Archives for December 2006

‘The Ravens’ defense has yielded 24 points just once all season (in a 27-26 win over Tennessee). The past six games, the Ravens have allowed just five touchdowns and 9 ppg.’

‘Baltimore, 24-13.’

‘Taking into account his play over the last five seasons, Fletcher is among the most productive free agent signings ever by the Bills, right alongside Takeo Spikes, Ted Washington, Bryce Paup, Doug Flutie and Bill Brooks.’

‘”We have a great opportunity here to test ourselves against a team that has to win, or who has a lot of incentive to win,” said coach Dick Jauron. “They’re definitely a Super Bowl contender. We get a chance to play one of the best teams in the league, and we get a chance to compare ourselves individually and as a team against clearly a fine, fine playoff football team. We’re looking at it like we’re going into a playoff game. We really want to win.”‘

‘On the line is a .500 record, and 8-8 is better than 7-9 in anyone’s book.’

‘What did you know about Buffalo before you arrived? “I was actually thinking about that movie Unnecessary Roughness because Jim Kelly was in that movie, and then I thought about Thurman Thomas and the early years when they had the four Super Bowls. I just thought that I was going to a place that has a winning legacy and a lot of history. I looked up on the wall and saw all the great names up there like O.J. Simpson and Jim Kelly, all the great players here, so I was happy to come here.”‘

‘The whispers that keep Bills fans up at night are starting to get louder. Continually frustrated with the lack of progress on a new revenue-sharing agreement – which is vital to the Bills’ ability to stay in Western New York – Wilson has been quoted numerous times this season making comments about the uncertainty of the team staying put. “People in Buffalo should enjoy this team, because they’re pushing us out,” Wilson said threateningly after the Bills’ victory over the New York Jets in 14. Come this time in 2007, this story may make all others regarding the Bills seem meaningless.’

‘Buffalo’s player to watch: Robert Royal, TE.’

‘Included among that group are cornerback Nate Clements, linebacker London Fletcher and defensive end Chris Kelsay. Other players set to become unrestricted free agents are safety Coy Wire, cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas, guard Mike Gandy, running back Anthony Thomas and special teams ace Andre Davis.’

‘Lindell has made 23 of 25 field-goal attempts this season, tied with New Orleans’ John Carney for the third-best field-goal percentage in the league. Barring a disintegration today against Baltimore, Lindell will have made more than 80 percent of his field-goal attempts for three consecutive seasons. He made the last five field goals he attempted of 50 yards or more.’

‘Ravens, 17-13.’

Billick won’t win Coach of Year, but he’s worthy of praise (Baltimore Sun)

Linemen’s solid bond raises the unit’s stock (Baltimore Sun)

Motivated Ravens will leave Bills feeling black-and-blue (Baltimore Sun)

Ravens focus on peaking, not peeking (Baltimore Sun)

Ravens give fans a happy ending to 2006 (Baltimore Sun)

Ravens scouting report (Baltimore Sun)

Ravens hope to gain momentum for playoff run (Carroll County Times)

Edwards has 11 tackles for Ravens (Billings Gazette)

Quietly, Ravens are Super Bowl contenders (Wilmington News Journal)

Playoff Experience Abounds For Ravens (BaltimoreRavens.com)

‘”That’s what we’re trying to do, finish the season with a win and continue to build on what we’ve already established. That’ll be our goal,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “We know it will be a tough game against a very good football team, but our motivation is trying to finish the season 8-8.”‘

‘Little did Wilson realize, when he removed Donahoe the first week of January, that chaos was building momentum. Within a week of Levy’s hiring, head coach Mike Mularkey resigned with three years remaining on his contract. Within minutes of Mularkey’s departure, Levy, a modern-day Ponce de Leon, was angling for the head coaching job. Wilson ruled out the possibility at a news conference with an unequivocal "Absolutely not." Levy took the podium and spun an unmistakable "Maybe."’

‘”It’s good to know the organization has confidence in me to go out and run this offense,” said McNair, the former Tennessee Titans quarterback who will lead the Ravens (12-3) in their regular season finale on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills (7-8). “It’s also a plus for me to be a part of this football team because it has a lot of depth, has a lot of talent.”‘