As the doors to the UMFL opened, the Minnesota Vikings surprisingly fired Head Coach Mike Zimmer after two season and one playoff appearance.  Zimmer brought the 2015 Vikings to a loss in the Wild Card round.  His affect on the defense will be something to watch, as he was extremely close to the players on that side of the ball.  

To replace Zimmer, the Vikings hired 40-year old Art Vandalay.  Vandalay has a reputation as a prolific offensive mind.  He will, however, use a very similar offense to that which Zimmer employed.

The Vikings fully expect to contend for the NFC North title and have a run at the playoffs.  However, in a division with the always stout Packers, the up-and-coming Lions and an improving Bears teams, this is no foregone conclusion.  In addition, the Vikings will have a difficult out-of-divison schedule ahead of them, with games against the Cardinals, Panthers and Giants.

ON OFFENSE:

The Vikings will continue to employ Teddy Bridgewater as the primary signalcaller.  He's a perfect fit for Vandalay's west coast offense.  His health is a bit of a concern with his recent injury history, but he has the requisite quick release and accuracy that is necessary for the Vikings offense.  Sam Bradford is the backup and could legitimately start for many teams in the league.  His salary is sizeable but the team isn't worried about their finances at this time.

The running game will go through Adrian Peterson.  He's still got the speed and power that made him into a star, though injuries are always going to be a possibility.  He isn't a natural pass catching back but he has looked solid in practices thus far.  Jerick McCinnon is a speedster that will serve as the pass catching back, while Marshaun Coprich was recently signed to be a powerful young backup for running downs.

Bridgewater has an embarssment of riches in terms of targets in the passing game.  Stefon Diggs is quickly establishing himself as a legitimate number one threat and has the size and speed to be a problem for opposing defenses, even when double-teamed.  Rookie Laquon Treadwell and veteran Adam Thielen are both classic possession recievers that will run good routes and (hopefully) catch anything thrown their way.  Cordarelle Patterson is the fourth option and is still a freak athlete that will also be the primary kick returner.  Speedsters Jarius Wright and Charles Johnson round out the recieving corps.  

Tight end Kyle Rudolph has established himself as a very reliable option.  He is not the fastest but is one of the best options on the team, especially in a short field.  Rhett Ellison will be utilized quite a bit, as he will serve in 12-personnel sets as well as the fullback in base sets.  Young TE Mitchell Henry was recently signed to round out the depth chart and truly runs like a reciever, though he needs refinement.  

As for the offensive line, Vandalay's staff has shuffled the deck.  None of the players will be starting in their former positions, as they have been moved to better fit their strengths.  Former center Mitch Berger will now be the left tackle, as he's the most well-rounded blocker on the team.  All Pro left guard Alex Boone will now be the right tackle, since he's the best pure pass blocker on the team.  Former left tackle Matt Kalil will move inside to left guard.  Meanwhile two newcomers will round out the starting line; Ryan Ramczyk was taken in the dispersal draft and will be the right guard, while Bryan Stork was signed in free agency.  Tackle/center Andre Smith, tackle Andre Davis and guard Mike Harris will provide depth.  

ON DEFENSE:

The defensive line will be the foundation for defensive success.  Tackles Linvall Joseph and Sharrif Floyd are both multi-talented bruisers that can both serve as 0-tech and 3-tech tackles, giving extraordinary flexability.  In free agency, longtime defensive end Quinton Coples was signed to be a 3-tech pass rusher, and Calvin Heurtelou was signed to be a nose tackle.  Young end Danielle Hunter will be the all-important strongside end brings outstanding speed rush moves.  Everson Griffen will be the weakside end and is stout in the run game.  Veteran Brian Robison is a starting-quality option on the bench and still has above-average all-around ability.  

The linebacking corps is in flux.  Last season, Eric Kendricks was the middle linebacker but he will now bring his speed and playmaking ability to the weakside linebacker position.  Rolando McClain was signed in free agency to share the middle backer position as a run down stopper.  Anthony Barr will still be a run-down bruiser and pass rusher.  Backups Kentrell Brothers and Khairi Fortt are very good in coverage and will get more than their share of playing time.  TJ Watt was taken in the dispersal draft and will be utilized as a pass rushing linebacker as well as a defensive end.  

The secondary is very deep and talented.  Harrison Smith remains the best safety in the league, bringing very good coverage skills and is a thunderous hitter.  Meanwhile Andrew Sendejo and Jayron Kearse will share the other safety position, as Sendejo is generally better in the run game and Kearse is better in coverage.  At cornerback, Xavier Rhodes is not a superstar but is rock solid in coverage.  The other spot will be shared by aged veteran Terrence Newman and rookie Mackensie Alexander, as Newman brings a lot of strength and smarts to the position while Alexander brings speed.  The nickle position will be shared by Captain Munnerlyn and Trae Waynes, where Munnerlyn is a zone specialist and Waynes is more comfortable in man coverage.  

IN SUMMARY:

The Vikings figure to be one of the better teams in the NFC and expect to be above .500 at the end of the year.  The offense should be very healthy and expect to be even better by the end of the year.  Meanwhile, the defense has enough talent to be one of the tougher matchups in the league.  With a little luck, the Vikings hope to vie for their first championship since 1969.  Skol Vikings!

The Ravens filled their most glaring need via free agency with the signing of quarterback Matthew Stafford.  Shortly after the completion of the 2017 season, the team released longtime signal caller Joe Flacco in order to free up team finances.  This, however, left the team with only one QB on the roster, and Kevin Hogan was not considered a serious candidate to be the team's starter going forward.  

Stafford signed a 3 year deal for roughly $13M per season.  This is not "cheap" but the team felt it was necessary to get a proper thrower under center.  Stafford is considered to have one of the strongest arms in the OMFL and his accuracy has developed as well.  Stafford was the first pick in the 2009 draft and has spent his entire career playing for the Detroit Lions.  He recently piloted the 2016 OMFL Bowl runner-up Lions though his overall yardage and production has slipped the past couple of year.  Team officials are confident he can be very productive in Baltimore.  

The Baltimore Ravens entered the offseason reeling from the retirement of their longtime defensive leader, Terrell Suggs.  Shortly after the start of the OMFL free agency period, they found his replacement.

DE Demarcus Lawrence was signed to a 4-year contract with the Ravens, making him the anchor of the defensive line.  Lawrence is 26 years old and was drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Dallas Cowboys.  Lawrence has spent his entire career in Dallas and has been quite productive.  In 2016, he had a whopping 27 tackles for loss and in 2017, he posted 12.5 sacks.

In an interesting twist of fate, Lawrence will be rejoining former college teammate Kamalei Correa.  Both were standouts at Boise State and will now be counted upon to lead the Ravens back to the playoffs after a 2 year hiatus.

Early in the preseason, the Ravens released long-time cornerback Jimmy Smith, a move that was met with much resistance amongst the fan base as well as within the locker room.  Smith was a very popular player and reasonably productive, but team management deemed his contract to be an impediment to the team's finances moving forward.  There are some who point to Smith's release as one of the reasons DE Terrell Suggs retired.  

The Ravens found Smith's replacement and team officials believe the fans will be pleased.  CB Kevin Johnson is coming off a season starting for the OMFL Bowl-runner up Buffalo Bills, plucking 6 interceptions in 2017.  He's a highly productive player and superior athlete.  Johnson will immediately be the best defensive back on the roster and will be counted upon to lead the unit.

Johnson is entering the final year of his current contract and will be looking to extend.  The team will place high importance on extending him beyond the upcoming season.

The Baltimore Ravens have decided to cut quarterback Joe Flacco in a surprise move heading into the offseason.  Flacco was the Ravens' 8th overall pick out of Delaware in 2008.  He's started almost every game for the team since he was drafted and is the franchise passing yardage all-time leader with more than 32,000 yards as well as 200 passing touchdowns.  

Flacco was, of course, the starting QB when the Ravens won the NFL Championship in 2013.  Flacco parlayed that into a 6-year, $121 million contract.

This was a somewhat surprising move, as the Ravens played well in the first half of the season, rushing out to a 7-2 record.  However, the team's fortunes went south as Flacco went into a funk and the team limped to an 8-8 record in 2017.  Making this move more surprising was the enourmous cap penalty the team incurred due to his monsterous contract.  

Head Coach Art Vandalay commented, "Joe has been a consumate professional since we arrived here in Baltimore.  Unfortunately, he's not a great fit for our offense and his contract was an albatross.  This is a move that will allow us to spread our salarys across our roster more evenly as we continue to evolve."

The Ravens plan to address the quarterback situation through the draft and free agency.  Veteran Kevin Hogan is the only QB currently on the roster and he has yet to throw a pass in the NFL.

Longtime Raven defensive end Terrell Suggs has officially retired.  He spent 14 years in the NFL, all with the Ravens.  He was drafted with the 10th overall pick of the 2003 draft.  As a Raven,  he has changed positions as the defensive schemes have changed over the years, playing both defensive end and outside linebacker.  

Suggs ends his career as the all-time leader in QB sacks, with 121.  Last year, he led the team with 7.5 sacks.  

After the week 10 matchup with division rival Cincinnati, the Baltimore Ravens were in sole possession of first place in the AFC North, with a 7-2 record.  The defense was among the best in the league and the offense was well balanced.  Head Coach Art Vandalay was poised to pilot his team to the playoffs, possibly with a first round bye.  

Since then, however, the team has collapsed.  They have lost 5 straight games and, with it, their playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy.  The offense has been awful, which put more pressure on the defense, which has regressed.  Here's a look at collapse:

DEFENSE

We will start with the defense, as they were so strong early in the year.  Prior to the losing streak, the defense was giving up 277 yards per game to opposing offenses, and during the slump, they have given up 288.  This drop is barely significant in the grand scheme of things.  However, the way they've given up those yards has changed the complexion of how teams attack the Ravens defense.

In the first 10 weeks of the season, the team gave up 558 yards on the ground (62 per game), but after that point, they've given up 500 yards (100 yards per game).  Quite simply, they've been gashed by teams with strong offensive lines and a commitment to the run game. 

This, of course, has made a difference in the amount of turnovers created.  The Ravens have a number of hard hitting defenders but have only caused 7 fumbles this year,.  On the other hand, the pass coverage, in concert with the pass rushers, have created 28 interceptions this year.  But with the opposition putting the ball in the air less, the Ravens zone scheme has not been as effective in takeaways in the past 5 games.  

Defensive Line - Terrell Suggs is the anchor of the line and been largely effective in run defense but only produced 2 sacks during the losing streak.  Elvis Dumervil is now used as a pass rushing specialist and has only 2 sacks during that time span as well.  Stud DT Brandon Williams oddly had 0 solo tackles during the team's four game win streak and has 6 solo tackles (and 2 sacks) during the losing streak - a testiment to recent effectiveness of the rushing attacks the Ravens have been facing.  

Linebackers - Kamalei Correa's involvement in the defense has grown over the course of the season, as shown by 14 solo tackles in the past 5 games (and one interception).  Preston Brown was acquired shortly before the losing streak but has been very active as well, with 10 solo tackles and 2 interceptions.  

Secondary - Surprisingly, cornerback Jimmy Smith has only one tackle in the past 5 games, which partially means that teams are no longer challenging him and partly because teams are too busy rushing the ball.  Kamal Ishmael has been playing more lately, as he's a run down specialist at safety, limiting how much time Maurice Canady has been able to spend ballhawking in the secondary.  Ishmael has been effective, however, gathering 10 solo tackles during the team's slump.  

OFFENSE

The Ravens' rushing attack has been very steady, in that it's been inconsistent.  They've gained 991 yards on the ground, 66.8 in the first 10 games and 64.6 during the slump.  However, the team has been plagued with some poor performances, most notibly against Miami (32 yards) and Cincinnati (9 yards).  In addition, the team has only had 100+ yard rushing games 3 times through the first 14 games.  Karlos Williams averaged 4 yards per carry during the losing streak after averaging 5.9 per carry during the team's 4 game win streak.  

The team's struggles, however, center on quarterback Joe Flacco.  Flacco completed 65% of his passes during the first 9 games of the year, but that percentage has dropped to 59.5% during the losing streak.  The average yardage and touchdown rate remained largely the same prior to and during the slump, at about 265 ypg and 1.8 TDpg.  The massive jump has been in interceptions, which has climbed from 1.5 per game through 9 games and 2.8 in the losing streak.  

In addition, the offensive line has been struggling a bit as well.   When the Ravens were 7-2, Flacco averaged being sacked 2 times per game.  In the 5 game losing streak, he's been sacked 3.8 times per game.  This, when coupled with the reduction in rushing attack, has led to inconsistencies that has bled across the offensive attack.  

This has all led to a massive problem in turnover differential.  During the team's 4 game win streak, the team was +5.  However, during the losing streak, the team has been a shocking -13!!!

THE PLAN:

Quite frankly, it all starts with the offense.  The offensive line has to more consistently open more holes for Karlos Williams.  Veteran center Jeremy Zuttah has been very solid throughout his career in Baltimore but rookie Samuel Buck is frankly a better blocker and will be utilized more frequently.  Williams will still be getting the ball plenty but mid-season signing Barry Ruffin will be utilized as the primary backup.

The recieving corps will be led by speedster Breshad Perriman, but rookie Jacobie Pinkney was hurt in the loss to the Packers.  Rookie Mykkele Loyd will be tapped to replace him.  Veteran Kamar Aiken, Rashad Greene and rookie DJ Lacy will continue to play the slot.  Tight end Maxx Williams has been consistent and will be the primary threat at that position, but Ben Braunecker is being groomed for more time as well.  

Of course, Ravens Nation is split on Joe Flacco.  On one hand, he provided a championship ring in 2013.  On the other, his decision making and accuracy has always been erratic, but has taken a turn south as the season has progressed.  He will continue to be at the helm, possibly because the team cannot afford to cut him.  However, his leash is getting shorter by the loss, and Kevin Hogan is improving.

Meanwhile, on defense, the team has to get it's groove back.  Granted, if the turnovers return to a reasonable level, the defensive unit will be stressed less because of field position and sheer number of plays.  Shamell Riley will continue to start at one defensive end, but ZaDarius Smith has some playmaking ability (won Defensive Player of the Week in week 2 this season) and will get more time too.  Linebacker Kamalei Correa is blossoming as a playmaker and will now rarely leave the field.  In the secondary, cornerback Doran Grant has done a solid job, but rookie Julius Riddle has passed him on the depth chart.  Meanwhile the team will continue to find ways to use safety Maurice Canady in center field.  

The Ravens have two games left: against a resurgent Chicago Bears and a very solid Kansas City Chiefs.  Both will prove to be difficult tests.  But ultimately, it comes down to better decision-making.  The play calling has do a better job with field position and the quarterback has to do a smarter job protecting the ball.  Without these changes, the team will finish sub-.500 and the Art Vandalay Fan Club will be history.

Notes from the Ravens' loss to the Green Bay Packers:

- The Ravens' offense were able to get themselves on track... sort of.  Quarterback Joe Flacco was able to complete 24 of 39 pass attempts for 330 yards and two touchdowns.  He did, however, throw 2 interceptions, one an awful pick-6 to Richard Sherman on a simple check down throw.  

- While the passing offense was able to get on track, the rushing offense struggled to get a foothold.  The Ravens were only able to muster 41 yards on the ground, and starting running back Karlos Williams was only able to average 2 yards per carry.

- Backup tight end Ben Braunecker scored his first career touchdown on a playaction pass in the second quarter.

- The defense had a poor performance for the second straight week.  Running back Marshaun Coprich gained 107 yards, though 64 of those yards came on one play.  The defense repeatedly failed to hold their ground and poor tackling allowed the Packers to control the game.  In addition, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw 201 yards with 3 touchdowns.  

- Postgame, Coach Art Vandalay said, "Well, when you spot a team 14 points in the first quarter, that's a big hole to dig yourself out of.  We won every other quarter, but mistakes are killing us."

- When asked if there would be any changes, Coach Vandalay said, "We will be evaluating every single position and player out there."

- Rookie wide reciever Jacobie Pinkney suffered a grotesque ankle fracture in the third quarter.  The injury will prematurely end his season.  He is expected to be recovered by preseason camp in 2018.  Pinkney was picked in the second round this past offseason.  

The Ravens have now lost five straight games and are now 7-7 on the season.  They will face a resurgent Chicago Bears team next week.

Notes from the Ravens' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers:

- After only 9 rushing yards last week, the Ravens were able to get back to normal, gaining a respectable 80 yards rushing against Pittsburgh.  Karlos Williams was able to hit paydirt with his 9th touchdown of the season.

- Quarterback Joe Flacco continued his poor play, throwing 3 more interceptions.  All told, in the past two weeks, Flacco has accounted for 2 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.  Flacco was, however, able to move the ball through the air, tossing for 320 yards.

- The bell cow for the Ravens has been, as is tradition since the teams' return to Baltimore, it's defense.  This week, the defense let the team down.  They were able to hold Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger to 93 yards, but allowed 142 yards on the ground.  LeVeon Bell led the way with 80 yards and wide reciever Sammy Coates ran 43 yards for a touchdown on an end-around.  What's worse, the Ravens were unable to get any sacks or create any turnovers.

- None of the players or coaches were available for comment after the game.  Through the closed doors of the visitor's locker room, some spirited conversations were overheard.  On the short trip home, sideline reporters said it was as quiet as they've ever seen.

The Ravens have completed their divisional play and will not win the AFC North.  They play the Green Bay Packers next week.

Notes from the Ravens' loss to division rival Cincinnati:

- As previously reported, backup QB Kevin Hogan got the start tonight, as Joe Flacco served a 1-play team suspension.  Hogan attempted a playaction pass and was sacked on the first offensive play of  the game for Baltimore.  

- Ravens QB Joe Flacco could not get himself on track.  He completed less than 50% of his passes and threw a shocking FOUR interceptions.  This was, by far, his worst performance in 2017.  

- The running game was actually worse than the passing game for the Ravens.  Baltimore gained 9 yards of rushing on the game.  NINE.

- As for the Bengals, they did not have any amazing performances.  Instead, they relied upon taking care of the ball and moving the chains.  

- After the game, Head Coach Art Vandalay said, "We can't be -4 in turnover differential and win a game.  We aren't that good.  When we turn that around, we should be fine."

The Ravens will face the Pittsburgh Steelers next weekend.

BREAKING NEWS:

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will be benched for the first offensive play of the team's week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Team officials confirmed the suspension, but did not elaborate further.

Sources say that the suspension is due to a dress code issue, related to Flacco's "unibrow".  If so, this will be the first such suspension under Head Coach Art Vandalay.

The Ravens played a close contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.  Unfortunately, the defense folded in the closing minutes of regulation and the offense gave up a costly fumble in overtime, which cost them the game.  The Ravens remain in first place in the AFC North, though the lead is only one game over both the Steelers and the Bengals.

- Early in the second quarter, the Ravens drove the field and were able to place the ball first and goal, but a couple of costly negative plays created a 3rd and goal from the 19 yard line, which they were unable to convert.  Kicker Justin Tucker was called upon for the 36 yard field goal, but his plant foot slipped on the turf and the kick narrowly missed wide right.  That field goal ended up being very costly in the final outcome.

- The Ravens were able to complete a 78-yard drive in the middle of the fourth quarter, capped by a 44-yard touchdown pass to running back Justin Forsett.  The score gave the Ravens a narrow 21-20 lead.

- Safety Eric Weddle was able to intercept a tipped pass on the subsequent drive, giving the ball to the Ravens on the Jacksonville 47 yard line.  Justin Forsett ran the ball for a 5-yard touchdown run, and the Ravens had a 28-20 lead with 1:45 left on the clock.

- Cornerback Doran Grant was called for a quesitonable pass interference call on the ensuing drive.  This extended the drive and, on the next play, WR Allen Robinson made a 1-handed catch in the end zone.  He also caught the 2-point conversion.

- The Ravens recieved the ball in overtime.  On the second play of the drive, Joe Flacco was hit in the pocket and fumbled the ball, giving the Jags the ball on the 20-yard line.  

Seen and Heard post-game in Baltimore:

- Baltimore Quarterback Joe Flacco could be found slumped in front of his locker with a towel draped over his head.  Many of his teammates came to give encouraging words, but Flacco deflected.  "This one's on me.  I made too many mistakes and was careless with the ball.  The team deserves better."  Flacco was referring to his four interceptions against Miami.

- Defensive Lineman Elvis Dumervil was very vocal in the locker room after the game.  He sat surrounded by defensive players, explaining that the defense just got "punked" and that the team needed them to carry the load but they let the entire organization down.  Dumervil had a sack in the game.

- Head Coach Art Vandalay absorbed the blame.  In the postgame press conference, he said, "The Dolphins deserve a lot of credit.  They are a good team and we knew that going into the game.  And they didn't do anything we didn't expect: tough defense, especially against the run, and a hard-nosed rushing attack.  Our gameplan was flawed from the beginning and we didn't adjust quick enough.  The execution wasn't there but we need to put our players into position to be successful.  This one's on the coaches."  The Dolphins outgained the Ravens 327 yards to 244 yards.  

- Maybe the only real bright spot in the game was rookie wide reciver Mykkele Loyd.  He was caught the first two catches of his career, including his first NFL touchdown.  Loyd is primarily used on special teams, but look for him to become more involved in the offense

The Ravens continued their hot streak today with another solid performance against division rival Cincinnati.  Baltimore was able to claim first place in the AFC North with their win and, in the process, extend their win streak to four games.  

The Bengals came out of the gate like a rocket, pushing to a 10-0 lead shortly after the beginning of the second quarter.  Said Baltimore Head Coach Art Vandalay at halftime, "They didn't do anything that we didn't expect.  The just ran it up our throats and we have to do a better job holding at the point of attack."  The Ravens were able to scrape together a long drive and score a touchdown, making the halftime score 10-7 Cincinnati.

The Ravens stuck to their running game and Karlos Williams was able to break through with two second half rushing touchdowns, while wide reciever Breshad Perriman had his first career rushing touchdown as well.  In the end, the Ravens were able to blow past the Bengals, outscoring them 28-13 in the second half.  Rookie cornerback Julius Riddle had a fourth quarter interception return for a touchdown that all but sealed the Baltimore victory.

Key Performances:

RB Karlos Williams - 11 rushes, 92 yards, 2 TDs

WR Breshad Perriman - 4 catches, 54 yards + 2 rushes, 15 yards, TD

DE Elvis Dumervil - 1 sack

FS Kemal Ishmael - 3 tackles, 1 int

CB Julius Riddle - 3 tackles, 1 int, TD