Facebook-f X-twitter Linkedin Youtube Spotify Podcast

Paid Advertisement

Luke Jones

Friedgen returning for 11th season as Terps coach

Luke Jones

In a season many thought would be his last in College Park, Ralph Friedgen has led the Terps to a surprising 7-3 record and the precipice of the Atlantic Division crown with wins in their final two games. And that was good enough for new athletic director Kevin Anderson. In a statement released by the University of Maryland Thursday, Anderson announced Friedgen would return for his 11th season as Terrapins coach in 2011. “Based largely on the improved performance of our team and student-athletes this season, Coach Friedgen will be our head football coach next year,” Anderson said. “Once this season is complete, [Friedgen] and I will sit down to discuss the current state and future of the program. Right now, the team’s focus will be on winning the 2010 ACC Championship and a bowl game, which our coaching staff and student-athletes have put themselves in position to do. We hope our fans, students, and alums will come out and support us in the effort.” The near $2 million owed to Friedgen in the final year of his contract played a major part in the decision, as the school has made no secret about the program’s financial programs with unsold

A Turtle Power weekend ahead at WNST.net

Luke Jones

With three buses of Ravens fans flocking to Charlotte this weekend on the Miller Lite Purple Football Roadtrip (check out our Purple Pep Rallies if you’re making the trip), it’s easy to overlook a huge upcoming weekend for Maryland basketball and football. Tonight, Gary Williams’ Terrapins arrive at the Mecca of Basketball, otherwise known as Madison Square Garden, for the championship rounds of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. After winning their first three games against undistinguished competition, the new-look Terps face a major test against No. 5 Pittsburgh. Sophomore center Jordan Williams is off to a sensational start (averaging 21.0 points and 13.7 rebounds per game) and will need another big night for the underdog Terps to knock off the Panthers. The game can be seen at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN2, so we’ll have the Turtle Power live chat open at WNST.net to discuss the happenings from the Garden. The winner faces the victor of Illinois/Texas in the Championship Game Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. while the losers face off in the Consolation Game at 5:00 p.m. (both games airing on ESPN2). Regardless of the Terps’ fate against the Panthers, the Turtle Power chat will be open

The 'fall' of the Ravens defense started many Aprils ago

Luke Jones

If you’ve been wearing out your Greg Mattison dartboard over the last several weeks, you’re probably not alone. After all, the current Ravens defensive coordinator is solely responsible for the fall of a once-dominant unit all the way to 10th in the NFL, right? (As an aside, how spoiled are we to be frustrated with a unit still better — statistically — than 22 other defenses in the league?) From eliminating the submissive three-man rush to playing tighter, press coverage in the secondary, Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan, or Rex Ryan would be coaching this defense to the elite level it enjoyed over the last decade instead of the mortal status it currently holds. If only it were that simple. Placing blame on a few individuals is common practice (Mattison, maligned cornerback Fabian Washington, and, until recently, “overrated” linebacker Terrell Suggs are popular targets these days), but the defensive problems run far deeper. Personnel issues, aging stars, a key injury (anyone remember Domonique Foxworth?), and — perhaps — coaching shortcomings have left the Ravens with an above-average defense pursuing ghosts of dominance on the M&T Bank Stadium turf. Truth be told, the current deterioration of the Baltimore defense began years ago,

Maryland mauls Maine, looks ahead to Madison Square Garden

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Resisting the urge to peek toward two big games at Madison Square Garden later this week, the Terrapins used a strong first-half finish to blow out Maine, 89-59, and move their record to 3-0 through the first week of the season. Jordan Williams continued his early domination, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double to begin the season, and senior guard Cliff Tucker scored 16 points in the first half to pace a 23-6 run that put Maryland ahead by 23 points at intermission. Having played at Utah Valley on Friday night, the Black Bears were playing their second road game in less than 48 hours, committing 17 turnovers and shooting just 32.7 percent from the field in a sluggish performance against the athletic Terrapins. “The big thing today is that I thought we executed a little better in the half court, which we were looking for,” Gary Williams said. “But nobody is where they want to be Nov. 14th, you have to keep improving. If you can’t play in March, then it doesn’t matter.” The Terps’ performance from the free-throw line was an encouraging sign for the Terps in the

Maryland hosts Maine: Turtle Power live chat at 2:00!

Luke Jones

***Join us in the Turtle Power chat starting at 2:00 p.m.*** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Fresh off two wins in the College Park Regional of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, the Maryland Terrapins take a break from the preseason tournament (which resumes Thursday at Madison Square Garden) to host the Maine Black Bears (1-0) of the America East Conference this afternoon. After trailing much of the game to the College of Charleston Wednesday night, the Terps pulled it out in the closing seconds as freshman Pe’Shon Howard hit a fadeaway jumper with 4.6 seconds left to give Maryland a closer-than-expected 75-74 victory. Gary Williams and the Terps will have to fight the temptation to look ahead to this week’s trip to New York City and a meeting with Pittsburgh on Thursday night. Maine was picked as the America East favorite by the Sporting News and comes off a 19-win season last year, which included a victory over Boston College in Chestnut Hill. This afternoon’s game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet with Steve Buckhantz and Ron Thompson calling the action. As we do for every Terps game, we’ll have the Turtle Power chat open for discussion, as

Freshman Howard saves day for Terps in last-second 75-74 win over College of Charleston

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Gary Williams had to be having flashbacks for much of the second half Wednesday night. Maryland hadn’t played the College of Charleston since 1997, a disappointing first-round upset that sent senior — and current assistant coach — Keith Booth and the Terps home early in the NCAA Tournament. Current freshman Pe’Shon Howard was only six years old at the time, but his game-winning shot with 4.6 seconds left prevented lightning from striking twice in a thrilling 75-74 win over the Cougars. The point guard scored 14 points and handed out four assists on the night, but no shot was bigger than the falling-away jumper he took after Charleston double-teamed center Jordan Williams in the closing seconds. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvZFbTDL_uI[/youtube] “I knew I took care of the ball [on the last possession], so I know I got a good shot,” Howard said. “And I’m just glad it went in.” Though a November loss for an inexperienced team would not have had the same crushing impact as that defeat in mid-March 13 years ago, it’s never good losing to a non-conference opponent on your home floor. Just ask the Terps, who have fallen victim several times in recent seasons, including

New-look Terps have room to grow after season-opening win over Seattle

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — If a season-opening 105-76 win Monday night is any indication, the Maryland Terrapins will be an exciting and, at times, frustrating team to watch in the early stages of the 2010-2011 season. In a sloppy game featuring 56 turnovers and 51 fouls between the teams, Maryland showed superior athleticism to an outmatched Seattle team, yet struggled against the Redhawks’ press, committing 29 turnovers. A 14-2 run put the game out of reach midway through the second half after Seattle had shaved the lead to 66-56 with 11:56 remaining. The Terps shot 80.5 percent from the foul line (33 for 41) in response to 31 fouls by the Redhawks. “We saw some things that we need to work on,” said coach Gary Williams. “We can be a very good defensive team. We are very quick and have the size; we just have to keep working. It’s not one of those things that will change tomorrow. We just have to get a little better every time we go out there.” The Terps were led by their only returning starters Sean Mosley (21 points) and Jordan Williams (17 points and 15 rebounds), who will be relied upon most heavily

Maryland tips off season against Seattle: Turtle Power chat at 8

Luke Jones

**Join us in the Turtle Power chat at 8:00 for live coverage from College Park!** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Good evening from Comcast Center as the Terps are set to tip off the 2010-2011 season by hosting independent Seattle University in the College Park Regional of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Maryland will also host the College of Charleston on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. The Terps dominated Div. II Florida Southern in a 106-58 exhibition win last Monday. Seven players scored at least eight points for the Terps, and eight grabbed at least five rebounds in the lone preseason game of the season. Of course, the Terps will try to replace the massive scoring hole left behind by the departing senior trio of Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne. Seniors Adrian Bowie, Cliff Tucker, and Dino Gregory will now join returning starters Sean Mosley and Jordan Williams in the starting lineup, but don’t sleep on a talented freshmen class that includes guards Pe’Shon Howard and Terrell Stoglin who are both expected to be a part of the rotation — at least early in the season. While Seattle (17-14 last season) doesn’t pose much of a

Maryland lets one slip through fingers in 26-20 loss to Miami

Luke Jones

Opportunistic is a word we’ve used often to describe this year’s Terps, largely because we’re still trying to figure out just how good they really are after nine games. And there Maryland was again, only seconds away from an unlikely 20-18 victory at Sun Life Stadium over a Miami team that had thoroughly dominated the Terrapins in nearly every statistical category. It was setting up to be the biggest win in two years for a program trying to erase the memory of a 2-10 season a year ago. A defensive score, some favorable officiating, and two botched extra points by the Hurricanes appeared to be just enough for the Terps to steal a victory they really didn’t deserve. Unlike their win against Navy on Labor Day, however, the Terps defense couldn’t make a play to seal it as Miami quarterback Stephen Morris threw a 35-yard touchdown strike to Leonard Hankerson with 37 seconds left, giving Miami a 26-20 victory and leaving the Terps (6-3, 3-2 ACC) wondering what had hit them. While the loss does little to hurt Maryland’s goal of winning the Atlantic Division and playing in the ACC Championship game in Jacksonville (the Terps still control their own

Terps run Moccasins out of building in 106-58 win

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — An exhibition blowout victory over a Div. II school won’t exactly tell you how Maryland will fare this season, but it can’t be ignored completely. The 106-58 victory against little Florida Southern wasn’t even as close as the final score indicated, as the athletic Terps ran them out of the building (26 fast-break points to 0) and pushed the ball inside (66 points in the paint) from the opening tip and never looked back. Surprisingly, Florida Southern played competively with national runner-up Butler in a 90-70 loss on Saturday, but that’s probably more an indictment of the Bulldogs than a compliment to the Div. II power. After losing 55 percent of their point production from a season ago — and their top three scorers — the Terps figure to be an interesting team with returning role players needing to do more and six newcomers hoping to break into the rotation. If Monday night told us anything, what the Terps lack in established senior leadership and perimeter shooting might be made up for with the most athletic team coach Gary Williams has enjoyed in years. This bodes well for the press-style defense Williams likes to employ, leading

Terps quarterback O’Brien playing well beyond years

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — If you glanced up at the scoreboard Saturday evening, you might have wondered how Ralph Friedgen and the Terps managed to schedule Morgan State for a second time this season. Maryland (6-2, 3-1 ACC) dominated all facets of the game in a 62-14 victory over a Wake Forest team (2-6, 1-4 ACC) that looked more like an FCS school than an ACC rival. The win makes the Terps bowl-eligible for the first time since 2008 — and after the first 10-loss season in the history of the program. A soft schedule makes it difficult to figure out how improved the Terps really are — though a 48-point victory over a conference opponent will raise a few eyebrows at least — but the next four weeks will provide a clearer picture with the Terps taking on two teams currently ranked in the Top 25. We have to acknowledge the Terps, at the very least, are winning all the games they’re supposed to, a concept Maryland has struggled with in recent seasons. Special teams play and and a emphasis on taking better care of the football have been major factors in the turnaround, but there’s no questioning one

Local hoops product Nick Faust commits to Maryland

Luke Jones

Gary Williams wasn’t letting this one get away. Baltimore City College shooting guard Nick Faust has committed to the University of Maryland, a significant feat for a program that’s struggled to attract local talent in recent seasons. Williams, entering his 22nd season as Maryland’s coach, has been criticized for his inability to attract blue-chip recruits from the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, often losing out to Big East powers Connecticut and Syracuse on the local recruiting scene. Faust is considered the 25th overall talent and ninth-best shooting guard in the 2011-12 recruiting class, according to ESPN. The 6-foot-5, 175-pound senior announced his choice Thursday on ESPNU. (Photo courtesy of theshiver.com) The four-star recruit had reportedly narrowed his choices to the Terps, Villanova, and Florida State in recent weeks before momentum began building for his desire to play in College Park. The offseason hiring of assistant coach Bino Ranson is considered to be a major factor in persuading Faust to stay home for school. Faust is the highest-ranked recruit to come to Maryland since Mike Jones in 2003-2004. At the time, Jones was considered the second-rated shooting guard recruit in the nation– behind LeBron James, who went first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft — but never

Terps hold on for ugly 24-21 win at Boston College

Luke Jones

Having not won a road game in over two years, the Terrapins would take a victory any way they could get it entering Saturday’s meeting with Boston College in Chestnut Hill. The Terps certainly didn’t make it easy on themselves, squandering a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and needing a fourth-down stop of Boston College running back Montel Harris with 1:13 remaining to preserve a 24-21 victory, snapping a 10-game road losing streak. Maryland (5-2, 2-1 ACC) used an opportunistic 21-point first half and a patchwork offensive line to do just enough against a Boston College team that has now lost five straight games. A pair of unlikely heroes were the difference as safety Antwine Perez secured three turnovers — two interceptions and a fumble recovery — that led to 14 points for a Maryland offense that managed just 222 yards for the afternoon. The other story was center Paul Pinegar shifting to right tackle — due to the horrific accident suffered by starter Pete DeSouza late Thursday night — and helping stabilize an already porous offensive line. The unit protected quarterback Danny O’Brien against a stout Eagles defense, allowing the redshirt freshman to toss three touchdown passes to

Reed, Ayanbadejo activated from PUP, Gaither to IR and E. Jones released

Luke Jones

Ed Reed is officially back. In a move first reported Friday night, the Ravens have officially activated Reed from the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning the All-Pro safety will see his first action of the season against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday after missing the first six weeks of the season while still recovering from offseason hip surgery. Also returning from the PUP list is linebacker and special teams standout Brendon Ayanbadejo, who suffered a torn quadriceps against the New England Patriots last October. Speculation had persisted that the team would wait until after next week’s bye to activate Ayanbadejo, but the 34-year-old will instead see his first action in over a year on Sunday. To clear room on the 53-man roster, the Ravens placed offensive tackle Jared Gaither on Injured Reserve and released reserve linebacker Edgar Jones. The move ends Gaither’s season and perhaps his career in Baltimore. The projected starting right tackle had only practiced once since Aug. 5 after suffering a thoracic disc injury on the first day of full-squad practice in Westminster. The roster move ends a tumultuous year for Gaither, who battled a foot injury during the OTA schedule and unexpectedly reported to training

Reliving Super Bowl XXXV glory means so much more to Baltimore

Luke Jones

We’re always told not to live in the past in all walks of life, and the devotion to our sports teams is no exception. It’s the same accusation we spew toward our adversaries in western Pennsylvania who constantly bring up their team’s six Super Bowl rings — particularly the four won in the 1970s — as a measure to claim their superiority over Baltimore and its fans. We should always be looking forward instead of celebrating past achievements in the rear-view mirror, right? In contrast, Baltimoreans tend to romanticize the 2000 season in which the Ravens rose from relative anonymity in their fifth season to capture the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The feat emphatically recaptured Baltimore’s place in the National Football League after a 12-year absence had left the tradition-rich city without an identity — or professional football. The lackluster offense and poor quarterback play that led to a five-game touchdown drought left those Ravens with a mortal 5-4 record before embarking on an 11-game winning streak to close the season as the top team in the NFL. It’s the ultimate case study that has provided hope in nearly every season since, as fans overlook the Ravens’ deficiencies — such as

A gut-wrenching flashback for Orioles fans during ALCS

Luke Jones

The second inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series between the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees brought back an excruciating memory for Orioles fans tuning in on Tuesday night. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmEH7r85yrU[/youtube] Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano’s drive into the right field bleachers was ruled a home run by umpire Jim Reynolds despite the protests of Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz and manager Ron Washington. It was eerily similar to one of the worst memories in Baltimore sports history — also taking place in the Bronx — with Tony Tarasco as the right fielder and Davey Johnson as skipper. You might want to scroll down if you have a heart condition or other stress-related conditions. [myspace]http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=15623423[/myspace] Unlike the blown interference call by umpire Richie Garcia in Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, umpires are now afforded the luxury to review a home run in which there is possible interference. Despite a fan clearly making contact with Cruz’s glove in the field of play, the umpires made no attempt to use instant replay to see what really happened, if even to confirm Reynolds got the call right. Was it a clear case of fan interference? Maybe not, but it

Special teams gaffes doom Terps in 31-7 loss to Clemson

Luke Jones

Despite an encouraging 4-1 start and an opportunity to end a nine-game road losing streak against a struggling team on Saturday, we didn’t know how improved the Maryland Terrapins really were in comparison to last season’s 2-10 squad. A soft schedule — with only a victory over Navy passing as a respectable feat — caused most to wait and see how well Ralph Friedgen’s team would play during a trip to Death Valley to take on the Clemson Tigers, the last place they had won on the road in over two years. And despite a hostile environment at Memorial Stadium, it looked like a win for the taking with the Tigers having lost three in a row. But if the ugly 31-7 loss was any indication, the Terps are far more similar to last year’s team than any of us had hoped. Despite looking like the better football team midway through the second quarter and outgaining the Tigers by 137 yards for the game, the Terps did exactly what we saw countless times in 2009. Shot themselves in the foot. Repeatedly. It started with special teams. The facet of the game that invigorates your football team as quickly as it

Maryland-Clemson: Turtle Power chat at noon

Luke Jones

Fresh off their bye week, the Terps travel to Clemson on Saturday afternoon with their sights set on improving to 5-1. The Tigers (2-3, 0-2 ACC) have lost three straight and are desperate to extract revenge against a Maryland team that stunned them, 24-21, in College Park last season, the Terps’ only conference win of 2009. Clemson has lost its first two conference games against Miami and North Carolina. Coach Ralph Friedgen has not named a starting quarterback for today’s matchup in Death Valley, a good indication that both Danny O’Brien and Jamarr Robinson will see time under center. Robinson’s injured shoulder is again healthy after the bye, but O’Brien has played well in his absence. We will see if Maryland can improve to 2-0 in the ACC and make a convincing argument that their current 4-1 record is more an indicator of improvement than a product of a weak non-conference schedule. We’ll have the Turtle Power chat open at 12 p.m. to talk about the happenings in Clemson (the game airing on WJZ-TV 13 in Baltimore) as well as anything else on your mind. See you in the Turtle Power chat!

Questions abundant as Terps tip off practice at Maryland Madness

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The lavish, smoky spectacle of Maryland Madness tipping off is always full of surprises, from the over-the-top dancing to the unpredictable entrance of coach Gary Williams, this year as a fighter pilot right out of “Top Gun.” The event always provides conflicting feelings of optimism and uncertainty. The distinct absence of departing seniors and the premiere of freshman faces is an annual ritual in mid-October, but through all the smoke and pyro, Williams faces a much thicker cloud of questions this season. The graduation of ACC Player of the Year Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne leaves behind a 43.6-point hole in the offense and an even bigger void in leadership after guiding the Terps to a share of the ACC regular season championship. You just don’t replace one of the more decorated senior classes in the Gary Williams era without significant doubt and tempered expectations. “What we lose [in the three seniors] is guys who know how to play,” said Williams, beginning his 22nd season at Maryland. Of course, Williams is not starting from scratch, returning five players who averaged more than 14 minutes per game a year ago. Junior guard Sean Mosley (10.1

Was Sunday a 'Dilfer-like' epiphany for Flacco?

Luke Jones

You just knew it was coming. On a rainy, dreary start to the work week in Baltimore, fans bask in the afterglow of one of the finest regular season wins in franchise history. The Ravens went to Pittsburgh and did exactly what they had been unable to do since 2006. Ben Roethlisberger or not — and Steelers fans are doing everything they can to remind you the Super Bowl-winning quarterback was missing from yesterday’s game — critics can no longer question whether Joe Flacco can win at Heinz Field. The third-year quarterback finally orchestrated a game-winning, comeback drive in the final seconds, even if a major assist went to the Baltimore defense for setting him up on a short field. And with Sunday’s win vaulting the Ravens into the national eye as the slight front runner among legitimate Super Bowl contenders at the quarter pole, I began thinking about Trent Dilfer. Yes, he is still the most revered quarterback in franchise history with the Ravens sporting a laundry list of failures and journeymen at the quarterback position over their 15-year history. With Sunday’s enormous victory, someone had to bring up the Super Bowl XXXV winners and the quarterback who led

Maryland-Duke: Turtle Power chat LIVE NOW!!!

Luke Jones

**Join us in the Turtle Power chat starting at 6:00 p.m.!!!** COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Duke Blue Devils strolling into College Park in early October may lack the buzz of a February matchup on the hardwood at Comcast Center, but Maryland is eager to kick off its conference schedule on a positive note while potentially doubling its win total from a year ago. Ralph Friedgen and the Terps are fresh off a high-scoring 42-28 victory over Florida International to conclude the non-conference portion of the schedule at 3-1. Redshirt freshman quarterback Danny O’Brien made quite the claim for the starting job after a two-touchdown, 250-yard performance in his first collegiate start. We await word whether O’Brien or junior Jamarr Robinson will get the nod against the Blue Devils this evening. While Maryland wrapped its non-conference slate with only one loss, David Cutcliffe’s Blue Devils (1-3, 0-1) only have a victory over Elon pinned against losses to Wake Forest, No. 1 Alabama, and Army in the first month of the season. Of course, Duke is playing with young quarterback Sean Renfree after Thaddeus Lewis finished an impressive career in Durham last season. In addition to playing their ACC opener, the

Maryland-Morgan State pre-game notes

Luke Jones

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Hoping to build upon their 1-0 start after a 17-14 victory over Navy at M&T Bank Stadium on Labor Day, the Maryland Terrapins will host the Morgan State Bears at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday night. The Terps (1-0) would figure to have few problems against Morgan, the local FCS school from the MEAC that won its opener behind the leg of kicker Kemar Scarlett, who booted four field goals in an unconventional 14-7 victory over Bowie State last Saturday. A difficult battle in Morgantown looms next Saturday for the Terps, so coach Ralph Friedgen clearly expects a crisp performance against the Bears. Despite rushing for 92 yards against the Midshipmen, quarterback Jamarr Robinson struggled in the passing game, completing just two passes for 11 yards despite having a talented group of wide receivers at his disposal. The game can only be seen on ESPN3.com (formerly ESPN360), so be sure to join us in the Turtle Power chat, as I’ll be coming to you live from Byrd Stadium in College Park. If you’ve ever joined our live chats at WNST.net, you know they’re the best way to watch the game other than being in the stadium! Check

Live from Owings Mills: Webb a "game-time decision," Cousins expected to play against Jets

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With an opening night encounter against the New York Jets only two days away, the Baltimore Ravens took the practice field on Saturday for a final tuneup before Sunday’s walk-through and train ride to East Rutherford, N.J.. Cornerback Lardarius Webb was practicing again on Saturday and is listed as probable on the official game status report released Saturday afternoon. Coach John Harbaugh,  however, labeled the second-year corner a game-time decision, which often means a player will be listed as questionable on the final injury report. Even if Webb does play, Fabian Washington and Chris Carr are expected to start against the Jets, with Josh Wilson working as the third corner. “[Webb has] practiced 100 percent the whole week; he’s done everything,” Harbaugh said on Saturday. “We didn’t rule [him] out, and we haven’t said he was going to go. That’s kind of one we’re leaving up in the air for you.” The Ravens are at least making it sound like Webb might play after defensive coordinator Greg Mattison claimed the second-year corner was “a lot closer” to returning following Friday’s practice. As he has said repeatedly since returning to the practice field last month, Webb will

Live from Owings Mills: Webb a “game-time decision,” Cousins expected to play against Jets

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — With an opening night encounter against the New York Jets only two days away, the Baltimore Ravens took the practice field on Saturday for a final tuneup before Sunday’s walk-through and train ride to East Rutherford, N.J.. Cornerback Lardarius Webb was practicing again on Saturday and is listed as probable on the official game status report released Saturday afternoon. Coach John Harbaugh,  however, labeled the second-year corner a game-time decision, which often means a player will be listed as questionable on the final injury report. Even if Webb does play, Fabian Washington and Chris Carr are expected to start against the Jets, with Josh Wilson working as the third corner. “[Webb has] practiced 100 percent the whole week; he’s done everything,” Harbaugh said on Saturday. “We didn’t rule [him] out, and we haven’t said he was going to go. That’s kind of one we’re leaving up in the air for you.” The Ravens are at least making it sound like Webb might play after defensive coordinator Greg Mattison claimed the second-year corner was “a lot closer” to returning following Friday’s practice. As he has said repeatedly since returning to the practice field last month, Webb will

2010 NFL Forecast: Will the Ravens raise the Lombardi Trophy?

Luke Jones

With the beginning of the 2010 NFL season only hours away, expectations have never been higher in Baltimore as the Ravens have their eyes fixed on their first Super Bowl title since the 2000 season. Questions remain in the secondary and whether Joe Flacco can reach elite status with an abundance of new weapons in the Baltimore offense, but contenders and pretenders alike face some level of uncertainty on the eve of Week 1. Easy schedules — and the unsophisticated attempts to predict a team’s fate week by week — in early September frequently transform into daunting slates in the unpredictable nature of the NFL. An injury to a key performer at the wrong position can derail even the strongest teams’ championship aspirations. Inevitably, a sexy preseason contender or two will collapse under fatal flaws, and an anonymous outfit that no one is even pondering as a victor will find itself playing long into January. We just never can tell. And with that digression, I toss my hat into the futile, but enjoyable, pool of forecasting the 2010 season. If nothing else, predictions offer damning proof that most of us (all of us?) really don’t know what we’re talking about

Maryland-Navy Notebook: Questions remain at quarterback

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The Terps will feel good about their 17-14 victory over the Naval Academy — Maryland’s first win since Oct. 3, 2009 — but a plethora of question marks remain for a team trying to rebound from a 2-10 season in 2009. Perhaps none looms larger than quarterback Jamarr Robinson, who rushed for 92 yards on 12 attempts but completed only two passes for 11 yards. Despite showing impressive speed, Robinson has yet to show enough consistency in the passing game to instill much confidence that the Terps can significantly improve after a disastrous 2009. In Monday’s victory over the Midshipmen, Robinson tossed an interception from the Navy 19-yard line as the Terps were threatening to add to a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter. “I felt like I could have thrown the ball better,” Robinson said. “We struggled in the passing game, but we came away with the win and that is all that matters.’ Maryland’s plight at quarterback might not be as frustrating if not for the extensive depth it possesses at the wide receiver position. Junior Torrey Smith, a Biletnikoff Award candidate, touched the ball just three times for a total of 11 yards, as

Ed Reed to begin season on PUP, miss first 6 weeks

Luke Jones

After months of speculation regarding his status for the start of the 2010 season, Ed Reed will be placed on the reserve physically unable to perform list, meaning the Ravens will be without their All-Pro safety for at least the first six weeks of the regular season. The decision was first reported by the NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora on Friday night. The soon-to-be 32-year-old Reed missed all of training camp and the preseason after undergoing hip surgery to repair a torn labrum in the offseason. Despite occasionally doing agility and conditioning work in Westminster, Reed described his surgically-repaired hip as only “35 percent” in late July before training camp started. Given the Ravens’ depth at the safety position with Tom Zbikowski performing well in Reed’s place in the preseason and reserve Haruki Nakamura also making plays in the secondary, the organization will choose the safe route despite Reed reportedly campaigning to play sooner. “This is a slow process,” Reed told WNST.net’s Drew Forrester on The Morning Reaction in early July. “I don’t want to come back and have another injury and then be out for the whole season, maybe even a career. I’m going to take my time with

Greatest Ravens by jersey number (81-99)

Luke Jones

With Sports Illustrated releasing its list of all-time best NFL players by jersey number recently, we continue to look back at the 15-year history of the Baltimore Ravens to construct a list of the greatest players for Nos. 1-99. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 covered jersey numbers 1 through 80 if you missed them. Part 5 (81-99) concludes our trip down memory lane by looking at some of the greatest receivers, tight ends, and defensive linemen in franchise history. 81 Michael Jackson (1996-98) Anquan Boldin is a good bet to hold this honor in the near future, but “Action” Jackson was a big-time receiver in the Ravens’ first season in Baltimore, catching 14 touchdowns and eclipsing the 1,200-yard mark. Jackson’s numbers declined in his final two seasons with the Ravens, but he and fellow wideout Derrick Alexander were huge weapons in Ted Marchibroda’s passing game. 82 Shannon Sharpe (2000-01) The former Denver tight end came to Baltimore and immediately provided the leadership sorely lacking on the offensive side of the football. His game-winning 29-yard touchdown catch with seconds remaining in a 39-36 comeback victory over Jacksonville set the early tone for what would eventually be a

Ravens acquire CB Josh Wilson from Seattle

Luke Jones

After weeks of speculation over whether they would seek help to boost a vulnerable secondary, the Ravens announced Tuesday evening they have acquired cornerback Josh Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks for a conditional 2011 draft pick, pending a passed physical. Wilson, a former impact player at the University of Maryland, is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has made 24 career starts. The 5-foot-9, 192-pounder was a second-round choice in the 2007 draft. He had been a starting cornerback for the Seahawks this preseason. “[Wilson] is someone who has started a lot of games for a young player, plus he has been a good special teams player both as a kick returner and in coverages,” general manager Ozzie Newsome stated after the trade. “He adds depth to our secondary and will help us. Pending his physical, we expect [Wilson] to be taking snaps against the Jets on opening night.” The conditional pick is reportedly a 2011 fifth-round selection that would become a fourth-rounder should Wilson play enough snaps, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 25-year-old Wilson had a successful 2009 season in Seattle, starting 12 games and returning two interceptions for touchdowns. The former Terp has also returned

Greatest Ravens by jersey number (61-80)

Luke Jones

With Sports Illustrated releasing its list of all-time best NFL players by jersey number recently, we continue to look back at the 15-year history of the Baltimore Ravens to construct a list of the greatest players for Nos. 1-99. Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 covered jersey numbers 1 through 60 if you missed them. Part 4 (61-80) mostly looks at the trenches of the offensive line, with a few obvious choices and several where we need to look long and hard to find a representative. 61 Casey Rabach (2001-04) Though in the shadow of Mike Flynn for three seasons before finally getting an opportunity to start at center in 2004, Rabach was a solid backup who has become one of the best centers in the NFC while playing for the Washington Redskins. 62 Mike Flynn (1997-2007) Flynn made 115 starts in his 11 seasons with the Ravens, most of them at center. He was the starting right guard on the Super Bowl XXXV team and moved to center after Jeff Mitchell’s departure for Carolina the following season. Undrafted from Maine, Flynn is one of the great underdog stories in franchise history. 63 Wally Williams (1996-98) A versatile interior

Ravens-Giants Notebook: Stallworth breaks foot, gone two months

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Despite 243 total yards of offense in the first half and an impressive 24-10 thrashing of the New York Giants, the Ravens suffered a significant loss on Saturday night, losing wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth for the next two months due to a broken left foot. Stallworth will have surgery immediately and a screw will be inserted in the foot with hope that the receiver can return after the bye in Week 8, according to head coach John Harbaugh. “That’s really disappointing for him and for our football team, obviously,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll do what we do. We’ll step up and the next guy will play well.” The injury was sustained when the receiver “just planted wrong,” according to teammate Derrick Mason. With Stallworth working as the punt returner and fourth receiver, the Ravens will now lean more heavily on Tom Zbikowski and Mark Clayton for return duties and will look down the depth chart at Demetrius Williams, David Reed, and Marcus Smith for additional help in the receiving unit. Passing offense thrives Joe Flacco may have only played 34 minutes in Saturday night’s win over the New York Giants, but his right arm received a full night’s work

Ravens-Giants Purple Haze chat now!

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — The Ravens will try to win their third straight preseason game this evening as they host the New York Giants at 7:30 p.m. The third preseason game is widely-regarded as the most critical of the four preseason contests, so we can expect extensive playing time for the starting units. Glenn Clark and I are live from the press box at M&T Bank Stadium for all pre- and post-game coverage at WNST.net. We’ll have the Purple Haze chat open for business at 7:30 to talk about tonight’s preseason action, and you can expect a number of WNST.net personalities to chime in throughout the game. It’s the newest and best way to enjoy the game other than actually being at the stadium yourself! If you haven’t done it already, remember to sign up for the WNST Text Service to receive all breaking news including injury updates prior to tonight’s game. It’s our best feature at WNST.net, and it’s free! As always, you can get the quickest updates and quips by following us on Twitter (@WNST)! Stay right here for updates (time-stamped below) leading up to the start of the Purple Haze chat at 7:30 p.m.! _______________________________________________ 7:00 p.m. — Interestingly

Greatest Ravens by jersey number (41-60)

Luke Jones

With Sports Illustrated releasing its list of all-time best NFL players by jersey number this week, I decided to look back at the 15-year history of the Baltimore Ravens to construct a list of the greatest players for Nos. 1-99. Part 1 and Part 2 covered jersey numbers 1 through 40 if you missed them. Part 3 (41-60) presents the most obvious choice on the list—who was also chosen as the greatest player to wear his number in the history of the National Football League—as well as two of the most obscure numbers in team history. 41 Frank Walker (2008-09) He was never popular among fans due to his propensity for drawing penalty flags, but Walker was not as bad as some made him out to be. Injuries often forced the backup into starter duty where his weaknesses were exposed. His only competition for this number was Ralph Staten, a once-promising safety who was jettisoned from the team due to character issues in the spring of 1999. Regardless of where you stand with Walker, he is a pretty clear choice and has at least one big fan on YouTube. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ8A0kF5Gz0[/youtube] Knowing Walker, it would not be a complete shock to

Greatest Ravens by jersey number (21-40)

Luke Jones

With Sports Illustrated releasing its list of all-time best NFL players by jersey number this week, I decided to look back at the 15-year history of the Baltimore Ravens to construct a list of the greatest players for Nos. 1-99. Numbers 1 through 20 included greats such as Matt Stover and Ed Reed as well as lackluster selections such as David Tyree and Wally Richardson. Part two (21-40) provides a few interesting debates with a few more selections of attrition. 21 Chris McAlister (1999-2008) The paradoxical cornerback’s exit under the new regime of John Harbaugh was unfortunate, but there was no questioning McAlister’s talent when his mind was focused on football. The three-time Pro Bowl selection (2003-04, 2006) is the best cornerback in franchise history. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjj5OA1I5UU[/youtube] McAlister will eventually be a part of the Ring of Honor, where he will become the second honoree to wear No. 21, but the only deserving one. Earnest Byner had a good NFL career in Cleveland (with the exception of “The Fumble”) and Washington, but he being the first member of the Ravens Ring of Honor is solely a product of Art Modell’s affection for the running back. 22 Duane Starks (1998-2001) McAlister’s counterpart

Greatest Ravens by jersey number (1-20)

Luke Jones

With Sports Illustrated releasing its list of all-time best NFL players by jersey number this week, I decided to look back at the 15-year history of the Baltimore Ravens to construct a list of the greatest players for Nos. 1-99. Some jersey numbers provide for good debate (Sam Adams or Jarret Johnson for No. 95?) while other integers provide quite the challenge to simply produce a warm body (Who was your favorite No. 46 to suit up for the Ravens?). Some choices are obvious, others might anger you, and a few will make you say, “Who?” but let the debate begin. 1 Randall Cunningham (2001) There was really no other choice here. Some Ravens fans are still hollering for Brian Billick to replace Elvis Grbac with the veteran backup. 2 Anthony Wright (2002-05) No one will forget Wright tossing four touchdown passes to little-used receiver Marcus Robinson, as the journeyman quarterback engineered the greatest comeback in franchise history against the Seattle Seahawks in 2003. 3 Matt Stover (1996-2008) Never mind the fact that he’s the only player to sport the number 3 in franchise history. There is actually a Stover tribute video on YouTube. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIxu_XtNNn0&p=C92451BE03B3F6A3&playnext=1&index=28[/youtube] 4 Sam Koch (2006-present) With

JOIN US NOW!!! Ravens-Redskins Purple Haze chat…enter here!

Luke Jones

LANDOVER, Md. — Training camp may be over, but the Ravens hope to improve their preseason mark to 2-0 when they travel to FedEx Field to take on the hated Washington Redskins on Saturday night. Despite only being a preseason game, there’s always a little more spice when the team from D.C. is involved. Glenn Clark and I are live from Landover to bring you all pre- and post-game coverage at WNST.net, and we’ll have the Purple Haze chat underway at 7:00 p.m. Join us to talk about tonight’s game as a plethora of WNST.net personalities will be checking in as well. It’s the newest and best way to enjoy the game other than actually being at the stadium yourself! If you haven’t done it already, remember to sign up for the WNST Text Service to receive all breaking news including injury updates prior to tonight’s game. It’s our best feature at WNST.net, and it’s free! Stay right here for updates (time-stamped below) leading up to the start of the Purple Haze chat at 7:00 p.m.! ______________________________________________ 6:30 p.m. — Despite not being listed as inactive, cornerback Lardarius Webb remains on the PUP list and will not play this evening.

Ravens Training Camp: The impressive and disappointing

Luke Jones

Another Westminster training camp has concluded with the Ravens now focusing their attention to the final three games of the preseason before the 2010 regular season gets underway against the New York Jets on Sept. 13. Saturday night’s meeting with the Washington Redskins will be a key audition for  bubble players as coach John Harbaugh has already stated how important the second preseason game is for evaluating rookies and reserve veterans fighting for a roster spot. Much will change before the initial cutdown to 75 players takes place on Aug. 31 and the final cut to 53 on Sept. 4, but here’s a breakdown of players—by position—who impressed and disappointed in Westminster. QUARTERBACKS Impressed: Joe Flacco is an easy choice after a strong camp with his new offensive weapons. The third-year quarterback still must prove he can read and throw to the middle of the field, but Anquan Boldin and a strong group of tight ends will certainly help. Disappointed: Troy Smith knew his standing in the organization changed dramatically after the acquisition of Marc Bulger, and the former Heisman Trophy winner did nothing to push the veteran for the backup job. Smith lacks size and was too erratic in

Optimistic Ravens exit Westminster as stakes begin to grow

Luke Jones

Optimism percolated from every route leading to Westminster as the masses flooded to McDaniel College over the last four weeks to take a glimpse at a team with its sights set on a date in Dallas on the first Sunday in February. The Ravens set an all-time training camp attendance record of 112,051 despite a new kid-friendly autograph policy that many thought would temper the masses. Even with the uncertain status of Ed Reed and the unfortunate losses of rookie Sergio Kindle and Domonique Foxworth, the Ravens have practiced with a swagger indicative of a team fully expecting to be playing deep into January or—with some good fortune—even later. A workmanlike demeanor from third-year coach John Harbaugh has muzzled some of the flamboyant comments uttered by players in past anticipated seasons, but the goal is clear, even under the hot sun of Westminster. “[Camp has] just been tremendous,” Harbaugh said. “First of all, we’ve gotten a lot of work done. Our guys have worked really hard, and it’s a grind. Football training camp is hard work.” Despite injury concerns in the secondary (Reed and Lardarius Webb) and offensive line (Jared Gaither), the Ravens managed to avoid any more catastrophic injuries

8

Paid Advertisement

Podcast Audio Vault

Spotify Apple Youtube
8
8
8

Paid Advertisement

Scroll to Top
Verified by MonsterInsights