Archive for John Harbaugh – Page 2

Nov
4

Ravens Injury Report

by Jeff Wolfson

The only injury worth noting this week is Haloti Ngata. Ngata left Sunday’s game with an ankle sprain. At first, I wasn’t worried about Ngata’s injury, but when John Harbaugh didn’t comment on the matter at Monday’s press conference it was telling. Of course Harbaugh divulges very little information on injuries until reports come out Wednesday.

Well, Wednesday is here and Ngata didn’t practice.

The problem, I think, is Ngata is a big man. His position is so demanding on his feet and ankles. Offensive linemen are always cut-blocking defensive players’ feet. Ngata needs to make sure he’s 100 percent healthy and if being held out of practice is the best way for him to be healthy, then I’m all for it.

The other players on the injury report were either sick or nursing minor injuries. The biggest concern is Ngata and I believe he will be able to play against the Bengals on Sunday.

0 Categories : NFL
Sep
12

A Quick Preview Of Ravens-Chiefs

by Jeff Wolfson

Like the title says this is going to be quick. Kansas City is obviously a team in transition and the Ravens, well, they’re supposed to be in transition too. However, the Ravens are not in transition. Baltimore seems to be a team that has it all together. Coming off of a season where they went to the AFC Championship game on the arm of a rookie quarterback and the strength of a ferocious defense. Let’s just say this doesn’t shape up well for the Chiefs.

Kansas City is going with a new head coach, quarterback and base defensive formation. In addition, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has been fired. Matt Cassel may not play which leaves Tyler Thigpen or Brodie Croyle to quarterback this ultra-young squad. That will spell trouble for Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. The Ravens defense also has a target on Johnson because he’s the last guy to rush for over 100 yards on them. Since that game in 2006, Baltimore’s defense hasn’t allowed a 100 yard rusher in 36 games. I think they stop Johnson in his tracks this week.

Baltimore’s first-string offense rolled this pre-season. Sophomore quarterback Joe Flacco completed an astounding 65 percent of passes in the exhibition games. I realize they were exhibition games, but he really looked very improved from last season. The wide receivers, if healthy, all catch the ball well and have the ability to make big plays. Like I said above, the Chiefs are in transition to a 3-4 scheme ffrom a 4-3 scheme so they may struggle in their first game. The offensive line that General Manager Ozzie Newsome and Harbaugh have put together is young and athletic. It could be a long day for Kansas City.

Prediction: Baltimore 27, Kansas City 3

0 Categories : NFL
Sep
9

A Further Look Into Tyree

by Jeff Wolfson

There’s been talk about the Ravens signing former Giants wide receiver, and Super Bowl hero, David Tyree. I’ve noticed a ton of talk by people saying he’s an extra receiver and I can’t disagree, but I was thinking there’s more to this move.

I keep reflecting on John Harbaugh’s background with the Philadelphia Eagles. Before he got the job as Baltimore’s head coach he was secondary coach to improve his chances, but he was a Special Teams Coordinator before that. The Ravens are now putting a strong emphasis on special teams as evidenced, in my mind, by keeping 10 linebackers. With the Giants, Tyree, beyond being a receiver, was a special teams ace.

My perception is that Tyree will indeed be a receiver, but only in emergency situations. Tyree’s real value to Baltimore, pending he signs some time this season, will come in the specialty situations. The special teams coverage would be fantastic with Brendon Ayanbadejo as one gunner and Tyree as the other gunner. The coverage teams would be even better than they were last season.

Another move I see the Ravens making is re-signing Lorenzo Neal. Neal helped the Ravens rushing offense become dominant once again last season. He has reportedly had talks with Baltimore about coming back. I’m looking forward to these possible moves. Should be fun.

0 Categories : NFL
Aug
16

Expectations High For 2009-2010 Ravens

by Jeff Wolfson

The Baltimore Ravens are going in to the second season of a revamped attitude away from the Brian Billick style of doing things and more toward the John Harbaugh way.

There are very few players on the roster that can feel they are threatened for a roster spot and competition, but most are in the defensive backfield, receiving corps and backup running back.

In the defensive backfield, I think the starters are questioned. Fabian Washington and free-agent acquisition Domonique Foxworth should start, while the nickel-back battle will take place between third-round pick Lardarius Webb and free-agent signee Chris Carr.
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0 Categories : NFL
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