Dorota

I do agree that Marshall Yanda is the best offensive lineman currently on any NFL roster. Beat that smarts or toughness or willingness to step up at tackle position when necessary also.

Sounds odd maybe, but I'm glad Tomlin resigned. Steelers are a "love to hate" team and I like them to stay that way. I'd hate to just hate them, if you know what I mean. For example if Belichick coached them, there is no fun in that, just gets me mad.

Hit me with a stick, but I'd argue Ed Reed to be the great of the greats! He was a game changer, shutdown, plenty of returns, willingness to do all, amazing smarts and vision and very much a team player, not afraid to lateral just to bring it to the house.

Assuming it's all classroom stuff and equipment fitting.

I'd still expect the general rundown of who's fit, who's fat, who's got trash mouth or something of the sort, that's actual news.

The only thing I wish Peterson is oblivion. I believe he is an epic RB, but a horrible person. But if I'm to be objective, it's a 50/50 thing. Peterson has a better resume. However, Forsett has less mileage, better offensive line, more experienced QB, better distraction in the passing game with the weapons we've acquired and is still out there to prove something.

While I know Juszczyk is an FB, I think his situation is dependent on the development of the young TEs. If rookies struggle and if Pitta doesn't return, it will not be enough to have 1 TE and no other options in short routes. I Trestman is a creative play caller and will find ways to get Kyle involved.

I really really like Juice. I hope there's a niche for him on this offense and he can find ways to get the ball. It might not happen, because for the first time in a long time, it seems we are well equipped in the receiving game, but we'll see. Shame about the fullback position being on the decline. Maybe it doesn' make for spectacular plays, but I enjoy the grind and gritty of it.

lets not forget he can also fill in as a field goal kicker in a pinch.

He can? Good to know! It's great to have multitalented players. Just in case.

That's not a win just for Koch, but also for the Ravens. He's a great player, as you mentioned - durable and loyal. Special teams often go under-appreciated, but excelling in special plays can take you places. Like the Super Bowl. Go Wolfpack!

Even if Matt doesn't see any action during the season, and I pray that he doesn't, I think he was a great signing. What he can bring is the knowledge. He'll be good for Joe and he'll be useful as an extra support for the offense players, that are struggling with with the scheme. That's some hell of a senior leadership in Matt.

I wonder - and some of you with better knowledge can probably tell me - is Schaub so bad because he's genuinely lacking skill, or is it because he's lacking confidence? After all, he was at the Pro Bowl and I'd assume some abilities to get there..

Well, you'll have an opportunity to get back at the Browns 2x a year And no risk here that you would hear of a firing on the TV or at such an inappropriate time. That's what I value about this organization - fairness and tact!

I don't mind if Steelers choose to honor one of their greats during a Raven game every year. You know why? Because in a way it's a sign of huge respect. You don't bother to flaunt the best you've had for teams you don't fear and respect and that you don't take dead serious.

This time last year, I remember reading similar stories on here about Elam looking confident, playing faster in pursuit of the ball, etc. I specifically recall an article where L.Webb spoke about Elam being very vocal and much improved. So I can't say this article has restored my confidence as of yet.

I just hope he has really watched plenty of film, went over mistakes, errors. Work on form tackling, just his overall coverage skills, back pedaling, turning, breaking on balls.

i hope to see a strong preseason from him.

That's two of us that are hoping. You're right about the articles.

However, last year I also remember Elam working all summer, but to make sure he has some experience outside of football. Rookie year he won out the starter job week 2, not least because Michael Huff was so horrible and maybe he underestimated the necessity do not only work on the physical year round, but also on football skills and knowledge.

This off season was one he spent solely concentrating on football, getting back on form and doing his best so that he has an opportunity to stay in the league, because his year 2 was a rude awakening. He lost out the starter job, he performed poorly, there was little veteran leadership in the secondary, apart from Webb, who spent a large part of the season injured and due to other injuries Elo was rotated around, playing this position one week and that position the next. My bet it, that changing positions, he was out of his depth and once he had a couple mental errors, that started messing with his confidence, which in turn impacted his play more. And he went into the off season knowing that, so my bet is he worked his behind off.

I'm curious as to what he can do if he plays one position (and ideally in special teams, to get the extra experience).

Way to guilt trip me into thinking what I ate today Trying to eat clean running up to a big match. Drank some water just reading this

Glad we have Maxx. If the maturity he shows in his communication translates onto the field and football success, then we can look forward to a productive TE that will be able to last in the league and with the Ravens.

I would not put Newton, Brees or even Wilson ahead of Flacco. No way! Congrats to Crockett Gilmore on being the only positively rated rookie TE last season!

Not on a losing team in a decade and the whole of his career? Wow, that's some impressive feat! Canty is not physically what he used to be and he knows it, but he is one of the smarter players I have seen and can provide leadership, that is missing for the DL. With young and very physical talent on the roster, mainly Brandon Williams and Timmy Jernigan, it is not 100% that he can be a starter the whole season, especially as the wear and tear kicks in, but even off the field, he is a valuable asset, being able to coach the young squad, provide leadership and mentoring. This is one guy I believe to be smart and elaborate enough, that he will make a career as TV football reporter and commentary once he hangs the cleats. He's that smart, that mature and that elaborate. I hope to see plenty interviews with him still in the locker room as a valuable Raven player and look forward to see him play and provide his insight in press.

Guys that make sure the helmet holds, but doesn't hurt, shoulders fit well and cleats don't dig into ankles, you're the real MVPs! Seriously, anyone who's played a match of football in loose shoulders and too tight shoes will appreciate these guys making sure it doesn't happen.

Tweaked hamstring in practice it was announced yesterday... Boyle took the rest of his snaps. Doesn't sound good at all. It puts him a step back behind the rest of the offense.

Thanks for the update! I hope it's minor and he gets to catch up soon.

When I started playing football, I picked the NFL team that I would support seemingly at random, but with what I see, have seen and read since I picked it up makes me feel blessed, because I know I chose right!

Maxx Williams banged up how?

Makes me feel kinda sad for John's brother Jim.  Must be hard on John too since I know he cares for his brother.

It is sad. John is definitely the better coach in the long run. But I'll be rooting for Jim this season too. I think Jim is better suited for college, where he can dazzle players, but not work with them for so long that he wears on them. He's done well so far with recruiting. I think this season for Michigan will be a definite improvement over past years with Brady Hoke, who was a nice fella, but a bad coach.

Also, I don't think college football is a fail over NFL. Jim will be best suited now to help prepare his players for what awaits them in the NFL. He will have an opportunity to affect lives. And develop players.

There are two possibilities -

1) He is a perpetual prankster and this is his way to shake the other AFC North teams when he goes into action in September.

2) ...and this is much more likely, Haloti's departure hit him like an Orinco truck and he realized that the era he played for is almost over and it's got him depressed and demotivated.

Even with option 2, it's possible he'll get back in shape and get over it, but it's possible it's the last year we see him play. I'm pretty sure he restructured partially in order to keep Haloti on the roster (I think it was before he left).

"And play him where? Left bench? #Osemele #Yanda" - this time Ryan Mink hit the nail on the head. So funny, so true. I can't help but hope, that we will keep both Osmele and Yanda, though I think it unlikely.

The Upshaw sack that was taken away is a slight, especially as it's one Big Ben is not like to forget. No worries, Upshaw, do it again, it's your stat to claim and grounding Steelers QB is the thing to do!

Most likely, there will be a rotation early in the season at least, making it difficult for any one TE to shine. However, I do believe he can break out towards December, when the differences start to show. Ultimately I think we'll see more of both Maxx and Crockett as time goes on.

In his presser, he's right he and Brandon Williams, Canty, all of them have a great advantage in going against Yanda and Osmele in practice. Hopefully, getting rough with these two will get them boys ready for anything that's out there. For me, Yanda is next best thing to the Incredible Hulk.

When did Joe get so handsome? He's got a chance at playing in his 40s, if mentally he keeps getting better and better and stays as durable as he is now... seriously, worst I've seen him physically, he wore a knee brace for a game, but still suited up and played. Can't wait for the season to start just to watch him be perfectly stoic and throw hail Marys in Q4!