Ravens guard Marshal Yanda is strongly denying

Ravens guard Marshal Yanda is strongly denying that he spat on Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict during Sunday’s game.“I was accused of spitting on a player and I take a lot of pride in my character and how I was raised http://www.baltimoreravensteamauthentic.com/eric-weddle-jersey , and the things I do day in and day out,” Yanda said. “I would never, ever spit on another man, another person, individual, ever. On the field, off the field, never. That’s not the way I was raised, that’s not the way I raise my kids. The video shows — some people are taking it crazy, but all I was doing was wiping spit off my helmet, away from the ground. I swiped at it to make sure it didn’t land on anybody. I don’t know if you guys know, but during the course of a game I’m a heavy spitter. The adrenaline is fired up and I’m spitting all the time. Sidelines, on the field. Obviously, not on anyone ever. But it’s just unfortunate that got twisted and my integrity, my character is being called into question. Because that does really matter to me. It’s really unfortunate but that went down. I just want to put that out there Authentic Brandon Carr Jersey , that would never be anything that would ever even be fathomed in my mind. That’s just not the player I am.”Burfict was lying on the ground and Yanda was standing above him as Yanda produced a loogie that dropped down into the general direction of Burfict’s face. It was impossible to see on televised replays whether any spit actually landed on Burfict, and Burfict’s lack of reaction suggests he wasn’t actually hit with spit.But Burfict did take to Twitter this week to address the situation, saying, “I鈥檓 happy y鈥檃ll starting to see the whole picture” and suggesting that if he had retaliated the NFL would have been glad because that would have given the league the ability to impose discipline on him.“NFL mad I didn鈥檛 retaliate,” Burfict wrote.Yanda has a reputation as a man of good character and Burfict, well, does not. So many observers will be predisposed to believe Yanda is telling the truth, even if Burfict doesn’t accept his explanation.Three of the Ravens’ UDFAs with the best chance to secure a roster spot The Baltimore Ravens have a rich tradition of finding ‘diamonds in the rough.’ During the last 14 seasons, at least one undrafted free agent has made the final 53-man roster. In previous years, several undrafted free agents have turned into stars, but due to how deep Baltimore’s roster is, an UDFA may not be able to crack the 53-man roster this season.RB Gus EdwardsThe leader in the ‘UDFA Clubhouse’ is Gus Edwards, but if Kenneth Dixon can prove that he can stay healthy, the third running back spot would not open. Given Dixon’s injury history, he will have a lot to prove in the final three preseason games Womens C.J. Mosley Jersey , but it is his job to lose.Edwards has been impressive in the first two preseason games. He has rushed for 93 yards off of 22 attempts, while also recording one reception for 23 yards. Edwards has displayed great vision and patience as a runner, but he has struggled at times in pass protection, which could be the key for any running back to ‘dethrone’ Kenneth Dixon.On an inside zone play, Edwards exploded through the hole and made one tackler miss en route to gaining 25 yards. This was his longest run of the preseason. His physicality as a runner is the most enticing aspect of his game. However, it has been a mixed bag for Edwards in pass protection.Instead of running to the side, he should have picked up the unblocked linebacker running through the A-gap. This was poor awareness on his part, and almost every other quarterback would have been sacked on this play. If not for Jackson’s athletic ability, this would have been a significant loss on first down. Edwards redeemed himself in pass-protection on this play. He displayed solid awareness as he quickly identified the edge rusher and picked him up to allow Jackson to throw the ball. Plays like this will be critical for Edwards to earn a roster spot.RB Mark ThompsonThompson is behind Edwards on the depth chart, but he still has an outside chance to make the roster. He has displayed great patience, physicality, and instincts as a runner. Thompson has also showcased the ability to make an impact in the passing game. He has 23 rushing yards off of 11 attempts, while also adding four receptions for 39 yards.On a screen play, Thompson made three tacklers miss en route to picking up 29 yards. His ability to put his head down and gain extra yards is enticing. Javorius Allen is the primary pass-catching running back, but Thompson could carve out a role if he makes the team in this area as well. He has to show more as a runner if he wants to beat out Edwards and Dixon Womens Brent Urban Jersey , but with three more preseason games, Thompson will likely have plenty of opportunities to do so.WR/KR Janarion GrantGrant had a golden opportunity against the Rams to gain ground on Tim White, and he did not fully capitalize on the situation. Grant had one kick return for 26 yards and two punt returns for zero yards. As a receiver, he had two catches for 32 yards, which was a step in the right direction. However, the Ravens do not need help at the wide receiver position, Grant’s path to the roster is simple: win the returner competition. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh perfectly explained Grant’s issues and what he needs to improve upon. “I thought he did well. One return he took it outside when he should’ve just gotten north. He’s done that twice now. But the other two returns he got them upfield and did very well – made some people miss, caught the ball well. Seemed like he did well,” Harbaugh stated, via the team’s official website. Grant tried to do too much on this return. He should have just went ‘north’ instead of trying to reverse fields and make a huge play.This play was called back due to a holding penalty, but Grant displayed the ability to make a couple of tacklers miss while only running ‘north and south.’ Instead of dancing around, he made the first defender miss and immediately went upfield. With Tim White back on the field, Grant will have to make the most of limited opportunities as a returner, but he has the natural ability.