Flacco for Reebok, Mason still undecided on retirement claim

Joe Flacco in the Reebok: NFL Fantasy Files. Nice. Can't wait til the season starts to see these spots on during the games. Next year should be a good sophmore year for Joey, he's always been referred to as "growing" & he doesn't have the ego that most QB get after they know they're good. Humility & talent make for greatness & I think we can see this in Joe.

Back to the Mason drama. He still has yet to sign any retirement papers, so was this a ploy to try to pull in more money & extension on his contract? Some believe this was a tactic to bring in more money, but we'll have to wait & see what he decides. Harbaugh & Mason did meet on Tuesday to discuss his announcement, but there didn't seem to be a resolution as to what he would decide. Harbaugh said, "From a coaching standpoint, I think we have a chance to be a really good team, and if Derrick Mason is a part of it, that makes us even stronger," Harbaugh said. "But if he's not, we're still going to be a really good team. It comes down to Derrick and where his mind is at. He's the only one that can decide that."
Mason should stick with us, everyone in Baltimore loves him, he's kind of getting old, & I don't think he'll get what he wants with any other team. So just come back Mason we need you & you need us, whether you know it or not.

Suggs signed to 6 YEARS BABY!

Finally Suggs held out as long as possible, but its final he's staying here this time for 6 years. The final papers will be signed this afternoon to keep him in Baltimore.


Now since that matter has been dealt with we need to turn our attention to our Wide Reciever problem. Clayton & Williams are currently the top slots. New veteran Washington may be stepping in, if Williams is injured....again. We also have Marcus Smith and Justin Harper, who have yet to be used on the field. If these guys step up we may have some sleepers. One more thing that we have up our sleeves is Troy Smith. WE saw him play little roles in the wildcat offense last season, but at camp he's been all over the field playing a lot of positions. Hopefully this arsenal in our offense is enough to help the pass game.

WTF! Mason retiring? Suggs still not signed!

JockLife.com has reported that Derrick Mason will be retiring from football. Although BR.com has said that, "Still, the 35-year-old receiver has not yet filed his official retirement papers with the league office.

“For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this,” said Ravens senior vice president of public and community relations Kevin Byrne. “Derrick Mason has not done that.”

Mason did say, “I have been thinking about this since the season ended,” Mason continued. “Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out…it was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important.

It’s time right now. I don’t know what’s going to happen from here, but it’s going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard…played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help.” which eludes he will not be returning for another season.

In other team shattering news, Suggs has yet to resign with us!! This will be more devastating to our D, than if Ray left.
"NFL teams have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 to lock players sporting the franchise tag into new deals. If not, Baltimore will lose the right to negotiate with the three-time Pro Bowler until the end of the 2009 campaign."
-BR.com
They went on to say that Ozzie & Suggs are working hard on finalizing his deal, but they still have yet to do so. Ozzie clearly expressed his want to keep Suggs in Bmore, but with his contract we're probably going to have to dish out more money (to which we might not have after the other players get paid).

Now if Mason leaves this may put another knot in the finalizing of Suggs. If they want to pick a new guy up (1st stringer) it's going to cost them. The only other options we have are going to have to step up big if they want to fill Mason's 1st string shoes. Things are starting to get hairy & the season is getting close.

Sad Day, McNair found dead

Former Raven's Quarterback Steve McNair was found dead yesterday in what police believe to be a murder suicide case. McNair was the Ravens quarterback for two seasons from 2006-2007. He helped the Ravens reach a 13–3 record and an AFC North Championship in 07'. All his teammates & friends only had good things to say about him during the the time that they knew him. Former Titan & current Raven, Samari Rolle said,
"Steve was the ultimate man, first of all. I played with Steve every year of my career, except for two, and got to know his family during that time. He was such a good family man. My prayers are with them at this tough time. I still can’t even believe it. To lose such a good friend and a good man so soon doesn’t make sense."

“If you were going to draw a football player, the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional, he is your guy. I can’t even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today."
-BR.com
Several other Ravens players reflected on his contributions to the team for the short time he was with us.

He was a great player on & off the field & he will be missed by all.