Can Ravens Put Bears in Hibernation?

The last time the Ravens and Bears met, a last-minute poor snap by Gino Gradkowski resulted in a loss in a game that was very memorable, mostly due to the crazy weather that took place during it…and, of course, the frustrating finish.

The Bears’ head coach that day? Good ol’ Marc Trestman. He’s been hired and fired as Ravens OC since that game, reiterating the fact that NFL really does stand for “not for long.”

The Ravens looked good last week in Oakland. Are they gaining momentum? Or will they lay another egg and add some evidence of their own to that “not for long” pile?

Let’s take a look at this week’s stats, quotes, and more,c/o Casa Mia’s White Marsh.

KNOW THY ENEMY

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

WR Jeremy Maclin on the Ravens’ offense starting fast and the dominant O-line performance in the win at Oakland:

“I think guys came out with a mindset that we wanted to dominate the game and make a statement, and I think we did that from the start. I think the offensive line played great — both in the run and the pass game. I thought they dominated. Everything starts up front. Anytime you keep Joe [Flacco] clean and anytime you open up lanes for those running backs, we like our chances.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees on rookie first-round pick CB Marlon Humphrey:

“He is fast, physical, big, he uses his hands, and he is into the gameplan. He has all those things that you want a DB to possess. I think that he is just a really good player, a really good talent, and I think we have done a good job of bringing him along and not throwing him in there too fast. Each week, he gets more and more plays, and now he has himself in a little bit of a rotation-type thing.”

QB Joe Flacco on last week’s 30-17 win at Oakland:

“Every win is big. [The Oakland win] is a little more significant, just because what it does for the mentality and confidence of the football team, and what the other side, what not winning, would have done to the mentality of the football team. It doesn’t matter when you lose them, necessarily, or when you win them, you just have to have the right amount of wins at the end. But as far as the mentality of this football team and confidence of our offense, of our defense, I think it will definitely go a little bit longer than a normal win.”

John Harbaugh on QB Joe Flacco handling pressure well and playing strong in last week’s win at Oakland:

“Joe is always going to do that. He is going to try to put together the best game he can every week. You’re not always going to have your best game, but hey, we want to string together as many good games as we can. I was happy for Joe, because there is pressure in that position, and he handles it so well, which we are always very proud of.”

Special teams coordinator/associate head coach Jerry Rosburg on RB Alex Collins’ ability to return kicks:

“He’s a hard-running, downhill player. He’s able to read blocks. We think he can make big plays, just like on offense. You see it when he has the ball in his hands. He’s exciting to watch.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU ~ Q&A with Michael Pierce

Why did you choose to sign with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2016?

“They flew me out for a pre-draft visit and basically showed me their scheme and the kind of players they had here. They showed me Brandon [Williams] and the kind of nose guards they have. Even being from Alabama, I knew the lineage and the types of guys they have had on the D-line in Baltimore. To have the coaches spend time with me and show me how I could fit in their scheme really went a long way.”

What is the strangest encounter you have had with a fan?

“I was at the grocery store Wegmans, and I was being followed by a guy. I guess he was an avid lifter. I’m shopping, and I just see this guy following behind me picking up everything I’m picking up. I turn around and say, ‘How are you doing?’ He was like, ‘I’m a big fan of the Ravens! I want to get as strong as you and Brandon [Williams]. What do you guys eat? Can I see your grocery list?’ He followed me around the whole store and bought everything I did. It was odd, but kind of cool.”

Do you collect anything?

“I collect jerseys. I bought a Carmelo [Anthony] jersey at a signing auction, I have a [Kristaps] Porzingis jersey, and I just recently bought a Steph Curry jersey.”

What’s the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

“I went to someone’s house, and they had raccoon, so I tried that. It wasn’t for me. It’s a backwoods specialty, but I couldn’t get down with it.”

Compare you and DT Brandon Williams to a non-football duo:

“Mike [Greenberg] and Mike [Golic] from ‘Mike & Mike’ on ESPN. You have one animated guy in Golic and a super chill guy in Greenberg. Brandon is obviously the super animated guy, while I’m the chill guy. You put us together, and we are having a great time and constantly laughing.”

Favorite NFL player to watch growing up:

“Vince Wilfork. He played in Dean’s [Pees] scheme, and the dude was a monster. I pray he goes to the Hall of Fame. He was one of the best nose guards ever.”

What would you like to do after your playing career?

“I would like to be a college athletic director. I’ve always loved sports. I want to make an impact on people’s lives, not necessarily in coaching, but changing an entire program and making an impact on kids.”

Hero:

“My dad.”

Dream date:

“Eva Mendes.”

One event in history you wish you witnessed:

“The Million Man March.”

Motto:

“Only the strong survive.”

HEY, YOU LOOK FAMILIAR ~ Key Connections

Bears OLB Pernell McPhee was drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft and played in 60 games while with Baltimore from 2011-14.

Bears TE Daniel Brown signed with the Ravens as a RFA in 2015 and played in eight games (six in 2015 & two in 2016) before Chicago signed him off Baltimore’s practice squad last year.

Bears rookie RB Taquan Mizzell spent the 2017 training camp with the Ravens and was the team’s leading rusher (126 yards) and receiver (90 yards) in the preseason.

Bears WR Deonte Thompson played the first two years of his NFL career (2012-13) with the Ravens.

Bears LS Patrick Scales (IR) played in two games with the Ravens in 2014 after signing as a rookie free agent.

Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was on the Ravens’ coaching staff from 2006-09, serving as the LBs coach in 2009.

Bears offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn worked in Baltimore’s player personnel department from 2003-08.

Bears head equipment manager Tony Medlin is the brother of Ravens assistant certified athletic trainer, Ron Medlin.

Bears assistant defensive backs coach Roy Anderson served as a defensive assistant for Baltimore from 2005-11.

Ravens DT Kapron Lewis-Moore (practice squad) spent the 2017 offseason and training camp with Chicago.

Ravens QB Josh Woodrum (practice squad) spent part of 2016 on the Bears’ practice squad.

Ravens offensive assistant Andy Bischoff (tight ends, 2013-14), offensive assistant/QBs coach Craig Ver Steeg (offensive assistant/quality control, 1996) and specialists coach

Randy Brown (kicking consultant, 1996-1998) all spent time on Chicago’s coaching staff.

Ravens WRs coach Bobby Engram was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 1996 draft and played in Chicago from 1996-2000.

Baltimore’s director of player engagement Harry Swayne served as the Bears’ team chaplain for five years (2003-07).

LAUGH OF THE WEEK AT EXPENSE OF RAVENS’ OPPONENT

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