UFC's Jones Honors Lewis, Crowd Goes Nuts
Ultimate Fighting Champion Jon "Bones" Jones had Baltimore in his corner Saturday night when he successfully defended his light-heavyweight championship against Glover Teixeira at UFC 172.
He had a strong contingent of Ravens players in his corner too, including future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.
To honor Lewis, the Ravens and the city of Baltimore for their support, Jones performed Lewis' classic squirrel dance during his pre-fight introductions at the Baltimore arena.
105.7 The Fan's Jerry Coleman was in attendance and described the scene as the "Hot In Herre" music blared in front of the second-largest Baltimore Arena crowd ever (Rolling Stones) and Lewis himself.
"Baltimore went nuts!" Coleman tweeted.
Check it out (mobile users tap "View in Browser" at the top of the page to watch):
Bones is frequently criticized in UFC circles and rarely has a home crowd behind him, which is why he eagerly anticipated a fight in Baltimore. The city welcomed him after his older brother, Art, was drafted by the Ravens in 2010 and helped them win a second Super Bowl in the 2012 season.
"Arthur has won a Super Bowl here in Baltimore, and now I'll get to win my world title here in Baltimore," Jones confidently said two daysbefore the fight. "I feel like I have the hometown advantage. It's good to breathe in some of this air and go to some of the restaurants my brother goes to. To see all the black and purple, I feel the support naturally. Hopefully that shines through on fight night."
Of course, Art was there cheering his brother on. And even though he signed with the Colts earlier this offseason, he brought with him a large Ravens contingent.
In addition to Lewis, the Ravens party included Torrey Smith, Ray Rice, Jacoby Jones, Jimmy Smith, and Lardarius Webb. More players were cheering from home on social media, including Justin Tucker, Eugene Monroe, Aaron Mellette, A.Q. Shipley.
The defending champion couldn't have been more grateful for the support, expressing his appreciation in a press conference after the fight and explaining how much he practiced the dance in order to do it justice.
"It was great to have the crowd on my side again. It has been a lonnnng time since I've had cheers," Jones said. "I figured it would be that way so I said let me really embrace this, let me really give this audience some entertainment.
"It was great. I was livin' it up. I figured Ray Lewis would be there, a lot of Ravens would be there, so I was just playin' it up and practiced that dance all day, and aced it, I hear. I haven't seen it yet. Ray was happy and yeah, I'm happy. The people of Baltimore, they still love Arthur and they still respect him a lot. I got a lot of respect and a lot of cheers, which made me feel amazing, I really do appreciate it. The boos I've learned to live with, but the cheers are so rewarding, to get some love and respect for once."
Below are some Instagram posts from the Ravens' front-row seats.
Lardarius Webb A Runway Model
You'll frequently see players venturing out and trying new things during the offseason.
It's not every day, however, that you get to see a football player try his hand at* *runway modeling.
That's what cornerback Lardarius Webb did over the weekend, strutting his stuff in Under Armour Brand House gear on the FashionEasta Fashion Show in downtown Baltimore's Harbor East.
Webb certainly had fun with the event, getting the crowd going with some signature poses. He posted a video of his catwalk strut.
"#imtoosexy," he wrote.
Odds Of Signing RT Eric Winston
One of the biggest positions of need that still remains for the Ravens is right tackle, which is why the Eric Winston questions continue to come in.
The offensive line and quarterback are the only position groups that don't have a former Gary Kubiak player that could help teach the new offense, and Winston could fit that role as he was drafted by the Texans in 2006 and starred in Houston for six years.
While Winston could be a good fit, ESPN's Jamison Hensley says that if it does happen, the odds are better after the draft.
"Let's just say the odds increase if the Ravens don't draft a right tackle in the first couple of rounds," Hensley wrote. "Ravens coach John Harbaugh said at last month's NFL owners meetings that the team hasn't spoken to Eric Winston. And there is no reason to do so at that point. The Ravens already have Rick Wagner, who should be the primary backup at offensive tackle, at the very least.
"The Ravens only need to add one more right tackle, and they can do that early in the draft. If the Ravens don't address right tackle in the draft, it would be logical for the Ravens to take a look at Winston. He had some of his best seasons under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak when they were in Houston. The expectations with Winston have to be tempered. He was an average right tackle last year with Arizona and allowed seven sacks."
Chances Ravens Draft QB In Top 3 Rounds
The Ravens want to bring in some competition for backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.
Rumors are flying about visits with various quarterback prospects, and The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec analyzes whether the Ravens would use a high or mid-round pick on a signal caller.
"The fact that the Ravens have hosted workouts and met with several quarterbacks shows that they are serious about adding one," Zrebiec wrote. "Taylor has struggled at times in the preseason and in spot duty and with the former sixth-round pick heading toward free agency next year, the Ravens know that they'll have to start grooming a young quarterback behind Flacco soon.
"This, however, might be a year too early to invest an early or mid-round pick on one. Flacco has started every game of his six-year NFL career and his durability is one of his biggest assets. The Ravens also are keeping an eye on the Houston Texans' quarterback situation with either T.J. Yates or Case Keenum, who both have familiarity with Gary Kubiak's offense, possibly getting their release after the draft. The Ravens would be intrigued, especially by Yates. It appears that the most likely scenario is the Ravens waiting until later in the draft and drafting a developmental quarterback. However, they might not be able to resist a guy like Garoppolo or McCarron if they are available in the compensatory portion of the third round."
Williams Has 'Uphill Battle'
Fans will be rooting on fan favorite LaQuan Williams during OTAs and training camp.
He made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2011 after playing at Maryland, and played well in limited action. But an injury hurt him last year, and he was cut before the season.
Now he has a second chance to make the roster, but Zrebiec says it will be not be easy with four of five-six wide receiver spots already filled with Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones and Marlon Brown.
"There's no question that wide receiver LaQuan Williams, who re-signed with the Ravens yesterday, has an uphill battle to make the team," Zrebiec wrote. "But one thing that is in Williams' favor is his ability to play on every special team unit. The Ravens lost several key veteran special teams contributors this offseason, including Corey Graham, Jameel McClain, James Ihedigbo, Ed Dickson and Vonta Leach. My guess is Ravens' officials had that in mind when re-signing Williams. Now, what Williams has to do is have a strong training camp, which he's done in the past, and stay healthy, which he's struggled to do."
Quick Hits
- @baltimoresun: Earl Morrall, who led the Baltimore Colts to the 1969 Super Bowl, has died. [Twitter]
- @EKD92 Elvis Dumervil]: [Great cause! Looking forward to itRT @LWebb21 @EKD92 Is playing for my defense in my charity softball game June 1 at M&T Bank Stadium [Twitter]
- Please no … @JeffDarlington: You thought @NFL Draft was already a big event? Roger Goodell told me today league will consider stretching it to 4 days (still 7 rounds). [Twitter]
- @TorreySmithWR: RT @Frezeal33: @TorreySmithWR @brendon310 What are you guys' reactions to the Donald Sterling tape?....he got caught [Twitter]
- @ryanmink: That coin flip loss to Dallas, putting #Ravens at 17 instead of 16, could end up being big. Cowboys in the market for a safety, OT or WR. [Twitter]
- @RavensSalaryCap Russell Street Report]: Ravens Rookie Cap will b ~$5-6M, but will need [only about $2M in overall Cap space to sign picks. [Twitter]
- @RavensSalaryCap: Cap Impact of LQWilliams signing will be minimal. Once he hits Cap, Ravens will be $6,246,187 under w/ 63 players under contract/tendered [Twitter]
- @evansilva: ESPN's Mortensen suggests Mike Evans as trade-up target for 49ers. Mort hearing Niners "could be very aggressive in draft." [Twitter]
- @HillcrestBCPS: @TorreySmithWR visits Hillcrest! #respect @DDanceBCPS @cathieallie @Terry_McVey @Ravens [Twitter]
- Congrats Suggs … @untouchablejay4: SHOUT OUT TO MY AAU TEAM @SIZZLEAAU FOR WINNING THEIR 2nd Championship! [Twitter]
- @jtuck9: Awesome day to catch our first O's game this season! #Birdland @amandalbass [Twitter]
