Episodes

  • Ebony Bird Podcast Episode 38: Pre-training camp Q+A Roundtable

    Ebony Bird Podcast Episode 38: Pre-training camp Q+A Roundtable
    Jul 17 2018
    Welcome to the 38’th episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On this podcast, contributors Joe Schiller, Jake McDonnell and site expert Chris Schisler get you ready for the start of Ravens training camp. Rookies reported to Owings Mills last Wednesday. The veterans return to the castle this week, with the first full-team practice taking place on Thursday the 19th.

    Late last week, the Ravens revealed that beginning this season, only digital tickets will be accepted for games at M&T Bank Stadium. The announcement stirred some controversy, leaving some Ravens fans feeling robbed of their previously used paper tickets. Was shifting to only digital tickets the right way to go? Chris, Joe, and Jake discuss.

    For the rest of the episode, the Ebony Bird gang goes back-and-forth with a pre-training camp Q+A roundtable. Before recording this show, all three guys came up with five questions each. Going in a rotation, the guys fire away each of their questions until all have been asked. If there's certain pre-camp Ravens topics that you're unsure about, chances are we covered it in our roundtable.


    Questions included:
    1. How to the Ravens handle Jimmy Smith's return from a season-ending Achilles injury, suffered last December? With the Ravens seeing the Bengals and Steelers in weeks 2 and 4, should the Ravens be urgent to get Smith back on the field?
    2. How many wide receivers should the Ravens keep?
    3. How much will fan influence have on training camp now that it's open again? Will this translate into the season at games?

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker. Leave us a review, we really appreciate the feedback and may read reviews on future episodes. With training camp kicking off this week, we're back to weekly episodes for the 2018 season! Thanks for listening!
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    46 mins
  • Episode 37: What's up with these Madden ratings?

    Episode 37: What's up with these Madden ratings?
    Jul 12 2018
    Welcome to the 37’th episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On this podcast, contributors Joe Schiller, Jake McDonnell and site expert Chris Schisler go over the latest Ravens headlines one week before the team reports to Owings Mills for training camp. Rookies arrived July 11, and the first full-team practice takes place on the 19th.  

    The guys kick off the episode by taking a look at Steve Smith Sr.'s recent comments about Lamar Jackson on NFL Network. The former Ravens wideout compared Jackson to Deshaun Watson, who dazzled in his rookie season in 2017 before tearing his ACL during a November practice. 

    Up next, the Ebony Bird crew challenges the recently-released Madden 19 player ratings. How justified or unjustified was EA Sports in their ratings of key Ravens players? You'll find out, and can pick up a copy of the game when it's released on August 10. 

    Also on the show, Jake, Joe, and Chris ponder the Ravens' 5-game preseason slate and whether or not playing in the Hall of Fame game will hinder the team in any way this season. The gang closes out the show by questioning if Joe Flacco has actually thrown with his receivers this summer, and whether or not this is a big deal. When addressing the media a few weeks ago during minicamp, Flacco said that he would meet with his receivers prior to the start of training camp. So far there have not been any signs of this actually taking place, but Flacco is not keen to the extra attention. 

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker. Leave us a review, we really appreciate the feedback and may read reviews on future episodes! With the Ravens returning to training camp next week, we're back to weekly episodes for the 2018 season! Thanks for listening!
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    22 mins
  • Ebony Bird Episode 36: Ravens roster talk: Which rookies make it/Players on the bubble?

    Ebony Bird Episode 36: Ravens roster talk: Which rookies make it/Players on the bubble?
    Jun 28 2018
    Welcome to the 34’th episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On this episode, site experts Chris Schisler and Joe Schiller join contributor Jake McDonnell to talk all things Ravens with only three weeks remaining until the beginning of training camp.

    Recently, the NFL finished releasing their NFL Top 100 List, and the guys have some bones to pick with it. Why was C.J. Mosley (#98) the only Ravens player to make it? Why did players like Terrell Suggs, Marshal Yanda, and Justin Tucker not make the cut? The Ebony Bird gang call out the NFL to kick off the episode.

    On Jun. 18, the Ravens released fan passes for this year's training camp, and they were sold out within a number of hours. Will this lead to increased attendance at games this season? The guys discuss.

    To wrap up the episode, Jake, Joe, and Chris spend some time going over some storylines surrounding the current roster. Which 2018 rookies are in danger of not making the team? Who are some roster bubble players that need strong camp performances to remain on the roster? All of this and more on Episode 36.

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker. Leave us a review, we really appreciate the feedback and may read reviews on future episodes! Because the Ravens will be away from Owings Mills until the start of training camp on Jul. 19, we will be doing bi-weekly podcasts until that time rather than weekly shows. Please check back the week of Jul. 9 for Episode 37. Thanks for listening!
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    24 mins
  • Ebony Bird Podcast Episode 35 - Minicamp week is here

    Ebony Bird Podcast Episode 35 - Minicamp week is here
    Jun 14 2018
    Welcome to the 34’th episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On this episode, site experts Chris Schisler and Joe Schiller join contributor Jake McDonnell to break down the latest Ravens storylines as the team undergoes it's 2018 Mandatory Minicamp this week. The first segment of the show goes into the early tidbits from minicamp: Jimmy Smith and Albert McClellan return to the field, Alex Lewis's back spasms, Lamar Jackson working at multiple positions, and so on.

    Earlier this week, Chris and Joe put together two articles that the Ebony Bird crew dove deeper into. Who are three players carrying superstar potential (Chris's article), and who are three still-remaining free agents that the Ravens could target (Joe's article)? Are there any others that our site experts did not mention in their posts?

    Last but not least, the guys wrap up Episode 35 with a discussion on the now Stanley Cup Champion-Washington Capitals and the support Baltimore showed the nearby hockey club. Will this Stanley Cup victory increase the Capitals' following in future seasons? There's also plenty of debate on Baltimoreans rooting for D.C. teams like the Caps.

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker. Leave us a review, we really appreciate the feedback and may read reviews on future episodes! Because the Ravens will be away from Owings Mills until the start of training camp on Jul. 19, we will be doing bi-weekly podcasts until that time rather than weekly shows. Please check back the week of Jun. 25 for Episode 36. Thanks for listening!
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    33 mins
  • Ebony Bird Podcast Episode 34: OTA's continue and Jamal Lewis may have CTE

    Ebony Bird Podcast Episode 34: OTA's continue and Jamal Lewis may have CTE
    Jun 1 2018
    Welcome to the 34’th episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On this episode, site experts Chris Schisler and Joe Schiller join contributor Jake McDonnell to talk all things Baltimore Ravens as the second week of organized team activities wraps up.

    Following Thursday's practice, John Harbaugh addressed the media again. He revealed to reporters that Anthony Levine Sr. underwent a foot surgery during the offseason but will be ready for training camp. The Ebony Bird gang break down what this injury means to the Ravens' secondary, and ponder who between Willie Snead and John Brown will have more production this season. 

    On Tuesday, Bleacher Report released a story about Jamal Lewis and his potential battle with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Lewis has a job and is living a productive life, but is already showing some early signs of the disease. With this in mind, Jake, Chris, and Joe talk about Lewis's legacy and whether or not this news should come as a surprise. 

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker. Leave us a review, we really appreciate the feedback and may read reviews on future episodes! Thanks for listening! The Ebony Bird Podcast is just like the articles we give you on a daily basis. It’s for the fans by the fans, the way FanSided does it.
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    18 mins
  • Ebony Bird Episode 33: Football in shorts season is upon us

    Ebony Bird Episode 33: Football in shorts season is upon us
    May 25 2018
    Welcome to the 33'rd episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On this episode, site experts Chris Schisler and Joe Schiller join contributor Jake McDonnell to talk all things Ravens as the first week of organized team activities wraps up. 

    Earlier this week, the NFL revealed new kickoff rules, as well as new guidelines for player conduct during the National Anthem. The Ebony Bird bang break down the new rules and ponder the ramifications. 

    On Thursday, head coach John Harbaugh, quarterback Joe Flacco, and a few other players met with the media following an OTA. Was there anything noteworthy stemming from these pressers? Jake, Joe, and Chris break it down. 

    On the last segment of the show, the crew go back-and-forth on some bubble players that will need strong camp performances to make the 53-man roster.

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker. Leave us a review, we really appreciate the feedback and may read reviews on future episodes! Thanks for listening!
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    25 mins
  • Ebony Bird 32: How should the Ravens develop Lamar Jackson?

    Ebony Bird 32: How should the Ravens develop Lamar Jackson?
    May 16 2018
    Welcome to the 32'nd episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided.

    On today's episode, site expert Chris Schisler and contributor Connor Brooks join Jake McDonnell to break down the following topics: 

    1. Ravens to hold a press conference on Thursday announcing concession price reductions for the 2018 season. Anything particular items we want to see get reduced?
    2. Quincy Adeboyejo undergoes surgery on his upper leg - is his future as a Raven in jeopardy?
    3. How should the Ravens develop Lamar Jackson? Should they give him reps at receiver? What should they not do?
    4. What positions on the Ravens' roster are the strongest? Which are some of the weakest?

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and Spreaker, our new podcast host. Leave us a review, we love to hear your feedback. Thanks for listening!
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    26 mins
  • Ebony Bird Episode 31: Recapping the 2018 NFL Draft

    Ebony Bird Episode 31: Recapping the 2018 NFL Draft
    May 1 2018
    Welcome to the 31'st episode of Ebony Bird, a Baltimore Ravens podcast brought to you by Ebony Bird and FanSided. 

    On tonight's episode, site experts Chris Schisler and Joe Schiller join contributor Jake McDonnell to go over what was a wild 2018 Draft for the Baltimore Ravens. 

    Topics covered:

    1. Day-by-day recap of the Ravens draft, and reaction to the 12 Baltimore selections

    2. Now that the draft is over, are the guys satisfied with how the Ravens' roster is taking shape?

    3. Joe Flacco vs. Lamar Jackson: Looking ahead to the impending quarterback saga

    4. Reflection on Ozzie Newsome's wonderful 22-year career as general manager of the Baltimore Ravens

    Subscribe to the Ebony Bird Podcast on iTunes and BlogTalkRadio. Leave us a review, we love to hear your feedback. Thanks for listening!
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    41 mins