Tag: John Harbaugh

Ravens withdraw proposal to add ‘sky judge’ to officiating crews

The Baltimore Ravens withdrew their proposal to add a “sky judge” to officiating crews, but a big change in that area is expected to pass.

In 2020, the Baltimore Ravens proposed that a “sky judge” be added to NFL officiating crews, which would add an eighth referee across the league.

While the proposal made sense and seemed to gain a bit of momentum within league circles, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Baltimore has pulled the proposal.

Even with Baltimore’s submission no longer in play, Pelissero also reported that the NFL is likely to pass “expanded booth-to-official communication with video” that would help in multiple facets of the game.

Pelissero also notes that replay officials and others who are in New York will not be able to change some calls or pick up any flag, but will still have the ability to share their input and try to guide the referees on the field to the right conclusion.

If passed, this is a big step for the NFL. The push to add more eyes so that calls are made correctly has been in the works for a long time, with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh being a big advocate.

The outcome of a game should be determined by the players and coaches, not by the officials. The game will benefit from having more people who can see a play and determine the right course of action for an important call or penalty.

John Harbaugh tells classic story from Ravens’ Week 14 win over Browns

The Baltimore Ravens beat the Cleveland Browns in a classic Week 14 game. John Harbaugh detailed a classic story from the game

During the 2020 NFL season, many deemed the Baltimore Ravens’ Week 14 matchup with the Cleveland Browns the game of the year. A back-and-forth offensive showcase, the Ravens ended up winning the game 47-42, effectively saving their season as they kept their playoff hopes alive. However, the storylines in this game went far beyond the final score.

Baltimore only had two active quarterbacks available for the game in Lamar Jackson and Trace McSorley. Jackson went to the locker room with cramps in the fourth quarter, and while McSorley was trying to lead a valiant comeback, he went down awkwardly with an injury that would end up costing him the rest of the season. With no quarterbacks left and a 4th-and-5 staring him in the face, John Harbaugh had a massive decision to make. In an interview with Charles Davis, he recalled the moments before he had to give his final say:

There is plenty to unpack from this story, including the fact that Harbaugh was almost willing to let Justin Tucker trot out onto the field and attempt a 68-yard field goal. When McSorley went down, Cleveland was winning 35-34, so a successful try would have resulted in the Ravens going up by two points. Tucker also would have shattered the record for the longest made field goal in NFL history, a feat currently held by Matt Prater for kicking a 64-yard field goal in 2013.

While many people think that punter Sam Koch would be the emergency quarterback in a situation like Baltimore was facing, it was actually wide receiver Willie Snead who would have had to go into the game and try to lead Baltimore to victory. Snead played quarterback in high school, so he would have at least had a fighter’s chance at converting the fourth down.

Harbaugh detailed that Snead was confident, saying “this is my time to shine.” While we’ll never know if Harbaugh would have gone with Snead or Tucker, the whole situation makes for a great story, one that will go down in the history books.

You can watch the full interview here.

JuJu Smith-Schuster details why he didn’t sign with the Ravens in free agency

JuJu Smith-Schuster opted to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers after having interest from the Baltimore Ravens. He detailed why he stayed

The Baltimore Ravens were known to have interest in Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, who opted to return to Pittsburgh on a one-year deal. It was rumored that he was deciding between the Steelers, the Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, but ultimately wanted to try and win a championship with Ben Roethlisberger and company.

In an interview with Michael Irvin, Smith-Schuster detailed his free agency process, including which team he would have chosen if he didn’t end up re-signing with the Steelers, and why he didn’t sign with Baltimore.

With Smith-Schuster detailing that he would have signed with the Chiefs over the Ravens plus his comments as to why Baltimore wasn’t the right fit for him, plenty of people assumed that he didn’t want to play with Lamar Jackson. However, he said that he was appreciative of the Ravens’ recruiting efforts, as multiple players reached out to him in an effort to bring him to Charm City.

Smith-Schuster would have been a nice addition to the Ravens passing game, as the former USC Trojan has put up 308 receptions for 3,726 yards and 26 touchdowns throughout his four year career. However, he played primarily as a slot receiver in 2020, where the Ravens already have Marquise Brown, Devin Duvernay, and James Proche vying for snaps. Add in the newly signed Sammy Watkins, and there are a lot of bodies competing for reps in the slot in Baltimore. While Smith-Schuster can play on the outside, Watkins has more experience doing so, and because of that, it seems that Watkins could allow the Ravens’ young receivers to get more snaps in the slot than Smith-Schuster would have.

If Smith-Schuster truly wanted to play in a pass happy offense, then choosing to stay in Pittsburgh was the right choice for him. John Harbaugh said in an interview before free agency that he wasn’t going to beg anyone to come to Baltimore, and he stayed true to that with Smith-Schuster. After signing Watkins to a one-year deal, the Ravens got someone who has already bought into what the team is about and the offense that they run. If Smith-Schuster didn’t believe in it, then things worked out for all parties involved.

Former Ravens S Bernard Pollard attempting an NFL comeback; willing to play under John Harbaugh

Former Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard posted individual workout sessions to Twitter, talking about making an NFL comeback.

It’s that time of the year when NFL prospects hit the practice fields to run, jump, and show off their skills in front of scouts and general managers as they jockey for position in the 2021 NFL draft.  But not everything is new this offseason with one familiar face looking to make a comeback.

Much like the draft prospects earning so much attention right now, former Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard is back on the football field to run, jump, and show off his skills. Pollard has been posting workout videos on Twitter recently, saying he’s working to attempt a comeback to the NFL.

This is a pretty late comeback attempt for Pollard, who last suited up with the Tennessee Titans in October of 2014 before a ruptured Achilles tendon sent him to injured reserve. While the NFL is no stranger to some of its biggest stars playing well beyond their supposed prime, that’s usually reserved for quarterbacks. While he’s currently 36 years old and hasn’t played the game in seven years, it’s not unfathomable that Pollard could actually find his way back on a roster again. The Ravens signed Dez Bryant last season after the wide receiver missed two seasons and looked to be done in the NFL. While Bryant didn’t come close to his best years, he did catch six passes for 47 yards and two touchdowns over six games.

If granted a return, don’t expect Pollard to suit up in a Ravens uniform, however. He’s had a longstanding beef with Baltimore coach John Harbaugh that he’s been very vocal about on Twitter. Pollard has blamed Harbaugh for dismantling, what Pollard believes was, a championship-caliber team. Pollard has called for Harbaugh’s firing and has thrown so much shade, other former Ravens have called him out for it. Though Pollard has been so vocal in his displeasure for Harbaugh, he said he could play under him in Baltimore, albeit under the right conditions.

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Regardless of what went down in Baltimore, a return to the NFL for Pollard would be an incredible feat.

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Dez Bryant defends Lamar Jackson on Twitter — hinting at Ravens’ offense having other issues

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Dez Bryant took a thinly veiled shot at the team’s offense as he defended quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore Ravens wide receivers haven’t exactly been kind to the organization this offseason. Willie Snead, Dez Bryant, and Marquise Brown have all either posted or liked posts bashing Baltimore’s offense this offseason. Bryant took another thinly veiled shot on Saturday.

Reacting to some perceived negative talk against Lamar Jackson, Bryant took to Twitter to defend his former quarterback. However, in doing so, Bryant hinted that something else in the offense is the reason for the offense’s struggles.

While no player has outright called anyone out, fans and even some analysts have long criticized offensive coordinator Greg Roman for his schemes in the passing game. Fans have also often criticized coach John Harbaugh for a string of disappointing hires at offensive coordinator, seeing six different people hold the job over 13 years.

While some have pointed to Baltimore’s last-place passing attack in 2020, that was more of a result of being last in passing attempts. When comparing passing efficiency, the Ravens actually ranked in the middle of the league. Still, in an era of football where teams throw for over 400 yards on a regular basis, Baltimore’s insistence on being a run-first offense has earned the ire of fans for years. And with this offseason’s comments, it appears as though the players aren’t all that happy either.

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Ravens coach John Harbaugh predicts fans will be back at M&T Bank Stadium in 2021

After having fans attend one home game in 2020 due to COVID-19, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh envisions fans in the stands in 2021

Last year was easily one of the most unique seasons in NFL history. The COVID-19 pandemic nearly put a stop to the season taking place but even with the show going on, the coronavirus wreaked havoc, putting some of the league’s top players on the sidelines. It also meant most fans weren’t able to attend games, including everyone in Baltimore who was hungry to watch the Ravens defend their 14-2 record and AFC North crown from 2019.

With vaccines becoming available to the public and restrictions getting lifted in Maryland, Ravens coach John Harbaugh envisions fans returning to M&T Bank Stadium in 2021.

“That’s a no-brainer to me,” Harbaugh said. “Unless something crazy happens, and you can never say for sure in the world, but as far as COVID-19 is concerned, just look at what our scientists have done.”

On Friday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan lifted capacities on indoor and outdoor dining, retail businesses, fitness centers, and religious establishments from 25% to 50%. With restrictions dwindling, Harbaugh is ready for the world to go back to what it was before the pandemic.

“It’s time to get back to work. It’s time to get back to school. It’s time to get back to practice,” Harbaugh continued. It’s time to get back to life, period.”

Ravens fans should have a little more hope after the Baltimore Orioles announced on Friday they would be allowing fans to attend games this season at Camden Yards, at 25% capacity. With Camden Yards less than a mile from M&T Bank Stadium, it’s hard to believe fans won’t be allowed to attend Ravens home games when the season begins in September.

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Ravens coach John Harbaugh picks up tab for whole restaurant

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh gave fans another reason to love him, picking up the tab at a charity event at Jimmy’s Seafood.

At a time when restaurants are struggling to both keep up with the demand for takeout and still keep the doors open, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is a bit of a savior.

Harbaugh quietly paid for everyone’s dinner at local restaurant Jimmy’s Famous Seafood on Tuesday night during a charity event. While Harbaugh hasn’t disclosed the exact amount, Baltimore’s WJZ-TV reported the tab was a couple thousand dollars. Don’t go giving all the credit to John Harbaugh, however. As he told ESPN, the idea was “100 percent” his wife, Ingrid’s idea.

Harbaugh made sure to give a shoutout to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood owner John Minadakis for his work raising money for other restaurants and bars currently struggling with the coronavirus pandemic.

“John Minadakis is the hero for the fund he’s doing for local businesses hit by the pandemic,” Harbaugh told ESPN.

In total, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood has raised more than $450,000 through their Famous Fund. Ravens players Ronnie Stanley and Marlon Humphrey are among the foundation’s top donators, each donating $10,000.

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Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII win ranked among the best since 2000

The Baltimore Ravens second Super Bowl victory was dubbed 5th best of the last two decades and even that might be underselling it.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will headline Super Bowl LV. In celebration of yet another champion being crowned, List Wire ranked every Super Bowl over the last 20 years. While the Ravens are naturally featured twice on the list, having won twice over that timespan, it’s Super Bowl XLVII that got the blood pumping.

According to Barry Werner of List Wire, Baltimore beating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII ranks fifth. It’s easy to see why when Werner breaks down the basic story of the game.

“The Ravens were a force and then there was a blackout that turned an apparent easy victory into a nail-biter. Baltimore boasted a tremendous defense that had all sorts of issues with Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers.”

Come on, that’s something you’d expect to see in a movie or made-for-TV special. The Ravens had gotten to a 28-6 lead early in the third quarter thanks to a Jacoby Jones 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. But a power issue caused the stadium to go dark for more than 30 minutes, ultimately seeing the 49ers rally in the second half to put the victor in question. As we all know, Baltimore prevailed, beating San Francisco 34-31 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.

While the game itself was magical and full of twists and turns, the lead up to it was somehow even better.

The Ravens hadn’t been great throughout the regular season, finishing with a 10-6 record to squeak into the playoffs. But, between linebacker Ray Lewis announcing he’d retire at the conclusion of the season and quarterback Joe Flacco having arguably the greatest postseason in NFL history, Baltimore seemingly had everything fall in their favor in what can only be described as a Cinderella story.

The Ravens got matched up with Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card round, giving Lewis one final home game before riding off into the sunset. Up 24-9 in the closing minutes of the game, Lewis lined up at running back while Baltimore was in victory formation, doing his famous squirrel dance to close out his career at M&T Bank Stadium to the cheers of the crowd.

With one game down, the Ravens were matched up against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in the divisional round. It would take double-overtime and a miracle to get the job done, however. Down seven points in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, Flacco heaved a pass to Jacoby Jones just over the outstretched arms of safety Rahim Moore, seeing him streak into the end zone untouched for an improbable 70-yard touchdown pass that has since been dubbed “The Mile High Miracle.” Kicker Justin Tucker put the final nail in the coffin after a Corey Graham interception gave Baltimore the ball in Denver territory, nailing a 47-yard field goal to win, 38-35, in double overtime.

Now in the AFC Championship, the Ravens needed to go through a familiar foe in Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. It was a rematch of the AFC Championship Game from a year prior that saw New England barely edge out Baltimore, 23-20. This time, however, there would be no Brady heroics. After a tight first half, the Ravens’ defense ratcheted things up in the second half, forcing four turnovers (including a turnover on downs). Meanwhile, Flacco and the offense feasted, putting up 21 unanswered points to win 28-13 to head to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII.

Though other Super Bowls were ranked higher, the playoff storylines and the big game itself make the Ravens’ run something special. It’s certainly one Baltimore will never forget.

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Texans coach David Culley shares a trait with the Ravens’ John Harbaugh

Houston Texans coach David Culley shared with the media the one trait that he has in common with Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh.

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David Culley has had plenty of time working with John Harbaugh.

Both were members of Andy Reid’s first coaching staff with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. Culley was the receivers coach and Harbaugh was in his second season as the team’s special teams coordinator.

“He’s one of the top guys in this league,” Culley said.

In 2008, Harbaugh left to coach the Ravens, and Culley followed Reid to the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013-16. After a couple season with the Buffalo Bills coaching quarterbacks, Harbaugh asked the former Eagles receivers coach to take the same job on his staff in Baltimore.

“When he asked me to come with him the one thing that I love about John Harbaugh is — and I’ve taken this with me — is the honesty is so there with him in everything that he does and whether he’s dealing with a player, whether he’s dealing with a coach, whether he’s dealing with you all,” Culley said. “You may not like what you hear, but what you get is you get the honesty. And you know what? I’ve got that. I’ve learned that. I appreciate that and that’s what I’m all about, and that’s why I’m glad to be there and I appreciate him for being that for me.”

The Texans will need as much honesty as they can get as the club seeks to rebound from a 4-12 season that saw its coach and general manager fired after an 0-4 start. Culley has a tough assignment ahead as he evaluates a roster that may need a little motivation and retooling if they are to get back into postseason contention.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn’t going to beg WRs to play for Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens once again need help at wide receiver but don’t go expecting coach John Harbaugh to beg anyone to join his team.

The Baltimore Ravens once again enter the offseason with wide receiver being their most pressing need. As seems to be a common theme every offseason, the Ravens have an underwhelming wide receiver corps and need to take the offense to the next level by finding a top weapon for their franchise quarterback. However, is Baltimore really that tempting of a spot for a top wide receiver?

While quarterback Lamar Jackson led the league in touchdown passes last year and ranked 13th in that metric this season, the Ravens finished dead last in passing attempts over the last two years. Like it or not, wide receivers are judged and compensated based on how many balls they catch and how many yards they put up. Pending free agents would be right to question just how many targets they’d get with the Ravens.

But if any free agents need some convincing, they probably shouldn’t call coach John Harbaugh, who isn’t about to beg people to join his team.

“I’m not going to beg anybody to be here,” Harbaugh said at his end-of-season press conference last week. “I’m not a college coach and I don’t have to recruit anybody. You want to win? You want to be a part of a great organization, and you want to be a part of a team, and you want to love coming to work every single day, and you’re a football player and you love football? You want to play in the AFC North – come here. If you don’t. . . If you’re all about stats, and numbers, and your stat line, and how many balls you catch, necessarily, and that’s all you care for – then there’s a lot of other teams you can go play for, and we’ll be looking forward to lining up against you.”

There’s long been a narrative that top wide receivers don’t want to play in Baltimore and it stretches back well before Jackson was under center. The Ravens have always been a run-first team, leading fans and analysts alike to wonder aloud if Baltimore would need to overpay for a wide receiver because of the limited opportunities.

But on Monday, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta put that narrative to bed in no uncertain terms.

“I’ve never had a player yet say to me, ‘I don’t want to come play for the Baltimore Ravens because you don’t throw the ball.’ It hasn’t happened yet – maybe it will,” DeCosta said at his end-of-season press conference on Monday. “Most of the time what I get is, ‘I hear you guys are an amazing franchise. I know players who have played for you guys and loved the experience. You’re a great team for veteran players. I want to play with Lamar Jackson. I love your defense. Baltimore is a town that I want to be in. I’ve played against you guys. I love your fanbase. Your stadium is amazing.’ That’s what I hear.”

There are several intriguing wide receiver options set to hit free agency this offseason. We took a look at a few playing in the conference championship games last weekend but guys like Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins, Marvin Jones, Chris Godwin, and Corey Davis are pending free agents that would look good in Baltimore’s purple uniform.

Unfortunately, with the salary cap expected to be reduced this offseason, the Ravens aren’t exactly flush with cash to bring one of those guys in. And if they really are looking for more money because of the perceived lack of opportunity, Baltimore might not be able to afford any of them even if they were to beg.

While everything said in these season-ending press conferences should be taken with a whole bag of salt instead of just a pinch, the clear message from Harbaugh and DeCosta is that they’re sticking true to the team’s identity and working within the constraints of the salary cap. I know this isn’t the answer fans want to hear but it looks like the Ravens will once again end this offseason without adding a No. 1 wide receiver. It’s time to trust in the process that has earned Baltimore two Super Bowl victories and frequent appearances in the postseason.

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