j j watt

When the Ravens square off with Houston Texans star defensive end J.J. Watt on Sunday, they'll be tasked with blocking one of the most formidable defensive players in the NFL over the past decade.

The Ravens have to review film of their toxic waste dump of a win over the 2-12 Jaguars. It's their job. But you, dear reader? You get to move on.

Although Dumervil isn¿t a full-time defensive player like Houston and Watt because he splits snaps at strong-side outside linebacker with Courtney Upshaw, he says he deserves consideration for NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors

With six winnable games remaining after bye week, Baltimore Ravens have control of their playoff destiny.

Minnesota defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman is one of the most imposing prospects at the Senior Bowl.

A look at some other items national media outlets have written this week regarding the Ravens' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers and their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.

A clear message has been delivered with such a big change coming to an underperforming offensive line described as disappointing Monday by coach John Harbaugh.

Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell is keeping things simple for his unit

Jim Caldwell tried establishing the Ravens' ground game without much success; it had 31 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown with Ray Rice sidelined with a hip injury.

Two of the baddest men in the NFL squared off Sunday at the Bank. In one corner was Ravens All-Pro right guard Marshal Yanda. In the other was Houston Texans All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt, the NFL¿s reigning Defensive Player of the Year. If this was a legit heavyweight fight, Watt would have won it in a decision.

Making his first NFL start with injured Pro Bowl runner Ray Rice sidelined with a strained left hip flexor, Pierce salvaged a tough day by grinding out the majority of his 65 yards on 24 carries during the second half of a 30-9 victory at M&T Bank Stadium.

Baltimore Sun experts make their predictions for the NFL Week 3 game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.

Led by All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt, the Texans have one of the most aggressive and physical 3-4 defensive fronts in the NFL.

In eager anticipation of the 2013 NFL season, Matt Vensel of The Baltimore Sun will take a daily look at one of the 13 opponents on the Baltimore Ravens' schedule. Today's team is the Houston Texans.

Super Bowl champions have a tradition of being awarded the first game of the season

Kingsley Opara, a Maryland defensive line commitment, talks about playing for the Terps.

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.

Every Monday morning -- even during the playoffs -- I bring you my weekly premature NFL power rankings. Why Monday? Because who wants to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday for power rankings? Since only four teams are still standing, this will be the last week I do the power rankings this season. It has been fun, and I thank those who took a deep breath and tried not to take these inane rankings too seriously.

Baltimore Ravens debating blocking options for Cincinnati Benagls defensive tackle Geno Atkins

Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins appears to be well on his way to being as perfect as an interior lineman can get. With 13 sacks thus far, Atkins ranks fifth in the league in that department.

Baltimore Ravens rookie offensive tackle learning on the job

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.

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.

In Sunday's 55-20 blowout victory over the Oakland Raiders, the Baltimore Ravens defenders channeled their inner Dikembe Mutombo, swatting down six of quarterback Carson Palmer's passes to the turf. All that was missing was the finger-wagging.

Fortunately, I already have a dog, and my friend Bogie tells me that people are getting a little too worked up about one dog-day afternoon by the Ravens.

With the Ravens in their bye week, Baltimore Sun reporter Aaron Wilson takes an in-depth look at their 43-13 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Every Tuesday, blogger Matt Vensel breaks down a critical play, sometimes with the help of Ravens players, from that week's game. Today he looks at Joe Flacco's interception that was returned for a touchdown in Sunday's 43-13 loss to the Houston Texans.

Baltimore Sun blogger Matt Vensel rounds up opinions on the Balitmore Ravens from across the blogosophere and gives his take on what those people are saying.

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.

The Ravens offensive line allowed four sacks along with eight quarterback hits during a 43-13 loss Sunday at Reliant Stadium.

The reality smacked the Baltimore Ravens in the faces like one of Joe Flacco's passes that was batted back toward him by a swarming Houston Texans defense.

Terrell Suggs, the Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker, is active and expected to play limited role vs. Houston Texans.

Terrell Suggs could play Sunday after Baltimore Ravens activate him from PUP list

Baltimore Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda discusses Texans defensive end J.J. Watt's ability, which includes a knack for knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage.

Texans lost defensive leader to torn anterior cruciate ligament

Many NFL coaches are quick to suggest that the rigors of training camp can shape a player's propensity for success during the regular season. Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt may be the poster boy who dispels that notion.

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.

Baltimore Sun NFL picks: Ravens at Texans

Houston cornerback, who has made three interceptions against Ravens, not expected to practice until Friday because of sore groin

Every week, I hope to bring you a quick Q&A with someone who covers the Ravens' opponent that week. On Sunday, the Ravens will take on the Houston Texans in Houston. Stephanie Stradley blogs about the Texans for The Houston Chronicle, and she was kind enough to answer a few of questions heading into the game.

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. That way he'll have an excuse to do the same to start his workday, too.