Ravens get major respect in latest NFL power rankings
By Brett Foote
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams (98) reacts after a New Orleans Saints turnover during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Baltimore Ravens news and notes from around the web. The Ravens continue to get lots of credit heading into the 2015, ranking pretty well in some pre-training camp NFL power rankings. We also look at three guys who could break out this season, Torrey Smith is asked if Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback, and a rookie fights for his job.
NFL power rankings: Who’s in the best position ahead of training camp? – Kevin Alonzo, Bleacher Report
"After nearly upsetting the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs this past January, the Baltimore Ravens had a big offseason.Despite losing Pernell McPhee and Haloti Ngata, the Ravens will be just fine on defense.2014 second-round pick Timmy Jernigan will move into a starting role, so he’ll have to prove he’s ready in training camp, but the defense is otherwise in good shape."
Ravens undrafted rookie wide receiver Daniel Brown: “Either I take someone’s job or I’m jobless” – Aaron Wilson, The Baltimore Sun
"“There’s a point where you have to take someone’s job to make a roster,” Brown told The Baltimore Sun in a recent interview. “That’s kind of my outlook on things. I have to go into training camp and the preseason with the mentality that I have something to prove and take someone’s job. It’s a business. Either I take someone’s job, or I’m jobless.”"
Three Ravens who could break out in 2015 – Clifton Brown, CSN Baltimore
"Ravens rookies have already reported, and training camp starts next week. Here are three players that didn’t start last year who I think could have breakout seasons:Jeremy Butler, WRButler was probably the team’s best player during offseason workouts. Joe Flacco said Butler, “Might have had 1,500 yards in a three-day minicamp.” The competition at wide receiver is very crowded, so Butler must continue to impress the coaching staff during training camp to earn playing time. But Butler showed promise last year as an undrafted rookie, catching six passes for 50 yards during the preseason. A shoulder injury sent Butler to the injured list last year. If he stays healthy, Butler could force his way into the wide receiver rotation."
Torrey Smith gives a (very) definitive answer to ‘Is Flacco elite’ debate – Peter Hailey, CSN Baltimore
"The question, “Is Joe Flacco elite?” definitely gets posed as much as some of the world’s most classic questions, such as, “Are we there yet?” and “Do you want fries with that?” Just recently, in fact, #5 was ranked as a “second tier” passer in an ESPN survey that polled front office members and coaches, which again revived the discussion.That discussion reached the Twitter timeline of former Raven Torrey Smith, who caught passes from Flacco in Baltimore from 2011-2014 (he’ll be playing wideout for San Francisco in 2015 after signing there in the offseason). One fan asked Smith whether he thought Flacco was elite, and Smith gave a very succinct and definitive response:"
Next: 4 Ravens corners make top 101 list