Ravens to Move Training Camp to Owings Mills

In the words of Allen Iverson, "practice, we talking about practice." Baltimore Ravens fans are upset because the team has decided to change where they hold their training camp. For years, the team has held training camp in Westminster at McDaniel College. Due to the NFL lockout, they had to move it to their normal practice facility in Owings Mills. Due to the permits from Baltimore County, as of now fans are unable to attend. Many fans feel that they are losing a type of connection with the team. But what is more important here, watching the fans practice and getting an autograph, or when the season begins, cheering them on as they pummel the Pittsburgh Steelers at home 35-7? With the big picture being the Super Bowl, being well prepared is everything.

Former Ravens defensive tackle, Michael McCrary recently indicated the importance of facility in Owings Mills. He stressed the fact that there is a lot more equipment even pointing out the fact that there is no need for players to wait in line for a cold tub. McCrary also made fans aware of the limited amound of practices due to the new collective bargaining unit. So if there is less time for error. You have only a few times to get it right. As a fan, it is more important for the Ravens to practice in the best facility and recieve all the best treatment. Remember they still have their own radio shows, and they still are very active in the community. If this helps build a Super Bowl, well then practice in Owings  Mills, keep the fans out, and lets see winners in January and February.

Ravens Soar over the Texans at Home

With one of the most balanced attacks of the season, the Ravens defeat the Houston Texans at home 29-14.

With all the pressure from the front five coming his way, Joe Flacco was able to withstand the Wade Phillips defense and throw for another 300 yard game. Even though he did not throw for a touchdown, Flacco ended the game with a 60.6 completion percentage. However, he did throw an interception and was sacked twice.

The Ravens defense would not be denied. Ray Lewis led the team with 12 tackles including one sack. The defense finished with a total of four. Ben Tate and Arian Foster, who many knew would be keys for the Texans if they were going to win, were both shut down by the Ravens defense, only rushing for 41 and 49 yards.

The ground attack would be different for the Ravens. The team's leading rusher, Ray Rice finished with 101 yards, and backup running back, Ricky Williams scored his first touchdown as a Raven.

The Ravens also were able to attack the Texans in the passing game. Flacco found both Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith for tremendous plays. Boldin and Smith finished with 132 and 84 yards receiving.  Finally the city of Baltimore has been treated with an offense that can attack opponents with both a great ground game and passing game.

Next week the Ravens travel to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars, who were on the losing end to the Steelers (17-13), are a team who is clearly rebuilding with rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Ravens Eat the Jets before Takeoff

As the temperatures in Baltimore dropped below 50 degree, so would Mark Sanchez QB rating, as he finished with a 30.5 finishing up 11 for 35 with 119 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Lardarius Webb as the Ravens (3-1) defeat the New York Jets (2-2) 34-17.

On the Jets first possession of the game, Sanchez would drop back for his routine pass, only to find the ball being knocked out of his hands by the future Hall of Famer Ed Reed, and returned by Jameel McClain for the touchdown.

Sanchez would also find himself unable to handle the pigskin, as he fumbled the ball four times, three of which was lost, and two returned for a touchdowns. (Mcclain and Jarrett Johnson) This is certainly a game that he would like to forget.

Joe Flacco did not do much better. He was 10 for 31, for 163 yards, with an interception that was also returned for a touchdown. He finished with a QB rating of 37.4.

The Ravens would get some offense from their running game, as Ray Rice (66) and Ricky Williams (49) combined for 115 rushing yards. Rice would score the Ravens only offensive touchdown.

For the Ravens this game was all about their defense. They scored a franchised record three touchdowns. Throughout the night, the defense was aggressive, hitting Sanchez 10 times, and forcing three fumbles

The Ravens go into the bye week as the sole owner of first place in the AFC North. When they return from the bye week, they will face the red hot Houston Texans who defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10.

Week 4 NFL Predictions (Current Record 31-18)

Detroit at Dallas  Cowboys

 Carolina at Chicago  Bears

Buffalo at Cincinnati  Bills

Tennessee at Cleveland  Titans

Minnesota at Kansas City  Vikings

Washington at St. Louis  Redskins

New Orleans at Jacksonville  Saints

 Pittsburgh at Houston  Texans

 San Francisco at Philadelphia  49ers

NY Giants at Arizona  Giants

 Atlanta at Seattle  Falcons

Miami at San Diego  Chargers

New England at Oakland  Patriots

Denver at Green Bay  Packers

NY Jets at Baltimore  Ravens

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay  Buccaneers

Three years ago, the Baltimore Ravens had a ferocious defense that was coordinated by 300 plus bound cocky yet confident student of the game. Because of his success, this many was hired as a head coach. Leaving Baltimore with a few of the members of that defense, he was certain not leave that attitude. New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, anticipates this Sunday nights matchup against his former team. Last year in week one, his team, led by then sophomore quarterback  Mark Sanchez, fell short to the Ravens by just one point. Since Ryan's departure, he has reached the AFC Championship game twice, while the Ravens have failed to win in the divisional round both years. This game promises to be a defensive dogfight as it was a year ago, however, with the Ravens returning home they will play on a high level and earn the victory.

BDuB relfects NFL Week 1

Week 1 is the week that sets the standard for an NFL season.  Teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears both looked to rebound after a disappointing year. The Ravens knew that they would have to an immediate test. Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens passed the test with flying colors, defeating the Steelers 35-7, playing well on both sides of the ball. The Bears were tested with the NFC's regular season best from a year ago, the Atlanta Falcons. Everyone remembers that during the season the Falcons were almost unbeatable at home, but in Chicago, they were destroyed.

One quarterback exceeds his week one expectations, while another continues his dominance. Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback, Cam Newton exploded on the NFL scene with a record breaking performance passing for 422 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. This was the most passing yards for a rookie quarterback in their first game. Unfortunately, the Panthers fell short to the Arizona Cardinals 28-21. Until Monday night, Tom Brady had never threw for 422 yards. Brady, not to be outdone by anyone, threw for 517 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. This included a record tying touchdown reception from Wes Welker for 99 yards as the New England Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 38-24

With Peyton Manning out for several weeks recovering from neck surgery, the Indianapolis Colts knew that this would be a tough season. However, no one could have predicted a 34-7 lost against the division rival Houston Texans. Many people are predicting that this will be the year that the Texans overcome the Colts, and based on their performance in week one, it seems like they are well on a path to success.

Some new faces in new places were somethings that made week 1 exciting. Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that is a heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl, looked primed and ready. The Eagles went into St. Louis and hammered the Rams 31-13. As for the Rams, injuries look like they will take a tool on them this season, as Stephen Jackson left the game with an injury and Danny Amendola left the game and will miss the rest of the season due to injury. The Kansas City Chiefs made a lot of key additions to their team hoping to go further in the playoffs after winning the division title a year ago. What better way to start the season off, then against one of the NFL's laughing stocks, the Buffalo Bills? This game many consider a huge upset as the Bills pummeled the Chiefs 41-7.

Last but not least, The defending world champion, Green Bay Packers picked up where they left off. Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers was almost flawless with 312 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Packers defeat the New Orleans Saints 42-34. Drew Brees actually had a better passing game. He threw for 419 yards with three touchdowns. The Packers are the same team that won the Super Bowl after having numerous injuries occur on the team. The Packers are one of the favorites this year due to the fact they are coming back in full force.

The Main Eventers of the week was the Baltimore Ravens. They played almost perfect. Allowing the Pittsburgh Steelers to only score one touchdown is amazing. Most fans felt that this was deja vu all over again. Ravens lead at halftime, Steelers come back and edge out a victory. However, the Ravens made a statement. This is a new team. As the Ravens came out in the second half and proved to dominate, even adding a trick play,two point conversion, catching the Steelers off guard. The cornerstones of the Ravens franchise,Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata,Ed Reed,  Ray Rice, and Terrell Suggs all played exceptionally well. This Ravens team look like a Super Bowl team!