Bills rookie DE Aaron Maybin (Mt Hebron, Ellicott City, MD), along with Baltimore model Liris Crosse, will be hosting an All White Party in Baltimore on Friday, July 3rd at Bourbon St. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Aaron Maybin Foundation, which will help underprivileged and at risk youth. This start studded event has a pretty impressive guest list for the former Nittany Lion. Confirmed guests include:

Michael Phelps
Washington Wizards coach and former NBA player Sam Cassell
Washington Wizards Juan Dixon
Sacramento Kings Donte Greene
Washington Redskins DeAngelo Hall
Baltimore Ravens Brian Johnson
Baltimore Ravens Michael Oher
Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis
Baltimore Ravens Jameel McClain
Baltimore Ravens Ernest Wheelwright
Detroit Lions Derrick Williams
Former NFL Player Lavar Arrington
R&B singer Mario
Hip-Hop Artist Bossman
HBO’s The Wire Felicia “Snoop” Pearson
Anwan “Big G” Glover

Admission:
$20 Regular admission
$50 VIP admission

For more info, contact 443-825-5778 or qwillent@gmail.com

For more info on Maybin's Foundation, click here .


Being a B-More girl, I try to always support my own. And with Maybin using his foundation to help uplift children to help them excel, that's one more incentive to pass on the good fortune. If you are in the Baltimore area this weekend, check this party out. And don't forget to wear your white. :)




Welcome to the NFL, Maybin. Make MD proud in Buffalo!

I've made it no secret that I'm a Ravens fan. I love my team and will always support my team. Although some folks in my blog family has called me a homer ( *cough* Ed The Sports Fan *cough*), I'm far from it. When the Ravens do bad, I ream them a new one on what they did wrong. When they do things right, I praise them. But no matter what they do, I'll always love the purple and black.

This off season, I've heard a lot of doubt from the naysayers about the 2009 Ravens defense. How they will drop off from last year, how certain pieces to the puzzle are gone and an inexperienced coach will have us slump out of the Top 5 in total defense. Even NFL.com has the Ravens declining in some areas in 2009.

It is my duty to prove you guys wrong and give you reasons why folks shouldn't be so soon to write the Ravens defense off just yet.


1) Ngata, Ray Ray and REEEEEEEEEEEEEDDD-


There are 3 good reasons why the Ravens will not fall in 2009. NT Haloti Ngata, LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed. While most folks know all about Lewis and Reed, not many fans outside of Baltimore have heard about Ngata. The former 1st round pick out of Oregon hasn't done anything flashy. But he plugs holes and makes plays. Ngata is very well respected around the league by his opposition. Steelers NT Casey Hampton once told Ngata that he selected him for the Pro Bowl and that he's snubbed every year he doesn't get in. If that's not respect, then I don't know what is. Ngata is a hell of an athlete. Don't let his 6'4", 335 lb frame fool you. Ask Houston's QB Sage Rosenfels about Ngata's athleticism.


As for Ray and Reed, they are natural born leaders and great athletes in their own right. While Lewis isn't the spring chicken he one was, he's still one of the best emotional leaders and teachers of the game. Whatever skills have diminished on the field, he's made up for in teaching young LBs how to study film and learn their opponent. Lewis is known to have one of the best football instincts around. With newcomers like Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain and Antwan Barnes, Ray has a lot to show these young LBs how they can excel. Reed is a beast, even with a nerve impingement injury. His career shows why he continues to make this defense better



2) The Ozzie Factor


Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has always been great at picking up defensive pieces of the Ravens' puzzle. The Wizard Of Oz has drafted the likes of Lewis, Reed and Terrell Suggs and signed free agents such as Tony Siragusa, Rod Woodson and Trevor Pryce. The best knack that Newsome has, is the signing of undrafted rookie free agents. Players such as Bart Scott, Maake Kemoeatu and Will Demps, all have contributed heavily to the Ravens defense.

When good players left the Ravens for big contracts, Ozzie brought in new players who fit the system. The former players became a distant memory, thanks to Newsome's specialty of getting defensive players who fits the Ravens style of playing defense.

If Ed Hartwell doesn't leave for the Atlanta Falcons, whose to say that Bart Scott would've become a starter? If Dawan Landry doesn't get hurt, whose to say you would know who Jim Leonhard is??? There is a reason why Oz is regarded as one of the Top 5 GMs in the NFL.



3) History Says So


People love to bring up the fact that the Ravens lost so many key components on defense. Rex Ryan, Bart Scott and Jim Leonard have all gone to NY to coach/play for the Jets. But history shows that the Ravens won't miss a beat. Ryan's predecessors, Marvin Lewis and Mike Nolan, weren't too shabby as coordinators either.

The 2000 Ravens are regarded as one of the best defenses of all time. I think some forget, that Ravens fans heard the same thing when Lewis left for the Redskins after the 2001 season. Media outlets and others thought that the Ravens would fall off. The 2002 season did show decline, but that was due the departure of Siragusa, Woodson, Rob Burnett and the injury of Ray Lewis early in the season. The new scheme of Mike Nolan was also a factor (they swtich from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense), but the team went from 22nd in total defense in 2002 to 3rd in 2003.

Nolan accepted a head coaching job with the 49ers in 2005, and the naysayers came right back with the same accusations. That we would struggle and decline. But once Ryan stepped in, the Ravens D accelerated, having the #1 overall defense in 2006. Since 2000, there was only one season in which the Ravens defense ranked lower than 6th (2002 salary purged season), which says a lot for Lewis, Nolan and Ryan as defensive coordinators.


4) Mattison Factor


If any coach is up for the job, it's Greg Mattison. The former defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators has been coaching football for over 35 years. Mattison has already said that there won't be many major changes from Ryan's defense.

Mattison is known best as a pressure lover, and likes to blitz the QB at any chance given. He is also used to working with a lot of speed players, which work well in his system. With the off season acquisitions of Dominique Foxworth and Chris Carr, and the promotion of Tavares Gooden to replace Bart Scott, the Ravens are looking to be faster on defense, which is right up Mattison's alley.

Folks like to remind us that Mattison only has one year of NFL experience under his belt. But during his inaugural season, he was able to learn from one of the best. Mattison got to see first hand how Ryan ran his defenses and can now emulate a similar game plan and turn it into his own. The players have so far said they really like his defensive schemes and have always had a good relationship with Mattison.


I'm not going to go out on a limb and say they will be #2 like 2008 or better. But in my mind they are still a Top 5 defense all the way around. With Kelly Gregg coming back from being on IR last year and the new addition of Gooden at LB, this team can be just as good as last year, if not better. Only time will tell. But when September 13th arrives, we'll find out soon enough

Okay guys and gals, you know what time it is. Time for the Sitchoazz Down Award of the week.



This one goes to the OG of football, Mr. Jim Brown. Brown is deemed to many as one of the greatest athletes to touch a football. But in addition to his greatness, Brown has also been known to be very vocal. Sometimes speaking on things that he really shouldn't. This time around, Brown spoke out about not one, but two things that put him up for the "Sitchoazz Down" honors.


Brown Speaks Out On Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan


Brown recently spoke out on Woods and Jordan regarding social activism, in a Real Sports interview (which airs June 23rd). When discussing Woods, Brown said the following:

"This cat is a mamajama; he is a killer. He'll run over you, he'll kick your ass. But as an individual for social change or any of that kind of -- , terrible. Terrible."

Regarding both athletes, Brown has this to share:

"I know they both know better, OK? And I know they both can do better without hurting themselves."

Okay first off... who still says mamajama??? This is 2009, not 1979. The last time "mamajama" was popular, Soul Train was still relevant.


Second, since when did you become the Activism Police?? There are so many other athletes who do much worse than slacking in social activism. Yet, that's who you decide to focus on???

Brown's a smart man. He brings them up because they are famous worldwide. Any mention of their names makes his comments noticeable. But it wasn't necessary. Let them live their lives as they see fit, even if it's not under your standards.



Brown Suspects Marijuana Involved In Stallworth Accident


So Mr. Brown goes on Dan LeBetard's radio show and speculates that Browns WR Donte Stallworth was doing more than drinking the night he killed a pedestrian. During the interview, he told LeBetard:

"This situation is a tragedy all around, but what was involved was alcohol and marijuana. On one hand, DUI is a very serious thing in America. Marijuana of course is against all the rules."

Brown later admits that he's not 100% sure this info is accurate, but says that he spoke to a "very reliable source" regarding the allegations (Brown is a part of the Cleveland Browns management).

If I'm the Browns, I'm either temporarily suspending him from his duties or I'm flat out firing him. Why would a member of your own organization put out such information, that hasn't even been confirmed????


He's supposed to work FOR the Browns, not against them. Clearly this is not a good look.

This is the new millennium, does he realize that folks can sue over anything???? What if this info is false, and Stallworth decides to take action for such allegations?? Maybe 40+ years ago you could just run off at the mouth, but in this day and age, we are all just one wrong comment away from a lawsuit.


I think this is the perfect time to tell Jim Brown, "Mr. Brown, you are an NFL icon. But your latest outbursts are uncalled for and unprofessional. We are in a recession, go sitchoazz down, before you are out of a job!

"This message has been brought to you by the NFL Chick!"

The 2009 NFL season slowly approaching its debut. There are a ton of things to get excited about. Will Tom Brady go back to his old form after a huge injury? Will Miami repeat last year's miracle season?? Will Detroit win ONE game this season??

With all the things we have to look forward to, one of the most important things is the run game. Defenses are bulking up their D-lines to make sure a running back won't get more than 2 yards per carry. But there are a few RB combos that can test defenses and can ultimately succeed. I've listed my 2009 RB tandems to be on the look out for.


Minnesota Vikings- Adrian Peterson/Chester Taylor


We all know that Adrian Peterson is a great talent at the RB position. That being said, knowing the life span of a RB in pro football, I wonder how many years he can be so great without breaking down too soon.

Which brings in Chester Taylor. Before there was AD (short for All Day), there was Taylor. And he was a pretty good back as the Vikings starter,before Peterson was drafted (Taylor rushed for 1,216 yards in 2006). This can be a good year for both players. While I'm sure Peterson would love to take the rushing title for a 2nd consecutive year, the best thing AD can do to stay fresh is let Taylor take a few carries while he catches a breather.

Taylor could very well be a starter on another team. Combined, they could be a huge headache for defenses.



New York Jets- Thomas Jones/ Leon Washington


This tandem is one of my favorites. Jones' rushing yards was ranked 5th overall, with a 4.5 avg in 2008. Quite impressive. Washington didn't run for a lot of yards, but had a 5.9 avg per run.

The problem is, right now both are looking for new contracts. How long both will be able to co exist together is a big question mark. But if they are able to work out their issues with the organization, this is definitely a great tandem to have.

Add draft pick Shonn Greene (Iowa), into the mix, and this could be a pain for coordinators to game plan against.



Miami Dolphins- Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams


The Jets have a great running game but their division rivals down I-95 says they also have a great duo. While Brown's and Williams' numbers from 2008 aren't mind blowing (Brown rushed for 916 yards, Williams for 659 yards). We all know why this is a dangerous group.

The wildcat made it's comeback with these two. When the Dolphins debuted the Ronnie and Ricky show to the New England Patriots, they failed to contain the two in the formation, made popular to many by the Arkansas Razorbacks. Overall they were successful in their formations. I can only imagine what the Pats were thinking when they couldn't do anything to stop them.


I expect more surprises from this group. But I also expect them to run the ball as efficiently as they run the wildcat. Ricky Williams finally looks comfortable and Ronnie Brown has the potential to rush over 1,000+ this season.



Baltimore Ravens- Willis McGahee/Ray Rice


This is a tandem that no one really noticed last year, but I think will be a one to reckon with in 2009. McGahee's 2008 numbers weren't much to write home about (671 yds), but he had an injury plagued year last season. Ray Rice was a rookie RB out of Rutgers and usually came in for 3rd down conversions.

Last season FB LeRon McClain was the Ravens' leading rusher, with 902 yards. But with FB Lorenzo Neal signing with the Oakland Raiders this off season, McClan is expected to go back to his natural position.

This could be McGahee's final year in Baltimore. He's participated in OTAs, something he didn't do last year, and has been seen more around the Ravens facility this off season. He knows what's at stake. I fully expect him to get back into 2007 form. And with a year under Rice's belt, his sophomore season should be very successful.



Carolina Panthers- DeAngelo Williams/Jonathon Stewart


The Panthers had one of the most successful running games in 2008, and I expect to see the same in 2009. Williams was the #3 rusher in 2008, with 1,515 yds. Stewart didn't do so bad himself, rushing over 800 yds and 10 TDs.

With the struggles of QB Jake Delhomme during the 2008 playoffs, I expect to see more off the Williams-Stewart duo. This will allow Delhomme to use play action more and get the ball to one of their best offensive weapons- Steve Smith




Tennessee Titans- Chris Johnson/LenDale White


Team Smash and Dash is back for the 2009 season and with a chip on their shoulder. Chris Johnson felt slighted for not getting '08 Rookie Of The Year honors. Now he has his sights set on MVP status. The rook was 8th on 2008's top rushers list and looks to be even higher in '09.

White's bruiser style of running reminds me of Jerome Bettis in Pittsburgh. He's a TD machine. Put him inside the 20 and you're pretty much going to get 6 points. White had 15 TDs, which tied for 3rd best in 2008. They are a great compliment to one another. One is the speedy, elusive back that can make players miss tackles. The other is the bulldozer, that runs defenders over and forces his way to the end zone.

With QB Kerry Collins being one year older than last year (he will be 37 by the end of the '09 season), he'll allow his RB's to help him with his throwing game.

This week's sitcho azz down award goes to... Broncos WR Brandon Marshall.



Marshall was reported leaving the Broncos facility last week carrying boxes, not long after a meeting with owner Pat Bowlen.

Now, according to ESPN, the news is out that Marshall is requesting a trade from the Broncos.



Wow!


I think Brandon Marshall is a very good athlete. But as of right now, I think he's the last person to try and pull rank trade requests for the following reasons:

First, his medical condition. Marshall had hip surgery in March and has yet to practice. Now I'm sure that 85% or more of this trade has to do with money (his contract expires after next season). But right now, you don't really have the leverage.

Second, his off-the-field issues. By now, a lot of folks have seen your Outside The Lines episode.

You've been in alleged domestic abuse situations with at least two different women, you've been into bar brawls and fist fights and oh, by-the-way, you lied about a hand injury that severed an artery. If you are trying to pull a Cutler, please don't. Cutler was the QB of the team, and a good one. Not denying your talent, but I would think QB> WR on the NFL Important Chart.

This is another blow the Denver Broncos would love to avoid. Josh McDaniels is having probably one of the worst off seasons a rookie head coach can have. If I were a Broncos fan and you told me that Cutler was traded, Kyle Orton is my QB and Marshall will soon follow his former QB's footsteps, I'd jump off of a Rocky Mountain. I think Eddie Royal is going to be a great talent... but geesh your bread and butter being gone would make it a long season.

If I could tell Marshall one thing, it would be this:

Stay out of trouble and off of the Surgeon's table and you will either get that big contract or that trade you've asked for. Players that hold up their end of the bargain usually get want they want. Being a jerk and a possible medical liability usually doesn't get the same result.

Brandon Marshall, go sit down!!!!

Ravens365 talks about all of the smack the Jets have been talking this off season. Everyone from Rex Ryan, to Kerry Rhodes is getting in on the act. Looks like Ryan is rubbing off on his players rather quickly.

MKRob gives us the inside scoop on Eagles QB Donovan McNabb getting a new raise. But will McNabb get a contract extension??? Only time will tell.....

MKRob also gives us the deatils of Rex Grossman's new home. Find out where the former 1st rounder (and Florida Gator) landed right here.

My girl PigskinLovingLady gives us her latest WTF moment with Tom Brady at the top of list list. So what did he do to get on the list, you say? Read it to find out

Ravens Gab gives us the inside scoop on Ravens G Marshall Yanda. Will he be ready by training camp?? Click here to find out.

Staying home this weekend??? Fang's Bites gives us programming for the NFL Network for the entire weekend and next week. Click here to see what appearances and shows will be on

If you've missed the verbal venom between Jets head coach Rex Ryan and Dolphins Channing Crowder, talk a brief look:



It all started when Crowder took shots at Ryan for being confident about his team. Ryan came back and said he had no idea who Crowder was. Then they kept responding to each other like 5th graders. "I know you are, but what am I?" type responses. And it got dumber and dumber and dumber each time.

I love Rex Ryan. He never backs down from anything. He's a confident guy who believes he can beat any and every team, no matter how good they are. While I've gotten the chance to meet Ryan and even learn a couple of things from him, this is idiotic on his part. He's a rookie head coach. I'm not saying he should tone down his confidence, but there are bigger fish to fry here. Get your QB situation taken care of. Better yet, get your RB situation taken care of (both RBs Jones and Washington want new contracts). This is your inaugural season as a head coach of an NFL team. Verbal battles with Channing Crowder should NOT be one of them. Rex, go sitchoazz down.

As for Crowder... well... he really needs to shut up. One, most folks outside of South Florida don't have a clue on who he is. When Joey Porter made the statement that the Dolphins are the AFC East Champs and the team to beat, people listened. Why? Because he's a Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl winner. What has Crowder ever done??? The best memory I have of him is Matt Light bashing his head in during a football game and him not retaliating


Yeah, you better get your uncle and daddy to fight this battle. You've shown what you can do (or can't do, depending on how you look at it). Go sitcho punk azz down!

Now, I love the intensity of the two guys. It's June, and it's slow... they gave us football lovers something to buzz about for two days. But none of this matters when the whistle is blown Week 1 of the season.

Thanks for the show guys.... but Go sitcho azz down!

Here are the top stories on the Baltimore Ravens this week:

BleacherReport.com takes a close look at Joe Flacco and gives us an idea of what to expect for the 2009 from the stoic QB for his sophomore debut

USA Today also tells us how Flacco seems to be light years ahead of being ready to anchor the veteran team for 2009 and beyond

RavensGab takes a look at QB's past and present with their QB Review Preview. They take a look at how they played during the 2008 season and how they they will fare during the 2009 season.

The Baltimore Sun's Jamison Hensley tells us how Todd Heap has finally returned to practice after being MIA for much of the offseason

The bloggers from Baltimore Beatdown had the opportunity of a lifetime: Being able to attend the Ravens Passing Camp. Take a look at how the day went.

So as you guys and gals can see, I'm on twitter. Hence my little twitter box in the upper right hand corner of my page (shameless plug, follow me @thenflchick on twitter).

Being the NFL Chick, I tend to follow a lot of NFL players, writers and agents because I can find good material for the blog. Anyone from Steven Jackson, to Antonio Pierce and Larry Fitzgerald. But the weirdest tweets comes from... none other than Chad Ochocinco, the Benglas WR.



I must say, I love me some 85. I'll go Bonita Butrell on you, "Don't you say nothing bad about Ochocinco". He seems like a good, fun loving guy, and I can get with that. But sometimes he posts the weirdest tweets. It took me a whole week before his tweets started to make sense to me. I decided to post some of them. Chad is actually funny, while being politically incorrect at the same time. Take a look at what the former Mr. Johnson talks about (stars have been added to some twitter names to protect the unpopular, regular people):

Got to go to rehersal, I am rapper once i touch the mike officially at 3:30, yessssssssss, damn could i go platinum, i know a million people

Yeah, cause all one million people will actually go out and buy it, huh??? Knowing damn good and well, folks use limewire and won't pay a dime.

Drew Rosehaus: it's Ocho, I am officially a rapper, you got to do my deal with Def Jam!!!! Yesssss

LOL poor Ocho... Rosenhaus didn't even get this tweet. Doesn't he know by now he has to put an "@" in front of his name? DUH!

@kearycolbert: man I am serious as he'll, the first black Mexican rapper, I got the Spanish culture behind me to, wow it's on

Uhhhhh................................

@quanique**00 Woooooo< stop playing man, i am a boxer,footballplayer, and a rapper, one more talent and i am gonna be famous,>

Ummmm... maybe I missed the memo, I thought you were already famous????

@HC**44 Music video is a great idea, got to shoot for the top, Me and Rick Ross, first single is , Child Please

LMAO at the title of the inaugural single. I expect this to be a cross between Deion Sanders' "Must Be The Money" and Willie Beamen's song on Any Given Sunday.

Twitter world, I am gonna be famous like the lady from the progressive commercials, or those cavemen!!!!! It's on

Seriously, dude... you are a football player. How do you compare yourself with insurance commercials?? Memo to Ocho Cinco: Cavemen are played out. Geico money is where you want to be, baby!

@iluvTERRICKA y'all can be in it, I got to find hype Williams or Benny Boom

I'm assuming he's talking about being in his "video" for his "single". Damn dude, don't you need some lyrics and a producer before you start thinking of your video director???

I just want enough money to keep on supporting my Mc Donalds addiction!!!

Bwahahahhahahahah rapping for french fries and sweet teas. The economy has gotten that bad, huh???

Snoop got us all dickie outfits, I am wearing mine like a essay, they pulled high above my waist

Okay.... I'm crossed in emotions. Did he really type that???? Should I laugh til my eyes water, or should I be shocked he tweeted that...... LOL



Now don't get me wrong, Mr. 85 does mention positive things. Chad stated earlier Sunday that he was attending a Cedars Sinai Sports Spectacular, which was a charity benefit for children with genetic birth defects. So while he's a very funny (and, at times, weird) tweeter, he's definitely doing things for a great cause during his time in LA.

If you're on twitter, follow him @OGOchoCinco (this is the real him). He will keep you entertained... or surprised.. depending on your humor level.

And Ochocinco, if you ever read this... I still love you :)

So I've come to a conclusion, there are too many athletes doing/saying stupid things in the world. It's my job to point it out to you and tell them, "Go sitchoazz down!".


So every week, or when needed, I'll award an NFL'er (old and new) the award.

Usually, one person is eligible for this award, but I think 2 people need to receive it, this time around.

The first award goes to Vince Young.

This past weekend VY was in B-More for Titans teammate Jason Murphy's charity event. Young told local reporters the following:

"I definitely want to get back out there playing ball and picking up where I left off, winning games and having a good time with my teammates and with the fans. At the same time, if them guys don't want me to be in there, it's time for me to make a career change for myself. Because the fact is I'm ready to play ball. If they're not ready for me to play ball, then somebody is."

To read the entire story, click here.



Ummmm.....okay I'm going to totally ignore the "them guys" line. His Ebonics-laden sentence is another topic for another day. But Young, you haven't played well since your rookie season. And last year you struggled and your team won 10 straight games without you behind center. Are we supposed to forget your mental breakdown when you went missing for hours because you were booed at home????

Forget proving that you can start for the Titans, what you need to do is go out and prove that you can play in the NFL on a consistent basis.

I've always said that I didn't think Young would be a great QB for this league, and certainly not worth the #3 overall pick, when he was selected. He was always overrated to me and his Championship game against USC took him from an early 2nd round pick, straight to the top. But hey, I'm just a blogger and not a GM, what do I know??!!

VY, go sitcho azz down!!!



My second award goes to Falcons OL Quinn Ojinnaka.


Ojinnaka was arrested and released, stemming from a fight with his wife. Ojinnaka's wife confronted him regarding a female friend on Facebook. Ojinnaka allegedly tossed her down the steps and threw her out of the house.

*BIG SIGH*



There are two lessons to be learned here. Lesson one... domestic abuse is NEVER okay. Throwing your wife down the steps and out of the house is very un-cool. If this really did happen, he should get counseling and a fine and/or suspension. Putting your hands on a woman should never happen, no matter how much we get on your nerves and nag you. Cause I know we do, but hey, it's a part of our DNA.

Lesson two... Facebook is the devil. Not sure who the "female friend" was, but if it's your jump off, groupie, homieloverfriend or whoever, then maybe it's not a good idea to have her as your FB friend.. you know... just in case your wife sees it.

Ojinnaka, go sitcho azz down!!!!!

The 2008 QB class of Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan elevated the expectations very high for future QB's because of their efficient play during their rookie seasons. I feel sorry for the 2009 QB rookie class and the QB classes beyond. These two QBs have some GMs believing a rookie can come in and make an immediate impact. Both QB's came out strong Week 1 of the 2008 season. Ryan threw a TD in his first pass to start his NFL career. And Flacco's 38 yard run for a TD and killer block for a TD in his first stint had fans "Wacko For Flacco".

But with the hype over the two QB's in 2008, how will they fare in their sophomore seasons in 2009??? Let's take a close look at their rookie numbers and the obstacles they hold ahead of them:



Matt Ryan


W-L record: 11-5, 2nd in NFC South
Comp pct: 61.1%
TDs: 16
INTs: 11
QB Rating: 87.7
Rushing yards: 104
Fumbles: 6
Playoffs: Lost in Wild Card round




Joe Flacco


W-L record: 11-5, 2nd in AFC North
Comp pct: 60.0%
TDs: 14
INTs: 12
QB rating: 80.3
Rushing yards: 180
Fumbles: 11
Playoffs: Lost in AFC Championship


While Ryan's number are a little better Flacco's, their rookie numbers were pretty much even, and quite impressive. Now let's take a look at the intangibles:

Ryan's upside: Drafting of DT Peria Jerry. Acquisition of TE Tony Gonzalez, better supporting cast w/ Turner, Norwood, Jenkins and White

Ryan's downside: Not enough off season moves to improve Atlanta's defense, ranked 24th in 2008. Strength of schedule for 2009: 3rd hardest schedule



Flacco's upside: Defense, defense, defense. Still intact despite loss of Rex Ryan and Bart Scott (Jets). Drafting of OL Michael Oher @ RT position. Strength of schedule for 2009: 27th hardest schedule

Flacco's downside: No upgrade at WR in the off season. Injuries at TE position. Has to play against Pittsburgh's defense (best in league) and Cincinnati's vastly improved D.


How I predict they will fare: Both QB's have challenges ahead of them for different reasons. Ryan has the better offensive cast, but a sub par defense that may stay on the field longer than his offense. Depending on how the QB situation pans out in Tampa, it seems that though the NFC South will be the tougher division. Flacco's WR group doesn't scare many defenses. While the Steelers are the cream of the crop for the AFC North, whether the Bengals may or may not become a sleeper is the big question. The Browns looks to be at the bottom of the division once again, which seems, right now, that the AFC North isn't as brutal for thr Ravens as the NFC South could be for the Falcons.

The Falcons have the 3rd hardest schedule, while the Ravens have the 27th hardest schedule. Now, in hindsight this means nothing (the Ravens had the 4th hardest strength of schedule, and the Falcons with the 24th in 2008, yet both had the same record), but still one point to throw out there, for all of you stat lovers.

I think both QBs will have good seasons. They have both shown me that there will be no sophomore slump for either of them. How they elevate their game to the next level will be what folks look for, which may be a deciding factor.

I give the edge to Flacco. Not because I'm a Ravens lover, but because of the softer schedule, easier division, better defense and Flacco's playoff experience, which is 2 games more than Ryan's.

Overall, I think Ryan may be a better QB, but I learned a long time ago that offense sells tickets, and defense wins games. If his defense can stay off of the field.. then he has the advantage. Only time will tell if the Falcons D will hold up their end of the bargain.

So who'll be better in 2009 to you?? Let me know what you think.

Do you love the NFL? Do you follow all of the action and know all of the players? If so then you should try football betting.