Recent stories by Jamison Hensley

8:55 PM EDT, September 12, 2011

Flacco cleanly dismantles notion of Steelers jinx

Some consider Sunday's 35-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers a statement game for Joe Flacco. But it was more like a rebuttal by the Ravens quarterback.

8:46 PM EDT, September 10, 2011

Ravens seek redemption in one of NFL's most heated rivalries

One of the most physical rivalries in NFL history has been defined by brawn but decided by brains.

7:15 PM EDT, September 8, 2011

New-look Ravens offense may need time to unlock potential

When Joe Flacco breaks the huddle Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, only two players — guards Marshal Yanda and Ben Grubbs — will have more tenure in the Ravens' offense than the fourth-year quarterback.

9:16 PM EDT, September 9, 2011

All the Ravens' changes make Steelers coach uneasy

The Ravens said goodbye to a lot of years of experience and special memories in parting ways this offseason with the likes of Todd Heap, Derrick Mason and Kelly Gregg.

6:55 PM EDT, September 7, 2011

Flacco not focused on rivalry with Roethlisberger

No one has more wins in his first three seasons as an NFL quarterback than Joe Flacco. But when the Ravens quarterback faces Pittsburgh, all he hears is how he's winless against Steelers quarterbackBen Roethlisberger.

7:50 PM EDT, September 5, 2011

Ravens' offensive line finally coming together

Over the past three seasons, the Ravens' biggest problem offensively against Pittsburgh has been protecting quarterback Joe Flacco.

7:29 AM EDT, September 5, 2011

Ravens sign Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode to one-year deal

The Ravens reached a one-year agreement Sunday with five-time Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode, increasing questions about Matt Birk's availability for the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

9:23 PM EDT, September 1, 2011

Ravens sit starting offensive linemen despite lack of playing time together

The Ravens decided to take the cautious route by sitting their starting offensive line for the preseason finale.

6:50 PM EDT, August 31, 2011

Tyrod Taylor out to prove he's a viable No. 2 QB

ATLANTA — Minutes after Tyrod Taylor threw the game-winning touchdown in last week's preseason win over the Washington Redskins, Ravens coach John Harbaugh declared that the rookie quarterback had made the team.

6:30 PM EDT, August 30, 2011

Kris Wilson makes move toward third tight end spot

Kris Wilson has become a favorite to land the third tight end spot on the Ravens after thinking earlier this month that he might not get another shot in the NFL.

7:49 PM EDT, August 29, 2011

Ravens notebook: Birk plans to play in opener vs. Steelers

Ravens center Matt Birk expects to start against the Pittsburgh Steelers, barring any setbacks.

11:32 PM EDT, August 25, 2011

Ravens at least resilient while working out kinks

In perhaps the last preseason action this year for Joe Flacco, the lasting impression of the Ravens quarterback was his resilience.

6:38 PM EDT, August 24, 2011

Under Pagano, Ravens will unleash pass rush

If the Ravens' Chuck Pagano has proven anything heading into Thursday's preseason game against the Washington Redskins, it's that he's an unpredictable defensive coordinator.

7:23 PM EDT, August 23, 2011

Ravens sign talented but troubled lineman McKinnie

The Ravens took their biggest gamble of free agency when they reached an agreement with talented but troubled offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie on Tuesday.

7:15 PM EDT, August 22, 2011

Ravens notebook: Foxworth's knee improving

Domonique Foxworth worked with the Ravens' starting defense for the first time in a couple of weeks, a sign that his surgically repaired knee is improving.

3:51 PM EDT, August 20, 2011

The key to Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis' longevity? Hard work.

About a month after last season ended, Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano received a text from a friend that read: "I'm watching one of your players run in the sand for an hour."

11:04 PM EDT, August 19, 2011

Evans makes immediate impact, rest of Ravens' offense struggles

Based on first impressions in Friday night's 31-13 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Lee Evans will be a major factor in the Ravens' offense.

2:45 PM EDT, August 18, 2011

Ravens fans get a chance to welcome new, old faces

On a night when three former Ravens return to M&T Bank Stadium, the spotlight will fall on four new starters making their home debut for the team.

9:40 PM EDT, August 16, 2011

Ravens players hope new kickoff rule gets the boot

NFL coaches and players have loudly voiced their displeasure about the new league rule on kickoffs, which has reduced one of the most exciting plays in the game to something almost as predictable as an extra point.

7:14 PM EDT, August 17, 2011

Ravens notes: Rookie DE Pernell McPhee making an impression on Pagano

His fisticuffs with offensive tackle Oniel Cousins on Monday notwithstanding, rookie defensive end Pernell McPhee has already distinguished himself with Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano.

9:09 PM EDT, August 16, 2011

Bisciotti says decision to hire Harbaugh over Ryan came down to chemistry

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti continued to express optimism that the team will sign Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to an extension.

9:38 PM EDT, August 14, 2011

Ravens' Harbaugh not a fan of new kickoff rule

Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn't a fan of the new kickoff rule, which has led to an increase in touchbacks around the NFL.

9:13 PM EDT, August 13, 2011

Cousins flips to right guard as Yanda rests ailing back

With Marshal Yanda out with back spasms, the Ravens did some experimenting at Saturday's practice, moving Oniel Cousins from starting right tackle to right guard.

7:15 PM EDT, August 12, 2011

Ravens bolster receiving corps with speedster Evans

The Ravens made their long-awaited move to upgrade at wide receiver Friday, trading a fourth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for Lee Evans.

1:03 AM EDT, August 14, 2011

Finally out of Buffalo, Evans has sights on deep playoff run

From talk radio to Internet message boards, all the talk has been how Lee Evans is the deep threat that the Ravens desperately needed.

7:40 AM EDT, August 12, 2011

Ravens have much to work on after 13-6 loss to Eagles

It would be cliché to say the NFL's self-proclaimed Dream Team turned the Ravens' preseason opener into a nightmare. But the Philadelphia Eagles certainly exploited enough areas to cause some worries when the Ravens go to sleep tonight.

8:52 PM EDT, August 9, 2011

Ravens may be prepared to have T. Smith start at wideout

Torrey Smith's first NFL training camp has been about adjusting to a new offensive system and a different level of expectations.

7:55 PM EDT, August 3, 2011

Potential backup QB targets for Ravens

The retirement of backup quarterback Marc Bulger could force the Ravens to sift through a weak free-agent quarterback group. While the Ravens say they aren't rushing to get one, here are the veterans available in free agency:

7:51 PM EDT, August 10, 2011

Eagles, Ravens take different approaches to new season

Two teams who have experienced as much change as any in the NFL the past few weeks open their preseason Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

8:59 PM EDT, July 30, 2011

Kelly Gregg opts for new start in Kansas City

The Ravens were interested in keeping nose tackle Kelly Gregg, but they couldn't match an offer from the Kansas City Chiefs.

9:19 PM EDT, August 8, 2011

Ravens sign Ricky Williams to be No. 2 running back

The Ravens filled their big-back void with one of the biggest enigmas in NFL history.

6:20 PM EDT, August 6, 2011

Boldin must become mentor for young receivers

Anquan Boldin's roles this year extend beyond No. 1 wide receiver, fiery leader and part-time play caller.

10:15 PM EDT, August 4, 2011

Ravens notes: Safety Bernard Pollard giddy to be joining team

Almost 24 hours after Bernard Pollard pointed himself toward Baltimore on a red-eye flight from the west coast — and three hours after jumping into his first Ravens practice — the veteran safety was still giddy about his new team.

8:07 PM EDT, August 5, 2011

Ravens turn focus to Mason after missing out on Floyd

After failing to sign Malcom Floyd in free agency, the Ravens presumably will turn their focus at wide receiver to &nbspDerrick Mason.

8:47 PM EDT, August 3, 2011

Birk out three to four weeks, but he's still in line to be Ravens' center

Starting center Matt Birk is out three to four weeks after having minor knee surgery, and Casey Rabach won't be joining the Ravens after failing his physical.

6:19 PM EDT, July 31, 2011

Ravens' Grubbs not worried about ankle

Ben Grubbs, the Ravens' starting left guard, said he isn't concerned about having had two surgeries on the same ankle over the past three years.

5:57 PM EDT, July 31, 2011

Ravens add fullback Leach but lose tight end Heap

On the day the Ravens added some muscle to their running game, they lost some punch in their passing attack.

9:04 PM EDT, August 2, 2011

Fullback Leach has evolved into the league's best bodyguard

No one would ever question the toughness of new Ravens fullback Vonta Leach these days. Respect for him soars every time he knocks another NFL linebacker to the ground.

4:31 PM EDT, July 31, 2011

Gregg has 'nothing to say but great things about the Ravens'

Kelly Gregg, the second-leading tackler in Ravens history, said there are no hard feelings in parting ways with the team.

9:40 PM EDT, July 27, 2011

Ravens notes: Former second-round pick Kindle ready to practice

The Ravens' pass rush will receive a long-anticipated boost this training camp.

6:26 PM EDT, July 30, 2011

Ravens re-sign cornerback Chris Carr

The Ravens re-signed cornerback Chris Carr on Saturday, reducing the sting of losing a string of their own free agents this week.

10:20 PM EDT, July 30, 2011

One-on-one with Ravens coach John Harbaugh

John Harbaugh is beginning his fourth training camp as the Ravens head coach. He became the first Ravens coach to lead the team to the playoffs in three straight seasons and was rewarded with a three-year extension in February. Harbaugh spoke with The Baltimore Sun's Jamison Hensley on his expectations for Sergio Kindle, his reaction to the criticism of Joe Flacco and his take on the heated rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

9:10 PM EDT, July 29, 2011

Ravens rookie Jimmy Smith hits ground running in first practice

What stood out from Jimmy Smith's first NFL practice is that it didn't look like it was the cornerback's first NFL practice.

7:49 PM EDT, July 29, 2011

Ravens will start negotiations with Haloti Ngata soon

General manager Ozzie Newsome said talks on a long-term deal with defensive tackle Haloti Ngata will begin in three or four days.

9:05 PM EDT, July 27, 2011

Defiant Flacco sticks up for himself

When the Ravens open training camp Thursday, the offense will have a new look — and not just because tight end Todd Heap and wide receiver Derrick Mason are gone.

10:07 PM EDT, July 28, 2011

Short-handed Ravens open practice with new look

Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver James Hardy instead of Derrick Mason. Ray Lewis lined up behind nose tackle Terrence Cody instead of Kelly Gregg. And Ray Rice ran behind fullback Jason McKie instead of Le'Ron McClain.

10:07 PM EDT, July 25, 2011

Ravens make surprising cuts after lockout ends

The celebration of the NFL's 4-month lockout ending turned into disbelief when the Ravens cut four players, including their top two receivers of all time.

10:15 PM EDT, July 21, 2011

NFL lockout continues as players choose to not vote on new CBA

NFL owners unlocked the doors Thursday, but the players aren't ready to enter just yet.

11:45 AM EDT, July 27, 2011

Cornerback Josh Wilson now Ravens' top priority

The Ravens locked up their No. 1 priority in free agency by agreeing to a multi-year deal with guard/tackle Marshal Yanda. They are able to negotiate with their own free agents until 6 p.m. Friday; after that, other teams can make their pitches. Here's a ranking of the other 13 unrestricted free agents in terms of priority to the team:

11:44 PM EDT, July 18, 2011

Ravens' Rice stands by remarks about arrest of Steelers' Ward

Ravens running back Ray Rice said he never intended to disrespect Hines Ward when he commented about the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver's DUI arrest a week ago, but he still stands by his remarks.

8:22 PM EDT, July 24, 2011

Josh Wilson one of many Ravens free agents waiting for end to lockout

The NFL players' leadership is expected to recommend the labor deal Monday, which would move the league one step closer to ending the lockout.

9:44 PM EDT, July 22, 2011

NFL lockout expected to continue through weekend

Based on an apparent email from their union representatives to the players, labor peace in the NFL likely won't be reached this weekend.

7:41 PM EDT, July 8, 2011

Cousins ready to fight for starting spot at right tackle

At this time a year ago, Oniel Cousins was battling back after having a cyst removed from his esophagus. Now, healthier and more motivated, Cousins has a different fight on his mind.

6:49 PM EDT, July 14, 2011

McClain realizes days with Ravens may be coming to an end

When Le'Ron McClain finishes up his football camp at Lutheran School next week, the two-time Pro Bowl player doesn't know if he'll return to Baltimore again this year.

9:04 PM EDT, April 26, 2011

Sons of former NFL players popping up on Ravens' draft radar

Cameron Heyward has the toughness that the Ravens covet. He has the versatility that fits their defense. And he has the bloodline that says he will tackle the NFL head-first.

9:06 PM EDT, July 23, 2011

NFL agreement nearing completion; players could vote Monday

NFL owners and players have tentatively agreed to a plan that would allow for the players' executive committee to vote Monday to recommend accepting the collective bargaining agreement and end the league's 4-month-old lockout, according to multiple reports.

8:48 PM EDT, June 13, 2011

Longtime Ravens trainer Tessendorf honored by Ed Block Foundation

Bill Tessendorf, the longtime Ravens trainer who retired last month, was recognized Monday night by the Ed Block Foundation as part of its sponsor appreciation kickoff dinner.

7:10 PM EDT, July 20, 2011

Reed feels healthy heading into training camp

A year ago at this time Ed Reed limped around his football camp and spoke with uncertainty about when he would start the season.

6:54 PM EDT, July 13, 2011

In post-lockout frenzy, Ravens will have to focus on these priorities

If the NFL lockout ends next week as expected, the Ravens' first hurry-up drill of the season will be orchestrated by the front office.

6:59 PM EDT, April 27, 2011

Ravens' first-round plans may hinge on Colorado's Jimmy Smith

When the Ravens are on the clock with the 26th pick of the first round of the NFL draft, it's very likely that one streak will end or another will continue.

8:52 PM EDT, October 24, 2010

Game 7: Ravens avoid embarrassing loss, beat Bills 37-34 in OT

On the day the Ravens celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their Super Bowl team, middle linebacker Ray Lewis provided a timely flashback.

8:18 PM EDT, September 19, 2010

Game 2: Flacco's disastrous day dooms Ravens vs. Bengals

— Ray Lewis and the other conspiracy theorists blame the Ravens' 15-10 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals on two controversial penalties.

9:06 PM EDT, April 22, 2011

Ravens hope 2011 draft yields better results from receivers

The Ravens, one of the NFL's top drafting teams, have struggled in one area: Selecting wide receivers.

11:21 PM EDT, April 29, 2011

Ravens land their 'kind of guy' in Terps wide receiver Torrey Smith

When Joe Hortiz ran into John Harbaugh in the stairwell Friday, the Ravens' director of college scouting said he had "a gut feeling" that Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith would fall to the team toward the bottom of the second round.

8:05 PM EDT, October 3, 2010

Game 4: Ravens rally to beat Steelers 17-14

Joe Flacco's exhilarating, last-minute 18-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh did more than elevate the Ravens to the top of the AFC North.

11:25 PM EDT, April 29, 2011

Ravens won't get extra pick from Bears after first-round mishap

The Ravens apparently won't be getting anything more than an apology from the Chicago Bears in this draft.

10:31 PM EST, November 28, 2010

Game 11: Ravens show endurance in 17-10 win over Buccaneers

Survival proved to be a pressure-filled prelude to the Ravens' most eagerly awaited game of the season.

6:44 PM EDT, April 26, 2011

Ravens' Zbikowski appealing suspension over failed drug test

Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski is appealing a 45-day suspension for failing a drug test after Saturday's victory in Thackerville, Okla.

11:02 PM EDT, April 19, 2011

Ravens have eye on playmaker in first round

As the Ravens enter unfamiliar territory — conducting a draft before free agency because of the lockout — team officials were asked if they were in agreement over the Ravens' biggest area of need.

10:15 PM EST, November 21, 2010

Game 10: Ravens tame Panthers, 37-13

The foundation of a proud defense held true at a time when the Ravens could have crumbled again in the fourth quarter.

3:09 PM EDT, May 2, 2011

Ravens receive solid marks for draft from national experts

Perhaps the best way to grade this year's Ravens draft is to look at the smile on the face of Eric DeCosta, who walked into the team's news conference on crutches after tearing his Achilles' tendon earlier this month.

12:54 AM EST, November 12, 2010

Game 9: Falcons outgun Ravens 26-21 after Ravens' comeback fails

In the end, Matty Ice proved a little hotter than Joe Cool.

December 30, 2009

Recalling our favorite sports memories of 2009

Why do we love watching sports? And what did we love the most in 2009?

1:07 AM EST, November 8, 2010

Game 8: Ravens maintain intensity, put Dolphins away in 4th quarter, winning, 26-10

Ray Rice busted out some dance moves while walking to the huddle, just like the ones he used to elude the Miami Dolphins all afternoon.

12:06 AM EST, December 20, 2010

Game 14: Ravens send Saints packing, pick up confidence boost in 30-24 win

The Ravens surprised a sellout crowd at M&T Bank Stadium with a new menacing look, and it had nothing to do with sporting all-black uniforms for the first time in three years.

8:54 PM EDT, October 10, 2010

Game 5: Ravens pound Broncos in 31-17 win

A fear of a letdown spurred a typical smackdown by the Ravens.

10:57 PM EDT, September 26, 2010

Game 3: Flacco guides Ravens to 24-17 win over Browns

If nothing else, the Ravens' jubilant homecoming proved Joe Flacco doesn't fold under pressure.

January 17, 2010

Colts 20, Ravens 3

Game 18: Ravens have painful reunion with Colts

- Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is causing more heartache for Baltimore fans these days than Bob Irsay.

December 28, 2009

Steelers 23, Ravens 20

Game 15: Mistakes haunt Ravens in loss to Steelers

The Ravens should have been celebrating a trip to the playoffs at Heinz Field. But like most celebrations for the Ravens on Sunday - especially the ones in the end zone - they simply weren't meant to be.

12:51 AM EDT, October 18, 2010

Game 6: Ravens cave in fourth quarter as Patriots win 23-20 in OT

The Ravens were one quarter away from celebrating another impressive road victory, whipping Tom Brady in his house again and putting a stranglehold on the AFC.