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Articles by Brad Drotar
TL's TAKES: From OBJ to The Wrath of Peters and Many Points in Between
And Many Points in Between The Wide Receiver Room It’s a debate that has raged on for nearly the franchise’s entire existence. What are the Ravens going to do about the wide receiver room? Draft picks haven’t worked out so well for the better part of two decades. First round capital was spent on players like Travis Taylor, Mark Clayton, Breshad Perriman, Marquise Brown and most recently Rashod Bateman. Drafting talented pass catchers has been the organization’s Achilles heel.
Ravens Get a Dawg in Roquan Smith
For decades the Ravens defense was described in many different ways, none of which that were exactly inviting to an opposing offense. Bullies. Physical. Imposing. Intimidating. Teams knew that when they visited Baltimore, the plane ride home wasn’t going to be all that comfortable. But that hasn’t been the case for quite some time. Since the departures of Messrs. Lewis, Reed, Ngata and Suggs the Ravens have been missing dawgs. Enter Roquan Smith. Roquan is a tackling machine. He plays fast.
"Deposits" Thinning at The Bank
As I stared off and upward during the Ravens game against the Browns last Sunday, I was reminded of the Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics, “nothing remains quite the same”. Seeing pockets and sometimes rows of purple deep into the first quarter saddened me. These pockets of purple used to be jerseys and now they are empty seats. For a team virtually always in contention and currently vying for first place while the weather nearly being perfect, one cannot help but wonder how this could be?
Everywhere There Are Signs
I’ve been on a soapbox as of late regarding the grind of a season. In some ways it’s akin to a band on a world tour. As the tour progresses, the band gets a little tighter with each performance. With a look of an eye, a wink or the nod of the head, together the band knows exactly where to go with any given song. The repetitions work out the kinks. The repetitions pave the way to realized potential. While watching the Ravens through 8 games, we’ve seen small signs of development.
The Good, Bad, & Ugly: Lack of Adjustments, Collapses, #AndFootball
Every so often a loss comes around that tells you the unfortunate truth of exactly where your football team stands. One that isn’t decided by officiating (yes, there were bad calls in crucial moments on Sunday, but they did not define the game) or any other circumstance other than that your team just isn’t very good. For the Baltimore Ravens, that loss came yesterday courtesy of the Buffalo Bills. Now, is it time to throw in the towel on the whole year?
GAMEDAY 411: Ravens v. Bills
Tony Lombardi Tony is the founder of EutawStreetReport.com and RussellStreetReport.com. His work has been featured on various sports websites and he hosts The Front Office, Battle Plans and Word on The Street podcasts. Among his favorite things in life are his wife, kids, family, friends, The Beatles, Breaking Bad, Gladiator, The Godfather, Guinness, orange crushes, meatballs and Key West, not necessarily in that order. Follow Tony on Twitter @RSRLombardi.
Out to Lunch: Pierre-Paul Joins the Flock!
The Ravens have signed a well known pass rusher, and all 53 players were on the practice field yesterday. No, this is not the Twilight Zone, it’s just an exciting Purple Friday as the birds get set to travel to Foxborough this weekend! Let’s hop right into the last minute news and notes before this important early-season AFC matchup. We’ll start with the news at the top of headlines yesterday.
The Good, Bad, & Ugly from 42-38 Loss to Miami
So…where to even begin? How do you possibly sum up into words what we saw take place at M&T Bank Stadium yesterday? I think most of us are still processing it 20+ hours later, and it may even take longer than that to fully come to terms with it not being a bad dream. The Baltimore Ravens were well on their way to a cruise control victory in the 4th quarter against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, and then in the blink of an eye they just weren’t.
Report Card for 24-9 Win Over Jets
The Ravens alternated between bouts of brilliance and sleepwalking throughout the day, but secured a 24-9 win on the road against the New York Jets, and that leads to a 1-0 record. And, with that, this will be a report card of some various levels of success. Offense Overall: D+ The Ravens generated 271 yards of offense and 14 first downs on the day, and only ran for 60 yards. That’s not so good.
Knee-Jerk Reactions to 24-9 Win Over Jets
The Ravens beat Joe Flacco and the New York Jets, 24-9, in Week 1. RSR staff react to the win here. Derek Arnold It wasn’t pretty. But if you want to consider the first half of the game as actually the fourth preseason game, and factor in the rain and wet footballs…it gets a little more stomach-able. Devin Duvernay made an amazing catch on the team’s first touchdown, and Jackson’s no-look pass on Duv’s second was Mahomes-esque.
Even without Lamar, Stick with Mark Andrews in Fantasy
Man, what is going on this week?! We got like a quarter of the league on the Covid list. All kinds of questionable injuries. It seems like every team across fantasy is going to be facing adversity this week because of this mess. Among these players, is Lamar Jackson. After spraining his ankle last week against the Browns, Jackson hasn’t logged a practice. It is starting to look like he wont be suiting up against the Packers this week.
Fantasy: Andrews' Target Share Makes Him a League-Winner
The Ravens’ loss to the Steelers on Sunday left fans disappointed and discouraged. Fans and coaches alike are now concerned after yet another season ending injury, with Marlon Humphrey now sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. How many more injuries will the Ravens be able to handle before the team’s performance and confidence implodes? Just remember, we ride or die with the flock. Don’t lose faith. The Ravens have been in bad positions before and succeeded.
Fantasy Football: Look for Hollywood, Bateman to Shine vs Steelers
Ravens flock, it’s finally time. This Sunday, the Ravens will be playing the Steelers! Some of the best and worst moments of Ravens history have taken place on Steelers week. The rivalry may not be as heated on the field as it used to be, but for the Ravens Flock, this rivalry is still as intense as ever. This week is also very important for fantasy. For myself and probably most of you, this is the last week to make your playoff push.
Devonta Freeman Emerges in Baltimore Backfield
Happy Thanksgiving Ravens flock! Football and a Thanksgiving meal is a combo as elite as Joe Flacco. Speaking of elite, The Ravens pulled out yet another stress-inducing victory. Even with Lamar Jackson being a game-time inactive, Tyler Huntley came up CLUTCH for us. In a week where the Ravens absolutely had to pull out a win because of the tight division race and a tough end of season schedule, Huntley was Baltimore’s hero. You need something to be thankful for today?
Fantasy: Bateman's Coming-Out Party?
Ravens fans, we should have (and I’m sure a lot of us did) seen that loss coming. Whenever the Ravens have what seems like an easy win, and are predicted to win by basically every analyst alive, it’s a trap! The Ravens haven’t changed one bit. Love it or hate it, the Ravens only play up to their opponent’s performance. That’s why even in a game against the Dolphins with a backup QB starting the game before he was injured, the Ravens manage to lose. It happens every year.
Ravens/Dolphins Week 10 Fantasy Outlook
Another week of football, another anxiety driven, heart attack-inducing Ravens win. What else is new? Well, that actually isn’t a rhetorical question. Last week, we had our worst week of fantasy predictions of the season and one of the worst ever, as we only hit on about half of our picks. That’s the name of the game though. You can’t have an awesome fantasy week, every single week of the NFL season.
Fantasy Football: Can Hollywood Keep it Going?
Coming off of what may be the best bye week of all time, where they somehow managed to regain the #1 spot in the AFC North without playing a single snap of football, it is once again time for the Ravens to take the field and remind the division why we are the kings of the north! We had a pretty strong fantasy week, with the big boom week of Michael Pittman being far and away our best pick. Let’s keep the fire going this week.
Best Streaming Options for Week 8
I rarely ever look forward to the Ravens bye week, but the Ravens clearly need it. Especially the defense… I can confidently say I have never seen a Baltimore defense that is so consistently horrendous. Even NFL superstar Marlon Humphrey has been playing poorly and the defense as a whole looks like a peewee football team out there trying to tackle. To say I am disappointed is a very nice way of saying how I (and probably all of us) really feel.
KEYS: Ravens v. Bengals
Print this article Offensive Keys Run the ball If you take anything from this Battle Plan, please take away that this Bengals defense is a different beast, we are looking at an entirely different unit from the past two years. Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard impress as the edge defenders in a base 3-4 defense but with the versatility to morph into 4-3 over and under fronts at times when required.
Two-Minute Drill: Ravens-Bengals Preview + (Too Early) 2022 Draft Needs
Print this article In this week’s 2MD we’ll look at what went right last week, what the Ravens need to do on Sunday to widen their AFC North lead, a weak week in the NFL schedule, and some ‘way too early’ draft discussions. Let’s go!!! About Last Week Ravens 34 Bolts 7 The Ravens defense showed up, played up to the level we have expected, and the hope is that they’re here to stay.
Battle Plans Podcast: Ravens vs. Bengals
Print this article The (5-1) Baltimore Ravens host the (4-2) Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC North showdown that will determine first place in the division. What must the Ravens do to neutralize Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase? What can the Ravens offense do to manipulate an improving Cincinnati defense? What are the key matchups to hone in on? James Ogden, Dev Panchwagh and Tony Lombardi discuss, courtesy of Royal Farms. Links mentioned in this episode: Be sure to subscribe!
Baltimore Ravens Week 6 Status Report
Joey Pulone/Baltimore Ravens Print this article The premier matchup on the NFL’s early slate of Week 6 contests featured the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Los Angeles Chargers at M&T Bank stadium. The two teams entered this game with matching 4-1 records, leading their respective divisions, with the winner making a huge statement as to which team is currently the cream-of-the-crop in the AFC.
Out to Lunch: Noise a Potential Issue for Muted Burrow?
Bengals.com Print this article Your week must be going well! On Sunday afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens absolutely curb-stomped the previously 4-1 Los Angeles Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium. The Chargers were coming into Baltimore as an early favorite in the AFC and looking for another opportunity to prove themselves worthy of a look as a Super Bowl contender.
Week 6: Five Most Important Plays
Print this article The Ravens offense was downright explosive during Sunday’s showdown with Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, in a way we’re much more accustomed to seeing from this team. After a couple weeks of heavy passing numbers from Lamar Jackson, they were able to get back to their record setting rushing roots thanks to a more than exploitable Los Angeles defensive front.
Injury Report: Ravens vs. Bengals (Wednesday)
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article Ravens Did Not Participate: C Bradley Bozeman (back); OLB Justin Houston (NIR-rest); RB Latavius Murray (ankle); CB Jimmy Smith (NIR-rest); T Alejandro Villaneuva (knee); WR Sammy Watkins (thigh); CB Tavon Young (knee) Limited Participation: LB Patrick Queen (thigh) Bengals Did Not Participate: CB Jalen Davis (ankle); C Trey Hopkins (knee); DT Josh Tupou (knee) Limited Participation: S Ricard Allen (ankle); G Jackson Carman (NIR-rest); HB...
Lamar Jackson Putting Defenses in a Bind
photo: Brandon Portney Print this article The list of records Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson broke Monday night is a long one. He became the first ever NFL QB to complete 85% of his passes or higher in a 400-yard game. He had the highest completion rate in a 40-pass game in history. He threw for a Ravens record 442 yards, and overcame the largest deficit of his career. There’s no way around it. He was absolutely dialed in and enjoyed his best game ever as a passer. And the Colts let him do it.
Baltimore Ravens: Battle Plans Podcast
James Ogden, Dev Panchwagh and Tony Lombardi briefly discuss the Ravens win over the Colts and then take a deep dive into Baltimore’s week 6 matchup against the LA Chargers. This is a must listen to those interest in X’s & O’s strategy. For the full Battle Plans written piece, click here.
RAVENS TOWN TAVERN: Lamar is Now an Author!
Image courtesy of Clutchpoints Print this article Hello everyone and welcome to my first edition of the Ravens Town Tavern. This column will include some Ravens tidbits, some pop culture, at times a bit of history with a Baltimore slant, music and other topics of interest for you Flockers. Your feedback and/or suggestions are always welcome. Ping me at TL@russellstreetreport.com.
Tale of the Tape: Will the Real Pat Queen Please Stand Up?
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article This is Tale of the Tape: Defense. For Tale of the Tape: Offense, click here. The Baltimore Ravens defense allowed more than 30 points in each of their first two regular season games, but they’ve put together back-to-back solid performances the last two weeks, including Sunday’s 23-7 win over the Denver Broncos.
The Back Door Cover: Week 5 NFL Picks
Print this article My Picks Last Week: 4-1 (80.0%) Overall: 13-7 (65.0%) BDC Lock of the Week Last Week: 1-0 Overall: 3-1 (75.0%) Week 4 Whiffs: — I’m done putting faith in the Steelers. Their defense played “okay” but Big Ben is looking his age this season. I think it’s time to move on Steeler fans. Through Week 4, here are the ATS Rankings: The favorites got a few back this week, but dogs are still ahead with a 57.8% winning percentage through four weeks.
Baltimore Ravens News RSR
Hello everyone and welcome to my first edition of the Ravens Town Tavern. This column will include some Rave... Read More
Baltimore Ravens: Injury Report
Print this article Game Status Ravens OUT: T Ronnie Stanley (ankle) Limited Participation: S DeShon Elliott (quad); S Geno Stone (thigh); T Alejandro Villaneuva (knee) Indy OUT: DE Kwity Paye (hamstring); T Braden Smith (foot/thumb) RB Jordan Wilkins (illness); CB Rock Ya-Sin (ankle) QUESTIONABLE: S Khari Willis (ankle/groin) Saturday Practice Injury Report Ravens Did Not Participate: T Ronnie Stanley (ankle); DE Calais Campbell (NIR-rest); WR Sammy Watkins (NIR-rest); OLB Pernell McPhee...
Ravens Pass-Catchers Through Four Games
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Street Talk Ravens Pass-Catchers: Thru 4 Games Jim ZipCode Posted 2 days ago in Street Talk Print this article A great win over the Broncos Sunday showcased the expanded options the Ravens now have in the passing game. Here’s a look at the season stats: Last week I compared James Proche to a pinch hitter who gets a hit in his only at-bat, and said he’s not really as good as his stats.
Two-Minute Drill: Black Jerseys/Purple Pants?! Heck Yes!
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article Only the 2021 Baltimore Ravens could go from a trio of one-score games decided in the final possession to a comfortable win that still includes a controversial play-call to end a game (that really shouldn’t be controversial at all), continuing to keep fans on the edge of their seats. We genuinely need a name for this edition of the Ravens and the near heart attacks of the flock following every game… something similar to cardiac kids, right?
Injury Report: Ravens vs. Indy (Friday)
Print this article Ravens Did Not Participate: DT Brandon Williams (NIR-rest); T Ronnie Stanley (ankle); T Alejandro Villaneuva (knee) Limited Participation: S DeShon Elliott (quad); S Geno Stone (thigh) Indy Did Not Participate: DE Kwity Paye (hamstring); T Braden Smith (foot/thumb); C Ryan Kelly (groin); T Eric Fisher (NIR-rest); TE Jack Doyle (NIR-rest); RB Jordan Wilkins (illness) Limited Participation: S Khari Willis (ankle/groin); CB Rock Ya-Sin (ankle); RB Nyheim Hines (shoulder); LB...
Out to Lunch: Marlon vs. Beloved Baltimore Stuff (Again)
Print this article Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey made a risky statement during a press conference yesterday, saying that he was not a fan of the Baltimore-set HBO drama, The Wire. This will be discussed next week on @GuruPunch I will give the Wire the 3rd try https://t.co/3goOMnrI5N — Marlon Humphrey (@marlon_humphrey) October 7, 2021 Flock Nation almost turned on Marlon after that take! Hey @marlon_humphrey. You’ve had ALOT of bad takes throughout the years.
Tale of the Tape Jackson's Passing Evolution Continues
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article This is Tale of the Tape: Offense. For Tale of the Tape: Defense, click here. The Ravens walked into Mile High Stadium on Sunday knowing that in order for their offense to be successful, they’d have to establish, and play through, the passing game. A stark contrast to their usual model of running it down the opponent’s throat early and often, but Denver’s stout run defense warranted the change in approach.
Fantasy Football: Hollywood Will Light Up Monday Night
Print this article Lamar Jackson and the Ravens look to be catching fire, despite an injury riddled season. By tackling adversity and adapting to their situation, they were able to start the season 3-1, including a massive win over the Chiefs, proving all the doubters wrong. Why do I mention this? Because we all can and need to do the same thing in fantasy! This season has been brutal with injuries and if your team has taken as devastating of a blow as mine, you need a pick me up. Some motivation.
Battle Plans: How to Send Indy Home with a Loss on MNF
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article This Ravens team is flawed, it’s missing a multitude of key players, it’s getting opposition coaches seriously hot under the collar, but it’s also 3-1. Can they do what Ravens fans always want – beat Indy?
Ravens Strike a Balance on Offense
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article The Ravens talked about having a more balanced offense throughout the offseason. While the running attack was expected to be among the best in the NFL, the national media still questioned whether Lamar Jackson could beat a team through the air … until the game against the Broncos.
Knee-Jerk Reactions to 19-17 Win Over Detroit Lions
Knee-Jerk Reactions Tucker’s Record-Setter Saves Ravens RSR Staff Posted 4 hours ago in Knee-Jerk Reactions Print this article Justin Tucker hit an NFL record-setting 66-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Ravens over the Detroit Lions 19-17. Russell Street Report staff react to the win here… A NEW NFL RECORD. 66 YARDS. OFF THE CROSSBAR. @JTUCK9. pic.twitter.com/x8DXOoCuFH — NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021 Derek Arnold Justin.Tucker. What else can you say?
FOCO Releases Lamar Jackson FLIP Bobblehead
Joey Pulone/Baltimore Ravens Print this article Somerset, NJ September 24th, 2021 – FOCO is excited to introduce a brand-new, collectable, officially licensed bobblehead featuring Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson in his now-iconic flipping action pose from his team’s Sunday Night Football triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Battle Plans: Keys to Victory in Detroit
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article The full Battle Plans breakdown for this week can be found here. Here’s you’re at-a-glance Keys to Victory: Offensive Keys Flip the script on 1st Down The Lions will sell out to stop the run with the same system their new DC, Aaron Glenn, was a part of with the Saints – going big on early downs with a five-man front. The Ravens could flip the script somewhat from their normal MO, and come out throwing on first down.
The Good, Bad, & Ugly: Un-Flippin' Believable!
Joey Pulone/Baltimore Ravens Print this article I’m in Napa Valley. Came out for a wedding on Saturday (congratulations to Ben and Molly Crist) and decided to extend for a week. So the AirBNB we’re staying in has a TV that sucks. Naturally I couldn’t watch the game on a grainy TV so we went to a sports pub along Main Street in Napa. As I walk in sporting my Ravens hoodie, I’m greeted by boos. Next to us was a table of Chiefs fans (see photo below).
Injury Report - Ravens @ Lions (Friday/Game Status)
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Injury Report Ravens @ Lions (Friday/Game Status) Ravens PR Department @Ravens Posted 1 day ago in Injury Report Print this article Game Status Ravens OUT: LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle); DE Derek Wolfe (back/hip) QUESTIONABLE: CB Jimmy Smith (ankle); OLB Daelin Hayes (knee); CB Tavon Young (knee); WR Marquise Brown (ankle); QB Lamar Jackson (illness); S DeShon Elliott (concussion); OLB Pernell McPhee (shoulder); ILB Chris Board (other) Lions OUT: OLB Jamie Collins...
Battle Plans: Detroit's 5-2 Defense Could Present Problems
Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions Print this article On the face of it, given the plethora of Ravens’ vulnerable knees, this is the worst possible time to be playing Dan Campbell’s knee-biting squad. No, I won’t stop using that reference as a joke. In truth, the Lions are a potential trap game for the Ravens but one which they should win in Motor City on Sunday afternoon at a relative canter.
Fantasy Football: Let Ty'Son Drive You to Victory in Motor City
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article I don’t know about y’all but that Chiefs game had me smiling ear to ear all day Monday. Rookie Odafe Oweh stole the show with his incredible forced fumble and recovery that sealed the game, leading to the Ravens’ first win against Patrick Mahomes in the Lamar Jackson era! Oweh went on to be named Defensive Player of the Week, deservedly so. It’s always great to see rookies that were doubted show all their haters wrong.
Tale of the Tape: A Night Full of Plays to Remember
Shawn Hubbard/Baltimore Ravens Print this article This is Tale of the Tape: Offense. For Tale of the Tape: Defense, click here When the Ravens took the field against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, they knew that in order to win the game they’d have to play nearly mistake-free football. Then, on the first drive of the game Lamar Jackson threw a pick-six to All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu, a moment that could have easily been the beginning of disaster for number eight and company.
Out to Lunch: More Like Stephen L. Smith, Right?
Print this article Anyone else getting tired of talking about Sunday’s big win? Yeah, me neither. It was exciting. It was a back-and-forth slobber-knocker with a team that we love to hate. It culminated with the Ravens facing adversity and roaring back for an improbable win. And it was all thanks to plays like this (via NFL on Twitter): LAMAR JACKSON JUMP PASS TD. 📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC 📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/ZWtP0yR3ZU — NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021 Madre de Dios, that’s good.
IN THE HOOD: Week 2 in the AFC North c/o Rock Spring Financial
Print this article To say it was a wild week in the AFC North might just be the understatement of the year. We saw a little bit of everything: a near upset from Baker Mayfield & Co., surprise victories, crushing defeats, and through it all that classic AFC North grit that’s come to define the division for almost two decades. Unfortunately, the Ravens fall into said “crushing defeats” category, but it’s a long season. Us tenured Baltimore football fans out there know this feeling well.
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