Because of the three-month long NFL owners' lockout, there has been an increased flow of incredibly stupid stuff from sports media outlets.
They keep giving us polls on subjects like "The Ten Worst Helmets" and "The Top 100 players." There are tons of player interviews about other players, and the chat rooms and message boards are out of control.
Nationally, no Ravens player is getting more attention than quarterback Joe Flacco, who is about to enter his fourth season. Good or bad, everyone from fans to teammates to former players to TV analysts has an opinion on the former Delaware star drafted in the first round by the Ravens in 2008.
What's up with that?
"Because a lot of reporters nationally now see the potential he has and that he is on the brink of winning a Super Bowl," Ravens receiver Derrick Mason said of Flacco, who has gone to the playoffs in each of his three seasons. "So many people looked at Matt Ryan and thought he was going to win a Super Bowl first. Now they are seeing that Matt Ryan may not be the first, but it might be Joe Flacco.
"It's no longer about Matt Ryan, but Joe Flacco might be the best of that group that came out."
Quiet summer in Westminster
Even if the lockout ends soon, it would be hard for the Ravens to have training camp in Westminster. In the past, the Ravens have sold a lot of advertising that helps offset the cost of moving for five to six weeks to Carroll County.
At this point, the Ravens might not be able to draw that business so quickly, so they might hold most of camp at The Castle in Owings Mills. They'll also probably have several practices at M&T Bank Stadium for fans, who can't watch in Owings Mills.
Few holdouts among owners
Word has gotten around that the owners and players are close to a deal, and that the new free-agency package will be for four years, not six that would have helped the Ravens keep several unrestricted free agents for 2011.
It appears that commissioner Roger Goodell needs to get a few more owners in agreement as far as dividing up the revenue between the players and owners.
"We don't really need this lockout. We need to get into training camp and ready for the season," said Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson. "I hear there are a few more owners out there that need to get in line, and we'll be set."
Johnson back to old self
Johnson's shoulder surgery at the end of the 2009 season set him back going into training camp a year ago. Clearly, he wasn't as big or as strong compared to previous seasons.
But Johnson said he weighs 260 pounds, just five pounds below his desired weight. He had minor elbow surgery after the 2010 season, but nothing that stopped him from working out.
"The elbow surgery was just a scope, them cleaning a few things out," Johnson said. "I've been getting after it pretty good. My strength is basically back, almost where it was the year before last."
Johnson moved from Tuscaloosa, Ala., to the Florida panhandle in mid-April. Before then, he said he was aware that second-year defensive tackle Terrence Cody was working out regularly in Tuscaloosa, and even text messaged him about working out together.
"A couple of teammates have texted me, and told me that Cody looks great," Johnson said. "That's a good sign for us."
Harbaugh had eye on Pagano
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he thought Chuck Pagano would be his next defensive coordinator when Pagano, then the team's secondary coach, filled in for an ill Greg Mattison the night before a road game last season.
The move to Pagano depended on whether Mattison was leaving or if another NFL team was going to lure Pagano away. Mattison eventually was hired as the University of Michigan's defensive coordinator.
"I sat in on that meeting and Chuck was great, very energetic," Harbaugh said. "I said then, if Greg leaves, Chuck will be the right guy. Players love him. He is going to do a great job. He is going to be a star."
Ellerbe has work to do
One of the Ravens' biggest mysteries last season was inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. He has more physical and athletic talent than any other inside linebacker on the team except Ray Lewis, but Ellerbe started just one game. He played in 11 and had 29 tackles.
The word is that Ellerbe, about to enter his third season, is very lackadaisical about taking notes and attending meetings during the week. He'll occasionally fall asleep, and he would help his cause if he showed up on time for all home games.
In other words, there needs to be more trust between Ellerbe and the coaching staff before he becomes a full-time starter.
Parting words from Tessendorf
Ravens trainer Bill Tessendorf retired recently after 38 years with the organization dating back to Cleveland. He said he was happy with the way the NFL handled the physical nature of the game, especially concussions, but there is still more work to be done.
