Coffee Companion (9/21): your daily Ravens fix

Every morning, Monday through Friday, blogger Matt Vensel will hook you up with reading material -- mostly on the Ravens but with some other Baltimore sports stuff, too -- to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday. That way he’ll have an excuse to do the same to start his workday, too.

RUNNING IT BACK

Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said he felt “really good” about his short-yardage play calls last weekend. … This will be a remarkable sports weekend for the Jones boys -- Arthur, Chandler and Jon “Bones” Jones. … Bernard Pollard, Lardarius Webb and Pernell McPhee returned to practice Thursday as the Ravens nearly had a full house for their afternoon workout. … Defensive coordinator Dean Pees admitted that Sunday night’s game against the New England Patriots, his former employers, will be a big game for him.

RAVENS STUFF, BUT NOT FROM US

Tedy Bruschi thinks his former team has a lot to overcome Sunday night. … Safety Ed Reed is engrained in Tom Brady’s mind. … The renowned Ravens defense is off to a slow start. … The struggles of the defense extend beyond the secondary. … Peter King thinks the play-calling will be better as the Ravens beat the Patriots.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Former Patriots linebacker Matt Chatham is not buying the “new” Joe Flacco. … If Aaron Hernandez was as replaceable as they say he is, the Patriots wouldn’t have given him all that money. … The Patriots will have their hands full with Ray Rice. … Tight end Kellen Winslow is studying up before making his Patriots debut on Sunday night. … New England’s team website is looking forward to the battle between Ed Reed and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

SHAMELESS PLUG(S) OF THE DAY

I have no life, so watched the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles again and wrote about how the Ravens used tight end Dennis Pitta. He was targeted 15 times and led the team in catches and receiving yards, but he did most of his damage as a slot receiver.

AWAY FROM THE GRIDIRON

The Orioles had an off day Thursday. … Miguel Gonzalez is among the many unlikely success stories in the Baltimore clubhouse. … Dylan Bundy could soon join a short list of teenagers who played in the MLB playoffs. … Standout Maryland linebacker Kenny Tate might play this weekend against West Virginia.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What will be the biggest key to beating the Patriots?