This year with all the changes in Baltimore I have been scouring the paper, and websites for any information about what's going on behind the scenes. I was happy to hear Suggs has been franchised.. WOOT WOOT! Some on the forums are whining about his dispute about which position he should be designated. I think that's a small matter that will very quickly get worked out. The point is.. HE'S STAYING! Thank GOD!

I was wondering if anyone had any insight on Ogden, is he in, out, retiring what? McNair? I heard a rumor that Baltimore would watch how he did in training camp and then designate their starter. Any truth to this? I honestly wouldn't mind seeing another year of McNair if he played like he did the year before, it would be a great growth potential for Troy Smith. We'd really need some work on our O-Line though and get him the protection he needs....It's a shame we are 8th and will likely miss Jake Long... omg he's a HORSE!

Ok, I'm getting excited, and I miss football so much I may have to resort to watching Arena.

There's been a lot of talk about the Pats/Ravens game, so I'm not going to go into a long winded analysis other than to say I was extremely proud of our team.

My note is something on a different note... about the Holidays! My 12 year old son will be visiting for the Holidays and I have been very fortunate to come into "Ravens/Pittsburgh" tickets at face value from a new special friend :-) who decided instead to go skiing! So, my son will hopefully share a similar memory of his "Mom" that I shared of my Dad when he took me to Memorial Stadium to see the Colts when I was very young, I think even younger than him. I sure hope he brings warm clothes... (giggle) We'll be up in the nose bleeds... but for this game.. it's worth it. I think I may buy some underarmour!

Oh and I'll be rooting for Pittsburgh this week, they'll be the ones to knock off the Pats after winning by the skin of their teeth and great officiating.. (NOT)....

GO STEELERS (this week).... he he All bets are off on December 30th!

Sigh... another loss. . . but ... I want to give positive observations:

Sadly, it was exhilarating to feel the "Win", then have them re-evaluate the kick & (which was just unheard of..... when has that ever happened?? I think even the officials were scratching their heads!) It was a "high to low" of mass proportions!

As for the game, the defense was stellar... Ray you are just incredible... McAllister was AMAZING, as was Reed and others.... (did you see the punch from Ngata?) and well as for our Offense... I have to give MAJOR KUDOS TO BOLLER (& Stover.. Mr. Dependable!) I have seen a ton of messages already bashing Boller, and as usual blaming the loss on his shoulders. In my humble opinion, Boller played EXCEPTIONALLY WELL... went out there and did what had to be done to get the job done, consistently moved the chains. It is not HIS FAULT our O-Line kept dissolving! The second half looked remarkably better than the 1st. I see considerable improvement from Boller, and it's obvious he's learned so much from McNair. He's much more composed, confident and more poised in the pocket. I am very eager to see how he will do on the road next week against the Chargers. That will be the true test of his growth and maturity as an NFL quarterback.

How ironic would it be to lose at home, and win on the road????? We can only hope.

Go Ravens... I love you guys, I think you are incredible, tonight you were on fire. While a loss, there was much to commend from tonights performance. Although a loss, I thought it was a GREAT game. I think my blood pressure shot through the roof!

I think we all need a little humor after the Cincinnati game. I love the Ravens, I"m not a fair weathered fan, and I stick behind them through it all. It will be interesting to see if the season continues to be this horrendous what changes will come next year.

And now for that joke..........

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Raven's Cat

Guy walks into a bar wearing a Raven's jersey, and

carrying a cat that

also has a Raven's jersey on with a little Raven's

helmet on his head,

too.

The guy says to the bartender, "Can my cat and I watch

the Raven's

game here? My TV is broke and my cat and I always

watch the game

together".

The bartender replies, "Normally, cats wouldn't be

allowed in the bar,

but it's not very busy in here right now, so you and

the cat can have

a seat at the end of the bar. if But, there's any

trouble with you or

the cat, I'll have to ask you to leave."

The guy agrees, and he and his cat start watching the

game. Pretty

soon the Raven's kick a field goal and the excited cat

jumps up on the

bar and walks down the bar and gives everyone a high

five.

The bartender says, Hey, that's pretty cool! What does

he do for a

touchdown?"

The guys answers, "I don't know, I've only had him for

3 years...

Ok, so I unexpectedly got a call this morning where I was invited to go to todays game at 4:00 with a guest. It has been the most surreal experience that every single person I have called was unable to go for one reason or anther. So, damn if I"m giving up a chance to go to a game, so I'll be sitting in the lower level section 133 with my roommates former boss hopefully enjoying our WIN!

GO RAVENS!

I was just sitting here this morning looking forward to the game tomorrow and started to try to analyze what the HELL is going on and thought perhaps we could have some interactive feedback.



So, why do YOU think the offense is doing so horribly? Yes, McNair has not been fully healthy; is he back to 100% or is he playing injured and this is why he has not done so well. He looks so different from the McNair of last year! This is reminding me of what DC went through with Mark Brunell.... they got lucky with Campbell... but they are far from going anywhere this year. I am very happy McNair came to Baltimore though, I can't think of a better quarterback to inspire and mentor Boller and Smith. McNair is a leader, like Ray, and a great athlete. I for one pray he's not done. I loved watching him last year.

And what THE HELL with the play calling???????? Maybe those that said Billick shouldn't have fired Fassel were right, I didn't think so based on how well the team did last year. Do you think this is going to put Billicks head on a block? And are the rumours on the mill about Cower being a possible candidate for Head Coach in Baltmiore true? Hmmm Curious. Gotta love when people start rumours...the more controversial the more they are discussed. I think Ray would make a great coach down the line when he retires! That would be a better rumour... Ok so this went way beyond just McNair... but I'm off my soapbox now.... I want to hear what you have to say....

Monday night football, rain, wind, and the most lack luster, frustrating, downright pathetic showing I've ever seen from the Ravens, oh yea and here give them the ball FUMBLE REPEATEDLY! Yea yea yea, so you might say "It was raining, horrible conditions to play under".... Eh hem..... IT WAS RAINING FOR PITTSBURGH TOO! Did you see them turning the ball over again and again? I'm almost speechless to be honest; it was a flip scale to the game we blew them out in last year. The only saving grace I can see is that we didn't have a goose egg. But still it was a very humiliating loss. I can only imagine the tension on that bus ride home. . . . We've been through bad seasons before, but this one just sort of makes me scratch my head. Sadly, until now I was not on the McNair "doesn't have it anymore" bandwagon. . . . But, I hate to admit it, I was hoping Billick would put Boller in. It looked so bad I couldn't imagine it getting any worse. Baltimore - it's major rebuild time....

Yesterday was "one of those days".... had work done on my car to a tune of almost $800.00 then my car breaks down (aka blows up) on my way to school, so I miss my Monday night class as I sit in a not so great area of town waiting on a tow truck. I laughed to myself thinking.... "I wanted to get out of going to this class to see this game but this is NOT how I would have wanted to go about it!" Wow is that an understatement.... so, this loss was a nice cherry on top...... To those that know me I'm usually the person that can always find the silver lining; however, this is one of those moments where I"m just plain FRUSTRATED, and very disappointed. I can only recall feeling this dissapointed once before, and that was at the Colts/Ravens game last year in Baltimore in the playoffs..... I don't think we have a shot for that this year that's for sure. With the way Baltimore is playing... there is no way we can beat the "Colts or the Pats" short of a divine miracle.

Calgon... take me a way!

First, I posted a link to a blog that I enjoyed reading. I've been on stealth mode lately, watching and listening to what people have to say about the leading teams this year, which clearly are the Pats and the Colts. I have a hard time swallowing the later of the two there, but I won't get into that. I actually can't believe the train of thought my mind is on; however, with all the media attention the Pats have been getting (as well as fan attention) whether it be cheating, or now running up the score.... whos' watching the Colts? They too are undefeated, and their star QB can be seen on TV during football season about every 10 minutes.... {between you and me I'm NOT a Peyton fan} however, why is it that all I hear in passing, reading etc. etc. etc. is Pats Pats Pats.... $#@% the Pats! I liked in the blog where the guy commented "how long is it going ot take before someone (specifically mentioned our beloved Ray) takes out the frustration on a player, such as Brady? I never really understood when people discussed the unfairness of "running up the score" until the recent game against the Redskins. If you are up by 38 in the end of the fourth.... ahhh now I get it! I saw it! Moving onto my point. . . Is coach Billibiochhhhhh truly simply doing this out of spite, to "prove a point".. rub it in the faces of all those that dared call them out on cheating? And, if you were such a superior team WHY THE HELL did you have to cheat? Ok, I'm going to leave it at that, the longer I type the angrier I get. I hate to "wish" ill will on any player, as I know how crippling an injury can be to a team, but just imagine for a moment, if the Pats lost Brady... and say... hmmm Moss?

Moving on.....

The Ravens play their Division rival on Monday Night Football in just a few days, yet it doesn't seem to be the talk of the town. Am I the only one biting off all my fingernails and worrying if my cell phone will get a signal to bring in nfl mobile while I'm in class? (lol) I"ll be out and hopefully home in time to catch the second half. I hope to come home to my defense shutting down Hines Ward and Bart putting a LOT of hot sauce on Ben!

I almost felt sorry for the Rams, but hey, this is football. You win some, you lose some. I could say something really harsh there, but I'll leave it at that.

I have some observations for the game, some good and some not so good, the first quarter had me worried actually. I like I think many assumed this would be a crushing brutal blow from the moment we hit the field. However, after a slow start the defense did dominate the field and put the Rams through one, no two, no three, no SIX turnovers on Frerotte. (wasn't he once a Redskin?) Anyway, I was happy to see McGahee get his first rushing TD, and Suggs get his first sack. Stover, well he was Stover, Mr. Reliable, a thing of beauty... gotta love that man!

As for the much talked about and always controversial Boller, I'll say it again, I"m tired of the fans bitching about a team that is 4 - 2, and a win. Yes, I do think Boller was a bit nervous out of the gate, but this reminds me of 2000, Dilfer wasn't a prolific QB, but when the defense dominates as ours does... if he does enough to get the win, can we not have the whiner convention of nonsense and ruin the WIN? So, we do NOT have a Peyton Manning.... I think these idiots would still be complaining that they didn't like the way his hair looked if they didn't have anything else to complain about or like a bunch of women complaining that his ass is too big. These are the same people that complain about the uniforms when we wear all black. Blech.. Ok that is truly my only soap box moment for this article.

Yes we had a win, and yes it's far from what we need to do when we go up against Pittsburgh after the Bye. But, that's precisely my point, if all the stars align, and Boller gets us through the Bills, and the team is healthy and we come back against Pittsburgh with a healthy team, and have some if not all of our starters back. That is what we should hope for. It is clear to see that McNair was not in his old form, and no it's not because he's old and washed up, it's because the man was playing hurt. To imagine McNair playing at true potential with our starting line up and our defense playing like they did yesterday is the winning combination I'm going to hope for when we go up against these big games that are coming after the bye. Pittsburgh, Indy and the Pats.... man..... now that is something to worry about!

One thing I'm very surprised about this year is the Bengals at 1 & 4, anyone else surprised at that?

The game on Sunday was not as I would have expected it to be, but rather a defensive battle. Once again it is Stovers leg that kicked it in. So loving Stover, I preach it constantly.... He is AMAZING!

As for those who are picking apart the game, players and wanting someone's head.... the numbers say it all.... IT'S A WIN, sure they are not the most spectacular numbers we're going to see from the Ravens this season, but again, it's the W.

McNair had 214 passing yards to Dilfers 146 (and how many times did we sack Dilfer?); McGahee was awesome to watch, for 88 yards vs. Gore's 52 yards; and Derrick Masons 82 recieving yards to Gilmores 42. Overall.... we outplayed. Period. We're sitting at #2 in the AFC North.... (and I cannot believe the Bengals have lost 3.... not that I'm complaining or anything (giggle)

As a sidenote and unrelated to my normal Ravens banter, I watched the game with a Redskins fan friend of mine, and watching the Redskins/Lions game was rather high scoring and energetic; however in the back of my mind I kept thinking... "It's the Lions". Lol I know I have heard rumors that their offense is doing much better this year. I see I"ll have to watch more closely. They're both tied for the 2nd slot in their division; however the Skins have to face the Packers on the 14th; and somehow I do not predict they will see such a field stomping festivus. But that's just my 2 cents and as much as I can muster going into a new week with my first cold of the season. Sniffle sniffle, cough cough. I need someone to make me chicken soup.

So we are heading into the weekend, and I must say as all Ravens fans are, I'm really excited to see what we do against the 49rs. There has been a lot of criticism about our 2 - 2 start as I've previously discussed. When push comes to shove, look back historically, the Ravens seem to do much better when their backs are against the wall, and are very frequently underestimated.

There has been a lot of drama surrounding the team this year, whether it be "what will it be like when Jamal faces his former team mates", to the latest Dilfer and his long standing grudge against Coach Billick. I was happy to read he put it behind him and made a public apology realizing it was not only "his" decision. Classy guy in my opinion. He stated that Billick had been the man, and he had been the "child" having a tantrum over the decision. Thanks Dilfer for your time in Baltimore and for contributing to the winning season! Your aces in my book.

Now onto worries about Sunday... Heap is questionable, as is Wilcox . Syniewski has looked very promising.... lets hope he steps up in all of his 6 foot 6 glory and kicks some major yardage butt! Get into the end zone Air McNair!

Ravens Corn Maze in Frederick, MD



Someone sent this to me, so I thought I would pass it along. It might be something fun to do with the kids. Get out and enjoy the fall harvest, pick a pumpkin and find your way through the Ravens maze! Uber cool!

So the Ravens are off to a 2 - 2 start. During the pre-season the first game out the team looked amazing. The perfect balance of yin and yang. An effective if not efficient offense and our stellar defense. I was elated, and happy to be in the stands. After that game, things seemed to unravel, and each game has been different. I'm not good at team analysis, I never claim to be; however, I have watched the Ravens since their arrival in Baltimore and they have been a great source of my joy through good and bad seasons. What bothers me is the constant chatter on messages boards after a loss. One player after another is thrown under the bus and most recently the discussion was that it was all Billicks fault. My favorite comments are "Rays getting old", or "our defense is falling apart". Hmmmm the way I see it, Ray is in the best shape of his career, and with his age comes experience. He is the figure head of this team, the glue that holds it together, he's far from geriatric people. C'mon! I do not want to imagine this team without that warrior firing up the team and the fans alike!

Moving on, I must give props to Boller. While yes he's far from the best quarterback in the NFL, he has shown amazing growth and improvement under the guidance of Steve McNair. He seems poised, focused and has thrown some amazing passes and did what had to be done to get us in the end zone. Anyone that dares give the kid props on a message board is immediately ridiculed as a "Boller Hugger". It makes me want to scream! I made a comment once and was asked "aren't there quilting or cooking boards for you to go to?" My response..... "are you intimidated that a women may know something about this sport?" Surely if it bothered him that much, it gives me pause for thought. Why is it so hard to believe for some men that a women may truly have passion for this game? Football is one of my greatest passions, and that was born from years of watching my father coach, and the years as a child he took me to see the Colts at Memorial Stadium. (Don't even get me started on Irsay) Anyway back to Boller, the kid has a great arm, and a strong spirit, I guess my whole point in all this is, if the team has faith in him and stands behind him, why can't the fans?