anthony allen

Jeff Zrebiec delivers his scouting report for the regular-season finale between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.

As the Ravens enter their final game of the regular season today against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ravens rookie Bernard Pierce is giving the organization a glimpse of what he can do with a little experience and a healthy body.

Jacoby Jones made it for the first time; Marshal Yanda is a first alternate

Baltimore Ravens allowed 64-yard punt return against Washington Redskins to set up game-winning field goal.

In his last day on the job before being fired Monday morning, Cam Cameron called one of his more effective games even though mounting behind-the-scenes discord led to his dismissal. With Vonta Leach plowing defenders and Ray Rice dancing upfield, the Ravens used its running game to pile up a season-high 186 yards.

Two minutes into overtime of a 31-28 loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday at FedEx Field, the Ravens allowed a 64-yard punt return to Redskins cornerback Richard Crawford that directly led to a 34-yard game-winning field goal by kicker Kai Forbath.

Jacoby Jones' punt return touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted the improvement the Ravens have made on special teams this season.

Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec breaks down the Baltimore Ravens vs. San Diego Chargers game on Sunday.

Jacoby Jones' 63-yard return in the first quarter was his third return for a touchdown this season and his second in the past two games.

Ravens return specialist Jacoby Jones' instincts and speed have propelled him to a pair of record-breaking kickoff returns this season, and now he's been named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

The Ravens scored 27 first-half points, tying the most ever in the John Harbaugh era, and kept pouring it on from there en route to a 55-20 blowout over the hapless Oakland Raiders in front of an announced 71,339 at M&T Bank Stadium. The 55 points set a new franchise record.

Now that the Ravens have officially finished up the first half of their schedule, let's take a look at the snap counts for their players over the first eight games of the season -- and since we last checked on these totals a month ago -- to see which new trends are developing. These official snap counts come courtesy of the NFL.

If Torrey Smith has his way, there will be at least a few yards separating him and Joe Haden on Sunday. But away from the football field, the Ravens wideout and the Cleveland Browns cornerback remain close after growing up in neighboring communities in Virginia.

If not for late botched two-point conversion where Bryant dropped an accurate Romo pass, this game likely heads to overtime. Instead, the Ravens notched their 15th consecutive home victory.

Running back was a preseason standout

Every Tuesday, Baltimore Sun blogger Matt Vensel breaks down a critical play, sometimes with input from Baltimore Ravens players, from that week's game. Today, he looks at Jacoby Jones' record-setting kickoff return in the win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Jeff Zrebiec has Baltimore Ravens news, notes and opinions on Ray Lewis, Lardarius Webb, Haloti Ngata, Joe Flacco and much more.

Ravens cash in on signing returner Jacoby Jones during offseason

The Ravens' NFL-best home winning streak survived the Dallas Cowboys, but just barely. The result was the Ravens' 31-29 victory in front of an announced 71,384 today at M&T Bank Stadium. Ray Rice scored two touchdowns and Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown.

Despite getting cut, backup running back Anthony Allen has returned to active roster and helped out on special teams and offense

Rookie running back Bernard Pierce adapting to role backing up starter Ray Rice and splitting carries with fellow reserve Anthony Allen

Every Tuesday, Baltimore Sun blogger Matt Vensel breaks down a critical play, sometimes with input from Baltimore Ravens players, from that week's game. Today, he looks at Ravens rookie running back Bernard Pierce's 21-yard again against the Cleveland Browns.

After an encouraging game against the New England Patriots where Flacco wasn't sacked and rarely hit, he sustained several big hits as the offensive line regularly broke down Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns.

Ellerbe hit left Browns' star dazed

Ravens running back Ray Rice knows he continues to play a major part in the offense

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston answers a selection of reader questions about the Ravens' 44-13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener at M&T Bank Stadium.

Eagles coach has been a mentor to Baltimore Ravens coach

Baltimore Ravens undrafted free agent running back Bobby Rainey cleared waivers and was signed to the Ravens' practice squad

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees picked his spots carefully, manufacturing just enough of a pass rush to keep Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton honest last night.

Baltimore Ravens inactives include LaQuan Williams and Jah Reid

Adjusting to being on the practice squad

Discussing a player's hair is rarely relevant, but it is this week with the Cincinnati Bengals returning to M&T Bank Stadium for the first time since last November, when Bengals cornerback Adam Jones desperately yanked Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith down by his dreadlocks in a Ravens win.

The Ravens finalized a contract Sunday with former New England Patriots safety James Ihedigbo, a move intended to bolster depth at an injury-riddled position.

The Ravens completed their practice squad today by signing quarterback Dennis Dixon, who has three career starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Ravens announced that they have filled five of their eight practice squad spots, bringing back five players who they cut yesterday, including preseason standout Omar Brown.

Roster cuts made by Ravens, down to 53 players

The Ravens have retained defensive tackle Bryan Hall on their roster as they make cuts today, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Ravens backup running back Anthony Allen struggling in pass protection this preseason.

An improved Ravens offensive line still has work to do

An improved Ravens offensive line still has work to do