Fishing For Fisher

  Derek Fisher.  He has been on the Los Angeles Lakers, winning championships with Kobe Bryant.  After being on Oklahoma City Thunder last year and losing to the Miami Heat, Derek Fisher left to go to the Dallas Mavericks.  After suffering a knee injury this year, Fisher asked for the Mavericks to release him around Christmas time because he wanted to spend more time with his family.  Now, he participated in the Thunder's practice on Tuesday.  Head coach, Scott Brook, has not clarified if Fisher will play Wednesday night.  He will not retire quite yet, and this is his last chance.  If Derek Fisher doesn't play well or prove his point that he still has basketball left in him, this will most likely be his last season.  Maybe Fisher can win a championship in his last season, like Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL, sending him happily into retirement.

By Ameen I.

Comeback Come Short

The Super Bowl as most of you already know the winner was the Ravens, but the reason why is because I think the referees missed a clear pass interference on the last play of the game. Also the Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco played just well enough to win the MVP as he had 3 touchdowns all in the first half and 287 yards with no interceptions. Which is really good even compared to Collin Kaepernick who had 302 passing yards and 1 passing touchdown. He also had 1 interception and 62 rush yards and 1 touchdown with his legs.

The comeback in this game wouldn't have happened if it weren't for a power outage in the beginning of the third quarter. Because it gave the Niners time to regroup after going down 21-6. Then the Niners exploded and scored 25 points in the rest of the game. The Ravens would only score ten points, but it was enough for them. Even though their running game was terrible the Ravens still pulled it out. The Ravens, Ray Rice had only 59 yards and no touchdowns compared to 49er's Frank Gore who had 110 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. The reason the Ravens won was because they spread the ball around to 7 different players and the Niners only gave it to 4 different players. Micheal Crabtree definitely did all he could with 1 touchdown and 109 yards and Vernon Davis had 104 yards and 6 receptions, both of them on the Niners. Boldin had 6 receptions and 104 yards for the Ravens. Even though Jacoby Jones only had 56 yards, but it was on one pass for a touchdown. Jones also had a 108 yard touchdown return the longest in play-off history.

Congratulations to the Ravens and Joe Flacco Super Bowl MVP.

By David B.

Ray Lewis Banned Substance Alligations

Sports Illustrated or SI has reported in a future magazine that Ray Lewis was given a banned substance. Ray Lewis has not tested positive for the drugs and denied the thought of using.

So why would this come upon Ray if he has passed the drug test? The reason is that a product Lewis used to heel his triceps after tearing it on October 14 contained IGF-1 on the NFL's banned substance list. It was contained in a product known as deer ankle spray and Mitch Ross, a co-owner of Sports with Alternatives to Steroids (SWATS) said he spoke with Ray shortly after the injury and Lewis asked for products to speed up his recovery, because he wanted to be out on the field as soon as possible.

"Two years ago, it was the same report. I wouldn't give that report or him any of my press. He's not worthy of that. Next question," Lewis said. This was in an interview on Tuesday in New Orleans. Also this was said by the Ravens Vice President of Communications, Kevin Byrne "Ray has been randomly tested for banned substances and has never failed a test. We have never been notified of a failed test. He has never been notified of a failed test,"

Do you think that the substance was used by Lewis? I think that SI is wrong and that Lewis did use the substance even though everybody else seems to think differently. What do you think post your answer in the comments!

By David B.

A Harbaugh Superbowl

The New England Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens in a thriller last year, and had an early first quarter lead.  The first quarter score was 3-0 with the Patriots on top, just like last year in the AFC Championship.  Although, the Patriots couldn't convert inside the 25 yard line, while their special teams forced the Ravens inside their 20 yard line.  Then, the Patriots tried a fake punt, but the Ravens called a timeout forcing the Patriots to actually punt.  Just before that, during the national anthem, Ray Lewis was very emotional and was crying.  In the first quarter Aaqib Talib went out with a hamstring injury and did not return.  In the second quarter, Tom Brady connected with Wes Welker for a touchdown.  Then, Tom Brady crossed the line of scrimmage and a referee got in the way of Brady and stopped him from possibly having a first down, but sending the drive to fourth down.  At halftime, the score was 13-7 Patriots.  The Ravens 7 points came from Ray Rice with a rushing touchdown.  The Ravens had many costly personal foul penalties, including one on Ray Lewis.  In the third quarter the Ravens brought it.  Joe Flacco hooked up with Dennis Pita for a touchdown.  At that time the score was 14-13 Ravens.  Later in the third quarter Flacco connected with Anquan Boldin for a touchdown,  giving the Ravens a 21-13 lead.  In the fourth quarter Flacco connected   with Boldin again for a touchdown.  Shortly after that, Patriots running back Steven Ridley fumbled the ball and the Ravens recovered.  In Ridley's defense, he was lit up and the ball bounced off his knee.  He would go out with a head injury and would not return.  Then, Tom Brady was intercepted in the fourth quarter, a costly turnover.  With one minute left in the game Tom Brady was looking for a touchdown but instead found himself losing the game to the Baltimore Ravens.  In two weeks the Baltimore Ravens will be going to New Orleans to play the San Francisco 49ers.  This is special for two reasons:  Ray Lewis is in his last NFL game and brothers Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh coaching different teams in the Superbowl.  Both teams fought hard and the Ravens came out on top.  The final score was 28-13.  Joe Flacco was 21-36, 240 yards, and three touchdowns.  Tom Brady was 29-54 320 yards, one touchdown, and two picks.  Wes Welker had eight receptions, 117 yards, and one touchdown.  The most impressive thing though, is that the Ravens shut out the Patriots and scored 21 unanswered points.  By Ameen I.  

                                                                                                                                                                    

Ravens vs. Patriots

As most of you know the Ravens suffered an AFC Championship game loss to the New England patriots. Did you know that with that in mind the Patriots are still have a 9.5 percent lead in the predictions for the favorite to win Sunday's game against the Ravens.

I believe that the prediction is wrong and that they have an equal shot at this game as Patriots do. Although the Patriots offense is a force to be wrecked with. They have a star quarterback named Tom Brady who has lead his team to the Super Bowl last year, but came up short to a familiar foe the New York Giants who they lost to 3 years before. Also Brady has great running back behind him, Stevan Ridley who has a total of 1,263 yards this season and 12 touchdowns. An advantage is given to the Ravens though because star tight end, Rob Gronkowski has broke his forearm again and can't play next week.

The one major thing that keeps the Ravens in games and in the playoffs completely is there defense. Starring Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Both of these players are experienced veterans coming to ends of their careers. Reed has not had a stellar season, but he does have 4 interceptions and he brings experience to the locker room as well as the huddle. Ray Lewis has been out for half the season, the important thing is that he has come back and has played well.

Ray Lewis (Left) And Ed Reed (Right)

       By David B.

The Final Battle? Lewis VS. Manning

The Denver Broncos have had an extreme regular season run of an 11 game winning streak. Also, Peyton Manning himself has a 9 game win streak over the Ravens, including his time with the Indianapolis Colts.

This could be the final battle for Ray Lewis's 16 year career. Ray Lewis will get 3 more chances to play in NFL games. Ray Lewis will only get to play in all of them if the Baltimore Ravens win their next 2 games against the Broncos and the winner of the Patriots-Houston game.

The Ravens opponent, the Denver Broncos have the top 5 regular season offense. The reason why is because of one off season addition, Peyton Manning. He had a break out season averaging 290 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 67 completion percentage, if Manning can do this the Broncos will be the 65% favorite. But, if the Ravens keep him to a 65% or below completion rating, get 3 or more sacks, and 1 interception. Then, the Ravens will have a 65% chance of winning. Overall the Denver Broncos are the 67% favorite.

 

By David B.

Lewis Planning to Retire

After 17 seasons in the NFL, Ray Lewis will retire at the end of this season. "It's time for me to create a new legacy" Lewis says.
In his career, he has recorded 41.5 sacks and 31 interceptions. He was also made 12 Pro Bowls, named first-team All-Pro 7 times, and was voted Defensive Player of the Year twice. There's no doubt that Lewis will be a Hall of Famer. The Ravens will probably be looking for someone to replace him in the draft.
Who should the Ravens get to replace Ray Lewis? Post what you think in the comments!
By: Tarky L.