michael bush

Unlike many well-known former NFL players who struggled mightily at the veteran combine Sunday in Phoenix, former Ravens and Tennessee Titans linebacker Brandon Copeland came away from the experience upbeat about his job prospects.

Day two of free agency brought more reminders of the Ravens' key offseason losses. The team continued to weigh their free-agent options, exercising patience as they try to fill roster holes without an abundance of salary cap space.

Former Ravens, Maryland and Poly wide receiver LaQuan Williams has been invited to the inaugural NFL veteran combine.

The upgraded charge against Ray Rice shouldn't change things too much as the Ravens knew they were going to need to add a running back. However, they better hurry.

Since signing with the Ravens, Steve Smith has told anyone who will listen that he's not the final piece of the team's championship puzzle.

The Bears offense has a different look to it under new coach Marc Trestman, who was known as an offensive innovator in the CFL.

Here's a look at the highlights and lowlights around the NFL during the opening weekend:

Ravens running back Ray Rice is scheduled to become a free agent, but the team will place the franchise tag on him by March 5 in the hopes of working out a long-term deal with the Pro Bowl back. That's a bummer for teams looking for an elite back as Rice would have been the best available runner.

Grumpy Ravens coach John Harbaugh on Monday had to answer a few questions about the use of Ray Rice in Sunday's 22-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Based on the line of questioning from reporters, I'm guessing at least one of those guys has Rice, who had 27 rushing yards on a season-low five carries, on their fantasy team.

The Philadelphia Eagles haven't been the team we expected (I'm no longer using the 'D' word when talking about the Eagles, and you're welcome). They are 3-5 at the midway point of the season, and their margin for error is slim to make it into the playoffs.