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Ok so it looks like a consensus is forming on '06 as the best, which I probably agree... But I think it is close - definitely closer than I thought originally. One advantage the '06 group did have was Rex Ryan - he definitely knew how to control the line and set the linebackers up to play free and clean everything up. He put them in great position to succeed. Adalius was no where near the same player in New England. Part of that was I think they tried too hard to make him a pure pass rusher which took away arguably his greatest strength which was dropping into coverage. But the fact that this group is pretty close to the '06 crew WITHOUT an in-his-prime Ray Lewis is pretty darn impressive. So where does that '06 group rank all time? Who are some other notables (I'll be honest, while I consider myself pretty knowledgable on the game in general... Im not as well-versed on the game pre-1996) historically? I know the Bears unit was great, and I'm sure the Steelers had some good units back in the Curtain days. And once that's established, is this current group worth mentioning in the same breathe as some of the all-time units?

Nah they used to do it where dline man and linebackers ran an obstacle course for time, WRs had competitions on the JUGGs, QBs would hit moving targets for points, etc...They had a wide range of competitions for different position groups. EDIT: sorry I see I'm late to the party... And didn't even bring any fancy YouTube videos.

I don't know about that. Daryl and Mosley both had better years last year than Sharpers best (which were in Houston btw not even in Baltimore though he played a diff role here). Suggs had a better overall year than almost any Boulware ever had except maybe 2001 but Sharper was gone at that point. Dumervil had the best pass rushing year ever for a Raven. And Ray, while great and obviously better than anyone in the current group for his career only had ONE year arguably better than what Mosley and Smith did last year while playing with those 2 guys, and neither of those two had great years. Both Mosley and Smith had better years (statistically) than every year that Lewis played with Boulware and Sharper aside from 1997. So you have 2 guys playing almost on par with '96-'00 Ray Lewis and superior to Sharper over that same span AND arguably 3 guys who put up a season on par with Boulware's best from a productivity standpoint (Boulwares best sack year came in 2001, and NOT as an OLB. He played DE primarily that year). If we're talking production, and if the argument is a group of players in one given year - last years takes the cake over Lewis, Boulware and Sharper any year the 3 were together... And honestly even if you take the best year those 3 ever had and combine them it's probably still a close argument for what this group did last year.

Personally I take Suggs over Boulware. And of course Ray over anyone by a long shot. But Daryl and Mosley may be better than any partner he ever had. And Dumervil, by the numbers, is the best pass rusher we've ever had (sacks and overall productivity). That's why I brought it up. At first thought nostalgia had me laugh at the idea... But when you really get into it, it's not as clear cut as you might think. This group is severely underrated in my opinion. Sharpers best years were arguably with the Texans. He had 5 FF in 2000 but only 50-60 tackles. Boulware had a relatively down year in 2000 with only 7 sacks and like 30 tackles. Ray was Ray that year. No argument there. Last year we had 2 guys with about 130 tackles, multiple interceptions, FF and FR, passes defended, etc... And all three of Suggs, Doom and McPhee had seasons to rival some of Boulwares best.

I agree on the Suggs and doom take and needing a young edge rusher to make an impact. Upshaw could surprise and I have very high hopes for Za'Darius. But McPhees loss could be made up in other ways. I think we get a LOT more interior rush from Jernigan, Davis and Urban. All three are flashing and getting into the backfield often. Imo interior rush is much more effective in having an impact on the game. Gets there quicker and forces QBs to get rid of the ball faster, so even if they're not quite getting there to register sacks it'll make life on the secondary much easier. Hearing that Jernigan blew Yanda 3 yards into the backfield to level Taliaferro for a loss is just awesome. I know it's one play.... But a 2nd year player doing that to Yanda is impressive regardless. I think we'll be fine in that department.

I'd rather use the roster spot on another position where we would have otherwise had to cut a quality player. Personally I'm ok with rolling with Lewis and Hill. Anyone we could pick up right now probably isn't going to be much better than what will hypothetically be available mid-season should one of the 2 get injured. In fact there might be better options at that point once rosters get trimmed down and more players are looking for jobs. Plus, Brooks will hopefully be healthy mid season and I'd rather give him the opportunity to hold down a starting job before signing someone off the scrap heap. Levine showed he could play decent at CB, so hopefully he could spot start at his more natural position if needed for a game or 2. I mean what's the point of having these guys on the roster if you don't trust them to be the next man up. Shoot we've even got a WR who could play safety if needed now. (Sarcasm)

If something happens to Hill hopefully Brooks will be back by then - Id prefer him step in then to sign someone off the street. And I also trust Levine to step up if needed. He did it at CB so I think he could do it at his more natural position. Certainly he, Trawick or potentially Perry would represent a pretty big drop off in level of play - but quite frankly so would Elam. I honestly don't view the loss of Elam as all that big a blow. I don't buy that he miraculously had turned things around this offseason.... It's a loss of a body and on a positive side opens up a roster spot for us to potentially keep another bubble player with upside that we may have had to cut otherwise.

Pollard is not who he once was and we don't need him. We roll with what we got. Pees has said he doesn't want a rotation at safety like last year - it was purely out of necessity because no one separated themself as deserving of full time play. Lewis was brought in to partner with Will Hill. They won't be coming off the field unless they need a breather - so safety depth is less important for now. Hate to say it but Elams injury may be a blessing in disguise as it opens a roster spot. May allow us to take a 7th WR for an extended look or hold on to the most talented young player - regardless of position - that we may have cut otherwise. I'm perfectly content with Hill and Lewis as starters with Brooks, Levine, and Trawick as our only depth. Once healthy I'm confident in Brooks ability to start at either position if there's an injury to a starter; Levine is great value as a backup safety and CB and Trawick is very good at ST. No need to replace Elam at this point imo. The roster spot can be used much more effectively elsewhere.

Sorry don't see it. It was also reported he had a poor practice the first day of TC. I agree he's having a great preseason thus far and is looking like he's going to make it tough to cut him, but he's not jumping up to #2 on the depth chart. I also agree that Butler, Aiken and Brown bring a similar skill set but Brown is having a very good camp as well. He also has the edge in experience, and has a big size advantage. He's a valuable red zone target as evidenced by his 7 TDs his rookie year. IMO Butler is competing with Waller, Camp and Carter for the last spot depending on whether or not we keep 7 WR's. Waller and Camp have an edge as both were recent draft picks and have a unique skill set. Camp our only pure slot receiver and Waller has freakish size, and with Pitta's injury not only is depth at WR and red zone target but also can act as a 4th TE. But I think Butler ultimately earns himself a spot if he keeps playing this way. Needs to show it in games before we crown the guy. Elams injury I think makes it a lot more likely we do keep 7 receivers now bc I don't think we pick up or keep an extra safety to replace Elam - I think we roll with what we have especially since Pees has said he doesn't want a rotation like last year... He wants 2 starters that will play together most of the snaps. --- A little off topic but something that has me puzzled/concerned is that over the past couple days we've signed a safety whose been out of football and a QB who also has been away to CONVERT and tryout at WR. If were so stacked and deep at the position already and worried about potentially having to cut or PS some real quality young players, why are we taking chances and adding guys that have never even played the position before. Totally confused by both transactions. Can anyone help me out with a logical or rational explanation?

I'm not getting a good feeling with us adding a converted safety and college QB to the receiver competition. Maybe the boys aren't doing as well as we all thought.

For an UDFA plucked off a practice squad, Melvin is a huge bonus. Knocking this guy is just ridiculous. Expectations for him should have been zero, and he was a solid contributor for us last year. His detractors focus on his poor play against the Patriots, but fail to give him credit for the fact that our secondary was completely depleted down the stretch last year. If not for his quality starts, we may not have even won enough games to get into the playoffs!! We never see the Patriots if he doesnt step up and do a darn good job in the final, what, 3-4 games? For that he deserves a good look this training camp and I think he's currently penciled in as the #3 CB (on the outside, Arrington prob. ahead of him on nickel duties) so maybe #4 depending on how you look at it. He's clearly leapfrogged guys like Asa Jackson, a draft pick who's been given every opportunity to succeed. I evaluate player value taking into account investment and expectations. I dont just judge them all in a vacuum... i mean clearly Jimmy Smith is far better than Melvin. But Jimmy cost a 1st rd draft pick and now will be eating up a big portion of the cap - he HAS to play like an elite corner. Anything less and hes hurting the team imo (like Webb has recently). Melvin on the other hands costs us near nothing, so if we get solid contributions and a guy that can come in to spell a starter or spot start in the event of injury that's incredibly valuable - especially considering the premium being placed on the position around the league. So, please. Give the guy a break the few who are knocking him.... literally any positive contribution from him is a bonus and if he's outperforming former draft picks, so if anything those are the guys who need to bring more to the table.

I stand corrected, as expected. Thanks for clarifying.

I would say aside from a handful of position groups across the league that statement rings true. In most instances if a position group has a key player or two go down to injury theyre in trouble. With the cap most teams just can't afford to run 4-5 deep with starter quality players, so naturally with injuries sub par players take on a larger role and the units quality suffers. I know that's nothing mind blowing or earth shattering - point is, our secondary is much improved over last years evaluating both when healthy. Lewis is an upgrade over Hill at FS. Hill is a huge upgrade over the rotating cast we had last year. Smith should be a year better. Webb healthy should be a better version of himself. Arrington gives us a solid nickel guy who excels in the slot. Melvin as a 4th option is much better than as a starter and should be much improved with a full offseason and the snaps and experience he got last year. Were more prepared to deal with an injury this year than we were last. We have more talent at the starting positions and more, higher quality depth behind them. At almost every position across the lineup were an injury or two away from having some issues, but its nothing to worry about because a) you can't control it and every other team is in the same boat.

Think I remember reading it's tomorrow. Could definitely be wrong though.

On the diving catch in the video on the home page, shows great ball tracking. Last second adjustment to snap the catch while keeping his feet in bounds. Gotta love that.

What??? How does tweaking his knee while making a diving catch prove that he doesnt know what he's doing? Please explain.... because I'm thoroughly confused by that comment.

Brett Perriman was not a great route runner entering the league. He was an undersized player who relied on speed. He adapted his game and developed route running ability to remain effective and relevant. Do some homework. And you're right it doesn't mean Breshad will be good. But he's got more talent than his father did. If he has the same work ethic he'll be much better.

There just isn't quality depth out there for the secondary. Healthy last year vs healthy this year it's still a vastly improved unit. Both safety positions improved as hill can play his natural SS position and Lewis is a better FS than Hill. Smith will be a year better, Webb fully recovered from injury. Arrington is an excellent slot corner, an upgrade as our 3rd cb over anyone we've had since Graham. Melvin will be better. Any added depth is useless bc they won't see the field. If there are injuries they'll add. And same with WR. There's a ton of talent and they need reps. If they don't perform we'll go get a vet like Reggie Wayne or someone else at a bargain. But with SSS, Perriman, Aiken, Brown, Gillmore, Williams, Juice, Forsett and possibly Pitta there just aren't enough targets to go around as is - and certainly not enough to warrant adding yet another weapon until proven otherwise. And we might be the best in the league when it comes to the trenches. This team is deep and well balanced. This team needed a few tweaks and depth. Check and check. Aside from another fax snafu I don't know that there's anything the FO could have done better in building this team sans Ngata being willing to agree to an extension. That was out of their control so enter Jernigan.

Flacco has yet to hit his peak and is only now having a team built around him with weapons he can gain trust and rapport with. I see his statistics taking off this year (not that it matters to me all that much so long as we continue to win games), and he enters the realm of guys who can be counted on to put up 4,200+ yds and 30+ TDs regularly. And if he doesn't it will only be because we're featuring a dominant running game. It shouldn't be a knock on Flacco that he has the humanity and team first nature to be willing to take the ball out of his hands if it's the best thing for the team. The area I see Flacco improving most is in completion percentage. I think he hits 65% this season, which will be all the more impressive when combined with his near league leading yards per attempt. This year we may not be among the leaders for total yardage and production but I think we feature quite possibly the most efficient offense in the league -- As an aside - I think Flaccos history of erratic regular season play is partially by design. Not they it's done on purpose, but in the sense that it's part of the teams plan to not fully unleash the offense during the regular season. I truly believe they go into a season with the plan of using as little of the offense as possible to win just enough to get into the post season. Then when the games truly matter they can unleash entirely new plays and formations that weren't used at all or rarely used during the season. That where there's no film or experience for the opposition to game plan for it. And thus Flacco seems to be an entirely different player in the playoffs. I think it's that by design they only give him free rein of the offense when the games matter most.

Perriman's father was a real football player. Breshad is 10x the athlete and physical specimen his father was. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Also keep in mind he hasn't been playing football very long. He's very raw in his development. It'll probably be 2-3 years before we see who he really is as a football player. And I fully expect him to be successful year 1. I guess we'll have to see. Anyone can say oh I knew players x,y, and z were going to pan out when there's no record or proof of said projections. We'll see how your predictions pan out this year. It wasn't hard to tell that Daryl Smith and Will Hill were going to be great players in baltimore considering they had already proven to be in Jacksonville and NY respectively on worse teams with less talent around them.

Not to mention he also wasn't receiving passes from an NFL caliber QB his senior year, or an NFL quality scheme, play calling and coaching. His individual traits will be elevated when nurtured by elite coaching and when targeted by an elite quarterback who can make the most of his physical abilities.

From what I've seen CJ Mosely isn't all that charismatic or a great interview. Joe Flacco has no aura whatsoever. Plain and boring as can be. Daryl Smith is as quiet as they come. Some just let their play speak for itself. And Breshad didn't go to a big school with media attention so he's just being introduced to interactions with the media. A lot of the SEC guys get an education on that while in college. Using an interview as any measure on a player's potential is ridiculous. I'm sure the ravens scouts sit down and scrutinize hours of press conference film when preparing for the draft and take boring interviewers off their board early in the process. It's probably the most accurate indicator of future success. I even heard PFF is going to start adding post-game press conference performance into their evaluations! They've worked out a great metric for quantifying "aura".... Honestly, if you went to a steelers forum and posted your opinions I guarantee you'd fit right in there.

Did you not see how often Torrey would have to wait for the ball, come back, or come up just short of the ball? That's tracking issues. He'd either run his route too deep, or put the brakes on too early and not be able to get there. Making a lot of deep catches does not inherently mean you're good at tracking deep balls. Had he not developed an insane ability to draw PI's, his issues tracking the ball would have a whole lot more glaring.

Aikens been running with the starters. No way he doesn't make it.

Read the scouting reports on Perriman and Thomas. Darn near identical. Thomas has developed into what he is. He didn't enter the league that way. Perriman has to this point not been in friendly situations for receivers and has had limited coaching on the finer points of playin the position (other than from his father). Given NFL coaching I think he'll fix some of the route running issues and develop an all around game very similar to DT. I agree Green was a weaker comparison bc of how polished he is as a route runner. It was more so on how Perriman can be used similar to how Greens used in Cinci. Green uses technique/shiftiness to get open while Perriman will likely rely on power/speed but I can see the result being the same. I don't think Torrey will ever be used in that way. He has difficulty beating press coverage bc he doesn't use his hands well and isn't strong enough, and is still struggling with telegraphing his routes like Perriman did In college. Problem is Torrey has had 4 years to correct it and hasn't. Perriman may or may not, but even if he can't he at least has the natural ability to overcome those issues with pure athleticism. Torrey made some ridiculous catches but often needed separation to make catches bc he too often waits for the ball to come into his body. Perriman showed in college that he can make contested catches in traffic, out leaping/boxing out/or straight over powering defenders to the ball. His floor is much higher than Torrey's. Torrey never came close to playing near his floor, but the problem is he may have reached his full potential already - which is not a bad thing, but he's somewhat limited and one dimensional. It's a very valuable dimension to an offense bc it creates so much space, but still is what it is. I think Perriman's floor isn't too far shy of what Torrey is right now. But he at least has the potential to become a top tier receiver in the league and much more than just a deep threat.