Biography
Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and every Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on 105.7 FM to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football.
Related links
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Mike Preston, Jamison Hensley and other reporters on the Ravens
It's evident that Cornell will ride to NCAA men's title this weekend
May 24, 2013
Privately, a lot of fans are picking unseeded Cornell to win the NCAA Division I lacrosse championship here this weekend — but publicly, they urge caution because the 2013 regular season has been so unpredictable.
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Ravens may have No. 2 receiver already on their roster
May 20, 2013
Whenever the conversations about the leading candidates for the No. 2 receiver come up, Ravens officials like to mention several names including Deonte Thompson, David Reed, LaQuan Williams and Tandon Doss.
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Yale goalie Eric Natale living the dream against No. 1 Syracuse
May 17, 2013
Yale goalie Eric Natale doesn't want his dream to become a nightmare.
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Parity has arrived in college men's lacrosse
May 13, 2013
There has been talk about parity in college lacrosse for years, but finally there is evidence in the NCAA Division I tournament, a place where some thought it might not be on display for another decade.
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Ravens' MVP this season may not be on the field
May 6, 2013
The Ravens' Most Valuable Player of the 2013 season could be Mark Smith.
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Let the Bryant McKinnie soap opera begin
May 3, 2013
OK, so now that the Ravens have re-signed left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie to a two-year contract, the real drama begins.
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After successful draft, Ravens need to focus on finding a left tackle
April 28, 2013
The Ravens still have holes. They need to find a starting left tackle, and they could use a No. 2 receiver and add depth at the linebacker and offensive line positions as well.
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Ravens get younger, faster on defense in first two rounds
April 26, 2013
In theory, the defending Super Bowl champion isn't supposed to get stronger through the NFL draft because the team has the last pick in each round.
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Ravens may have a 'situation' mapping out their offensive priorities
April 15, 2013
It's a great problem to have to solve.
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Mike Preston: No. 8 Loyola hopes to make a statement vs. No. 1 Denver
April 12, 2013
Despite being the defending national champion and winning nine of 11 games this season, Loyola needs to make a statement in 2013.
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Next investment for the Ravens should be on the offensive line
April 8, 2013
The Ravens seem to have everything in place on offense.
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Offseason moves show Ravens are poised to contend again
April 1, 2013
Two months after winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens are in position to have a good draft and make another serious run at a championship.
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Still time for Virginia lacrosse team to turn its season around
March 29, 2013
Virginia coach Dom Starsia has always hedged a little over talk of parity in college lacrosse, but he is slowly crossing over.
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Suggs is saving the talk for the season
March 25, 2013
The new general of the Ravens defense had been quiet ever since the team won the Super Bowl in early February.
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Navy coach Rick Sowell not losing faith in his team
March 22, 2013
There are rebuilding jobs at other colleges and universities throughout the country, and then there is trying to turnaround a program at one of the nation's service academies.
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Chris Canty, Marcus Spears were right players at right price for Ravens
March 19, 2013
Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome is back to his old theme: "right player, right price."
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Ravens haven't missed out on much this offseason
March 15, 2013
The Ravens almost lost another key player in free agency.
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More changes could be on the horizon for the Ravens
March 11, 2013
As soon as the Super Bowl ended and quarterback Joe Flacco signed a long term contract, the real business was going to begin as far as reshaping the Ravens.
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Slow start might be too tough for even Duke to overcome
March 8, 2013
The trick might be too great even for Duke coach John Danowski to pull off this season.
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Life returning to normal for Ravens coach John Harbaugh
March 4, 2013
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is back into the routine at the Castle. He is turning down speaking engagements and book deals and watching video of potential draft picks.
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With Joe Flacco now 'elite,' Ravens can turn focus to others
March 2, 2013
Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback now.
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Penn State could be lacrosse's surprise team in 2013
March 1, 2013
Every year in college lacrosse there seems to be a Delaware, Lehigh or Loyola, a team no one figured to be one of the nation's top contenders.
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Ravens shouldn't overreact when it's time to pay Flacco
February 25, 2013
The Ravens are being smart and very cautious in their negotiations with star quarterback Joe Flacco.
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Loyola, Maryland men's lacrosse teams won't have problem gearing up for rematch
February 22, 2013
Loyola head coach Charley Toomey thought assistant Dan Chemotti made perfect sense when he talked him into playing No. 3 Maryland in between games against Towson and UMBC.
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Nothing will top Ravens' first Super Bowl win, but this one was close
February 10, 2013
The comparisons are inevitable because there has been only one other Super Bowl winning season in the Ravens' 17-year history in Baltimore.
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Even with Super Bowl win, Flacco will still be same old Joe
February 4, 2013
Success can change a person, but it probably won't change Joe Flacco.
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These Ravens just kept finding a way to win
February 3, 2013
There are always Cinderella stories in sports, but the Ravens' improbable journey to the Super Bowl XLVII championship is one of the best stories in recent football history.
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We've seen this matchup before, and Ravens will win again
February 2, 2013
NEW ORLEANS -- The older brother will beat the younger brother again.
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Anquan Boldin has stepped up big time for Ravens in postseason
February 1, 2013
When Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome considers whether to bring back veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin and his $6 million salary for another season, maybe he should rewind the game film of the Ravens' 28-13 win over New England in the AFC championship game two weeks ago.
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John Harbaugh has Ravens in right mindset heading into Super Bowl
January 31, 2013
When John Harbaugh stepped to the podium here Monday night, it seemed to complete his evolution as a head coach.
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Best receiver or not, 49ers' Randy Moss has matured
January 29, 2013
The San Francisco 49ers' Randy Moss said Tuesday that he is the best wide receiver to ever play in the National Football League.
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Theatrical Ray Lewis shouldn't make himself the storyline this week
January 28, 2013
It's been nearly 12 years since Ray Lewis played in his only other Super Bowl, but he is still almost as big as the game.
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Biggest questions for Ravens involve 49ers' Pistol offense
January 27, 2013
Maybe now that the Super Bowl is less than a week away it's time to get some serious answers about The Game.
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In their darkest hour, Newsome saw the light
January 24, 2013
When almost everyone else thought the team was coming apart, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome thought his team was coming together.
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Ravens' coaching staff deserves tons of credit for getting this team to the Super Bowl
January 21, 2013
The Ravens coaching staff might be a victim of the front office's success and its ability to draft or sign good players.
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Offensive line leads way to New Orleans
January 20, 2013
When historians look back on the Ravens' 2012 season, they will remember offensive coordinator Cam Cameron being fired and replaced by Jim Caldwell.
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Patriots' Vince Wilfork is one big problem for Ravens
January 17, 2013
For a big man, Vince Wilfork moves around a lot. On one snap, he can be at left defensive end or tackle. On another snap, he can be at the same position on the right side.
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Ravens' offense leads way by making running the ball a priority
January 14, 2013
Despite the lack of a big play in the running game early in the third quarter, the Ravens kept pounding and pounding away at the Denver Broncos' front seven.
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Joe Flacco outduels Peyton Manning when it counts
January 12, 2013
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco might have sealed his fame, future and fortune here Saturday night.
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Time has come for Joe Flacco to show what he's worth
January 10, 2013
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco knows this is the time of the season when NFL legends are made, but also the time when they get paid.
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Might be time for the Ravens to play the underdog
January 7, 2013
As the Ravens begin preparations for Saturday's AFC divisional playoff game against Denver, the first thing they should do is break out the picture of quarterback Joe Flacco lying face down on the turf at M&T Bank Stadium.
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Ravens finally find right combination on offensive line
January 6, 2013
It took the Ravens the entire season, but now they have the right players starting on the offensive line.
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Despite his 'weird season,' Terrell Suggs says Ravens still 'on schedule'
January 3, 2013
Last month it appeared that Terrell Suggs had gone underground. The injuries to the Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker kept mounting, and an altercation with his longtime girlfriend — now his wife — seemed to sour him.
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Preston: Ray Lewis will retire as the greatest middle linebacker to play the game
January 2, 2013
There is really only one more appropriate ending for the Ravens' Ray Lewis, and that won't come for another five years when he takes his place in the NFL Hall of Fame as the greatest middle linebacker ever.
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The key to beating the Colts ... run the ball
December 31, 2012
When Ravens fullback Vonta Leach was able to walk off the field Sunday after suffering an ankle injury minutes earlier, the offensive coaching staff breathed a collective sigh of relief.
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Might have been nice to see the Ravens offense one more time
December 30, 2012
— As the Ravens head into the postseason, one question remains unanswered from the preseason and regular season. There is still doubt about whether this offense can carry the Ravens.
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One more game before new season begins for the Ravens
December 27, 2012
The Ravens' regular-season finale Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals is like the final preseason game — it's just one more test before the new season begins.
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Jim Caldwell breathed some confidence into Ravens offense
December 24, 2012
Two weeks after he was named offensive coordinator, Jim Caldwell has finally put his finger prints on the game plan.
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Mike Preston: Ravens wanted to win more — just ask the Giants
December 23, 2012
When the game was over, the Ravens had showed more heart and desire than the New York Giants.
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Will Ray Lewis dance again at M&T Bank Stadium?
December 20, 2012
Will Ray Lewis dance one more time in a Ravens uniform at M&T Bank Stadium?
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There are plenty of unanswered questions facing the Ravens
December 17, 2012
The Ravens seemed confident after getting blown out by the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but you have to wonder if it was just for public consumption or if it wasreal.
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John Harbaugh faces his toughest coaching challenge yet
December 16, 2012
John Harbaugh has gone to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons as head coach, but now is his time for greatness.
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Caldwell's audition begins; will he pass first test?
December 13, 2012
If the next three games are Jim Caldwell's audition to become the Ravens' permanent offensive coordinator, then the odds are stacked against him.
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Sources: Cameron's play calls vs. the Redskins sparked heated discussions on sidelines
December 10, 2012
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh put on his big boy pants Monday and fired offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
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Ravens look like a team headed in the wrong direction
December 9, 2012
— A week ago, the Ravens got beat by an old quarterback. On Sunday, they got beat by two rookie quarterbacks, one playing on one leg and the other having thrown only nine passes in his NFL career.
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Tough stretch could make or break season for Ravens
December 6, 2012
One game does not define a team, but the next four will.
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Troubling trend for the Ravens? Not calling on Ray Rice
December 3, 2012
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was trying not to point any fingers when he was asked about the lack of touches for running back Ray Rice in the Ravens 23-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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This was an embarrassing loss to an ancient QB
December 2, 2012
The Ravens were fortunate that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't play Sunday because the score might have been worse.
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The Ravens are one tough bunch
November 29, 2012
The Ravens have been lucky, received divine intervention and may be one of the worst 9-2 teams in NFL history, but the one characteristic that stands out about this team is toughness.
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Ravens giving everyone reason to believe
November 25, 2012
When the game ended, Ravens offensive linemen Michael Oher and Jah Reid were chest bumping. Quarterback Joe Flacco was walking around with a clenched fist and Coach John Harbaugh was hugging anyone, almost everyone on the field.
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Little by little, Ravens defense making strides
November 22, 2012
The Ravens coaching staff has been ecstatic with their winning record, but never happy with the overall performance, especially on defense.
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Ravens have to find right time, balance for Flacco contract extension
November 19, 2012
The Ravens are six games away from completing the 2012 regular season, and they are approaching the time when a team might consider signing its franchise quarterback to a contract extension.
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Ravens aren't pretty, but they find ways to win
November 18, 2012
If you're waiting for the Ravens to become a super team in their quest to win another Super Bowl, it's probably not going to happen.
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All attention should turn to Flacco on Sunday vs. Steelers
November 15, 2012
There needs to be more interest in the quarterback who is playing this week than the one who isn't.
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Ravens secondary still an area of concern
November 13, 2012
Buried in the leftover rubble and next to the carcass of the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium is a concern that won't go away.
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Ravens beat the Raiders like it was a homecoming game
November 11, 2012
A week ago, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said there were no easy or homecoming games in the National Football League.
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After Raiders' game, real tests begin for Ravens
November 8, 2012
After the Ravens play the Oakland Raiders Sunday, the real fun begins. That's when the Ravens will show if they are a quality team or a fraudulent one
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For at least one more week, Ravens should keep the ball in Rice's hands
November 5, 2012
The temptation might be great, but the Ravens have to resist.
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There isn't much that is pretty about the AFC North
November 4, 2012
— Ravens coach John Harbaugh was trying to pay both team compliments when he said Sunday's game between the Ravens and the Cleveland Browns was just another typical AFC North game.
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Ravens are at a crossroads
November 1, 2012
The Ravens are at the crossroads.
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Getting Haloti Ngata healthy is No. 1 priority for Ravens
October 29, 2012
The most important thing for the Ravens as they prepare for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday is to get Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata healthy.
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Ravens need to know when to say when with the passing game
October 22, 2012
As the Ravens' coaching staff huddles during the bye week to determine new strategies, hopefully they will come up with a time to unplug quarterback Joe Flacco and the passing offense.
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Bye comes at the right time for struggling Ravens
October 21, 2012
— Few teams are happy to go into the bye week with a loss, but this might work in the Ravens' favor.
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Ravens' defense is sickening, just ask their coordinator
October 18, 2012
It is a campaign season, but Dean Pees wasn't in the mood for ducking any questions about his defense, one of the worst in the NFL.
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Ray Lewis will end his career his way
October 15, 2012
Pro Bowl inside linebacker Ray Lewis did not make it through his 17th season, but he will play in No. 18 next year.
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Someone is watching over the Ravens
October 14, 2012
The Dallas Cowboys may be America's Team, but the Ravens have the football gods on their side.
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Ravens' O-line faces another test vs. Cowboys LBs
October 11, 2012
Ravens offensive tackles Michael Oher and Kelechi Osemele thought they had it tough last week.
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Ray Rice remains the one constant with the Ravens' offense
October 8, 2012
Regardless of what has been displayed on the field by the Ravens during the first five games, this is still running back Ray Rice's offense.
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Dannell Ellerbe finds his place with the Ravens' defense
October 4, 2012
Ravens inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe laughed when he heard the question. Then he smiled. And then he smiled some more.
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Ravens outside linebackers continue to improve
September 28, 2012
Buried under the Ravens allowing 357 yards of total offense to the Cleveland Browns, including 320 yards passing by rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, was a bright spot.
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In September, even an ugly win is a win
September 27, 2012
OK, it wasn't pretty, but it was effective.
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Just remember, the Ravens secondary could be worse
September 24, 2012
Bring back Frank Walker.
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Rookie kicker Justin Tucker keeps a cool approach
September 20, 2012
Justin Tucker has eased most of the concerns about former Ravens placekicker Billy Cundiff.
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Ravens should point fingers at themselves, not officials, for loss to Eagles
September 17, 2012
Nearly two weeks into the preseason, Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said the replacement referees would have little impact on the outcome of games if the Ravens performed well.
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Different season, same story with Ravens' confusing play-calling
September 16, 2012
— Here they go again.
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For a change, Ravens have more questions on defense
September 13, 2012
It's early in the season, and usually there are questions about the offense, but my how times have changed.
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The Ravens have discovered an offense
September 10, 2012
The Ravens have an offense.
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The no-huddle could be a no-brainer for this offense
September 8, 2012
One way or another, 2012 is a coming-out season for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
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Art Modell's spirit lives on in Ravens as an organization
September 7, 2012
All the strong qualities that Art Modell brought to the Baltimore Ravens have surfaced.
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Former Ravens owner Art Modell would do anything for his family, his team and the NFL
September 6, 2012
The new Ravens owner was sitting on stage at the Inner Harbor, and looking quite uncomfortable. On Nov. 6, 1995, Art Modell announced that he was moving the Browns from Cleveland to Baltimore, and while local politicians couldn't hide their enthusiasm, Modell appeared embarrassed.
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Kelechi Osemele should start for Ravens at left guard
September 3, 2012
Ravens rookie offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele says the coaching staff has told him he would play a very substantial role this season.
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Rookie Courtney Upshaw has yet to impress, but there is time for him to improve
August 31, 2012
Rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw has struggled with weight and shoulder problems, but he still should be more impressive than what he has shown in the preseason.
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Ravens need young defensive players to contribute
August 27, 2012
Since the 2000 Super Bowl season, the Ravens have set a standard for greatness on defense. The torch has been passed on from a Rod Woodson and Peter Boulware to a Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed.
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If preseason is any indication, Joe Flacco will be Ravens' biggest weapon
August 23, 2012
Unless quarterback Joe Flacco plays next week against St. Louis, he just completed the best preseason of his five-year NFL career.
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Bernard Pierce making a case to be Ravens' No. 2 running back
August 20, 2012
Ravens rookie running back Bernard Pierce may have had the most impressive one-yard rushing performance in NFL history.
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Preston: Maryland championship team understood teamwork
March 31, 2012
When the Maryland men's basketball team won its national championship 10 years ago, it was uniquely different than a lot of those won during that era.
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It's time for Harbaugh to make difficult changes with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed
January 2, 2012
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is trying to walk the line without falling off the edge — and possibly taking down his team, as well.
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Playoff win so memorable I wanted to play for Billick
October 21, 2010
It's impossible to go through the 2000 Super Bowl season without remembering the Ravens' divisional playoff win over the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.
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Ravens still have some work to do
September 26, 2010
Instead of calling the Ravens playoff contenders, for now we'll just call them a "work in progress."
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Ravens report card: Ravens vs. Bengals
September 19, 2010
Quarterback
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Sorry R. Lewis, but Ogden is best Raven ever
June 14, 2008
It has been the source of a major debate for years. Who is the best Raven - Jonathan Ogden or Ray Lewis?
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In end, Billick couldn't overcome offensive struggles
January 1, 2008
The Ravens' Brian Billick became like the emperor with no clothes on, with his greatest weaknesses as a head coach becoming exposed more and more every year.
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Modell has waited long enough to get into Hall
November 26, 2005
Maybe this year the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee will invoke a statute of limitation on the Ravens' move from Cleveland to Baltimore after the 1995 season and vote former majority owner Art Modell in as a member.
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Williams now has wisdom to complement his speed
May 5, 2004
WITH THE U.S. Olympic trials about two months away, sprinter Bernard Williams is no longer running from his past or struggling with his future.
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Modell stands first in league for heart, generosity, spirit
December 27, 2003
OUR FIRST MEETING didn't go well. On Feb. 9, 1996, only minutes after he announced that his Cleveland Browns were moving to Baltimore, Art Modell was whisked away by bodyguards to a limousine about 100 feet from the stage.
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Star deserved far better than treatment he got
July 27, 2003
WHEN Eddie Murray is inducted into the Hall of Fame today, Major League Baseball will show an appreciation of the superstar that he didn't receive as a player, either nationally or in Baltimore.
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There's nothing marketable about the Bryant situation
July 10, 2003
ACCORDING TO some of the nation's top marketing directors, a lot more Kobe Bryant sneakers should have been sold this week. Maybe we can expect other promotions and sales soon, like "Free Kobe" T-shirts, or a new sitcom, Kobe Comes to the 'Hood.
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Lacy was a grand champion for biggest of sports' causes
May 17, 2003
WASHINGTON - As the letters from senators and congressmen were read, and tributes came from athletes, peers and family, maybe the most touching words came from former Colts and Hall of Fame running back Lenny Moore.
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Pro Football Hall fumbles in shunning of Modell
January 9, 2003
THE ABSENCE OF Ravens owner Art Modell's name from the list of 15 finalists for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003 was expected. There is still too much passion and, in some cases, disdain when his name is mentioned.
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An era passes, leaving Baltimore a different place
September 12, 2002
When former Baltimore Colts great and Hall of Fame quarterback John Unitas died yesterday of an apparent heart attack, so did an era in Baltimore when a professional athlete embodied the spirit and passion of a city.
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Other champions probably greater, but few teams have ever been tougher
April 7, 2002
The pundits and basketball junkies are already discussing the University of Maryland's place among college basketball's elite. But for those who engage in such dialogue, they might miss the story line of Maryland's 2002 national championship run.
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Other champions probably greater, but few teams have ever been tougher
April 7, 2002
THE PUNDITS and basketball junkies are already discussing the University of Maryland's place among college basketball's elite. But for those who engage in such dialogue, they might miss the story line of Maryland's 2002 national championship run.
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Take bow, champs, for all Terps who didn't
April 2, 2002
The University of Maryland put its name in the history books and brought a championship banner to College Park last night as the Terps officially became an elite member of college basketball.
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Take bow, champs, for all Terps who didn't
April 2, 2002
ATLANTA - The University of Maryland put its name in the history books and brought a championship banner to College Park last night as the Terps officially became an elite member of college basketball.
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Lifelong service to pro football should land Modell spot in Hall
January 31, 2002
NEW ORLEANS -- If Ravens owner Art Modell is not selected for Hall of Fame induction on Saturday, it would be an affront to the man, the game and the NFL.
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Gibbons' Muhammad faces different test
September 21, 2001
CARDINAL Gibbons running back Hassan Muhammad II should be concerned about pimples, dates and coming opponents, but instead he and his family have been educators and teachers about their Muslim faith during the past 10 days.
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Williams has goals beyond the finish line
June 28, 2001
THE LAST TIME I had seen U.S. Olympic sprinter Bernard Williams was eight months ago when he was delivering a speech about staying in school and away from drugs to youngsters at the Union Street United Methodist Church in Westminster.
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For Goodman, it's good to be common man
March 5, 2001
Towson University freshman point guard Tamir Goodman is close to becoming a regular student-athlete again.
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At home, Williams cuts a dashing figure
October 7, 2000
FORMER CARVER High School and U.S. Olympic track and field star Bernard Williams apologized Thursday about his posing, preening and flexing during the 400-meter relay team's gold medal celebration in Sydney last week, and said he is ready to move on with the rest of his life.
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Sure-shot D.C. officer Callahan takes aim at medal
July 26, 1992
BARCELONA, Spain -- Someone is always looking for a blood-and-guts story, the kind where Libby Callahan, her cap backward, sits atop a 20-story building and snipes a felon 200 yards away.