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Steelers: Hate Them, Respect Them, Maybe Both
Just the thought, mention, or visual of that horrible logo/terrible towel really puts me in a bad mood. Last night was no different, even from the comfort of my own home. I really dislike everything about that team, the city, and their fans. For the past few years I thought they were just plain lucky. From missed field goals by opponents, lucky breaks, and having the coin toss go their way, the Steelers have seemingly managed to win every close game they have been in for the past 5 years.
After venting to my wife last night about the game and about how lucky they are, I suddenly had a different thought come over me. Maybe they are just that good. Thats it, maybe they really are the best. They always seem to come up with a big play at the right time, Roethlisberger time after time comes though in the clutch and seems to have a magical way about him when the game is on the line. As much as it pains to say this, and as much as I hate everything about them, the Steelers ARE that good.
Writing that last sentence made me almost puke in my mouth, but its the truth. But have no fear. To be the best we need to beat the best. We all know that it is going to come down to us having to win one against the Steelers, and I am confident we have the team to do it. Our journey begins on Sunday and I for one can't wait....
Go Ravens!!
Be Even More Thankful You Are Not A Bengals Fan!
Less than 24 hours after my rant on how terrible the Bengals franchise is, this happens. During his second practice, newly signed tackle Andre Smith breaks his foot. I am no expert, but he seems to be carrying too much weight. I guess thats why they made provisions in his contract that penalized him for being too heavy. Smith could potentially lose half of his game checks if he doesn't watch his weight. More information on the weight escalators of his contract can be found here. Anyone else thrilled with what we have in Michael Oher?
Go Ravens
Be Thankful You Aren't a Bengals Fan!
 Each time I turn on HBO and watch Hard Knocks, I can't help but thank my lucky stars that I was born in Baltimore and not Cincinnati. Aside from the obvious non-football related reason, I could not imagine having to root for the Bengals. They are the worst run franchise in all of sports. Between watching the owner low-ball their first round pick and try and make football related decisions, I just can't help but be thankful for the type of organization the Ravens run. From the top down to the bottom we are classy organization that draws praise from both players on our team and executives around the league.
In searching for what those from Cincinnati think about the behind the scenes look at the Bengals, I came across this gem. "Like a drunk relative at a wedding, the Bengals are putting on quite a show, from owner Mike Brown flexing his managerial muscle at staff meetings to his daughter, Katie Blackburn, playing the role of hardball negotiator with the agent for first-round draft pick Andre Smith, an offensive tackle the team desperately needs."
The full article can be found here.
When you sit in bed at night and you think that life is tough, just be thankful you are a Ravens fan. You will have one less thing to worry about....
Ravens 17, Panthers 13
 3-0 in the pre-season. Enough said. Check out today's article in the Sun. One more game Thursday against the Falcons. Then the real fun begins.
Steve McNair You Will Be Missed
By now, we have all read dozens of articles and seen the various news reports on what appears to be an apparent murder/suicide that took the life of Steve McNair. I initially wanted to write on Saturday when I heard this, but I chose to sit back and hear the facts before I shared my point of view. In my mind, it might be hard for some to look past his recent marital indiscretions and look at his entire life, but we owe that to him and his family. McNair was a kind, caring, brave, and extremely charitable person. He took his team on his shoulders on more than one occasion, and in the fall of 2006 he led the Ravens and the city of Baltimore to the best regular season in team history.
Again, I can only give my personal viewpoint, but in my mind, Steve McNair is what an NFL player should aspire to be. At every opportunity he had, Steve gave back to his community. Who are we to judge him for a mistake in his personal life that we, quite frankly, will never know the entire truth? We as a football community and as humans lost one of the greats this past weekend. McNair's life will be looked upon as both a cautionary tale and as a guide to success for many current and future athletes. I for one tend to not get "worked up' over the death of a celebrity, but I am having a tough time getting over the loss of one of the greatest men the NFL has seen in some time. We at Ravens Trips send our deepest condolences to the family of Steve McNair and all others who were affected by this terrible tragedy. As the reports continue to surface on the last few minutes and months of Steve McNair's life, lets take a step back and remember the Steve McNair that helped so many of us both on and off the field. Until Next Time Go Ravens Cole
Fans Going Ravens Wild!!
My Wife/Marketing Guru has let me know that it has been over two weeks since I last checked in with everyone. Some may call this the slowest point of the entire season until training camp begins. For us at Ravens Trips , things have been extremely busy, as the Ravens faithful have been calling by the dozen to book their trips.
Our San Diego package is almost SOLD OUT as we have close to 150 people signed up. This will be one of our largest and best trips yet. We will be working to add more space to accommodate all those who join late. However, we will not be accepting reservations that need air accommodations after July 1. Our Green Bay package is also filling well with over 60 people signed up for the historic trip to Lambeau Field.
From here on out, I promise to blog more and give some inside info as I hear it...
Until Then..
Go Ravens!!
Cole
Welcome Back Buddy Lee!!
 After being out all of the 2008 season due to a knee injury that required the dreaded micro-fracture surgery, Kelly Gregg was back on the field during this past weekends mini camp. Coincidentally, Gregg's surgery was preformed by Dr. James Andrews. (This guy must be the Michael Jordan of surgery, as it seems like every time an athlete needs major surgery or a second opinion, they always turn to Dr. Andrews.) Many including myself thought that Kelly Gregg's career was over, as the majority of his work is done in the trenches where he relies on his knees to give the undersized tackle the leverage he needs to be successful. Much like the rest of his career, Kelly Gregg shocked the experts, and not such experts (myself) and returned seemingly better than ever. According to reports I head from those who attended the mini camp, Gregg looked outstanding and was far ahead of his scheduled recovery. We all love "Buddy Lee" for his hard working demeanor and candid off field personality. Check out This Interview of Kelly Gregg after his return to action. Just to keep everyone updated on our trips, we have reached a milestone on both trips. San Diego is already over 100 people and Green Bay stands at 50. We are having our best year ever as the word is definitely out there about the great times fans have on the road with Ravens Trips. If you haven't done so already, please follow us for daily updated on Twitter.
Go Ravens!!! Cole
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