At 4:30pm on Saturday, July 4th... I heard some awful news in the NFL world. Former Titans and Ravens QB Steve McNair was found dead in his home in Nashville. I thought it was a lie. I had read it via twitter and I couldn't find anything on CNN, ESPN or the NFL Network confirming this information. At around 4:53pm, I finally saw a Breaking News scroll at the bottom of ESPNews. It was true. McNair, along with a female, was murdered. My heart immediately sank.


As a Ravens fan and a fan of football overall, this loss is a HUGE one to me. As a player, I loved him so much. He meant a lot to the NFL in so many ways.

Coming out of Alcorn State, McNair (drafted 3rd overall in the 1995 draft) proved that a QB from a small college can make a big splash in the league.


McNair became known as one of the toughest players in the game by his peers. His versatile style of play kept defenders guessing, with being able to throw for TDs or rush for TDs. His QB play has been used by the likes of Michael Vick and Donovan McNabb, both who were drafted after McNair.



McNair retired before the start of the 2008 season, saying that his body and his mind were no longer on the same page. Fans understood..... With all of the hits he had taken for so many years, his body has been through enough.

McNair's resume is extremely impressive. He's a 3 time Pro Bowler, he was the co-MVP of the league in 2003, he played in one of the most exciting Super Bowls in SB XXXIV (in which the Titans lost to the Rams in the final seconds), and he's one of three QBs to pass for over 30,000 yards and rush for over 3,500 yards (Steve Young and Fran Tarkenton are the other two, both are Hall-Of-Famers). But perhaps his biggest accomplishments was off-the-field, when he was a nominee for the Walter Payton Award after his work for Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005.

As an intern once at a local sports station, I've met McNair on a few occasions. For me, this really hurts. He was always a nice guy and willing to answer any questions asked to him. He was loved by his teammates and never gave the media problems. I know that he spent most of his years with the Oilers/Titans, but for the Ravens community, he brought so much hope during the 2006 season, when the Ravens were 13-3 and a top seed in the AFC Playoffs. He gave this city hope that we would get another championship, and I will always remember him for that.

At only 36 years of age, McNair leaves behind his wife, Mechelle and four children: Junior, Steven, Tyler and Trenton. McNair exuded greatness on and off the field. This is truly a tragedy. The NFL has lost a great player far too soon.

McNair, you will be missed.....

Not sure if you guys and gals got a chance to view ESPN.com today, but AFC North blogger James Walker has the featured storytoday. The topic?? The Smartest and Best All Around Player in the division.

Voted by 32 players in the division under anonymity, the Ravens Ed Reed won the Best All Around Player, while Steelers Troy Polamalu won the Smartest Player Award. Now, while any player in the division could be included in this voting (James Harrison tied for 2nd with Polamalu for Best All Around Player), the spotlight was on 2 of the best safeties in the league.... again!

With the high regards, comes the resurface of the great debate. Who's the better safety in the NFL, Reed or Polamalu??

If any of you know me, you know that I DESPISE this debate. It's pointless, stupid and makes no sense to compare the two. If I haven't explained this a millions times, make this a million and one. Here are reasons why you shouldn't compare the two

1. Two different positions- Reed is a free safety, Polamalu is a strong safety... Now I'm sure folks already know this. But did you also know that they have different names because they do different things???

The free safety makes sure WRs like Larry Fitzgerald, T.O. and Steve Smith don't score. He's the guy that's suppose to make the play if the LBs and CBs blow it.

The strong safety is the one that has a little more responsibility. He usually stops the TE if he becomes a receiver and plays closer with the CBs on the stronger side of the field.

Now that we learned this lesson in class boys and girls, let's take a quiz. Does the strong safety and the free safety have the same responsibility??? If you said no, you're right!!! Gold star for you!!!


(yes this is sarcasm... you gotta love me lol)

2. Two different players- The Reed and Polamalu comparison makes absolutely no sense to me. They are two totally different players who contribute in different ways to their defense.

Reed is the top playmaker for the Ravens. He's known to get INTs and making points out of them. His strengths can be more mental than physical. Reed is every deep threat's nightmare.

QB's who play him knows what he's capable of. And even though they may still try and test him, often times they end up wishing they could take that pass back. Throw on his side, and you take the risk of giving him a Pick Six. Reed is 6th on the career INT yards list

Polamalu is a more physical player. He's good at getting INTs too, but his strengths are different.

He can play the line of scrimmage and play the role similar to a linebacker. On running plays, blockers have to account for him. The same for pass plays. He can stop a RB or blitz the QB. He's the guy who stays on your TE when he's in the middle of coverage. He's also the guy that will knock you on your a$$ and make you think again before going anywhere near his part of the field.



Of course, a lot of people love to compare the two for numerous reasons. First, they are division rivals. They play for 2 of the best defenses in the league. Second, they are both safeties and third, they are both dominant at their positions. But to me, this is not a competition. Both players are great in their own right. They both have different strengths and if they were ever on the same team they would be able to co exist.


The intent for Walker's article was not to compare the 2 at all. However, because both players were at the top of the respected category, it started the smack talk and e-thugging between Ravens and Steelers fans (see comments below article). Reed does not = Polamalu and vice versa. It's time fans start realizing this.

The good ol' Great Debate arises again... let's hope it dies soon, once and for all.

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!!!!