A few scuffles during training camp are a pretty regular occurrence in the NFL, especially since players endure regular three-hour practices in the intense heat of the sun.

But the fight between wide receiver Antonio Brown and cornerback Ike Taylor – for the second time at Steelers training camp – was not considered “normal.”

“[T]his went beyond the usual training-camp tussle,” wrote Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The altercation began when Taylor tried to wrestle a ball away from Brown in the end zone, according to the report. They fought for the ball on the ground, and when they eventually got back on their feet, Brown threw a punch at Taylor.

Several teammates intervened, but it didn’t stop there.

A “spirited” goal-line drill toward the end of practice seemed to further incite the players, especially safety Ryan Clark and Taylor.

Once practice concluded, Taylor went after Brown in the middle of the field and the players had to be separated again, this time even by Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert.

The teammates eventually walked off the field together with Taylor holding an ice pack to his forehead.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the Sunday fight.

“These guys understand what we’re working for, and when we step into stadiums, we’re together,” Tomlin said. “When you fight your brother, sometimes, it gets a little heated … the guys understand what that’s about, and they’ll leave it on the grass where it should be.”

But he won’t be able to give the same speech if a third brawl occurs, says ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

“If a third altercation occurs between Brown and Taylor, head coach Mike Tomlin can’t chalk it up to ‘those things happen’ like he did Sunday,” wrote the AFC North blogger. “Brown and Taylor are the best at their positions on this team. Tomlin can’t allow them to keep butting heads (sorry, Chad Johnson).”

Does Thompson Have Edge Over Streeter?

It’s unclear how many receivers the Ravens will keep on the roster in 2012.

If they keep six like they did the two last seasons, that final spot could come down to undrafted rookie free agent Deonte Thompson and sixth-round draft pick Tommy Streeter. (David Reed could also be in the mix once he returns from an ACL injury.)

In order to get that sixth spot, if available, Head Coach John Harbaugh said each competing receiver will have to 1) make plays on offense and 2) play an important role on special teams.

“Thompson would appear to be the more capable of the two to help out on special teams,” wrote the Carroll County Times’ Matt Zenitz.

The undrafted rookie also appears to be making more plays on offense. After a standout performance in the preseason opener with three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown, Thompson continued his streak in practice. He’s since caught a few more touchdown grabs from quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Harbaugh said that Thompson had a lull for a couple days in camp prior to the contest in Atlanta, but said he’s enjoyed another big spark.

“He’s making a little bit of a move,” the head coach added.

But don’t count out Streeter.

He’s still a little raw and lacks polish as a route runner, say Zenitz, but he’s 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at the combine.

“Streeter, though, could be tough to get rid of because of his combination of size and speed,” wrote Zenitz. “[He] has big upside as both a deep threat and a weapon inside the red zone.”

C. Williams Losing Ground, Has A Weakness To Correct

Cornerback Cary Williams is losing ground to second-year player Jimmy Smith in the battle for starting cornerback, says Hensley.

Despite not playing in the Ravens preseason game (back), Smith may have helped his chances because Williams struggled to cover Falcons receiver Julio Jones. Williams gave up five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter.

“The numbers are worse than the effort,” wrote Hensley. “On the first catch allowed, Williams tried to jam Julio Jones, who was able to get inside position for a 26-yard gain on a slant. The next two passes were completions to Jones when Williams played seven to eight yards off the line.”

The five year veteran’s weakness, according to Hensley, is that he plays the receiver rather than the ball. There were two plays in which Williams ran stride for stride with the receiver and was in good position, but just needed to turn to deflect the pass.

“When the regular season begins next month, Williams could look back at this game as a missed opportunity,” wrote Hensley. “The Ravens need to give Smith, a first-round pick from a year ago, a hard look with the first-team defense over the next three preseason games.”

Reed Sneaks Into Offensive Huddle

A playful Ed Reed was on display during Monday’s practice.

The veteran safety snuck into the offensive huddle as quarterback Joe Flacco was calling a play during 11-on-11 drills.

He found a nice little hiding place, standing next to the gigantic Bryant McKinnie (6-foot-8, 360 pounds).

“Reed blended in nicely. However, he was eventually noticed, prompting him to jog away,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec.

Reed’s shenanigans come just a few days after the Ravens announced he wouldn’t play in the preseason opener, but the All-Pro ended up out there anyway because he didn’t have anything else to do and he needed to break in his jersey.

Which Defender Should Play On Offense?

With the New York Jets allowing cornerback Antonio Cromartie get some action at receiver, CSNBaltimore.com’s Ray Frager wonders which Ravens defender fans would like to see play some offense.

He throws out a few ideas:

Reed = a pass-catching running back
Ngata = fullback
Terrence Cody = guard
Lardarius Webb = wideout
Ray Lewis = tight end

Quick Hits

• This has got to be the first time Ma’ake Kemoeatu (6-foot-5, 345 pounds) was called a mini anything … mzenitz: P. McPhee on Kemoeatu: “Dude’s a beast. He’s a mini Haloti Ngata.” [Twitter]
• Oh perfect, just when he is switched back to left guard in practice yesterday … mzenitz: [Kelechi] Osemele on position he’s most comfortable at: “I feel like I’m actually more comfortable at tackle in general. … But, I’ve been hearing from a lot people that my frame would work really well at guard.” [Twitter]
• Marshal Yanda brought in a T-shirt with a saying that players are embracing … KOsevendeuce: Just posted a photo [Twitter]
• Haloti Ngata feels much more comfortable with his added weight. He’s gone from 335 at the end of the season to 342 now. Not only does he feel stronger with opponents double-teaming him, but he doesn’t feel like his conditioning is any worse. He says he is breathing just fine in camp. Listen to more of his explanation. [CSNBaltimore.com]

Two important news items surfaced in Jason La Canfora’s exclusive sit-down interview with safety Ed Reed after the youth football camp at Stevenson University Monday.

First, the future Hall of Famer won’t hold out of training camp – this is according to an unnamed family relative. Second, he turned down a contract offer the Ravens presented two days before the 2011 season opener with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Everyone is talking about a holdout,” Reed’s close family member told La Canfora. “Ed isn’t going to hold out. He told me he isn’t going to hold out. He speaks his mind about some things, gets some things off his chest, but he’s never said he is going to hold out. He’ll show up when he has to be there and he’ll play out his contract.”

Reed himself stopped just short of confirming that he’ll be at camp, but slipped in a little reminder: “I’m sure the Ravens are confident I’ll be there for camp, because they know how much I love the game, too. But I’ll say this, they’re not going to get me for cheap, not a chance.”

La Canfora reports there is still a “game of chicken” going on between Reed and the Ravens.

The team offered Reed a multi-year deal last September, according to La Canfora’s sources, that would keep him below $8 million a year.

“[It's] a threshold far less accomplished safeties like Eric Weddle and Michael Huff have reached,” wrote La Canfora. “From Baltimore’s perspective, Reed is much older than those two and has experienced serious neck and hip injuries in recent years as well, making an already touchy negotiation even more delicate.”

Making the situation even more sensitive is the fact that Reed doesn’t have an agent. The 11-year veteran, who is apparently “notoriously frugal,” is careful about who he trusts after seeing other players and teammates go broke by taking bad advice from agents.

“Do I have an agent? No,” Reed said. “I am him. Should I hire an agent at some point in time? Possibly. People say I should have an agent, but there are problems on the business side with that, too.”

It should be noted that La Canfora, who would be surprised if Reed held out of training camp for more than a couple days, made an effort in his story to explain Reed’s personality a little bit. If the All-Pro safety is an enigma to you (and you probably aren’t alone), the story helps give a little context about where Reed is coming from when he speaks candidly in public.

Flacco’s Agent, Ravens To Continue Talks

As all eyes turn to quarterback Joe Flacco’s contract now that Ray Rice’s long-term deal is complete, agent Joe Linta confirmed that the two sides will continue to negotiate.

“We’ve had great conversations, and we’re going to keep talking,” Linta told Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times. “Everything is good. We’re going to keep talking, keep the lines of communication open.”

That said, Flacco is letting his agent do all the negotiating while he focuses on the upcoming season and redeeming the AFC championship loss. The 2012 season is the final year of Flacco’s rookie contract and he is due a $6.76 million base salary after triggering a $5.4 million escalator clause, according to Wilson.

“Joe is very, very excited for the season,” Linta said. “He’s really adamant about getting the Ravens to the next step.

“The contract at this point is secondary to that goal. Joe has the attitude that he’ll earn it.”

Steelers Passed On Rice … Twice

After news surfaced in Baltimore Monday that the Ravens and Rice struck an agreement, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dan Gigler reviewed some of the damage the 5-foot-8, 212-pounder has inflicted on the Steelers over the years.

While Rice has had his ups and downs against the black and gold (both in the regular season and postseason), Gigler recalls Rice “single-handedly” making the Steelers defense look “old, slow and over,” in last year’s season-opener, notching 107 yards and a touchdown.

“For what it’s worth, the Steelers had not one, but two chances to select Rice in 2008, instead taking Rashard Mendenhall in the first round and Limas Sweed in the second,” Gigler wrote. “That’s not a jab at Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. At the time, Mendenhall was very much the more highly rated back, and Sweed was seen as a steal in the second round, plus there were plenty of concerns over Rice’s diminutive size.

“Mendenhall, while having shown flashes of immense talent, is a bit more inconsistent, injury prone and occasionally flaky (see: Bin Laden tweets). Sweed is now out of football.”

Hines Ward Literally Runs Scared

Ravens fans used to relish the times when the Ravens could knock the smile off the face of former Steelers receiver Hines Ward.

For old times’ sake, you can literally see that smile disappear as the retired Ward runs scared in the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises. (Also featured prominently in the movie trailer below).

“I’ve run scared before, but I really ran scared that day,” Ward told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “They told me, ‘Don’t look back.’ I felt the explosion when I was running. I had to wear earplugs. Usually, I’m smiling when I’m running, but that day I was actually screaming.”

Steelers co-owner Thomas Tull helped co-produce the movie, making Pittsburgh and Heinz Field one of the movie’s backdrops. In addition to Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Mike Wallace, and former coach Bill Cowher also appear in the film.

Jamal Lewis Talks Ring Of Honor

With the Ravens inducting running back Jamal Lewis into their Ring of Honor before the Week 4 matchup vs. the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Sept. 27, the team’s most productive back tells The Baltimore Sun what the induction means to him.

“To go into the Ring of Honor, it just shows that I’ll always be a Raven,” Lewis said.

“When I first came out of college, Art Modell and Steve Bisciotti gave me the chance to go out there and prove my ability. Everybody else pretty much had questions, you know. But I fell into a good family, we went on a Super Bowl run that year and won. It was a very memorable part of my career. And I love the time that I had in Baltimore. Art Modell and Steve Bisciotti were great owners and great role models.”

Quick Hits

• @AdamSchein: [fullback Vonta] Leach on Flacco criticism: “Ed [Reed] isn’t in the huddle or meeting with us. Easy to say it is the QBs fault. The criticism isn’t fair.” [Twitter]
• Guard Marshal Yanda was ranked No. 13 in Jamison Hensley’s top 25 players in the AFC North. “There’s no doubt that Yanda deserves to be in the top 15 in the division,” Hensley wrote. “He is one of the top offensive linemen in the AFC North this season and quite possibly the best right guard in football. …There’s no reason to believe Yanda will regress this season. He turns 28 in September and is a great technician. Yanda is in the prime of his career, which pushes him close to top-10 territory.” [ESPN]
• @Crushboy31 [Bernard Pollard]: To all my teammates, we got new stools in today and here’s mine. Keep your butts off!!! Only my butt touches my stool. [Twitter]
• @RavensInsider [Aaron Wilson]: Ray Rice’s $24 million guaranteed ranks third among NFL running backs behind Adrian Peterson ($36 million) and Chris Johnson ($30 million) [Twitter]
• @QadryIsmail: Congratulations to my teammate Jamal Lewis for entering into the Ravens Ring of Honor! #Balla [Twitter]
• Usually one wonders how professional athletes adjust to life when transitioning away from the big stage and fat paychecks. Not so much with Ricky Williams, who says he didn’t retire, but “graduated” from the NFL. Here’s an update on what the former Raven is up to. [Sun Sentinel]

The AFC North is usually considered a two-way race.

It could wind up that way again this year, but ESPN analysts predict the Pittsburgh Steelers will not be one of the top two contenders. Instead, they see the Cincinnati Bengals and Ravens dueling for the division crown.

ESPN analysts Herm Edwards, Bill Polian and Marcellus Wiley all believe the Steelers will finish third.

Below are their AFC North predicted standings:

Edwards                               Polian                                   Wiley

1) Ravens                               Bengals                                Ravens

2) Bengals                              Ravens                                 Bengals

3) Steelers                              Steelers                               Steelers

4) Browns                               Browns                                Browns

Polian, the former Colts vice chairman and Bills general manager, was the only person of the trio to predict the Bengals would finish as the division champs, but he also predicted the Ravens would still make it to the Super Bowl via a wild-card playoff berth.

Finishing just one play away from the Super Bowl last year and retaining many of their key players, the Ravens seem to be a logical pick. Key offseason moves may lift the Bengals while pushing the Steelers down in the standings.

Quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green had spectacular rookie seasons and are expected to only get better with a year under their belt. With two first-round draft picks last month, Cincinnati bolstered their defensive backfield and offensive line with Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick and Wisconsin guard Kevin Zeitler. The Bengals’ prize of free agency was running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Bengals have won the division twice since 2002.

“I believe that the Bengals, because they’ve had such a great offseason, will win the division. I think the Ravens will be a close second and [a force] to be reckoned with in the playoffs,” Polian said. “I think the Steelers – too much change there.”

The Steelers’ former offensive coordinator of five years, Bruce Arians, has been replaced by Todd Haley, who is known for an in-your-face style and his offensive philosophy in Pittsburgh is still unclear.  The Steelers offensive line is under construction, the health of nose tackle Casey Hampton is up in the air and the team’s ability to replace inside linebacker James Farrior will be crucial.

“It sounds like heresy to say the Steelers are third in their division,” Wiley said, even though he stuck by his prediction. The Steelers have finished in third place three times since the inception of the AFC North in 2002.

Flacco Sends Positive Message

Despite ongoing contract negotiations, quarterback Joe Flacco attended the first day of voluntary organized football activities (OTAs) yesterday, and told our own Ryan Mink that he plans on attending all the OTAs and minicamp this offseason.

Not only will Flacco’s attendance help the development of, and build chemistry with, new players on the offensive line and receiving corps, he is sending a good message to the team, says CSNBaltimore.com’s Jeff Seidel.

“It also sends a message to the rest of the team. Yes, Flacco’s trying for the new contract, but he still cares enough about the team to come in spring drills and help the offense,” Seidel wrote. “Others in the NFL would sit and complain loudly about what a rotten deal they’ve got, and how the team’s not being fair to them.”

Not everyone is ready to give Flacco too much credit yet.

ESPN blogger Jamison Hensley says the real test will come after his contract expires.

“The real test of Flacco’s “love” for the game would come next offseason if he doesn’t have a new deal and the Ravens decide to put the franchise tag on him,” Hensley wrote. “I still wouldn’t be surprised if Flacco chose to miss some practices in early June this year. His first child is expected to be born around that time.”

Rule Change Won’t Affect Suggs

Some have speculated that the rule change, passed by NFL owners yesterday, to allow one marquee player on injured reserve to return to game action after the eighth game would affect injured outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.

But it appears it won’t because he sustained his injury prior to the start of the season.

“[T]he proposed injured reserve rule is for players who were on a team’s 53-man roster during the season’s first week and got injured at some point during the regular season,” wrote The Baltimore Sun’s Matt Vensel.

“Since Suggs will be sidelined heading into training camp, it’s most likely that he will start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, which would allow him to return to the field as early as Week 7. That still gives the Ravens roster flexibility, as any player on the PUP list does not count toward the 53-man roster.”

Dickson, Pitta Among Top 5 AFC North TEs

Third-year tight ends Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta are the second- and fourth-best tight ends in the AFC North, says Hensley.

The AFC North blogger is ranking the top players at each position this week, and the Ravens are the only team to have two players break the Top 5 in the tight ends category.

The Top 5 tight ends in descending order are: Jermaine Gresham (Bengals), Dickson, Heath Miller (Steelers), Pitta and Evan Moore (Browns).

“He’s got everything you want in a tight end: size, speed and athleticism,” Hensley wrote of Dickson. “The next step is his consistency. He caught fewer than three passes in half of his games last season.

“[Pitta] quietly made a big impact for the Ravens, ranking second on the team with 17 catches on third down last season. The Ravens don’t have a tight end combination like the Patriots, but Dickson-Pitta is a solid one.”

Quick Hits

• C_33_T [rookie safety Chris Thompson]: Just finish my 1st OTA and damn the vets be going fast! [Twitter] 
• cdwill77 [Casey Willett, WBAL]: #Ravens Joe Flacco is sitting behind #Orioles dugout @wbalradio [Twitter]
• brendon310: Texted coach harbaugh yesterday &; he just hit me 36hrs later.  Pretty cool 2 text your head coach but he’s a terrible texter. #ravens [Twitter]
• _KYLE_BEATS_: @RealJimmySmith I made a madden cover of you repost if u like it [Twitter]
• Ravens: Paul Kruger on @334Upshaw41: “He’s learning the defense real quick, he’s a leader. I think he’s going to be a great player.” [Twitter]  
• TorreySmithWR: @Ravens talked me into talking to the rookies about social media haha I have some great advice for them [Twitter]
• GinoGrad56: @TorreySmithWR thank you for helpin us out big bro! [Twitter]
• OJBrigance: Skydiving for ALS – I like it!  [Sacramento Bee/Twitter]

Last year, General Manager Ozzie Newsome admitted he fell in love with draft prospect Jimmy Smith, who the Ravens drafted in the first round.

This year, Newsome says he is trying not to fall in love with anyone at all.

Here’s why:

“There are a lot of players that I love, but I know that some of those guys will be playing with Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh,” he told BaltimoreRavens.com last week.

“I hate to sit there and think, ‘I want this player,’ and then he ends up putting that [Steelers] black and gold on.”

Not only will the other AFC North teams select five times before the Ravens are finally on the clock at No. 29 tomorrow night, but ESPN’s Jamison Hensley also reports that Baltimore and Pittsburgh could be targeting some of the same players because they have similar needs.

The AFC North blogger says both teams need help on the interior offensive line and are looking at the same guards: Georgia’s Cordy Glenn and Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler.

Both are checking out Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower to help fill a void left by the Steelers’ departed linebacker James Farrior or the Ravens’ Ray Lewis when he finally decides to hang it up. As I mentioned earlier this week, The Baltimore Sun’s Kevin Cowherd pleaded with Newsome to bring Hightower to Baltimore, but the Steelers could block that move.

“A team that appears especially interested in Hightower is the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens’ chief division rivals, who pick at No. 24 overall,” wrote ESPN’s Tim Kavanagh.

Then there’s Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who could be terrorizing either Ben Roethlisberger or Joe Flacco next season. The Ravens could possibly use Upshaw to help replace departed the Jarret Johnson, and the Steelers know that James Harrison, 33, can’t play forever.

The only way the Ravens could prevent the Steelers from taking a player they covet is via a trade.

Leave it to these two teams to bring their heated rivalry from the season to the draft.

“These scenarios should bring AFC North drama to the bottom half of the first round,” Hensley wrote. “The Steelers could take a coveted Ravens prospect at No. 24, or Baltimore could jump ahead of Pittsburgh to do the same.

“According to the trade chart, the Ravens would give up a third-round pick to move up to the Detroit Lions’ No. 23 spot.”

Newsome’s Crimson Tide Pipeline Exaggerated

With as many as five Alabama players expected to be selected in the first round of the draft, many Baltimore fans are hoping Newsome’s ties to the Crimson Tide, his alma mater, could serve as a pipeline straight from Tuscaloosa to Baltimore.

Not only have Upshaw and Hightower been linked to the Ravens in various mock drafts, but safety Mark Barron is another possibility. Running back Trent Richardson and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick are the other two highly-coveted Tide prospects, but aren’t likely to end up in purple and black partly because they are expected to be off the board early.

As nice as it would be see one of the three land in Baltimore, Newsome’s tendency to target Alabama prospects may be a little exaggerated.

CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg points out that Newsome hasn’t relied on Alabama prospects all that much in recent history.

“Not to ruin a good story, but fullback Le’Ron McClain and nose tackle Terrence Cody are the only Alabama players the Ravens have drafted since 2004,” wrote Eisenberg.

The school from which the Ravens have selected most in the past 16 years is Oklahoma, with seven. Miami and Alabama are tied for second with five players plucked from each school and then Georgia Tech and Oregon with four apiece.

If Ozzie does take a Crimson Tide in the first round, it will be the first time in Ravens history, Eisenberg wrote.

Hensley: Ravens Should Pass On WR Early

Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright and Stephen Hill.

These are all names you should forget about – that is if you don’t think the Ravens should select a wide receiver in the first round tomorrow night.

While Baltimore may have to start thinking about its future beyond Anquan Boldin, who has two more years left on his contract, Hensley argues that the team should target the receiver position after the first two rounds.

“Baltimore should address the wide receiver position in the middle rounds in this draft like taking Arkansas’ Joe Adams in the third round or Florida International’s T.Y. Hilton in the fourth,” he said.

Hensley believes both receivers could bolster the Ravens’ return game.

Adams was the nation’s leading punt returner, after returning five punts for touchdowns in his last 20 games. In addition to being a return specialist, the 5-11, 190-pound slot receiver is just one of three Razorbacks to record at least 50 receptions in a season more than once.

Hilton is a 5-10, 183-pound speedster who rewrote a number of school and Sun Belt Conference receiving, punt return and kickoff return records. During his senior year, Hilton caught 42 passes for 785 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added four scores on kick returns.

Quick Hits

• Steve Davis believes this is a pivotal draft for the Ravens as they try to patch some holes, but are also in need of bargain playmakers because so much money is (and will be) tied up in Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Lardarius Webb, Joe Flacco and Ray Rice. [WBAL]
• PMGleason: Proof that great teams build thru the draft… Here’s who’s picked the most Pro Bowlers since ’96: NE (17), GB (16), Bal (15) & Pit (15) [Twitter]
• Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed is has been offering tips to South Carolina safety Christian Thompson, believed to be the fifth best at the position this year, as he prepares for the NFL draft and a transition to the NFL. [Scout.com]
• SI_PeterKing: Met uber-polite Courtney Upshaw. Me: Ever been to New York?” CU: “First time, sir.” Me: “Where you from?” CU: “Eufala, Alabama, sir.” … [Twitter]
• Jerome Simpson became the second Bengals free-agent wide receiver to leave Cincinnati this offseason after signing a one-year deal with Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. [ESPN]
• Former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick is on the clock for Baltimore at No. 29. He believes the franchise is most in need of an interior offensive lineman, but Wisconsin Center Peter Konz is off the board. Check out who he selects, causing Steve Mariucci to groan.

Tottenham Hotspur’s competitiveness with Liverpool Football Club is similar to the animosity between the Ravens and Steelers, says Darren Eales, the Director of Football Administration for Tottenham Hotspur.

“It’s certainly an intense rivalry,” Eales said.

“Even though it’s only the preseason, both teams will want to win the match because psychologically it has a big effect going into the Premier League season. If you can get a victory over your rivals, that gives you the bragging rights and helps you going into the season.”

Sound familiar?

The two teams tend to be at the top of the Premier League standings every year, similar to the Ravens and Steelers in the AFC North. They also similarly play each other twice a year during the regular season, so every match is big.

“We don’t get to play against Premier League clubs [in the preseason] normally, so this is a sort of unusual situation where we thought we’d take it to America,” Eales said.

The environment in M&T Bank Stadium is expected to be similarly electric, but also unlike any football experience.

Each team has an unofficial song that fans will likely sing throughout the game. Tottenham’s supporters will sing “The Spurs Go Marching In,” and Liverpool fans will sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Eales took a tour of M&T Bank Stadium on Monday, and came away highly impressed. He said the players enjoy coming to America, where they often take vacation anyways.

“It’s an amazing stadium. We’re really excited about coming here to play,” he said.

“The crowd is very knowledgeable. I played over here in college and was part of a professional league staff. Certainly in 15 years we’ve got a lot more knowledgeable crowds, we’ve got people now who have been brought up watching the game.”

Eales said playing in Baltimore was a “perfect” match because in March, Baltimore-based Under Armour announced a multi-year apparel agreement with Tottenham, making the Spurs the first Barclays Premier League soccer team to sign with a performance apparel retailer.

And the Ravens are also Eales’ favorite team. He and Comcast SportsNet’s Brent Harris are former roommates.

“This is my American football team. I hope we have a good season and I hope the Ravens do as well,” Eales said, adding that he stays up late at night on Sundays in England to watch games.

“We’ll try to get as many of our players to be Ravens fans as we can; I’ll make sure of it.”

The 2012 NFL schedule will be announced this evening at 7 p.m.

But do we already know enough about it to try and predict the eventual AFC North winner?

ESPN’s John Clayton thinks so.

“The Professor” believes the Ravens may lose their current division crown to the Steelers in 2012, based on two thoughts:

First, seldom does either team run away with the division title. The past two seasons, both teams have finished with identical records (12-4) and tiebreakers had to determine a winner.

Second, Pittsburgh has a scheduling advantage over Baltimore because the Steelers play a slightly weaker overall schedule, based on opponents’ 2011 records.

“The Baltimore Ravens could lose their one-year edge over the Pittsburgh Steelers because of the schedule,” wrote Clayton.

“They go from a .477 schedule in 2011 to a .523, a .046 change that could pull them down by two games from their 12-4 finish. Their .523 schedule is the fourth toughest in the league, tied with the St. Louis Rams.”

If the Ravens do go from a 12-4 to a 10-6 squad, while the Steelers produce another 12-win season, as Clayton suggests, the difference could be in Baltimore’s matchups against two 2011 playoff teams: New England Patriots (13-3 record, lost in Super Bowl to Giants) and Houston Texans (10-6 record, lost to Ravens in divisional round).

The Steelers won’t have to face either, as they instead take on the New York Jets (8-8, missed playoffs) and the Tennessee Titans (9-7, missed playoffs).

Other than playing each other, the rest of the two AFC North power houses’ opponents are identical: Cincinnati (twice), Cleveland (twice), Denver, Oakland, Dallas, N.Y. Giants, Kansas City, San Diego, Philadelphia and Washington.

Flacco’s Participation Shows No Rift Exists

Quarterback Joe Flacco would like to get his contract negotiation done, but that didn’t prevent the Ravens’ offensive leader from showing up on the first day of voluntary offseason workouts yesterday.

It may seem like a small gesture for Flacco to return to Owings Mills and throw a few balls to his receivers, but ESPN’s Jamison Hensley explains why it was a big deal.

“While there have been differing reports on the negotiations with Flacco – some say there has been progress while others indicate talks are at a standstill – it’s a positive sign for the Ravens that Flacco decided to show up when he had no obligation to do so.

“This suggests that the talks, however they’re progressing, haven’t created a rift between the team and its quarterback.”

Flacco indicated as much to our own Ryan Mink, saying he is treating this offseason like any other and that his contract is not an issue.

Contact or no contract, Hensley points out why this offseason won’t be exactly like any other for the Delaware product.

“The Ravens, though, may not want to get used to seeing Flacco around, and it has nothing to do with negotiations,” wrote the AFC North Blogger. “He and his wife are expecting their first child in June, which could cause him to miss practices this spring.”

Rice Laments ‘Rough’ Side Of Business

On the very morning he missed the first day of the Ravens’ offseason conditioning work, running back Ray Rice tweeted about his apparent aversion for the side of the NFL he is currently enduring: contract negotiations.

“To all college athletes getting ready to enter the NFL just remember the business side of the league is rough #fact,” he tweeted.

The Ravens designated the franchise tag on the two-time Pro Bowler in March and he has until July 16 to agree to a long-term deal or sign the one-year tender worth $7.7 million.

“Staying out of offseason camps is his only option to protest the team not committing to him beyond 2012 while the sides try to agree on a long-term deal,” wrote CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg.

“While Ravens coach John Harbaugh has stated he would like Rice to participate in the team’s offseason activities, the team isn’t concerned. Rice stays in excellent shape in the offseason. He reported in top condition after the months-long lockout disrupted the offseason a year ago.”

After seeing Rice’s tweet about the “rough” business side of football, former Ravens Super Bowling-winning receiver Qadry Ismail tweeted words of encouragement.

“I remember having that same conversation w you your rookie year! #Wisdom,” Qadry tweeted.

Responded the optimistic Rice, “Absolutely it will all work out bro.”

Quick Hits

• “I don’t have any inside information on the schedule, but I’d have to think that the Monday night home drought will change this year with the number of high-profile opponents coming to M&T Bank Stadium and with the Ravens expected to enter the season as one of the favorites in the AFC,” wrote Jeff Zrebiec. [The Baltimore Sun]
• RavensInsider: Per a source, among teams displaying most interest in Courtney Upshaw: Ravens, Steelers, Patriots, Cowboys, Bengals, Titans and Chargers [Twitter]
• Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has been subpoenaed as a defense witness during the trial of former Bengals linebacker Nate Webster. Webster took Lewis’ No. 52 at the University of Miami after Lewis left was drafted by the Ravens in 1996. [The Associated Press]
• RavensCommunity: Join the Baltimore Ravens and @OJBrigance for the 6th Annual Fiesta 5K. Proceeds benefit ALS research. Register [Twitter]
• TorreySmithWR: The draft is the most unpredictable event ever…it sucks…still a blessing to hear your name get called though [Twitter]
• The Steelers re-signed backup quarterback Charlie Batch to a one-year contract on Monday. [The Associated Press]

Despite taking more hits than most any NFL franchise in free agency so far, AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley still believes the Ravens are the “team to beat” in the division.

But don’t tell Steelers fans that.

“Do you realize how much you stirred up with your article this morning about ‘The Team to Beat?’” fan J Van Ollefen asked Hensley. “If you haven’t looked yet, I would check it out. If you need more proof that the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is the fiercest, then there you go.

“Also why are the Steelers not the team to beat? We lost a lot less in free agency than the Ravens and we would have won the division had it not been for one or two key injuries.”

Hensley argued that Pittsburgh has also lost their share of veteran leadership and have injury concerns at both the running back and nose tackle positions.

But more importantly, Hensley points to the fact the Ravens swept the division last year, went to the AFC championship and have a history that proves they can replace lost players.

“I think that answers your question,” Hensley told the Steelers fan.

The Ravens lost five players (three starters) to the market, including Pro Bowl offensive guard Ben Grubbs, starting linebacker Jarret Johnson, starting defensive end Cory Redding and backup safeties Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski.

But Hensley says the Ravens’ situation last year – releasing Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Willis McGahee and Kelly Gregg and losing Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr to injury – was “far more dire.”

“The Ravens are more like a college team than an NFL one in how they handle personnel,” wrote Hensley. “When they lose someone in free agency, they act like the player graduated and they plug in another one of General Manager Ozzie Newsome’s recruits, eh, I mean draft picks. …

“It’s been a rough start to free agency for the Ravens. But they’re used to it by now. They lose in March and win in January. Until that track record changes, it’s tough to bet against them.”

Konz Not A 1st-Rounder

By far the most popular first-round pick for the Ravens in mock drafts has been Wisconsin center Peter Konz.

Pundits believe he could be the long-term answer at center after Matt Birk retires and the short-term solution at left guard since Grubbs left for New Orleans.

ESPN’s draft guru Todd McShay is blowing that theory out of the water, saying Konz isn’t worth a first-round selection. In his latest mock draft, McShay advocates the Ravens taking Notre Dame safety Harrison Smith at No. 29.

“With no offensive lineman worth drafting, fast-rising Smith is a good value pick who could provide long-term security at safety with the clock ticking on Ed Reed,” wrote McShay. “The Ravens also could consider a defensive tackle such as Connecticut’s Kendall Reyes at this spot.”

McShay doesn’t have Konz coming off the board until the second round at pick No. 48 to the New England Patriots.

Jacobs Off Ravens’ List

Brandon Jacobs is officially off the Ravens’ list of potential free agents to sign.

A day after Head Coach John Harbaugh said the former New York Giants running back was on the team’s list, Jacobs signed with the San Francisco 49ers.

In all reality though, Harbaugh was just responding to a reporter’s question and there was nothing to indicate the Ravens had serious interest in Jacobs.

The Ravens currently have Ray Rice, Anthony Allen and Damien Berry on the roster. Rice, who has been assigned a one-year franchise tag, could decide to hold out during training camp if he and the team can’t agree to a long-term deal before then.

“We’ve got to look at some insurance, too. We’ve got to have more than two running backs on our roster so we’ll add some guys,” Harbaugh explained.

If that insurance policy is to come from the free-agent market, there are still a number of candidates left, including Cedric Benson, Joseph Addai, Jackie Battle, Ryan Grant and Cadillac Williams.

CSNBaltimore.com’s John Eisenberg gives his take on each veteran and how they could fit in Baltimore:

• Benson (29 years old): “Carried a heavy load in Cincinnati in 2011, gaining 1,067 yards, and is familiar with the AFC North, having had some big games against the Ravens. But his 3.8 career yards-per-carry average is a mark against him.”
• Addai (28): “Hasn’t gained a thousand yards in a season since 2007. But the Ravens don’t need that much from him. Like Benson, he has averaged well under four yards per carry since 2008.”
• Battle (28): “Had something of a breakout season in Kansas City in 2011, rushing for 597 yards as a part-timer. But he had barely played in his four years in the NFL before that.”
• Grant (29): “Made 14 starts and rushed for 599 yards in Green Bay last season. He has over 4,000 career rushing yards and can catch the ball out of the backfield.”
• Williams (29): “Has piled more than 5,000 rushing and receiving yards in seven NFL seasons while never living up to the hype that shadowed him as his career began. He didn’t play much for the Rams in 2011.”

Doss Hoping To Fill No. 3 WR Role

There’s an opening for the No. 3 receiver role, and Tandon Doss knows this could be his opportunity to seize it.

The second-year product out of Indiana is aware there will be plenty of competition for the spot, including the possibility of another rookie from the draft, but he’s hoping he make a case for it.

“I feel like they’re going to be a lot more confident in me and my ability this year just having a year under my belt and getting a little playing time last year,” Doss told WNST.

“Hopefully I can step in if that’s a role they need me to fill. Hopefully I can make plays for the Ravens this season.”

Quick Hits

• The 2000 Ravens are still defying all odds. The Super-Bowl winning unit pulled out a victory over the 1984 world champion San Francisco 49ers in the “Greatest Team of All Time” contest. You have until tomorrow, March 30 to vote for the Ravens in the championship vs. the 1976 Oakland Raiders. [NFL.com]
• What are the chances of Rice and Joe Flacco both signing new deals before the season? “Not so good,” wrote Hensley. “I see the Ravens getting a new deal done with Flacco before training camp. My guess is sometime in July. The focus will turn to Rice, but I don’t think they will sign him before the season. I don’t rule it out. I think the odds are against it.” [ESPN]
• And the chances of the Ravens losing restricted free agent Lardarius Webb, who has been assigned a first-round tender? “There’s always a chance that Webb could go somewhere. I think it’s a very slim chance of happening. I see Webb with the Ravens in 2012.” [ESPN]
• Rice is the only AFC North player still standing in the “Madden 13″ cover vote. He now faces a heavy favorite in Saints quarterback Drew Brees. If you don’t believe in the “Madden curse,” you have until April 4 to vote for Rice. [ESPN]
• AnquanBoldin: Finished Day 2 in Ethiopia. It’s rough out here but still opportunity. Even w/ food crisis the people are strong and hopeful. [Twitter]
• RavensInsider: New Ravens safety Sean Considine has officially signed his one-year contract agreed to last week. [Twitter]
• Nike is suing Rebook for the “unauthorized use of Tim Tebow’s name on New York Jets related apparel.” A judge has granted Nike a temporary restraining order against Reebok that forces the company to recall all it has sold. [FoxSports.com]

There are two things you should remember about General Manager Ozzie Newsome as you read how the Ravens could nab receiver Mike Wallace away from the Pittsburgh Steelers:

First, Ozzie covets draft picks.

Second, he lives by the mantra, “Right player, right price.”

That said, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in “big trouble,” says ESPN’s Adam Schefter, because they have a “potential real problem” in keeping Wallace, who many consider one of the most complete wide receivers in the game today.

The Steelers, who are already trying to find ways to get under the cap, will likely franchise or tender Wallace with a first-round draft choice, says Schefter.  This year, teams cannot tender a player for both a first and a third.

Thus, a team that is eyeing Wallace could send Pittsburgh a first-rounder, and then to ensure Kevin Colbert and Co. can’t match an offer to keep him, the said team can propose a roster bonus that the cap-strapped Steelers can’t afford.

“So if you’re the Baltimore Ravens or Cincinnati Bengals or San Francisco 49ers, what you do is you structure a contract with a roster bonus that’s paid right away,” said Schefter. “If there’s a roster bonus of $20, $25, $30 million, Pittsburgh would have to pay that right now. Pittsburgh is way over the cap. They’re struggling to get under the cap. That would be a very difficult thing to do.”

Pittsburgh would have to choose between letting go of one of the best receivers in the league, or trim the roster in other places to ensure Wallace stays put.

Tim Hasselbeck said if either the Ravens or Bengals manage to steal Wallace, the move would have huge ramifications in the division.

“Not only would you make your football team better, an area of need for your football team [better] – especially if you’re the Ravens – you then make your divisional opponent, who you play twice a year, weaker,” said Hasselbeck. “And the revenge games are always great when you get to go against that team twice.”

Said Schefter: “This sets up terribly for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This sets up to be a potential real problem for the Pittsburgh Steelers. … Poison pills are not allowed, but all you have to say is, ‘We’re not paying him a signing bonus,’ which is spread out and prorated. A roster bonus counts against that season’s salary cap right away.

“So if you’re a team like the Bengals or Ravens or 49ers, you say, ‘We’re just going to pay you in the form of a roster bonus. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in big trouble.”  

It is unclear whether the Wizard of Oz thinks Wallace is the “right player” for his team and whether the “right price” is his 29th-overall draft pick, plus a contract with a $20-30 million roster bonus.

But his answer to a similar scenario can be applied.

At the season-review press conference earlier this month, Newsome was asked if he thought another team would give up a first-round pick for cornerback Lardarius Webb, who is also scheduled to become a restricted free agent in March.

His response is telling:

“This league covets draft picks,” said Newsome.  ”And so, in order to go after a restricted guy, No. 1, you have to give a number now that’s something that I won’t match, or we won’t match as a team. And then you’ve got to also give up a significant draft choice, because we would put some numbers on there that would make it prohibitive for people.

“There’s going to be some restricted free agents that we would like, but is it going to be worth giving up a significant amount of cash and cap and a draft pick? When you deal with that double-whammy, even though the rules have been relaxed, you just go, ‘Nah, no, I wouldn’t do it.’ That’s just my philosophy.”

Linta Confident He And Ravens Will Find Common Ground

When news broke that Joe Flacco’s agent, Joe Linta, said his client is top-5 quarterback (based on wins and durability), some speculated that meant contract negotiations would stall because Flacco and the Ravens would be too far apart.

Linta is confident, however, that a deal will get done this year.

“I think it will happen,” Joe Linta said Friday during an appearance on Pro Football Talk Live. “Whether it happens now, in August or on St. Patrick’s Day, I can’t tell you.”

The long-time agent, who also represents Matt Birk, knows Ravens brass and said their relationship is both friendly and respectful.

He said it’s just a matter of finding common ground, and he’s confident both sides can do that.

If they can’t find common ground, of course the Ravens could let Flacco play out the final year of his rookie contract to prove he is worth what could be more than $30 million in guaranteed money.

“I don’t think they would do that,” Linta said. “You can already see what he’s done – 44 regular-season wins, plus five in the playoffs in his first four years out of the box. When you start talking about accomplishments that no one has done in the storied history of the NFL, you don’t need to say, ‘We need to see him do more, see what he does.’ They wouldn’t insult their own intelligence that way.”

According to his agent, Flacco is very happy with the direction of the offense.

“I think their offense is in an ascending spot,” said Linta. “I think they’re going to be pretty good. I think Joe is really happy with the weapons. It’s a matter of all of them maturing as a group and becoming more dynamic going forward.”

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Bengals Hire Jackson On Defense, Special Teams. Huh?

On Friday, the Bengals hired Hue Jackson, the former Raiders head coach and Ravens quarterback coach, to assist in coaching defensive backs and special teams.

Huh? His bio says has no experience coaching defense or special teams.  Does that move make any sense to you, Peter King?

“None, unless it’s a you-scratch-my-back-I’ll-scratch-yours Palmer trade payback,” the SI.com columnist tweeted.

Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis told the team website that coaches can coach no matter what.

“Hue’s done a lot of things since he left us. He’s been a coordinator twice, a head coach, a quarterbacks coach,” Lewis said. “He’ll able to conceptualize what offenses are doing for the defense.”

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley believes the hiring is temporary for Jackson, who could be the in-house replacement if Cincinnati Offensive Coordinator Jay Gruden leaves for a head-coaching job.

Quick Hits

• The Ravens’ pursuit of a new deal with running back Ray Rice starts now. [The Baltimore Sun]
• The Ravens should bring back Cory Redding because his play and leadership have earned him a return. [CSNBaltimore.com]
• If the Ravens did decide to target Le’Ron McClain in free agency, at least we know he, Rice and Vonta leach would all be good friends … RayRice27: Yo @vleach44 and @LeRon_McClain44 next time y’all chill without me it’s gonna be a problem lol [Twitter]
• LWebb21: Touring through the rain forest in Puerto Rico! Gorgeous!
• Michael Oher’s adopted Mom, Leigh Anee Tuohy, is keeping Ravens players in line …
  @Artj97: I need the biggest size they have 2xl or 3xl #jermeylinJersey
  @RayRice27: 10xl wide that might fit
  @Artj97: Haha good one little man!!!
  @LeighAnneTuohy:  Its Sunday Ray be nice to our teammates!
  @RayRice27: ok I will be nice I apologize lol
  @Artj97: Lol thanks for sticking up for me. Very much appreciate that. He always bullies me.
• Israel Gutierrez, Jemele Hill and Michael Smith debate if Flacco should make top-five QB money. [ESPN]

Last week we encouraged you to “dream big” as you drooled over The Sporting News’ top 100 free agents.

This week, reality will deliver a good swift kick to the gut. Yes, there’s still a little thing called the salary cap in the NFL.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley projected just how much space the Ravens, plus the other three AFC North teams, have to play with.

Below is each divisional foe’s estimated status, none of which have been confirmed by the teams. (These projections were made last Friday, so any releases or restructured contracts that occurred, or were rumored to occur, over the weekend are not included.)

Ravens: $10 million under cap

Baltimore’s received $1.5 million in additional space last week when running back Ricky Williams announced his retirement, according to Hensley. The ESPN blogger explained the Ravens could dip another $9 million under the cap if cornerback Domonique Foxworth and receiver Lee Evans are cut (Dan Kolko casts doubt on that idea below.).

That would put the Ravens $19 million under the cap, but that doesn’t mean all of that cash can be spent in free agency. If running back Ray Rice gets the franchise tag, an expected $8 million will go there. Plus, Hensley reports that Baltimore is expected to place a first-round tender on restricted free-agent corner Lardarius Webb, worth $2.7 million.

Steelers: $10 million over the cap

While Pittsburgh has to find ways to get rid of $10 million, they’ve already made “significant progress.” They were $25 million over the cap when the year first began. It only took four moves to free up $15.1 million by restructuring the contracts of linebackers LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons and cutting cornerback Bryant McFadden and wide receiver Arnaz Battle.

Hensley says there’s still “plenty of work remaining,” but there are at least five candidates eligible to get restructured or released, including receiver Hines Ward (more on that below, too).

Bengals: $44 million under the cap

“Cincinnati has seven of its starters entering free agency, but the Bengals are looking to upgrade at a lot of those spots on offense: wide receiver, running back and both guard positions,” wrote Hensley.

Browns: $21 million under the cap

“The Browns can spend on outside talent because they only have three of their starters heading to free agency (running back Peyton Hillis, linebacker D’Qwell Jackson and safety Mike Adams, in addition to kicker Phil Dawson),” Hensley explained.

Kolko: Don’t Count Out Evans, Fox, Carr

Evans, Foxworth and Chris Carr have been the media’s most popular picks to become Ravens salary cap casualties, but MASN’s Dan Kolko says you can’t write them off just yet.

“While Evans, Foxworth and Carr will almost certainly not be brought back under their current contracts, I think it’s important to point out that it doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be back at all,” wrote Kolko.

“The Ravens could approach these players and talk about renegotiating their deals, which would free up cap space and lessen the amount of guaranteed money the team would need to pay out while also offering the veterans a chance to earn back playing time and position themselves for a raise in 2013.”

Of the three, Kolko believes Evans will be the most open to restructuring his contract because, after an injury riddled season capped off by a key “drop” in the playoffs, there may not be too many suitors out there. Plus, he could still earn the No. 3 receiver position in Baltimore.

With the emergence of Webb, Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith, “There appears to be less reason for Foxworth or Carr to return to Baltimore,” writes Kolko.

Don’t Get Your Hopes Up Yet – Ward Is Still A Steeler

Let’s hold off on the celebration for now.

Many of you were elated when NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reported that Hines Ward and his smile would not be back in Pittsburgh next season. The Steelers could use the $4 million he is scheduled to make in the last two years of his contract to get under the cap.

Ward refuted the report, saying on his Facebook page that he is willing to take a pay cut in order to retire a Steeler.

“I don’t normally like to respond to rumors, but as I’ve said all along, I want to finish my career with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” he wrote. “And as I’ve already told the organization, I am willing to work with them to restructure my contract to make sure this happens.”

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that no one from the Steelers has told Ward the team will release him.

“Of course, the Steelers may still be planning to release Ward and they just haven’t said anything,” explained PFT.com’s Gregg Rosenthal.

Ward’s future in Pittsburgh may come down to how much of a pay cut he’s willing to take. Ward, who turns 36 next month, appears to have lost his starting job for next season. As such, he would become the No. 4 or No. 5 wide receiver, but that position is usually given to a younger player who can contribute on special teams.

The exact date is unclear, but a decision is required in March, reports ESPN.

Updates On Two WR Free Agents

For any of you that may have had the illusion the Ravens could somehow lure Eagles free-agent receiver DeSean Jackson to Baltimore, it doesn’t look like he is going anywhere, at least not via the free market.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Eagles will place the franchise tag on Jackson. PFT.com points out Philly could still see what Jackson would attract in a trade.

Meanwhile, 11-year veteran Reggie Wayne might be free to test the market. Wayne is scheduled to become a free agent next month, and he doesn’t appear happy that the Colts haven’t called to talk about a deal yet.

“All I know is the Colts,” Wayne told Josina Anderson of ESPN. “That is where I want to be. I have been there 11 years and I would prefer to end my career a Colt. However, in due time those feelings could subside. I know one thing, my phone works. I do have service and every last bar on it and their number has not come across it yet. I haven’t heard anything from them yet, so maybe I am not as important on the chain of command as I should be.”

Hall Of Fame Probability For Active Ravens

After winning his second Super Bowl ring, the chatter about whether Giants quarterback Eli Manning is a future Hall of Famer has sparked debate about other active players throughout the league.

Mike Beacom of ProFootballWeekly.com considered the Hall of Fame probability of 100 players, and here’s his take on the Ravens below:

LOCKS – linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed
MAYBE, MAYBE NOT – outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, center Matt Birk
DON’T HOLD YOUR BREATH – receiver Anquan Boldin, offensive lineman Andre Gurode
NEED MORE DATA – defensive tackle Haloti Ngata

Quick Hits

• RavensInsider: NFL teams represented at today’s NFL regional combine: Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers [Twitter]
• The Ravens were ranked fifth in CBSSports.com final 2011 power rankings, with Pete Prisco saying: “This is a team getting up in years at some spots, which might mean the window is closing.” [CBSSports.com]
• Flacco-Ryan debate revisited: All the talk about Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III has us thinking back to the 2008 draft and a certain pair of quarterbacks. [CSNBaltimore.com]
• In the final installment of a three-part series, Matt Vensel examines the Ravens special teams unit and how it can be improved this offseason. [The Baltimore Sun]
• I miss her already … Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to Super Bowl XXV. The single was released in 1991 and reached the Top 20 on the U.S. Hot 100 Billboard. [YouTube]

Minutes after the Broncos’ overtime win, Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs tweeted, “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Head Coach John Harbaugh said he had the same reaction.

Defensive end Cory Redding, who says he was trying to remain emotionally unattached, jumped off the couch.

But their reaction went beyond that. The Broncos’ upset victory is a game the Ravens are learning from.

Like the Steelers did in Denver, the Ravens will enter Sunday’s game at M&T Bank Stadium favored against the Houston Texans. They don’t want to suffer the same fate.

“It gives us motivation,” guard Ben Grubbs said. “We’ve got to learn from their game because I think we’re in the same position as far as being a higher seed and all, but the outcome was a lot different. We can’t let an upset like that happen.”

The Steelers actually weren’t the higher seed on Sunday. They were the No. 5 while the Broncos were the No. 4. But numerous pundits predicted a Pittsburgh win.

Instead, the Steelers fell behind by two touchdowns at halftime and lost on the first play in overtime, an 80-yard pass from quarterback Tim Tebow to Demaryius Thomas.

“It’s letting us know we’ve got to go out there and let everything hang out,” Redding said. “You can’t go out there and play cautious.”

All four of Baltimore’s losses this year have come in games where they were favored – in Tennessee, Jacksonville, Seattle and San Diego. The Ravens did polish off Arizona, Indianapolis and Cleveland at home this year, however.

With the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals losing in the wild-card round, Baltimore is the lone remaining AFC North representative. It also ensures a clean sweep of the division since the Ravens can’t face them in the playoffs.

Grubbs and defensive tackle Arthur Jones were happy to see the Steelers exit the playoffs.

“It was priceless to see the look on their faces,” Grubbs said of the Steelers. “I’m sure they went into that game expecting to win, but the outcome was a lot different.”

“I’m kind of excited they lost,” Jones added. “I didn’t want to play them three times. I wanted to play someone new. We’ve seen that helmet so many times. There’s 30 different teams; why not someone different?”