Big NFL players are prone to high blood pressure (AP)

Supersized pro football players are prone to high blood pressure but fare better on some other health measures than more average-sized men, new NFL-sponsored research shows. The mixed results suggest that intense physical conditioning can help reduce but not wipe out ill effects excess weight has on heart disease-related risks.

Ravens-Steelers moves to top of NFL rivalries (SportingNews.com)

The NFL thrives on bitter rivalries. These days, according to Vinnie Iyer, Baltimore and Pittsburgh leave the nastiest taste.

Ryan has chance to outshine predecessors (Yahoo! Sports)

Jets coach Rex Ryan is the latest defensive “genius” from Baltimore trying to maintain the high standards in a lead role.

Ravens tackle Anderson retires (AP)

Baltimore Ravens right tackle Willie Anderson is retiring. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome announced Wednesday afternoon in a one-sentence press release that Anderson had been placed on the reserve-retired list. Team spokesmen could not immediately be reached for comment. The 33-year-old Anderson spent all but two seasons of his 13-year career with the Cincinnati Bengals and was named to four…

Offseason progress reports: Baltimore Ravens (Yahoo! Sports)

It’s too early for ‘09 season previews, and too late for ‘08 season reviews. What’s an NFL blog to do in the…

Ravens bring in four wide receivers for minicamp (Yahoo! Sports)

The Baltimore Ravens did not select a receiver in the NFL Draft, but will bring in four veteran wide receivers…

Ravens sign former Dolphins QB Beck as backup (AP)

The Baltimore Ravens have signed quarterback John Beck, who will seek to revive his NFL career after being released by the Miami Dolphins. Beck, who signed a one-year contract Baltimore announced Monday, played five games in two seasons with Miami. Drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft, Beck went 0-4 as a rookie starter under Cam Cameron, now Baltimore’s offensive coordinator.

Browns claim ex-Patriot Ruud off waivers (Yahoo! Sports)

The Cleveland Browns announced they claimed linebacker Bo Ruud off waivers after he was cut by the New England…