans felt the team finally had the eventual replacement for veteran center Matt Birk. Drafted as a center, Gradkowski actually played guard in his final collegiate season. This might have been additional motivation fro the Ravens, as Gradkowski could either start at left guard for a year before switching to center or provide valuable insurance in case of injury along the team's offensive line.

Shutdown Corner, a Yahoo! Sports blog, profiled Gino and wasn't the most kind in their assessment of his pro potential. While they acknowledge his bloodlines and the fact he might take Birk's place, they say he is too small to play the guard position in the Ravens run-heavy offensive scheme. They also question his toughness, noting that he got "popped" too often by players from other small schools, which does not bode well for the type of guys he will face on a regular basis at the next level.

The story plays both sides, giving compliments as well as criticism. Bottom line, as Ray Lewis says all too often, if Gradkowski has the heart of his brother, Bruce, who has made a career out of relatively nothing, he could learn from the best (Birk) and be a solid and serviceable center for a long time. It certainly can't hurt to be snapping the ball to another Delaware product behind him at quarterback.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ray Rice Contract Talks Progressing

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 01:  Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens runs through the arm tackle of Manny Lawson #99 of the Cincinnati Bengals en route to a first quarter touchdown during their game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Despite still being a no-show at the Baltimore Ravens recent OTA's this week, the word is that the contract talks between RB Ray Rice and the team are progressing but still a ways from being finished. A story on the National Football Post details the negotiations continue to find a common ground on which to ink Rice to a long term deal.

If a deal is not reached, Rice will have to "settle" for the one-year Franchise Tag price of $7.7 million in 2012. Reportedly, Rice is looking for a contract similar to the ones that both Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson and Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson signed, guaranteeing them in the neighborhood of $30 million each.

However, the rumor is that the team is more interested in signing Rice to a deal more in line with the one signed by Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch, with about half the guaranteed money that the other two deals brought. Either way, if and when this is settled and even if it isn't and Rice must play the season under the Franchise Tag, then do not expect to see the Ravens feature back in camp until the time that Training camp officially begins in late-July.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens Players Partying In Las Vegas

A headline like above is never one that a fan really wants to see written about their favorite team. Like it or not, it's a common occurrence and does not necessarily mean anything bad is going on. Unfortunately, bad things do happen occasionally when NFL players are out partying in public. As more than one has said about these stories, nothing good happens after 2 a.m. in the life of a professional athlete.

According to a story online by the Las Vegas Sun, Baltimore Ravens players Ed Reed, Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith were in Sin City recently. They were partying at the Chateau Nightclub. The story, written by Robin Leach, who has been giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the three were there celebrating the new $50 million contract that Webb signed recently.

Both Webb and Smith were at the team's mini-camp this week, so there obviously wasn't any problems with their free time choice of partying location. At the same time, when Ed Reed said a few days ago that he wasn't completely focused on football, perhaps we now have a clearer idea of what he meant.

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Baltimore Beat Down SB Nation At The NFLPA Rookie Premier


SB Nation was honored with virtually exclusive access to the NFLPA's Rookie Premier recently in Los Angeles, California. The crew, led by Amy Nelson and Dan Rubenstein, interviewed the NFL's top rookies and then gave them the microphones to interview each other.

See rookies such as Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Alshon Jeffery, Jarius Wright, Dwayne Allen and Brock Osweiler comment on their draft day experience as well as well as their first mini-camps and the NFLPA Rookie Premier.

You'll love the videos, the quality and the obvious comfort these new pros have both in front of the microphone as well as behind it. See a couple more videos after the 'Jump and the word is that there are more videos from the Rookie Premier coming shortly.'

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens OTA's Missing Big Names

Yesterday we reported on the Baltimore Ravens OTA, mentioning that many of the bigger names on the team were not in attendance, but no one appeared worried that this was an issue. A story in USA Today seems to imply otherwise. The story starts off with the line, "The absentees overshadowed the attendees..."

Those big names missing from the team's first OTA included Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata and Ray Rice. Terrell Suggs is recovering from Achilles Tendon surgery.

At the same time, neither head coach John Harbaugh nor QB Joe Flacco seemed the least bit worried about the lack of these All-Pro's at this point of the season, or more correctly, the off-season. Harbaugh assured the media that his veterans were working hard and would come into camp at some point in great shape and ready to play.

Flacco reminded everyone that there was virtually no off-season last year and the Ravens made it to the AFC Championship Game. The media may have focused on the missing stars, but the players certainly didn't mind the additional reps that their absence provided them.


Poll
Are you concerned with the missing major names on the Baltimore Ravens (Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata) from their recent OTA's?

  193 votes | Results

7 comments  | 

Baltimore Beat Down NFL Rule Changes

NFL owners met in Atlanta this week and approved a few new rules that will be going into effect as early as this coming season. The trading deadline, previously was at week six of the regular season, has now been voted to be extended until week eight.

When you watch NFL games, notice how some players have the noticeable wrinkle on their thighs which shows the outlines of their thigh pads. Other players have that smoother look, obviously due to no thigh pads. Now, they will all have the same uniform look, as every player must begin wearing thigh (and knee) padding in the 2013 season. (You may be surprised to learn that virtually zero players in the NFL wear a protective cup under their uniforms).

SB Nation posted a story with the full list of rule changes, including a significant one related to players placed on Injured Reserve. Those players were normally lost for the season when designated as such but now will have the chance of returning to practice after week six and games after week eight.

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Baltimore Beat Down NFL Players Would Accept Gay Teammates


In what appears to be a huge change from past attitudes, it appears that the climate in the NFL pertaining to accepting gay teammates is making radical changes. Most players now seem to be willing to accept a gay teammate in the locker room, compared to the polar opposite attitude in years past.

A story in SB Nation's network from Outsports, includes comments and quotes from former and current NFL players, who said their focus is on working together as a team towards the same goal of winning and that sexual preference is not part of the equation. SB Nation has a related story with the video above on the same topic.

The list of players quoted in the story is impressive, as are their comments as well, proving that perhaps the most manly sport of all has made huge strides in the area of gay rights, one that either would never be accepted or at least shoved under the rug rather than openly discuss it.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens Report: OTA's

Ravens' QB Joe Flacco hands-off during OTA's (5/23/12)

The Baltimore Ravens held one of their alloted 'Offseason Training Assignments' (OTA's) this week and it resulted in excellent attendance from a majority of veterans as well as the rookies. Noticeable no-shows included Ray Rice, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata, Matt Birk and of course Terrell Suggs. However, their absence gave additional valuable reps to guys who otherwise might have been forced to run with the second or third teams, or even just stand around and watch.

Baltimore Beatdown was there to take in the action and tight off the bat the loudest voice heard all day came from strong safety Bernard Pollard. Pollard was not just trashing the offense after defensive stops, but also providing valuable leadership in explaining schemes, positioning and assignments to the others.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens Super Bowl Ring For Sale

Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl 35 Championship Ring

There is a diamond-studded ring from the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV winning team up for auction at Lelands.com. The championship ring, featured above, is not one of the team's former players, but instead must have belonged to a member of the staff. Inscribed in the ring is the name, "Dickson," and no, it is not current Ravens tight end Ed Dickson, who was in grade school when the Ravens won the Lombardi Trophy over a decade ago.

Jeff Dickson was the personal driver for former team owner Art Modell. Interestingly, according to an old story in the Baltimore Sun, Dickson sued the Ravens back in 2003 after being fired by Modell's son, John, allegedly after missing a few days due to an illness.

The current bid is just over $8,000 as of this publishing time, so for a few hundred dollars more, this incredible opportunity to own a piece of memorabilia that no one else in your neighborhood will have is right before you. Unless of course, Ray Lewis or a former member of the team lives near you!

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Baltimore Beat Down SB Nation Presents: NFL Rookies


SB Nation was at the NFLPA Rookie Premier, catching the new pros on the field wearing their NFL uniforms for the first time. They decided to turn the tables on the rookies, allowing them to be on both sides of the microphones and leave it up to them to interview one another.

Despite no new members of the Baltimore Ravens being in on this video, it is still worth watching to see how the kids handle the pressure of the confrontative interviews that you will see here. Besides, you get to see some of the guys who will be getting pummeled by the Ravens in the 2012 season.

Enjoy!

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Baltimore Beat Down John Harbaugh to be Honored with Outstanding Civilian Service Award

OWINGS MILLS, MD - MAY 13:  Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens speaks to members of the media after a practice during the Baltimore Ravens minicamp on May 13, 2012 in Owings Mills, Maryland.  (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

From the Baltimore Ravens PR Department:

On Wednesday, May 23, General Raymond T. Odierno will present Outstanding Civilian Service Awards during a program honoring those who have passionately supported the U.S. Army. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh will receive one of the distinct honors.

The citation that will be presented to Harbaugh by General Odierno, the Chief of Staff of the Army, will read:

"For outstanding service to the United States Army, Soldiers, families, veterans and military communities. Your visit to Iraq and your initiatives to show thanks to service members for their service through appreciation days, opportunities to attend Baltimore Ravens practices and games and to meet team members have improved morale and created a sense of pride and appreciation among our servicemen and women. Through your visits to military installations, you have increased morale, inspired leadership and created a mutual sense of respect and appreciation between the U.S. Army and the National Football League. Your voluntary efforts to purchase, package and send care packages around the world have had direct, positive impacts on our deployed Soldiers living in austere conditions. Your selfless, outstanding contributions have improved the health and readiness of the United States Army."

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Green Bay Packers WR Donald Driver is now the third NFL player to win the top prize on the hit television show, 'Dancing With The Stars.' Driver follows in the NFL footsteps of Hines Ward (season 12) and Emmitt Smith (season 2) to hoist the Mirror Ball trophy. Driver is expected to return to the DWTS show next season as it is supposed to feature all of the past champions competing amongst each other.

8 days ago Br-ravens2_tiny Bruce Raffel 0 comments

Baltimore Beat Down Disagreeing With The "Experts" On Ravens

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22:   Lardarius Webb #21 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates  Bernard Pollard #31 and  Jimmy Smith #22 after makinig an interception in the second quarter against the New England Patriots during their AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The experts on the NFL have everything in their favor. They have familiarity, access, resources and direct contact with the players, coaches and front office personnel. That should ensure that they know so much more than the average fan, and yes, even the average or above-average blogger. Right? Not always, sez me!

In a recent story over at BaltimoreRavens.com, the word is that ESPN Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. believes that Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Jimmy Smith is poised for a breakout season that could culminate in a Pro Bowl berth for the team's first draft pick in 2011.

I disagree, and maintain that it might be tough for Smith to be both a Pro Bowl corner, while at the same time only being the second best corner on this Ravens team. The guy who should see an Pro Bowl invitation in his mailbox towards the end of the 2012 season is Lardarius Webb. No offense to Jimmy, who could very well be a regular invitee to football's all-star game, Webb should have been a Pro Bowl-er this past season and deserves to break through that door in 2012.

(More "disagreements" to debate with me after the 'Jump')

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens OTA's Start This Week

The Baltimore Ravens held their Rookie Camp a couple of weeks ago, but now they get to step onto the field with the big boys as the first of three OTA's begin today. The Ravens will hold three or four-day OTA's May 22-24, May 29-31 and June 4-7 and a mini-camp on June 12-14.

According to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there are specific rules that govern what, when, how long and who can be on the field during these off-season practices. They are, however, so very integral to the learning process, especially for the rookies and younger players. Remember, there were no OTA's last year due to the NFL Lockout so even the second-year players are getting their first off-season workouts of their short NFL careers.

Click on the 'Jump' to read the governing section of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Article 21, Section 2, Subsection b (iii), which lays out what the teams can do with these OTA's and mini-camps.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens' Flacco Says Bring It On!

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22:  Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up prior to playing against the New England Patriots in their AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

As the pressure to raise the level of play on the offensive side of the ball after the devastating loss of Terrell Suggs to the defensive side of the ball increases, the focus is obviously on QB Joe Flacco to do just that. In an earlier story here on Baltimore Beatdown asks fans to vote and comment on if he is ready to carry this team, other outlets are reporting the same thing.

Three-quarters of voters in our previous article think that indeed, Flacco is primed for a break-out season in 2012. A story on Pro Football Talk details that "Joe Cool' is more than willing to be under the microscope and firmly believes that the team has the weapons he needs to put up 40 points a game.

"I think we’ve got the talent around us, definitely,... I think we’re a team that should be able to go out there and put 40 up and not really look back."

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Baltimore Beat Down Top Four Young NFL Running Backs: Ravens' Ray Rice

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 2: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens rushes for a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice joins three other players at his position to make up the best young running backs in the NFL. A story at NFL.com breaks down the four players and then nine of the site's analysts pick the one they would want if starting a team today.

Rice is mentioned as the pick by two of the analysts, Adita Kinkhabwala and Chad Reuter. Kinkhabwala cites Rice's durability (missed just three games in NFL career), his pass catching ability (250 receptions in his career), but admits her bias, as she covered Rice when he was the star in college at Rutgers.

Reuter also picked Rice, saying his compact build allows him to hide behind those huge offensive linemen and echoed other comments by Adita in that he had the best fumble ratio among all the backs in the discussion. To be fair, however, of the nine analysts, Houston Texans RB Arian Foster was picked four times, Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy was selected the same as Rice, with two nods, and Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte was only mentioned once as the best young back in the league.

Poll
Who do you think is the best young RB in the NFL today?

  217 votes | Results

8 comments  | 

Baltimore Beat Down Which Ravens WR's Make The Cut?

OWINGS MILLS, MD - MAY 13:  Tommy Streeter #11 of the Baltimore Ravens takes part in a practice during the Baltimore Ravens minicamp on May 13, 2012 in Owings Mills, Maryland.  (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Everybody knows that the Baltimore Ravens two starting wide receivers will be veteran Anquan Boldin and second-year layer Torrey Smith. The Ravens picked up Jacoby Jones who figures to be the team's #3 wideout. Those three figure to get the bulk of targets in the wide receiver position.

The tight end tandem of Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, as well as RB Ray Rice out of the backfield, should combine with the wide receivers to catch the bulk of QB Joe Flacco's passes. Beyond that, the chosen few others may catch a pass here and there, and also be insurance in the event of any injury during the season.

So which wide receiver(s) will make the cut and become the Ravens #4 and #5 receivers out of the ones that are now in camp?

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens' Anquan Boldin Plans To Protect His Brain

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 15:  Anquan Boldin #81 of the Baltimore Ravens stands in the end zone after scoring a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 15, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The NFL has been trying to lessen the violence in football, coming up with stricter rules on what is or is not an acceptable hit. Players are concerned with all of the recent news, including suicides, allegedly related to brain injuries from too many concussions over the course of a player's career. Recently, two rookies have already retired rather than subject themselves to future concussions and risk additional brain damage in light of those recent circumstances.

Baltimore Ravens WR Anquan Boldin has never been a player to shy away from placing himself in harm's way, as he frequently goes over the middle, exposing himself to opponents ready to knock his block off. As it says in a recent story on Pro Football Talk, the only "official" concussion Boldin has sustained in his career was a doozy, resulting not only in the head injury, but a broken sinus as well, requiring surgery.

Anquan is doing his own research to see what he can do to stave off or at least minimize the effects of the hits to the head that he has endured and will in the future. He reportedly might be looking into a hyperbaric chamber, as recommended by his doctor. It appears that the players might be best suited to do their own homework, as the league has not been overly successful in protecting the players as evidenced by the increasing number of past cases coming into the public's eyes.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens' GM Ozzie Newsome Relives Past In Lee Evans' Drop

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22:  Sterling Moore #29 of the New England Patriots breaks up a catch intended for Lee Evans #83 of the Baltimore Ravens late in the fourth quarter during their AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2012 in Foxboro, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

As the ball was knocked out of Baltimore Ravens WR Lee Evans' hands after a perfectly placed pass by QB Joe Flacco, the Ravens saw their chance to win the AFC Championship Game right then and there slip out of what should have been their firm grasp. A play later, placekicker Billy Cundiff shanked an easy field goal and the AFC Championship Game to the New England Patriots loss was official.

Not only did the players and the fans feel the pain, but there was one other person who felt it like a knife lodged deep into his heart. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome felt that same pain long ago as a tight end on the Cleveland Browns, who lost three AFC Championship Games in a four-year span. Those losses were significant enough to be immortalized in one-word terms, "The Drive" and "The Fumble."

A pass in the game's waning seconds aimed for Newsome was intercepted and Ozzie says to this day that he remembers the sinking feeling. A story on The Akron Beacon Journal Online recounts the moment as Newsome met with media and fans to talk about the Browns past, including both those losses as well as the team's move to Baltimore.

It mentions how after the Ravens devastating loss to thePatriots, Lee Evans sought out Newsome for advice on how to handle the knowledge that had he held onto the ball, things could have been very, very different. Read the story to see Newsome's response and advice.

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Baltimore Beat Down Can Joe Flacco Step Up In Terrell Suggs' Absence

They are on the same team, but play on different sides of the ball. While Baltimore Ravens Joe Flacco leads the Ravens offense, OLB Terrell Suggs is one of the leaders on the league's best defenses. So if they play on opposite side of the line of scrimmage, how then can Flacco step up in Suggs' absence?

Simple,the defense is now being talked aboutas missing it's most important link. No offense to Ray Lewis or Ed Reed, Suggs is by far the most disruptive player on that unit. Without it's best player, the defense is expected to not be anywhere as dominant as it has been with Suggs in the lineup. A story on NFL.com says that Flacco is indeed ready to take the next step in carrying this team.

That leaves Flacco to lead the offense into the end zone and put up more points on the scoreboard to make up the difference many expect to see from the team's defense. While many fans do not expect to see any noticeable drop-off from the defense, a more potent higher-scoring offense would certainly take the pressure off of the defense to keep the team in games like it historically has done.

Poll
Do you believe that Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco can silence his critics and step up to cover the loss of OLB Terrell Suggs from the team's defense?

  230 votes | Results

6 comments  | 

Baltimore Beat Down Ravens Appear To Be Paying Suggs Full Salary In 2012

PITTSBURGH PA - JANUARY 15:  Linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after sacking quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15 2011 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens have the legal right to withhold part or even all of OLB Terrell Suggs' 2012 salary due to his Achilles Tendon injury and subsequent recent surgery. However, there has been no indication that the Ravens have any intention of holding back any of it, and don't expect that to change either.

A story on Pro Football Talk says the Ravens have not made too many Front Office mistakes over the years and don't expect them to make one anytime soon. Not only will the Ravens be paying Suggs in 2012, there is a decent chance that Suggs will actually play in 2012, with the dates being debated depending on whether you listen to doctors or Suggs himself.

When you have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on your team, you want to do whatever it takes to get him healthy and keep him happy. Paying Suggs will make him happy. Pay the man.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens Fantasy Football Team Outlook

The Baltimore Ravens are known for their defense, annually among the top in the league. While this might make that unit a great pick in fantasy football for Team Defense, it doesn't bode well for the offensive side of the ball.

Historically, there is usually little or no reason to take any member of the Ravens offense on your fantasy team other than RB Ray Rice, except for blind loyalty reasons. Baltimore quarterbacks best moves usually are just by turning and handing the ball off to their running backs, who are usually among the best in the NFL.

Not so anymore and the 2012 season is beginning to look like a breakout season offensively for some players, at least from a fantasy football perspective. Fantasy Football Toolbox (FFToolbox.com) took a look at the 2012 Ravens and ranked each player in their respective positions, with additional commentary as well.

They rank QB Joe FLacco the 18th best QB, not fantasy starter material but a strong #2 on your team. Ray Rice is the #2 RB on their listing. Interesting is seeing WR Torrey Smith ranked higher (#28) than his veteran teammate, Anquan Boldin (#30). Placekicker Billy Cundiff comes in as the 11th best kicker (really?) while the always dependable Ravens defense ranks 2nd best.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens-Giants Among Best Interconference Games of 2012

Jan 28, 2001; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) at the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants during Super Bowl XXXV at Raymond James Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE

The Baltimore Ravens 2012 regular season schedule appears on paper to be one of their toughest in years, which is the reward a team gets for winning their division. In addition to playing what is known as a 1st place schedule, the Ravens play the NFC East next year, with their game hosting the New York Giants at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium ranked among the league's most anticipated interconference games.

A story on NFL.com has this game rated the third-best of all the interconference match-ups. Here is what the story on the game between the defending AFC North champs and the defending Super Bowl Champions, with a little dig at the Ravens 34-7 Super Bowl 35 victory over the Giants:

It's hard to imagine this Week 16 game not playing a huge factor in the playoff race. It's also hard to imagine the game being worse than the Ravens-Giants Super Bowl.

The two higher-rated interconference games on the 2012 regular season schedule according to the story were the October 7th game between the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Philadelphia Eagles and the December 16th game with those same popular Steelers at the almost-as-popular Dallas Cowboys.

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Baltimore Beat Down Ravens' Bernard Pollard Weighs In On Ed Reed's Comments

Ravens' safeties Bernard Pollard, Ed Reed & CB Lardarius Webb -(photo credits: Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE)

In a story posted on Sports Radio Interviews, Baltimore Ravens strong safety Bernard Pollard weighed in on his partner along the back wall of the defense, free safety Ed Reed. He said he's spoken to Ed about the future before and supports him 100% regardless of his final decision. However, Pollard did say:

"...he better not leave me hanging..."

The interview was held at a radio station in Houston, Texas, where Pollard played prior to signing with Baltimore during the summer just before Training Camp last season. Pollard dished on a few other things, including why the Texans turned down the opportunity to be on the HBO show, 'Hard Knocks,' saying the players do watch the show, alluding to the fact people saw his hilarious dancing routine when the Kansas City Chiefs were on the program during his time there.

(Click on the 'Jump' to see Ravens safety Bernard Pollard dance while a member of the KC Chiefs)

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