This week, the Ravens head to Cincinnati to play the Bengals. This is a BIG divisional matchup against the 2 teams that made it to the playoffs last year. While both teams look to repeat last year's success, none of this would be interesting if it weren't for Twitter's greatest sports tweeter- Chad Ochocinco.

Ocho has started with his trash talking to Ravens players already. Tweets from 85 started yesterday evening with his good friend, Ray Lewis:


But it didn't stop there. Chad then went after Ravens RB Willis McGahee:











In the midst of this "Tweet War", Ravens FB LeRon McClain jumped in to defend his teammate. Chad wasted no time to turn his attention to #33:









Although I'm sure these guys are friends in real life, this is great entertainment for tweeters like myself. How can you NOT love Twitter. Hopefully Sunday's game is as good as the Twitter trash talk!

Go Ravens!

Okay, this is where the fun begins. I've did my own rendition of picking the AFC and the NFC for the upcoming season.. and of course, folks want to know who my Super Bowl picks will be. Although I'm not the best at picking divisions, I've been pretty decent in picking my potential SB picks (I chose San Diego and New Orleans last year, so I was half right LOL).

So without further ado... DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUN!!! Here are my 2010 Playoff Scenario picks:

AFC Wild Card Weekend


Texans @ Jets- The Texans are my dark horse pick this year, beating out New England for a playoff spot by strength of schedule. They finally get in the dance! But I don't forsee them advancing. This Jets D is ferocious and the Texans are more of a pass happy team, not as balanced. Sexy Rexy gets the win this time.

Winner:

Baltimore @ San Diego- The Chargers will get in, but they will really miss Vincent Jackson come playoff time. The Chargers D won't be enough to stop all of the weapons the Ravens have on offense. The Ravens win easy, simply because their D won't be able to handle it.

Winner:

(sorry boo boo, I love you but my squad will prevail)


Divisional Playoffs
Baltimore @ Indianapolis - The Colts are Ravens Killers. They know how to beat them better than any other team in the league. This is the year the Ravens get the monkey off their back.

Winner:

Jets @ Bengals- In a rematch of the 2009 Wild Card game, I don't forsee the same result. This is where the buck stops for Rex and company. It all comes down to the QB play. If Palmer stays healthy, the sky is the limit for this team. I still don't trust Sanchez enough, despite the weapons he has. The think Cincy pulls it out

Winner:


AFC Championship

Baltimore @ Cincinnati- Yes, I'm picking an AFC North AFC Championship. And I am far from biased. But the NFL is like a crap shoot, and to a lot of you, this is not something you would see happening. But it's extremely realistic. These two teams know each other.. and well! Carson Palmer is second behind Peyton Manning in making the Ravens eat their own crow. But in the end, the Ravens will prevail. Ed Reed will be back and Carson Palmer wants no parts of that, trust me.

Winner:




NFC Wild Card Weekend
Washington @ Dallas- These two bitter rivals will meet for Wild Card weekend. By then, I expect McNabb to either be hurt, or out of gas. Sorry Skins fans, I think Dallas has what it takes to go further. Sucks that it's to your arch nemesis though
Winner:
Minnesota @ San Francisco- This is my upset pick. While the Vikings are a good overall team, I think this is when we really see how good the 49ers are on defense. Adrien Peterson fumbles away another game. The End

Winner:


NFC Divisional Weekend

Dallas @ Green Bay- Sorry Dallas, Aaron Rodgers is on a mission. And you're in the way. Cowboys fans are gonna throw tomatoes at me, but if you're playing GB in the Divisionals, it looks like another 1 win playoff year for you.

Winner:

San Francisco @ New Orleans- San Francisco may not be able to handle all that New Orleans can throw at them. The Saints have way too many weapons and the 49ers can't outscore the Saints.
Winner:

NFC Championship

Green Bay @ New Orleans- This is going to be epic. Better than the Vikings- Saints NFC Championship game. Aaron Rodgers, the NEW face of the Packers, against Drew Brees, the NFL darling. High powered offenses, good defense, and plenty of points. But in the end, I think Green Bay prevails.

Winner:




Super Bowl XLV

Baltimore @ Green Bay- Looks like this is the sexy pick amongst other bloggers and sports writer. When I first predicted this earlier in the year, I thought I was doing something. I guess I really wasn't doing that much, because a lot of other people have this same prediction. I refuse to change my pick, because I'm going with my gut. However, everyone is picking Green Bay to be the winner. And while I picked them to win as well, someone has to pick the underdog. And since my squad is the underdog...... allow me to be the one to do it!


Ravens 27, Packers 24 With a last second FG from Billy Cundiff!!!!!




The NFL Season is here!!!!!!!!! LEGOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Ravens LB Ray Lewis is a passionate player and an even better motivator. As a Ravens fan, I love me some Ray Ray. He's the face of the organization and one of my favorite all-time players. But this right here..... Ray, the actor.......... is NOT what's hot in the streets.

Old Spice has a new commercial with the future hall-of-famer, and I must admit, this is one of the worst commercials I've seen in a LONG time.

Note to Ray Ray: Just because it's an opportunity doesn't mean it's a good one. The second you saw this corny plot, you should have headed for the hills. I can't be the only person to look at this commercial like this


Next time, read the script first, Ray!

Okay, I know I've already done a Sitcho Azz Down post for the week, but this one warrants another post. Rex Ryan, the lovable, hugable Jets coach (and former Ravens defensive coordinator) is a good guy. He's a good coach and I always wished him the best of luck in Gang Green Land. But sometimes Sexy Rexy doesn't know when to STFU.

Ravens S Ed Reed is currently rehabbing from hip surgery he had earlier in the year. While the Ravens are contemplating on whether or not they should place Reed on the Physically-Unable-To-Perform list (or known better as the PUP List), Ryan seems to have this notion that Reed will play. According to the Baltimore Sun, Rex explains why he thinks Reed will play in the Monday Night opener against the Jets. Here's a tidbit of what he said:

“Somebody asked me about Ed Reed saying, ‘You know Ed Reed hasn’t practiced,’” Ryan said.

“I said, guys, Ed Reed will play this game. Now he might not play the second game, third game or fourth game, whatever, but Ed Reed is going to play this game. I think part of that is a respect thing. He knows how disappointed I would be if he didn’t play. I want to win the game, but I want to play against Ed. I want them at their best and I know they will be.”

Uhhhh... Earth To Rexy: Reed doesn't play for you. He plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Why would he care anymore if he disappoints YOU, and not his current head coach, John Harbaugh?

As far as the respect comment goes, respect shouldn't even be a factor if a player is coming off of surgery. This isn't an ankle sprain... this man was operated on! Reed needs to worry about the best interest of HIM as well as the team that pays him, not some former coordinator that's moved on and will become the enemy come September 13th.

I love Rex Ryan.. but Rex needs to sit his chunky azz down.

ESPN's Monday Night Football crew Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski had a round table session regarding the AFC North and how they will fare this season. Jaws and Gruden pretty much had great things to say about Baltimore and Cincinnati. But when it came to Pittsburgh and Cleveland, only Gruden was a little more optimistic regarding how they will fare in the 2010 season.

Do you agree or disagree? Is this the yeah Flacco becomes the cusp of being elite? Does Cincy repeat as AFCN Champs? Will Pittsburgh be better than last year or decline without Big Ben? Or will Cleveland win more than 6 games?

You decide

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs had a very good interview with Baltimore Ravens.com about his career in Baltimore, his contract situation last year and his family. It was a very good read but I must admit, I learned some things in his interview.

On Football Expectations:

Suggs says he doesn't feel like he has to prove himself to anyone and that he has his mind set on one goal. "Dallas, Texas. Lombardi. I've had every individual award you can name, but they only last for the moment. Nobody will ever forget a Super Bowl champion."

This is the type of talk any fan wants to hear from their star player. I'm so glad to hear Suggs has a bigger plan beyond individual accolades. As much as I want my squad to get to Dallas in February, Suggs wants it a little bit more. And he should.



On his $62.5 million dollar deal, making him the highest paid player at his position:

"It wasn't like I was demanding the Ravens, or any team for that fact, to sign me to a big deal. I didn't want to be the highest-paid anything. I just wanted what was fair and that was for the front office to determine."

Fair is fair, and I believe Suggs when he says this. While money is the motive for a lot of people, Suggs was just looking for a contract that treated him fairly.



On the media and fans turning on him, possibly because of his new contract:

"I kind of really found out who was in my corner and who wasn't. Last season was my worst season, but I was going to have that season regardless of whether I had a new deal or not for the simple fact that I was coming off a season that I got hurt and there were a lot of changes."

Sorry Sizzle. That's how it goes, no matter what city you're in. People see $ being thrown your way and lackluster results that follow, and instantly become critical. That's what they will do. But once you're back to your old form, they'll be back again. Trust me.



On life outside of football:


"I'm not just a football player. It's my sport. It's what I chose as an occupation. I'm also a father, someone's fiancé, someone's brother, someone's son. I wear a lot of hats.

"When you're with the family you're stress-free. Once I got away from the negative energy, that's when everything started to come together and I became Terrell again. I became my old self. I definitely feel happier."

WHOA KIMOSABE! I understood everything he said. But I PAUSED when I read the fiance' comment. Could he be possibly engaged to Candace Williams, the girlfriend that tried to sue Suggs for $70 million not long ago???? One has to think so, since he was seen with her recently at the ESPYs along with their 2 children.

If he likes it, I love it. I'm not passing judgment, sometimes things happen. Hopefully they moved on from the ugly events that happened last year. I wish nothing but the best for Suggs, he's a good guy.

This weekend, the NFL had an interesting sequence of events take place .. and it's only preseason. Favre returned, but didn't last long, Tim Cowlishaw made some bold statements and the kickoff of the Gridiron Gals Tour was underway. In case you missed it, here's a quick recap:



I went with my GGals partner Pigskin Loving Lady to the Ravens-Redskins preseason game, and we had a ball! It was the unofficial kickoff of the Gridiron Gals Tour, us going to different stadiums and doing what we do best-enjoy the game of football- while recording our experience. Check out the full video of us by clicking here. (by-the-way, that towel I was wrapped in? Ed Reed's towel that he threw up after the game was over... I'm in lust with it)

Big Ben made his return to the football as he started for the Steelers against the NY Giants. Roethlisberger finished 6-for8 for 76 yards and an INT Pittsburgh's preseason won over the G-Men. The best part about the game was the cat fight between Steelers Ike Taylor and Giants Hakeem Nicks.... they were windmilling everywhere, like two school girls.

I love when players swing on other guys with helmets on, don't you?



A couple of guys got JACKED UP this weekend. First, it was Bengals WR, who took a vicious hit and was woozy afterward against the Philadelphia Eagles.

We know it's only preseason but when that adrenaline gets to rushing, there's nothing you can do to stop that momentum. Shout out to Ocho Cinco for getting up without help.



ESPN's Tim Cowlishaw tweeted some encouraging new for Jets fans over the weekend:


That's great news! Too bad Adam Schefter and Peter King don't seem to agree with this tweet. I dunno about you, but I'd take Schefter word over any other NFL insider. Not sure how Cowlishaw, of all people, would be the one to get such important news. But we'll see how this fares by the end of the week.

And finally... Brett Favre got a nice "Welcome Back" greeting from the San Francisco 49ers last night. Favre played just 4 series, and this was the main reason why:



Old Man Favre went down faster than Hookers At The Point. The Vikings had NO answer for Patrick Willis' stunt up the middle. I'm sure Favre expected a warmer welcome than that. In any event, the 49ers fans (and other fans that are over the Favre drama) were elated.

If you follow the Baltimore Ravens or Ed Reed closely, than you would know that Pro Bowl S Ed Reed has always been known as a quiet guy. A guy who doesn't really speak with reporters much, rarely speaks to them when he has great games and non existent when the Ravens lose. And we've grown to accept and respect Reed's silence.

But now... Reed won't shut up.

Reed has decided to open up lately.... a LOT. And it's gotten to the point where some of his comments are becoming petty. Reed has recently given sound byte after sound byte to the local media, in an uncharacteristic way. Let's take a look at the things Reed has sounded off about in the past week alone:

His Contract

Reed has said publicly that he was looking for a new deal (he's 3 years into a 6-year, $ 40 million deal). When asked by 105.7 the Fan, a Baltimore radio station, Reed said the following, “I’m not making it a big deal. I think it needs to be taken care of”. He then elaborated more about his current contract by saying the following, "There are six, seven players in front of me [financially] at my position that I honestly wouldn't let hold my jock, and I don't even wear one,"



Well alright!!!!!!

Listen, Reed is a smart guy. He knows his value and wants to be treated as such. However I think 3 things about his comments. One, it's hard to ask for a new deal when you are only at 35%, according to your own account. This is and always be a, "What have you done for me" kind of league anyway. Second, at the time he received the contract, he was the highest paid safety in the league, and rightfully so. But now, because someone else is getting more money than you, you fuss? There's a chance that a guy will get a new contract every year and somehow make more than you. Is your contract supposed to be restructured every year??? And lastly, letting us know you don't wear a jock strap is info that I don't think many of us needed.. we got your point without the visuals.


On Marc Bulger


When the subject of newly acquired QB Marc Bulger came up, Reed showed his utmost support for backup Troy Smith while taking a shot at Bulger, all at once. In another interview Reed said, "I honestly think at the quarterback position Troy was the guy and is the guy, and he's more than qualified to lead the team to a championship. And I think that Marc Bulger is just another guy. He's just another guy that has been in the league and been around."


Another guy? Let's see..... Bulger is a 2 time Pro Bowler who is very capable at the backup role. While some of his years on record seem bad on the surface, Bulger has dealt with injuries and an awful offensive line to match. At this point, Bulger has done more than Smith as far as experience. I have no problem with supporting a teammate and a friend. But to make a shot at Bulger was tacky.


On His "Lack Of Support" From The Team

A couple of days after Reed said he wouldn't elaborate in his "minor" rift with the team, he opened his mouth anyway. Reed told the Ravens flagship station WBAL AM that the team wasn't being supportive by ...........................................................wait for it...........................................................................not giving him film to study.

I don't make this up if I could. Reed told reporters, "I had to give an excuse, that's what was told to me. This is the organization that you want me to play for. I got the text message to prove it, so this ain't nothing I'm not lying about."

Reed goes a step further by saying, "I don't have to be playing for them. I could retire. I don't need the money. They could come and get the money if they want. Money don't me. Money didn't put me here."



Uhhhhh......... okay!!!!

Listen, I'm sure this is something that could have been ironed out smoothly. Maybe even a misunderstanding or something. So you go into a , "I don't have to be playing for them" rant to the PUBLIC because you didn't get some game film??? While I know Reed is a guy that loves to study the game, I don't think this was something that should have been brought to the public light. This sounds petty as hell, if you ask me. I'm sure this is something that could have been dealt with accordingly.

My Take: This sounds to me like the classic case of child wanting the toy, not getting it right away, and having a tantrum in the middle of the store. I think we all agree that Reed should be paid for his worth. I'm not mad in the least that he's looking for a new deal. But it's the WAY he conducts his business that is very petty. Being 35% healthy may not be the best time to re-hash the whole contract thing, Ed. maybe once you're back on the field, it can/should be visited. But until then, get healthy... and STFU!

This is a question the Ravens front office and fans alike would like to know right now. The Ravens signed free agent QB Marc Bulger to a one-year deal yesterday, and have already claimed that Bulger- not Smith- will be the backup for Joe Flacco.

Prior to the Bulger signing, Smith has said that he believes he is a starter in the NFL, not a backup. We even heard from his former agent, making such comments in an attempt to have Smith traded to the Cleveland Browns, his hometown team. The Ravens put a 5th round tender on Smith (he is a restricted free agent), but no other teams bit. Smith has since fired his agent and kept quiet while signing his tender. But all the while, believing he should be a starter for another team.

With the signing of Bulger, it seems as there is almost certainty that Smith will be moved. He's a competitor that never was comfortable being in a backup role. And with the notion that Bulger will be the #2 QB on the roster, I'm sure that being a #3 QB isn't something Smith would be too thrilled about.

So what happens to Troy Smith now? For now, that remained to be unseen. The Baltimore Sun is speculating that Smith could be traded for a 6th round pick. So basically the former Heisman Trophy winner could go for a pick that may not even make the team. Another scenario is, Smith could be traded. Buffalo, Jacksonville, Arizona and Tennessee are a couple of teams that come to mind when thinking of a new home for Smith (I did say Tennessee, only because of Young's recent troubles and they have similar QB traits that the Titans may want to look into).

It will be interesting to see what happens between now and training camp. Hopefully Troy Smith can go to a team and compete for the job he feels he deserves: A starter in the NFL

Forget March Madness- the NFL has a March Madness of their own that's just as interesting. Free agency started today (March 5th) and it came with surprises, surprises.. and oh, surprises. Who says the NFL is from September to February? Not anymore. Let's take a look at the free agency headlines around the league:

Anquan Boldin to Ravens-

My Baltimore Ravens FINALLY got a proven WR on their roster. The Ravens traded a 2010 3rd and 4th round pick for Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin and a 5th round pick. Boldin also signed a new 4 year deal, worth $28 million. This is probably the best move of the day. Not because the Ravens are my squad, but because this fills a HUGE need on a team that was in dire need of a WR.



Peppers, Taylor, Manumaleuna headed to Chicago-

The Chicago Bears have been the busiest team out of any today, as they signed DE Julius Peppers, RB Chester Taylor and TE Brandon Manumaleuna to bolster their roster. Peppers comes in to help a Bears defense ranked 13th in sacks in 2009.

Chester Taylor will look to challenge Matt Forte for the starting job at RB and Manumaleuna will be used to help block for QB Jay Cutler. While these upgrades are great, the Bears struggled to address their 2 biggest needs- WR and personnel on the offensive line. Remember, the Bears also do not have a 1st round draft pick from the Cutler trade last year. My guess is they willl address these issues in the draft, but I'm shocked they didn't at least make an attempt in free agency.



Vanden Bosch reunites with Schwartz in Detroit-

Titans DT Kyle Vanden Bosch signed a 4-year, $26 million deal to reunite him with his former defensive coordinator in Jim Schwartz. The Lions have also been busy today, acquiring WR Nate Burleson and T Corey Williams to new deals. All 3 signings are great pickups for the Lions. Vanden Bosch played his best years in Schwartz's defense. The additions of Burleson and Williams brings depth to a rebuilding Lions team. I like what Schwartz is doing with this squad.



Robinson To Falcons To Bolster Defensive Backfield-

CB Dunta Robinson agreed in principle to a 6 year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. I was really hoping the Ravens would pursue Robinson, because he would be a great asset to just about any defense. But I realized, the Falcons defense is pretty bad. They could use him a lot more than we could.

Cribbs, Brackett, Wilfork Staying Put- The Browns finally gave return specialist Josh Cribbs a new deal. It is believed the 3 year deal has $7 million guaranteed. Cribbs is the brightest spot on the Browns. Had he left, it would've got ugly in Cleveland. Colts LB Gary Brackett and Patriots DT Vince Wilfork also signed new deals to stay with their respected organizations.

Brandon Marshall A Seahawk??

Looks like BMarsh is just as shocked as I am about the news. We don't know for sure but the disgruntled Broncos receiver is scheduled to meet with Seattle tomorrow. Denver is really looking to finally get rid of this headache in #15, and only added a 1st round tender on Marshall if a team does decide to add him to their roster. The bigger issue with Seattle is, who is going to throw to him? Matt Hasslebeck looks like his career is on a major decline, due to injury and Seneca Wallace doesn't seem to be the clear cut answer at QB either. Watching where Marshall goes will be interesting to see in the coming days or weeks.

Carolina Panthers Has Garage Sale- That's what it seems like,. The Panthers let Peppers go, and released Maake Kemoeatu, Damione Lewis, Na'il Diggs, Landon Johnson and the biggest shocker in QB Jake Delhomme. It's a shock to me, because Delhomme JUST received a new contract this time last year, with $20 million guaranteed. Although Delhomme sucked during the 2008 playoffs and the 2009 season, the fact they the Panthers still owe him $12.6 million after dumping him is a HUGE deal in the NFL.

From the looks of this press conference, Delhomme was just as shocked as I was.




Keep ya head up Jake!

The Biggest Surprise Of The Day Goes To..................................

The Washington Redskins for being QUIET during the first day of free agency! Who would ever think that Mike Shanahan could come in and bring normalcy to a dysfunctional franchise in just a short time. Congrats to you, Redskins, for not overpaying old players who are shells of their former selves.

Dear Ozzie Newsome,

First off, let me commend you. You're one of the best GMs in this league, alongside Bill Polian, Bill Belichick and A.J. Smith. I trust your judgment in free agency and on draft day to the fullest. You've brought more diamonds than cubic zirconias to this still-growing Baltimore Ravens organization. You're awesome at what you do and for that, I thank you personally.

Okay, enough of the brown nosing. Let's get to the point of this open letter. The Ravens are a good team. I can't complain there. With the addition of Coach Harbs and Cam Cameron, the Ravens have once again become a quality team and have the tools to be consistent in the playoffs every year. But that's simply not enough anymore. Fans have tasted the playoffs for 2 consecutive years, (the first since 2000-2001 seasons) and even an AFC Championship appearance. But now, we are ready to take the next step- A Super Bowl berth and another Lombardi Trophy on display at The Castle-AKA-1 Winning Dr, Owings Mills, MD. So I'm sending this letter out of love. With the NFL Combine and draft coming, I figured I could help you with the glaring problems we have. You know.... in case you're too busy to notice.

The first thing the Ravens need is an upgrade at WR. They needed it last year, and they damn sure need it a year later. Their top 3 WRs on the team-Mason, Clayton and Washington- all are free agents. They were aiiiight for the 2009 season. But we still needed a #1 WR on this team to help Joe Flacco develop into the QB we all want him to be. And with all of them set to test the waters of free agency, this could get real ugly. The addition of Donte Stallworth was cool, especially since it was for peanuts. But let's be real, dude is a #3 WR at best. We need a #1. My suggestion- Bring back Mason, offer Clayton a deal, and make a move for Malcolm Floyd OR push for a Anquan Boldin/Brandon Marshall trade.


I like the idea of drafting the likes of Dez Bryant, Jordan Shipley or Golden Tate to this roster. But let's be real, your drafting of WRs has been like a game of Russian Roulette. Bring in an established guy who will help this team immediately and help my man Joe out.

The Ravens also need a CB, almost as bad as they do a WR. Fabian Washington is nothing but speedy CB who can't cover, LarDarius Webb may not be 100% by training camp, and Frank Walker sure as hell doesn't give me great confidence when he steps onto the field. It's cool if we could draft one this year. But if you take my advice and trade for Boldin or Marshall, then my guess is the 1st round pick is a goner. My next suggestion to you: Looking into Dunta Robinson. The Texans have said they are not going to franchise tag him for a 2nd year. We could really use a guy like him on this defense. Another suggestion is Antonio Cromartie of the San Diego Chargers. AJ Smith says he's shopping him around, and at one point the Ravens staff loved Cromartie coming out of the draft. He hasn't played as well he has did in previous years, but with Ray Ray being the ultimate motivator, I'm sure we can get more out of him.

Also, I need you to get rid of Frank Walker, the walking yellow flag, and bring in Leigh Bodden as a nickel corner. While I don't think Bodden is a starter like he used to be, he would be a great addition to this team for 3 or more wideout situations. I wanted him last year, but you didn't hear my plea. Well, I'm saying it again, so this time you can get the picture.

And lastly Oz.... I can call you Oz, right?! Lastly, please re-sign Haltoi Ngata soon, before it's too late. Ngata has 2 years left from his rookie deal and has played better and better as the years have gone on. Haloti finally got recognition and was voted to his first Pro Bowl this past season. But you and I both know he should have been added after his 2nd NFL season. Dude is a beast!

If you wait until his contract is up, he will almost guarantee more money than he would if you did it now. We saw what happened with Chris McAlister and Terrell Suggs, tagging them for 2 years before signing them to new deals. Let's not do that to Haloti. He's a great player and a good guy. Let's give him what he's due... Go ahead and pay that man.

That's it for now. Again, you rock. But this Ravens fan is tired of getting a taste and not getting it all. With the uncapped year and possible stoppage coming, the time is now to start gearing up. I'm not asking you to spend crazy money. I'm asking you to look into these avenues because we are a couple of key pieces away from being kinda like a big deal. I think I've covered everything the Ravens need to do immediately. Let me know if you need any more advice. I'm willing to help out anyway I can.

Sincerely,


Your Ravens Fan, Reeta-The NFL Chick

P.S.- Is it too much to ask about looking into bringing Julius Peppers here?! It is??? Okay....................................

I love Twitter.. you get a lot of first hand info from the social media site. It's been nothing but a godsend to sports fans and bloggers. Which is why I jumped for joy when I saw this tweet from SI's Peter King today:



This is a great start for the Ravens quest to upgrade at their ailing WR position. I predicted a couple of weeks ago that the Ravens would look into Stallworth, Terrell Owens, or both. I also expect the Ravens to look into the 2010 draft for a young WR/TE as well (possible names include TE Jermaine Gresham and WR Golden Tate)

Most folks are ho hum about Stallworth, but I think this could be great news for Joe Flacco. Stallworth has shown promise in the past, particularly with New Orleans and Philly. This won't solve the true #1 WR the Ravens need, but it fills a void, particularly with all of the Ravens WRs either retiring or heading to free agency.



From a personal standpoint, most of us remember Stallworth's 2009 conviction for DUI manslaughter, stemming from an accident in where he struck and killed a pedestrian. While Stallworth was later cited as not being at fault, he did fail a sobriety test. While most people were outraged by his sentencing (he was sentenced to 30 days in jail), he seemed truly remorseful and I believe in giving people second chances. I also know that Baltimore needs a decent WR more than any other team in the league. This could work out perfectly for both parties involved.

Welcome to Bawlmer, Donte!

The Ravens lost one of their important pieces to their offensive staff when QB Coach Hue Jackson accepted the job to become the offensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders. While most wonder why Jackson would leave such a stable organization to one that has been a disaster the past few years, most coaches strive to move up in the ranks and possibly become a head coach one day. I hope Jackson does well and has much success in Oakland.

With loss of Jackson, leaves a huge hole for the Ravens to fill. The development of Joe Flacco has been largely accredited to Jackson's work with him since he was drafted in 2008. While Flacco has shown nothing but potential, having someone help him grow will be key in his continuing progress.

According to Ravens Insider Aaron Wilson, former Redskins head coach Jim Zorn would be interested in filling the position. Wilson tweeted the following this afternoon,

"Talked to Jim Zorn today at the Senior Bowl. He's definitely interested in the Ravens' QB coaching job. Nothing concrete yet."

In addition to Zorn, the Ravens also have Ravens offensive consultant and former offensive coordinator Al Saunders possibly eyeballing the position as well. Wilson also tweeted this info regarding Saunders:

"Zorn will face competition, though, from Ravens offensive consultant Al Saunders, a former NFL offensive coordinator."

The Ravens can't go wrong with either candidate at the position. While Zorn's head coaching career wasn't so bright, Zorn was a well known QB coach for many years, tutoring players such as Charlie Batch and Matt Hasslebeck. Both QBs had success with Zorn as their coach. Al Saunders is very well known around the league as being an offensive mastermind, most noted under the Chiefs and Rams when they were high powered offenses. To have either guy as the next man up to help Flacco would be a plus.

Hue Jackson will be very hard to replace. But having Jim Zorn and Al Saunders fight for the open position isn't so bad either.