Since the franchise moved to Baltimore, the Ravens have typically been defined by their defense.
A physical, hard-nosed group led by stalwart Ray Lewis has been a staple of the team year after year.
But in 2010, the other side of the ball presents just as many problems — particularly in the passing game.
“They probably have the best group in the league,” Champ Bailey said. “The guys are experienced and we have our hands full this week with them.”
The Ravens’ success has come from the ability to spread the ball around the field. Of the team’s top five pass-catchers this season, two are receivers, one is a tight end, one is a running back and one is a fullback. And that’s excluding T.J. Houshmandzadeh — No. 6 on the team’s reception list — who leads the squad in yards per catch and caught the game-winning touchdown last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In other words, quarterback Joe Flacco has plenty of options. And the young signal caller, who Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale said “can throw a strawberry through a battleship,” can take advantage of those weapons on any given play.
“If you take one or two of them away, you are going to get hurt by somebody else,” Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. “You have to play everybody well on every pass.”
Virtually every offensive weapon the Ravens have has been to a Pro Bowl — those top six pass-catchers have 12 trips to the NFL’s all-star game between them.
And the receivers’ skill sets aren’t limited to one facet of the game.
“You have some guys that are deep threats, some guys that are third-down (threats),” Martindale said. “All these guys are good football players and that’s the thing that jumps off the tape at you.”
While the defense knows it can’t stop every weapon on every play, Brian Dawkins said the unit is going to make it hard on every one of them.
“We are going to have to make sure that we are tight on the coverages and make sure that — just like we have every week — everybody’s assignment is sound and we get to the ball,” Brian Dawkins said. “Get there and make sure that we bring a physical presence with us when we get there.”
Bailey can’t wait for the challenge.
“Whoever I am on, that is who I am trying to take away,” the veteran cornerback said. “I don’t won’t to give up too much about what we are going to do, but somebody is going to be in a dog fight all day.”
MEN IN BLACK
Cassius Vaughn and Kyle McCarthy donned black jerseys on Thursday, signifying that they excelled in practice in the week leading up to last Sunday’s victory against the Tennessee Titans.
Spencer Larsen (ankle), Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) and Jamal Williams (non-injury related) did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Andre’ Goodman (quadricep) and Wesley Woodyard (hamstring) saw limited participation in the session. Bailey (non-injury related), who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, was back in action.
For the Ravens, T Jared Gaither (back), LB Tavares Gooden (shoulder), DE Paul Kruger (knee) and WR Donte’ Stallworth (foot) did not participate in practice for the second day in a row — all four players have been listed as out of Sunday’s game. CB Fabian Washington (illness) did not participate on Thursday. LB Edgar Jones (thigh) had limited participation for the second consecutive practice, and TE Todd Heap (shoulder), RB Le’Ron McClain (shoulder) and RB Ray Rice (knee) all participated fully in Thursday’s session.
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Brian Dawkins, Champ Bailey, Week 5
Worth a re-post:
Guys you better sit down and brace yourself for this one:
Just as a contract extension with star cornerback Champ Bailey was drawing near, the Broncos decided to pull out of negotiations.
The move increases the possibility that Bailey is playing in his final season with the Broncos.
“I am disappointed because I want to be here,” Bailey said. “We know that, they know that. What’s the issue here, really?”
I have absolutely nothing to add to that, and McD does all the right things for this team, yeah right, keep on dreaming McD fans everywhere….
This is the end of Klis’ article:
In the final season of a seven-year contract, Bailey, 32, can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The Broncos and Bailey’s agent, Jack Reale, were close to hashing out a four-year contract extension that would have kept the 9-time Pro Bowler under the team’s control through 2014.
Bailey said he wasn’t crazy about the deal but was willing to take it because he wanted to stay in Denver.
But after submitting an offer to Bailey late last week, the Broncos said Tuesday they were postponing talks.
“We were scheduled for a discussion on the contract offer they had recently e-mailed me,” Reale said. “Before we had a chance for discussion, I received a call saying they wanted to put it off and wait until the end of the season. That is certainly their option and while not pleased, since no player likes playing in the last year of his contract, we respect their right to pursue that approach.
“Champ will do what he always does. Play hard, give 100 percent, keep quiet and lead this team.”
It’s possible the Broncos could retain Bailey with the franchise tag next year but that salary figures to be in excess of $10 million.
The move is especially surprising because the Broncos signed restricted free agents Elvis Dumervil, Chris Kuper and Kyle Orton to contract extensions.
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels talked to Bailey personally this week and said he still hopes a deal can be worked out later.
“My mindset is I want to win,” Bailey said. “That’s my approach every year. I’m a competitive person and this is no different. I owe it to the guys in the locker room.”
Oh my, how can you justify putting your defensive star player in this situation….. This is real bad, another knock on the players’ morale I keep talking about.
BFE is NOT GOING to like this, him and many others, why entering negotiations and then pull out? that’s totally unfair, I don’t care what the reasons are, this is no way to treat a star player or any player for that matter, very dark day for the organization.
@bay… with all due respect… i have to disagree! i dont see how this could possibly mess with players morale! i think bailey will be here next year. unless of course he gets hurt (pray that doesnt happen). bailey is not a young buck anymore, and while still playing at a high level, the staff may have just decided to see how he holds up for one more season before locking him in. the players know how this stuff works. the broncos have done the right thing with our other potential free agents and i dont see this as being any different. as long as baileys production stays up im pretty sure he will still be a bronco.
my 2 cents….
keep on buckin broncos
THE BATTLE IS WON IN THE TRENCHES
And no one can talk about this one like they did with Marsh cuz Champ is the poster boy that leadership, a head on straight, work ethic, team player and killer skills can all be in ONE player. And I believe Champ when he talks, no room for maybe maybe not, so when he says I want to be here, they know that, we know that and even tho I wasnt crazy about the deal I wanna stay here, I dont like it… Dont like it one bit but Ive already seen one of my fave players ever not kept so I guess I can suck it up.
ps: Heres what McD is thinking “Belichek traded the best WR in the game, I should trade the best CB too cuz whatever bill does I must do. He got himself a gronkowski TE…I WANT ONE TOO. ” all speculation…just poking fun at josh but I think he is always trying to be a mini belichek
… dark day??? kinda dramatic dont ya think? lol
what the f?? give my boy his extension!!! he has proved himself that he’s worth ever penny!!!!! If Champ leaves I’m gonna be mad!!
#justsaying!!
24 is my man and will always be!!!
24
This news hit me like a bomb, I never saw that coming, who would? after a team enters negotiations how in the heck do you expect them to pull out, and Bailey was willing to work for less, my gosh, it probably has to do with the labor situation for next season, but like I said regardless of the reason this is inexcusable, I’m sorry, if you didn’t want to pay him what he is worth to start with, why on earth would you enter negotiations, because you thought you might get him fo dirt cheap? Please, we need some explanation here, this does not compute in that little head of mine, enlighten us.
dunno about dirt cheap but sounds like he wasnt crazy about the deal but was willing to take it to remain a bronco, but McD staff was probably like hmmm, maybe we should pull out and see if we can offer less, u know how cheap we are, if he is actually willing to accept this deal it must not be cheap enough….
Ray, don’t fool yourself, stuff like that goes much deeper in the locker room that you seem to think, but heck I don’t expect any less from McD’s fans here, this is just no big deal, next business of the day? sort of thing, to each is one, this is majorly not good in my view.
to each his own.
If Champ don’t get signed,move over sndvl,I’m taking over the reigns for the McD must go bandwagon,this is ridiculous,Champ Bailey is the best CB in the NFL,YOUNG OR OLD,and he proves it week after week,I don’t see how anybody can say he’s lost a step,sure he’s 32,but he’s still a shutdown Corner,and deserves to be paid for it,McD can shell out money for players in FA that flop(GREEN),and wasted draft picks(Phonzy),but can’t pay one of, if not the best player on the team,I know he makes a lot more money than they do but this is BS.
I’m blaming doom for this! lol I’m just playing.
I think that has to do something about it tho, If doom got hurt the next day that he got his extension, they think that would happen to champ too.
But my man champ is a trooper! I hope he gets his extension! he wants to be here and we want him too!
24
This is simply not how you conduct business, simple as that.
I agree bay!!
Champ is the face of the Denver Broncos,and I know a lot of NFL fans that like other teams,and they all have respect for Champ.Everytime McD tosses one of our good players away it tears at my flesh, piece by freaking piece.
We didn’t use to conduct business this way.
Mr. B,I respectfully ask you why are you letting McD and Xanders destroy the integrity of our team,can’t you see whats happening???? I know you’re not blind.
You guys know I support McDaniels but even I’m puzzled by this. I want Bailey to retire a Bronco and it sounds like Bailey does too. I do disagree that there’s a morale problem this year, so we can’t really say that this would “add” to it, but… geez. C’mon guys let’s keep Bailey here.
You enter negotiations, the teams can’t get to agree to terms, you pull out, that is fine, that’s just business.
But this, you enter negotiations, the player in essence is willing to agree to less to stay here, and you simply change your mind and walk out of the negociations!!!
There is no good explanation for that, that is just bad business, and business was my business for most of my working life. And some folks here think this is no big deal? That orange kool aid you are drinking is some strong stuff, let me tell you.
…the sides can’t get to agree to terms… Sorry, obviously I’m flustered with all that, it’s just offensive to the businessman in me.
Sorry Bay but i see know need to panic about Bailey. This kind of thing happens all the time with teams and players in their last years of contracts. Thid doesn’t mean anything about Bailey not being here or not wanting to be here next year. They may want to wait to see if other players want out or want more money. They also may want to see if Bailey will move to safety if Dawkins retires. Any of this is possible. There is no need to panic . And I know that your not a McD fan but all the players that left when he took over were all a part of getting a better locker room. Full of players who actually want to play and have great attitudes towards everything. That is what Bailey is a leader and a great attitude. That is why this is not going to affect the locker room because all these players know the right way to handle things. And talking crap on other bronco fans is not the way this teams fan base has ever handled themselves. McD fans or not we are all Broncos fans.
Broncos for life!!!!!!!!!!!!
Baylin where can I read the entire article?
ya i dont see this as a sign of trouble at this point. ask me after the season and i may have a different stance but at this point its not that big of a deal. i dont see the point in pushing the panic button and preaching doom and gloom as if it was a foregone conclusion! and for the record, i DO NOT agree with everything McD does, especially in the personel department, but we also dont know whats going on behind the scenes. champs not gone yet, he is still under contract for the time being….. although since its what i least expect i wouldnt be surprised if some kind of crazy trade happened…. hope not but im not surprised by much anymore.
keep on buckin broncos
THE BATTLE IS WON IN THE TRENCHES
@Broncos Born & Raised…….http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_16279530
My point is, that been the case they should of never entered into negotiations in the first place, that’s where my beef lies, explain that to me.
And as far as it having no effect on the players, just see what Bailey just said about it: “I am disappointed because I want to be here,” Bailey said. “We know that, they know that. What’s the issue here, really?”
Really, what’s the deal here? glad you guys are all so unconcerned with all of this, but please let me be concerned how I chose, been around the block a few times, don’t like this one bit, you guys won’t change my mind about it, but I am truly happy for you if it causes you no worries, just business as usual. Whatever…
That’s the entire article, with the two parts, it’s in the DP.
lets not get rash and start making conclusions…this upcoming game is important..things will work out eventually..Champ has been there for us. and hopefully management sees it the same way..:D
C’mon Champ light up that bird-cage come Sunday..whoever it is, shut him down!..:)
you are of course, as always, entitled to your opinion bay… but dont forget we are too! as i said we dont know everything thats going on. as for entering into negotions and then not signing a deal??? come on man that happens in business everyday! i know that and im not even in the business world. lol but feel free to stress out if you need to. and if you need a shoulder to cry on we are here for ya!
BTW, my above reply was intended for dabroncos4life.
That’s fine obviously you guys are not interseted in reading what my questions about this deal really are, no biggie, I know what they are and no one has even given anything close to an answer yet.
bay.. im trying to understand your questions.. perhaps if you restate them. i thought i had answered one of them, but i guess not.
Ray, I hope you’re right. Chances are that there IS more to the story than we know. One thing I do know is that Bailey has at least 4 good years left in him. He’s done a lot for this organization and this city, and we want to see him retire as a Bronco.
I’m sorry, but this is a MAJOR disaster. Spin it whatever way you want. Ludicrous. Absurd. Ridiculous. Down right petty.
Whoever wrote that article about McD leaving the fan base with a broken heart… Well he was on to something.
Just the kind of distraction we need before Sumday.
At this point, won’t surprise me to see Dan Snyder open up that check book.
Looks like Champ shoulda been in the black jersey
You enter negotiations with your star player, after weeks of doing so you make an offer that the star player is willing to work with so you set up a meeting for it, then you call the player’s agent and tell him we are canceling the meeting because we changed our mind, we are pulling out of the negotiations and we will see you at year end. If that’s a correct way of running busines, I definitely don’t want to work for you guys.
sndvl, THANK YOU, I have been like talking to folks who don’t even want to hear what I have to say because they say this is no big deal just business as usual, thanks again, sometimes folks here have me thinking I’m going senile, LOL.
Broncos Born and Raised, great job on those stats!
Thanks Baylin, and Ray for looking out
Bay if you have been around the block a few times then you of all people should know not to panic. And to answer your question know one knows whats going on outside of the Broncos front office. They obviously found something out or thought of another variable in the equasion. Being in business i thought you would already know that. Your entiltled an opinion and so am i. Lets stop arguing about this and focus on beating Baltimore.
Broncos for life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Problem is baylin, this is business as usual for the McD regime. Thought they turned the corner with Doom. But, now this. Dr. Jeckyl and McHyde
Also Bay it is business. Its good to have that emotion but not to let it get you into arguing mathches with the other bloggers.
Yeah, let’s just sweep this mess under the rug, hopefully it will stay there… We’re pretty used to doing that, don’t ever want to look under that rug, LOL.
I wasn’t arguing with anyone, I was here all on my own making my points, you and ray chose to engage my opinions, not the other way around, just clarifying.
For once, this matter is worth arguing. You don’t treat All-Pro players that way (PERIOD)
Amen.
And on that note I will take a well deserved break, LOL.
Im squashing it Bay were all Denver fans here.
all in fun. nothin like good debate.
I think every Denver fan is concerned. I’m not sure why any of this needs to be thrown out in public until it is settled. This should be between the Broncos and Bailey and his agent. Why does the agent make a public announcement, I don’t see the point. Usually there is a “rest of the story” to things like this. We all panicked that Doom wouldn’t get a contract but he did. I believe good things work out for good people and Champ is the best!
Well, if this is the final season for Champ in Blue and Orange, don’t say baylin didn’t warn you
Baylin,sndvl,I’M not trying to split the blog in half or anything,but I agree with you guys 100%,this is BS,even if everything turns out ok,it’s not ok to treat AllPro players that way,just as sndvl stated,there’s no excuse PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And I don’t buy the BS about converting the best CB in the NFL to a Safety,when he’s still the best,maybe in 2 or 3 years,but not while he’s still a shutdown Corner.