Coffee Companion (9/19): your daily Ravens fix

By Matt Vensel, The Baltimore Sun

Baltimore Ravens Sports Football Philadelphia Eagles New England Patriots Jim Thome Dylan Bundy

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.

RUNNING IT BACK

My colleague Jeff Zrebiec took a closer look at the team’s short-yardage struggles against the Philadelphia Eagles. … Michael Oher says the offensive line can play a lot better. … The Ravens offense had an identity crisis against the Eagles. … Mike Preston thinks the Ravens should stop whining and just play. … Linebacker Ray Lewis will be the focus of NFL Network’s “A Football Life” documentary show on Wednesday night.

RAVENS STUFF, BUT NOT FROM US

Former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon questioned coach John Harbaugh’s play-calling against the Eagles. … Tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson have Joe Flacco’s back. … John Eisenberg said the Ravens can’t get revenge against the New England Patriots by beating them in the regular season. … Jason Butt said the Ravens didn’t play that badly against the Eagles. … Why did the Ravens abandon the no-huddle offense on Sunday?

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

The Patriots have more questions than answers right now. … Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels says Wes Welker still has a big role, but his limited use remains a mystery in New England. … The Patriots brought back Deion Branch and added Kellen Winslow Jr. … The Patriots missed some chances early in their loss to the Arizona Cardinals last weekend. … Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald thinks Bill Belichick is the best coach ever.

SHAMELESS PLUG(S) OF THE DAY

In this week’s “Tale of the Tape,” I broke down the final incomplete pass in the Ravens’ 24-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

AWAY FROM THE GRIDIRON

The Orioles beat the Seattle Mariners in 18 innings on Tuesday. … In the win, a bird went to the bathroom on Tommy Hunter’s favorite hat. … Dylan Bundy is on his way to Seattle. … Dan Duquette thinks the Orioles have what it takes to win the A.L. East. … Jim Johnson was nominated for the Robert Clemente Award. … Jim Thome and Troy Patton are expected to join the Orioles for their upcoming series against the Boston Red Sox.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Who needs the win Sunday night more: the Ravens or Patriots?