Happy Birthday America!!! I hope every-one has a safe and wonderful July 4th. But without any further ado, here's today's fresh-hot "Cup of Joe"!!!

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens Look for Successor to Safety Ed Reed | Bleacher Report

The Baltimore Ravens' first two selections in the 2011 NFL Draft were savvy picks, grabbing a top corner in Jimmy Smith and a potential diamond in the rough in Maryland receiver Torrey Smith. But there are still questions to be answered.

Stallworth has mixed feelings about Ravens season

Donte' Stallworth is eternally grateful for how the Baltimore Ravens gave him a job and a valuable second chance following his suspension and jail sentence for a driving under the influence manslaughter conviction. "Yeah, there's mixed feelings," Stallworth said in a telephone interview. "The organization was nothing but great to me. I appreciate the opportunity they gave me. The guys were great and the fans welcomed me. They tell me all the time they hope things work out for me and that I would come back. From the foot injury standpoint, it definitely derailed a lot of things that I was looking forward to doing."

NFL.com news: Sophomore surge: Teams hoping second-year players emerge

Terrence Cody, DT, Baltimore Ravens: Cody didn't make a significant contribution as a rookie, but his hulking presence in the middle of the Ravens' defense free up Haloti Ngata to wreak havoc on foes. As an immovable force at the point of attack, he is capable of eating up (no pun intended) double teams, which would allow his teammates to flow freely to the ball without hesitation.

Ravens Success Should Increase As Flacco Matures | Football News Now

There has been talk during the offseason concerning Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and concern by some that the team can’t win with him at quarterback, but more specifically not win against Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hey guys, I'm just letting you know this series did not stop. We had a bad storm rip through my neighborhood a couple days ago, and I didn't have access to a computer. I'm really sorry for not being able to get it up lately. And I won't be able to join the thread tomorrow, because I will be in Atlanta for the Orioles game.  But alas, here's today's fresh-hot "Cup of Joe".

Former Ravens player, Houshmandzadeh, will miss team - Carroll County Times:

"I wish things had ended better," Houshmandzadeh told the Times in a telephone interview. "I'm not a guy who drops the ball, but I dropped a ball that really matters. Last year was a really bad year for me on the field. It was just one of those things last year because Baltimore is the best place to play," Houshmandzadeh said. "That's why it disappoints me. I love the people there. I can't say a bad word about them. I wish I could come back, but I know the dynamic and how it works.

Baltimore Ravens: Soft Schedule Gives Ravens an Edge in the AFC | Bleacher Report

It seems like every season we hear the Baltimore Ravens and their fans complaining about how the NFL schedule-makers have intentionally given the Ravens a harder than average schedule. This year may be different since the schedule seems to favor the Ravens at first glance. -Drew Frazier (Bal_Hawk)

Ravens RB Rice Ranked 56th Best Player In 2011 | Football News Now

At 5-foot-8 and 212 pounds, Ray Rice isn’t the biggest NFL player by any stretch, but the Baltimore Ravens running back plays a lot better and recently was rated the 56th best player in 2011 in a list compiled by the NFL Network.

Ravens Post-Lockout Checklist " Baltimore Ravens Blogs

It’s not certain when the NFL’s work stoppage will come to a close, but many are hopeful its weeks away. With a much-shortened offseason ahead, league and club affairs will be kicked into overdrive. But Mike Duffy believes the #1 priority should be to begin contract talks with Haloti Ngata and Marshal Yanda. I have to agree with him seeing that these are two players we can't afford to lose.

Here's Today's fresh-hot "Cup of Joe". Enjoy!

Ravens Insider: Foxworth hits the right notes - Baltimore Ravens news, schedule, analysis and opinion - baltimoresun.com

"First, Foxworth has had to rehab his right knee for the rigors of left cornerback, while at the same time helping out on the homefront with a newborn baby as his wife finished up at law school. Oh, yeah, and then he made sure he sat in on every labor meeting of significance in the offseason, a cause for which he is more than equipped. His voice is respected on both sides of the table."

Ravens' LB 'rock-solid' thanks to conditioning program - Carroll County Times:

Intent on building a more explosive, harder-hitting body, it appears that Baltimore Ravens starting inside linebacker Jameel McClain has succeeded in his goal.There's literally less of him this offseason having lost more than 10 pounds since last season and a significant amount of body fat.

Harbaugh Likes That T. Smith Expects To Play " Baltimore Ravens Blogs

"I expect him to expect that and I would be disappointed if he didn’t expect that," Harbaugh said in a recent interview with 1090 WBAL Radio. "Like everybody else, Torrey’s going to have to earn his stripes, earn his spot. He’s going to compete for everything he gets, and that’s why we drafted him. I think he’s that kind of guy."

Ravens Don’t Have Super Bowl Window " Baltimore Ravens Blogs

Jason La Canfora believes the Ravens will be Super-bowl contenders for years to come.

Hey guys sorry for yesterday's lack of a "Cup of Joe", I had some important things I needed to take care of, and never got around to it. Once, again I''m truly sorry. But alas, here's today's fresh-hot "Cup of Joe"!

Ravens Could Take Flier On Pryor " Baltimore Ravens Blogs

Mike Duffy thinks the Ravens could take a chance on Terrelle Pryor and convert him to WR, with the mentor-ship of Anquan Boldin. I think Narnia should be where our new stadium is, and we should start Marc Bulger after re-signing him to the biggest contract in the history of the NFL.

NFL.com news: Agent says LB Kindle 'extra hungry' to show Ravens his worth

Linebacker Sergio Kindle has been cleared to play for the Baltimore Ravens after missing all last season with a head injury, but his agent, Joel Segal, isn't expecting a long-term contract just yet. "Serg was obviously on a small contract (a one-year deal last season) and, hopefully, once he's healthy and ready to go, it will be a contract we expect. ... He has been working out hard, he's obviously extra hungry. He's focused, ready. You know, now he's just got to get some contact and show everybody that he's the old Sergio Kindle."

Ravens' LB McClain stresses value of fitness, school to kids - Carroll County Times:

Jameel McClain peered into the gym bleachers, his eyes met by a crowd of curious, budding football players as he delivered a message about the importance of education. It's good to see people making a stand, considering child-obesity is becoming more and more common in US.

Fans Can Still Watch Camp At Stadium | Football News Now

Citing a concern for football readiness, Baltimore Ravens President Dick Cass told the Baltimore Sun that the club missed several cutoff dates before finally deciding this week to move training camp from McDaniel College in Westminster, Md. to the team’s regular facility in Owings Mills, Md. But according to the report, there will still be some open practices.

Ravens Must Look Everywhere For A Passrusher " Ebony Bird | A Baltimore Ravens blog

Even in Narnia, Argos, and Dundalk...

Well it's time for today's fresh-hot "Cup of Joe"! I hope everyone has a great Saturday, and try to enjoy this nice summer weather. I won't be here to comment on today's installment as I have a huge to-do list today, but I hope you all have fun!

Kruger’s Wants ‘More Of A Starting Role’

If defensive end Paul Kruger isn’t in the Ravens’ starting lineup in 2011, he definitely expects to see a significant amount of more playing time. "I feel like this year coming up, I should have more of a starting role, and if not, something real serious, playing at least 50 percent of the plays if not more," Kruger said.

Breaking down safeties: Baltimore - AFC North Blog - ESPN

Matt Williamson thinks the Ravens have one of the best backfields in the league. I agree with much of his article, but he did say he thought Ed Reed was the "2nd best safety in the NFL" which I disagree with. In my opinion he is the #1 with Troy as a close 2nd. But alas, unfortunately everyone can't be a Ravens fan.

Haloti Ngata slims down to 325 | ProFootballTalk

There's been lots of talk that when the lockout is over and training camps start, players will show up overweight and out of shape, thanks to a lack of team-organized conditioning work. But one of the heaviest players in the league is planning to report to camp looking slimmer than he has in years. It's good to see players working hard in the off-season despite the lock-out.

U2 fans bring business to bars | Baltimore Business Journal

By the time Bono and company hit the stage this evening, approximately 80,000 people will have descended upon the home of the Baltimore Ravens. And in the same way that Ravens games alter the landscape of downtown Baltimore, the event is boosting area restaurant sales and hotel occupancy.

Rice Should Avoid 300 Carries

John Clayton thinks Ray Rice will enjoy longevity with less carries and more receptions. "Even though it’s an offense that has consistently been getting 30 carries a game since Joe Flacco got there, I think it’s going to start to drop back and let Flacco throw the ball a little more," said Clayton. "That may take the number of rushes down into the high 20s. If that’s the case, saving Ray and spacing out some of the carries and making him more of the 16-, 17-carry guy probably serves him better.

Tweets Of The Week: Mason: Joe Is Our Michael Jordan
"By the way, to all u selective hearing ppl! I said Joe was our mj! I didn’t say he was mj! There’s a big diff!" "He’s just as important!! And I’ll stand by what I said! So In the words of the Fonze "u can sit on it".lol Happy days for u 80babies" "But like mj did, Joe will lead the ravens to a super bowl!!! So yea again he is our mj!! Our magic Johnson our isiah Thomas our dwade!" So the Flacc-opera continues....

Happy Friday, Baltimore Beatdown!!! Congratulations for making it through the week alive! Unfortunately it was a slow news-day and I could only find 5 decent article. But nonetheless, here's today's fresh-hot "Cup of Joe"!

Asomugha Doesn’t Appear Headed To Ravens | Football News Now

Don't let the title deceive you. The article pretty much sums up what we know already; Baltimore is focusing on re-signing all of their players before they start looking in the free-agent pool.

Ed Reed: Ravens safety said that he and other players wanted the Ravens to hire Rex Ryan as head coach instead of John Harbaugh - baltimoresun.com

"[Ryan was] like a dad, like a brother, man," Reed told Werder. "We wanted Rex as the head coach in Baltimore. We did not want him to leave. It hurt when he left. We knew he was a great coach. There was a reason why that defense was the way it was. I would play anywhere with Rex -- in a dark alley, on the street, in high school football, sandlot, anywhere -- because he makes it fun. He loves this game. He truly loves this game and there’s a reason why those guys in New York back him the way they do."

Baltimore games will be financial windfall for Maryland football - Terrapins Insider - The Washington Post

The agreement Maryland reached to play two home football games at M&T Bank Stadium will net the Terrapins roughly $2 million more per contest than if the games were played at Byrd Stadium. In other words, Maryland needed a gimmick to make some cash.

Flacco Has Deep Threats Now With Ravens | Football News Now

Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome professed his desire to secure some home-run hitters for his team’s passing game during several interview sessions in this offseason. While he has praised the pass-catching abilities by the Ravens’ receivers, quarterback Joe Flacco did not really have a deep threat this past season. Newsome took care of this problem by drafting wide-receivers Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss. And with new deep threats and a healthy offensive-line, Ravens fans have reason to look forward to an exciting offense in the upcoming season.

Ravens’ Young ILBs Must Step Up | Football News Now

The Baltimore Ravens have been around since 1996, and their initial No. 1 draft pick — Ray Lewis — has been there every step of the way. Now entering his 16th NFL season, Lewis shows limited to no signs that he’s slowing down. However, the fact remains that sooner or later Lewis is going to hang up his cleats, and when that time comes it's better to be safe than sorry. 

Well it seems as if this series is bound for success seeing as the previous two had 70+ comments which is pretty good considering the time of the year it is right now, and hopefully we will see more once the NFL season starts back up and we have more news. But until then, enjoy today's fresh-hot, "Cup of Joe"!

Mason: Flacco Will Win Super Bowl Before Ryan " Baltimore Ravens Blogs

"[I can't fathom] why Matt Ryan continuously gets all the credit and all the hype," Mason said on ESPN’s First and Ten. "Maybe because he was the first quarterback chosen [in the draft]. And Matt is good. I played against him and we lost and he’s a very good quarterback. But if you look at what each one has done, I think Joe has proven that he will win a Super Bowl before Matt Ryan." And I don't think many Ravens fans disagree based on Joe's 4-3 play-off record, compared to Ryan's 0-2 record.

Baltimore Ravens: How the Ravens Can Beat the Steelers | Drew Frazier (Bleacher Report)

Take the horseshoe out of Ben's arse?

NFL.com news: Ravens' Suggs switches sides, supports rookie wage scale

Terrell Suggs, who picked up a big initial payday after the Baltimore Ravens made him the 10th overall selection in the 2003 NFL Draft, has changed his mind about a rookie pay scale. He's in favor. Suggs states that if the NFL implemented a NFL rookie wage scale, "You'd have rookies that would come in and show up to work with their blue-collar shirts and their hard hats. We would have less prima donnas in the league."

Ravens move 2011 training camp from McDaniel College to Owings Mills facility - The Washington Post

The Baltimore Ravens will move their 2011 training camp to their facility in Owings Mills from McDaniel College in Westminster. Ravens’ vice president of operations, Bob Eller, said Wednesday that uncertainty over the NFL lockout forced the team to make the move.

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed working back from injuries | NOLA.com

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed, in town for his annual football camp at Destrehan High School, said Tuesday he's still not 100 percent healthy. The perennial Pro Bowler underwent hip surgery before the 2010 season and has suffered from lingering neck problems that have forced him to miss 10 games over the last two seasons. Hopefully Reed will snap back into his perennial pro-bowler form that we all know and love.

WVU-Maryland Game To Be Played in M&T Bank Stadium

West Virginia's 2013 game against Maryland, on Sept. 21, will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, which is the home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. The deal was announced Wednesday. The Terrapins will also play Virginia Tech at the stadium in 2014.

Thank you for everyone's compliments yesterday, I'm glad all of you enjoy this series, and I hope you guys continue to enjoy it. But on that note, here's today's fresh-hot, "Cup of Joe"!

Baltimore Ravens: Phil Simms Speaks Highly of Franchise QB Joe Flacco | Bleacher Report

Recently, there has been negative criticism directed towards Joe Flacco. But Phil Simms thinks that the Ravens are more than capable of winning with Joe Flacco. "If I was a Baltimore Ravens fan, it would give me great hope that he’s going to continue to go upward", Simms said. Another interesting point that Todd McGregor brings up is that, not one quarterback since Dan Marino and Bernie Kosar, has enjoyed the same success at the start of their respective careers in the NFL as Flacco has. Flacco prepares to head into his 4th NFL season with a 4-3 playoff record, and a chip on his shoulder to prove all of the critics wrong.

Ryan Clark: Joe Flacco is 'still trying to take that next step to become an elite quarterback' -Baltimoresun.com

Steelers safety Ryan Clark was asked to give his opinion on the Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco. Clark took it easy on Flacco on Tuesday, passing on an opportunity to make fun of Flacco's facial hair and saying, "I’m not sure he has progressed in the way people think he has. He’s been good since he came into the league, though. I think he’s still trying to take that next step to become an elite quarterback. Is that to say he can’t win as long as we’re playing? No, I’m not saying that because there are 21 other guys that have to start a football game other than Joe Flacco,"  

Ravens Need To Use Fullback | Football News Now

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has expressed a desire to have the club’s running game in high gear during this coming season, and to do that the Ravens need to have someone take the heat off No. 1 back Ray Rice. "The best way to develop a power running game is to utilize a fullback in the offense, someone who can block for Rice so he doesn’t take as many hit". But in my opinion, the blame shouldn't be placed on the fullback, but rather on our offensive-line.I think with everyone coming back healthy next year, hopefully including Jared Gaither, we will see an all-around improvement on our offense.

Baltimore Ravens: Free Agency Is Still Uncertain for the Ravens | Bleacher Report

Our dear friend, Drew Frazier (Bal_Hawk) argues that the biggest concern for the Ravens this off-season is not to be big players in free-agency, but rather to re-sign the players they already have. While most of us here at Baltimore Beatdown would love to see the Ravens pursue Nnamdi Asomugha, the fact remains that we have other players that we need to take care of first. Players I think the Ravens should put at the top of their list are; Haloti Ngata, Jared Gaither, and Josh Wilson.

Report estimates $40M revenue loss in Maryland if NFL season canceled - The Washington Post

Maryland, which is home to two NFL football teams, would lose an estimated $40 million in tax revenues if the NFL’s season is canceled because of a labor dispute, a study by the Maryland comptroller’s office said Tuesday. But due to the recent progression in labor talks, it seems unlikely this worst-case scenario will happen..

Battered NFL retirees want better benefits in new labor deal - USATODAY.com

A dozen former NFL players put their faces and suffering on display at the National Press Club on Monday. "These are courageous men," said Brendon Ayanbadejo, a ninth-year Baltimore Ravens linebacker and special teams player among a half-dozen current players who showed up to lend support. "I came here for them. This is far from the glitz of the NFL."