Orlando Brown

The Ravens want to solidify their offensive line for the 1999 season, but that task got trickier yesterday when they elected not to slap a franchise tag on any player, thus allowing center/guard Wally Williams and right tackle Orlando Brown to test the free-agent market that opens today.The Ravens had thought strongly about designating Williams or Brown as their franchise player, an exercise that effectively removes a player from the open market. Had they taken the franchise tag route, the Ravens would have been forced to pay Williams or Brown the average salary of the NFL's top five offensive linemen -- or $3.369 million -- for the 1999 season.

Ravens run offense vs. Browns run defenseThe Ravens are tied for the 18th-ranked running game in the league, while Cleveland's rush defense is next-to-last at No. 30. Defensive tackles Jerry Ball and John Jurkovic were supposed to anchor the unit, but so far they have underachieved. Ravens guards Jeff Blackshear and Everett Lindsay should have big games, and center Jeff Mitchell has the potential to dominate rookie middle linebacker Wali Rainer. - EDGE RAVENSRavens pass offense vs. Browns pass defenseWhen Tim McTyer and Antonio Langham are your starting safety and cornerback, that means trouble.

In his 15th NFL season, Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Lomas Brown has seen about every move from every fierce pass rusher in the league.So what could Ravens end Michael McCrary have in store for Brown tomorrow at PSINet Stadium when the Ravens face Cleveland?"

DE Rob Burnett vs. OT Orlando BrownRavens left defensive end Rob Burnett knows Cleveland offensive tackle Orlando Brown well.Burnett has said that he and Brown grew up together as pro football players while they were members of the Cleveland Browns. Burnett is also quite familiar with Brown on the field, since the pair spent countless afternoons facing each other in practice.For the second time, they will square off as opponents today at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Brown has returned to his roots and his spot at right tackle.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns offered Orlando Brown his old locker, a new contract and the chance to relive the past. The former Ravens right tackle didn't have to be asked twice."

And a lineman shall lead them: After at least three interceptions slipped through the hands of defensive backs yesterday, none other than defensive end Michael McCrary, who was dropping into coverage in a zone blitz assignment, picked off the first pass of the day in team drills.Down and up again: Cornerback DeRon Jenkins gave up long completions in seven-on-seven drills to Floyd Turner and Stevie TC Anderson before rallying later to knock down two passes.Injury update: Offensive tackle Orlando Brown (ankle)

After 35 years in the NFL, there are few questions about football that stymie Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda, but he was puzzled when asked to name a team that made the playoffs with an entirely new backfield."

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Ravens answered several questions about their 1998 team last night in a 33-0 preseason win over the New York Jets before a crowd of 47,906 at Giants Stadium.And the most promising sign came from Jermaine Lewis, who showed he can be just as effective as an outside receiver as he was in the slot position a year ago.This could be the anticipated breakout season for Lewis in his bid to be a complete receiver.Last night, he set the tone with a 97-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, and then hauled in a 31-yard touchdown pass down the left sideline as the Ravens led, 20-0, at halftime.

When Ravens fans examine the team's offensive line, talk gravitates toward the two mammoth tackles, Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Brown. Less noticeable is the consistent play of right guard Jeff Blackshear, a 6-foot-6, 323-pound force who has started 28 of 32 games at guard in his two seasons in Baltimore.The lack of recognition is nothing new for Blackshear, 29, an eighth-round pick in the 1993 NFL draft. "I like it that way. I'd rather go out and just play football. It's my role with the team and with the offensive line," he said.

We'll give the Ravens the benefit of the doubt, and assume they quit Sunday in Chicago. Because if they actually were trying as they fell behind 24-0 to the hapless Bears, their problems are even bigger than any of us imagined.Coach Ted Marchibroda deserves much of the blame for the team's sorry 5-10 record, but not all of it. There are still too many losers on this team, too many has-beens, too many never-weres.Indeed, the list of Ravens who must go is longer than a spoiled little rich kid's Christmas list, longer than the Republicans' list of grievances with President Clinton.

Former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando "Zeus" Brown was released on his own recognizance after he was arrested Friday on charges of breaking into his ex-wife's Cockeysville home in August. Brown's attorney had requested that Baltimore County District Court quash the warrant issued Aug. 28 for the former player's arrest on charges of third-degree burglary and malicious destruction of property valued at less than $500. According to court documents, Mira Brown accused her former husband of entering her home while she was away on vacation.

Orlando Brown insists he's a cream puff - on the inside, that is. The former Baltimore Ravens' offensive tackle said he "just looks scary" at 6 foot 7 and 350 pounds, but he's really "a gentle giant with a soft heart like my mother's." That compassion has already come into play at Fatburger, the new restaurant in Gateway Overlook Shopping Center where Brown is owner and frequent fry cook. Since opening the first Maryland location for the Los Angeles-based franchise in January, he devoted many hours trying to reprogram a chronically late employee before finally firing him. "I know what it's like to have someone take you under their wing and give you a second chance," said Brown, who alternated playing for Baltimore and the Cleveland Browns during a 14-year NFL career that ended in 2006.

Orlando Pace could become the most prominent right tackle in Ravens history ... if he's healthy. Injury issues appear to be the biggest question mark for Pace, who is scheduled to meet team officials today. Pace, 33, a seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle, was released last week by the St. Louis Rams after missing 25 games over the past three seasons. If the Ravens are satisfied with the results of his physical examination, they are expected to make a strong run at him. It would probably signal the end for Willie Anderson, whose departure would open up $2.9 million in salary-cap space.

The Ravens and Titans were fierce rivals in the AFC Central before the NFL moved to four divisions in each conference in 2002. Heading into today's playoff contest, the teams have won nine games each. Here are four memorable meetings: 1 Ravens 24, Titans 10, Jan. 7, 2001, AFC divisional playoffs, Adelphia Coliseum: : The Ravens continued their march to the Super Bowl with a stunning defeat of the No. 1-seeded Titans. Reserve defensive lineman Keith Washington (above, hand up) blocked two field-goal attempts, one returned 90 yards for a touchdown by Anthony Mitchell, to give the Ravens a 17-10 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Oniel Cousins doesn't know former Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown, but he has heard about him. He smiles when you mention Brown's name. Cousins is reminding a lot of people of Brown at the Ravens' practice facility. He's not as tall or as big, but, like Brown, Cousins won't walk away from a good fight. "When I play the game, I usually tick a lot of people off, and they try to fight me," Cousins said. "Hopefully, they lose their focus, and that's all part of my game plan." Cousins is part of the new game plan implemented by first-year coach John Harbaugh, who wants to change the culture surrounding this team.

Quarterback Under contract -- Kyle Boller, Brian St. Pierre Unrestricted free agents -- Anthony Wright Outlook -- The Ravens did not declare Boller the starting quarterback next season, which means they are open to bringing a veteran quarterback to compete for the job. Wright is not expected to return, and St. Pierre is likely to remain the No. 3. Running back Under contract -- Musa Smith*, Alan Ricard, Justin Green, Ovie Mughelli* UFA -- Jamal Lewis,...

Matchup Vs. spread -- Ravens 4-8, Broncos 8-3-1. Series -- Ravens lead 4-1. Last meeting -- Ravens won, 26-6, on Oct. 26, 2003, in Baltimore. NFL rankings Ravens offense -- No. 26 (rush No. 22, pass No. 25) Broncos defense -- No. 23T (rush No. 3, pass No. 29) Broncos offense -- No. 5 (rush No. 2, pass No. 20) Ravens defense -- No. 7 (rush No. 13, pass No. 7) Ravens injuries Out -- RB Justin Green (wrist); LB Mike Smith (thigh); G Keydrick Vincent (thigh); OT Orlando Brown (back-IR)

Sunday's games RAVENS@BRONCOS RAVENS -- Out: RB Justin Green (wrist); LB Ray Lewis (hamstring); LB Mike Smith (thigh). Doubtful: DE Tony Weaver (back). Questionable: T Orlando Brown (back); CB Chris McAlister (thigh); G Edwin Mulitalo (knee); G Keydrick Vincent (thigh). Probable: CB Dale Carter (back); C Mike Flynn (hip); LB Adalius Thomas (back). BRONCOS -- Questionable: DE Courtney Brown (knee); LB Keith Burns (knee); T Cornell Green (shoulder). Probable: S Sam Brandon (thigh). TEXANS@TITANS TEXANS -- Doubtful: DE Junior Ioane (calf)

Ravens run offense vs. Bengals run defense This is where the Ravens have their best chance of upending the Bengals,who have the NFL's 25th-ranked run defense. For the second time this season, the Ravens will split playing time between running backs Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor. But Taylor, whose ankle is not at full strength, could be limited. Cincinnati held Lewis and Taylor to 58 yards on 18 carries (a 3.2-yard average) three weeks ago. Defensive tackle Bryan Robinson, the Bengals' best lineman against the run, is expected to be sidelined with a foot injury.

Receiver Mark Clayton missed two games earlier this season with an ankle injury, and heading into tomorrow's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, his body is thanking him for doing so. Unlike other rookies who may soon be hitting the dreaded wall as the college regular season comes to a close, Clayton is as fresh as possible. That bodes well for a Ravens passing game that is becoming more dependent on his quickness. "I'm pretty sure if I would have played in those two games, I obviously would feel them," Clayton said.