CBSSports.com wire reports
Oct. 3, 2011

BALTIMORE — It was a performance that would have made Rex Ryan proud — if he were still defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.

Unfortunately, Ryan is now head coach of the New York Jets. And he watched in horror as the unit he helped create scored three touchdowns off turnovers by Mark Sanchez in Baltimore’s 34-17 victory Sunday night.

Baltimore’s three scores on defense were the most in franchise history. Jameel McClain took a fumble by Sanchez 6 yards for a score on New York’s first offensive play, Jarret Johnson scored on a 26-yard fumble return and Lardarius Webb put the Ravens up by 17 points in the third quarter by taking an interception 73 yards into the end zone.

Don’t think for a moment that Baltimore didn’t take pleasure in doing it in front of Ryan, who served 10 years with the Ravens before taking the Jets job before the 2009 season.

“He created this and now he has to deal with us,” Johnson said. “It was fun.”

Not so for Ryan.

“I’ve been around football a long time and I’ve never seen anything like that,” Ryan said. “The performance by their defense was spectacular. They were coming after us. That’s a Ravens defense. It reminded me of the 2000 and 2006 defenses.”

This, however, was a one-of-a-kind performance. Three touchdowns in one game? Heck, that equaled the output of Baltimore’s defense for the entire 2010 season. The Ravens also held the Jets to 150 yards and seven first downs in taking over sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

“The best defensive effort I thought I had ever seen or the most amazing defensive performance I thought I’d ever seen was the Pittsburgh game with seven turnovers,” coach John Harbaugh said, referring to Baltimore’s season-opening 35-7 rout. “But this topped it. That’s pretty impressive, to say the least.”

The Ravens flustered Sanchez from the outset. On New York’s first play, Ed Reed caused a fumble on a safety blitz and McClain took the ball into the end zone. It was the first of four fumbles by Sanchez, three of which Baltimore recovered.

“Throughout the course of the beating, he got rattled a little bit,” Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “Once we hit a few times, he kind of got uncomfortable.”

A week ago, the Jets gave up 234 yards rushing in a loss to the Oakland Raiders. This defeat can be attributed to Sanchez, who threw an interception and fumbled four times, losing three. He went 11 for 35 for 119 yards, and the only score he produced until the fourth quarter was a field goal by Nick Folk after a 25-yard drive.

“He struggled mightily, there’s no question about it,” Ryan said. “It wasn’t his best day, that’s for sure, but he’s our quarterback and I believe in him.”

New York (2-2) has lost seven straight to the Ravens (3-1), the last two with Ryan on the Jets sideline. New York’s touchdowns came on a 107-yard kickoff return by Joe McKnight and a 35-yard interception return by David Harris.

The Ravens got 17 points off three fumbles by Sanchez to take a 27-7 lead in the second quarter, and although the Jets cut the gap to 10, they were unable to complete the comeback.

“We all had our share in this loss,” Sanchez said. “I’m fine pointing out my mistakes; as far as my mistakes, I’ll take the blame for it.”

Down 27-17, New York got the ball on the Baltimore 27 after Joe Flacco fumbled when Jets linebacker Aaron Maybin picked up his first career sack.

On the next play, Webb picked off a pass by Sanchez intended for Santonio Holmes on the right sideline and sprinted into the end zone with 8:49 left in the third quarter.

It was 20-7 before Johnson scored after Sanchez fumbled when hit by Haloti Ngata. After a replay, the officials ruled that Sanchez’s arm was moving forward, but he did not have the ball in his hand, confirming the touchdown call.

Ryan was so angry he called a timeout to vent his frustration. After speaking his mind and getting no satisfaction, Ryan stalked the sideline and threw his arms up in a display of angst.

Minutes later, though, the Jets got their own defensive score. Harris picked off a pass from Flacco and took it 36 yards for a touchdown, and New York added a field goal to close to 27-17 at halftime.

But the Jets got only two first downs in the second half.

Notes

• Ravens LB Sergio Kindle made his NFL debut after missing all last season with a fractured skill and being inactive for the first three games this year.
• Jets LB Bryan Thomas hurt his ankle in the first quarter and did not return. LB Garrett McIntyre hurt his head in the second quarter.
• Baltimore has won 12 of its past 13 at home.
• The Ravens are 19-1 when scoring at least 30 points under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
• Flacco went 10 for 31 for 163 yards. His 37.4 passer rating was only slightly higher than Sanchez’s 30.5.

By Joel Thorman

– NFL Editor, SBNation.com

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Aug 30, 2011 – The 2011 NFL season is almost here which means it’s time to preview every team’s chances this year. SB Nation’s Baltimore Beatdown gives us the scoop on the Baltimore Ravens.

Record Prediction

With the Baltimore Ravens scheduled to play the NFC West, easily the weakest division in the NFL, as well as seeing both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns twice, they could definitely be figured to sweep all eight of those games. If they can win five of the other eight games, they should be able to reach a 13-3 season and with it, that elusive AFC North division title and what would most likely earn then a playoff bye and a playoff home game for the first time in four consecutive trips to the post season.

Best Game On The Schedule

Although there are 16 games in the regular season, none can be looked at as better than the season opener hosting their hated AFC North division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Right now, hands down this is the best rivalry in the NFL and starting off the season with a home victory over the Steelers would set the tone for the rest of the year. Of course, hosting the San Francisco 49ers, coached by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, on Thanksgiving night, has to be a close second, as Baltimore, be it the old Colts or Ravens have never played on Thanksgiving Day.

Player Who Takes A Step Back This Year

Most people would jump up and yell, “Ray Lewis,” but for the 16^th straight year they would continue to be incorrect, as Ray remains one of the best inside linebackers in the game despite his advanced age. His film study, preparation and training regimen has him playing harder, stronger and even faster than many guys a decade younger than him. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about veteran center Matt Birk. Birk looked like an old man when he joined the Ravens and his aches and pain from squatting over the ball and absorbing thunderous hits from defensive linemen over the years has taken its toll on his now-frail body. He may be able to return from his pre-season injury in time for the 2011 regular season, but it will undoubtedly be his final one if he even makes it through to the end.

Breakout Player Candidates

This is a tough one, as there are so many, including the obvious candidate, QB Joe Flacco. Flacco has the receiving threats he needs in all areas, with the sure-handed Anquan Boldin, the speedster Lee Evans and of course, Mr. Everything, Ray Rice. He should have a great season if, and only if, the offensive line can give him the protection he didn’t have last year.

Both second year tight ends, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, have looked solid replacing Todd Heap and one of them could separate from the other and have an excellent season. With the addition of Lee Evans as the No. 2 receiver, the possibility of either rookie WR, Torrey Smith or tendon Doss, making a huge impact has lessened. Defensively, there are tow guys who figure to have breakout seasons and two more whose impact should make a difference.

Defensive tackle, Terrence “Mount” Cody is the starter and has made huge strides in both learning the defense and rounding himself into good shape compared to last year.  DE/OLB Paul Kruger has bulked up and seems to finally “get it” as to his role putting pressure on the opposing

QB. OLB Sergio Kindle has recovered from his horrible head injury that kept him out all of last year and has the size and speed to make a difference and rookie CB Jimmy Smith reminds many in Baltimore of former All-Pro CB Chris McAlister, and while he might not start the season at corner, he certainly expects to finish it as the starter.

Best Ravens Player Others Haven’t Heard Of

WR David Reed was a fifth round draft pick last year who couldn’t stay healthy and only recently returned to the practice field this week. However, he is already ahead of the rookie WR’s and proved he can be a solid kick returner as he returned one for a TD last season.  The other guy is punter Sam Koch, who is a linebacker in a punter’s body and booms kicks far and can touch them down near the goal line almost on command, which is a very under rated skill.

Overrated/Underrated/Just Right

RB Ray Rice was a top five fantasy pick last year but under-performed due to losing touches near the goal line and a less than stellar offensive line. This year, the o-line has improved, goal-line back Willis McGahee is gone and the team signed the best blocking fullback in the league in Vonta Leach which together signals a return to fantasy stardom for Rice. Both Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans are sure to see their share of passes.

Tight end Dennis Pitta may be an under-rated goal-line option for those short play-action passes. Do not sleep on grabbing QB Joe Flacco as your second QB, as he has the tools and another year experience and has not missed a start in his NFL career.

I can’t think of any Ravens that is over-rated, as most Ravens have historically not been fantasy stars, and there is no way that ne could label the Ravens defense over-rated once again.

Best Media Personality

Other than me? While not so much a “personality,” the Carroll County Times and National Football Post writer Aaron Wilson appears on many stations as the Ravens expert around town. He usually has the breaking news before anyone else and is well respected plus easy going and friendly. I also like WJZ-TV channel 13′s Stan Saunders and Mark Viviano, both of whom are solid and approachable compared to many of the other established so-called main stream media.

Best Ravens Players To Follow On Twitter

Easily Ray Rice, who is always tweeting funny comments, including the other day about the local earthquake when he said on his Twitter account that he would like to tell us what he said when the quake hit, but it “wasn’t printable!” CB Domonique Foxworth was interesting to follow, as he is a member of the NFLPA’s Executive Committee and played an instrumental role in the CBA negotiations. Former Ravens FB LeRon McClain was a great “tweeter,” but now is with the Kansas City Chiefs so we can no longer count him. 

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I’m sorry but on paper, the Baltimore Ravens don’t look like a Super Bowl team.

In 2010, the Ravens ranked 23rd in total offense, 10th in total defense. They didn’t get a lot of sacks, didn’t dominate in the turnover column, didn’t run the ball particularly well. But they still finished with the fourth-best record in the NFL and surrendered the third-fewest points in the league.

The 2010 Ravens found a way to overcome some glaring weaknesses, bending but not breaking and landing in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. If you look at the numbers, it’s hard to believe they were so successful. It was like some sort of magic trick.

Based on what took place this offseason, they might have to check the hat for another rabbit.

The team lost several key contributors this summer. Jared Gaither was the team’s most talented tackle. Gone. Todd Heap was one of Joe Flacco’s safest targets. Gone. Derrick Mason was Flacco’s most reliable option. Gone. Dawan Landry was coming off his best season and is entering his prime at safety. Gone. Josh Wilson was probably the best corner on the roster. Gone. Kelly Gregg was a force at the crucial nose tackle position. Gone.

So not only did the Ravens fail to remedy what ailed them in 2010, but it appears as though they actually got worse.

But that’s all on paper. And football reportedly isn’t played on paper.

2010 in a nutshell: A December home loss to Pittsburgh costs them the division, but they still finish 12-4. A January road loss to Pittsburgh ends their season in the divisional playoffs.

Three predictions for 2011:

1. The offensive line will once again have problems: I’m not worried about Ray Rice; I’m worried about Joe Flacco. Rice will find new holes with Vonta Leach in town and Marshal Yanda moving back to guard. But the tackles are a problem. Baltimore gave up six sacks in its first preseason game, with three counting against left tackle Michael Oher. On the other side, starter Oniel Cousins has already been moved inside, with rookie Jah Reid getting a chance. The possibility of Oher and Reid having to face the Pittsburgh front seven twice in 2011 is quite scary. This is a unit that could have used Jared Gaither, but the team let him walk this summer. Not only will Flacco be forced to deal with poor pass protection, but with Heap and Mason gone and rookie Torrey Smith struggling to get acclimated, the receiving corps is in trouble beyond Anquan Boldin. They’d better get Lee Evans caught up swiftly.

2. The pass rush will once again have problems: It’s hard to believe how bad the pass rush was last year, and it’s harder to believe how little effort the team put into improving it in the offseason. Beyond Terrell Suggs, virtually nobody gets sacks. The Ravens finished with only 27 sacks in 2010, with Suggs registering nearly half of that total. They missed out on Osi Umenyiora, who appears to be staying with the Giants, and Sergio Kindle probably isn’t ready to become a consistent threat at this point.

3. Jimmy Smith will make a run at defensive rookie of the year: The secondary isn’t in much better shape. Wilson left as a free agent and Domonique Foxworth is coming off of surgery to repair a torn ACL. If Smith can get up to speed and stay healthy, he’ll have a chance to start alongside Chris Carr or Lardarius Webb. With such a golden opportunity and so many playmakers surrounding him, I’m expecting the first-round pick out of Colorado to have a big season.

The final word(s): As I said, they have playmakers, and that might be how they keep winning. Ray Lewis is determined to go out strong, Ed Reed is healthy, and guys like Haloti Ngata, Suggs, Rice, Flacco and Boldin can be game-changers. Despite their flaws, this team will once again contend for the division title. I’ll give ‘em 10 wins.

The 2011 NFL preseason will begin Thursday night with several games, including the Baltimore Ravens of the AFC North against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Here are five preseason storylines this weekend:

1. Cleveland Browns unveil new offense, defense against Super Bowl champs

Analysis: Cleveland could not pick a better measuring stick for a preseason opener. The Browns will debut their new West Coast offense and 4-3 defense against the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay is the NFL’s top preseason team, according to ESPN.com’s Power Rankings. Many eyes will be on Cleveland second-year quarterback Colt McCoy. The 2011 season is huge for McCoy to prove he’s the future of the franchise. His season-long journey starts Saturday at Browns Stadium.

2. Andy Dalton era begins for Cincinnati Bengals

Analysis: Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis made Carson Palmer wait a full season to make his first NFL start. But Lewis believes his team is ready to be led by a rookie quarterback in 2011. Second-round pick Andy Dalton will get his first career start for the Bengals Friday against the Detroit Lions. Lewis said the young offense will play longer than expected for a preseason opener.

3. Baltimore Ravens LB Sergio Kindle makes debut

Analysis: Kindle was Baltimore’s prized draft pick in 2010. But a fractured skull last summer ended his rookie season. Kindle will make his debut one year later against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Ravens hope Kindle stays healthy and improves their pass rush. Baltimore had just 27 sacks in 16 games last season.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers evaluate young players

Analysis: The reigning AFC champions do not have anything to prove in the preseason. Pittsburgh’s opener is more for evaluating young players. The Steelers took advantage of the preseason last year. They gave plenty of reps to inexperienced players Ziggy Hood, Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. By midseason, this trio contributed to Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl run. This year the Steelers want extended looks at rookies such as defensive end Cameron Heyward, offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert and cornerback Curtis Brown to see if they can eventually earn spots in the rotation.