Webster's Dictionary defines the word "domination" as "control or power over another or others and the exercise of such control or power." The Baltimore Ravens redefined the word as "defense."

That defense harassed Rams quarterback Gus Frerotte all game long, en route to recording five quarterback hits, 12 hurries, five knockdowns, four sacks, and six turnovers. The Ravens turned those statistics into a 19 point victory, crushing the Rams by a score of 22-3 for the 100th victory of their 12 year history.

Kyle Boller filled in for the injured Steve McNair (back), and overcame some early troubles in guiding the offense downfield with 184 yards (18 of 30) passing, with one interception. He set up Matt Stover for field goals on five occasions, all of which the ace kicker booted through, tying a personal and team record.

Willis McGahee (25 carries, 61 yards) found little running room, but he managed to fight his way for the team's only touchdown. McGahee had another tough touchdown run called back by one of Baltimore's six penalties.

Derrick Mason once again led the team in receptions, with five, good for 79 yards. One of those was a bullet from Boller for 28 yards. Mason continues to lead the NFL in total catches, with 49 on the season.

Summary:

This was perhaps the most complete game the defense has played since Opening Night. While they gave up yardage late in the game--playing in a prevent mode--this unit simply dominated St. Louis at the line of scrimmage.

The secondary played especially well, as the excellent coverage led to two of the team's four sacks; welcome back Samari Rolle!

A win in the NFL is vital, whether by one point or 21 points. The team is one game back from the division lead, with one game remaining before the bye week.

Up next is a trip to Buffalo to take on the Bills. It's time to find another way to win.

more here-

St. Louis (0-5) @ Baltimore (3-2)

This game is likely to be a battle of attrition, as both teams are suffering from the injury bug--a virus that is wreaking havoc through the NFL this season. Which team comes out victorious will be the team that gets inexperienced players to play the best above their proverbial heads.

One team is desperate for their first win of the season; the other is desperate for a score that does not come from a kick of the ball.



How They Match Up:

Rams' offense vs. Ravens' defense: Frerotte will lead the Rams' 27th-ranked offense, averaging 287.4 total yards per game, against Baltimore's fourth-rated overall defense.

In two games (one started), he has completed 55.1% of his passes for 281 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions: a passer rating of 67.6.

Just who will be catching passes from Frerotte is the question of the day. Wide receivers Isaac Bruce (15 catches, 203 yards), Torry Holt (28 catches, 351 yards, 3 TDs) and Drew Bennett (8 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD) are banged up and will be game-time decisions.

One of the replacements, Dane Looker (3 receptions, 19 yards) is out for the game, and Dante Hall (4 receptions, 27 yards), who is also the return specialist, is likely a game-time decision as well. If Hall cannot go, first year receiver Marques Hagans (1 catch for 11 yards) will fill in at wideout and will return kicks. Tight end Randy McMichael (12 catches, 146 yards, 1 TD) is likely to be the only experienced healthy body in the passing game.

Rookie Brian Leonard will lead the 21st-rated rushing attack of the Rams, averaging 91.6 yards per game, against the second-ranked run defense of Baltimore. He is taking over the backfield duties for injured starter Steven Jackson; he has carried the ball 38 times this season for 181 yards, plus 12 receptions for 75 yards.

St. Louis has given up 13 sacks, is averaging a time of possession of 29:22, and averages 14 points per game.

Baltimore's defense has allowed an average of 207.4 yards per game through the air, while giving up eight touchdowns to four interceptions, in addition to nine sacks on the season. Against the run, this unit is giving up an average of 66.6 yards per game, 2.9 yards per carry, and just one touchdown.

They allow an average time of possession of 25:16, and 19.4 points per game.

Ravens offense vs. Rams defense: Steve McNair is scheduled to make the start for Baltimore's 11th-rated total offense. McNair has completed 65.6% of his passes for 885 yards with two touchdowns, to two interceptions, in four games.

He is listed as a game-time decision and, if he cannot make the start, Kyle Boller (33 of 51, 287 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) will lead a Ravens offense that has averaged 233 yards per game through the air (10th).

Derrick Mason leads the club, and the league, with his 44 receptions, and leads the team with 372 yards and one score. Mark Clayton (10 catches, 81 yards) and Todd Heap (19 catches, 201 yards, 1 TD) are working through a host of injuries. Demetrius Williams leads the team in average yardage per reception, 13.9, on 16 catches for 222 yards. Second year tight end Quinn Sypniewski has 12 receptions for 80 yards, and one score.

Willis McGahee leads the Baltimore rushing attack, which averages 113.2 yards on the ground (14th). McGahee is currently third in the league in yardage, with 464 yards on 102 carries (4.5 yard average) and adds 143 yards and one touchdown on 18 receptions. Overall, the Ravens are second in the league in time of possession, at 34:44, but are averaging just 17.6 points per game (21st).

The Rams will counter with the league's 27th overall defense, which allows 356 total yards per game--210 yards per game through the air. Quarterbacks are completing 60.7% of their passes against St. Louis, while throwing seven touchdowns to three interceptions. The Rams have generated seven sacks.

St. Louis allows teams an average time of possession of 30:38, and 27.4 points per game.

Overall:

The Ravens own the NFL's best record at home since 2000, compiling a 44-14 mark, including a seven game regular season home winning streak. They are 1-2 against St. Louis, including an 0-2 mark under head coach Brian Billick.

In two road games this season, the Rams have been outscored 59-10 and have been outgained 824 yards to 432. In five games, Baltimore has scored just seven touchdowns, including a 5-for-16 mark in converting redzone opportunities into touchdowns.

Whether it is McNair or Boller starting at QB on Sunday, the Ravens must solve the riddle that is keeping them out of the endzone.

more here-

All righty then, I've been on a hiatus from blogging, the season is under way and between viewing, then reviewing the games each week and my family life, there just hasn't been much time left in my head. During my sabbatical from blogging, I have spent much time sifting through the Universe, not huddled in a room bent like a pretzel humming and sniffing fragrant scents nor hobbling around the globe. Not that there's anything wrong with that mind you, but one can learn much from the Constellations when listening.

Let me tell you, as I said earlier, I have been visiting with the constellations, Lacerta, Cygnus and Cassiopeia are not happy. Andromeda is indifferent in this matter, she likes to play with people's minds and yes, their lives. (shhh-she is craaazy)...

Any how, they brought me back to my time as a young man setting out to learn the game of football. Not just the proper techniques when blocking or tackling (hint- Trent Green, that was quite possibly the worst cross body block ever attempted), rather the meaning of the game; Sportsmanship. Webster's dictionary defines the terms as- the character, practice, or skill of a sportsman AND perhaps more importantly- sportsmanlike conduct, as fairness, courtesy, being a cheerful loser, etc.

Now, I am not an expert in football, but I did stay at a Holiday inn Express. OK, an over used lame joke, sorry. Seriously, I was taught by my father, grandfather, two older brothers and numerous coaches including my first pee-wee coach-Butch Cunningham- that if you can not win with fairness and courtesy, the win was tainted. I learned this at the age of seven and it carried with me for my entire life since, some 34 more years.

How serious did I and do I take sportsmanship? I won my team's equivalent of the MVP award my senior season, the George H Clarke Jr. award. Mr. Clarke had died before I was given the award, but his wife made certain to attend the ceremony and seek me out afterward. She was a very nice lady who told me her husband took sportsmanship seriously, fair play, courteous play, seriously and wanted to ensure I would carry on his heart, his will, his desire for fair play.

I've since moved on from playing the game, I sort of cover it, via my blogs and articles. Still, to this day, I try to be courteous, fair in all facets of my life and with all the awards I have won over the years, the George H Clarke Jr. award, means the most to me.

We have been seeing certain things in the NFL for years; coaches waiting until just prior to a snap, seconds, milliseconds on some instances, staring at the center and holder, timing when the ball will b snapped, with the coach's timeout. I understand that this is a game, that the coaches are trying to "freeze" or throw off the kicker, the snapper, the holder or even one of the blockers in an attempt to win the game. For me, this is simple. What is the coach's objective? To spoil the play, fool someone into thinking something that will cause a play to fail, yes?

Well then, the NFL has long since banned the fake snap calls by the defensive players. See, in noisy stadiums, offensive tackles cannot hear the snap count so some of them just listen for the first set of sounds. The defense knew this and would try, will try, to get them to flinch with a fake, hut, hut-hut-hut, hut from time to time. This may sound odd, but the NFL does have a rule about purposely deceiving the other team. Yeah, that is the job of both units, let the other team think you are doing one thing and do another. It falls under the Fair play Conduct of rules.

The NFL must step up here and stop this nonsense of calling a timeout a millisecond before the snap. There was a time when a coach was allowed to call three timeouts in a row before a field goal. The NFL put a stop to that after years of complaints. Now it is time to bring back fair play into the league, they stopped the video-gate, they stopped the fake calls (for the most part) they even stopped the linemen from using cooking spray on their unirforms and stick-em on their hands.

This year alone we have watched no less than three games where a coach timed his quest to deceive the kicking team. Some have worked, last night it did not.

Oh, how does a team turn the ball over six times, allow just 229 total net yards, hold their opponent to three of 13 on third conversions, not allow an offensive touchdown and yet still win? Ask Andromeda, as I said, she likes to play with people's minds...

Baltimore went out to San Francisco looking for their first road win of the season. After dominating the first half, but only managing two field goals, they hung on for a 9-7 victory.

Breakdown:

This game was once again closer than it should have been. The 49ers had just 38 total net yards, one first down, and no net passing yards in the first half. The Ravens held the battle in time of possession.

Once again, though, the team struggled in the redzone. There, where they went 0-2, McNair appeared to freeze up. He rushed his throws, failing to exploit man-to-man coverage when given the chance. The Ravens' offense had 198 total net yards in the first half, yet could manage just two field goals.

Yes, it is wise to end every series with a kick--an extra point, a field goal or a punt. However, an NFL quarterback is paid to make difficult throws, whether it be splitting two defenders, dropping a pass behind a linebacker and in front of a safety, or giving your receivers a chance to make a play in man-to-man coverage downfield.

McNair tried to go deep three times in this game, once resulting in a questionable pass interference call. The other two times he was wildly off the mark, too cautious with his passes.

In one instance, he had Williams on a deep post pattern with the defender three steps in front of the receiver. McNair had plenty of time in the pocket and chose to "chicken out", deciding to throw the ball out of the endzone. On the play, the safety had vacated the middle and the linebackers had taken short drops. All McNair had to do was take a little "mustard" off of the throw and allow Williams to come back for the pass.

At the very least, he should have given him a chance.

In another instance, McNair had Williams deep down the left sideline, three steps in front of the defender. Once again, the safety on that side was in another area and, instead of throwing the ball in the field of play where Williams had a real chance to make the catch, McNair chose to throw it out of bounds.

There were several other occurrences when the defense was in man-to-man coverage, where the receiver had position and McNair had time. Unfortunately, he only chose to check down to other receivers, making the "safe" pass. Fans might want to jump on the playcalling; however, if the quarterback is unwilling to challenge man-to-man coverage downfield, the playcalling is not the issue.

This team could realistically be undefeated right now, if the offense could simply find the endzone. In every game that McNair has started this season, he has moved the team quite well "between the twenties," but has locked onto receivers in the endzone, failing to finish off drives.

Either McNair regains his courage to throw downfield, or a change at the position is warranted. This team cannot continue to struggle in the redzone, or dink-and-dunk its way down the field, only to settle for field goals.

Defensively, this was almost a perfect game. Outside of two plays, they simply imposed their will against a lesser opponent, controlling the line of scrimmage.

Some will place blame on Chris McAlister for the 23-yard touchdown to Arnaz Battle; however, McAlister had perfect position, turned the receiver to the middle--where he was supposed to have help. Scott failed to get a deep enough drop to clog the passing lane, though, to possibly prevent the perfectly placed pass.

Derrick Martin was simply beat by a faster man one play earlier, on the 42-yard strike to set up the score. Players are paid to make exceptional plays, and the 49ers did (twice)--unlike the Ravens' offense.

More on the site-

Baltimore (2-2) @ San Francisco (2-2)

The Ravens fell behind 14-0 early in their game last week in Cleveland and while they never had to call on punter Sam Koch, they were unable to overcome the deficit, losing to the Browns, 27-13. Baltimore will be looking for their first road win of the season as they travel to San Francisco to take on the Forty-niners who lost their starting quarterback, Alex Smith (shoulder), last week and went down in defeat to the Seahawks, 23-3.

These two teams last met in 2003 where Baltimore dominated San Fran, 44-6. The Ravens are 1-1 lifetime and 0-1 against the 49ers in San Francisco.

Overview-

Baltimore is 6-1 following a loss dating back to the 2005 season and holds the second best record in the NFL since 2000 after a loss (30-14) - Denver holds the best record (28-12). They have outscored NFC teams 416 to 245 in the last 15 games played and have averaged 27.3 points per game in 17 contests against the NFC- the 3rd-best figure in the AFC.

Even so, while this offense has moved the ball well between the twenties- 4th most first downs (86) in the NFL- 53 of which have come passing -and is tied for the second most 3rd down conversions (29) in the league- they have stalled in the redzone.

The Ravens have had 14 possessions inside the opponent's 20-yard line this season and have converted just 35% of those possessions (five) into touchdowns. The normally stingy defense in the redzone has also faltered, allowing five touchdowns in nine attempts-55.9%- 25th worst in the league.

In essence, both sides of the ball, especially the offense, must to find a way to finish off drives with touchdowns in lieu of field goals.

San Fran has allowed teams to convert redzone opportunities into touchdowns 42% of the time (6 of 14). While their offense has had limited chances in the redzone, they have scored a touchdown in three of seven attempts or 42%.

more on the site-

Ok, so I may be in the minority here and frankly, that is fine. No, I am not a fan of cheating, nor am I a fan of the New England Patriots, though I did stay at a Holiday Inn express in MA one time...

Coaches, for centuries, have been stealing signals, in every sport that employs them, in every level of the game. Sure, their methods may be different, ok, they are different, but their motives are the same; get an edge on your opponent.

High schools send out scouts to look over opposing teams! Pop Warner leagues do the same!

These scouts don't go to practices with the intention to just write down the actual, real heights and weights of the opposing players. They copy down plays, key plays, formations, schemes and yes, calls defenses make and audibles offenses make.

Every team is "doing it" in one form or another, why do you think head coaches or offensive coordinators cover their lips, have a player "hide them during games when they are calling plays? Oh, because the Pats were video taping, the defensive signals, this is wrong? How is video taping wrong, but writing down these signals, or plays, or schemes, right?

Football is- plain and simple- a hat on a hat game. You beat the man in front of you more times than he beats you, your team wins. Defenses have 11 players trying to stop the ball, offenses have- realistically- 10 players trying to advance the ball (the quarterback is rarely asked to block). Is that fair? Should we add another player to the offense to even things out? Do we order teams to not write down signals, plays, schemes, or worse yet, how could they, watch film of the other team to prepare a game plan!

I get it, the Pats had a coach or assistant video tape the other team in previous years, were told not to "do that again" and "did it again." Well Coach B, "no soup for you, come back Thursday of next year."

Seriously, I have read and heard people try to compare this to the steroids in baseball. I'm not kidding, saying this will tarnish football, the NFL, the way "roids" have baseball, MLB. Get a grip people, for years defenses knew what was coming, but still could not stop it. Likewise, offenses knew what defenses were going to do and yet still failed to score.

This is a very good read on the good, George is trying to do. Give it a few minutes, help out if you can. For me, the good NFL and former NFL players do, does not get near enough attention..

A Long Walk for Those Who Responded to 9/11

If you're a Giants football fan, you remember George Martin. As a defensive end and tricaptain of the 1986 Giants along with Harry Carson and Phil Simms in their Super Bowl XXI victory, Martin tackled Broncos quarterback John Elway in the end zone for a safety. Over his 14 seasons, his six touchdowns (three on interception returns) set a National Football League record for a defensive lineman. Coach Bill Parcells considered him a pillar of locker room leadership.

And on Martin's way to and from the practice field outside Giants Stadium, he couldn't help but see and marvel at the twin towers of the World Trade Center across the Hudson River.

On the evening of Sept. 10, 2001, Martin, returning from a business trip, was on a jetliner about to land at Newark Airport when the woman sitting next to him mentioned that she was visiting the New York area for the first time.

"See the twin towers over there," Martin told her, pointing toward the New York skyline. "Be sure you go down to Lower Manhattan to see them up close."

Are you certain you are ready for pro football? Can you handle the heat, humidity, braving on through double sessions? Can your brain handle not only learning the plays and schemes of your team, but also run them when tasked with running the scout team? Oh, one more thing, wecome to the NFL rookie...

As the coaches left the huddle to sign autographs on the last day of training camp, the veteran players stuck around. Several of the rookie players tried to be sneaky by stripping off their jerseys and slinking off to the autograph line to avoid the ritual indoctrination that was about to ensue.

To set the stage, Justin Bannan took control of one golf cart, with Kelly Gregg riding shotgun, while Jarret Johnson rode in the back. The three men rode circles around the field, herding rookies to other veteran players. The sight of the three large men testing the tensile strength of the cart as they encircled the field, looked like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.

Clarence Moore and Mark Clayton tried to corral their fellow receiver Damien Linson, but the rookie was too quick. He easily got away, leaving his jersey behind and heading over to sign autographs for the fans alongside coach Billick.

Trevor Pryce stalked the field continually shouting, "Get another one [player]! Tie his hands, bind his feet!"

The fastest man on the team, Figurs, wasn't fast enough to elude Clayton or Moore and subsequently became the annual training camps hazing ritual's first victim.

More here...

Ok, I promised an up-date on Troy for those Buckeye & Smith fans out there unable to see the game. Yes, by now you have looked up his stats (27.27 completion rate and a passer rating of -gulp-39.9, but was he that bad? I'm not going to sugar this, out side of two nice swing passes and a very headsie scramble up the middle to gain 10 yards and extend a drive, if you saw him play at THE Ohio State, you would not have thought this was the same player.

While Smith (three of 11 for 34 yards) was harassed most of his time in the game, didn't have the best blockers in front of him, there is no denying that he looked too pumped up. Aside from two swing passes with good touch, most every other pass was rocketed to his intended receiver, making catches, near impossible. There were occasions when he moved well in the pocket to find a clear passing lane, bought time and had open men. Yet he would rocket the ball, leading to high passes. His rookie counter part on the Eagles, Kevin Kolb, looked more like the former Heisman Trophy winner than Smith did and Kolb had purple bodies flying all around, from all angles. Smith did have a nice scramble up the middle to pick up a much needed first down, but he rarely showed composure.

Frankly, I expected a little more out o him, based on his improvement over the past two weeks in camp. Perhaps it was the lights, the cameras, the 65,000+ fans cheering that "forced" him to replicate the plays at THE Ohio State, be all, do all, all the time.

Yes, he was victimized by a drop pass, one, and even that one was thrown too hard and behind the receiver. Yes, it was a pass Damien Linson could have caught, maybe should have caught, but that that is another story and does not take away from his poor play.

Even so, it was just one game, a learning experience for Troy and every other player on both teams. If they can fix the mistakes and play better in the next game, that shows just as much to the coaches as a person who plays well in every game. Learning, the ability to learn and not repeat the same mistakes is part of growing, in life and in the NFL. If we don't make mistakes, it is difficult to learn. Me, I'm more afraid of the person who has never made a mistake, there is a first time for everything and his or her first mistake could be a fumbled snap on a game winning field goal...The horror!

Yes, Drew Olson had one poor play where he was flushed from the pocket, sacked and fumbled (recovered by the Ravens). Other than that, he looked calm, poised, in control, maneuvering inside the pocket to get clean looks, touch on passes and velocity as warranted. He completed seven of nine passes for 84 yards and one score, a passer rating of 142.6.

Yes, it was in the fourth quarter of the first preseason game against players who may or may not be in the league in two weeks. However, he also had the same level of talent on his team as he played against, so it evens out.

Troy had his first taste of NFL action, the key is not necessarily how well he did, rather how well he learns from this game, how he handles the hard criticism from his coaches, the local media and the fans until he can re-take the field and erase his play from this game.

For now, a couple of much needed days off, then back to the grind....We ares till uploading videos from the past two weeks of camp, but there are close to 300 up now, I hope you enjoy-

Well, it certainly has been a while since my last real blog. Training camp has kept me quite busy, between reports, pictures and videos being put up on our site and family life, I've been wiped out. The last time we "spoke" I touched on Troy Smith and the expected struggles a rookie quarterback has assimilating to the NFL. Between learning the verbiage of an NFL offense, acclimating with new teammates and learning to read the complex looks of a pro defense compared to college, not too mention the difference in speed and talent, most young quarterbacks struggle in their first week of camp.

Troy was certainly no different. While he did have some great plays, the number of head scratchers certainly out weighed the wow factor scale. Troy has been putting in serious time in the film room, paying close attention to not only his coaches and the advise from Steve McNair and Kyle Boller, but also watching the two veterans in action against the league's number one defense.

Last week, Troy would hesitate just a split second to launch a pass, the result sin college are usually a completion with little yards after the catch. In the NFL however, it ends up being an incompletion, a tipped pass or worse, an interception. The speed of defenses, the abilities of the defenders are just that much better than at the college ranks.

In the first week of camp, during skell or 7 on 7 drills, here you can see Troy not trusting his eyes, delaying for just a split second and the pass, almost being picked.

http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/7-on-7_drills_20070730652/

Later on that week, Smith fails to maneuver in the pocket during a live scrimmage, to find a clean look and passing lane, instead, forcing a pass over the middle, late. Any quarterback will tell you, when you throw over the middle, late, bad things happen. Troy finds this out, fortunately, it is only practice...

http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/troy_smith_picked_by_ronnie_ prude_20070731701/

These are just two plays, and yes, Troy did have success in the first week, but the head scratchers clearly tipped the wow factor scale against Troy.

This week, after a scrimmage, after more studying and another week of getting to know his teammates, young Mr. Smith looked more relaxed in practice. This was evident in his play on the field.

As you will see

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v160/ravenatic/?action=view¤t=7on7-TroyS mithtoMattWillis-td.flv

during the skell scrimmage, troy doesn't hesitate, he calmly looks over the defense and fires to the open man, before the defense can react. The pass looks off target, but it is thrown away from the safety ( Ed Reed) where only his receiver ( Matt Willis) can make the catch. If Smith had thrown it more inside, Reed easily has the interception, at best, the pass falls incomplete.

Later on that day during the live scrimmage, Troy again trusts what he sees and makes the right throw.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v160/ravenatic/?action=view¤t=Thirdteam- TroySmithtoDamienLinson-t.flv

Again, these are just samples of Troy's play, but this past week, the good plays far out weighed the bad ones, showing the improvement in Smith. Does this indicate Troy is going to be a good to great NFL quarterback? Not at all, nor do they show he will be a poor quarterback either...

The first preseason game for the Baltimore Ravens is tonight. Generally speaking, Brian Billick, as with most coaches, doesn't keep his starters in for very long. Smith should see extensive playing tonight, albeit against players who may or may not be in the NFL or at least not starting any time soon. Still, tonight will be a step down the road to see if Troy can make the transition to the NFL.

For the fans of Smith out there, if you can not see the action, stay tuned to this blog, tomorrow I will give another up-date or head on over the ExtremeRavens.com for more information on tonight's game.

Streams of cars and SUV's pour into the player's parking lot. One player delays pulling completely into his parking space, which causes a long line of traffic to form. Another player gets impatient as a horn is heard echoing the campus of McDaniel College. Meanwhile, a similar scenario plays out in the fan's parking area.

The fans, like the players, are anxious to get to their destination and commence with the entertainment. While the players will be providing that form of art to the fans, it is a symbiotic relationship the two seemingly diverse groups share. The fans, in their varied attire and painted faces, with their cheers of appreciation and well wishes, also provide a service for the players. Without one, it is debatable if there could be the other.

Yes, it is Sunday morning, the day of rest and worship for many, but today, there is no rest for those who flock to training camp each day. On this day, those numbers would be smaller than past days, perhaps reaching as high as 1,500, but the entertainment the faithful who showed up today would find, would be well worth giving up a day of rest.

With the first preseason game on the horizon, players came out in shorts and helmets. The practice would simply be a glorified walk through with as little contact as possible when big bodies get together.

Corey Ivey, going into his seventh year in the league, was the first one out of the locker room, just as he has done since the beginning of camp. He was joined by Evan Oglesby, Ronnie Prude and Jamaine Winborne as the inseparable quartet worked on technique and got a jump on stretching for the day's events. The younger players cling to Ivy, sharing personal stories and soaking in every bit of knowledge the veteran can offer.

Soon thereafter, the rest of the young defensive players come roaring out of the locker room, accompanied by their coaches. The defensive linemen and linebackers joke around with line coach Clarence Brooks and linebackers coach Mike Pettine, as Brooks tosses a ball to one of the players, the player throws it back. Before you know it, a game of Hot Potato is underway and the players swarm the coach as the ball reaches his hand.

While this game is going on, Ivy brain storms with his fellow defensive backs. They devise a game with a few of the receivers that have come out early, including Clarence Moore, Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton.

Each player would switch positions with the receivers becoming defensive backs and visa versa. Ivy at first plays quarterback as Chris McAlister goes up against Mark Clayton. McAlister put on a perfect double move then broke deep. Ivy hit him perfectly for a make shift touchdown, leaving Clayton in the dust.

Next up was Oglesby against Mason, again Ivy threw a perfect pass as Oglesby tried to run a crossing pattern. Mason would not be fooled and knocked the ball away. The players mulling around the fields caught wind of the action and cheered their teammates on while more of the receivers joined the action.

After another great route by McAlister, who once again lost Clayton, this time on a crossing route, Mason and Ivy paired up. Ivy ran down the make shift field, cut inside then bounced out. Mason was right on his heels and just as Ivy caught the ball, Derrick picked his pocket and ran down the sidelines for a would-be touchdown. The players and fans erupted in cheers, and then the players resumed their real positions and drills.

It was clear that the defensive backs won this mock game. If the team ever gets in a pinch for secondary help, Derrick Mason would make a great stand in. Likewise, McAlister would make a formidable receiver if the need should ever arise.

More on the site...Along with over a hundred videos of camp up through today.

Well, after two days of camp, I must say, my jones is getting its fix. Great action out at Ravens camp in Westminster, Maryland. So many are interested in how Troy is doing, I thought I would share my impressions, along with a few on some other young players as well.

First, keep in mind, any rookie quarterback is going struggle in the first few days of training camp. It is the first live action with the entire team on the field they have seen and at a much faster pace than they saw in college. Troy is doing pretty much what one should expect from a rookie; thinking too much.

In drills with no rush, no defenders, he throws a great ball, very catch-able for the receivers and mostly in a place to make the catch much easier. However, once the defense is added, even in just seven on seven drills, his hesitation becomes very evident.

Here in yesterday's action is just one example of what I am talking about. Smith leads his receivers against the Ravens first unit, the back seven.

http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/7-on-7_drills_20070730652/

Before we dive into it any further, let me add, he is very attentive in practice, hanging on every words of wisdom from the coaching staff to several veteran players. Now, as you see in the video, his passes are late, often times to the wrong man, not reading the coverage properly. Thrown earlier, this might be a completion, at least he would have given his man a chance to make the catch. Late, the pass is behind or too high and the ball is tipped away.

In today's action, Troy did the same thing; only this time, it leads to two interceptions. (videos of today's action being up loaded as we speak). Yesterday he struggled with every pass, near or far, sideline of middle of the field. Today, his passes to the flat were much better, though he needs a little more zip on them. At this level, most safeties and corners will pick that pass off if it is not thrown hard enough.

Troy's biggest challenge this summer, this year, will be to learn how to read the various looks an NFL defense will give him. He has one of the best teachers in his own starting defense. No team disguises their coverages or offers the most coverages as the Ravens. He should easily acclimate to the speed of the NFL, but can he digest the defenses will take time to answer.

Former Maryland Terp Jared Gaither watched his stock in the supplemental draft drop all the way to the fifth round. Most looked at him as a major project that would need plenty of codling to become an NFL linemen. Two days into camp, Gaither has thus far dispelled those rumors.

He is very energetic, hard working and yes, seeking out every available person to learn his craft. He has already registered a couple of pancake blocks. While Jared has been beaten at times, he has also dominated the likes of Terrell Suggs on a few occasions. Currently, Gaither is running with the second unit at left tackle and doing quite well for him self, receiving high praise from his teammates and coaches.

Well, after two long days at camp, it's time to rest up for another day of action. Tomorrow more updates and videos featuring the young players vying to make an NFL roster.

Man this wait is killing me, it brings me back to the time of my youth, awaiting Santa Clause. Ok, Ole Saint Nick is not real, but the start of Baltimore Ravens training camp is. With it comes the knowing, that the season of the greatest sport man has invented is near at hand as well.

Great plays, nail biting games, hard hits, incredible runs and unbelievable catches are just around the corner.

Camp, unlike the games, offers a little more to us, the fans. I say that only because camps have close to or over 100 players on each team, vying to make a name for them selves, either with the team they are currently with or building a video resume for other teams.

Here last year- http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/rufus_skillern_makes_a_diffi cult_catch_20060809500/

You will see a young man by the name of Rufus Skillern make a difficult catch with a defender draped all over him. Skillern was not able to make the team, but he worked hard each day.

Romby Bryant also gave his best effort and if roster spots were not so dire last year, I think he had a real chance. This kid has a great pair of hands...http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/romby_bryant_hauls_i n_a_touchdown_pass_20060809493/

Yes, this one was an "easy" catch, but he made several eye popping receptions last summer. Both players were fan friendly and a pleasure to meet.

Coming into the league, Even Oglesby was thought to be too small and need far too much time to develop. He was a long shot to make the team, but plays like this one-

http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/evan_oglesby_tips_away_a_pas s_20060809491/

Ensured his position last year and he went on to make some solid contributions on the Ravens, helping them to achieve a 13-4 (including the playoffs) record.

Some players have outstanding camps, give the fans a good show and build confidence in them selves, and with the coaches. But they struggle to translate those performances to the game field. One player with such a "problem" is receiver Devard Darling. Here you can see him take advantage of his speed & quickness, plus the inexperience of the undrafted rookie.

http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/devard_darling_makes_a_great _move_20060807453/

Other players have the clear talent, but lack discipline. Over the years, coaches have told me they would rather have a player who worked hard, paid attention and kept their cool but had "less" talent over a talented player with no real work ethic.

One such player comes to mind; BJ Ward. This kid has the speed, power, quickness and instincts to play in the NFL. What he lacked, was discipline. Last summer, the coaches tried everything to bring him around, but each time they reached out a hand in good faith, he slapped it a way.

Here- http://extremeravens.com/multimedia/videos_and_film/bj_ward_called_for_interfere nce_20060807455/

Ward is in tight coverage during one of the practices that involved officials. Each year, all the teams bring in officials to help the players get used to any new rules or any rule that will be more enforced in the coming season. This was just one occasion where Ward lost his cool because of a suspect flag. There were three such instances, Coach Billick even tried to speak with about this "anger issue", but that resulted in BJ losing his cool, yelling at the coach and being suspended from camp. Later he was released.

So much fun awaits for the fans, so much hard work for the players. These are just a few of the hundreds of videos we put up each year of camp, this year, we will continue the exclusive trend. If you are like me and "jones" for camp, feel free to brouse our video vault, linked here...

All right-ie then, with all of the hubbaloo in the NFL about this player getting suspended or that player being fined, I thought it would a positive vibe to touch on the good being done by players throughout the NFL.

Camp has started for some teams, about to start for others, so why not get things rolling with good karma...

Naturally, since I am a fan of the Baltimore Ravens, we will start with some charity work the Organization and the players are in volved with..I request each of the other bloggers who cover their favorite NFL team to do the same; come, you have good in your hearts!

Among the Baltimore Ravens' current charitable partners:

Aunt Hattie's Place - A residential home for boys aged 9-18, Aunt Hattie's Place provides the young men with a total "Wrap Around year-round home-like environment." Such an environment includes a nurturing, stable home and educational, medical and clinical services.

Boys Hope Girls Hope - Boys Hope Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated children in need to meet their full potential and become men and women for others by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities and education through college.

Living Classrooms - The educational campus in downtown Baltimore provides hands-on education and job training, focusing on at-risk youth and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Paul's Place Outreach Center - A full service facility which serves the residents of "Pig Town," in southwest Baltimore. Programs and services include a hot lunch program, women's and men's support groups, an after school program and a clothing bank.

Kyle Boller, Kyle Boller Fund

The Kyle Boller Fund was established in June 2005 to allow the quarterback to streamline his community efforts. Hailing from a family of firefighters (father, grandfather, great-grandfather, three uncles), Boller will help families of firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, in addition to promoting fire safety and assisting active duty Baltimore area firefighters and policemen.

Mark Clayton, Mark Clayton Foundation

The mission of the Mark Clayton Foundation is to be dedicated in serving the community by promoting a road of positive choices and relating the importance of establishing goals for our youth while empowering their minds to be successful.

For more information, visit www.clayton89.com.

Devard Darling, As One Foundation



The mission of the As One Foundation is to provide underprivileged youth, both nationally and internationally, with more educational and developmental opportunities through athletic endeavors, educational programming, and spiritual enrichment.

For more information, visit www.asonefoundation.org.

Matt Katula, The Katula #70 Foundation



The Katula #70 Foundation exists to provide for the growth and development of community sports programs. The nonprofit organization intends to help children that need financial support and guidance to achieve their goals.

For more information, visit www.perfectlaces.com.

Ray Lewis, Ray Lewis Foundation



The Ray Lewis Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation whose mission is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth. Ray has built a strong reputation on and off the field as a leader who cares enough to get things done. Since Ray first arrived in Baltimore, he has been a community staple when it pertains to helping the youth. Annually, Ray hosts a back to school kickoff event, the Ray Lewis Great Maryland Duck Derby, a Thanksgiving donation to 440 of Baltimore's neediest families and a Holiday Gift Marketplace where youth can "shop" for gifts for themselves and loved ones.

For more information, visit www.raylewis52.com.

Derrick Mason, Derrick Mason Foundation



The Derrick Mason Foundation was established to provide at-risk children and families in the Nashville area with opportunities to pursue their dreams. The foundation will provide interactive programs and events that directly benefit children who face serious challenges in their lives such as mental and/or physical challenges or the environment in which they live.

Chris McAlister, Chris McAlister Foundation



The Chris McAlister Foundation exists to improve the lives of youth and families in Baltimore, Maryland and McAlister's hometown of Pasadena, California, through programs focusing on basic physiological, safety, belonging and esteem needs. The foundation hosts several events each year, including a Halloween Party for 210 Baltimore youth, a Thanksgiving dinner distribution to 210 families and holiday donations across the area. Charities include the Baltimore City Police Athletic League, Aunt Hattie's Place, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland and the Echo House Multi-Service Cultural Center.

For more information, visit: www.chrismcalister21.com/foundation.html.

Steve McNair, Steve McNair Foundation



The Steve McNair Foundation is dedicated to serving underprivileged children through programs that focus on inspiring and empowering today's youth to better utilize the educational and civic opportunities available to them. The Steve McNair Foundation also provides financial support to non-profit agencies that promote self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth among children, as well as many other charitable organizations.

For more information, visit www.OfficialSteveMcNair.com.

Jonathan Ogden, Jonathan Ogden Foundation



Ogden helps students in inner-city schools achieve their full potential through athletics and education. Ogden established the Ogden Club to get high school students involved in community service. The Ogden Club also hires tutors to work with Baltimore City high school athletes; athletes, in turn, tutor elementary school students.

For more information, visit www.JonathanOgdenFoundation.org.

Ed Reed, Eye of the Hurricane Foundation

Ed Reed established the Eye of the Hurricane Foundation to give back to his community. In addition to holding football camps at Destrehan (LA) High School and assisting youth in his hometown, Ed adopted Booker T. Washington Middle School in Baltimore. He visits the school regularly and provides tickets to students for Ravens home games.

Samari Rolle, Rolle With Me Foundation



The Rolle With Me Foundation, veteran cornerback Samari Rolle's charitable arm, provides helping hands to those in need. With funds raised through several annual events, the non-profit organization purchases Thanksgiving dinners for families in need, provides equipment for youth athletic leagues and donates book bags and school supplies to underprivileged children.

Bart Scott, A Son Never Forgets Foundation

The mission of the organization is to assist individuals (and their families) who are suffering with significant medical conditions, specifically paraplegia. Scott is additionally involved in the community, adopting Belmont Elementary in Baltimore, running programs to assist homeless men on the road to recovery and reentry into society, and hosting a holiday party for youth in Baltimore.

For more information, visit www.madbacker.net.

Matt Stover, Matt Stover Foundation



The mission of The Matt Stover Foundation is to provide financial support to qualified organizations for charitable, religious, scientific and educational purposes.

For more information, visit www.MattStoverFoundation.org.

Daniel Wilcox, Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. Foundation



The mission of the Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. Foundation (Motivating and Inspiring Neighborhoods Determined to Succeed) is to open up the horizons of disadvantaged youth in the inner city. The foundation partners with schools and community based organizations to set up programs to increase youth access to reading materials, technology, and cultural opportunities.

Brian Billick, Living Classrooms Foundation

The Living Classrooms Foundation provides hands-on education and job training, focusing on at-risk youth and groups from diverse backgrounds. The Foundation provides educational programs, emphasizing math, science, language arts, history, economics and ecology.

As you can see, there is a lot of "GOOD" going on with this and every other team. We only hear about the bad, mostly, with barely a few seconds given to the work these hard working people do and that is on our local news stations.

Well done and a big THANK YOU to all the players, front office personnel, Owners and their staff for their dedication to the Communities.

Well done by the Wizzard of Oz, Ozzie Newsome and his staff. First round draft pick, Ben Grubbs, slated to compete for the starting right guard position with Keydrick Vincent and Chris Chester, signs a deal worth $11 million and includes $5.22 million in guarantees.

This move leaves just one player from this year's draft class for Baltimore, left to sign; fullback Le'Ron McClain who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 draft.