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Penguins Wrap: More Blown Leads; Youth Movement; How’s Sid?
Continued concerns were more plentiful than answers over the past week for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Missed chances, blown leads, costly mistakes. You know the drill. The Penguins do, too, but they can’t seem to do anything about it. Analysis has turned to looking at how bad things can get, what changes could or should happen and some stark realities.
Penguins Live Chat: Mike Sullivan, Kyle Dubas, & Why Penguins Blow Leads
“No, Mike Sullivan isn’t losing the room. I think the room is losing the room.” PHN’s Dan Kingerski tackled the heavyweight subjects of coach Mike Sullivan’s future and why he’s no longer guaranteed to finish the season as the Penguins coach. Kingerski also plowed into the deeper reasons, including specific team flaws, that explain why the team has blown eight multi-goal leads in 21 games.
Penguins Postgame: Searching for Answers After Another Collapse vs. Tampa Bay Original
The Pittsburgh Penguins have an allergy to holding leads. For the second game in a row and eighth time in 21 games, the Penguins had a multiple goal lead, only to collapse and lose. The Penguins led the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 but lost 3-2 in overtime. It was the fifth time they’ve lost a game in which they led by two or more, and eighth time they’ve lost a game despite possessing a lead. “I don’t know what to say,” said Marcus Pettersson.
Penguins Squander ANOTHER Big Lead; Lose in OT...AGAIN Original
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins managed just three shots in the third period and kicked away their ninth two-goal lead of the season, allowing the Tampa Bay Lightning to score twice in the final period to force overtime, 2-2. Brayden Point scored his second goal of the game when took advantage of sprawled Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry at 3:58 of overtime, and the Penguins blew another point when leading by two, losing 3-2 in OT at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday.
Locker Room Presents Gal Policy - Bashment Special
Locker Room presents Gal Policy. Our official LGBTQ+ Pyjama party The event where the only policy is for girls to have fun. Expect 60% of Bashment and 100% of Baddies 😉 You asked and we listened! Date: Friday 22nd November Time: 10pm - 5am Location: Location: The Ton of Brix, Brixton, SW9 8LF What’s in store for you?
Penguins Locker Room: Owen Pickering Gushes over NHL Debut
The Pittsburgh Penguins drafted a still-growing and somewhat gangly defenseman in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. The pick wasn’t the sexiest of the day and 19 other first-round selections from the draft class have already made their NHL debuts. However, Owen Pickering might just keep growing into a bigger role with the…
Penguins Blow 3-Goal Lead to Terrible Sharks, Surive in Shootout
PITTSBURGH — Fresh from their humbling loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday, Pittsburgh Penguins (7-10-3) coach Mike Sullivan inserted a pair of rookies into the lineup against the San Jose Sharks (5-10-4), and the team scored a trio of goals in the first period, two of which counted. Things looked quite rosy for the Penguins, but perhaps you’ve heard this story before—the Penguins blew a multi-goal lead.
Penguins Hold Team Meetings, Leaders Answer for Losses, 'Feel Like Crap'
CRANBERRY, Twp — It was not a pleasant experience for anyone involved. The fans booed loudly at the end of the first period Monday after the Pittsburgh Penguins gave up six goals for the first time in franchise history. Never before had the team yielded that many on home ice, and anyone who witnessed the hockey slaughter will attest it could have been worse. The Penguins were indeed that bad in the 7-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, and they had a team meeting or meetings to discuss it.
Heartbreak to heroism: Regina Sheck's remarkable rugby tale
New Zealand 7 hours ago Waka Kotahi refuses to release briefing on scheme used to build motorways rnz.co.nz - Phil Pennington • 7h The transport agency is refusing to release a briefing on two public-private partnerships used to build expensive sections of state highway.
LockerRoom: Where is she now? Equestrian Sally Clark’s journey from Olympic glory to breeding future winners
Pittsburgh Marathon 1 day ago Fans came out in force to cheer on runners in the Pittsburgh Marathon nextpittsburgh.com - Ann Belser • 1d The hardest part of the Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon for Deborah Bryant of Homewood was trying not to dance when she was filling cups … Pennsylvania 3 days ago Judy O'Connor, wife of late Mayor Bob O'Connor, dies at 79 post-gazette.com - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette • 3d Judy O’Connor, the wife of late Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O’Connor, has died, her...
The Locker Room Presents Baddie High (Bashment VS Soca Edition )
The Locker Room presents BADDIE HIGH ⏰📚 One of the HOTTEST upcoming LGBTQIA+ events in London 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 The ultimate verzus of Bashment & Soca 📢 Let your whistles decide who wins 🏆 This time we’re taking it back 2 school 🤓 Come and secure an A ⭐️ whine at Baddie High 🎓 🗓️ Saturday 13th April 2024 ⏰ 9:00pm-4am (Last entry 12:30pm) 📍The Ravensbury 260 Croydon Rd, CR4 4JA 🎧DJ LINE UP: DJ Larni Damn Shaq Charley Valentine DJ CeeBee DJ Hilly 🔈 Bashment vs Soca! 🤸♀️ Dancehall, Reggae and...
If These Walls Could Talk: Raiders
Press Releases If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Raiders Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box By Lincoln Kennedy and Paul Gutierrez / Foreword by Tim Brown Contact: Scott King, IPG, 312-568-5423, sking@ipgbook.com Former Raider tackle turned Raider radio broadcaster Lincoln Kennedy uses his firsthand knowledge and experience to pull back the curtain for an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the history of the Raiders organization from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Ravens Stick to The Plan
Tale of the Tape: Running Game Closes it Out! The Ravens have struggled over the past two seasons to close out opponents and seemingly kept giving opportunities for late game heroics from opposing teams. … Read More →
Keeping it All Together While Fixing The 4th Quarter Problems
Jacksonville Takeaways Jacksonville Not For The Jackson’s During the Ravens most recent four-game winning streak, John Harbaugh’s team proved that they can win when their franchise quarterback … Read More →
Ravens Turning the Corner
The Ravens are becoming a dangerous team as we head into the second half of the season. They’ve had some hiccups closing out games, but now the team is learning how to hold onto the lead. Several young players, most notably tight end Isaiah Likely, safety Kyle Hamilton and center Tyler Linderbaum — are starting to flash. Lamar Jackson is becoming a more mature quarterback and learning how to manage a game. The Ravens have won several times this season when Jackson has not flashed gaudy stats.
Lamar Jackson Not Playing in Preseason Games
Lamar Jackson won’t be taking any hits in the preseason. The Ravens aren’t going to take any chances and will keep him sidelined for the upcoming games against the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders. Smart teams don’t put their franchise quarterbacks in harm’s way. Jackson’s contract situation makes the situation even trickier. When asked whether he would play in the preseason, Jackson replied: “I don’t know yet. I don’t know yet. I don’t know yet. I don’t know yet.
Denim Low Crotch Pants
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Young Tight Ends Turning Heads
John Harbaugh didn’t pause when I asked him whether he could envision a scenario where the Ravens carry four tight ends this season. “Yes,” he said. The Ravens are bullish on the two tight ends they selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft — Charlie Kolar from Iowa State and Isaiah Likely from Coastal Carolina. Kolar is a big body — 6-foot-6, 250 pounds — that plays like a true tight end that can get down the field and block.
No Disrespect
Ravens wide receivers James Proche and Rashod Bateman are tired of the Lamar Jackson “slander.” The young wide receivers confronted the media about the perceived lack of respect Jackson has been getting this offseason. “Like, kind of tired of the slander, that’s really it,” Proche said. “There’s only been one Lamar Jackson ever in this league, and the fact that the media disrespects him the way that they do is, what I said earlier, barbaric.
All Eyes on Lamar!
Quarterback Lamar Jackson was the center of attention at the Ravens’ mandatory minicamp last week. It was the first time Jackson practiced with the team after missing the last four games of the 2021 regular season and skipping the recent voluntary workouts. The Ravens are trying to reach a long-term contract extension with Jackson and that has dominated the headlines. On the field, Jackson looked poised and was able to control the offense, which looked much better with him behind center.
The Impact of Lamar's Absence
The Ravens coaches have been dismissive with questions about Lamar Jackson’s whereabouts during the past two voluntary workouts. The standard response has been, “Ask Lamar,” when his absence comes up. Players are not required to attend these workouts. That’s why they are voluntary. However, it doesn’t pass the eye test for a quarterback who repeatedly claims he wants to win a Super Bowl in Baltimore.
Bateman Ready to Be The Man
The Ravens apparently have the confidence Rashod Bateman is ready to embrace the role as the team’s No 1 wide receiver. Otherwise, they would’ve never traded Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL draft. Bateman is not backing down from the expectations surrounding him this season. In fact, he’s embracing the challenge. “I feel like Baltimore drafted me for a reason,” Bateman told cornerback Marlon Humphrey on ” Studio 44.” They drafted me to be in this position.
Not Going There ...
The Ravens won’t be taking a wide receiver or a quarterback in the first round of this year’s draft. That’s about the only certainty surrounding the team because every other position is on the table. The Ravens have selected six wide receivers in the past three drafts, including a pair of first-round picks. They plan to move forward with their current group of wideouts, but they could add another playmaker on day three if someone talented falls to them.
Work Horses - Russell Street Report
Few critics can question the work ethic of Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman and quarterback Lamar Jackson. The two playmakers have been working out together since the injury-marred season ended. Bateman is poised to take over the role as the No. 1 wide receiver because of his ability to gain yards after the catch and fearlessness when battling for the football. Bateman missed the first five games last season after undergoing groin surgery.
Ravens Searching for Healthy Contributors
The Ravens don’t want a repeat of the 2021 season when the roster was eviscerated with injuries. They had 25 players appear on Injured Reserve, which led to an 8-9 record and missing of the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Coach John Harbaugh has pledged the team will change the way they practice and the franchise has hired new personnel to prevent injuries.
2021 Ravens Move On to New Teams
So far, 10 of the Ravens unrestricted free agents have signed with teams. It’s not exactly addition by subtraction because some of these players could have helped Baltimore in 2022. The players who have found new homes consist of: All of these players have signed one-year deals, which underscores their value. The Ravens were ready to move on from Watkins, Johnson, Tomlinson and apparently Bozeman, who reportedly never received a competitive offer from the Ravens.
Bucking Trends
Even though the NFL is a copycat league, the Ravens typically forge their own path. That’s why both general manager Eric DeCosta and former team president Dick Cass scoffed at the notion they would follow the Los Angeles Rams recent path to success. Instead of building their team organically through the draft, the Rams threw huge amounts of money at big-time free agents and acquired other playmakers via trades, salary cap be damned.
4th ROUND: Finding Impact Players
The Ravens’ 2022 draft will largely be defined in the fourth round. GM Eric DeCosta is not backing away from the challenge. The Ravens have five picks in the fourth round and expect to make a splash with each selection. The team needs to add depth at almost every position on the roster, so the Ravens need to add playmakers that can make an immediate impact. “My mindset is every guy that we take in the fourth round this year better be playing for us – that’s why we’re taking him,” DeCosta said.
DeCosta Tells Some Truths at Liars' Luncheon
GM Eric DeCosta told at least one truth at the annual “Liars’ Luncheon:” that the Ravens need to fill several holes on defense through the draft. Baltimore has to overhaul its defensive line, add playmakers at inside and outside linebacker, in the secondary, and find a pass rusher. The Ravens also need more depth in the secondary behind Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey. In short, this is a critical draft for “plug-and-play” performers.
Bisciotti Doesn't Hold Back
Ravens owner Steve Biscotti is not shy when expressing his views. So when he met with the media last week for the first time in nearly three years, he was forthright and downright blunt when talking about his franchise and the state of the NFL. He also ended any wild speculation he was looking to sell the team. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
Ravens to Make Changes to Ward Off Injury Bug
The Ravens are determined not to have injuries derail another season. Coach John Harbaugh and his staff are analyzing ways to prevent players from being sidelined and plan to change the way they practice. It’s a proactive step for a team that had 19 players finish last season on Injured Reserve, including several key starters. “We’re going to approach OTAs differently,” Harbaugh said at this week’s owner meetings.
DeCosta Should Have Flexibility in Draft
This is a critical draft for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. The team needs to add several playmakers who will be able to make an immediate impact because of holes in the roster. However, DeCosta was already able to fill several gaps in free agency with the additions of safety Marcus Williams, offensive tackle Morgan Moses and defensive tackle Michael Pierce. The Ravens were also able to bring back Pat Ricard at fullback.
Aggressive Out of the Gate
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta stormed into free agency with three high-profile signings. DeCosta would have landed a fourth but the deal fell through at the last minute. The Ravens filled significant holes on their roster with the additions of safety Marcus Williams, offensive tackle Morgan Moses and defensive tackle Michael Pierce.
Ravens Deviate from Normal Mode of Operation
The Ravens have always prided themselves on hanging on to the top playmakers they developed from the NFL draft. From Mark Andrews to Ronnie Stanley to Marlon Humphrey to Tyus Bowser, the Ravens have been able to secure second contracts for their young players. However, the team appears to be moving in a different direction this offseason.
Help Wanted: Cornerbacks Needed
The Ravens need to further upgrade their secondary after making a couple of cost-saving measures. The team recently released cornerback Tavon Young, who would have had a $9.2 million cap hit this season. The Ravens also decided not to tender fellow cornerback Chris Westry, who would have made $2.5 million next season. Jimmy Smith is an unrestricted free agent and is considering retirement, while Anthony Averett is also about to test the market.
Ravens Bullish on Bateman
For the first time in several years, the Ravens won’t be scouring the free-agent market or the draft to find wide receivers. General manager Eric DeCosta is confident the team has enough young playmakers on the current roster to make an impact. The Ravens have a solid group of young wideouts consisting of Rashod Bateman, Marquise Brown, Devin Duvernay, Tylan Wallace and James Proche. The Ravens are especially bullish on Bateman, who flashed during his rookie year.
Getting Back to Full Strength
The Ravens had some of their top players on the sidelines because of injuries last season. Their health will play a huge part in whether the team can get back into the playoffs in 2022. “I’m hopeful,” coach John Harbaugh said about those players returning from injuries. “I’m not in the rehabs every day. So, I’m like you guys. I’m hopeful. I’m down there encouraging them.
Ravens Take a Business Trip to Indianapolis
The Ravens scouts and coaches traveled to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine this week and will keep a close eye on players that are tough in the trenches. The team needs to add players on both the offensive and defensive lines. One player that could be an immediate fit is Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning, according to NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “The way he plays, the physicality, he’s huge,” Jeremiah said in a conference call with the media. “He’s 330 pounds. He’s almost 6’7”.
Time to Get a Deal Done with Lamar Jackson
There doesn’t appear to be any hint of acrimony between the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson despite a wedge that members of the media are trying to drive between the two sides. ESPN’s Ryan Clark and Adam Shefter have suggested that Jackson should not practice or play until he reaches a long-term deal with the team. “He deserves to be in that 40 million-plus crew. … I believe that’s what he needs to get to even walk on the grass in Baltimore,” Clark said on ESPN.
Time for Young WRs to Shine
When Eric DeCosta took over as the Ravens general manager in 2019, he prioritized adding a deep group of young wide receivers to the roster. It was an area he thought the team was lacking over the previous years. The Ravens had never selected a Pro Bowl wide receiver over their entire history. As a result, DeCosta wanted to add as much talent as possible. “One of the biggest things that we have to do is just take some at-bats and swing,” DeCosta said at the time.
Getting the Running Attack Back on Track
The Ravens are hopeful that both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards will be fully healthy next season. The ground attack took a major hit during training camp when both of those running backs went down with season-ending knee injuries. GM Eric DeCosta was forced to find replacements off the street and the running game never hit its stride. This year, DeCosta is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the Ravens are not put in the same position.
Corralling the Bengals
For years, the Ravens were constantly battling the Pittsburgh Steelers for supremacy in the AFC North. Now, the tide has changed with the Cincinnati Bengals emerging as the new team to beat with a young roster and plenty of salary-cap space to bolster their lineup. After years of mediocrity and losing seasons, the Bengals are finally reaping the rewards of drafting well and building their team organically.
Climbing Out of the Cellar
The Ravens found themselves in an unfamiliar position this season — in last place in the AFC North. It was the first time since 2007 that the Ravens finished behind all of their division rivals. GM Eric DeCosta expects that performance to be an aberration as opposed to a harbinger for years to come. However, even DeCosta knows it won’t be easy. The Ravens have to rebuild parts of the roster and hope several key players that were injured last season can come back fully healthy.
RAVENS O-LINE: Back to the Drawing Board
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta is determined to fix the offensive line after last season’s overhaul did not work because of injuries and inconsistent performances. Heading into last season, DeCosta was convinced that he put together a bunch of maulers up front to open the run game and protect quarterback Lamar Jackson in the pocket.
DeCosta Multitasking
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta is taking care of the situations he can control this offseason. However, there are some issues that will take more time to be resolved. DeCosta confirmed he will pick up the fifth-year option for wide receiver Marquise Brown, who had a breakout season with more than 1,000 yards receiving. However, dealing with the rest of the roster has created uncertainty.
John Harbaugh Raring to Go in 2022
After enduring a frustrating losing season that ended with six straight losses, Ravens coach John Harbaugh is already operating at full speed to make his team a contender again. Even with the skid and numerous players on IR, the Ravens were in the playoff hunt until the final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, the Ravens finished the year 8-9 — only their second losing season under Harbaugh. Now, Harbaugh is confident the team is poised for a bounce-back season.
Continuity is Key
One of the last times Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti spoke to the media, he talked about the importance of continuity. “If you go through the league, the winning teams are the ones that have the least turnover in their front office and their coaching staffs,” Bisciotti said in 2017. “You just don’t turn things over. You guys would be getting a whole lot more juice if you were down in Tampa. You’re missing their press conference. You’d have more to write about.
The Future is Now for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson doesn’t appear overly concerned about landing a new deal with the Ravens. He admitted earlier this month that there has not been much progress with his contract negotiations. To his credit, Jackson is more focused on getting healthy and backing up safety Chuck Clark, who had some strong words after the regular-season finale against the Steelers. “I really only have one message for all of the questions, you know what I’m saying?
Changing Face of the AFC
It could be a long, hard climb for the Ravens to get back atop the AFC, especially with the way the upper-echelon teams have built their rosters. The Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs all have hired-powered, explosive offenses that keep opponents on their heels. The Ravens had trouble with big plays last season — they couldn’t create them and they couldn’t stop them.
Another Critical Offseason Ahead
The Ravens have another critical offseason ahead and GM Eric DeCosta must pick a direction for the team. Will DeCosta reload or rebuild? The offensive line could need another overhaul, especially if the team does not re-resign Bradley Bozeman, who successfully made the transition from guard to center. They might need to add an offensive tackle if Ronnie Stanley is still hampered by an ankle injury that disrupted his past two seasons.
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