Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is upset with the National Football League’s rules regarding the preferential treatment of its quarterbacks. During today’s 27-21 loss to the New England Patriots, the Ravens’ defense was flagged twice for roughing-the-passer penalties, resulting in the continuation of two drives and then two scores for the Patriots.
On one play, it appeared that Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs just swiped at and maybe brushed Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s legs, but didn’t really even “touch” him (UPDATE: After re-watching this, Terrell Suggs did bump Tom, but it wasn’t anything more than that). I would have to agree with …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is staying right where he belongs — with the only team he’s ever played for. After nearly a week of uncertainty and frustration, the team re-signed Ray to a three-year, $22 million deal today, most likely keeping him in Baltimore for the remainder of his Hall of Fame career. In a statement released by the Ravens today, Ray said:
“From beginning to end as a Raven … Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn’t happen in the NFL. The bottom line …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
My new best friends at Pepsi gave me a heads up on their SoBe Lifewater Super Bowl ad featuring NFL players Ray Lewis (Ravens), Justin Tuck (Giants) and Matt Light (Patriots). The 60-second SoBe Lifewater spot will mark arguably the first-ever Super Bowl ad cross over event — with the SoBe Lizards and stars from the upcoming DreamWorks movie “Monsters vs. Aliens” dancing alongside current NFL players in what promises to be among the most highly-anticipated commercials on Super Sunday. Get your 3D glasses ready.

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Here is the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Starters are listed in bold.
OFFENSE
QB: Peyton Manning, Colts; Brett Favre, Jets; Jay Cutler, Broncos
RB: Thomas Jones, Jets; Chris Johnson, Titans; Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
FB: Le’Ron McClain, Ravens
WR: Andre Johnson, Texans; Brandon Marshall, Broncos; Reggie Wayne, Colts; Wes Welker, Patriots
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs; Antonio Gates, Chargers
T: Joe Thomas, Browns; Jason Peters, Bills; Michael Roos, Titans
G: Alan Faneca, Jets; Kris Dielman, Chargers; Brian Waters, Chiefs
C: Kevin Mawae, Titans; Nick Mangold, Jets
DEFENSE
DE: Mario Williams, Texans; Dwight Freeney, Colts; Robert Mathis, Colts
DT: Albert Haynesworth, …read more

Getty Images
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Baltimore Ravens safety Jim Leonhard is a perfect fit in the team’s complicated defensive scheme. And his natural athletic ability and competitive nature more than make up for his lack of prototypical physical dimensions. Originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as a rookie free agent in 2005, Jim joined the Ravens this year and he now finds himself not only starting at strong safety opposite perennial All-Pro and future Hall-of-Famer Ed Reed, but also returning kickoffs and punts. For a defense that has been hit hard by several season-ending injuries, the Ravens haven’t missed …read more

Getty Images
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
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

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
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

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers lead the AFC’s 2008 Pro Bowl squad with a conference-high eight players each. New England’s eight All-Stars equals a franchise high set by the 1985 Pats. The AFC roster includes 18 first-time All-Stars, including Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.