Baltimore Ravens tackle Jared Gaither is ok after a frightening incident in today’s game against the New England Patriots. The crown of Jared’s helmet slammed into quarterback Joe Flacco’s back as he tried to block a pass rush. The result of the play left him on the turf for 10 minutes before he was strapped to a board and taken from the field on a stretcher.
Jared had movement in all his extremities but was taken to Mass General Hospital for tests. The X-rays on his neck and shoulder were negative but an MRI couldn’t be taken because Jared was too …read more

While he hasn’t given his employers an official notice, 35-year-old Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason says he’s going to retire after 12 seasons in the National Football League. This comes as somewhat of a surprise, especially because Derrick’s decision was based more on (lack of) desire than any kind of contractual squabble. Certainly, it’s a blow to the Ravens offense—specifically quarterback Joe Flacco—who relied heavily on Derrick as his leading receiver (80 catches, 1,037 yards, five touchdowns) during a very successful rookie season last year.
Derrick’s agent, C. Lamont Smith, released the following statement today:
“On Friday July 10, I received a …read more

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was presented with the 2008 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award today. Joe was one of five finalists for the honor — running back Matt Forte (Bears), running back Chris Johnson (Titans), quarterback Matt Ryan (Falcons) and running back Steve Slaton (Texans).
You might recall that Matt Ryan won the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. So here’s how this thing works. The five finalists were selected because of their outstanding performances throughout the 2008 NFL season. Each week, five nominees were chosen for the Diet Pepsi NFL …read more

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The Pittsburgh Steelers met expectations in winning the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens tonight. Bringing the NFL’s best defense into the biggest game of the year, the Steelers held the Ravens to only 198 yards of total offense. They also produced three sacks (linebacker LaMarr Woodley had two) and three interceptions against Ravens rookie QB Joe Flacco, who entered the game with no INTs or sacks in 45 postseason pass attempts. Vet corner Deshear Townsend summed it up afterward:
“We’re the number one defense, there’s a reason. If we can make you one dimensional …read more

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Talk about your Christmas bonuses. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has earned a cool $3 million in extra cash because he participated in 80% of his team’s snaps this season. A total of $750,000 will be added to his base salary for the remaining four years of his contract as a result. Nice.
Joe doesn’t just have this bonus coming to him because he took some snaps. He really earned it. I know the Ravens planned to start Kyle Boller or Troy Smith at quarterback this season and kind of work Joe into the system slowly …read more

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The Baltimore Ravens have won four straight games. And “nobody” knows about it because teams like the undefeated Tennessee Titans, defending Super Bowl champion N.Y. Giants and apparently overrated Dallas Cowboys have been grabbing all the headlines this season. Ravens two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs is ok with that. In fact, he and the rest of his Ravens teammates enjoy flying under the radar — just as long as they touch down in Tampa at Super Bowl XLIII. I spoke with Terrell after his workday yesterday to discuss tomorrow’s should-be heavyweight slugfest with …read more

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I knew the Baltimore Ravens would find a way to get both of their quarterbacks into the game. I credit offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and his creativity. Really, I think it’s too close to call either Joe Flacco or Troy Smith the starting quarterback for the Ravens, so why not just play them both at the same time? On this particular play, Joe handed to Troy and Troy hit Joe with this 43-yard pass. It was pure playground and might have been the play of the day if Joe had kept his feet and scored. …read more

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller was placed on injured reserve today with a shoulder tear that will force him to miss the entire 2008 season. Head coach John Harbaugh didn’t paint a pretty picture:
“He has got either one of two injuries, either the torn labrum or he’s got, I don’t know the medical term, but there’s a connection in the biceps to the shoulder that might be a problem. The torn labrum has not responded to the medication, and the other injury is a season ender. He’s done.”
Done as in most likely he’s thrown his …read more

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The Baltimore Ravens have an identity crisis at the quarterback position. At the start of training camp, there was a three-way race between veteran Kyle Boller, second-year QB Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco. When the dust settled, Joe won the starting job by default — he’s the only one left that’s healthy enough to play. Troy is still feeling the ill effects of infected tonsils. And Kyle has a sore shoulder that might require surgery. That being said, some might argue that Joe earned the starting job on the field. He was 35-of-67 for …read more

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Baltimore Ravens first round Draft choice, quarterback Joe Flacco, signed a five-year contract worth up to $30 million with the team today. The deal includes $8.75 million in guaranteed money and ensures a heated QB battle when Ravens training camp begins July 21. Along with Troy Smith and Kyle Boller, Joe should have an equal opportunity to make his case for the starting quarterback position this season (remember, he missed some OTA time this offseason because of an NFL-NCAA rule). I’m leaning toward Troy Smith winning the job initially, but it probably …read more