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2nd game...breathe...yeesh

What Grub said, honestly, JLC has been wrong more than weather forecasters. How he still has a job in radio is beyond me. As for you being right papa, Bravo, but when other fans are right and you are wrong, old buddy, you don't give them props either. In the end, we are fans, know nothing compared to coaches or execs on a team no matter how long we spend on the net.

Well, I won't be watching much of this game it seems.

Second half. Here comes Mr. Hyde.

Jackson came back as a limited participant in full team practice today. Jurgens was a full participant. So some good news, anyway.

If you're talking about kickoff and punt coverage, I agree that the special teams have just been way too leaky. And, yes, penalties are killers for us. Especially pre-snap ones, false starts galore, failure to get set before snap, etc. It's hard to tell about the D with Hendrickson not playing but it's performance has been inconsistent, at times excellent, at others yielding too much ground. Hopefully, the defense will get better with time but we are heading into the meat of the schedule now and there isn't much of that time left. The sky isn't falling and the offensive skill positions have been great, but with Lamar out, we are now vulnerable to be beaten by almost anybody. We need him back. But we need him healthy too. One last mention about special teams, Loop has been superb but there is an occasional coordination problem between Moore and Eckley. That was a bad hold Eckley had on the 40 yarder Loop missed last week. He's got to clean that up. The next 5 games are gonna be tough.

I know the game isn't over, but I had to turn it after the failed 4th and goal. Another blown lead.

Forgot to renew the domain name! lol.

Henry!!!

Hello gentlemen. Beautiful run by Flowers.

I think it's still true today. By the way: here's an article I found interesting from The Athletic: "Division Previews   Justin K. Aller, Greg Fiume, Andy Lyons, Nick Cammett / Getty Images New-look AFC North This division always seemed to have a familiar vibe. Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh led gritty, defensive-minded teams. Myles Garrett anchored an imposing defense, opposite an offense that couldn't keep up. Joe Burrow had the inverse situation in Cincinnati. Then everything changed. Pittsburgh and Baltimore now have very different leaders. The Browns have a new No. 1 pass rusher. Cincinnati might even have a defense. The AFC North is where we begin our 2026 division previews, starting with the reigning division champs: Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, wild-card loss in 2025) Big change: Mike McCarthy as HC. McCarthy isn't the most exciting hire, but offers what the Steelers need: offense. McCarthy's offenses ranked above average in yards and points scored in 14 of his 18 NFL seasons as a head coach. Pittsburgh hasn't had a top-16 offense since 2018. Here's what McCarthy's offense might look like. Subtle change: Patrick Graham as DC. Graham spent nearly a decade under Bill Belichick and has worked with Steve Spagnuolo, Brian Flores and Pete Carroll. Graham knows his stuff. He is joined by multiple additions in the Pittsburgh secondary, which should improve the league's highest-paid defense; it ranked 26th in yards against in 2025, its worst finish since 1988. The scheme got stale. It won't be this year. Lingering question: Who is the quarterback of the future? Projection: 9-8. I liked the coaching hires. I doubt they are enough for a dramatic improvement. A tough schedule and improved division make for a difficult farewell season for Aaron Rodgers, who gave The Athletic an exclusive interview. Baltimore Ravens (8-9 in 2025) Big change: Jesse Minter as HC. The entire Chargers defense improved under Minter, who established himself as one of the league's top defensive minds after just two seasons as defensive coordinator. He was hired to improve a Ravens unit that allowed the third-most points in franchise history last season. Subtle change: A pass rush. Baltimore failed to pressure opposing quarterbacks in 2025, ranking 28th in both pressure rate and sacks. Trey Hendrickson alone might solve that, as he ranks behind only Myles Garrett on a sacks-per-game basis since 2023. But the Ravens also might get back elite defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who missed all but two games in 2025. Lingering question: Can they adequately replace Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum? Projection: 12-5. Thanks to a significantly improved pass rush and what should be a bounce-back year from Lamar Jackson, Baltimore has the talent and coaching to at least play in the AFC Championship Game. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11 in 2025) Big change: Dexter Lawrence. In 2025, the Bengals defense did what I considered impossible: got worse. Weakest against the run, Cincinnati's defense allowed opponents to drain the clock and keep Joe Burrow sidelined. That had to change. Enter Lawrence, a 6-foot-5, 350-pound defensive tackle who headlines a changed identity that's evident in camp. Subtle change: Safety Bryan Cook. Cook might be the most underrated acquisition of an expensive offseason that also included Seahawks edge Boye Mafe. Paul Dehner Jr. reported Cook could be a team captain and has "changed the entire tenor of the secondary in these practices." Lingering question: After a rough rookie season, are sophomore linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter enough? Projection: 10-7. It's easy to be optimistic: Cincinnati has an elite offense, improved defense and the league's third-easiest schedule. They should return to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Then again, these are the Bengals. Should doesn't mean very much. Cleveland Browns (5-12 in 2025) Big change: Garrett trade. Cleveland's lone bright spot was replaced by 25-year-old defensive end Jared Verse, who had the sixth-most pressures in 2025. He pairs with linebacker Carson Schwesinger to give Cleveland a strong young core on defense. The question becomes whether rookie defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg can get as much out of this defense as Jim Schwartz did. Subtle change: Rookie wide receivers. First-rounder KC Concepcion and second-rounder Denzel Boston are immediate upgrades to one of the league's worst receiver rooms, with Boston heralded as "the most impressive player on the field in many spring practices." Lingering question: Starting quarterback? It'll be either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, who are splitting reps in training camp. "No decision is coming anytime soon," explains Zac Jackson. Projection: 5-12. Owner Jimmy Haslam is optimistic. I'm not. But with a bunch of young talent and two first-round picks in next year's draft, 2027 should be fun! Extra Points   Ricky Pearsall done. The 49ers third-year receiver will miss the entire 2026 season due to a PCL injury. It's a brutal update for the injury-plagued 2024 first-rounder. A man obsessed. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is different, having posted combine numbers that rival Vernon Davis'. His mental game is just as unique. Aaron Rodgers exclusive. Linking Michael Silver's interview with Rodgers again here, as it's a rare look into the quarterback's thinking and personal life. Matt Ryan's vision. The Falcons' longtime quarterback has a vision for his team, and Jeff Howe explores how that plan was built. Most-clicked: Our pre-training camp Power Rankings.   How did we do today? Share your thoughts, and check out The Athletic's other sports newsletters. "

The commentary and coverage was good. We will start to really get a feel for the team when the pads come on Monday and when they have that first pre-season game against the Eagles.

OK here's the deal: I called wbal-tv and they are not showing it but did say that ESPN and the NFL Network are broadcasting 'look-ins' during the 11am to 1pm practice. I imagine that's about all we'll see live.

Yes...I'm excited about this draft class too, especially Vega and the 4 receivers. We have to remember that the year we got Ogden and Ray we had two first round picks and were picking high because we stunk the year before. I also think the running back pick in this year's draft may turn out to be a sleeper. Concerned about O-line meshing but the new line coach has a good reputation and coaching could well have been the downfall for us last year as well as Lamar's injuries. We are looking good, so far, in the skill positions so it will be interesting to watch how the whole team evolves. It's good our opening schedule is a little soft because it will give the team time to develop the new additions and draft picks. We'll start to see how things are going in just a couple more weeks. Seems to me like it's been a long off-season and I'm ready for some football!

I remember that song vividly! I told you I was old. Happy 4th!

And the whole line played well coordinated football. D'Allesandris was the coach back then and after they got his replacement, the line was never the same.

Good attitude from Lamar towards all the changes this year. Nice to know he's not a diva at quarterback. This from Brian Wacker at The Sun: "Lamar Jackson took the snap, pitched the ball to Derrick Henry and rolled the other direction. The only problem was that the play called for a naked boot action, and the quarterback was supposed to keep the ball. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle was incredulous. “Lamar, what the f–k are you doing?” he shouted at the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player. Jackson laughed on Wednesday as he recounted the exchange, which came during Tuesday’s first day of the Ravens’ two-day mandatory minicamp in Owings Mills. “I wasn’t used to that,” Jackson said. “He was just being a coach. Nothing more, nothing less. “I love that coaching. I’m a coachable player. Sometimes he sees things that I don’t see, and sometimes I see things that he might not have thought of, and it’s great to piggyback off each other. I feel like we need that.” The moment lasted only a few seconds, but it offered a glimpse into what has become a defining theme of the Ravens’ offseason: Details matter, and a new regime means pressing new buttons the way they hadn’t been in the past. Getting the play correct is a big one, and Jackson acknowledged that one was on him. But no matter how small or tedious, the details are things coaches are obsessing over in June because they know they’ll matter in January. For Doyle, a 30-year-old first-time play caller installing a new offense, there has been little room for shortcuts. For first-year coach Jesse Minter, the message has been equally clear: If the Ravens are going to become the team they believe they can be, it will happen through precision and long before there needs to be production. “When you get in the quote-unquote big moments in a game, you sink to the level of detail and training and focus that you’re able to have,” Minter said. “You don’t all of a sudden go and do something different. “It’s how you operate, it’s how you do things. These guys have bought into that.” No detail has been considered too trivial or trite. How Jackson gathers the huddle. The exact direction his toes are pointed on a run-pass option. Where his eyes go before and after the snap. The route depth within a play call. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson runs wind sprints with teammates after practice during mandatory minicamp. (Ryan Bowie/Staff) When Doyle was formally introduced earlier this year, he described his offensive non-negotiables as physicality, detail and explosiveness. The physicality won’t truly emerge until pads come on during training camp. The other two have already become visible. This offseason has brought more than new coaches. There is a new language to learn. The terminology is different. The concepts are different. The structure is different. When the Ravens moved from offensive coordinator Greg Roman to Todd Monken before the 2023 season, there was at least some carryover in plays and verbiage. Jackson wasn’t starting from scratch. This time he is. “It’s a different system than I’m accustomed to being in,” Jackson said. “I feel like it’s going to be a lot of exposiveness going on this year because the way [Doyle] calls plays and his creativity with his mind and how detailed he is, it’s mind-blowing. I’m excited.” Jackson has been careful not to reveal much about the offense’s specifics. But he acknowledged there is significant emphasis on spacing and generating explosive plays. Just as notable has been his embrace of the process. The attention to detail has resonated with Jackson in a way that teammates and coaches have noticed. Aside from missing the first week of voluntary practices last month, Jackson has spent the offseason at the facility and has emerged as one of the program’s leaders. He has described the new coaching staff as a “breath of fresh air” and has spoken openly about the importance of being present and engaged. That level of engagement wasn’t always consistent in previous years under John Harbaugh, who had been Jackson’s only NFL coach until Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti fired him in January after a dismaying 8-9 season that ended without a playoff berth for the first time since 2021. History also suggests Jackson often thrives when everything feels new. Doyle is already his fourth offensive coordinator, and Jackson’s best seasons have frequently come during the first year or two of a coordinator’s tenure. In 2019, his first season under Roman, Jackson threw a league-high 36 touchdown passes and rushed for 1,206 yards, then an NFL record for a quarterback. The Ravens finished 14-2, and Jackson won his first NFL MVP award. Four years later, in his first season under Monken, Jackson posted a career-high 3,678 passing yards, led Baltimore to the NFL’s best record, an appearance in the AFC Championship game and captured his second MVP trophy. The following season, he threw a career-high 41 touchdown passes and finished runner-up in the MVP voting. Then came last year. The offense regressed sharply. Jackson missed four games because of injuries. Questions surfaced about the dynamic between Jackson, Harbaugh and Monken. Jackson endured one of the most difficult seasons of his career. But that was then. Related Articles Ravens’ Tyler Loop reflects on that miss in Pittsburgh: ‘Reset and reload’ 3 things we saw and heard from Ravens’ final day of mandatory minicamp Ravens’ Calais Campbell enters likely final season still loving the game Josh Tolentino: Maybe Mike Green is on to something with Ravens’ new staff | COMMENTARY 5 things we saw and heard from Ravens’ first day of mandatory minicamp “There’s no one I’d rather have as the quarterback, the leader of this team,” Minter said. “He’s been everything.” Optimism is abundant across the NFL this time of year, the product of new staffs and new systems. Yet there is a noticeable energy around Baltimore’s offense, fueled in large part by how quickly Jackson has connected with Doyle’s approach. “I’m being challenged right now,” Jackson said. “This system is different. It’s all Dec. I feel like everybody’s hands-on. We dialed in.” That includes Jackson, the player around whom the entire operation revolves. “I wanna be detailed as well, keep the defense honest,” Jackson said. “We doing everything right, the little things right. Defense don’t know what we’re doing, what we’re capable of on offense any given play. “With the type of coaching Declan is bringing, the sky’s the limit.”"

Pretty neat!

Will never forget that play or the Mile High Miracle!

Reader of DMD - "I dread days like this. Waking up to the news of yet another member of the Baltimore Colts dynasty era that has left the field for greener pastures. Raymond was one of the few I never met personally. But I never heard anything bad about the man ever on or off the field which in life is a major accomplishment. As a player he worked hard for everything he accomplished on the gridiron. The thing about Raymond was he was in the right place at the right time in Baltimore with a QB who was an offensive visionary. The two were made for each other and became a synergistic force that seemed joined by brain waves. Watching them move down a field with time running out was like watching Baryshnikov dancing the Nutcracker. Flawless energy and execution which neutralized many a cornerback and safety. The sideline out pattern is a play that you don't see much in todays game. It has to be done to perfection or the DB jumps the route and it's a pick six. Not many guys can pull it off in a game situation because when you make the turn to the sideline the ball is already in the air and when you turn around boom it HAS to be there right in the hands then the toe tap in bounds before stopping the clock. Lets also remember that Raymond was a great head coach and made it to the Superbowl with NE but the 85 Bears defense was a force. Finally and most important he was a man of God who brought many to the Lord. RIP# 82"

OK...if you're trying to get me psyched up about the upcoming season, well, you're succeeding!! Looking forward to when the pads come on.

Right 'tis just practice but he looks fluid with good hands. Anxious to see him up against some competition. Only 9 weeks until August pre-season games.

Well, they all looked locked in and not bored, for sure. Did see some really nice pattern runs. Flowers can cut so quick, it's unreal.

Tony should be brought in as a special guest to commemorate that game. 2 yrs to the 25th anniversary.

Interesting reading on our ease of schedule. A break for the new coaches and schemes: https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-schedule-release-biggest-winners-late-for-work-ota-storylines-top-games

I heard that on the way home.

Thanks for the link!

If they drop completely out of round 1, I think they lose the opportunity to get a 5th year option on a round 1 choice. Not necessarily disabling, but should be taken into account.

The injuries went up the moment the players negotiated softer practice schedules.

Found a link to an interactive draft simulator that might be interesting...worth a look. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/mockdraft.

I see now we are posting in verse, I just hope the new coach makes us better, not worse. We have to allow him some time to settle in Before we will know if with our team he can win. I find that posting like this is too hard to do So I will just sign off without further ado.

My biggest problem with him is his thinking he can bring the best out of anyone and, make them better. Whether it was an injured player who had very little success in college but has all of the measurable, or coaches past their prime, or have little to no experience. It caught up to him last year, no depth, tight cap, poor performance, regression un some cases. I look forward to seeing how this new coaching staff, works. Good or bad, the change was needed, much like when Billick's time was up

Sounds like a Mekari-type. Jack of all trades and master of none.

I don’t think this yr is the issue. Yr 3 and further is my worry. I don’t want to trade for a guy who could be lame in a couple yrs.

That's a great story. Appreciate you sharing it. In a world where people hoard money and seem to never be at peace, reading things like this bring back some humanity. Barry is still a millionaire and able to enjoy his elder years I'm assuming. Honestly, Lamar comes from poverty and he'll never worry about it again, as long as he saves/spends it right. Maybe he achieved his goals. I think he still wants a ring, but not here.

I'd rather have the two picks and an older Trey Henderson. I don't think he's as dominating as Crosby but he's pretty damned good. As for last year's production, papa is probably right. Trey and the Bengals management couldn't agree on a contract and wouldn't trade him. They forced that situation. Does his age concern me? Yes but even if we get just one or two good years out of him we get to keep our first round picks. You don't trade two firsts for anything less than a shot at a franchise quarterback in my opinion. This was a good rebound deal.

Better than Falaffle

https://www.youtube.com/live/JnW1VCP5xgc?si=MiqpkiA_q_1_j14W

How true. Best not to get too full of ourselves because of our limited knowledge. For the most part, all we can really do is speculate, which is 'fun' but not always factual. Now that a choice has been made, let's give Minter at least a year to get the team on his wavelength. I wanted Kubiak or Denver's DC but that didn't happen. I think Minter has just as much potential as either of them.

Do you recall yrs ago I said he had outsized control over the roster. There has to be a reason we kept grabbing Jim’s broken toys Al, the time.

I agree, very good owner, inviting Lamar to sit in on the interviews, great sense of humor. His passion for the team came through loud and clear. A great watch/listen

I thought that was a pretty refreshing conference. I think we're lucky to have Steve as our owner

Like the quarterback that sets a franchise up for 5+ years of success or turmoil for 5 years. A new head coach, all new assistants, training staff, in game adjustments, clock management, could set this team up or destroy it. When Billick was fired, the same "fear", consternation, gripped players, fans alike. While Harbs had his issues, a bottomless pit of a dog house, in game management, he also brought us what 6, 7 division titles, and couple of conference championship games, several ending in heartbreaking fashion, two missed field goals, a dropped/fumbled touchdown/two point conversion. A miraculous last second 70+ yard bomb to win and go to a Super Bowl, which they won, despite a huge power "failure" just after half time. Yes, Harbs had his issues, most if not all coaches do, but hopefully the next head coach is at least as winning as Harbs.

Some thought he was, some thought he wasn't. Maybe I was not clear, sorry

Wonder what deacon jones whould have if they kept the stat.

This may be one of the most important offseasons in team history. If the Biscuit is not careful, this team can go down hill for a long time and the new name of the stadium will be Empty bank Stadium. His hopeful profit from the sale of the team will be quite reduced

The Ravens are currently pretty sickening to watch. I have to think it's time to take stock as you said and see what is needed to turn the team around. In my estimation, they need a new LT (I think Stanley is gone), RT(Rosengarten is mediocre at best), LG, RG, and, if Linderbaum leaves, a new C. They don't need any additional skill players at this point. On defense, I'd say they need 2 pass rushers, and I don't mean injured guys trying to make a comeback or old retreads. And I don't mean guys having a great year from lower rated colleges. I think it's impossible to do all this in one off-season. They need at least 2. Interestingly, that's the time Lamar's contract will end unless he renegotiates. Take that for what it's worth, but it could very well mean we need a new franchise QB in 2028. Preferably, a pocket passer who's mobile and not a mobile passer who needs training as a pocket passer. So that's pretty much a major teardown and rebuild. Oh, and let's not forget, we need a new coaching staff. What we fans will need: some patience. This won't result in a sudden, major turnaround.

That was a pathetic game on both sides. Neither team wanted to win.

Let's consider our current problem. We have an injured QB with declining running skills but competent passing skills at worst. We have an O-line that could use a massive infusion of new talent. We have an aging RB who seems to have both lost a step and who is suffering from the O-line's inability to create holes. Our receivers are damned good. The D is already a work in progress with a good secondary but with limited talent at LB and D-line. Finally, our franchise QB is about to hit the last 2 years of his contract with a massive cap hit unless it's re-worked or he's traded or he realizes the effect that the 2 years big outlay keeps the team from improving and thus renegotiates his contract. I'd say the optimal solution is to get Lamar to stay here with a renegotiated deal/extension. The trick here is that he needs to be agreeable to that goal. If he is not, then we have to hope we can trade him. Whether he stays or goes we still need a lot of resources poured into the O-line and D-line pass rush. We won't be able to do that quickly if he stays unless he gets a new more cap friendly contract. No new contract means the team will just wilt away and die over the next 2 years. If Lamar stays with a more cap friendly contract, we can actively go about re-doing the O-line and D-line/pass rush and stay competitive for several more seasons. If he leaves we've got to find a new franchise QB and as Tsyl points out, that could be a long and frustrating task. And we still have to re-build the O-line and D-line/pass rush anyway. So the key to me is, does Lamar, and his Mom, really want to put us in cap hell and be a losing team for the next 2+ years? Or, does he sign up for lower cap hits and we can start grooving again sooner? The answer to that is all in Lamar and his Mom's hands.

That’s the issue now. These guys who barely play in college don’t get to show enough. Look at the kid in Indy.