Coffee Companion (10/29): 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

Wide receiver Torrey Smith continues to grow in his second season with the Ravens. … The Ravens got fined for not listing free safety Ed Reed on the injury report. … Linebacker Ray Lewis was honored Sunday by the Maryland chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. … Kevin Cowherd says that this weekend’s road game against the Cleveland Browns will be a perfect time for their struggling offense to get back on track.

 

RAVENS STUFF, BUT NOT FROM US

Ron Jaworski says that Ed Reed is one of the NFL’s scariest defenders. … A healthy Haloti Ngata tops John Eisenberg’s bye week wish list. … The Ravens have been a mix of good and bad so far. … There are a lot of quality backs left on the schedule. … Kelechi Osemele was one of many early-season surprises.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

The Cleveland Browns relied on defense and the running game to beat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. … Browns legend Jim Brown is changing his tune about running back Trent Richardson. … The Browns drew inspiration from Richardson in the win. … Trent Dilfer thinks Brandon Weeden is a franchise quarterback.

SHAMELESS PLUG OF THE DAY

Here are five questions waiting for the Ravens after their bye.

OUTSIDE OF BALTIMORE

Peyton Manning threw three touchdowns Sunday night as the Denver Broncos beat the New Orleans Saints. … Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid won’t commit to quarterback Michael Vick after a loss to the Atlanta Falcons. … The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins. … The New York Giants hung on to beat the Dallas Cowboys. … The Miami Dolphins silenced Rex Ryan’s New York Jets.