Tenacious Faulker

I know very little about the new guy, Raheem Mostert - rookie, undrafted out of Purdue, sat on the PS of Philly and Miami. He's a special teams standout, Purdue record for kickoff return yard average, led FBS in kickoff return yard average and team Captain in 2012. He switched between wide receiver and running back for his first three years at Purdue and was and had more extensive playing time as a senior in 2014. He's 5'10", 190, NOT invited to the Combine, but ran a 4.32 40 at the Indy Pro Day. I'm officially intrigued. Here's his scouting report: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/play%u2026 em-mostert

That pattern is meaningless. Question 1: Who do you get to replace Harbaugh that is available an that you know is better? Answer: No one. Reason: Anyone fired at the end of this season will be because they too have failed. Is there a positional coach you have in mind? A college coach? Is that who you think can replace a Super Bowl winning coach with one bad season out of 8 on his resume?

I tend to agree, but my faith in this shaken a bit now because a 4 week injury now going on 10 weeks. Yes we need to wait and see IF he can play, but at some point we have to wonder if he really wants to play. Hopefully that speculation is wrong and he turns into the stud I hoped he would when I predicted him getting drafted by the Ravens. But still...its happened to other teams before.

I generally agree with Mr. Eisenberg's assessment, but I'd also through in that they've faced this issue before and overcame it. It seems to me that coaching and quality of depth needs to be added to the list specifically even if they are implied. Coaches need to readjust and be more demanding of their players actions. Dumb penalties, blown assignments, lackadaisical execution are player issues, but the coaches need to set an expectation of ultra dedication and professionalism. That's clearly not happening under Harbaugh''s watch this year. John's own body language on the sidelines tells all. He has a look of surprised relief when Tucker won the game in OT vs the Steelers and had a look of resigned disappointment during the Browns game. Harbaugh is not very "Harbaugh" this year imo. He needs to tap into his 2012 self and kick some coach and player butt around there. Joe has no faith in his OL, is afraid to step up in the pocket and is not trusting his "other" receivers not named Pitta or Smith Sr. That needs to change. Trestman had not been using Forsett like Kubiak which was successful. Why? Because he wants HIS pass-first offense like the Bears in place. It's ego. Well the Bears sucked and we're still set up player-wise as a run first offense. The injuries to Camp and Senior MADE him go back to Forsett who allowed us to win in Pitt (150 ru yard) and stay in the game vs Cleveland (121 ru yards). Hopefully he sees the light now. Now he needs to stop trying to force the long throws so much and figure out how to convert on 3rd downs. Defense is a mess mostly because Pees' scheme is essentially "all-in" on pass rush at the expense of our secondary and our best pass rushers are now injured. He'll have to make some major adjustments. He knows the buck stops with him and Ozzie knows that he's not getting the

Well, I'd say Biscotti is in business too. The personnel business in fact and therefore understands personnel better than most of us - you too. Cutting bait because of one awful season is shortsighted and premature. Injuries have been a factor and that is not something that can be prevented. Calling for Harb's head is beyond knee jerk reaction. Get a grip, man! Talk about throw the baby out with the bath water. Sheeesh! Who else are you gonna get that's better? I don't know your business, but don't think I'd want to work for a guy that wants to clean house because of a an acute situation rather than work through the problems. Did I say get a grip? The only name that you didn't concern me is the one that you didn't mention - Trestman - who comes with a history of mixed results. Not that I'm advocating getting rid of him, but Harbaugh needs to WORK THROUGH THE PROBLEMS. IF Trestman (or any coach) is unwilling to change then they need to have a separate convo. But not before being given a chance to make it right. Too many spoiled, whining fans out there looking for immediate gratification say silly things.

These 3 thing are very vague and intertwined, but they are indeed true. The players are playing undisciplined and sloppy, but why the sudden drop-off in quality in 2014? It is the lack of quality players on the depth chart they've had to rely on? Is it a coaching philosophy change? I'm not impressed with Trestman overall so far and I'm starting to wonder about Pees now too. Maybe they should institute massages and quiet time like what Coughlin introduced for the Giants this year too? Attitude? That starts at the top. If the players feel they can't win (esoo to the Brown at M&T) then there's a HUGE problem. The coaches need to crack down on the players. Harbs needs to crack down on the coaches and Ozzie needs to crack down on Harbs. Period.

Funny thing about Flacco being the worst 4th qtr Qb this year is that he was Mr. 4th quarter for years leading up to this. Now with trestman commanding mostly the same players on offense and we suddenly can't rally in fourth quarters or convert on 3rd downs. It's all in the play calling. I wish Joe would go all 2012 and just do what he feels comes naturally. Sometimes I think these OCs want to control too much rather than let Joe diagnose for himself and call audibles. I saw that happen early in the game where Joe gave audibles because of something he saw. They went up 14-3. Second half, no audibles, too many 3 and outs from trying to make too many low percentage down field throws and we take the loss. Coincidence? I think not.

We pick up Shareece Wright just before the week of the 49ers match. Coincidence?

Sometimes I'm not sure about PFF's rankings. Mosely is aall over the damn field is dropping back in coverage a lot to support our lousy secondary. He also has his run stopping assignments. Throw we're lacking vets in field with experience that can diagnose offenses and CJ is spread too thin and trying to do too much. How does PFF account for all that? They don't. There is no grading on curves in their formula. Also, from the list of players that went "UP" in PFF rankings, 5 are injured and at least questionable if not on IR for week 6. Sucks.

Yes, the trade did come. CB Sheerce Wright as Will Davis heads to IR with his 2nd ACK in 10 months. No need to get fired up. I fully expect him to create at least $10M in cap space in 2016 if not more. Sometimes "kicking the can down the road"" (as someone above mentioned is a good thing.

I'm not forgetting anything. In fact, you've a superfluous view of the cap situation. First, your take on these contracts is too simple. For one Smith Sr.'s salary is $41.1M, not $3M, but who's counting, right? The other deals you mentioned will not all come to fruition nor will they all increase either in 2016. Joe's WILL go the other way and I expect him to make significant room for players to help the team. If Ben and Brady did it then so will Joe and you can expect a sizeable chunk freed up. They might try, but I wouldn't expect them to retain both Yanda AND K.O. at top guard salaries. K.O. wants to be the highest paid guard in the NFL and that won't be possible. Expect him to go the way of Ben Grubbs. Upshaw too - could be the next McPhee. Sad to say, but its true. So with next man up for at least two of those top players, expect more cap room. Second, I'm not sure why you've put an absolute figure of $12M out there for Jeffery. Based on what? Who knows where the market goes and how successful they've been at pursuing top talent for a reasonable price. They got Dumervil, Monroe, Boldin, and Smith Sr. under market value and they may be able to for Jeffery too IF he is in fact on their hot list. Third, if they want a player that they know is worth the money, they'll find a way to make it happen. With his age, Jeffery would be better than any other receivers we've brought in so far including Mason in the middle of his career, Boldin after all the punishment he'd taken, and Smith Sr. at the end of his career. Fourth, I was an advocate for trading for him now while he would fit in our 2015 salary cap like they did for Eugene Monroe back in 2013. When his deal was up at the end of the season it was generally thought that he'd command top 3 LT money - about $11M/yr in 2014. They got him for about $7.5M/yr - about 30% less. So it is NOT IMPOSSIBLE. Even with this loss, it might be a good plan just to get the right of first refusal for him next season. This of course is predicated on whether the bears are willing to deal him or not. Fifth, never underestimate the power of a proven commodity. They are typically worth far more than a No.1 overall draft pick because you know exactly what you're getting. It's just a fact. The Ravens typically don't trade away high draft picks, but every once in a while they'll surprise us. Never say never especially in a situation like they're in now. Sixth, building on pint #5, expect some big (not wholesale) changes. This team stinks on ice right now. Most of that is due to poor quality of depth and lack of top veteran talent. They won before because their depth chart was tops in the league. Now that it isn't and definitely it shows (1-4). They have just one 36 y/o playmaker on offense this year and no one with enough experience who can problem solve. Changes will be forthcoming. Bet on it.

izvoodoo, on 12 Oct 2015 - 1:26 PM, said: It's generally accepted that when Ozzie retires DeCosta will be his replacement. While he's been courted by multiple teams already he chose to stay here because he will be in charge here one day. I respect the fact that he letting his love of the oorgaanization be his guide rather than his own ambition. He could've been a GM 3 or 4 times over by now.

I'm reading some of the dumbest suggestions and opinions I've EVER read on this board. Bottom line: If the players are not executing the buck stops at Ozzie's desk. He is in charge of the coaches on down to the water boy. How to solve it? You can't. At least not in one fell swoop. It will take years for some of the contracts to get paid off. Simply cutting dead weight is not usually simple with dead money to consider. Even at 1-4 the Ravens are salary cap Super Bowl Champs every year. Are there problems? Yes, but Ozzie has served as an amazing GM up to this point and likely will continue to do so. Part of the issue is injury which is out of his power. When 14 of your 53-man roster (26%) out due to injury as it was going into OT against the Browns then you can't really lay all that on him. What needs to be looked at: 1) The experience and talent gap between starter and back up. 2) Joe's contract restructure after the season. 3) Harbaugh needs to get his players disciplined - too many penalties, blown assignments/coverage, and terrible 3rd down conversions. 4) Harbaugh needs to get his coordinators in line. The offense pretty much the same as 2014 and Trestman is mismanaging them. Pees' defense is dead in the water being very pass rush focused, but no longer has a pass rush without Dume and Suggs. Does he have an alternative plan and can he coach to the player's strengths? Tanking the season for a high draft pick is the dumbest fan wish alive. There are no guarantees on a first round pick panning out even a high pick. Only 30% of them actually are worth the pick. It is almost better to trade the first for a prove commodity (if you can find a team that will take that deal). Would you prefer Alshon Jeffery for a first or Breshad Perriman at this point? Hopefull Perriman works out, but that's the risk they took in drafting him and why Ozzie has like to trade out of the first in many drafts.

Just because Ozzie is frugal doesn't mean he'd look a gift horse in the mouth which is what Alshon Jeffery for a 3rd round pick would be. Even with this being his last season and his hamstring issues the ravens would be foolish to pass up a deal like that. First he's Chicago's #1WR and is worth a 1st round pick. He's a proven commodity. Second, Smith Sr. is retiring at the end of the season and it would free up some cap space for afford Jeffery. Third, Jeffery and Trestman are familiar with each other and would likely enhance. Lastly, we will not have a proven veteran on roster in 2016. Jeffery could be that guy. With his and Perriman ins Trestman's offense, it could resemble Marshall and Jeffery from 2013. Jeffery for a 3rd round pick would be an amazing trade that could set up the Ravens at WR for 4-5 years. That said, it won't happen.

https://twitter.com/CHICKatCSN/status/650314850053287936 Chick HernandezVerified account ‏@CHICKatCSN 15m15 minutes ago Per team source Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. has 4 broken bones in his back. They will put him in wait & see mode (day 2 day) #ravenstalk cont I hope this is more rumor than fact. This could be the real reason why Chris Givens was brought in although I don't pretend to think he's anywhere as good as Senior.

Well, both are in a back up role now and both have 2 sacks, but Dupree has twice the tackles in 4 games (12 vs 6 for Z). Dupree, however, has 60 more snaps than Z - almost double. Their output is pretty close - not bad for the value of a 1st vs 4th rounder.

Z looked like a beast out there. He had high praise in preseason too and has continued his progress which is what ever coach loves. If Suggs' career ends up being truncated by this 2nd Achillies injury I hope that Z's production starts to look like Suggs' from a few years ago. Time will tell how consistent his is and how much more he'll progress, but I love what I see so far.

Densest muscle in the human next to the heart. Injuries can take a while. Strains tend to linger, but hopefully it wasn't so bad that 2 1/2 weeks won't fix it. There's often not much to do other than ice, heat, lite stretch, maybe some ultrasound, and wait it out. Regarding Steve's ribs/back, it's more of the same. At the time of the injury it was painful. The couple of next days they tend to get worse. Lots of discomfort. I agree he should sit vs the Browns. Get treatment and test it out between week 5 and 6.

I don't know the reason for this late adjustment. Play philosophy would seem to be the only reason and Trestman's pass-first ZBS scheme is not very different that Kubiak's run-first ZBS. The personnel is mostly the same and have a season's worth of experience in Kubiak's version. While Trestman said after his hire he wouldn't be a Kubiak clone and Harbaugh saying that they were trying preserve the 2014 offense (as evidenced by Matt Schaub's signing) then it stands to reason that we're seeing Trestman's play-calling in his system which is has not worked. The forced moved back to running the ball showed that with focus on Forsett that Aiken could then get open and become dangerous. If Givens establishes himself as a legit long range weapon we won't need much more than that to right the ship. But Trestman has to stop trying to institute HIS scheme when its clear that they're better stocked, talent-wise, for a run-first offense. Make it happen Marc; and don't be another Greg Mattison!

You're not the only one. I thought the same thing. I wonder about the FO on cases like these and whether they feel its too risky to give the current depth chart try for a week or two. That's why they kept them, right? Peter King listed some very possible candidates, but nothing worth giving up a pick for except maybe Eddie Royal (more than Roberto Lockette and Andre Roberts) and he's another true #2 receiver like Givens who I doubt can rise to be a true #1. I'd like to stand pat and see which of Brown, Waller and Aiken can rise up. If that doesn't work then pull the trigger then. The week 9 bye is coming.

So much for "speculation" LOL!! Not sure why people accuse others of speculating when that's all they do themselves.

I know Camp hurt his back and was in a wheel chair with back spasms, but I wonder if they found a fractured vertebrae or something?

It's interesting that Givens is also a Wake Forest player although he was a 4th rd draft pick. Ozzie has been trade crazy lately and must be desperate to save this season. Givens is not my first choice to "save" this team, but he's 6', 2013 with 4.41 40 speed. Make you wonder if Smith Sr. or Campanaro is done for the year?

Lloyd is a head case. There's a reason that he can't land on a team despite having decent ball skills. The rest on that list (from July 29) are either old and injury prone or young and talented enough to be boarder line special teamers. There's really no need to go out and get a risky receiver. The issue for Brown and Aiken all along has been reps. Waller will get better. Jeremy Butler can get called up from the PS. These guys just haven't been worked in with the 1st team much and will get on the job training. They're hard working players and have some skills. Aiken looked terrible until the second half last night when he started getting fed the ball - obviously just needed to get the reps. Camp started cooking too until he got carted off with a back injury. Gillmore could be back next week too. So now with 3 receivers out (Camp, Senior and Perriman) these other receivers and TEs should start showing up. They'll get "eased" into it against the Browns next week with a long week for rest and recuperation.

These Anti-Pees threads are hilarious. The defense has more TDs than the offense and the OP thinks that Pees isn't impressive? Let's see: 1) CJ Anderson shut down 2) Pick 6 on Peyton 3) Peyton limited to only 175 yards. 4) Manning sacked 4 times. 5) Demaryius Thomas held to 60 yards and no score. The biggest issue on defense was guarding in the gaps of the zones. Sanders was an absolute killer and we had no answer for him. Maybe if Melvin was health for the game then things would be different. I'm more concerned over the offense. A better thread topic would be "Not impressed with Trestman". Even that, the Bronco's are looking like the most dangerous defense in the league so far.