Tag: John Harbaugh

Watch Ravens coach John Harbaugh fist-pump into the fourth dimension after draft pick

Are you as excited about the Baltimore Ravens drafting Texas WR Devin Duvernay as coach John Harbaugh? Maybe you should be.

If you weren’t excited about the Baltimore Ravens drafting Texas WR Devin Duvernay with the 92nd pick of the 2020 NFL Draft . . . This. Changes. Everything.

 

While it isn’t entirely certain what Duvernay will bring to the NFL field throughout his career, the term “steal” keeps coming up when discussing this particular third-round pick. The term also seems to be a common thread among just about all of the Ravens’ 2020 NFL Draft results for that matter, so it’s probably a good thing Harbaugh has pretty high ceilings in his office.

I’m not entirely sure what Harbaugh knows that we don’t, but based on his reaction, Ravens’ fans everywhere should be ecstatic knowing the coach himself is this thrilled.

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Report: NFL to eliminate pass interference challenges for 2020

After a year of testing out challenging pass interference calls, the results were terrible and have the NFL rule change up for elimination

After an officiating error failed to call pass interference in the final minute of the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints, the NFL looked to correct the problem for the future. Starting in the 2019 season, the league allowed coaches to challenge possible pass interference. However, it didn’t take long for that to be proven as a waste of everyone’s time.

Through the first nine weeks of the season, nearly 91% of all pass interference calls had been upheld, with just five being overturned in challenges. Though the percentage got better over the final weeks of the season (finishing with 24-of-101 being reversed), the damage had already been done. With such an awful rate and the bad publicity that came with it, it looks like pass interference challenges will not be back in 2020.

When teams were surveyed about the rule change, an overwhelming number didn’t think the rule should come back for next season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Baltimore Ravens weren’t immune to the issue either. Following an official calling pass interference against safety Tony Jefferson in the Ravens’ Week 3 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, Harbaugh didn’t throw the challenge flag. When asked about not using the rule, Harbaugh said it would have been a waste of a timeout.

“Unless it’s going to get overturned, and we have enough information now to know it’s not going to get overturned. It would have been a wasted challenge, 100 percent proven by the record to date.”

Though Harbaugh didn’t like the rule change, he did throw the challenge flag three times last season. Not a single one was overturned, according to Pro Football Reference.

Teams have proposed massive changes to the NFL’s officiating crew after what was widely considered a poor season. What those end up being and how it ultimately affects the league’s stance on pass interference challenges will have to be seen. But given the disdain shown by coaches like Harbaugh, it seems unlikely we’ll see the rule return next season.

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John Harbaugh has security concerns with all-digital draft

With the 2020 NFL Draft going all digital this year due to the coronavirus, it’s raised questions about security.

The 2020 NFL Draft will hopefully be the only one done completely digitally. With the coronavirus pandemic having people social distance, the NFL has dictated every team must run their war rooms remotely from their own couches. That means an increase in video teleconferencing software like Zoom, which has taken the world by storm as more people work remotely.

For Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, he’s a little concerned about the security side of an all-online draft process.

“I’ve got some real concerns about that, and hopefully we’ll be okay,” Harbaugh said at the pre-draft press conference. He added that he’s been in regular contact with the Ravens’ IT staff every time he reads a story about video conferences being hacked.

With the increase in video conferencing software being used, it has meant a rise in stories of security flaws as well. Rae Hodge of CNET has compiled a list of Zoom’s biggest security problems to date, including recordings of calls being left unprotected and viewable online and live meetings being infiltrated by unauthorized users. It’s let to the FBI issuing a warning about Zoom’s security issues.

From Baltimore’s draft board to their playbook, a lot of information is being shared among the team right now and it’s all critically important to the Ravens’ 2020 season. With a growing list of security issues coming to light, it makes sense Harbaugh is concerned.

“I really wouldn’t want the opposing coaches to have our playbook or our draft meetings,” Harbaugh continued. “That would be preferable, if we can stay away from that.”

Though general manager Eric DeCosta said he’s more concerned with someone leaving their draft board in their car, Harbaugh’s concern is being echoed by others as well.

“How do you make sure your conversations are protected? Someone could hack into this Zoom, and you’re probably not going to learn a lot,” Los Angeles Rams COO Kevin Demoff said via Peter King. “Hacking into a team’s draft room on Zoom is probably a lot different. That would be my biggest concern just from an encryption standpoint of how do you have these conversations confidentially.”

With the NFL and all 32 teams in uncharted territory, no one really seems to have a definitive answer for how to keep themselves protected this offseason. It’s a disruptive and turbulent time for everyone right now and all the Ravens can do is march forward the best they can.

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Ravens and Chargers propose 2 new changes to NFL officiating crews

The Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers would like to see two more officials added to NFL games to help make sure the calls are right.

The Baltimore Ravens are trying to make the NFL just a little bit better. This offseason, the Ravens offered up two proposals to alter the officiating that will be considered and voted on during the NFL’s Annual Meeting later in March.

Both Baltimore and the Los Angeles Chargers proposed adding a “booth umpire” and a “senior technology advisor” to every game in an effort to provide better officiating.

Considering the NFL’s public issues with in-game calls and replays, it seems like an easy decision to make. The more officials, especially up in the booth and on replays, the more chances officials have to get calls right in the moment.

This isn’t the first time the Ravens have brought up the idea of adding more officials. Harbaugh publicly called for an extra one or two officials and expanded replays, according to NFL.com, to make sure the right calls are made and replays accurately fix any missed or incorrect calls.

If we can put somebody up there in the box that’s got a better angle that can help officiate the game from up there, let’s do that. If we can add more plays into replay, let’s do that. Because at the end of the game it’s about the credibility of the sport, and we can’t have the other leagues out-pacing us in terms of the use of technology to make sure the games are fair and well-officiated.

We have great officials. These guys are incredible at what they do. We’ve also put a lot of rules in place that have made it really tough on them. They’ve got a lot on their plate, so let’s add an official, let’s add two officials, let’s put one up in the box, let’s expand replay if we want, and let’s make sure at the end of the day the fans walk out of the stadium and walk away from the TV sets knowing that was a good, hard-fought, well-played, fairly officiated game, and the outcome is as it should be. That it was correct and the right team won the game.

This also isn’t the only potential changes coming to the officiating crews as early as next season. The NFL has already begun changing the leadership at the top of their officiating department, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.

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10 reasons Ravens fans should be excited about the future

A look at the reasons why spirits should be high in Baltimore and their tradition as one of the best franchises in football will continue.

I know it can be disheartening when a team with one of the best seasons in franchise history –maybe even NFL history if you count all the records broken — suffers an unexpected and somewhat uncharacteristic loss at the hands of a seemingly lesser team. But for the Baltimore Ravens, all is certainly not lost after the 2019 season.

Sure, every season is a proverbial question mark before it eventually takes shape, even for the most successful NFL franchises when you account for all the variables. But the Ravens have a lot to be excited about heading into what is typically an uncertain future.

Let’s take a look at 10 reasons why spirits should be high in Baltimore and their tradition as one of the best franchises in football will continue.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Lamar Jackson

We have to start with the NFL’s most electric quarterback. It’s hard not to be excited about the future with the prospect of Jackson leading the offense in Baltimore for years to come.

In only his second year, Jackson seemingly defied all the odds, all the naysayers, and all the NFL records on his way to an unprecedented season and MVP honor.

Even though he has yet to win a playoff game, what Jackson accomplished this season — passing for over 3,000 yards, rushing for the new league record by a quarterback, and leading the league in touchdown passes — was nothing short of remarkable. His losses in the postseason are only fueling his desire to win and ultimately fulfill his promise of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in Baltimore.

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Ravens 2020 free agency preview: WR Chris Moore

Ahead of the opening of free agency, a look at Ravens contract year special teams ace Chris Moore

The next step in the 2020 NFL offseason is free agency. While the Baltimore Ravens have done a brilliant job re-signing key contributors before the free-agent market opens, they still have a bevy of players set to become free agents in a few more weeks.

We’ve been previewing Baltimore’s pending free agents, what they did last season, what their potential is, their value and how likely they are to re-sign with the Ravens. We continue that look at Baltimore’s pending free agents ahead of the start of the 2020 NFL league year with a preview of wide receiver Chris Moore.

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Moore – 2019 review:

If the 2019 season is anything to go by, Moore is a wide receiver in name only. In his fourth year with the Ravens, Moore played in 15 games and drew five targets. He reeled in three of these looks for 21 scoreless yards. Two of these receptions, as well as 18 of the yards, came in the Week 6 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Unsurprisingly, Moore’s receiving totals were the lowest of his career. Moore was penalized twice during the season for a combined total of 15 yards, essentially giving him a net yardage total of six yards for the season.

In the first seven games of the season, Moore played between 9% and 57% of the Ravens offensive snaps. But from Week 9 onwards he played a combined nine offensive snaps. He did remain a presence on special teams, however. He played 235 special teams snaps, accounting for 54% of the Ravens total plays. But he was not utilized as a kick returner very often, handling just four kickoffs for a total of 81 yards.

Review / Potential / Value / Chances to re-sign

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Ravens make coaching changes on defense, special teams

The Baltimore Ravens altered titles for a handful of their coaches on defense and special teams, helping to refocus some on specific roles

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t just focusing on the 2020 NFL Draft and free agency, they’re looking within to improve. While the NFL combine kicks off, the Ravens changed around some of their coach’s titles.

Per the team’s website, they’ve changed the titles given to six coaches, both on defense and special teams.

  • Chris Horton – special teams coordinator (formerly special teams coach)
  • Randy Brown – special teams coach (formerly assistant special teams coach)
  • Chris Hewitt – pass defense coordinator (formerly defensive backs coach)
  • Sterling Lucas – defensive assistant/defensive line (formerly defensive assistant/linebackers)
  • Jesse Minter – defensive backs coach (formerly assistant defense backs coach)
  • Drew Wilkins – outside linebackers coach (formerly assistant defensive line & OLBs coach)

For Horton and Brown, it doesn’t seem to be changing their actual roles, just consolidating the hierarchy on special teams after former coordinator Jerry Rosburg retired prior to last season.

However, on defense, there appears to be some refining in the roles under defensive coordinator Don Martindale following his new contract. Wilkins is now in charge of the outside linebackers solely. Minter gets a bump up to defensive backs coach, the role vacated by Hewitt, who will now be in charge of the entire pass defense. Lucas will switch his focus from linebackers to the defensive line.

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Ravens coach John Harbaugh to miss NFL Scouting Combine after surgery

After undergoing knee replacement surgery, coach John Harbaugh will not be attending the NFL Scouting Combine for the first time in 13 years

The Baltimore Ravens saw a key member of their team need offseason surgery that will keep him out of action for at least the rest of February. No, it’s not a player but coach John Harbaugh. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Harbaugh will not attend the NFL Scouting Combine after undergoing knee replacement surgery two weeks ago.

The scouting combine officially kicks off on Sunday with on-field drills running from Thursday, February 27 until Sunday, March 1. This will be the first time Harbaugh will miss the combine in his 13 seasons with Baltimore.

Harbaugh is fresh off a 14-2 season in which the Ravens earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC and won him his first Coach of the Year award.

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Here are the top 2020 ‘NFL Honors’ award winners

The NFL announced several awards during its ‘NFL Honors’ show on Saturday night. Here are the most prominent.

Turns out some NFL scouts know what they’re doing and recognize what they see — but then again, Lamar Jackson.

Anyhow, here are the biggest ‘NFL Honors’ award winners that were presented Saturday in Miami.

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Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin among worst NFL Honors snubs

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin were snubbed for 2019 NFL Coach of the Year award votes.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is leaving the NFL Honors awards ceremony with some more hardware, having earned recognition as the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year. That’s huge for him, but we can’t overlook a serious snub for another category: NFL Coach of the Year, which went to Baltimore Ravens shot-caller John Harbaugh. Here’s how the voting shook out, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley:

  • John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens: 27 votes

  • Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers: 14

  • Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers: 3

  • Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers: 2

  • Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills: 2

  • Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints: 1

Payton’s candidacy needs little elaboration. No coach in the NFL has won more games over the last three years than Payton (37), and he won five games this season with franchise quarterback Drew Brees watching from the sidelines in sweatpants, wearing a bulky cast on his surgically-repaired throwing hand. There are few coaches around the league who could pull off the neat trick of winning five games in a row without their starting quarterback, much less a Hall of Fame-bound talent like Brees. But Tomlin deserves greater consideration than what the voters afforded, too.

Tomlin watched as his “Killer Bees” offense fell apart at the seams, with all-star running back Le’Veon Bell bolting in free agency, superfreak wide receiver Antonio Brown getting his way with trade demands, and an early-season elbow injury cutting down quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Then he had to quickly retool his defense around youngsters like rookie linebacker Devin Bush and second-year safeties Terrell Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick (acquired in a trade early in 2019).

And it’s not like the injuries slowed down for Pittsburgh; backup quarterback Mason Rudolph missed time, too, meaning practice squad call-up Devlin Hodges (more popularly known by his nickname, “Duck”) had to start six games, winning three of them. Nevertheless, Tomlin’s team finished the year at 8-8, and a couple of coin flips away from the postseason. Now that’s impressive coaching.

Still, we shouldn’t minimize what Harbaugh accomplished. He renovated his entire offense around Lamar Jackson, a quarterback with few believers around the NFL’s orbit, and ran over every obstacle in their way (until they met Derrick Henry on a cold night in January). He deserves consideration and respect, but not more than half the votes cast. As far as that goes, how can LaFleur command as many votes as Payton and Tomlin combined, when his players have publicly lamented how unprepared they were for the NFC Championship Game? It’s outrageous that voters dropped the ball this badly.

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