Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass ruled out of bounds against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

News just broke that San Francisco 49ers wide-receiver 1st round pick in 2009, Michael Crabtree has suffered a torn Achilles tendon during team activities on Tuesday.

Crabtree will soon undergo would could possibly be season-ending surgery, if that is the case, will leave a key hole in this San Francisco 49ers wide-receiver corp. They traded for Anquan Boldin after the Super Bowl loss to the Baltimore Ravens and picking up 2 wide-receivers in this years draft, being Quinton Patton and Chuck Jacobs.

The 25 year old wide-receiver is coming off a break out year, having career highs in receptions with 85, 1,105 yards and 9 touchdowns, helping the San Francisco 49ers reach the Super Bowl. The 3 seasons previous to last seasons, were somewhat of a struggle for Crabtree. A good thing is that he is still young and is strong enough to be ahead of schedule after the surgery, in hopes of possibly returning at some point this season.

Last season Baltimore Ravens Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da’Quan Bowers tore their Achilles tendons during the spring, then returned to the field after starting the year on the physically unable to perform list. So if those two could do it, then a young wide-receiver who is hungry for another break out season, knowing what the Seattle Seahawks are looking like, could definitely do it.

“It’s extremely difficult. It’s definitely one of the hardest things I’ve had to endure in my life. But if you’ve got the drive, you’re not accepting what the world’s telling you, you can do it. But it’s definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” - Terrell Suggs after Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles tendon 

So with Crabtree out, who could they bring in to fill in that hole, until he comes back? Well what about Randy Moss, he’s still out there, still looking for work. He tweeted in March saying he wished he could have finished the job, well with this unexpected twist for this team, he very could have another opportunity to do so. Who will fill in now that their #1 receiver is possibly gone for the season?

Michael Crabtree was the only 1,100, 1,000, 900, 800 yard receiver in the NFC West last season.

Wide Receivers on this San Francisco 49ers roster are the following.

Anquan Boldin

Michael Crabtree – Possibly out the rest of the season.

Chad Hall

Joe Hastings

Chuck Jacobs

A.J. Jenkins

Ricardo Lockette

Mario Manningham

Marlon Moore

Quinton Patton

Kyle Williams

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Ray Lewis (52) celebrates with inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) after winning Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Thus far in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens and their fans have witnessed several substantial losses to their team in general, with defense in particularly weak shape, at least to the general observer’s eye. As it stands, the Ravens have lost their leading sack specialist from last season in OLB Paul Kruger, to a division rival no less, in the Cleveland Browns, as well as another key LB in Dannell Ellerbe who took his respective talents to South Beach (Miami). In addition, the Baltimore Ravens have traded WR Anquan Boldin to John Harbaugh’s younger brother and the San Francisco 49ers –ironic, isn’t it?– for a 6th round pick. And today they’ve just released starting safety Bernard Pollard, where they’re set to be a lot of change in that secondary pending on what happens with future HOF Safety Ed Reed. However, their biggest loss by far this off-season has been losing LB Ray Lewis to retirement, the face for the Raven’s franchise for nearly 2 decades.

So…they’re in panic mode, yes?

If you ask that to a Ravens fan, they’ll probably stuff a hot pit beef sandwich down your throat and tell you to pipe down.

First off, I’d like to say I highly admire their fan base, as they’re certainly one of the most loyal bunch of fans I’ve ever hung around with. And, their franchise is one that deserves the utmost respect, as Ozzie Newsome now owns a pair of Super Bowl rings to go with his Lombardi Trophies. They have already locked up their QB in Joe Flacco, signing him to a 6-year deal worth a whopping total of $120.6 mil, $52 mil of which is guaranteed. This was a deal I initially and heavily, criticized seeing how he’s earning more total money than QB Drew Brees, who safe to say is still a superior QB. But, to the Ravens at least, stats don’t matter, as they’ve been in the playoffs for all 5 years of Joe Flacco’s career as their starting QB. And now, they’re Super Bowl champions under the leadership of Joe Flacco, with plenty of contributions coming from their defense of coarse.

Speaking of which, they signed former Giants DL Chris Canty to a 3 year deal yesterday, and despite the heavy loses suffered to their starting line-up, that unit still has plenty of talent to win games with. I speak of coarse about LB/DE Terrell Suggs, who definitely seems like he’s not going anywhere this off-season. Also, there is Haloti Ngata, an elite DL in his own right. While discussing their front 7, one must include the exciting prospect in Courtney Upshaw, he’s a player who can line up virtually anywhere on the DL or their LB corps. In addition, CB Corey Graham has turned into a smart signing by the Ravens’ management, being able to cover some of the better receivers the league has to offer. And, there is the prospect of Ed Reed returning to finish his career where it started. Plus, this is no longer a team that solely depends on defense to win games. The first move I mentioned, is one that signifies what could very well be the transition from Defense first, to Offense first.

This offense the Baltimore Ravens have built, mostly from their own drafts, is full of young and talented players at all phases. Ray Rice is one of the best RBs in the NFL, where his versatility is unmatched. Having someone that can take the load in the running game, then to see the same player convert on 4th and long with a short RB screen, is something to truly marvel.

Then, there is WR Torrey Smith, who is swiftly developing into a dynamic deep threat much in the way Mike Wallace developed for the Pittsburgh Steelers. By the way, Ravens fans won’t have to worry about Mike Wallace anymore, as he too took his talents to South Beach. Back on topic, there is a player I really like watching in TE Dennis Pitta, who the Ravens were wise to slap a 2nd round tender on before the beginning of the new league year. Dennis Pitta, is just a flat out football player. He blocks, he runs, he catches, and he scores TDs. He is just an all-round weapon that is set to develop into a serious threat in the NFL. Their OL has some promise, too, as OT Michael Oher isn’t the absolutely dominant force most fans have expected him to be, but he is an OL that deserves plenty of respect. Oh, let’s not forget about their best OL in Marshal Yanda, who happens to be one of the best linemen in the game. Now, this along with their LB corps is an area that needs serious attention, but then again this OL performed lights out in the playoffs, so only time will tell as to what happens in pass protection.

Of course, this is by far not a perfect team, and as just mentioned they have needs like all the other 31 teams have to attend to.

A general rule of the NFL these days, is you win through the draft, not free agency. While free agency provides to teams opportunities to supplement their rosters and solve critical problems with proven veterans, a long-term dependence on signing free agents from other teams will only result in bad cap management, and over-inflated salaries. You win long term by drafting and coaching your own players.

That, for the most part, is exactly what the Baltimore Ravens have done.

They have on occasion added players through free agent signings or trades, but for the most part, their roster is “home grown” in a sense. John Harbaugh is one of the best coaches in the NFL for a reason, he does his job, coach and develop players. His entire staff in general has done a good job in turning rookies into starters.

As of right now, the Ravens don’t have a lot of cap space to bring in free agents, so a strong draft is a must come this April. And if Ozzie Newsome should ever make a claim for being the best at what he does, then he would simply point to the players he has selected through the draft.

Overall, he has done a sensational job throughout his career of evaluating talent, and bringing that talent to his coaching staff for development. If you ask me, LB is their top need for this next draft, and there is expected to be plenty of talented LBs available in this next draft. In addition, they could also look to bolster their OL with one of their earlier picks, or perhaps add another speedy weapon for Joe Flacco to launch a bomb to. Despite the circumstances, the Ravens have options, and Ozzie Newsome has a plan. All I as well as any fan should do, is sit back, and watch what happens. After all, they are the defending Super Bowl champs.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs celebrates in the locker room after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Terrell Suggs and the Baltimore Ravens emerged victorious over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, but maybe there were more hurdles in front of them than just the 49ers. Suggs went on WFAN in New York on the “Boomer and Carton Show” and painted a picture of Super Bowl week that showed the NFL catering to the glamorous darling franchise of the NFL (one of several honestly) the San Francisco 49ers, while neglecting the lowly Baltimore Ravens.

The question that started the tirade, if you will, was about John Harbaugh loosing his mind during the Super Bowl black out, and wheter he could believe it.

“I could believe it because you all weren’t there the whole week,” Suggs said, via Sports Radio Interview. “Like, we were treated like this was just another 49ers Super Bowl quest and we was just the victims of it.”

Boomer was quick to point out that the 49ers might have felt the same way after the Ray Lewis last ride media barrage. That maybe the 49ers were just a foot note to the Ray Lewis story.

Suggs disagreed. I mean seriously did you expect Terrell Suggs to understand the other side of the coin.

“If you look, at considering everything, everything was kind of catered for the 49ers, even with the hotels where the families stayed and the facilities they had,” Suggs said. “We was just like, really? Everybody felt bad after the first practice. Our bodies felt terrible [after being on the Tulane baseball field], so it was the whole week. I think Coach Harbaugh was like, ‘I’ve had enough of it. We’re the visiting team and we’ve done everything the NFL said.’ He stuck up for us and said we are not turning over.”

He also added that he thinks Joe Flacco needs to get paid.

“I believe so. They need all them Brink’s trucks. I think he deserves it,” Suggs said. “Anytime you are as young as you are and it don’t take you 8-9 years to even go to the playoffs. He’s been in the playoffs every year.”

And that he has no idea what deer antler spray is, before anyone gets any idea of accusing him of anything.

“I have no idea about that. Let me go on the record: I have no idea what that stuff does.”

December 2, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M

The Baltimore Ravens have some received some bad news following their loss to the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, linebacker Terrell Suggs has suffered a torn biceps. Suggs recently returned to the field after a ruptured Achilles in the offseason and he was hoping to provide an emotional boost to the team in the absence of Ray Lewis. Unfortunately, it appears that Suggs will be missing even more time.

The severity of the torn biceps is currently unknown. It is not believed to be a season-ending injury, but Suggs will go for a second opinion on the injury.

Baltimore is expected to announce the severity of the tear and a possible timeline for Suggs’ return over the next 48 hours, so be sure to stay tuned to NFL Spin Zone for the latsest news.

December 18, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Baltimore Ravens line backer Ray Lewis (52) and line backer Terrell Suggs (55) prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs has been motivated to return to action this season after suffering a serious Achilles injury during the offseason and his vision could come true in week seven. Suggs is hoping to return to action despite some concern from the team.

The Ravens do not want to rush Suggs back to the field but he doesn’t seem to be concerned and is pushing forward in hopes of playing today. While you have to respect Suggs for wanting to get back on the field, it is very dangerous to rush his return if he is not fit and fully healthy.

If Ian Rapoport’s report on the NFL Network this morning was any indication, Suggs should not rush back on the field.

“He’s a game-time decision — Suggs did practice did practice three days this week. I’m told he looked fine and Suggs has long targeted today as the day that he makes his return,” Rapoport said on NFL GameDay Morning. “But a Ravens source told me that Suggs is overweight, not ready to play and he thinks he is crazy to try to do so.

“But Suggs wants to be the one to fill the emotional void left by Ray Lewis, even if it is just for a couple of plays.”

There is still a chance that Suggs won’t play today but, if he dresses, you would have to expect his pride will take him onto the field. Let’s just hope that his heart is not pushing him to do something that will hurt his ability to continue playing the game he loves.

Apr. 18, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens player Terrell Suggs in attendance of the game between the Phoenix Suns against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

When Terrell Suggs was initially hurt this summer many speculated that it was during a recreational basketball game. Terrell Suggs has been adamant that he tore his right achilles tendon during conditioning drills however staff members of the Akchin Gymnasium in Maricopa, AZ state otherwise.

“He got hurt Sunday prior to the [basketball tournament] championship game,” said Herman (Sonny) Hoffman, the director of the Akchin Gymnasium. There was a three-day basketball tournament being held that weekend.

Asked if he believed this is when Suggs injured his Achilles, Hoffman said: “More than likely it was. My staff saw the whole incident. It was the condition you’d describe for a torn Achilles. He had no movement, no step, and it swelled up right away.”

Hoffman said he is required to fill out an incident report related to injuries but Suggs declined help and left the gym.

“Well, I have other staff members that told me the same thing. The people who were scorekeeping, keeping the books, running the clock, they all said the same thing. He did it during the game. It looked like he stepped wrong. There was a collision, and he stepped wrong, possibly on someone’s foot. It was either the Achilles or the ankle because it was in that area. After that, he left and didn’t play.”

However Suggs still remains adamant that he injured himself during conditioning drills. Probably because most contracts contain clauses preventing a player for participating in activities like this where the can be injured. Though the Ravens have maintained that the team would not withhold payments from Suggs no matter how he was injured, conditioning drills, basketball or otherwise.

“Simply not true. I hurt myself doing my conditioning test,” Suggs said in a statement through his agent. “I wanted to make sure that championship game was going to be played in Baltimore, so I didn’t take any time off. After the last game, I left Baltimore and came to Phoenix and started training again. I think the injury is a result of me pushing too hard. I’m not 23 anymore. I’m not 30, either, but there are times you have to back off.”

Hoffman wasn’t the only Akchin Gymnasium employee to speak out. “I was watching ‘SportsCenter,’ and they said he did it during a conditioning test, and I said, ‘What? What’s going on here?’ ” said Adam Bowman, who also works at the Akchin Gymnasium and attended the tournament in which Suggs played. “And then to lie about it … ”

Suggs has a reputation around the league as being an avid basketball player who plays frequently in the offseason. But it looks like the truth won’t be coming out in this one. Suggs is denying everything.

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A few years with a good solid coach, stability in the coordinator positions, and a quarterback whose stock has grown over the last few seasons are reasons that Baltimore Ravens can succeed against New England. However, a key piece to this team is the veteran leadership that Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, and Haloti Ngata bring to the locker room.

These key players are a force to be reckoned with alone, together they are nearly unstoppable.

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