Grapple Raven

Ironic that Boldin is on the NFL Channel right now in a re-run of "Hey Rookie", lol.

I'm wondering since Boldin made that statement earlier and now it appears to be a little different situation, especially since Flacco's cap hit was lower than expected, if the direction of the F.O. has changed. I find it hard to believe that Boldin would have made such a bold statement if he knew what we know now? It isn't like everyone didn't know the cap situation. Things that make you go...hmmmmmmm!

@izvoodoo My last sentence was predicated on all the opinion in the paragraph before it. I think you missed my point! lol

@BMORE-96 "Considering, before the playoffs, boldin underperformed to his No.1 contract as a receiver,..." I would kindly suggest that this wasn't a case of Boldin underperforming, but rather a case of a good reciever not being utilized correctly by at that time an unimaginative OC! Boldin can't catch passes on the sidelines.

As I stated earlier, Ray Lewis (and God love him, he was my favorite) elevated the MLB position and the "defense first" attitude to an all most celebrity level. It was the identity this team was built on, but in the league today the way it is trending, the MLB position doesn't stand to take more precedence over the other positions on defense, especially if we strengthen the front seven...which is where I see our biggest need is. All I am saying is that we fell in love with the MLB position because we had the greatest at that position...but we have to change our thinking... we can't tie up all our money in that position, because there will never be another Lewis. Ellerbe isn't Lewis, and it isn't fair to expect him or anyone else to be. We have to change our focus a bit, and until we do we may continue to overpay for a MLB at the expense of other team needs, ie a dominate efficient high powered offense imho. I think we need Boldin for that kind of offense. I think that the decision of paying Ellerbe/Boldin is going to tell the direction of what type of team identity we willl have moving forward.

My point earlier, was two fold: Ellerbe and McClain have some really serious injuries that leads me to honestly wonder if they could play through an entire season at a high level. Ellerbe this season alone has dealt with two broken thumbs, back, hamstring, foot and ankle issues, and may require surgery in the off season. McClain's neck and spine injury could be detrimental to his career and is still up in the air as to whether he can play. Do you want to mortage the bank on that is a good question worth consideration. Secondly, Ray Lewis (and God love him, he was my favorite) elevated the MLB position and the defense first attitude to an all most celebrity level. In the league today the way it is trending, the MLB position doesn't stand to take more precedence over the other positions on defense, especially if we strengthen the front seven...which is where I see is our biggest need. All I am saying is that we fell in love with the MLB position because we had the greatest at that position...but we have to change our thinking... we can't tie up all our money in that position, because there will never be another Lewis. Ellerbe isn't Lewis, and it isn't fair to expect him or anyone else to be. We have to change our focus a bit, and until we do we may continue to overpay for a MLB at the expense of other team needs.

If the article from Rotoworld is correct and this is about cutting Boldin to keep Ellerbe...if you look at overall production and durability, and not from just this season, this seems like bad business decision to me. Once people realize that the MLB position isn't as important as it was when Lewis was here (strengthen the front seven), it just doesn't justify overpaying Ellerbe when there are viable, cheaper options in the draft. The last thing you would want to do is weaken the offense at this point at the expense of the defense, and I think Boldin's absence weakens the offense not only from losing a "clutch" player, but from a leadership and "coaching up" perspective. Glad I am not in Ozzie's shoes.

In listening to alot of Ellerbe's player interviews over the past several weeks, it appears the closer we get to free agency Ellerbe's attitude has definately changed. He appears to be listening to the wrong ears and I think he is getting an inflated sense of his worth. Don't get me wrong, Ellerbe is a good player, but that is just it, he is good, not great. I hate to think of us losing a player of Boldin's caliber from overpaying a player with durability issues. If we had a stronger front seven, the LB position wouldn't nearly be as important.

Something in Ellerbe's approach to free agency is starting to eerily remind me of Grubbs!

For the money that Ellerbe is asking for, keeping Kruger would be a better durability and financial option. lol The more I think about this I am leaning to keeping the offense as is mostly (David Reid, Harwood could be let go or re-signed for less $), maintaining its consistency, and just doing a housecleaning on the defensive side of the ball at certain positions like LB and a few others and go younger and cheaper thru the draft, building for the future. After all Ozzie said we were going after the middle of the field on defense. We need a freaking' NT!

The thought of our prospects at LB, with little current depth (Ellerbe with two broken thumbs, hamstring issues, back,foot, and ankle issues and Jameel with former knee issues and that neck and spinal issue) is worrisome...I say go younger and healthier in this years draft(deep in LB's) to secure out future, and ease future cap issues down the road. That is alot of money tied to two players with major injury issues and durability concerns. Secure a contract extension for Boldin. Not only can he still play at a high level, his leadership and coaching for our young WR corps are worth the investment. The thought of a Boldin retirement makes me want to hurl!!!

Andy, my hero! lol Friends for life, you betcha!

Lol, I watch alot when they do those weekend marathon thingys or go back and catch up online...that is why I love those shows...can do a whole season in a weekend marathon!

Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Criminal Minds, Castle, The Good Wife, Scandal, Last Resort, DWTS, Dallas, Undercover Boss, Shark Tank, Deadliest Catch, Dirty Jobs, Parking Wars, Whale Wars, Hawaii 5-0, American Pickers, Hatfields and McCoys(History Channel mini-series, that was great!), Hell's Kitchen, Master Chef, Resturant Impossible, and my all time favorites: The Andy Griffith Show, The Closer, and Duck Dynasty...makes me happy, happy, happy, lol.

I am a Tarheel born and bred, located in eastern NC, a stones throw from where Vonta Leach went to school at ECU! I love my state and the Ravens! Black and Purple forever!!!