USA Today sportswriter Jarrett Bell did an excellent piece in today’s edition on the passing of Bill Willis, one of four black men to integrate the National Football League in 1946.
Interestingly enough, Bell ventured to speak with several members of the Baltimore Ravens about their memories and knowledge of Willis. Neither Derrick Mason, Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden or Ed Reed had any knowledge of Willis or his impact on professional sports.
That’s not a condemnation of the players, because when you think of African-Americans and our early history in sports, Jackie Robinson is the name most commonly thought of. The names [...]

That’s right. A freight train carrying hazardous material partially derailed near M and T Bank stadium Sunday morning. M and T Bank Stadium is the home field of the Baltimore Ravens.
Fortunately, no one was injured and none of the materials being carried on the train leaked or spilled into the nearby area. As for the Ravens? They were in San Diego preparing to have their season further derailed by the San Diego Chargers that day.

It’s hard enough trying to get up the composure to write this post, because it was so much easier when we all thought Sean Taylor would make it. Now that he hasn’t, it would not serve his memory or his family any justice to avoid writing about it.
Particularly when I’m not a Washington Redskins fan.
I grew up in the Washington area, and I have always hated the Redskins. I have hated their owners, their colors, the stances on the treatment of their fans, the traffic jams they caused in my area, everything. But I always admired the players on their [...]

The Fan-Sided Blogs network has launched a Philadelphia Eagles blog — Inside The Iggles. Ian is the lead blogger over there, and he should have much to talk about after the Eagles tough showing against the New England Patriots last night.
Be sure to check it out.

No one is surprised at the Baltimore Ravens’ 32-14 defeat at the hands of the San Diego Chargers, but what is surprising is the lack of communication and execution on the part of a Ravens defense that has allowed 30 or more points three times in the last four games.
Struggles on offense against one of the league’s worst defensive teams in the Chargers lead to the same old theme for the Ravens; lack of production and over exertion on the part of the defense. It is the second week in a row that the Ravens have failed to produce points [...]

Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle, who has missed six games this season due to an undisclosed illness, confirmed to reporters after practice this evening that the illness is epilepsy.
The 10-year veteran said that he suffered three seizures this season, but has possibly suffered smaller seizures throughout the last 2 1/2 years. He is expected to start this Sunday against the San Diego Chargers
The report gave no indications of the effects football may have had in causing or worsening this condition, but information from Rolle and the team indicate that the illness is under control. Above the fact that the team [...]

Today’s Baltimore Examiner is refuting a story published in yesterday’s Baltimore Sun stating that the Baltimore Ravens would formally contest the controversial field goal call in last Sunday’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns.
A team spokesperson said that the squad was merely placing calls to the league office to inquire about explanations for that, and other calls made during the contest, a practice that is common with most teams in the league.
Even though the play was not subject to review under NFL rules, video evidence showed that the ball clearly crossed the crossbar of the goal post. resulting in [...]

Earlier I asked how could things get worse for the Ravens. Fairly quickly it seems, as defensive end Trevor Pryce may be out indefinitely with a pectoral injury. While it’s unknown how severe the injury is, Billick said today that it’s a real possibility he could be out for the remainder of the season.
This definitely hurts the Ravens, because Pryce was already going below full speed while recovering from a broken wrist he sustained in September. The Ravens are ranked 15th in the league in sacks, so losing any pressure from the defensive front will create big shifts in responsibility [...]

With three tough games coming up in as many weeks, you have all the motivation in the world to not watch the Baltimore Ravens until their mid-December showdown with the winless Miami Dolphins. And even then, depending on what happens against the San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, you might not want to watch that game either.
But you should. Not just because you are a loyal fan, a football enthusiast or a fool, but because the drama and intrigue that surrounds the team will be more exciting than watching the squad lose by 10 field goals.
Here’s five [...]

It’s not just emblematic of the Baltimore Ravens’ 33-30 overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns yesterday, but of the season in general.
Just when you think there’s continuity on defense, DOINK! An injury.
Drive sustained drive down field? DOINK! A turnover.
Think it’s a missed field goal by the Browns? DOINK! Back into the field of play.
From all angles and view points, it was a make by Phil Dawson to send the game into overtime, but with games against the Chargers, Patriots and Colts looming, DOINK! might be the best expression Ravens fans can hope for this season.