Ravens Nest: Brandon Williams gives back

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Ravens at Work: Brandon Williams has learned to flip switch from kindly giant to 'monster form' — The Baltimore Sun

Darney knows that no matter what her staff takes to Williams — a school appearance, a food drive, an effort to save stray animals — he’ll step up. He even still talks about becoming a firefighter, his Plan B if football didn’t work out, once he retires.

“I guess I would chalk it up to the fact that I knew what it was growing up in a place or a neighborhood that wasn’t the best, and sometimes I didn’t have the best of situations or cards being dealt,” he said. “And there were always people there to help me, to help me succeed or get over a hump or just get through the day. So why not use the platform I have to give back to the community I’m in?”

Cohen’s Corner: These Ravens are not the 2015 Broncos — Baltimore Beatdown

Looking at the defenses, Denver led the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game in 2015 with 283.1. In addition they allowed the least yards per play (4.4) and the fourth fewest points per game (18.5). The 2017 Ravens sixth ranked total defense is allowing over 20 more yards per game than the 2015 Broncos did. However, the Ravens in 2017 are doing better than the 2015 Broncos in terms of points allowed per game, allowing 1.4 fewer points per game.

The Ravens defense is good, there is no debating that. It’s a unit that has produced three shutouts this season. The problem is, it’s not good enough to pull the Ravens. The Broncos defense in 2015 was exceptional, but it did have an offense that, to an extent, was capable. The Ravens offense, on the other hand, is inept.

Ray Lewis named a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist in his first year eligible — Baltimore Beatdown

This is Lewis’ first year on the ballot, and he should a lock to be enshrined in Canton this year. Other first timers who should get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame include wide receiver Randy Moss and linebacker Brian Urlacher.

Lewis played all 17 years of his career in Baltimore, and retired as the greatest middle linebacker of all time. Lewis was an All-Pro selection 10 times, and was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times. In addition, Lewis was a two time AP Defensive Player of the Year, and a three time AFC Defensive Player of the Year.

Baltimore Ravens: Checking in on the 2017 rookie draft class — Ebony Bird

Ozzie Newsome has been one of the best general managers the sport has ever seen. He’s an excellent talent evaluator and has consistently reloaded the Ravens year in and year out, despite watching plenty of pieces walk via free agency.

This year’s class could be no different but that’s why we’re here. With less than half the season left to go, it is a fair time to assess how this year’s rookie crop has performed. Keep in mind, no player on this list is a bust. It is far too early to be labeling players as busts. Rather, this list is simply to state how each individual rookie has performed thus far.