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I was actually thinking about using that as my next article topic for my blog - the possibility of Flacco breaking Favre's record and then having both the MLB and NFL Iron Man records.

Marc Trestman... In hopes that his daughter shows up at some point!

I hope Perriman is able to start week 1 but I think it's far from a lock. Don't be shocked if Aiken is a week 1 starter. And if he or Brown does that's not an indictment on Perriman. Torrey didn't break out til week 4. He'll have a large role regardless of who starts and by about week 6 I expect him to be our #1 target.

What's the point of saying that if Aiken is outplayed by 6 other receivers he won't make the team?? That's true for anyone. If player X is outplayed by players A B C D E F and G then player X could potentially be cut. I'm refuting your posts because of your comments in regards to someone saying that in their opinion Aiken is a virtual lock to be one of the 6 receivers on the roster meaning that he's being viewed as a HOF'er.... So let me get this straight - having the opinion that Aiken is no worse than 6 other receivers on a preseason roster of mainly unproven, late round and undrafted receivers in their first 3 years in the NFL equates to HOF expectations?? That's seemingly your interpretation, yet thinking Aiken is all but a lock is ridiculous? To your point, sure if 6 other players far outperform Aiken consistently throughout the preseason then yea he could be cut. To my point - that won't happen. Especially when on the 90 man roster you've got a total of 4 receivers that have caught a pass from Flacco in an NFL game, one of them is injured and another one is 36. When a guy with 24 catches for the Ravens is your 3rd most productive receiver in a Ravens uniform, there's probably only 7 maybe 8 players who have a legitimate shot at 6 roster spots (1 of which again is injured), and you're transitioning to a new offensive coordinator the only way you don't take your top 3 (Smith, Brown and Aiken) is if every single other player far outperforms Aiken. We're not talking about just 1 guy having to outplay him for him to get cut - Perriman, Brown, Camp, Waller, and Carter/other UDFA all have to outperform him and in the cases of Carter or any UDFA for that matter would have to literally blow him away both as a receiver and ST player (Aiken was a good ST player for us last year too) to take them over Aiken because that's the only way you feel comfortable taking away proven production and reliability on perceived potential. So I'll say it again. Aiken will make this team; not because it's impossible for him to get cut but because the scenario in which he does won't happen. Harbs has shown a history of any time two players are close he takes proven production and experience over unproven potential. He's shown a willingness to stash young potential talents on the PS to give them a year to develop. So there's much more to c the opinion that Aiken has a very very high percentage chance of making it and doing the homework to realize that he is all but sure to be somewhere between the 3rd and 6th option in this team b. :c I

You know, you always hear that in regards to the Patriots and playing in a joke division but according to the other post with top winnings teams/divisions over the past 5 years the AFCN has 119 wins outside the Ravens win total. The AFCE has 104 wins outside the Patriots. So the AFCN minus the Ravens has 15 more wins than the AFCE minus the Pats over the past 5 years or 3 wins/yr or 1 win/team/yr. Not really a huge difference when broken down that way. The Ravens divisional opponents average 8 wins per year over the past 5, and the Patriots over the same time average 7 wins. It's not a perfect analysis because obviously in the AFCN you've got a disparity between the teams with the Browns well below the average and 2 typically more difficult opponents where the AFCE has 3 teams more likely to be close to the mean of 7 wins. Still it does make the point that it's not as big of a "joke" division we all make it out to be (myself included for the record).

Using Doss as a reason Aiken won't make the team is flawed. Doss had way more opportunities before he was cut. Going into that 2013 season you mention he had already played 20 games in his career and hadn't done a thing. In 2013 he made some big plays but had drops and wasn't a reliable target. He couldn't get open. Top it off, in 36 games Doss has 2 more catches total than Aiken had last year alone. And even though they entered the league the same year, last year was Aikens first true opportunity to play. So if we judge their career arcs in terms of experience equating to games played Aiken has done WAY more than Doss did over his first 16 games. Doss had like 7 catches for 120 yds and 0 TDs in his first 20 games (2 seasons). Aiken had 24 catches for like 270 yds and 3 TDs over his first 16. Aiken is a much better player. He is a good route runner and can catch, 2 things Doss never did. Plus Aiken doesn't have the off the field troubles that Doss had - which I think had a lot to do with his being let go. Anyways, my point is it's a terrible example and lends absolutely zero credence to the idea that Aiken won't make the team. We'll take 6 receivers most likely. Now name me 6 you think will make the team over Aiken. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Aiken wasn't targeted very much but when he was he came up big and in clutch situations. He could only catch what was thrown at him. With Camp injured and us likely to take 6 receivers who do you see that would make it over Aiken?? Steve Smith, Perriman, and Brown for sure. Throw Waller and Carter in there too and that's 5. Aiken still makes it, and taking Carter over Aiken is a stretch to say the least - sure, word is he impressed at rookie camp, but now it's time to show up with the big boys. Let's see how he does at TC and preseason. Aiken has already proven he can be effective in actual game situations. He's going to make the team.

There is this thing called IR.

I'm wondering when was the last time we weren't a top tier team? 2007 maybe?? I guess it depends on what your definition of top tier is... But I don't think there's any definition under which the Ravens aren't and haven't been a top tier team since 2008 when Harbs and Flacco came to town.

Elam WILL NOT be cut. He costs more to get rid of than to keep and he's a 1st rd draft pick. They won't give up on him after 1 terrible year. He'll get one more year to improve. Canty I've said as well could be a possible cut if our young guys really step up, but I think ultimately he's kept since he's the only real veteran presence on the d-line. A few guys would really have to play lights out to justify cutting Canty. Camp I'll wait to comment on until we see how serious the injury is. I agree both are options though at this point And yes Asa Jackson has been injury prone but has played well when available. If he's healthy he'll make the team. Also a top candidate as a returner. Every player has the potential to get injured - last year made that clear. But projecting it to happen and acting as if it's a foregone conclusion worthless. Contribute something to the conversation with player evaluation and legitimate reasons as to why one player will make it over another. Operate under the same assumptions we all have to - if a player is currently healthy then his ability to make the team will be determined by his play and what he contributes to the team.

I like your list but I think Levine is a notable miss. They just re-upped on a contract for him and he's got the versatility to play cb and safety that we covet. Pretty sure it's a guarantee that Brooks isn't available to start the season since everything I've read has mentioned it's hopeful that he can return at some point during the season which makes me feel that there's not shot he's ready at the beginning. So you can easily swap levine in there for Brooks. The other person I think that makes the team that you don't have listed is Orr. The team seems to really covet him as an up and coming contributor on defense and excels in special teams play. I think he either makes the team over McClellan (even though I really like him, he's played well even as a starter at times, contributes on ST and has versatility to play OLB if needed). The other possibility is that we take one less WR. I love everything I've heard about Carter so far and I'd like to see him get a shot but with Trestmans offense utilizing TE's, FB's and RBs so much in the passing game I just don't think there will be enough targets to go around to justify taking 7 WR's. I think Carter winds up as a guy who gets a mysterious injury at the end of the preseason and goes on IR or they stash him on the PS for the year. Idk that he's that much of a risk to be claimed by someone else since they'd have to place him on the active roster to sign him.

I love Joe and I'd take him right now over almost every QB in the league. Not saying he's the best QB in the NFL because hes not... But imo he's the best QB for the Ravens and what we try to do on offense. I think you have to say Ben is the best QB in the division right now, coming off a career year. Granted he has had FAR superior weapons which definitely helps him put up better statistics, but aside from 2013 Joe has recently had a much better offensive line. So both have an advantage over the other in regards to supporting cast. Where Ben has another advantage is that he's consistently had much better offensive coordinators and consistency in coaching and philosophy where Joe has had a revolving door of coaching which has to be accounted for when looking at his inconsistent play in the regular season. Ben has been more consistent over the regular season, while Joe has outplayed pretty much everyone in the postseason. It's a tough call. But going into the season I say Ben. After this coming season though I think Joe surpasses him and will be hands down the best QB in the division. Finally with some young weapons to grow with and talent across the board, and a little consistency in offensive scheme Joe's going to explode this year.

He uses a lot of FB screens but not to the effect of 50 receptions - that's absurd. Especially since there's almost 0 chance he's used as a TE with pitta Maxx Crockett and Boyle on the team.

Jacobs, Jah, maybe Mclellan even though I like his versatility and ST's play just thinking they'll give Brown another shot and they like Orr a lot and I can't see us taking 5 ILB

I'm giving your draft grading an F Because you noted the selection of Carl Davis could have received a grade of E had he been select in earlier rounds. AN E!

Healthy starters first and foremost and development of our young players like Elam, Brooks, Jackson, Trawick, Levine, and Melvin. I'd like to see us be more aggressive with our coverages to help give the pass rush that extra split second it needs to turn some of the hits/hurries into sacks. It looks like we're targeting bigger corners in the draft so hopefully this points to an effort to play more press coverage and trying to get receivers off their routes early. Finally as has been mentioned a bunch - more turnovers. I feel like this used to always be a strength of our defense up until 2010/2011. Usually winning the turnover battle leads to winning games. It'd be nice to see us grab some more interceptions. I can see all happening. They're interconnected in a way. If were healthy we have the talent and personnel to be more aggressive and play more man. Being more aggressive should lead to more hurried throws and bad decisions which should provide more turnovers.

Yea I wouldn't read into it. It's just a canned response, the PR team probably preps them to say it bc you hear it from everyone. What would we think if they said otherwise. I wouldn't want to hear from a guy we just drafted to help replace a perennial probowler that he's facing a steep learning curve and is realizing that his college program didn't prepare him very well for the NFL Even if it's the truth I don't want to hear that he's overwhelmed with the transition to the nfl. And frankly it may not be all that different than what he saw in college. I think it's a testament to changes in the nfl game where there's more emphasis on offense and scoring and a faster paced game. The pro and college game are becoming more closely aligned and you're seeing more and more rookies coming out and producing right away. That alone brings validity to these kinds of statements from players. Regardless of the reason players seem more pro ready which speaks to the transition not being as drastic as maybe it once was.

Brent Urban. Hands down. He'll take over the starting job by week 4 and he and Jernigan will make a fierce inside pass rushing duo.

Yes you will have to cut people but not that many. Last year we kept 8 d-lineman. With that in mind you have: Timmy Jernigan, Brandon Williams, Chris Canty, DeAngelo Tyson, Lawrence Guy, Bilukidi, Carl Davis, Brent Urban, KLM and then any UDFA. But with the group of notable players there's 9, so if we use last years roster as a template you may only need to lose 1. IMO Jernigan, Williams and Davis are the only 3 you absolutely have to take. I like Canty to stay so you have some vet leadership on the line. Guy, Bilukidi, and Tyson have all shown they can play as rotational guys but none set the world on fire. Both Urban and KLM were really flashing during last training camp - there were constant reports that both were getting consistent pressure in the backfield and making splash plays. I think only one of Urban, KLM, Tyson, Guy and Bilukidi gets cut. And who knows with his salary, age and mental state it may be Canty that gets cut if those guys all out play him. But the point is you don't have to try and stash them on the PS. And it's not like Urban and KLM's competition to make the roster is Haloti Ngata, it's guys that are 5th through 8th on the depth chart. If both are healthy they've shown the ability to contribute to this team.

Yep no way Urban would make it through waivers, especially after this coming preseason. Don't know why it'd even be suggested considering we'll need the depth on the line. Pretty sure he would have made the 53 last year if not for his injury and if he's healthy I think it's all but guaranteed he makes it this year. Actually I'll go as far as to say I think Urban over takes Canty as the starter at DE by games 4-6. He's my candidate for breakout player of the year.

I think Camp will be a catch machine - our Wes Welker/Julian Edelman. Aiken and Brown... I think you're partially right. I see both as 40 catch, 500 yard type guys but mostly because I don't think either will be our 2nd target. And let me clarify, I don't think both have that kind of production this year... They both have that potential. 1 will have that, the other will be more along the lines of 25-30 catches and 350 yards. I'm confident Perriman is the #2 out the gate and will be #1 by week 8. I see a 60 catch 1,000 yard season from him year 1. Call me optimistic or a homer but I am overly confident that he will be among the elite receivers in the league by year 3. I also think pitta will be ready to go early on in the season taking some of the pressure off of Maxx Williams. I think he has a Zach Ertz kind of rookie season and shows the potential to eventually take over. Pitta will be comeback player of the year. Book it.

I hear ya, this is something I agree with you on. His potential is incredible - he can absolutely dominate. And if we get that version of him consistently it's an absolute steal. But that concern is legit. He doesn't seem like a guy that loves playing football to me. Unless he felt like he was surrounded by guys who didn't care as much as him and that made him disenfranchised. A mindset kind of like well if these guys don't care/can't play at this level I'm not going to put my neck on the line for this. Who knows maybe now that he's on an NFL team surrounded by NFL talent he'll become inspired to play at the top of his game. I'm hoping Brandon Williams rubs off on him - a guy who hasn't been handed anything and has had to work hard for everything. We'll see. If there's one organization I think that can maximize his potential it's the Ravens.

Rivalries: Steelers Patriots Browns Colts Denver Top Current Rivals: Patriots Steelers Bengals Colts Broncos Texans To me a rivalry has to have some deep seeded emotional and historical context to qualify, players/coaches that leave your team to guide theirs to success, or a divisional opponent you see twice per year. Steelers you have the division, all the heartbreaking playoff losses, the big hits and cheap shots, and trash talk. Pats you've got the playoff catastrophes, the rule bending, the villain Tom Brady, the wins. Browns you've got Modell and the franchise move. We've got their HOF'er Ozzie running the show and building champions who Clevelanders feel like should be theirs. They've been a bottom dweller, a ship with no direction and we've got their captain. There's the division. Colts is just the flip side. They' stole our team. It's our history... Peyton should've been in Baltimore and for a while they were the hurdle we couldn't topple, then we finally slay the dragon when he moved to Denver. This one has died off a bit once we beat Manning and got our rings the sting a losing the Colts and having a new successful identity has helped cool off the hate. Especially with a younger generation of fans now who don't remember the Baltimore Colts. And Denver... John Elway. Need I say more? -- To bring it on topic, the Titans were rivals and creates a brief rivalry due to big games that were emotional, physical and meaningful. There were quite a few within a short span. It had the makings of a rivalry. But without any historical ties that changed the course of either franchise there wasn't enough to sustain it through the division change and lack of meaningful competition. The Patriots have this sort of feel. The Bengals fall into this category for me too.

When the divisions realigned the rivalry was never going to survive. Playing in the same division was the only reason the rivalry started, the stretch of time where both teams were Super Bowl contenders propelled it, and the epic, blood-bath games sustained it. Had both teams remained at the top and continued to face each other in important games it may have survived, but with both teams being expansion teams it never had the ingredients to stand the test of time. My most hated team right now is the Pats, but Steelers are still the top rivalry. It's taken a little bit of a step back in recent years, but it's got the history, were divisional foes, both are competitive franchises, great coaching, star players, and the physical nature to remain a heated rivalry. The past few seasons I've cared more about playing the Patriots than the Steelers but that's because it's always in the playoffs and they've been incredibly close games. The Patriots are the only team that's been as consistent as us yet while their success gets national acclaim and praise we go un-noticed. Plus you've got the controversies, Tom Brady and Belicheck, the ridiculous rule changes and penalties that go in their favor, dropped passes and missed FGs - if not for the Pats we would likely have been to another Super Bowl or 2 in the past 6 years. Yet while I hate them more right now I also recognize that once Brady retires and the Pats fall off, or a couple years go by without seeing them in the playoffs the hatred that makes it a rivalry will die down. Plus there's no guarantee we play them. If were not playoff teams we likely only see each other once every 3 years or so. I feel it's merely a brief rivalry, a decade or less. The Steelers on the other hand, both teams could be 4 win teams year after year yet we'll still get up for it. I'll hate the Steelers no matter what. And we'll always see them twice per year, many times thrice (lol) when we're competitive. Because of that Steelers is still and will always be the top rivalry (unless we see another divisional realignment). Patriots our best rival right now, Steelers still the best rivalry.

QB: Joe Flacco, Matt Schaub (2) RB: Justin Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Buck Allen (3) FB: Juice (1) WR: Steve Smith Sr., Breshad Perriman, Marlon Brown, Michael Campanero, Kamar Aiken, Darren Waller, DeAndre Carter (7) TE: Dennis Pitta, Maxx Williams, Crockett Gilmore (3) [if Pitta isn't ready to start season Nick Boyle enters here, otherwise he's PS] OL: Eugene Monroe, Kelechi Osemele, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, John Urschel, James Hurst, Robert Myers (8) DL: Chris Canty, Brandon Williams, Timmy Jernigan, Carl Davis, Brent Urban, Lawrence Guy, Bilukidi, DeAngelo Tyson (8) OLB: Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Courtney Upshaw, Za'Darius Smith (4) ILB: CJ Mosley, Daryl Smith, Arthur Brown (3) CB: Jimmy Smith, Ladarius Webb, Kyle Arrington, Rashan Melvin, Asa Jackson, Tray Walker (6) S: Will Hill, Kendrick Lewis, Anthony Levine, Matt Elam, Brynden Trawick (5) LS: Morgan Cox (1) P: Sam Koch (1) K: Justin Tucker (1) -- Bubble Players: (ON) Arthur Brown, Bilukidi, DeAngelo Tyson, DeAndre Carter, Myers, Brynden Trawick, Asa Jackson, Tray Walker (OFF) Kapron Lewis-Moore, Albert McClellan, Zach Orr, Butler, Nick Boyle, Ryan Jensen, Jah Reid, Nick Perry I could easily see any of the bubble players get cut/make the team. Without having PS eligibility in front of me I may make some changes knowing we could stash certain players to keep another who isn't eligible for an extended tryout. Also, ST contributions as always will be huge when making decisions on those final spots. If Camp or Asa Jackson can win the return duties then I don't see DeAndre Carter making the 53 - he'll go to the PS and I think Orr or McClellan makes it for ST. Ask me tomorrow and I guarantee it's slightly different. This is the toughest I remember it being in the last 8 years since I've been doing it. I don't envy the coaching staff and FO's job of having to trim this incredibly deep, talented and young group of players. I think there are easily about 65-70 that can play in the NFL, and at least 60 I want to keep.