Archive for June, 2008

When trying to replace a legend as a rookie mini-camp invitee, humility and focus are the name of the game. And that’s exactly how Piotr Czech is approaching his time with the Baltimore Ravens in his efforts to back-up Pro Bowl fixture Matt Stover. “Matt Stover is a 19-year veteran, Pro Bowler and viewed as one of the best kickers in his time,” Czech said. “It’s definitely a tough assignment going against him, but I don’t consider myself competition until I establish myself.” So far, his accuracy on long attempts has caught the attention of Ozzie Newsome, and it won’t [...]

He worked out for the Baltimore Ravens and several other teams, but in the end, offensive tackle Barry Sims picked the San Francisco 49ers as his new NFL club. He was to be the best post-Ogden option at the position until Jared Gaither was ready to take the spot. Chances are, Sims would’ve held it down on the left side for a couple of games only to relinquish the left side to big JG early on in the season. Just too much girth and too much raw talent to build experience in camp and practice.

Some veteran Baltimore Ravens players are preparing early for their next career stop. Broadcasting.

It’s not unusual for a college quarterback to try and fulfill his dreams of an NFL career at a different position. The Ravens have a similar story with Xavier Lee, a one-time can’t-miss prospect out of high school that missed badly at Florida State and is trying to catch on in Baltimore. A touching as the story would be, it’s not a good look when coaches are bad-mouthing you to local media. “The willingness I think is there, but he’s got to understand he can apply himself more. He can use his time better. He’s got opportunities that he’s not [...]

With my one-year wedding anniversary quickly approaching, I can definitely appreciate the news of Ravens’ tight end Daniel Wilcox preparing to jump the broom later this month. Of course, Ravens fans are not invited, but they might as well be, as the ceremony will take place on the 50 yard line of M&T Bank Stadium. From the media release: Daniel is the first Ravens player ever to get married at M&T Bank Stadium and this enchanting couple will be the first ever to be wed on the field. Along with family and friends, attendees of this grand event will consist [...]

Here’s Cleveland Browns quarterback saying all the right things about being the back up to Derek Anderson, but clearly not happy with backing up Derek Anderson. There’s no question that the Browns are shored up at quarterback, something the Ravens have never been in team history. They are shored up with a guy the Ravens drafted and cut, and while hindsight is always 20/20, we still can’t see clearly into the future of the position here in Baltimore. In other words, Brady Quinn should just shut up. Chances are that Derek Anderson will get hurt, you’ll come in and be [...]

If you still haven’t gotten over Jonathan Ogden’s retirement, live in these online memories. Some gems include Ogden on a mechanical bull with a lasso, and the Gebco commercials.

For such a big man to play so well for so long, you have to give a lot of credit to Baltimore Ravens’ offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden. Save for the Hogs of the Washington Redskins, no other player did more to popularize such an unglamorous position on the football field. And considering he didn’t have a bunch of cross-dressing pigs to assist in the marketing, the fact that his talent made his name for him solidifies the claim that he is the best ever at the position. Forget all of the Pro Bowls, the all-pro selections and other accolades. All [...]

According the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Ravens 11-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle will announce his retirement tomorrow. More details to come.

The pride of Southern California is coming to the Baltimore-Washington area, thanks to former Baltimore Raven Orlando Brown. Brown plans to open Maryland’s first Fatburger — the Southern California chain synonymous with big, juicy burgers and Hollywood celebrities — in August. The Columbia restaurant will be, he said, the first of 10 stores in six years he plans on opening in the Baltimore-Washington area. I’ve never had a Fatburger, but I’ve desperately wanted one since Ice Cube’s shout out on “Today Was a Good Day.” Fatburger will have stiff competition from Five Guys Burgers and Fries, who have pretty much [...]