Jared Gaither, Baltimore Ravens / Image: Zuma Press

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 big for the machine. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he wasn’t sure how long Jared might be out.

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com, NFL.com

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Jared Gaither Ok After Frightening Incident

Jon Gruden / Image: Zuma Press

Coach Gruden is describing the experience as “life-changing” for himself and his colleagues:

“You can read about what our troops are doing over here or you can watch reports on television, but none of that can compare to being here with them. It’s inspiring. I think sometimes people forget the role our military plays in keeping our country safe. There is the Air Force, the Navy and the Army all working together tirelessly, putting in long hours every day so far away from home. I’ll never think about military service the same way after seeing it up close this week. It’s been a life-changing experience for all of us.”

What better day than July 4 to remember our troops and thank them for protecting our freedoms.

Source: ESPN.com

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NFL Coaches Inspired by USO Trip

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has to be happy about this. Today, the Ravens signed former Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith to a one-year contract, giving Joe yet another weapon in his continually evolving offensive arsenal. Along with Todd Heap, this gives Baltimore two top-level, pass-catching tight ends. As improved as I think Joe will be this season (and I think he will be vastly improved over his impressive 2008 rookie season), adding L.J. is only going to make him that much better. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was in a pretty good mood about it as well:

“We are very pleased to add such a talented and experienced tight end. Obviously I had the opportunity to be around L.J. for a number of years in Philadelphia, and there is a comfort level that we have with each other. I know that he is a good fit as a Raven and will be a great addition to our team.”

No kidding. The Steelers are still the team to beat in the AFC North (and in the entire AFC for that matter), but the Ravens will certainly be hot on their heels. L.J. has been banged up a bit over the past couple seasons (sports hernia, shoulder injuries), but when he’s been on the field, he’s been very productive. That’s why he was considered by many to be one of the top free agent tight ends this offseason. As an example, during the 2005-2006 seasons, he had 111 catches for 1,293 yards and eight touchdowns. Now that’s production. The Ravens just hope they can keep him healthy.

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com, Photo: Newscom

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Ravens Sign L.J. Smith

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

I would have to consult with a number of knowledgeable football historians before making this claim, but Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed has to be considered one of the best safeties to ever play professional football. He’s certainly one of the biggest defensive playmakers the game has ever seen. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh seems to agree with me:

“No one is surprised at the way Ed Reed plays. He may be the best player in the game.”

In a rather lopsided 27-9 AFC Wild Card win over the Miami Dolphins this afternoon, Ed had two interceptions, returning one 64 yards for a touchdown. He now has 10 picks on the season and in three career playoffs games, he has five interceptions. But it’s what he does with those interceptions that is most impressive. Ed has 11 regular-season touchdowns, five of those on interceptions returns, including an NFL-record 107-yarder this season. He’s also scored on blocked punts, punt returns and fumbles. That being said, I believe he may have already secured himself a spot in Canton.

Source: NFL.com

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Is Ed Reed the Best Safety Ever?

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

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 last pass for the Ravens. Kyle was in the mix to challenge Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco for the starting QB spot, but this injury ends that debate. The Ravens officially added veteran QB Todd Bouman to the mix today, but I’m still having a hard time seeing how that’s going to do much more than give the team some experienced depth.

I don’t know if the Ravens have their answer at quarterback. At least not for this season. Troy isn’t healthy enough to play yet and Joe has zero experience. I think Troy can eventually take over this team and win some ball games, but there are too many veterans (especially on defense) who don’t have time to be part of a rebuilding program. Not adding a quality veteran quarterback before OTAs and minicamps may prove to be a big mistake.

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com, Photo: Newscom

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Season Over for Kyle Boller

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

There might be a lot of hype in Baltimore about first round Draft choice quarterback Joe Flacco, but Troy Smith could be the Ravens’ answer at QB this season. Troy worked with the first-team offense for the majority of snaps in yesterday’s passing camp, prompting this from head coach John Harbaugh:

“Troy had a good practice. He was sharp. He competed. He had a good time. Troy is a leader. Anytime you’ve won the Heisman Trophy, anytime you’ve been in a national championship game, you obviously know how to lead an offense and lead a team.”

Coach Harbaugh more than has a point there, but one good practice does not guarantee a starting spot. With Kyle Boller appearing shaky in workouts (big surprise) and the aforementioned Joe Flacco absent due to an NFL-NCAA rule, though, the Baltimore Ravens starting QB job might just be Troy’s to lose.

Source: Carroll County Times, Photo: Newscom

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Troy Smith Looks Sharp at Ravens Camp

It was nice to see the sun shining in Indianapolis today. It certainly made getting around outside the RCA Dome and Indiana Convention Center much easier. Not that you would really need to go outside here, though. The Dome and CC are connected to much of the city with indoor walkways. I get a big kick out of this. I can walk all over the city without putting on a jacket in the middle of winter. And yes, I’m easily entertained.

The Media Work room was kind of quiet early on, but things picked up as the day progressed with defensive linemen and linebackers being shuttled in and out. One of the most anticipated players was Virginia defensive end Chris Long. Chris, of course, is the son of Pro Football Hall-of-Famer and former Oakland Raiders DE Howie Long. But he made no case for playing in Oakland nor did he make any predictions on where he might wind up being drafted:

“No matter where I was picked, any opportunity to play in the National Football League is an opportunity I would cherish. To be in that position you have to work even harder and show up with more humility and more of an open mind, because people will be looking at you. Wherever I go and whoever I go play for, I’m a football player. I enjoy playing football, I enjoy the game, I enjoy being a teammate. I won’t change. I’ll be the same guy.”

More coaches made their way to the Media Work Room. I sat in on pressers with Mike Smith (Falcons), Ken Whisenhunt (Cards), Jeff Fisher (Titans) and John Harbaugh (Ravens). Coach Smith is obviously very happy with his new position in Atlanta. Seriously, he smiled the entire time. He never stopped smiling. It was nice to see that. Coach Smith said there wasn’t much difference between a 4-12 team and a 12-4 team in the National Football League. And you know what, he’s right. In today’s NFL, a team could flip their record that drastically in one season. He also noted that the “new” Atlanta Falcons will be a more physical football team, much like the punishing defense he led in Jacksonville. Offensively, he said the Falcons would control the line of scrimmage and run the football first and foremost. The Falcons need to address their quarterback situation and Coach Smith mentioned an interest in a number of QBs at the Combine, although me didn’t mention any names.

Today was also the first day for player workouts on the RCA Dome floor. (Note: This is the last sporting event in the RCA Dome. Everything moves to nearby Lucas Oil Stadium post-Combine.) Offensive linemen and tight ends were the focal point of today’s workouts. Here are the winners’ results:

Offensive Line – Bench Press (Jake Long, Michigan, 37); Broad Jump (Cody Wallace, Texas A&M, 9′5″); Vert Jump (Cody Wallace, Texas A&M, 30.5″); 3-Cone Drill (Michael Gibson, Cal-Berkeley, 7.21); 20-yard Shuttle (Mike Pollak, Arizona State, 4.47); 40-yard Dash (Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers, 4.99).

Tight End – Bench Press (Craig Stevens, Cal-Berkeley, 27); Broad Jump (Dustin Keller, Purdue, 10′11″); Vert Jump (Dustin Keller, Purdue, 38″); 60-yard Shuttle (Gary Barnidge, 11.29); 3-Cone Drill (Derek Fine, Kansas, 6.8); 20-yard Shuttle (Dustin Keller, Purdue, 4.14); 40-yard Dash (Dustin Keller, Purdue, 4.55).

NFL Draft Scout senior analyst Rob Rang reported that USC’s Fred Davis, widely considered the top TE in this class, struggled with these drills. Fred had been impressive early with 24 reps of 225 pounds, but dropped several passes today and elected not to run the 40-yard dash. He could be a classic case of a player struggling with the pressure of the Combine because he stood out at the Senior Bowl and won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. His struggles with drops definitely caught the attention of scouts.

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NFL Scouting Combine 2008: Day Three

Former Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh has been named the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. And so continues the NFL trend of hiring young coaches. John is 45-years-old and only the third Ravens coach ever. Am I surprised? Yes, you could say that. Shocked is maybe a better word for it. After starting with a list of 30 names to consider for the position, the Ravens chose someone without so much as coordinator experience. But Coach Harbaugh obviously stood out. All I can say is he must have made an incredible impact on owner Steve Bisciotti, president Dick Cass, general manager Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens’ search committee.

He knows he was the second choice, though. The job was initially offered to Dallas Cowboys OC Jason Garrett, but he turned it down to remain in Dallas for more money (now the highest paid assistant coach in the NFL) and the additional title of assistant head coach.

So, the job is Coach Harbaugh’s. And here’s why I think it will work. He doesn’t bring the baggage of wanting or needing “his guys” with him. The Ravens have people (aforementioned) to handle personnel. What they need is someone to coach and motivate that personnel. While I’m sure he is very capable in that role, it will be interesting to see how a young coach handles the very strong personalities on the Ravens’ defense. NFL Network’s Rod Woodson suggested Coach Harbaugh do two things right away — get a quarterback and call Ray Lewis. In that order. Sounds good to me.

Photo Getty Images

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John Harbaugh Named to Coach Ravens