Unfortunately, there were no baseballs laying around the Ravens’ training facility on Friday, because Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis attended a portion of practice with pediatric patients from Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital.

As part of Markakis’ Right Side Foundation, 21 children and special care staffers enjoyed a tour of Ravens headquarters, watched the team warm up, ate lunch and enjoyed some encouragement from head coach John Harbaugh.

“Get better every day!” Harbaugh said with a smile.  “That’s what we’re trying to do.  You can too.”

The Orioles outfielder was sporting a full bushy beard, a somewhat more rugged look than the clean-shaven one he has during the season.

Markakis and his wife, Christina, launched the Right Side Foundation in March of 2009.

Ravens linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs is pretty broken up that he won’t be able to play this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.

But that doesn’t mean his sprained right knee is going to keep him out any longer than that, in his eyes.

Suggs is hoping that he can recover fast enough to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Nov. 29. 

“I’m going to try to get back for Pittsburgh,” Suggs said today. “That’s the game you definitely don’t want to miss, so hopefully I can miraculously heal and try to get back. I’m going to do everything I can to get back and play.”

Some reports have speculated that Suggs will miss a significant amount of time after Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn dove into his knee after throwing an interception last Monday night.

Quinn was reported to have been fined $10,000 and publicly apologized, but that doesn’t continue Suggs’ streak of playing in every game of his seven-year career.

“I’m really crushed I’m going to miss my first game,” Suggs said. “That sucks. I was trying to beat Ozzie [Newsome, general manager]. Ozzie never missed a game and I was trying to beat him. It just really sucks I have to miss this game when we get the opportunity to do something great. But there’s no doubt in my mind I should be back this year, at least that’s the plan. That’s where I’m at with it.”

Suggs’ teammates were quick to jump to his defense.

“From what everybody’s telling me, it was a dirty hit,” he said. “‘He went right for your knee.’ And that’s exactly what it felt like. But I haven’t seen it and I can’t exactly say which way or the other on it. Let me look at it first and then I can give ya’ll a fair assessment of it. Like I said, I’m just more disgruntled that I’m out, that I’m going to miss this game and like I said, I’ve got to get back from the rivalry.”

The Ravens could use Suggs with Peyton Manning and the Colts’ prolific offense coming to Baltimore, but his spot will likely be taken by rookie Paul Kruger.

Suggs believes Kruger will be able to quickly assimilate into the defense.

“I think he’s going to do great,” explained Suggs, who added that Kruger should not get comfortable in his starting spot. “I think Paul has got an amazing opportunity in front of him, and I’m going to do everything as a veteran should do to help make sure that he’s successful and the team wins. He better do good because he’s my apprentice; he’s under me, so he’s a direct reflection of me.”

NFL Admits Fault for Browns’ 4th Timeout

The hit that sent Browns wideout Josh Cribbs to the hospital, the same hit that cost defensive end Dwan Edwards a $5,000 fine, never should have even had the chance to occur.

In this NFL.com video, vice president of NFL officiating Mike Pereira admits that the Browns-Ravens Monday night officiating crew mistakenly gave Cleveland an extra timeout that eventually allowed the Browns attempting one last play in which Cribbs was injured.

NFL Network’s Rich Eisen asked Pereira, “A team in the NFL got a fourth timeout. How did that happen?”

Said Pereira, “Well, I mean, it happened because we as a group — as a crew — failed to record. …  Everybody on the field basically forgot to record the penalty — I mean, the timeout — and the scoreboard did, too.”

“All our fault. It’s not the scoreboard operator’s responsibility. It’s our responsibility to record all timeouts. … These types of administrative things should never happen, and we accept responsibility.”

Yesterday, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison was asked if the Ravens knew about the blunder.

“We were aware of that,” Mattison said. “[Linebackers coach] Vic [Fangio] was upstairs and he was adamant about the fact that that was the fourth timeout.”

Colts Goin’ Down?

There are very few brave souls who will go on record and predict a Ravens victory over the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.  In fact only ESPN analysts seem to believe in Baltimore, as five out of their eight experts predicted a Ravens win.

It will be an uphill climb, but oddsmakers seem to think this will be a closer matchup than the entire Baltimore Sun staff believes. The action on the Ravens-Colts game opened with Baltimore listed as a one-point favorite.

Baltimore Sun:  six of six pick the Colts
WJZ’s Mark Viviano: Colts, 31-21
Fox Sports’ Peter Schrager: Colts, 33-24
ESPN:  five of eight pick the Ravens
Yahoo! Sports: three of three pick the Colts
The Sporting News: six of six pick the Colts
USA Today: seven of eight pick the Colts
Sports Illustrated’s Peter King: Colts, 27-23

“The Blind Side” Premiers

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared Tuesday night at a gala premiere for “The Blind Side,” the life story of Ravens tackle Michael Oher, at New York’s Ziegfeld Theater.

Goodell’s attendance at the movie premiere, which opens in theaters nationwide today, is only fitting since the story ends (SPOILER ALERT) with the commissioner on stage at Radio City Music Hall announcing Oher as the 23rd pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

Sophomore Slumps

In his first eight games, Joe Flacco threw for 12 touchdowns. In his last two games, Flacco hasn’t notched a single touchdown, but has thrown two interceptions.

Flacco’s two-game slump is nothing compared to his fellow 2008 first-round draft selection, quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. Halfway into his sophomore season, Ryan is suddenly playing like a freshman, says Nate Davis of USA Today.

“Second-year quarterbacks are expected to struggle in the NFL,” Davis said. “However Ryan, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2008 while helping the Atlanta Falcons to 11 wins and an unexpected playoff berth, seems to be slightly regressing instead of progressing as he battles to get over the performance bar he raised with his stellar first-year play.”

Ryan, who owns a 5-4 record, has been picked off 11 times in his last six games, which matches his total for the entire 2008 campaign.  With 12 interceptions in 2009, Ryan is tied for third-most in the league with rookies Mark Sanchez and Matthew Stafford.

Gridiron Sing-Off

Ray Rice and Kelley Washington are hosting a live Gridiron Sing-Off on December 15th, in which Baltimore football players will show off their musical side. Fans are invited to cheer on their favorite contestants to raise funds for the charity of the players’ choice. This event should provide a healthy dose of laughs and entertainment at Rams Head Live.

I Couldn’t Resist

Periodically, fans will send in their favorite Ravens-themed pictures. Some are more interesting than others, but I couldn’t resist sharing this photo of Shirl Younger who won a Halloween costume contest in Westminster, Md. Her Raven outfit took more than three weeks to make and included 1,000 individually-glued feathers.

That is awesome, Shirl!

The Ravens were still without starting tight end Todd Heap and linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs in practice this week.

Heap is suffering from a chest injury he sustained while making a catch over the middle in Monday’s 16-0 win over the Cleveland Browns.  He wore his practice jersey and stood with his teammates while everyone else practiced.

Head coach John Harbaugh declared that Suggs would be held out of this weekend’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts because of a sprained right knee, but he is not officially listed at “out” on the injury report at this point.  Suggs also said he would not be playing on Sunday, but was hopeful he could return on Nov. 29 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I’m going to try to get back for Pittsburgh,” Suggs said. “That’s the game you definitely don’t want to miss, so hopefully I can miraculously heal and try to get back. I’m going to do everything I can to get back and play.”

Running back Matt Lawrence is, however.  Lawrence will not be playing due to a knee injury.

First-team center Matt Birk was upgraded from not practicing on Wednesday with a hurt neck to a full participant on Thursday.

He joined quarterback Joe Flacco (knee), linebacker Tavares Gooden (head) and linebacker Jarret Johnson (shoulder) as the other players that fully practiced.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata was still limited by his ankle.

For the Colts, defensive back Antoine Bethea (foot), offensive tackle Dan Federkeil (concussion), defensive tackle Eric Foster (back), defensive back Aaron Francisco (ankle), defensive end Dwight Freeney (hip), receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee), defensive back Kelvin Hayden (knee), tight end Gijon Robinson (concussion), quarterback Jim Sorgi (right shoulder) and kicker Adam Vinatieri (right knee) did not practice.

Wideout Hank Baskett (illness), receiver Pierre Garcon (ankle), long snapper Justin Snow (elbow) fully practiced.

Is it too early in his career to start talking about the Pro Bowl for running back Ray Rice?

The shifty Raven is emerging as one of the NFL’s top playmakers, as he currently ranks fourth in the league in total yards from scrimmage with 1,113.

Dating back to a 152-yard performance running and receiving against the New England Patriots on Oct. 4, Rice has six-consecutive games with 100 total net yards.

“I’m not thinking about any of those individual things,” Rice said.  “I’m just playing football, honestly.  It would be cool, but I would rather see our team doing well, and we’re doing that.”

Rice is getting it done in all aspects of the game.

He is leading the Ravens with 128 rushes for 662 yards, while also pacing the team with 49 receptions.  In addition, Rice has proven that he can be an every-down back while showing excellent technique picking up blitzes.

“I want to can rack up yards anyway I can,” said Rice.  “I love my role.  They just tell me to go ahead and make plays, whether that’s running, catching, blocking, screens.  It doesn’t matter.  I can be the guy to lay the block for Joe [Flacco] to get the ball off downfield.  It’s just being a football player.”

His teammates are noticing.  Wideout Derrick Mason, a 13th-year veteran, had high praise for the former second-round draft pick.

“He reminds me of [Brian] Westbrook because of what he’s able to do,” Mason explained.  “What Ray is able to do out the backfield, lining up in the slot, lining up outside and still be effective running the football, it says a lot about his ability to play the game of football, his athleticism and his attention to detail.  He’s only going to get better if he continues to work – and I know he will because he has a great attitude.”

Vote for Ray Rice in the 2009 Pro Bowl! http://www.nfl.com/probowl/ballot

Quinn Fined $10,000; Ray Still Not Happy

Ray Lewis got what he wished for. Well, sort of.

After quarterback Brady Quinn threw an illegal hit that caused an MCL sprain in Terrell Suggs’ right knee, Lewis said he hoped the “cheap shot” would draw a fine from the league that was at least as much as the linebacker got when he was penalized for a hit on Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco.

Lewis was fined $25,000 for that knock. Quinn’s punishment? $10,000, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

But an extra $15,000 wouldn’t have resolved Lewis’ concerns either, especially since he will be without Suggs in Sunday’s mountainous climb against the undefeated Indianapolis Colts.

“To lose a person like that, there’s no dollar amount on that,” Lewis said. “There is no dollar amount on losing a T-Sizzle because he’s somebody when I need I can look to and say I need you right. …  To lose a man in a play that’s not within the rules of the game, that hurts.”

“I can see why they’d be upset,” Quinn responded. “But again, he wasn’t even in my vision. I was trying to get to the ball. He cut across my face as I was already trying to jump down for the tackle.”

Looking at the fine from an unbiased point of view, $10,000 may be appropriate.

“Quinn’s fine is double the standard $5,000 that players are usually fined for illegal hits,” says ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio. “Considering that Quinn doesn’t have a reputation for taking cheap shots, a $10,000 fine is significant. Even if it’s not as much as a lot of defensive players would have liked.”

Fines, Fines and More Fines. And by the Way, Back off Mangini.

Speaking of fines, ESPN.com is reporting that defensive end Dwan Edwards was fined $5,000 for his hit on Browns wideout Josh Cribbs on the final play of Monday night’s game. The hit landed Cribbs in the hospital with a possible neck injury and concussion.

There was Browns speculation that the Ravens were retaliating for Quinn’s chop-block on Suggs. Cribbs, who hopes to play this Sunday against Detriot, said he talked to Edwards and Lewis and is satisfied that it was not a cheap shot.

In addition to minimizing the drama with Edwards, Cribbs blocked some of the hate that was thrown toward his coach Eric Mangini for the desperation play. Cribbs said it was not Mangini who called the play to keep the ball alive as time expired in the 16-0 loss.

“It was a call at the line,” Cribbs said, via the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.  “It wasn’t a call that came in from the coaches.”

The Browns “put me in position to make plays and to play well in the football game and I wouldn’t want to come out of the game. A lot of people say ‘Why are you still out there when you have no chance to win the game?’ But I wanted to be out there, so I can’t put no blame on anyone.”

Steelers Fan Claims he Was Poisoned in Chicago Bar

Geez, I thought only Ravens fans had a putrid disdain for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But even those bleeding purple wouldn’t do this.

Steelers fan Zack Eddinger, 46, stated he was poisoned and blinded in a Chicago bar after an altercation with a group of Bears fans. According to WTAE in Pittsburgh, Heddinger said his friends were involved in an altercation with a group of Bears fans, and eventually the Bears fans offered a drink as a “peacemaker.”

From WTAE: Not long after taking the drink, Heddinger passed out and was rushed to a nearby hospital, his heart stopping four times. At first, doctors thought he had too much to drink, but realized there was more to it.

“They thought it was antifreeze or something like that …because it was so strong,” said Heddinger.

Heddinger’s family rushed to Chicago to be with him after doctors told them he wasn’t going to make it.

“I literally watched him say, within a matter of hours, ‘I’m getting really scared. I can’t see anything,’” said sister Lisa.

According to the report, doctors believe the drink may have been spiked with toxic grain alcohol.

“I don’t think they tried to kill me,” Heddinger added. “I think they tried to hurt me, but the killing came pretty close.”

AFC Wild Card Picture

Yahoo! Sports NFL experts took a look at who could emerge from the middle of the pack of the AFC and get into the playoffs via the Wild Card.

The Ravens (5-4) should pay close attention to the Jaguars and Texans who also boast a 5-4 record. The bad news for the Ravens is that they have three games left against opponents with losing records, while both the Jaguars and Texans have four games against opponents with losing records. Baltimore badly needs to steal a game or two from the Colts and/or Steelers.

And that’s not even mentioning the Broncos, Chargers and Steelers, who are another rung up the ladder and share a 6-3 record. Either Denver or San Diego will likely win the AFC West, so that leaves two Wild Card spots for five teams. Baltimore could be the odd man out if it can’t string together a few wins.

Thank Goodness for Steve Bisciotti

If you haven’t heard already, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams apologized Monday for giving the middle finger to Buffalo fans while celebrating his team’s 41-17 win over the Bills.

The obscene gesture led the Top Ten list on CBS’ “Late Show.” The segment was entitled “Top Ten Signs Your NFL Team Owner Is Nuts.”

I think it would be safe to say Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti wouldn’t be the butt of such jokes. He’s one of the league’s best owners and he has put together a classy organization. Take a look.

10) “Married to a tackling dummy.”
9) “Team plays in North Carolina, builds new stadium in North Dakota.”
8) ”Only reason he hired head coach was because he had his own whistle.”
7) “Encourages vendors to sell beer to players during game.”
6) “Asked owner of Detroit Lions for tips on building a winner.”
5) “He just tested positive for steroids – can you believe that?”
4) “Pregame pep talk – asks team to lose by more than seven-and-a-half.”
3) “Thinks ‘Things More Fun Than Reading the Sarah Palin Memoir’ isn’t funny.”
2) “His motto: ‘If we want to win as a team, we need to shower as a team.’”
1) “Gives players the weekend off.”

When the Ravens take on the NFL’s hottest quarterback in Peyton Manning this weekend, they won’t have the services of one of their best pass rushers in Terrell Suggs.

They won’t have special teams contributor Haruki Nakamura, who landed on Injured Reserve this week.

Suggs injured his right knee last Monday night when Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn dove at his legs in the third quarter of Baltimore’s 16-0 victory.  Quinn was fined a reported $10,000 by the NFL for the illegal blow.

“He’s out this week,” head coach John Harbaugh.  “That’s the ruling that we know.  It’s a sprained ligament, basically, I guess is how we’re describing it.  It’s got to heal on its own. There’s no procedure that’s going to have to be done, and we’ll just see how fast he heals.”

Quinn’s block, which occurred after he threw his second interception, drew a 15-yard penalty for a low block.

“I was disappointed in the block,” Harbaugh noted.  “I don’t think Brady Quinn is the type of guy who goes out there and tries to hurt anybody.  He’s a class kid, always has been.  But, that’s an illegal block.  The reason it’s illegal is because it causes injuries.  That’s on any return, kick return or interception return.  There’s no reason to do that.  And, we’re disappointed.”

Even though Quinn publicly apologized after the game, reiterating his apology on Wednesday, Suggs’ teammates were fuming about the play.

“I understand what Brady Quinn is saying after the fact, but you go dive at a man’s knee that doesn’t even have the football?” linebacker Ray Lewis explained.  “You get penalized so much as a defensive player for going in and just doing your job, and then you see a person not doing his job and goes and spears a man in his knee. Now the man is out. It’s not good football. It’s not good when people do things like that and then apologize as if, ‘Oh, OK, I didn’t mean to do it.’ That’s whatever.”

Suggs’ absence could mean that rookie Paul Kruger will get the first start of his career.
In addition to Suggs, center Matt Birk (neck), tight end Todd Heap and running back Matt Lawrence (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (ankle) was a limited participant, while quarterback Joe FLacco (knee), linebacker Tavares Gooden (head) and linebacker Jarret Johnson (shoulder) all fully practiced.

To fill his roster spot, safety K.J. Gerard was promoted from the practice squad.  Defensive back Marcus Paschal was signed to the developmental team in place of Gerard.

For the Colts, wideout Hank Baskett (illness), defensive back Antoine Bethea (foot), offensive tackle Dan Federkeil (concussion), defensive tackle Eric Foster (back), defensive back Aaron Francisco (ankle), defensive end Dwight Freeney (no injury), receiver Pierre Garcon (ankle), receiver Anthony Gonzalez (knee), defensive back Kelvin Hayden (knee), tight end Gijon Robinson (concussion), long snapper Justin Snow (elbow), quarterback Jim Sorgi (right shoulder) and kicker Adam Vinatieri (right knee) did not practice.

When Terrell Suggs, one of the Ravens’ best pass rushers, was knocked out of last Monday’s win in Cleveland with a knee injury, it opened up the possibility for more playing time for rookie Paul Kruger this weekend against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.  
 
But considering Suggs’ history of making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, Kruger knows he has big shoes to fill. 
 
“I’m excited to get on the field,” Kruger said.  “I’m definitely going to be working hard this week.  Suggs is a great player.  Stepping into a role like that is a tough deal.  We’re going to miss him a lot.  I want to get to work in practice and get in the film room to do my best to help my team as much as possible.”
 
Kruger took over for “T-Sizzle” when Browns quarterback Brady Quinn launched himself into Suggs’ knee after throwing an interception.  He didn’t penetrate into the backfield the way Suggs had been, but Kruger did knock down a pass, something he did often in training camp.
 
“The guy flew around, played hard, had a batted ball,” head coach John Harbaugh said.  “[He] plays with a high motor.  [He is] still learning some of the nuances of the defense, but is picking it up pretty quickly.”
 
As a second-round pick, it’s understandable for the public outcry in Kruger’s favor, especially since the Ravens have been uneven in their pressures. But the reality was, he didn’t play a lot of special teams and was behind Jarret Johnson, the Ravens’ current sack leader with six, and Suggs.
 
With what should be the most extensive playing time of his fledgling career, Kruger has an opportunity to show what he can do.
 
“I want to get a good pass rush this week and create some pressure that way,” he said of his performance against the Browns.  “As far as the run, I felt I did pretty well.
 
“I’ve been working my tail off in practice,” Kruger continued.  “I’ve been taking reps with the scout team, special teams and rotating with the defense.  I feel like I’m in shape enough to be out there.  Watching film is going to be huge for me this week.  Studying the game – that’s where I want to work the hardest.  Letting my teammates know that I’m on the same page and up to date with everything.”

McAlister joins the New Orleans Saints

Former Raven Chris McAlister has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints, per ESPN’s John Clayton. A league source has confirmed the move.

Terms of the deal weren’t available, but it is believed to be a one-year contract. McAlister was cleared by doctors to play despite knee problems that have been nagging him for years. There were teams that were interested in signing him at the beginning of the season, but McAlister wanted to wait until his knee was completely healthy.

I wonder if McAlister has much left to offer. He reportedly fell out of favor last year during coach John Harbaugh’s first season with the team. In September, McAlister was telling friends that he planned to sign with the Raiders.

The need for a cornerback was created by the groin injury that kept Jabari Greer out of Sunday’s game against the Rams and the MCL knee sprain suffered by Tracy Porter Sunday that will sideline him indefinitely.

Suggs out at least 2-3 weeks

Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post is reporting that outside linebacker Terrell Suggs will be out at least two to three weeks with a slightly torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, according to a league source.

“This is a much better prognosis than what was originally feared with initial concerns that he could be out as long as four to six weeks or possibly for the entire remainder of the season,” said Wilson.

Suggs underwent an MRI after injuring his knee when Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn hit him with an illegal low block during the Ravens’ 16-0 win Monday night.

Suggs’ Agent: Quinn’s hit was ‘absolutely criminal’

Terrell Suggs’ agent, Gary Wichard, wants Quinn to pay for his controversial block Monday night.

“That cat should be fined as much as anybody is fined that hits the quarterback,” Wichard told the National Football Post. “That’s ridiculous. I don’t understand what he was trying to do. It was blatant. It’s absolutely criminal. It’s about as nasty as it gets.”

“The guy had total control and went right for his knee. You can’t call that an accident. It was premeditated. The quarterback zeroed in on Terrell’s knee. That’s absurd. The ball carrier was right in front of him.”

New kicker likely to come down to Nugent or Cundiff

The Baltimore Sun reported head coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens wouldn’t try out any additional kickers, which means the decision will likely come down to veteran kickers Mike Nugent and Billy Cundiff. Both kickers were reportedly tried out by the Ravens last week.

However, Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post tweeted the Nugent camp has hinted that he won’t be the guy that’s signed after two tryouts. We’ll see if that holds up.

As for Hauschka’s reaction to being released 24 hours after he missed a 36-yard field goal and had an extra point blocked in a 16-0 win at Cleveland? He said he was “a little surprised.”

“I’m definitely disappointed,” Hauschka told The Baltimore Sun. “I appreciate the opportunity that they gave me here. I wish I had done better with a couple of the kicks there. But I don’t have any regrets. I’m just going to keep playing and working hard, and I think I’ll be on a team sooner or later.”

Josh Cribbs OK; agent angry with Browns for exposing him to injury

Browns WR Josh Cribbs is OK and out of a Cleveland hospital after being injured on the final play of Monday night’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens.

But his agent is ticked with the Browns for exposing Cribbs to injury as time expired and the Browns had no chance to win the game.

“I can’t even put into words how upset I am at them for leaving him in like that,” agent J.R. Rickert told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “Fortunately, he’s doing well.”

Cribbs left the field on a stretcher in a scary scene, but had movement as he was taken to a local hospital. Players and coaches from both teams huddled around him.

Oher won’t attend ‘The Blind Side’ premiere

The movie based on his life story premieres in New York City Tuesday night, but Ravens rookie offensive lineman Michael Oher won’t be there.

Given that he is in the midst of his first season in the NFL, that shouldn’t be a surprise, said his adoptive father Sean Tuohy during a Tuesday teleconference to promote the movie.

Power Rankings

It’s interesting how a win over the terrible Browns can push the Ravens up in most power rankings. Regardless of the exact spot, the lists accurately reflect the team’s play up to this point. As of right now, the Ravens are a middle-of-the-pack team that shows flashes of greatness, but hasn’t been able to put together a string of wins.

ESPN: Ravens 11(14), Steelers 6(5), Bengals 4(4)
Fox Sports: Ravens 7(11), Steelers 6(5), Bengals 4(4)
CBS Sports: Ravens 15(15), Steelers 6(6), Bengals 4(5)
Sporting News: Ravens 11(13), Steelers 6(5), Bengals 4(7)
USA Today: Ravens 11(13), Steelers 6(4), Bengals 4(7)

Quick Hits

The NFL announced the Nov. 29 Pittsburgh-Baltimore matchup will remain the Sunday night game even though NBC had the option of picking another contest. This announcement comes after speculation that the league was going to select a more appealing game under its flexible scheduling policy.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said he wishes he would have handled the game’s final play differently after Cribbs’ scary last-second injury in Monday night’s 16-0 loss.

The Steelers won’t be without injured SS Troy Polamalu for more than one game. He will attempt to return for the AFC North match-up at Baltimore on Nov. 29.

Lewis Fuming Over Quinn’s ‘Cheap Shot’

Linebacker Ray Lewis accused Browns quarterback Brady Quinn of dirty play after the quarterback delivered a controversial block that knocked linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs out of Monday’s game, reported USA Today.

Quinn hit Suggs low after throwing an interception in the second half of the Browns’ 16-0 loss.

“Heck yeah it was a cheap shot,” Lewis snapped. “When you’re running down and you’re looking at the quarterback going at somebody’s knees who doesn’t even have the ball. I want to see if he gets the same fine I got or even higher. Now this man is out four or five weeks because of some baloney like that.”

Quinn maintained he did not mean to injure Suggs.

“I was trying to go for the ball carrier,” he said. “Suggs came across at the last second in my vision. I would never wish that upon anyone. I was upset about it on the field. We worked out in Arizona together. I couldn’t be any more sorry about that. That was never the intent. I’m sorry to Terrell and the rest of their team.”

If Suggs can’t play Sunday against the Colts, it would be a big blow for the Ravens. The team has struggled trying to get pressure on quarterbacks and Suggs is the team’s top pass rusher. The Ravens might look to rookie Paul Kruger, who came in as Suggs’ replacement.

Josh Cribbs taken to hospital

Browns receiver Josh Cribbs was removed from the field on a stretcher after the conclusion of Cleveland’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens on Monday, reported the AP.

Cribbs was hurt on the game’s final play when the Browns were trying to extend a play as time ran out. He was taken to a local hospital. Browns coach Eric Mangini said Cribbs had movement when he left the field.

Players from both teams, as well as Mangini and Ravens coach John Harbaugh, huddled around Cribbs as medical officials tended to him on the field.

Ravens benefit from Tom Brady rule

In the past, it has been the Ravens defense complaining that officials protect quarterbacks excessively. But last night, there were no complaints from Baltimore as Joe Flacco benefited from the Tom Brady rule.

On a first down play from the Baltimore 26 late in the first half, Flacco faked a handoff to running back Ray Rice, then got rid of the ball quickly as Jason Trusnik of the Browns hit at the bottom of the shoulders-to-knees strike zone.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk believed it was a good call in light of the current contents of the rule book. While Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun said the penalty was a poor call by the officials and was nothing more than the continuation of the play by Trusnik.

Paul Kruger performed like a rookie

The Sun’s Kevin Van Valkenburg said the Paul Kruger looked lost in his first extensive NFL action.

“He jumped offside once, probably should have been flagged for jumping offside a second time, he got pushed around on a few runs and didn’t get much pressure on passing plays,” Van Valkenburg said.

“He’s not quite ready to be seeing regular action against good teams, as last night’s game proved.”

Larry Johnson to officially join Bengals on Tuesday

Peter Schaffer, the agent for the former Chiefs tailback, told the Kansas City Star that Johnson will finalize a deal with the Bengals on Tuesday.

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that the team would meet with Johnson, cut last week by the Chiefs, but added that Johnson would be a backup to Cedric Benson if he signed on.