aldon smith

Here's a bunch of players the Ravens might draft, but probably not.

This might be the year that the Ravens end up with no compensatory picks and that will be just fine if they're able to immediately fill some roster holes.

On the evening of Feb. 3, 2013, the Ravens and San Francisco 49ers met to decide NFL supremacy. On Sunday afternoon, the two teams play again, hoping to stave off 2015 irrelevance. Staying on the NFL mountaintop has proven difficult for both organizations since Super Bowl XLVII. Retirements, free-agent departures and injuries have whittled away talented and deep rosters. There have been off-field issues and on-field deficiencies. After engaging in a classic shootout on the sports' biggest stage,

Joe Flacco's 384 passing yards in the Ravens¿ 37-33 loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday were the fourth most in a single game in franchise history, and just five shy of his career high.

A look at the offense, defense, special teams and intangibles ahead of the Ravens' game in Oakland against the Raiders.

When coach John Harbaugh said earlier in the week that the Ravens' needed their offensive tackles to play better, it was affirmation of something that James Hurst already knew. Hurst replaced Eugene Monroe at left tackle early in last Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos and he struggled to block DeMarcus Ware, allowing seven quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Ravens right tackle Rick Wagner had similar problems on the other side dealing with Von Miller.

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston picks three key matchups for the Ravens' game against the Raiders in Oakland on Sunday.

As the Ravens prepare for the Oakland Raiders in Week 2 on Sunday, offensive coordinator Marc Trestman needs to open up the offense.

ESPN's "My Wish" series highlights the life-changing impact sports can have on kids when leveraged for the power of good and the better of others. It's a great example of the good that sports can do.

Kyle Arrington's addition provides depth and experience to the Ravens secondary and it also could mean a more simplified role for much-maligned safety Matt Elam.

"To be honest, I feel like I'm a hybrid," Delaire said. "I feel like I can stand up or put my hand down. I feel like I don't have a set position."

Between chasing around athletic San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and trying to outduel Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley, Ravens rush linebacker Terrell Suggs hasn't lacked challenges the past few days.

There were six San Francisco 49ers defenders breathing on the Ravens offensive line. All-Pro pass rusher Aldon Smith walked in from the slot to join them. The strong safety, Donte Whitner, creeping toward the line of scrimmage, made it eight 49ers in the box.

Even if Bryant McKinnie does not prove to be an upgrade over Michael Oher, his return to the Ravens and the left tackle position should make the Ravens stronger at both left guard and right tackle. Make no mistake, though, Oher will still be in the crosshairs of formidable NFL pass rushers over at right tackle.

The Ravens have had positive talks regarding starting inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and will continue to hold discussions regarding their second-ranked priority free agent behind Flacco, according to his agent. The Ravens met with Ellerbe's agent at the NFL scouting combine, but aren't expected to resume talks with him until later this week.

Baltimore Ravens left offensive tackle is a pending unrestricted free agent

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle is an unrestricted free agent

Ravens veteran free safety Ed Reed has never embraced an unconventional approach.

Baltimore Ravens relatively healthy for the SuperBowl in New Orleans.

Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers set to clash in Super Bowl

49ers will combine sturdy defense with explosive offense to beat Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII

Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller has done well since off-field issues in past, including conviction for driving under the influence

Baltimore Ravens held practice at Saints' outdoor facility

Here is what other news outlets are saying about the Baltimore Ravens, the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl XLVII today.

San Francisco 49ers star inside linebacker Patrick Willis has a deep respect for Ray Lewis, his longtime friend and mentor, but he can't wait to become the NFL's new Lion King.

The Baltimore Ravens' offensive line thrived in the playoffs, but the San Francisco 49ers' defensive front presents the strongest test yet.

In anticipation of Sunday's Super Bowl XLVII, Baltimore Sun blogger and reporter Matt Vensel looks at 47 stats that define Sunday's big game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers.

Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers cooperate to share practice field after Ravens had concerns about artificial turf at Tulane University

Every week, we hope to bring you a quick Q&A with someone who covers the Baltimore Ravens' opponent that week. This week, we chatted with reporter Jerry McDonald, who covers the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders for The Bay Area Newspaper Group.

The Baltimore Ravens' opponent Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers, is known for a brick wall of a defensive of front that helped the 49ers rank second in points allowed and third in total defense during the regular season. And when it comes to stopping the run, 49ers inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman are often immovable objects, blocking running backs like Rice from escaping into the open field.

Ravens conduct first Super Bowl practice at Tulane University

Each Wednesday, Baltimore Sun blogger Matt Vensel will highlight five statistics that really mean something for the Baltimore Ravens.

OK Baltimore Ravens fans, I told you last week that I would let you know my take on this Sunday's Super Bowl, pitting your beloved Ravens against the San Francisco 49'ers in New Orleans, La.

Here is what other news outlets are saying about the Baltimore Ravens, the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl XLVII today.

The Ravens offensive line will face another tough test in the Super Bowl on Sunday. The 49ers have one of the most physical and effective fronts in the NFL, and one of the most feared pass rushers in football in linebacker Aldon Smith, who will be chasing after Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco all evening.

Baltimore Ravens' list includes starting inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe did not practice Thursday

Every morning, Monday through Friday, blogger Matt Vensel will hook you up with reading material -- mostly on the Ravens but with some other Baltimore sports stuff, too -- to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday.

AFC champion Baltimore Ravens are relatively healthy heading into Super Bowl

This week, Baltimore Sun reporters Aaron Wilson and Matt Vensel looks back at the Ravens' previous game and that of their next of opponent.

The Baltimore Ravens are packing their backs for New Orleans because the front office and coaching staff have pulled the trigger on a bunch of key moves over the past 12 months, from extending Ray Rice and signing players like Corey Graham and Justin Tucker to changing offensive coordinators and switching up the offensive line. That last move was arguably the most impactful, as the offensive line has been great the past three weeks, paving the road to the Super Bowl.

Every morning, Monday through Friday, blogger Matt Vensel will hook you up with reading material -- mostly on the Ravens but with some other Baltimore sports stuff, too -- to skim through as you slug down coffee and slack off at the start of your workday.