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On call with fans, Ravens’ Terrell Suggs reiterates his belief he has plenty of football left - Jeff Zrebiec
He reminisced about the lessons he learned from Ray Lewis, the team’s goal-line stand to win Super Bowl XLVII and all the great players he called teammates. But when Suggs was asked a question about whether he and quarterback Joe Flacco have peaked or will they remain strong parts of the team for years to come, the brash linebacker reiterated that he’s not thinking about the end of his career.
“To be totally honest with you, I don’t see my peak in my near future,” Suggs said. “The answer to your question is yes. We’re definitely going to be two major, key parts of the leadership on this team. We also have other leaders, but from an offensive and defensive standpoint, absolutely. We take that very seriously. We take pride in that. We’re looking forward to doing some special things this year.
“I don’t plan on going nowhere,” he said on Tuesday’s fan forum.
Suggs, entering his 16th season, has continued to play at a high level. Last season he posted 11 sacks along with four forced fumbles. Terrell will play out the final year of a four year, $21 million contract in 2018.
Long Drives and the Running Game - Ben Baldwin
Proponents of committing to the run game argue that running the ball is the best way to sustain drives and keep a team’s defense off the field. After drafting Rashaad Penny in the first round last month, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll explained that running the football ”helps our defense.” But is that really true? Given that 33 percent of dropbacks gain first downs compared to only 22 percent of rush attempts, we already have reason to be skeptical. Sustaining drives requires obtaining first downs, and the best way to get first downs is to throw the ball.
Conclusion
To review, here are our three main findings:
1) It is not the case that long drives disproportionately have greater rush/pass ratios.
2) Rush attempts that come in situations where running the ball is better than passing the ball in terms of extending drives are extremely rare.
3) There is not strong carryover between rushing success in short-yardage situations and rushing success in other situations.
Justifying an investment in the run game by saying it will help extend drives is misguided. If you want to get first downs, throw the ball (unless it’s a short-yardage situation).
Further evidence that the NFL is indeed a passing league.
Dez Bryant Doesn’t Regret Passing on Ravens’ Contract Offer, Criticizes Media - Mike Chiari
Free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant said Tuesday that he doesn’t regret his decision to not sign with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this offseason.
Additionally, Bryant blasted the media and said he has been portrayed as someone who’s “not easy to get along with.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported in April that the former Dallas Cowboys wideout turned down a multiyear offer from the Ravens due to his preference to sign a one-year deal instead.
Dallas released Bryant last month after eight seasons with the team.
Baltimore is no longer an option for Bryant since the Ravens signed Willie Snead to an offer sheet and the New Orleans Saints didn’t match it.
Green Bay is emerging as the favorite to land the polarizing wideout.
RAVENS REDUCING CONCESSION PRICES AT M&T BANK STADIUM - Ryan Mink
Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti said in February that the team would take a hard look at reducing prices at M&T Bank Stadium’s concession stands.
Now he and the Ravens are making that a reality for all fans who come to games.
The Ravens will reduce prices on select food items at concessions stands, with the hope of making games more affordable for fans.
President Dick Cass will reveal details on the reductions at a press conference Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium.
Food vendors at M&T Bank stadium include The Greene Turtle, Bill Bateman’s, Hightopps Backstage Grill and Papa John’s pizza.