Grapple Raven

I read that two nights ago Crush, it was really interesting as the data, all though not completely conclusive, does seem to point to a direct correlation to their fumble rate with possible cheating as it relates to underinflated football usage. The percentages were staggering.

Interesting take on it by Pereira: Another interesting point of view from Jay Glazer referencing the opinions of the other Owners, GM's, Coaches regarding the punishment of the league towards the Patriots. Plus from what Glazer says it was planned to check the balls at the half of the Colts-Patriots games due to the fact that the league had been put on notice (which I have read from other sources as well)...so maybe the Patriots didn't know the balls would be checked at the half! I also read from another source that it was confidentially planned to check those balls at the half and again at the end of the game. Perhaps Belicheck was correct when he said he didn't know this until Monday. That would imply that the League had been tipped off and said nothing to see if they could catch the Patriots, and they did! If true, I have to say that I love it! lol If that is true, it is ironic the statements that Brady and Belicheck made today, both claiming that they knew nothing...what else could they say at this point? Deny, deny, deny, because they obviously didn't know the league was on to them, and they were caught with their pants down! Ya gotta love it when a plan comes together don't ya? Interesting viewpoint by Aikman:

This was just too good to pass over, no pun intended. Warning: This contains material that may be sensitive, view at your own discretion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd3D2gsPUR0&feature=youtu.be Brady's car!

Anytime from the time the footballs are released to the ball boys from the referees. It would literally only take a few seconds with a pin/needle that is used to inflate the ball, to be placed into the air release valve, to deflate a ball. Probably wouldn't even be noticed..

I think our posters have been very logical and reasonable with their questions, comments, and inquiries regarding this issue and discussion. I certainly can see, based on your franchise's past history why you would be so defensive, but there is no reason to troll and smack talk regarding it...believe me that doesn't help your cause. This is Ravens website and you probably will not find a lot of sympathy here. Might I suggest that you would be better inclined to enter in discussions with Seahawks fans at this point. Thanks!

Or Gronk spiked enough air out of it? lmao Unbelievable!

The weather report for that game was reported at ESPN via the Weather Channel as: "From a temperature standpoint, it is mild Sunday for this time of year -- in the 40s. Rain is expected, and it could be heavy when it does arrive. The Gillette Stadium field, which is a FieldTurf surface, has been covered with a tarp."

I guess we know now why Brady grimaces and scowls so bad when he throws an interception, lol. But seriously, I don't think anyone would argue that an underinflated ball would certainly be easier to grip for throwing and catching purposes, and a better grip would allow for better accuracy when throwing. If true, it certainly would give the Patriots an advantage, especially in inclement weather conditions. Would it have made a difference in the outcome of THIS game...no. But again it is just another example of the Patriots' willingness to bend the rules to get an advantage over their opponent. At some point in time, something is going to have to be done with this franchise's blatant attempts to snub their noses at the NFL AND the rules of the game that for the most part all the other 31 current teams play by. Honestly, if I was an NFL player, working my butt off everyday in practice for 6 or 7 months, sacrificing my body and time with my family only to be done in by a team playing less than a clean game I would be pissed off. That is a year of wear and tear on your body you will never get back. As a fan, what the Patriots have done and evidently still continue to do is an affront to the spirit of the game and the principles of good sportsmanship. Frankly from just a point of principle it disgusts me. Belicheck would be served to be reminded of a true patriot in Thomas Paine's words~ "Character is much easier kept than recovered".

Boy, would I love none other than to see Cory Redding back in our locker room, the fire and passion he could bring to this defense! I'm still ticked off we let him go~ lol.

He has had more than one opportunity to get the "grow up" message, it clearly is falling on his arrogant, deaf ears. He must be common sense imparied, lol

It isn't like Suh doesn't have a record of doing these kind of things in the past, his last incident before this one with Rogers was just this past Thanksgiving, and a couple before that. He needs to be held accountable, there is no place for that kind of crap in this league. At the professional level, you impress with your technique, skill, intellect, and fortitude, not dirty play. His selfish stupidity will cost his team in the first round of the playoffs and ultimately might cost him his job with the Lions.

According to BR.com: " Rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel, who is on injured reserve, also reportedly skipped practice." I'll admit I was never a Manziel fan from the get-go, but boy oh boy, when they were lining to pass out "smarts" he must have skipped that line too, lol.

Unbelievable end to that game! Heartbreaking!!! But I am so proud of the way ECU fought back in that game.

We had one of Todd's H. S. coaches at the game tonight...Todd is getting x-rays currently, think he will be okay, thinking just a strain.

For those of you interested in Todd Gurley, got sent this today and thought some might be interested in an inside look, hearing from his high school coach, Jeff Craddock and his perspective on Todd: http://www.stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=87&c=9961&f=3585273

ECU qualifies for a bowl game after their win tonight. Justin Hardy is going to make a team that is need of a WR really happy at the next level one day! That kid is amazing!!!

Hardy is going to get a lot of attention. He is a excellent route runner and has great hands, will go up to get a ball and fight for it, and he isn't scared of contact at all. Worthy is great too.

He is good! So is Biggers.

They have some players on both sides of the ball that will get some attention. Shane Carden,QB, Worthy, Jones and especially Hardy at WR, a 6'5 250lb. TE that can block and catch and is very athletic (his name escapes me at the moment...I've watched 4 games today, lol, pardon me), and a couple of defensive linemen and DB's that are strong as well. B. Allen is a good RB too, reminds me a lot of Forsett. They have talent! Vonta Leach came from ECU, lol.

ECU came back from a 7 - 17 deficit at the half to win the game 28 - 17 at Raymond James Stadium tonight! Great game! ECU is loaded with talent, hope the Ravens scouts were watching, lol. Hope they left the good juju there!

Crazy weekend for college football. A lot of great games, not enough TV's. lol ECU was ballin' today and QB Shane Carden broke Garrad's all time passing record. So were the Dawgs...Gurley ran the ball, caught the ball, threw the ball(50 yds.) and hurdled a player... only thing Gurley hasn't done today is drive the bus. lol!

Oh, I think the "Flock" is strong in NC~

I honestly feel this is the best thing for the Ravens because I didn't think he was ready to return. As for Rolando, I hope he gets his life back on track, because I still stand by what I said earlier in that I think he still has a long way to go to towards facing his demons and getting his head on straight. His indecisiveness and lack of commitment is indicative of issues that still remain. It may mean nothing at all, but considering what most people mean when referring to "the other side" the comment he put out today on his twitter is slightly disturbing: Rolando McClain @RMcClain205 Follow Hopefully I see most of y'all on the other side one day. Until then... 12:58 PM - 21 Apr 2014 Link: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24534859/rolando-mcclain-on-his-nfl-comeback-im-done I hope he seeks professional help again, and sticks with it this time.

As I said yesterday, I don't feel Rolando has hammered out all of his personal issues. For the Ravens' sake I hope it works out for the best, but I'm just not a fan of the McClain experiment.

Hear me out for a second. Forget about Rolando the football player for a moment, and look at Rolando the man... this ESPN article from Oct. 30, 2013 is very telling, I think, about where the problems are with Rolando that he must figure out before he embarks forward in his life. This is a very well written piece that looks into the life of Rolando. It is worth a read if you haven't seen it already. If you have, I apologize. Link: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9882568/nfl-former-oakland-raiders-alabama-linebacker-rolando-mcclain-self-imposed-exile Pertinent excerpt: {"He left after three years, expecting NFL money to solve his family's problems. He got drafted, went to Oakland and almost immediately wished he'd never left Tuscaloosa. So here he is, trying to re-create something that he's realizing no longer exists. McClain and Saban talk only occasionally, and Saban didn't reply to interview requests for this story. Shortly after McClain returned to Tuscaloosa, the coach did introduce McClain to a therapist. They spoke a few times, but McClain hasn't worked up the courage to commit. "I'm scared of what he might figure out about me," he says with a forced laugh. What does he not want to know?(the reporter asked of McClain) "I don't know if I'm ready to know, man, why I was so angry. I don't know if I'm ready to know what triggers my anger. I just feel like I figured out on my own how to stay calm, how to enjoy life, how to be happy. Eventually, I might find the source of the problem, get over it. But right now …" He sounds like someone who's already had counseling, with self-awareness and smarts that are rare in any 24-year-old. And yet there's another piece of him that seems to drift."} This is the part of Rolando that concerns me...until he is willing to commit to finding out what triggers his anger he can't move forward in his life and be successful. This lack of courage to commit, not knowing if he is ready to figure out what triggers his anger, thinking he can figure this all out on his own is what bothers me about Rolando. He had a very difficult upbringing, alot of tragedy in his life, made a lot of bad choices, and yes a lot of people have as well and have overcome them on their own. But we are all built differently and some people have inherently better coping mechanisms and support systems... Rolando maybe one of the exceptions that doesn't. He maybe the person that needs professional help to overcome the issues of his upbringing. The fact that he is not willing to try to seek out solutions to his issues is troubling for me. I think that is why he showed up late and out of shape to his second chance at football...it kind of represents the unresolved conflict in his life up to this point... as in yes, he wants to play football, but he can't commit...Rolando is searching for an answer trying to find out the missing piece in his puzzle of life, but he is to naive to realize he can't find it on his own. Its sad, but right now football isn't the answer for Rolando, until he finds out the other answers first, imho. For his sake, and his children's sake I hope he does. Once he finds those answers, if that brings him back to football...then he will be successful. But until then Rolando has a lot of work to do...on himself. Just my thoughts.