EdTheMythicalOne

  9 hours ago, RavensDieHard21 said:

I like Humphrey a lot. He needs to be coached on getting his head turned around quicker while the ball is in the air in man coverage. In zone he appears to do great, but savvy route runners will get him. I wonder how much he will be utilizes year 1. 

Will pees use Bowser as a joker defender or will he try to keep him plugged in as OLB?

What is a joker defender? I never heard that Phrase.

A "Joker" defender is simply a defensive player you can move all around the field. I am not sure if you were a fan long enough to remember Adalius Thomas who would normally play DE, but would move to DT, OLB, MLB, and even lined up as a safety. It now seems to pertain to guys that can play SS/MLB or go from outside corner to nickel to safety. It is just a new buzzword term for the word "Versatile"

2 minutes ago, hen826957 said:

You spelled "Samari" wrong by the way. Lol 

I didn't look it up. Didn't care enough to do so. Maybe if he played better as a Raven I might have.

In other news, earlier this off season Anquan Boldin had previously stated if he couldn't get another deal done in Detroit that he'd likely retire.

Seems like that news has changed. He has decided not to hang them up yet and is now believed to be seeking a job close to his Florida home.

Maryland isn't exactly close, but it is closer than Detroit.

Boldin I think is a good fit for our team because he gives us that tough, veteran, possession receiver we currently lack and he is a red zone threat. He fights for contested passes which is also something our other receivers often get panned for not doing.

Just now, hen826957 said:

Or a Kyle Arrington. Foxworth was a decent signing imo. 

Sumari Rolle anyone? He was healthy but toasty.

10 minutes ago, omar586 said:

its up to the coaches to utilize a player strength and make him productive.

Hard to do that with a guy that can't catch the football. It seemed like the tank emptied completely with Jacoby Jones when it did empty.

15 hours ago, RayRayRaven said:

now doan be talkin facts to opinon ty, that can be confusin. myself thought jj was the mvp that game but u know

And the facts are:

Was a very good return man while in Baltimore, probably had his best seasons ever.

Was a decent receiver, not a great one.

The playoff miracle catch was more of the deep safety forgetting his assignment and then falling down. It wasn't that Flacco launched a perfect pass, or that Jacoby blew off the LOS and beat his man. If my memory serves, Jacoby actually had to stop and wait for the pass.

After 2012 he was not nearly as effective and he all but disappeared in 2014. He played for two other teams in 2015 and never caught a pass for any of them and he didn't play in 2016.

Patterson has almost completely vanished as an offensive weapon. He is a kick returner only whereas Jacoby Jones was a KR & PR.

Nothing confusing about those facts.

1 hour ago, redlobster said:

and the mile high miracle

That was more a broken coverage on the defense than it was anything special Jacoby Jones did. I am not saying he was worthless, but we got that one season out of him and he was gone...and I think he's better than Patterson is at WR.

2 hours ago, Edgar said:

There is such an absence of quality coverage and analysis. Forget local coverage...Forget ESPN. Has anyone tried watching NFL network lately?

Toe drag swag...? Top ten....... Programming for idiots.

If it wasn't for "Path to the Draft ", combine coverage,etc., the NFL's network is unwatchable......precisely why this board is of value to the fan.

I've watched NFL Network's combine coverage and the drafts and I can't stand all of the yuk-yuk that goes on. Every once in awhile you will actually get some decent insight on a player. I watch their NFL total access which seems to think there are only 3-4 teams in the NFL and it seems they are purposely targeting the LCD (lowest common denominator) with their antics.

You have to love it when an "analyst's" opinion starts with, "Dude need to get PAID!"

Why do you think this player can help team X? "Yo, dude is just a baller. You get this man here and he can do everything for you."

Gee thanks. Let me go drink about 10 beers so I can join in the fun and understand all the gibberish.

This is how I feel most of the articles on this site are written. They are written with (my opinion) a notion that the fans don't know anything about the players, the team, or the game of football. This is why I feel the message board community is so valuable because it allows for some more intellectual conversations.

As for, "Well, all the other teams are ditching their message boards..." Since when did the Ravens become followers and not leaders? Since when did we want to become just like everybody else?

58 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Cool. Id be happy with both depending on the money. If Claiborne can still healthy (a big if) hes a huge upgrade on anything we had last year (excluding Tavon bc he should be on the inside even though he did play well outside).

Webb is good all around depth, so I wouldnt hate that either. Still has some range and ball skills.

 

If we check that box and get Claiborne, hopefully we turn our attention to Barwin or Mangold. I know we dont have too much $ left but i imagine they could find a way.

Would take away pressing need to really draft any position high and truly set up for taking BPA. Sure -- we need to get younger at CB and pass rusher (and C if we were to sign Mangold), and could use a RT/WR... but its not like we'd have a huge hole anywhere in terms of starting position.

A healthy Claiborne is an immediate upgrade for this team and I hope we get him on a decent contract (for the Ravens) so that more money can be spent to address other glaring needs that we might not be able to address during the draft.

I like Webb as a backup and if he comes back I think that is a good move.

Even with Smith and Claiborne I think the Ravens need to draft some more CB help high in the draft. It seems like these days it is only a matter of time before Smith or Claiborne gets hurt and we need some more talent in house just in case that happens. Take one high and then try to get a sleeper in the draft later. We certainly do need a pass rusher especially if we can't sign somebody to help us out at least until one of the younger guys steps up and shows they are ready. We still need some MLB help because I am not so sure Correa is the answer. It is his job to lose coming into the season though. We need more O-line help at C or RT. We could also use more help at WR...a big, tall, possession guy that can actually catch the football.

Zuttah would be okay as another year stop gap, and RT we might have the answer in house. If that is Alex Lewis then we need a LG and I think we should sign Tim Lelito. Under the radar move, has been a solid run blocker and if he gets beaten out he also plays RG/RT/&C.

At LE/LDT (the spot vacated by Lawrence Guy leaving) I think we've got the bodies in camp to step in.

We've got a glaring hole left by the Dumervil cut and we also need to find a replacement for Suggs because he's not going to be playing for too much longer.

1 hour ago, PurpleCity5 said:

Looks like neither of us are changing our opinion on this, regardless I think Pitta and Watson will be cut at some point, just depends on when for me. The Ravens need to live in die by the young guys and neither of those two will offer the ability to do that. 

I will address this, on the topic of Pitta's consistency, that's what he has been his whole career, ok fair, what about this past season? After his best game of the season against Miami he managed a poor 4 catches for 18 Yards against New England. After that it was 2 catches for 16 yards against Philadelphia. After that he had a flurry of inflated targets against Pitt and Cincy on plays that really didn't get the Ravens much. 

I don't believe in his ability to get open on zone coverage because he didn't beat linebackers often. I think you're mistaking those plays he made that went for 3 or 4 yards as getting open when a lot of defenses in the NFL play a bend-but-don't break type of coverage (Just like ours) where they will take a TE getting a 3 yard gain over a WR getting a 30 yard play. 

On plays where Pitta gets targets, they have been largely ineffective, and I don't think anyone is saying that Joe has a crush on PItta, but when he gets pressure in his face, he tends to get tunnel vision and look for his safety blanket, that has always been Pitta but as we all know, those plays just were not effective for us. That's not what I would define as getting open, that's a play in which the TE either sits on his route or the defense sits on their play and wait for the TE to make the catch and then proceed upon the tackle, which is what we saw, a ton. 

Again, that's just me addressing your comments, I don't feel like this is going to change our opinions, I still believe both guys are going to get cut, it just depends on when. 

Even the best in the game get shut down in some games. They aren't always putting up 150 yards with 3 tds in every game. But look at the overall body of work and the numbers tell you the story about Pitta. He was consistent before and after the injury.

You see what you want to see and I will see what I want to see. If he's not getting open then he's not making all those catches. The offense as a whole was ineffective and I would argue that any catch that gains you positive yards is helpful.

I agree that the younger guys need to step up and claim the majority of snaps, but until they do then Pitta is not a bad option to have as a fallback plan. You know what you have with him and you can trust his hands.

1 minute ago, atomicfront said:

Watch kickers before the game.  They all can make kick after kick from any distance.  The difference between a guy like Cundiff and a guy like Tucker is ability to perform under pressure.  Why did we draft Boller in the first round?  It was because of his natural ability.  Why was Brady drafted in the 6th round.  Some players play a lot better than their talent and others a lot worse.  

You're talking about two completely different things with the kicker situation. You are talking about a guy getting nervous and cracking under pressure and that's the mental aspect of the game. It has nothing to do with whether the kicker is playing "faster" or "stronger."

We drafted Boller because we actually whiffed on our chance to get who we really wanted and Billick panicked and went after a guy that had no business being drafted in the first round.

Pulling up Brady is like pulling up the rare instances of a UDFA turning into a consistent pro bowler or Hall of Famer. That is an extreme outlier and not the rule. If you want to go with Brady as your example; and I accept your premise, which I don't, that just proves my case even further that this is an exception to the rule. It is not a common thing.

  3 hours ago, ravenalltheway said:

I really think we should sign Mangold, Claiborne and Barwin.

1. Doubt we would be able to retain all three.

2. Signing Barwin seems counterproductive to what we are trying to do at that position.

3. I'm not sure Mangold is an upgrade over Zuttah at this point.

Retain all three? We don't have any of them yet. So we need to obtain before we retain.

They are trying to improve at OLB. Connor Barwin is better than anyone we currently have on the roster for that position. His drop off last year was because the Eagles tried to make him a 4-3 end and move him away from his previous and very successful fun as a 3-4 OLB. This move would be hardly counterproductive.

A healthy Mangold is better than Zuttah and that is the only question in the equation. How healthy is that ankle? Let's not forget that Zuttah was all sorts of banged up last year as well.

Think you should update this to let everyone know that Guy signed with the Pats for 4 years and around $20 mil.

I will miss him if this is truly the end of his Ravens career but there is a chance the Ravens will bring him back...if he's willing to take a lesser role in the defense. Some other team out there might be willing to give him a chance at a starting job, but who knows.

Webby was the man at CB before all the injuries and he was looking pretty good at safety about half way through the season. If we can bring him back I will be happy.

2 hours ago, January J said:

Mangold and Ryan Clady that's about it. Mangold would be a definite upgrade over Zuttah but has injury concerns. Good thing about him though is he wouldn't cost us a compensatory pick. Ryan Clady is traditionally an LT but I'm sure he could switch over to replace the void left by Wagner. I'm hoping we come away with atleast one of the two and then draft another O lineman on top of that- maybe even double dip. Then we'll be in good shape. The first 4 picks we have  in the top 3 rounds really need to be :

Pass rusher; Corner ; O-line; WR

And not necessarily in that order.

Tim Lelito who plays swing guard, RT, and C.

38 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

Ed, like you, I will be disappointed when the forums close, but let it go dude.  I noticed you joined in June 2015, not even 2 years ago.  You were fine before you joined the forums, I'm sure you'll cope after they shut them down. 

And do you know why I came here? It is because ESPN closed their boards down and I left that site high and dry until I found this forum. I will do the same if they decide to still close these boards and according to the polls so far, a significant majority of responders will do the same. This site will quite literally be dead to me because the "news" isn't news I couldn't get elsewhere, the opinion articles are usually not very fulfilling, and there is no real insider information available. The video clips they have I find have very little value. Essentially what I am saying here is that the main value of this site to me is the forums. I can go elsewhere (and usually do) for my Ravens news. Doesn't that seem funny considering this is supposed to be the official site for the team?

21 minutes ago, omar586 said:

as a KR/PR he's better than what we have. plus a change of scenery is what he needs, remember Jacoby in Houston,

Remember Jacoby here. One good season, then Sweet Pea.

11 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

The reason why a lot of RBs burnt out by their mid-30s is because they wear out a lot by the high volume of carries, a guy like Watson who sprung in that age where RBs hit a hard decline peaked late because they have a lot less wear and tear. He got a 2YR deal worth 7M at the age of 35, I'm sure the Ravens knew his age before signing him to that deal, but the truth is that Watson had plenty left in the tank. Also, because of the torn Achilles it doesn't mean that Father Time is going to strike him right now, it might very well do so the next season but that doesn't mean it will happen now. That said, in the end I think Watson will be released however if the Ravens decide not to release him and give him a shot at TC then I will very much approve of that decision. Not to mention Watson is a superb blocking TE. He offers those two dimensions on the TE position and I feel like we really missed out on it. I really wish he never had that injury.

 On the case of Steve Smith Sr. I disagree, he looked really good in his return, he had 800 yards receiving but lets not forget he practically missed 3 games( Exited early vs Washington, missed Giants & Jets). Its very possible that he could have accumulated 1,000 yards and match the type of season that he had when he first came here. If he did lose a step, which is a statement that's valid, then it was probably 1/3rd of a step. 

I just flat out don't think Pitta can be a consistent contributor in this offense. TE's are a big part of what the Ravens want to do on offense but I feel like another receiving option would sort of fade Pitta away. TEs in a west coast offense run a variety of slant, drag, and crossing patterns where the TE meets head on with a linebacker and more often than not, Pitta did not win that battle. The lack of stand-out players forced Joe to look towards Pitta way more than need be, Pitta had 86 receptions on the year which led all TEs, but how many of them were effective compared to the top TE's? I would much rather have someone with less receptions and bigger and more effective plays if you ask me. Yeah, he had those two hip injuries and that's unfortunate, but it happened, it robbed him of his athleticism and his skills. I don't think either of those are ever coming back to him. I think it's possible it returns for Watson, as I said he's a very athletic TE, he sometimes looks like a WR when lined up in the slot. I think his physical play to go along with his athleticism can still make him a very effective player. I think he can shock some people and I really wouldn't be mad if we kept him because as it stands right now, the Ravens don't have someone who can be a receiving threat and a blocker, or to put into better words a 3 down TE. Right now, I'd rather take Watson over Pitta if we're talking about keeping a vet. 

I think everybody that is a more than a casual fan of the NFL knows that a multi year deal is not a multi year deal until the team keeps you on the roster. The money is not guaranteed and you can get cut at any time. That's why guys want as much money up front and guaranteed to them more than just number of years.

Not sure where you're getting this no wear and tear thing on Waston. He's played no less than 12 games a season since his sophmore season in the NFL. He's not a "superb" blocker by any means. He's just not horrible at it. Dude is 37 and coming off of an Achilles. I'd be surprised if the Ravens keep him, but if they do I will pull for him since he's a Raven.

Guys can still look good late in their careers after they lose a step. It doesn't mean they haven't. They make up for it with experience and hard work. We made Derek Mason look like a superstar when he was pretty much done. Why? Because he was our main target.

The point you make about Pitta is laughable at best. He's been nothing but consistent his whole career when he's healthy. What does he do well? Catch the ball. He's got the best hands on the team. What else does he do well? Get open in zone coverage. Once again that was on full display. The reason for him getting so many balls isn't because Joe Flacco has a secret crush on him, it is because he's the only guy that knows how to get himself open. That's been Dennis Pitta his whole career and that hasn't fluctuated.

We'll just have to agree to disagree about our stances on Watson and Pitta.

2 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

People also forget that as an offensive/defensive lineman, leverage and leg drive play just as large a factor as upper body strength. Plus, as a tall, long armed player, bench presses are harder to complete. He has to come down and go up a lot further than someone six inches shorter than him.

And what are the knocks on Kaufusi?

He plays too high which means he's not getting leverage and not only does he lack upper body strength, but lower body strength. I mean I am not making this stuff up, this is coming from scouting reports from people that do this from a living. I think I will take their analysis and buy into it a bit more than a fan sitting at home and watching highlight reels.

He's also showing that his "speed" as somebody defined it (which actually isn't speed) and him being a "player that plays faster and stronger on the field" does not hold up because he lacks that speed and explosion on the field that should be there based on his combine.

2 hours ago, The Raven said:

I'm talking about his ten yard split, his burst off the line, his short shuttle, his 3 cone. I forgot that I need to write things out in specific for you.

It's not that black and white. Gino Gradkowski had 29 reps at his pro day and a 28.5 vert -- solid numbers for a center -- but got thrown around like a toy. He lifts strong but doesn't play strong. By comparison, Weston Richburg had 25 reps and a 25.5 vert. Who's the better center? But I don't think I can convince you otherwise, so I'll let it rest

It's not the motor. I can distinguish talent and motor. It's what I see with my eyes on the tape. What I see as the primary problem is his pad level.

Okay, that's not speed, that's quickness and explosion and those are actually things that are not exactly something Kaufusi's scouting report says he's good at. You only had to be specific because I wanted you to further prove you don't know what you're talking about and you did an excellent job of it.

I compared two players almost the exact same height and weight at the same position and had drastically different numbers in the strength game. Your comparison offers up two guys with almost identical numbers. Richburg obviously is the better talent but maybe that also comes down to technique and natural skills.

You guys are seriously gonna give me flack for stating that J.J. Watt is a lot better of a talent than Bronson Kaufusi? Seriously?

Yes, I am sure you are an amazing expert at talent evaluation and that's why you are sitting at home at your computer and not working for an NFL front office.

2 hours ago, Tank 92 said:

I have to disagree with this. Live bullets often make guys perform way differently, sometimes better, sometimes worse.

Actually, you do agree with me.

I don't think most guys magically transform into better players once they step on the field. They are either good or not. Now, an adrenaline rush is capable of allowing people to do some amazing things, but it is short lived and a once in a life time thing. A player can't live off of an adrenaline rush.

But in the rare cases where people get amped up for a game it can be a help or a hindrance.

You say sometimes better and sometimes worse. I say it isn't common that a player plays better in live game action that he does anywhere else....so you're agreeing with me. If it only happens SOMETIMES and then part of those time is it also worse, then my point of it not being common remains true.

5 minutes ago, The Raven said:

I'm not talking about his 40 time. It's irrelevant to his position.

And actually, some guys do play stronger on the field than their weight room stats show. Some guys are workout warriors but get bullied on the field. Having actually played the game, I can verify that it happens. It's really a common thing.

Then what do you mean by "faster" if you are not talking about speed?

I've played too and I don't think it is as common as you seem to think. I buy more into that some guys practice better than they play and vice-versa. But you are either fast or you aren't. You are either twitch quick or you aren't. You are either strong or you aren't.

The reason why he might look faster and stronger than he might be is because of his relentless motor. That's a good thing. I like hustle and a guy that never gives up on a play. Let's not mistake that for talent though. His clear weakness is his lack of strength in the upper and lower body. It shows on tape on the field and it is verified at the combine. Luckily for him if he's been busting his butt in the gym this offseason; and I am sure he has been, he can work on that and improve the strength part of his game.

On 3/5/2017 at 0:35 PM, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

We don't have a 7th. 

That's why it would be so awesome!

5 minutes ago, FastEddie said:

Does anyone think Conor Barwin has anything left?

Purp and I both mention his name and both of us think he's a decent fit in an short term situation as he moves out from DE and back to OLB for us in our scheme which is where he had success before with the Eagles before they changed their system.

8 minutes ago, The Raven said:

One thing I'd note here is that some players are faster on the field than in a combine setting. I think BK is one of them.

I am going to be admittedly facetious here but, is he suddenly going to get stronger on the field than in the gym? Is it because he will be wearing pajamas with an "S" on his chest under his uniform? This is a way of me saying that I don't really buy that argument in a majority of cases.

His 40 time really doesn't matter to me because he's not going to be sprinting after a QB 40 yards away with nobody in front of him while he's not wearing any pads at all.