Coffee Companion (10/2): your daily Ravens fix

By By Matt Vensel

| The Baltimore Sun |

Oct 02, 2012 | 6:15 AM

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

Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who was well-liked during his time with the Ravens, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. … After a short break, the Ravens players got back to work on Monday. … The Ravens will have to prepare for the noise level at Arrowhead Stadium, where they will play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. … Veteran Ravens center Matt Birk has joined the movement opposing same-sex marriage.

RAVENS STUFF, BUT NOT FROM US

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is spreading the ball around. … The Ravens have defensive issues that they need to address. … One of the Cleveland Browns has accused the Ravens of dirty play. … Adrian Hamilton is a practice-squad pass rusher.

BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel is sticking with Matt Cassel as his starting quarterback, but Brady Quinn could play against the Ravens on Sunday. … Would benching Cassel be the wrong move? … Is this how the benching would go down? … Are these guys capable of playing should Cassel AND Quinn get benched?

SHAMELESS PLUG(S) OF THE DAY

I looked at the Ravens' snap counts from the first four games of the season, and there were some interesting trends that stood out.

AWAY FROM THE GRIDIRON

The Orioles lost to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night despite another home run from Chris Davis. They fell a game back in the A.L. East. … Nick Markakis experienced a setback in his recovery from a broken thumb, putting his status for the playoffs further in doubt. … Jason Hammel may return to the field this weekend.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Do you have an opinion on athletes voicing their political views?

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