You Said It! - Training Camp

On having high character players on the Ravens roster…

Ozzie, you have done it again. Every time I hear Michael Oher speak, it is that of a humble young man who really wants to prove himself. It is refreshing to hear that kind of guy, and Joe Flacco too. The NFL is full of guys who consistently overrate themselves (Chad Johnson comes to mind). High character guys, that is the way. Team first, that is the goal. I speak for a lot of Raven fans, and we all want to thank you for maintaining a level of integrity that is the RAVENS. Good luck, and let's beat the Steelers.

D.J. Dierksen
Milford, Md.

On what the return of Derrick Mason does for the Ravens...

I am ecstatic that Derrick Mason decided to return for another season. He was the best offensive skill player we had last season as he contributed immensely to Joe Flacco's progression. His importance to our offense cannot be understated. It sounds like he made the decision to return for the right reasons. If he says he still has that passion and "fire" inside of him, I won't doubt him; he has been in the NFL for 12 years. That said, this shouldn't be a let-down to the other young, talented receivers we have. Mason is as good a teacher as any. He knows how to play this game at a high level for a long time and understands how to be a true professional, something the Ravens' organization values very deeply.

Brad Fetzer
Ellicott City, Md.

On the role Kruger will play in 2009...

Kruger has so much potential, but how can the Ravens justify playing him after they paid Terrell Suggs such a big contract? Hopefully, Greg Mattison will find some way to work him in throughout the season to give him some playing time so he can progress as a player. In Ozzie we trust.

Kathleen Ashby
Monkton, Md.

On undrafted free agent Tony Fein...

I am so excited. My grandson Tony Fein is a free agent rookie. He is so excited to be given a chance to play for the Ravens. He knows he has to win a place on the team but is confident in his abilities. His family and friends are praying he gets his dream.

Vicki Palmer (Tony Fein's Granny)
Port Orchard, Wa.

On offensive tackle Michael Oher's enthusiasm...

I hope Michael Oher’s enthusiasm carries over into the regular season. Anyone who knows anything about the game knows that it all starts with the guys in the pits. As an old O-lineman, it’s great to see the good, young talent that Ozzie Newsome has put together. Now that all the guys on the defensive side are healthy too, it’s easy to get excited about this year.

Bill Williams,
Shrewsbury, Pa.

On the "Team First" mentality that Mason brings... 

Mason gave the NFL faithful a glimpse last year of something that is extremely rare from professional athletes today....putting the team first. He played through a very visible recurring injury that epitomized his devotion to his team. His leadership for the young players on this team has been forged through example. As a season ticket holder, I'm happy to pay to see Derrick Mason play.

Joe Patton
Baltimore, Md.

On what DE Paul Kruger brings to the Ravens...

Just watch him – When Paul Kruger gets out on that field he'll raise your eyebrows. I really don't think Baltimore fans know what kind of a football player they've just acquired. He fits in with the Ravens tenacious defense perfectly!

Bryant Bunnell
Salt Lake City, Ut.

On what the wide receiver depth chart should look like...

In response to some fans and media grumbling about who the No. 1 or No. 2 receiver should be - I think they all deserve a chance. If someone does a good job in training camp and preseason, why shouldn't they get credit for it? Why should a receiver be considered a no. 1 just based on past history? I believe they all need to prove what they can do on the field at the start of a new season.

Jeff Fortner
Severna Park, Md.