Recent stories by Mike Preston

7:44 PM EDT, June 17, 2013

Mike Preston: Diversity efforts in lacrosse slow to pay off, but it's a start

When Chazz Woodson, a midfielder for Major League Lacrosse's Ohio Machine, stated recently that a racial epithet had been directed at him three times during his collegiate career at Brown, once by an opposing player and twice by teammates, the old myth about lacrosse resurfaced.

6:00 PM EDT, June 3, 2013

Mike Preston: Johns Hopkins made the right move in joining Big Ten

Maybe 15 or 20 years ago, ego and image would have prevented Johns Hopkins from joining the Big Ten. But university officials put those aside any of those lingering issues as the Blue Jays announced Monday that they will be joining the conference in 2015.

6:47 PM EDT, June 13, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens defense ends minicamp with impressive performance

It's not unusual for the defense to be ahead of the offense at this point, but it appears the Ravens have a chance to be special again.

9:06 PM EDT, June 5, 2013

Mike Preston: One last moment after a championship season for the Ravens

— It is time to put the Ravens Super Bowl championship of 2012-13 away in the history books.

6:55 PM EDT, May 31, 2013

Mike Preston: With new-look defense, Ravens' Dean Pees 'very, very pleased with the effort'

A year ago, Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees was the new kid on the block. Now, he's teaching a bunch of new players.

6:08 PM EDT, May 27, 2013

Mike Preston: After tough start, John Danowski kept Duke on track toward national championship

When almost everyone else thought their season was over in early March, Duke's lacrosse players were not too concerned.

2:57 PM EDT, May 24, 2013

Mike Preston: It's evident that Cornell will ride to NCAA men's title this weekend

Privately, a lot of fans are picking unseeded Cornell to win the NCAA Division I lacrosse championship here this weekend — but publicly, they urge caution because the 2013 regular season has been so unpredictable.

6:48 PM EDT, May 18, 2013

Mock, Pannell send Cornell past Ohio State, 16-6

The Cornell men's lacrosse team is on a mission.

7:28 PM EDT, May 25, 2013

Duke holds off Cornell's late push in Division I lax semifinal

— Nearly three weeks into the 2013 regular season, No. 7 Duke was virtually a game or two away from being eliminated from postseason play. Now, the Blue Devils are only a game away from winning a second national championship in four years.

4:35 PM EDT, May 17, 2013

Mike Preston: Yale goalie Eric Natale living the dream against No. 1 Syracuse

Yale goalie Eric Natale doesn't want his dream to become a nightmare.

8:32 PM EDT, May 6, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens' MVP this season may not be on the field

The Ravens' Most Valuable Player of the 2013 season could be Mark Smith.

9:39 PM EDT, May 20, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens may have No. 2 receiver already on their roster

Whenever the conversations about the leading candidates for the No. 2 receiver come up, Ravens officials like to mention several names including Deonte Thompson, David Reed, LaQuan Williams and Tandon Doss.

5:21 PM EDT, May 3, 2013

Mike Preston: Let the Bryant McKinnie soap opera begin

OK, so now that the Ravens have re-signed left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie to a two-year contract, the real drama begins.

3:29 PM EDT, May 13, 2013

Mike Preston: Parity has arrived in college men's lacrosse

There has been talk about parity in college lacrosse for years, but finally there is evidence in the NCAA Division I tournament, a place where some thought it might not be on display for another decade.

5:54 PM EDT, April 28, 2013

Mike Preston: After successful draft, Ravens need to focus on finding a left tackle

The Ravens still have holes. They need to find a starting left tackle, and they could use a No. 2 receiver and add depth at the linebacker and offensive line positions as well.

11:27 PM EDT, April 26, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens get younger, faster on defense in first two rounds

In theory, the defending Super Bowl champion isn't supposed to get stronger through the NFL draft because the team has the last pick in each round.

9:35 PM EDT, April 15, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens may have a 'situation' mapping out their offensive priorities

It's a great problem to have to solve.

5:51 PM EDT, April 8, 2013

Mike Preston: Next investment for the Ravens should be on the offensive line

The Ravens seem to have everything in place on offense.

5:11 PM EDT, April 1, 2013

Mike Preston: Offseason moves show Ravens are poised to contend again

Two months after winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens are in position to have a good draft and make another serious run at a championship.

12:07 PM EDT, April 12, 2013

Mike Preston: Mike Preston: No. 8 Loyola hopes to make a statement vs. No. 1 Denver

Despite being the defending national champion and winning nine of 11 games this season, Loyola needs to make a statement in 2013.

1:18 AM EDT, April 6, 2013

No. 4 Maryland avoids upset with 11-8 win over Navy

No. 4 Maryland scored the final three goals of the third quarter to seize control of the game and put away a stubborn Navy team, 11-8, Friday night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

6:31 PM EDT, March 30, 2013

No. 5 Terps men bounce back with 9-7 win over No. 13 Virginia

Maryland rediscovered itself Saturday, and Virginia is still searching.

5:53 PM EDT, March 19, 2013

Mike Preston: Chris Canty, Marcus Spears were right players at right price for Ravens

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome is back to his old theme: "right player, right price."

10:32 PM EDT, March 19, 2013

DeNapoli scores 7 goals in Towson's 12-9 win over UMBC

The two best players were on the opposite ends of the field Tuesday night, and they both played for Towson.

6:19 PM EDT, March 15, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens haven't missed out on much this offseason

The Ravens almost lost another key player in free agency.

5:46 PM EDT, March 22, 2013

Mike Preston: Navy coach Rick Sowell not losing faith in his team

There are rebuilding jobs at other colleges and universities throughout the country, and then there is trying to turnaround a program at one of the nation's service academies.

3:40 PM EDT, March 29, 2013

Mike Preston: Still time for Virginia lacrosse team to turn its season around

Virginia coach Dom Starsia has always hedged a little over talk of parity in college lacrosse, but he is slowly crossing over.

5:51 PM EDT, March 25, 2013

Mike Preston: Suggs is saving the talk for the season

The new general of the Ravens defense had been quiet ever since the team won the Super Bowl in early February.

8:25 PM EDT, March 11, 2013

Mike Preston: More changes could be on the horizon for the Ravens

As soon as the Super Bowl ended and quarterback Joe Flacco signed a long term contract, the real business was going to begin as far as reshaping the Ravens.

6:30 PM EST, March 4, 2013

Mike Preston: Life returning to normal for Ravens coach John Harbaugh

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is back into the routine at the Castle. He is turning down speaking engagements and book deals and watching video of potential draft picks.

8:59 PM EST, March 8, 2013

Johns Hopkins cruises past UMBC, sets sights on Syracuse

It was preparation night for both UMBC and Johns Hopkins on Friday at Homewood Field.

9:34 PM EST, March 8, 2013

Mike Preston: Slow start might be too tough for even Duke to overcome

The trick might be too great even for Duke coach John Danowski to pull off this season.

8:14 PM EST, March 1, 2013

Mike Preston: Penn State could be lacrosse's surprise team in 2013

Every year in college lacrosse there seems to be a Delaware, Lehigh or Loyola, a team no one figured to be one of the nation's top contenders.

5:37 PM EST, February 22, 2013

Mike Preston: Loyola, Maryland men's lacrosse teams won't have problem gearing up for rematch

Loyola head coach Charley Toomey thought assistant Dan Chemotti made perfect sense when he talked him into playing No. 3 Maryland in between games against Towson and UMBC.

10:42 PM EST, February 25, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens shouldn't overreact when it's time to pay Flacco

The Ravens are being smart and very cautious in their negotiations with star quarterback Joe Flacco.

7:09 PM EST, February 10, 2013

Mike Preston: Nothing will top Ravens' first Super Bowl win, but this one was close

The comparisons are inevitable because there has been only one other Super Bowl winning season in the Ravens' 17-year history in Baltimore.

1:01 AM EST, February 4, 2013

Mike Preston: These Ravens just kept finding a way to win

There are always Cinderella stories in sports, but the Ravens' improbable journey to the Super Bowl XLVII championship is one of the best stories in recent football history.

8:58 PM EST, March 2, 2013

Mike Preston: With Joe Flacco now 'elite,' Ravens can turn focus to others

Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback now.

10:18 PM EST, February 4, 2013

Mike Preston: Even with Super Bowl win, Flacco will still be same old Joe

Success can change a person, but it probably won't change Joe Flacco.

Anquan Boldin has stepped up big time for Ravens in postseason

7:28 PM EST, February 1, 2013

SUPER BOWL XLVII

Mike Preston: Anquan Boldin has stepped up big time for Ravens in postseason

When Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome considers whether to bring back veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin and his $6 million salary for another season, maybe he should rewind the game film of the Ravens' 28-13 win over New England in the AFC championship game two weeks ago.

9:13 PM EST, February 2, 2013

Mike Preston: We've seen this matchup before, and Ravens will win again

NEW ORLEANS -- The older brother will beat the younger brother again.

Theatrical Ray Lewis shouldn't make himself the storyline this week

10:27 PM EST, January 28, 2013

SUPER BOWL XLVII

Mike Preston: Theatrical Ray Lewis shouldn't make himself the storyline this week

It's been nearly 12 years since Ray Lewis played in his only other Super Bowl, but he is still almost as big as the game.

10:22 PM EST, January 31, 2013

Mike Preston: John Harbaugh has Ravens in right mindset heading into Super Bowl

When John Harbaugh stepped to the podium here Monday night, it seemed to complete his evolution as a head coach.

5:16 PM EST, January 17, 2013

Mike Preston: Patriots' Vince Wilfork is one big problem for Ravens

For a big man, Vince Wilfork moves around a lot. On one snap, he can be at left defensive end or tackle. On another snap, he can be at the same position on the right side.

9:45 PM EST, January 27, 2013

Mike Preston: Biggest questions for Ravens involve 49ers' Pistol offense

Maybe now that the Super Bowl is less than a week away it's time to get some serious answers about The Game.

8:41 PM EST, January 29, 2013

Mike Preston: Best receiver or not, 49ers' Randy Moss has matured

The San Francisco 49ers' Randy Moss said Tuesday that he is the best wide receiver to ever play in the National Football League.

6:20 PM EST, January 7, 2013

Mike Preston: Might be time for the Ravens to play the underdog

As the Ravens begin preparations for Saturday's AFC divisional playoff game against Denver, the first thing they should do is break out the picture of quarterback Joe Flacco lying face down on the turf at M&T Bank Stadium.

9:32 PM EST, January 24, 2013

Mike Preston: In their darkest hour, Newsome saw the light

When almost everyone else thought the team was coming apart, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome thought his team was coming together.

6:53 PM EST, January 3, 2013

Mike Preston: Despite his 'weird season,' Terrell Suggs says Ravens still 'on schedule'

Last month it appeared that Terrell Suggs had gone underground. The injuries to the Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker kept mounting, and an altercation with his longtime girlfriend — now his wife — seemed to sour him.

10:00 PM EST, January 21, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens' coaching staff deserves tons of credit for getting this team to the Super Bowl

The Ravens coaching staff might be a victim of the front office's success and its ability to draft or sign good players.

12:05 AM EST, January 21, 2013

Mike Preston: Offensive line leads way to New Orleans

When historians look back on the Ravens' 2012 season, they will remember offensive coordinator Cam Cameron being fired and replaced by Jim Caldwell.

6:42 PM EST, January 2, 2013

Mike Preston: Preston: Ray Lewis will retire as the greatest middle linebacker to play the game

There is really only one more appropriate ending for the Ravens' Ray Lewis, and that won't come for another five years when he takes his place in the NFL Hall of Fame as the greatest middle linebacker ever.

8:23 PM EST, January 14, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens' offense leads way by making running the ball a priority

Despite the lack of a big play in the running game early in the third quarter, the Ravens kept pounding and pounding away at the Denver Broncos' front seven.

5:05 PM EST, December 20, 2012

Mike Preston: Will Ray Lewis dance again at M&T Bank Stadium?

Will Ray Lewis dance one more time in a Ravens uniform at M&T Bank Stadium?

4:13 PM EST, January 10, 2013

Mike Preston: Time has come for Joe Flacco to show what he's worth

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco knows this is the time of the season when NFL legends are made, but also the time when they get paid.

10:27 PM EST, December 23, 2012

Mike Preston: Mike Preston: Ravens wanted to win more — just ask the Giants

When the game was over, the Ravens had showed more heart and desire than the New York Giants.

8:20 PM EST, December 30, 2012

Mike Preston: Might have been nice to see the Ravens offense one more time

— As the Ravens head into the postseason, one question remains unanswered from the preseason and regular season. There is still doubt about whether this offense can carry the Ravens.

9:34 PM EST, January 6, 2013

Mike Preston: Ravens finally find right combination on offensive line

It took the Ravens the entire season, but now they have the right players starting on the offensive line.

9:54 PM EST, December 16, 2012

Mike Preston: John Harbaugh faces his toughest coaching challenge yet

John Harbaugh has gone to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons as head coach, but now is his time for greatness.

5:02 PM EST, December 31, 2012

Mike Preston: The key to beating the Colts ... run the ball

When Ravens fullback Vonta Leach was able to walk off the field Sunday after suffering an ankle injury minutes earlier, the offensive coaching staff breathed a collective sigh of relief.

4:34 PM EST, December 24, 2012

Mike Preston: Jim Caldwell breathed some confidence into Ravens offense

Two weeks after he was named offensive coordinator, Jim Caldwell has finally put his finger prints on the game plan.

10:17 PM EST, January 12, 2013

Mike Preston: Joe Flacco outduels Peyton Manning when it counts

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco might have sealed his fame, future and fortune here Saturday night.

9:58 PM EST, December 27, 2012

Mike Preston: One more game before new season begins for the Ravens

The Ravens' regular-season finale Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals is like the final preseason game — it's just one more test before the new season begins.

9:26 PM EST, December 17, 2012

Mike Preston: There are plenty of unanswered questions facing the Ravens

The Ravens seemed confident after getting blown out by the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but you have to wonder if it was just for public consumption or if it wasreal.

10:43 PM EST, December 2, 2012

Mike Preston: This was an embarrassing loss to an ancient QB

The Ravens were fortunate that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't play Sunday because the score might have been worse.

6:38 PM EST, December 13, 2012

Mike Preston: Caldwell's audition begins; will he pass first test?

If the next three games are Jim Caldwell's audition to become the Ravens' permanent offensive coordinator, then the odds are stacked against him.

5:29 PM EST, December 6, 2012

Mike Preston: Tough stretch could make or break season for Ravens

One game does not define a team, but the next four will.

9:12 PM EST, December 9, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens look like a team headed in the wrong direction

— A week ago, the Ravens got beat by an old quarterback. On Sunday, they got beat by two rookie quarterbacks, one playing on one leg and the other having thrown only nine passes in his NFL career.

7:32 PM EST, November 29, 2012

Mike Preston: The Ravens are one tough bunch

The Ravens have been lucky, received divine intervention and may be one of the worst 9-2 teams in NFL history, but the one characteristic that stands out about this team is toughness.

6:41 PM EST, December 3, 2012

Mike Preston: Troubling trend for the Ravens? Not calling on Ray Rice

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was trying not to point any fingers when he was asked about the lack of touches for running back Ray Rice in the Ravens 23-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

6:20 PM EST, November 22, 2012

Mike Preston: Little by little, Ravens defense making strides

The Ravens coaching staff has been ecstatic with their winning record, but never happy with the overall performance, especially on defense.

8:42 AM EST, November 13, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens secondary still an area of concern

Buried in the leftover rubble and next to the carcass of the Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium is a concern that won't go away.

10:30 PM EST, November 25, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens giving everyone reason to believe

When the game ended, Ravens offensive linemen Michael Oher and Jah Reid were chest bumping. Quarterback Joe Flacco was walking around with a clenched fist and Coach John Harbaugh was hugging anyone, almost everyone on the field.

7:57 PM EST, November 19, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens have to find right time, balance for Flacco contract extension

The Ravens are six games away from completing the 2012 regular season, and they are approaching the time when a team might consider signing its franchise quarterback to a contract extension.

12:32 AM EST, November 19, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens aren't pretty, but they find ways to win

If you're waiting for the Ravens to become a super team in their quest to win another Super Bowl, it's probably not going to happen.

4:37 PM EST, November 16, 2012

Preston's matchups: Ravens vs. Steelers

Steelers WR Mike Wallace vs Ravens CBs Cary Williams and Corey Graham: Wallace might be the fastest wide receiver in the NFL. If quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was playing, the Ravens would be in serious trouble. They still could get burned a lot with Byron Leftwich replacing Roethlisberger. Williams has improved in recent weeks and Graham is more physcial than former starter Jimmy Smith. The Ravens have to neutralize Pittsburgh's speed. Edge: Steeleers.

8:32 PM EST, November 4, 2012

Mike Preston: There isn't much that is pretty about the AFC North

— Ravens coach John Harbaugh was trying to pay both team compliments when he said Sunday's game between the Ravens and the Cleveland Browns was just another typical AFC North game.

6:19 PM EST, November 15, 2012

Mike Preston: All attention should turn to Flacco on Sunday vs. Steelers

There needs to be more interest in the quarterback who is playing this week than the one who isn't.

5:18 PM EDT, October 29, 2012

Mike Preston: Getting Haloti Ngata healthy is No. 1 priority for Ravens

The most important thing for the Ravens as they prepare for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday is to get Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata healthy.

6:18 PM EDT, October 22, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens need to know when to say when with the passing game

As the Ravens' coaching staff huddles during the bye week to determine new strategies, hopefully they will come up with a time to unplug quarterback Joe Flacco and the passing offense.

9:00 PM EST, November 11, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens beat the Raiders like it was a homecoming game

A week ago, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said there were no easy or homecoming games in the National Football League.

3:27 PM EST, November 8, 2012

Mike Preston: After Raiders' game, real tests begin for Ravens

After the Ravens play the Oakland Raiders Sunday, the real fun begins. That's when the Ravens will show if they are a quality team or a fraudulent one

6:38 PM EDT, November 1, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens are at a crossroads

The Ravens are at the crossroads.

8:46 PM EDT, October 21, 2012

Mike Preston: Bye comes at the right time for struggling Ravens

— Few teams are happy to go into the bye week with a loss, but this might work in the Ravens' favor.

6:53 PM EST, November 5, 2012

Mike Preston: For at least one more week, Ravens should keep the ball in Rice's hands

The temptation might be great, but the Ravens have to resist.

7:51 PM EDT, October 18, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens' defense is sickening, just ask their coordinator

It is a campaign season, but Dean Pees wasn't in the mood for ducking any questions about his defense, one of the worst in the NFL.

9:21 PM EDT, October 14, 2012

Mike Preston: Someone is watching over the Ravens

The Dallas Cowboys may be America's Team, but the Ravens have the football gods on their side.

8:34 PM EDT, October 15, 2012

Mike Preston: Ray Lewis will end his career his way

Pro Bowl inside linebacker Ray Lewis did not make it through his 17th season, but he will play in No. 18 next year.

7:17 PM EDT, September 28, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens outside linebackers continue to improve

Buried under the Ravens allowing 357 yards of total offense to the Cleveland Browns, including 320 yards passing by rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden, was a bright spot.

12:33 AM EDT, September 28, 2012

Mike Preston: In September, even an ugly win is a win

OK, it wasn't pretty, but it was effective.

5:16 PM EDT, October 11, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens' O-line faces another test vs. Cowboys LBs

Ravens offensive tackles Michael Oher and Kelechi Osemele thought they had it tough last week.

7:19 PM EDT, September 24, 2012

Mike Preston: Just remember, the Ravens secondary could be worse

Bring back Frank Walker.

7:04 PM EDT, October 8, 2012

Mike Preston: Ray Rice remains the one constant with the Ravens' offense

Regardless of what has been displayed on the field by the Ravens during the first five games, this is still running back Ray Rice's offense.

6:03 PM EDT, October 4, 2012

Mike Preston: Dannell Ellerbe finds his place with the Ravens' defense

Ravens inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe laughed when he heard the question. Then he smiled. And then he smiled some more.

4:54 PM EDT, September 20, 2012

Mike Preston: Rookie kicker Justin Tucker keeps a cool approach

Justin Tucker has eased most of the concerns about former Ravens placekicker Billy Cundiff.

10:48 PM EDT, September 10, 2012

Mike Preston: The Ravens have discovered an offense

The Ravens have an offense.

7:39 PM EDT, September 7, 2012

Mike Preston: Art Modell's spirit lives on in Ravens as an organization

All the strong qualities that Art Modell brought to the Baltimore Ravens have surfaced.

12:10 AM EDT, September 9, 2012

Mike Preston: The no-huddle could be a no-brainer for this offense

One way or another, 2012 is a coming-out season for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.

7:55 PM EDT, September 3, 2012

Mike Preston: Kelechi Osemele should start for Ravens at left guard

Ravens rookie offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele says the coaching staff has told him he would play a very substantial role this season.

4:14 PM EDT, September 13, 2012

Mike Preston: For a change, Ravens have more questions on defense

It's early in the season, and usually there are questions about the offense, but my how times have changed.

5:18 PM EDT, September 17, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens should point fingers at themselves, not officials, for loss to Eagles

Nearly two weeks into the preseason, Ravens Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said the replacement referees would have little impact on the outcome of games if the Ravens performed well.

2:19 PM EDT, May 25, 2012

Loyola vs. Notre Dame will be ultimate offense vs. defense showdown

Loyola attackmen Eric Lusby and Mike Sawyer have seen a lot of different zones and man-to-man defensive combinations this season.

7:43 PM EDT, September 16, 2012

Mike Preston: Different season, same story with Ravens' confusing play-calling

— Here they go again.

8:15 PM EDT, August 27, 2012

Mike Preston: Ravens need young defensive players to contribute

Since the 2000 Super Bowl season, the Ravens have set a standard for greatness on defense. The torch has been passed on from a Rod Woodson and Peter Boulware to a Haloti Ngata and Ed Reed.

9:45 PM EDT, May 12, 2012

Stevenson advances with win against Gettysburg in Division III playoffs

Stevenson has had a tradition of turning out high-powered offenses, but it has been the defense that has carried the Mustangs this season .

11:04 PM EDT, August 23, 2012

Mike Preston: If preseason is any indication, Joe Flacco will be Ravens' biggest weapon

Unless quarterback Joe Flacco plays next week against St. Louis, he just completed the best preseason of his five-year NFL career.

9:59 PM EST, November 28, 2011

Improved offense hinges on consistent offensive line play for Ravens

The Ravens appear to have found the right formula for winning on offense, but it has as much to do with the improved play of the offensive line as it does with a change in philosophy.

10:49 PM EDT, April 1, 2012

UNC hands Hopkins its first loss, 13-9

No. 10 North Carolina scored four goals in the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter as the Tar Heels upset the No. 1 Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse team, 13-9, on Sunday night in the Big City Classic in East Rutherford, N.J.

8:23 PM EDT, August 20, 2012

Mike Preston: Bernard Pierce making a case to be Ravens' No. 2 running back

Ravens rookie running back Bernard Pierce may have had the most impressive one-yard rushing performance in NFL history.

5:44 PM EDT, August 31, 2012

Mike Preston: Rookie Courtney Upshaw has yet to impress, but there is time for him to improve

Rookie outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw has struggled with weight and shoulder problems, but he still should be more impressive than what he has shown in the preseason.

6:01 PM EDT, May 5, 2012

Scoring spurts help Johns Hopkins beat Army, 13-6

The situation facing No. 8 Johns Hopkins on Saturday afternoon felt a little familiar to the Blue Jays. Army displayed a few techniques in hopes of obtaining the same result as Navy did against Hopkins a few weeks ago.

11:59 PM EDT, April 1, 2012

No. 1 Johns Hopkins falls to No. 10 North Carolina, 13-9

No. 10 North Carolina scored four goals in the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter as the Tar Heels upset the No. 1 Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse team, 13-9, on Sunday night in the Big City Classic in East Rutherford, N.J.

5:44 PM EST, March 10, 2012

Loyola eases doubts with big win over Duke

No one knows for sure if Loyola University belongs in the top echelon of lacrosse teams this season, but it will be fun to see if the Greyhounds can get there.

8:46 PM EDT, May 26, 2012

Loyola beats Notre Dame to advance to NCAA men's lacrosse final

When the final horn sounded, Loyola players ran toward their big goalie, Jack Runkel, who stood to the left of the goal with both arms outstretched over his head.

8:57 PM EDT, April 20, 2012

Top-seeded Duke edges Maryland, 6-5, in ACC semifinals

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — It's April, so it is time for Duke's men's lacrosse team to start its annual march toward the NCAA championship.

5:14 PM EDT, March 31, 2012

Mike Preston: Preston: Maryland championship team understood teamwork

When the Maryland men's basketball team won its national championship 10 years ago, it was uniquely different than a lot of those won during that era.

8:22 PM EDT, May 13, 2012

Johns Hopkins cruises to 19-9 win over Stony Brook

Mike Poppleton didn't score a goal, dish out an assist or register a save, but he clearly was the most dominant player on the field in Johns Hopkins' 19-9 win over Stony Brook on Sunday in an NCAA tournament opening-round game.

10:32 PM EDT, April 14, 2012

Salisbury scores three straight goals to beat Stevenson, 11-10

The major difference between Division III powers Salisbury and Stevenson is that the Sea Gulls know how to finish and win big games.

5:34 PM EST, March 3, 2012

No. 7 Maryland starts strong in 10-7 win over No. 10 Duke

COLLEGE PARK — The Maryland men's lacrosse team wanted to play the perfect game Saturday, but the Terps had to settle for a great start and a strong finish.

10:05 PM EST, January 2, 2012

Mike Preston: It's time for Harbaugh to make difficult changes with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is trying to walk the line without falling off the edge — and possibly taking down his team, as well.

10:16 PM EDT, March 13, 2012

Navy speeds away with 10-6 win against Towson

The Naval Academy broke open a tightly contested game with five straight goals to open the third quarter as the visiting Middies defeated Towson, 10-6, in mens' college lacrosse Tuesday night.

4:41 PM EDT, March 17, 2012

Maryland breezes by Villanova in men's lacrosse

Maryland's lacrosse game against Villanova lasted nearly two hours, but it took about 15 minutes to determine the winner.

6:44 PM EST, November 21, 2010

Mike Preston's Ravens report card

Quarterback: It was a typical performance by Joe Flacco, except he played well in the first half and was average in the second. Flacco had some nice sideline throws, but he has to develop a better feel in the pocket of when to go down, and when to tuck the ball. But he did throw for more than 300 yards. Grade: B

6:56 PM EST, February 25, 2012

Loyola dominant in 13-6 men's lacrosse victory over Towson

The No. 17 Loyola men's lacrosse team's offense was so lethal against rival Towson on Saturday that Greyhounds coach Charley Toomey really didn't want to talk about it.

5:06 PM EST, November 28, 2011

Improved offense hinges on consistent offensive line play for Ravens

The Ravens appear to have found the right formula for winning on offense, but it has as much to do with the improved play of the offensive line as it does a change in philosophy.

8:54 PM EDT, September 26, 2011

Ravens offense should still be focused on the run

Just a few minutes had passed after the Ravens' rout of St. Louis, and Joe Flacco had taken his place at the podium. It was entertaining because Flacco was actually excited about the Ravens' passing game, and we all know that the quarterback isn't exactly Mr. Excitement.

8:07 PM EDT, August 5, 2011

Ravens turn focus to Mason after missing out on Floyd

After failing to sign Malcom Floyd in free agency, the Ravens presumably will turn their focus at wide receiver to &nbspDerrick Mason.

6:49 PM EDT, April 16, 2011

Navy men's playoff hopes dashed with 14-9 loss to Army

— In the end, Navy head coach Richie Meade had to face reality, because there isn't a lot left for his lacrosse team.

1:14 AM EST, December 6, 2010

Mike Preston's report card: Steelers 13, Ravens 10

Quarterback

5:24 PM EST, January 24, 2011

Mike Preston's final Ravens report card

During the season Ravens columnist Mike Preston graded the Ravens' progress after each game. Today, Preston offers his final grades for the season by position, including the coaching staff.

6:24 PM EDT, July 26, 2011

Ravens' Foxworth ready for return to action

After helping the NFL and its players lift the lockout and craft a new collective bargaining agreement, Domonique Foxworth is ready to get back on the field. The Ravens cornerback, who missed last season with a knee injury, said Tuesday that he has no desire to begin training camp on the team's physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.

10:15 PM EST, January 15, 2011

Mike Preston's report card: Ravens vs. Steelers

Quarterback

2:10 PM EDT, September 24, 2011

Mike Preston's Ravens-Rams matchups to watch

Ravens S Ed Reed vs. Rams QB Sam Bradford

7:23 PM EST, January 9, 2011

Mike Preston's Ravens-Chiefs report card

Quarterback: Joe Flacco may have played his best game, certainly in the postseason. He carried the offense when there was no running game in the first half. He kept drives alive with his scrambling ability. He looked off his primary receivers and came back to them. Grade: A.

9:43 PM EDT, May 18, 2011

Stevenson men upset by Roanoke in Division III quarterfinals, 13-12

There will be no Stevenson versus Salisbury III.

8:30 PM EDT, September 18, 2011

Mike Preston's report card: Titans 26, Ravens 13

Quarterback: This was one of Joe Flacco's worst days as a pro. His passes in the flat had no zip, and he even had trouble completing swing passes. He held onto the ball too long at times, and never had any timing with his receivers. Flacco, who threw two interceptions, finished with a quarterback rating of 51.2. Grade: F

9:11 PM EDT, October 10, 2010

Mike Preston's Ravens-Broncos report card

Quarterback

7:53 PM EST, December 19, 2010

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston's Ravens-Saints report card

Quarterback

10:14 PM EST, November 28, 2010

Mike Preston's report card: Ravens vs. Buccaneers

Quarterback

6:58 PM EST, December 13, 2009

Ravens-Lions: Mike Preston's report card

Quarterback: A-

7:37 PM EDT, September 19, 2010

Mike Preston: Ravens report card: Ravens vs. Bengals

Quarterback

7:47 PM EST, January 2, 2011

Mike Preston's report card: Ravens 13, Bengals 7

Quarterback: The Bengals have a way of making Joe Flacco think and throw in slow motion. Flacco seemed late on a lot of his passes, and didn't play well under duress. When pressured, he doesn't secure the ball well, which could become a problem again. Grade: D+

Gregg has 'nothing to say but great things about the Ravens'

4:31 PM EDT, July 31, 2011

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