There is plenty of history behind the rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, these former divisional foes have had plenty of hard hitting contests before and have met twice before in the playoffs. Once in 2001, the Ravens dispatched the Titans at home on their way to their first championship and then a few years later the Titans got a measure of revenge by stunning Baltimore as well.

But we all know that talk of history, at least in this case has nothing to do with the present. There are only a handful of players that even remember those games. We can look at this season and use that as a basis to work from for this divisional playoff game. The Titans came out 13-10 winners in Week Five and there are several things to do stand out in terms of trying to figure out who was the edge Saturday.

The play of both quarterbacks will have a huge say in who wins this game. Rookie Joe Flacco had his problems the first time around with the zone cover schemes of the Titans and threw two costly interceptions but he was fairly accurate otherwise 18 for 27 (66% completion rating). Kerry Collins looked rattled early as well but did lead the winning drive to capture the victory in the waning moments. Whomever wins this battle advances to the next round.

Both teams don’t just want to run the ball, they NEED to do it in order to be successful. Baltimore’s front seven did a fabulous job limiting the Titans to 47 yds. However the Ravens did run the ball adequately for a combined 132 on the ground. The X factor here is Le’Ron McClain who on 11 carries rushed for 51 yards and a score, that a 4.6 ypc. At that time McGahee was the feature back and received the most carries, it will be interesting with the roles reversed how the Titans can slow the bruising back.

So the line play on both sides of the ball will be important to that first priority of rushing the ball. The Titan defensive line is an impressive group and injuries aside to Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch they will provide the pressure. But they have been nicked up and there is a question of weather All-Pro Center Kevin Mawae will play too. Meanwhile Baltimore appears healthy across the front on both ends.

The Ravens need to keep the heat on the quarterback as Kerry Collins is prone to turnovers. When they force multiple miscues they are 9-2. They need to run the ball to take the pressure off Flacco and put themselves in manageable third downs. Flacco doesn’t need to be spectacular but one thing I picked up on re-watching the Ravens playoff run of 2000 (Buy it at Amazon.com), he needs to make one or two plays. If he does that and doesn’t cough the ball up Baltimore gets this one.

Ravens 17 Titans 13

From: Josh Satler - www.profootball101.org

When the 10-6-1 Philadelphia Eagles head into the Meadowlands to take on the top seeded 12-4 Giants, it will mark the third time these teams have played each other this year.

And the first two were split, with each team winning in the other’s home park.

Many are lauding this Eagles team and comparing them to the 2007 Giants, a team that caught fire in Week 16 and rode that wave to a Super Bowl victory over the then 18-0 New England Patriots.

The comparisons fall short on most categories but one: defense. The Eagles defense ranks third in the NFL, and it was the Giants defense, and in particular its ferocious line, that propelled them to the championship.

Aside from that, the Giants were 7-1 on the road, winning every game after their opening day loss at Dallas; the Eagles were 3-4-1, with a tie vs. the Bengals. The Giants featured three new offensive play makers after Week 15, all rookies - Bradshaw, Smith and Boss, who all played major roles in the run; the Eagles don’t have anyone new, etc.

But this Eagles team is feisty, and has shown tremendous resiliency after benching QB Donovan McNabb in a blowout loss to the Ravens.

So in this third match-up, similar to the Ali vs. Frazier battles, Frazier being from Philly, Ali calling NY home, how will things play out in this deciding match?

When Philly has the ball, look for them to use the short pass to set-up the run. Westbrook, one of the leagues true game breakers, has struggled of late running the ball, mostly due to injuries and opposing defense’s keying on him, and this has actually opened up a few opportunities for RB Buckhalter.

And the Giants will once again make stopping Westbrook - a notorious Giants’ killer, their top objective, and use a safety close to the line to make sure this happens. The Giants are hoping that by stopping the running game, this will force Reid into abandoning the run and putting the football squarely in McNabb’s hands.

There was a telling stat line in McNabb’s game last Sunday vs. the Vikings. When the Vikings sent only four guys after him, he lit them up for 200+ yards and 1TD, while completing 14 of his 16 passes. When the Vikings blitzed him, he threw for a little over 100 yards and 1INT, with just 50% of his passes being complete.

So it’s imperative that NY gets after him, and DC Steve Spagnuolo is one of the best in the business at bringing pressure. The Eagles will counter this with quick strikes to the receivers, and look for McNabb to target his TE Celek and WR Avant over the middle to pick up 1st downs and extend drives.

And if the opportunity presents itself, although there’s a good chance that there will be few of them because of the weather, look for McNabb to try and go deep to WR DeSean Jackson.

When the Giants have the ball, they’ll have a healthy RB Brandon Jacobs back there, something they didn’t have in their 20-14 loss in December. And NY will look to pound the rock; first with Jacobs, then with Ward, and if they have a lead in the 4th quarter, you might see Bradshaw and his fresh legs take some shots at this defense.

And they’re going to have to; the Eagles defense is playing lights out and are very dangerous when given the lead thanks to DC Johnson’s pressure packages.

But NY has shown that they’re able to pound the ball against Philly before; they ran for over 200 yards in their first meeting and were on pace for over 100 in the second, but Jacobs was forced out early in the 3rd with a knee injury.

If they can take control of the line of scrimmage and wear down this Eagles’ front seven, it will open up opportunities in the passing game for Manning to hit his receivers - Toomer, Smith, Boss and Hixon - on short pass to keep drives going and keep the clock moving.

And when the Eagles’ DB’s move into press coverage, look for Eli to go up top to Hixon. But this time, look for Domenik to hang on (he dropped a wide open 85- yard TD pass last time).

As this game comes to a close, we see the Giants pulling out a close 17-13 or 21-17 victory.

The Eagles are more than capable of winning on Sunday, but there were so many factors that played into the outcome from last game, that with a healthy, rested squad, we see the champs prevailing.

So the Giants will move on and host the NFC Championship Game for the right to play in the Super Bowl, while the Eagles will see their up and down season come to an end. But not before the late season run which ensured that both McNabb and Reid will be back in Philly in 2009.

First-Team Offense

Quarterback: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis.

Running backs: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota; Michael Turner, Atlanta.

Fullback: Le’Ron McClain, Baltimore.

Tight end: Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City.

Wide receivers: Andre Johnson, Houston; Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona.

Tackles: Jordan Gross, Carolina; Michael Roos, Tennessee.

Guards: Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota; Chris Snee, N.Y. Giants.

Center: Kevin Mawae, Tennessee.

Placekicker: Stephen Gostkowski, New England.

Kick returner: Leon Washington, N.Y. Jets.

First-Team Defense

Ends: Justin Tuck, N.Y. Giants; Jared Allen, Minnesota.

Tackles: Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee; Kevin Williams, Minnesota.

Outside linebackers: DaMarcus Ware, Dallas; James Harrison, Pittsburgh.

Inside linebackers: Ray Lewis, Baltimore; Jon Beason, Carolina.

Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland; Cortland Finnegan, Tennessee.

Safeties: Ed Reed, Baltimore; Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh.

Punter: Shane Lechler, Oakland.

Second-Team Offense

Saints QB Drew Brees led the league with 5,069 passing yards.

Quarterback: Drew Brees, New Orleans.

Running backs: DeAngelo Williams, Carolina; Clinton Portis, Washington.

Fullback: Madison Hedgecock, N.Y. Giants.

Tight end: Jason Witten, Dallas.

Wide receivers: Steve Smith, Carolina; Wes Welker, New England.

Tackles: Ryan Clady, Denver; (tie) David Stewart, Tennessee; Walter Jones, Seattle; Jason Peters, Buffalo; David Diehl, N.Y. Giants; Joe Thomas, Cleveland.

Guards: Kris Dielman, San Diego; Alan Faneca, N.Y. Jets.

Center: Shaun O’Hara, N.Y. Giants.

Placekicker: John Carney, N.Y. Giants.

Kick returner: Clifton Smith, Tampa Bay.

Second-Team Defense

Ends: Julius Peppers, Carolina; John Abraham, Atlanta.

Tackles: Kris Jenkins, N.Y. Jets; Haloti Ngata, Baltimore.

Outside linebackers: Joey Porter, Miami; Terrell Suggs, Baltimore.

Inside linebackers: Patrick Willis, San Francisco; James Farrior, Pittsburgh.

Cornerbacks: Charles Woodson, Green Bay; Antoine Winfield, Minnesota.

Safeties: Adrian Wilson, Arizona; (tie) Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia; Nick Collins, Green Bay.

Punter: Donnie Jones, Miami.

Word from the San Francisco Chronicle is that Cable did enough in his interview with Davis on Wednesday to secure the job on a full-time basis. Here is the tidbit from today’s edition:

Tom Cable interviewed for the head coaching job Wednesday with Raiders owner Al Davis. A high-ranking team official said the interview was “very lengthy” and “it went very well.” The official also indicated Davis is getting close to finalizing the coaching search, with two staff members saying they expected Cable to be hired any day.

Cable got the Raiders two unexpected wins in the last two weeks of the year, the biggest one a road win the final week over the Tampa Bay Bucs, coached by a man who Davis loves to beat - former coach Jon Gruden. Cable will have to rebuild his staff, as he will be losing Rob Ryan to Cleveland and Greg Knapp to the Seahawks. Cable lobbied hard to keep the job, and it looks as if from the report above he’s done enough.

-Brad Childress finally got the playoff monkey off his back, and the Vikes are heading into the postseason. The Vikings still don’t really have their quarterback situation resolved yet, but we will see how Tavaris Jackson does in his first playoff game. After Jackson played poorly to begin the season, Childress did not hesitate to yank him for veteran Gus Frerotte, who led the offense until he got injured with three games left in the season.

Jackson would again be put in the starting role, but this time he looked much more mature and poised in the pocket, and even had a four touchdown performance at Arizona in a must-win situation. The strength of this team is the defense, and Jared Allen was the missing piece that took them to another level this year. They were tops in the NFL in rush defense, but their pass defense still wasn’t stellar. Childress may have saved his job by making the playoffs, but he will face a few questions this offseason.

Key FAs:

-TE Jim Kleinsasser: is an excellent run blocker, but with the emergence of Visanthe Shiancoe, he is only used in spot duty, and is 31years of age.

-C Matt Birk: is an excellent player at the center position and the Vikings will not let him get away in free agency.

-S Darren Sharper: Minnesota would love to bring him back if they think that he can still be effective at age 33.

Needs: OT, QB, CB, S, DT

-The Vikings have not liked what they have seen out of the right side of their offensive line, especially at right tackle. The Vikings will probably look to draft a good young tackle, and maybe play him at RT to start, and then trade sides with Bryant McKinnie, or move McKinnie right away, and play the rookie at LT. Also, they could look to free agency, as there are some good RTs available. I’m not sure how much faith the coaching staff has in Tavaris Jackson, but if it isn’t a lot they may look to draft another prospect who can be groomed into the starter.

-The defense was very good for the most part, but the Vikings really need another quality starting corner opposite Antoine Winfield. Winfield enjoyed a Pro Bowl season, but his counterpart, Cedric Griffin, was picked on constantly. With Darren Sharper a free agent, and also approaching his mid thirties, it is time to find his successor. Pat Williams got banged up at the end of this season, and you have to wonder how much gas he has left in the tank. Just in case, the Vikings should add some depth on the inside of their line, and maybe even some at defensive end too.

Chicago Bears:

-The Bears were in the postseason hunt right down to the last week, but ultimately they came up short. The Bears’ normally excellent defense had a very poor season, especially against the passing game, which they were almost dead last as far as yards allowed. This can be contributed mostly to the lack of a decent pass rush, and unspectacular play from their corners, Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman.

They did play well against the run, but they are going to need to make some changes to get back to the level that they were at in previous years. The big surprises were on offense, where rookie Matt Forte led all rookies in total yards from scrimmage, and Kyle Orton was outstanding, until his ankle injury. The Bears are going to have to have a good offseason to get back to the top of the NFC North.

Key FAs:

-QB Rex Grossman: this really is the end of his career in Chicago, as Orton stepped up this season. Should probably be able to find a back up job somewhere, though.

-WR Brandon Lloyd: part of the Bears’ miserable crop of WRs, will be let go, and may find it hard to ever get a job in the NFL again.

-TE Desmond Clark: the Bears have been successful running a two tight end system, but I think they will cut ties with Clark this offseason and go strictly with Greg Olsen.

-OT John St. Clair: did a better than expected job protecting Orton’s blind side, but will give way to first round pick Chris Williams, who missed the majority of the season with back problems. May be re signed to play guard.

-S Mike Brown: injuries have really hurt what looked to be a promising career, and yet again he finds himself on the I.R. at the end of this season. He may have worn out his welcome in Chicago, but is a great player when healthy.

Needs: WR, OL, DE, S

-The Bears might just have the worst group of wideouts in the entire league. They are led by converted cornerback and kick returner, Devin Hester, who is still learning the position, yet is the best threat they have. They must find some targets for Kyle Orton to throw to, or he is going to become another Rex Grossman. The Bears spent their first rounder on an offensive lineman last year, but they may need to use a few more picks on the line this April. The Bears’ line is a veteran unit, and many of the starters are passed their prime, but still playing because of a lack of depth; this must be addressed.

-As mentioned earlier, the Bears’ lack of a pass rush really hurt their defense. The normally productive Adewale Ogunleye and Alex Brown were not themselves this year, and you cannot expect DT Tommie Harris to do it all himself. The Bears will most likely look to the draft to find themselves a pass rusher. With Mike Brown possibly on his way out of town, and no other viable starting options, the Bears should look to add a safety to start for their defense.

Green Bay Packers:

-Year one A.F. (After Favre) did not go as well as expected in Packer Nation, although it would be very hard to blame Aaron Rodgers, as he was outstanding. Instead it is the defense that should covet most of the blame, and the running game that took awhile to get going for the second year in a row. The pass defense wasn’t so bad, but the run defense was terrible, and that starts with the defensive line. The Packers are a talented club, though, and Aaron Rodgers looks like he will be a very good quarterback in this league. With a few key additions at certain spots, this could definitely be a team that contends for the NFC North crown.

Key FAs:

-OT Mark Tauscher: from all accounts it looks as though Tauscher will be allowed to test the free agent market, and will not be back with the Pack next season.

-DE Mike Montgomery: played well for stretches this season, and will most likely be back just because he is a big body, and for depth.

-LB Brady Poppinga: has been a solid, although unspectacular starter for their defense. Should be brought back, even if it is only for depth purposes.

Needs: OL, TE, DL, CB

-The Packers need to figure out their offensive line, and get it back to playing at a high level once again. Look for the Packers to address this area with one of their first couple of picks in this April’s draft, and maybe grab a free agent as well. With Tauscher out the door, tackle becomes a big need, but the inside could also deserve a look. A good receiving tight end would make things easier for Rodgers, and he already has a ton of weapons on the outside at receiver, but Donald Lee does not have great hands at the TE position.

-The Packers’ defensive line was a mess this season. They have a talented group of guys, but they just couldn’t find the right combinations, or any chemistry together. They would also like to add another pass rusher, because as it stands, Aaron Kampman is the only real threat coming off the edge. The Packers have two excellent corners in Charles Woodson and Al Harris, but both are in their thirties, and the Packers really haven’t done anything to address the lack of depth behind them.

Detroit Lions:

-The only positive the Lions can take from their winless season, is that there is nowhere to go but up from here. This organization is a mess, and it starts from the top with the ownership group. All you have to do is look at the trouble that Ford Motor Company is in to figure out why these owners can’t run a football team either. The Ford family let Matt Millen run the team into the ground before he was finally let go this season.

Millen had managed to turn the Lions into the laughing stock of the NFL with such brilliant personnel moves as drafting WRs with his first round pick for three straight years, amongst other blunders. He was so bad that his firing was probably the highlight of the season for most angry Lions fans. With this offseason the Lions will have to completely overhaul their roster, and find a coach that has enough ‘cojones’ to try and turn this ship around. The Lions have a long way to go, but at least the firing of Millen has them going somewhat in the right direction. They will also have the first overall pick, which may be the only positive of finishing winless.

Key FAs:

-QB Dan Orlovsky: certainly not franchise quarterback material. Really depends what happens with Culpepper and the draft. Could be a solid back up.

-WR Shaun McDonald: will probably be let go, as the Lions will most likely get rid of almost all of their free agents and build from the ground up.

-OT George Foster: will probably be let go, and the Lions will move first rounder, Gosder Cherilus, to his more natural position of RT.

-Shaun Cody: has not been very good after being drafted fairly high. Will probably be released, as the Lions try to rebuild their defensive line.

-LB Paris Lenon: was not very good at all, starting at MLB. They drafted Jordan Dizon last April to come in and play this position, but he didn’t see the field much as a rookie, which makes you wonder.

Needs: Everything!

-Okay, well maybe not everything, but pretty close to every position on their roster could be upgraded. It will be interesting to see who they take with the first overall pick. Just from consensus, it will most likely be a QB, LT, or DE, but it is really too early to tell. I’m not sure the Lions will be bringing in many high priced free agents, though, as 0-16 may be a tough sell, but I’m sure they could convince some veterans to help in the rebuilding process. The Lions offense has a couple pieces to build around in RB Kevin Smith, WR Calvin Johnson, and OT Gosder Cherilus, but besides them, practically every position could be overhauled.

-Aside from LB Ernie Sims there isn’t really any other player on the defense that is a difference-maker at their respective position. The defensive line is a particular area of concern, especially considering that Rod Marinelli’s specialty in Tampa was the defensive line, and even he couldn’t get much production. A stud pass rusher would be welcomed on their front four, as well as a cornerback, safety, and while were at it, why not a linebacker for good measure. There are many directions the Lions could go with their first overall pick, and it will come down to salary as well, but my money is on a quarterback or offensive tackle.

Super Bowl Odds

Early Super Bowl Line

AFC                  Pick’Em
NFC                  Pick’Em

Over/Under        44 ½

Divisional Game Odds

How many Home Teams will record a win during the NFL Divisional Playoffs?

0                      50/1

1                      13/2

2                      3/2

3                      EVEN

4                      3/1

How many Wildcard Teams will record a win during the NFL Divisional Playoffs?

None                 5/4

One                  2/3

Both                 5/1

Which Day will have more total points?

Saturday            -135

Sunday             +105

Which Team will score the most points?

Carolina Panthers          5/2

New York Giants            4/1

Pittsburgh Steelers        4/1

Arizona Cardinals           5/1

Philadelphia Eagles        5/1

Tennessee Titans           5/1

Baltimore Ravens           6/1

San Diego Chargers      6/1

Which Team will score the least points?

Baltimore Ravens          3/1

San Diego Chargers       7/2

Tennessee Titans           9/2

Arizona Cardinals           9/2

Philadelphia Eagles        5/1

Pittsburgh Steelers        5/1

New York Giants            11/2

Carolina Panthers         10/1

Who will record the most Passing Yards in the Divisional Playoffs (Playoff Week 2)?

Kurt Warner (ARI)                      3/2

Donovan McNabb (PHI)               5/2

Jake Delhomme (CAR)               5/1

Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)             5/1

Philip Rivers (SDG)                    5/1

Eli Manning (NYG)                     10/1

Kerry Collins (TEN)                    15/1

Joe Flacco (BAL)                       15/1

Who will record the most Receiving Yards in the Divisional Playoffs (Playoff Week 2)?

Steve Smith (CAR)                     5/4

Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)                 7/4

Anquan Boldin (ARI)                   5/2

Derrick Mason (BAL)                  5/1

Hines Ward (PIT)                       5/1

Steve Breaston (ARI)                  5/1

Vincent Jackson (SDG)              6/1

Domenik Hixon (NYG)                10/1

Muhsin Muhammad (CAR)          10/1

Santonio Holmes (PIT)                10/1

Antonio Gates (SDG)                 15/1

Kevin Curtis (PHI)                       20/1

Mark Clayton (BAL)                    20/1

Justin Gage (TEN)                      25/1

Arizona vs. Carolina

Kurt Warner Total Passing Yards

Over/Under                    285.5

Edgerrin James Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    67.5

Larry Fitzgerald Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    94.5

Anquan Boldin Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    72.5

Steve Breaston Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    59.5

Jake Delhomme Total Passing Yards

Over/Under                    229.5

DeAngelo Williams Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    99.5

Jonathan Stewart Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    54.5

Steve Smith Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    108.5

Who will have more receptions in the game?

Larry Fitzgerald

Steve Smith

Baltimore vs. Tennessee

Will Ed Reed have an interception in the game?

Yes      +200

No        -260

Le’Ron McClain Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    62.5

Willis McGahee Total Rushing & Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    50.5

Derrick Mason Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    65.5

Chris Johnson Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    68.5

LenDale White Total Rushing & Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    40.5

Who will have more turnovers in the game?

Baltimore Ravens

Tennessee Titans

Philadelphia vs. New York Giants

Donovan McNabb Total Passing Yards

Over/Under                    230.5

Brian Westbrook Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    61.5

Brian Westbrook Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    34.5

DeSean Jackson Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    60.5

Kevin Curtis Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    45.5

Eli Manning Total Passing Yards

Over/Under                    205.5

Brandon Jacobs Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    85.5

Derrick Ward Total Rushing & Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    76.5

Domenik Hixon Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    57.5

Amani Toomer Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    39.5

San Diego vs. Pittsburgh

Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    80.5

Vincent Jackson Total ReceivingYards

Over/Under                    57.5

Antonio Gates Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    45.5

Philip Rivers Total Passing Yards

Over/Under                    219.5

Willie Parker Total Rushing Yards

Over/Under                    75.5

Hines Ward Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    68.5

Santonio Holmes Total Receiving Yards

Over/Under                    59.5

Is it any wonder when he was introduced (of course not by camera shy Lerner), that only about 5 people in the room clapped?

This is surely not a move that gives the fans of the Browns a lot of confidence that things are going to turn around anytime soon. What they are getting is a young guy (Mangini is 37) who started off hot with the Jets (playoffs in his first year), then fell out of favor with his players, the media, and the fans rather quickly.

He claims he’s learned from his mistakes, but right away when asked today if he would consider if the personnel wasn’t right going from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense next season, he replied with a simple answer - “no.” Not the best of ways to show the fans or the team that you are willing to give fair shots and put the Browns 4-12 season that just passed behind them. Instead, it sounds, and looks, as if the team will have a lot more losing ahead of them with Mangini now being the new scapegoat.

Lerner never even spoke to a number of the hot assistant coaches that have been traviling the country meeting up for other possible jobs, showing just how telegraphed he was on making sure he got Mangini. The team doesn’t have a GM in place either. Another sign of not doing things the right way.

So let the Mangini era in Cleveland begin. It just wouldn’t surprise me if the team is in the same place in three years with another coach sitting at the table in Berea saying how happy he is to be the teams new head coach.

Trusted sources close to the National Football Post have just informed me that Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, Ohio State running back Beanie Wells and Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin all intend to declare for the 2009 NFL Draft in the very near future.

The 6’3, 214 pound Crabtree caught 97 passes (8th nationally) for 1,165 yards (13th) and 19 touchdowns (2nd) this season while leading the Red Raiders to an 11-2 record.

Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin caught 102 passes (6th) for 1,260 yards (11th) and 13 scores for the Tigers this past year. Maclin was a consensus All-American in 2007. He’s scheduled a press conference for Friday morning to announce his decision to turn pro.

Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells carried the ball 207 times for 1,197 yards (5.8 YPC) and 8 touchdowns this season for the Buckeyes, despite missing three games due to injury. Most recently, Wells racked up 106 yards on 16 carries in Ohio State’s 24-21 Fiesta Bowl loss to Texas.

Where will all three end up come April? According to National Football Post draft expert Wes Bunting:

Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

An ultra productive wide out that uses his blend of size (6’3) and body control to consistently make plays on the outside. Runs very clean, precise routes for a man his size and has the ability to separate on all levels. Crabtree is a natural receiver with good hands and strong wrists. He’s a consistent jump ball threat that displays the body control to contort and pluck the ball away from his body. Displays good burst in and out of his breaks and showcases the body control to sink his hips and explode out of his routes. He isn’t a burner, but has enough speed to get behind defenses. Exhibits the ability to create yards after the catch and is dangerous on bubble screens and shallow crossing routes. Is physical at the line of scrimmage and displays the wiggle and power to beat jam coverage and work into his routes quickly. Has very little flaws to his game and might be the most polished receiver prospect to come out since Keyshawn Johnson.

Crabtree looks like the safest pick in this years draft and will likely go somewhere within the first ten picks. The Seattle Seahawks and their west coast offense look like a natural fit for Crabtree at pick four. Also, the Oakland Raiders are in desperate need of a number one type wide out for quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Crabtree would certainly be the type of receiver that owner Al Davis would be looking for. Other possible destinations include the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick eight and the San Francisco 49ers at pick ten.

Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

Maclin exhibits elite speed (4.38) and explosion for the receiver position. Possesses good overall size, at 6-1, 200 pounds and demonstrates impressive athleticism for his size. Showcases great body control and quickness in and out of his breaks and displays the ability to change direction on a dime. Has improved dramatically as a receiver since last season and led Missouri with 102 receptions for 1,260 yards. Is a consistent deep threat that has the ability to run by corners and get down the field. Has the shiftiness to beat bump coverage off the line, as well as eat up cushions in off-coverage quickly. He still needs to become a better route runner, as he has a tendency to round his routes at times and lacks sharpness out of his breaks. But, Maclin is a dynamic punt/ kick returner that displays the vision and athletic ability to take it the distance every time he touches the ball. Is dynamic in the open field and is very dangerous after the catch. Has the ability to go from 0-100 in two steps and gets up to speed instantly. He reminds some scouts from an athletic standpoint of Bears receiver Devin Hester, but he is a far more polished pass catcher and route runner.

Maclin will battle Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree to be the first receiver off the board in April. Expect Maclin to be drafted some time during the early to middle stages of round one. It is a known fact that Raiders owner Al Davis is always enticed by speed, and Maclin has plenty to burn. If Maclin runs as well as expected at the combine, the Raiders are a definite landing spot for Maclin at pick seven. Also, expect the Bears to have interest in him at pick 18, as Chicago is still in desperate need of a top receiving threat.

Chris “Beanie” Wells RB Ohio State

A thick, well built back with a rare blend of quickness and speed for his size. He possesses great change of direction skills and the ability to make a man miss in the hole. Runs with a good pad level and gets north-to-south quickly. Displays the power and lower body strength to drive his legs and pick up yards after contact. Isn’t a burner in the second level, but gets up to speed quickly and has the first step to accelerate away from defenders out of his breaks. Displays some wiggle in space, has the footwork and change of direction skills to generate yards in the open field. Doesn’t make a lot of men miss in the open field, but uses his lateral ability more on cutback runs at the line of scrimmage. Exhibits good vision inside, but has taken his fare share of knocks already in his career. His durability and passion for the game are both causes for concern at the next level.

However, he is a dynamic runner and can be the type of work horse back that can carry the load inside and wear down opposing front sevens.

Although many have questioned the toughness and passion of Wells, he still rates as one of the top backs in this year’s draft. Expect Wells to come off the board sometime during the early to mid portions of the first round, as he will battle Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno to be the first RB off the board. The Cincinnati Bengals at pick six look like a possible landing spot for Wells. The Bengals are in desperate need of a lead back and Wells would certainly fill that void. Also, Wells could draw significant interest from the New Orleans Saints and the Philadelphia Eagles, both of which are in need of a bigger, more physical back.

Arguably the preeminent defensive play-caller of this decade. Johnson’s quasi-46 scheme can give any offense fits, mainly because the master does such a tremendous job of customizing it for each opponent. Johnson also has a preternatural ability to spot and develop raw talent.

Arizona Cardinals – Clancy Pendergast

The Cardinals defense has been sub-par throughout most of this season, but experts will tell you that it’s not the coordinator’s fault. NFL inner-circles admire Pendergast for having such a variegated, flexible scheme. Apparently, so do the Cardinal; he was one of the few coaches on Ken Whisenhunt’s staff who was retained after Denny Green got fired.

Carolina Panthers – Mike Trgovac

The most unknown of the remaining D-coordinators just happens to have one of the steadiest records. Entering this season, the Panthers had finished ranked in the top 10 in defensive yardage four times in six years. They fell to No. 18 this season. However, as Carolina’s 12-4 record indicates, Trgovac may have his best defensive unit since the ’03 Super Bowl squad.

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What’s in a word?

Aretha sang about it, Ali G gives out much of it, and athletes constantly, incessantly talk about how they never get the amount that’s due to them. It’s one of those things that fuels that competitive spirit and will do so time and time again. Bulletin board material can be powerful stuff when applied correctly.

So it’s no doubt that after the Ravens thumping of the Dolphins last Sunday the team was using that long used tactic to fuel their fires. Alright Rex you’re up

“Nobody has respected this team until right now, and that’s fine with us,” Ryan said. “Tough on everybody else, just right for us.”

Listen to the talk shows, the papers and the blogs and the fans will echo those comments over and over. Nobody respects the team. All the big shots from the big networks, like that Sgt. Slaughter look-a-like Bill Cowher to ESPN blowhard Chris Berman all picked against Baltimore all year long. Even Vegas was against them as they were favored in only two games this season. The voting for some of the top individual awards helped the cause too.

Rookie head coach John Harbaugh whose no nonsense approach helped guide these guys back on track didn’t receive a single vote for Coach of the Year. NOT ONE! Sure I’ll give you Mike Smith’s and Tony Sparano’s teams were worthy but NO votes?

Joe Flacco. Baltimore’s golden armed wonder boy has two Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week awards and a Rookie of the Month award to his credit. He joined only two other rookie quarterbacks in history to win their debut playoff game. Matt Ryan and Matt Forte certainly are no slouches. But, please NOT A SINGLE VOTE?

Ed Reed. He is clearly one of the greatest Safeties to ever play the game. His athleticism is bananas, so much so that there are even some whispers about putting him in on offense. It’s true that 2/3 of the Earth is covered by water and the rest is covered by Mr. Reed. He at least garnered some consideration and finished third in the voting.

Now, everyone in purple angry and fired up and feeling frustrated. Well, just take all that rage and feeling left out and channel all of it to Tennessee this Saturday. Because our old friend Jeff Fisher isn’t exactly a fool he was at least smart enough to say the right things.

“Obviously, they got plenty of respect from us. You know, if that’s the way you want to handle and motivate, then so be it.” said Fisher

That’s all well and good since some odd moons are aligning for another deep run for the Ravens. Super Bowl in Tampa, Divisional playoff against the Titans, Defense playing at a high level. It’s all coming together and then there will be no choice but to acknowledge the obvious.