http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/3755 Recent articles about Frank Walker en-us Following two devastating losses in consecutive weeks - in two games the Ravens certainly feel like they should have won - things get no easier as the team hits the road for five of its next six games. The first of these games is against the Colts, and no reference to where they used to [...] Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:11:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/347643 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/347643 The departed voice of Brian Billick must have been echoing through the Castle last week. From the conservative game plan to the quarterback play to the 91 penalty yards, yesterday's 13-10 loss to the Titans reeked of Billick's remains. Blame the ref's all you'd like for the personal foul call on Terrell Suggs in the 4th quarter on 3rd and 10 with 5:53 remaining. Clearly it was a bad call. But the point is that the imploding Titans pulled themselves together long enough to drive down the field for the game winning touchdown. The Ravens defense was nowhere to be found on that last drive. Since none of us are mind readers, we have to assume that the Ravens could not mentally rebound from that horrible call. They got no pressure on the statue known as Kerry Collins. The tight end was open on nearly every play. The Ravens fell apart. Even Frank Walker, Mr. Dumb Penalty himself, can't be the scapegoat for this one. He actually played well once Fabian Washington left the game with an apparent wrist injury. This is the type of loss we've come to expect under former coach Brian Billick. It became clear yesterday that John Harbaugh's brand of discipline, team play concept and mental toughness have not yet undone the years of Brian Billick's anything goes mentality. If this keeps up, expect a roster overhaul in the off season. Harbaugh wants smart football players who won't let their emotions get the best of them. Joe Flacco, Harbaugh's first ever draft pick, exemplifies these qualities. While he showed us all how much of a rookie he truly is, enough can't be said for his poise after making a mistake. Yesterday was the first time he's made the same mistake multiple times in a game. Both of his interceptions (although it should have been three) came on bootlegs to the right. Flacco will learn to throw the ball away in those situations and not try to do too much. Even still, he displayed leadership in the huddle on each and every possession. The Ravens travel to Indianapolis next Sunday in the first must win game of the season, since the Steelers beat Jacksonville last night to improve their division lead. Despite Pittsburgh's multiple injuries, they keep finding ways to win. The same can be said for the Colts who have mastered the 4th quarter comeback this season. This does not bode well for Flacco's flock because giving away games late has been the Ravens m.o. Following the game against the Colts, the Ravens have four potentially winnable games before the schedule gets dangerous: at Miami, home against Oakland, at Cleveland and at Houston. Harbaugh needs to pull this team together and come up with a big win in Indy to keep hope alive for players and fans alike. It's too early to lower expectations… until at least next Sunday afternoon. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:17:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/345708 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/345708 The Steelers are going to have to throw the ball to beat the Ravens, and they will have somewhat of an edge in that area as Ravens CB Samari Rolle will miss the game with a shoulder and neck injury. The team has ruled him out for the contest, as he will join strong safety Dawan Landry and nose tackle Kelly Gregg on the sidelines. Another injury that could hurt the Ravens D is that of nickel back Fabian Washington, who is probable with a neck injury. It looks right now as if either Corey Ivy or Frank Walker would take the place of Washington. "Corey Ivy and Frank Walker have done an outstanding job," defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "So we're confident if Samari can't go, in goes those two guys. Fabian's progressing. That would be great to get him back also. That would be a bonus." The Steelers are without Willie Parker, so they are going to have to attack through the air if they want to get a win. While the offensive line is a mess right now, the Ravens secondary is going to be somewhat weak, so look for Ben Roethlisberger to try and attack players like Ivy and Walker with quick routes and the once in awhile long ball to try and spread the defense. Also look for Heath Miller, who has 9 catches in three games, to be more involved in the passing game as well. Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:13:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/340102 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/340102 Yesterday was to be the big chance that Troy Smith was waiting for. He would have the whole game to show the coaches why he should start this season under center. Instead Smith couldn't get out of bed and a shoulder injury to Kyle Boller allowed rookie Joe Flacco his chance to impress the judges. Not much changed. Flacco was pretty much a rookie during the contest. He threw balls high, got a bit excited and made a few mistakes. He did finally break the Ravens touchdown drought as he connected with Derrick Mason in the third quarter. He also went to the audible a few times, with success. The problem here is that on a night that was supposed to provide some answers the team is no closer to where it wants to be. Will Smith start against the Falcons this Thursday? How serious is Boller's shoulder? In should be cleared up in a few days but the Ravens offense still has looked rather weak and anemic to this point. The defense didn't look much better. The corners, Frank Walker and Corey Ivy were victimized most of the night but that's also due to the front four getting little to no pressure on Marc Bulger. He had time and had his way with the secondary as they broke their own streak with two touchdown strikes. The Ravens head back to M & T this Thursday to play the Atlanta Falcons in the final tune up before the season. Other Points of Interest - Tom Zbikowski was the star of the game. His blocked punt set up a field goal and he had an interception that the offense failed to capitalize on. He has been a solid hitter and with Reed's status in doubt. He could contribute on more than just special teams. - Terrell Suggs was back in uniform and didn't do all that much. Two tackles and no pressures of the quarterback. He needs a little time to shake of the dust. - Yamon Figurs at this point should be the 3rd receiver. Demetrius Williams can't seem to stay healthy and Figurs shows the only bit of scary playmaking burst of speed in the receiving corps. Figurs again was excellent in the return game and was even chasing down players on punt coverage. - As I watched the game on Baltimore's channel two play-by-play man Gerry Sandusky let out the slip of the night. After the interception, he mentioned that it set up great "field goal position", instead of field position. He was wrong about that anyway. They had to punt. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:08:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/311899 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/311899