EdTheMythicalOne

On 3/12/2016 at 3:42 PM, Crusader said:

"Ravens ‘Looking Seriously’ At Mike Wallace" Now that's funny. No secondary, no linebackers, no left or right Tackle but lets look at a old receiver. Ravens will have to change their name to the bats because they will be in the basement for so long where its dark. Sooner or latter John and Ozzie's art work on this team has to take some kind of form but nothing yet.

The Ravens still have Eugene Monroe at LT and while he may not be the best in the league, he's good when he's healthy, but that is a big question mark coming off of last season. He's been pretty banged up the last couple of seasons and I agree this is an area of concern. I completely disagree with you at RT as Rick Wagner has been a very strong contributor to the O-Line. At linebacker we have C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs, and Elvis Dumervil. The health and age questions are there with Suggs, but he's proven that he's a very good player when healthy. I agree they need to find a partner for Mosley in the middle that can cover and at the end of the season it looked like that guy was Zach Orr. We still have Arthur Brown who I believe is on his last legs here. If he was going to show he has anything to offer, now would be a great time. So yeah, they need to get younger at OLB and find some new production there.

More worrying to me is that the ends on this team don't seem to do much. I think part of that is solved with Lawrence Guy. He didn't light up any radars but was one of the more productive guys along the D-line and if you don't believe me take a look at his numbers. Brandon Williams is a beast, but we need to get something out of the other end slot whether that is Carl Davis or Timmy Jernigan or somebody else. Jernigan has got to stop it with the idiotic penalties.

The secondary was experiencing a lot of injuries last year. Jimmy Smith and Webb were not healthy at all and the rotation at safety due to injuries also didn't help things. Weddle and Will Hill should be solid players that should play a majority of the snaps all season. Webb most likely lines up on third down or passing situations as a 3rd corner or safety.

The problem on offense last season clearly was production at WR.

I think Wallace would be a good fit. Adds more speed to our offense, who can definitely produce. He can also help Perriman out with developing, along with SSS. SSS, Perriman, Aiken, and Wallace would be a pretty solid WR group. Then add in Watson, Gilmore, and Williams at TE, that is pretty exciting. This doesn't include the long list of WRs that are fighting for roster spots. I hope Camp can actually stay healthy.

I'm think maybe a 1-2 year deal for Wallace at about 3 million per season.

As for Weddle, he has it narrowed down to 4 teams, and I believe we are one of them. I think we will find out either tomorrow or Tuesday where he will be playing. Obviously he would help our defense, but who do you cut at S? Kendrick Lewis would be gone. Then do you start Will Hill or Webb? Hill has played well the past 2 years. If Webb is moving to FS, it will be interesting what they do. Will Hill is only 25 or 26 years old, so I hope he sticks with us for the long run. I personally don't think Weddle will choose Baltimore, but I do believe we have a good chance. Having SSS here will help, but finances are probably gonna be the issue. May be an interesting week for the Ravens.

I think Weddle's best football is behind him and why are we interested in adding a slow, non playmaker like him in the deepest part of the secondary. Isn't the problem that we don't have players like that already? So to add another on doesn't make any sense to me, especially when you'll have to pay top dollar for him.

Stop trolling the FA wire for WR's past their prime Ozzie. We cannot carry 8 WR, none of whom play special teams. Unfortunately, they can't pick up mediocre receivers, because Flacco does not know how to improve them like Ben, Brees, Manning, etc. I actually think Beachum the OL would be a great pickup as insurance because he can play either LG or LT and seems decent when healthy. That would give them a lot of flexibility on the line with Urschel, Jensen, Beachum, Monroe or replacement LT. I hope we trade or release Monroe.

Apparently you didn't see this past season when a virtual no-name at WR turned into almost a 1,000 yard receiver in Kamar Aiken. Then factor in he didn't have ANY of his starting wideouts on offense this year, had a second year TE and two rookies playing there all season...and you make this comment?

Alright, I came out EARLY last off season to state how Schaub didn't have it anymore and with the hope we would never have to see him on the field. I caught a ton of flak for it and one fan in particular told me how wrong I was. Unfortunately Flacco got hurt and we had to witness what Matt Schaub had become and not what many hoped he wasn't. I am a man of my word and I had said that if Schaub got the opportunity and proved my words false that I would come on here and admit it. Unfortunately as well for the Ravens that scenario didn't take place.

I have to say that witnessing him in action was like watching something in a movie, a possible nightmare a QB would have. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it before. The propensity for this man to throw an interception and have it returned for points repeatedly was truly amazing in a horrible way. Schaub lost his job to Clausen who then made way for Mallet.

Schaub says he's not done and still wants to play. After his last few seasons in the league though, I don't know of many teams that would want him to play for them. He may be able to hang on for another season somewhere as a back up.

What this report and Suggs' statement does not mention is the reason why the police were involved in the first place. It isn't like he was walking down the street and the police arrested him. Only the official statement from his representative contains the detail about the accident.

He apparently was involved in a single car accident and the report I heard is that he was initially picked up for "fleeing the scene of an accident." That last part is enough to land you in some hot water, but it probably didn't help that he was driving on a suspended license; which again is enough to land you in hot water.

It would make sense that he was fleeing the scene because he obviously knew he was driving when he shouldn't have been...and then there is the speculation of why he was in a single car accident. Was he speeding again? Was he under the influence of something?

I just don't understand how people with the means to avoid these situations put themselves in these situations.

The main thing I will be watching for is if the Ravens will use an opt out "Clause"n at QB. I didn't think Schaub would play this week after seeing him dizzied from the one hit which looked like he got a concussion and then for sure on the last hit he took in which he grabbed his collarbone area. I'd be shocked if I didn't hear he broke it. I think he was really trying to make an effort to play through the pain and I give Schaub a lot of credit for that. At this point though, what's the point of playing him? Our post season chances are slim to none at best, Schaub is showing he's what he was the last couple of seasons, and he's got no future here in Baltimore. Play Clausen and/or Rynner, take the high draft pick, and come back next year strong.

The Ravens will be the Phoenix next year. Rising strong and better than ever from the burnt out ashes of 2015. Nowhere to go but up. I am confident in this front office that they will get the key players in the draft and in free agency and with that and the return of our starting lineup all healthy again to be one of the best teams in the NFL sooner rather than later.

This is why I am proud to be a Ravens fan. This team rarely stays down for long.

Upshaw who knows,, Canty is gone cause we don't need that veteran leadership anymore.

 

Davis's best game came in week 1 after that Idk what happened. He's been ok to below average since, KPL+Brent will probaly never be what they could've been

Ravens aren't going to pay Upshaw. He's been a bust here. I never thought he was the opposite side pass rusher they were seeking when they drafted him. I saw him more of a Jarrett Johnson type, but Jarrett was better. I don't know how many times I see Upshaw failing to set an edge and he never seems to get home for a sack. He's always a few steps too late. Even if he were to take a team friendly contract, I just think the Ravens will move on. They got other people in the wings that could take his slot.

Webb apparently doesn't want to play FS full time and still thinks he can be a CB. It's not always as simple as "we pay you and you'll play FS" because you can't really make him do it if he doesn't want to do it. You'll either get sabotage, sedition, or he'll want to go elsewhere.

Then have fun being cut and trying to find some other team to pay him what he's currently getting from the Ravens. He's clearly not the same guy he was a couple seasons ago which is unfortuante. I thought he was really becoming one of the better corners in the league. The constant injuries to his knees and back have slowed him down. So yeah, the team can tell him what to do, he's under contract. If you want to get on the field for the Ravens, it will be as a safety. Have fun riding the bench and not making a market for yourself when you hit free agency.

If there is a franchise LT available in the draft in the first round the Ravens should take him. Monroe won't be here forever and there is a chance the Ravens can't re-sign Osemele, and Wagner is a free agent after next season. So the new guy can slot in at LG to get him on the field just like HOF'er Ogden did for us years ago in his first year as a pro. Monroe has actually been a decent LT for us. The drop off in play when Hurst is in the game is very apparent, but to Hurst's credit he's not exactly been given regular work.

Jalen ramsey is the S to want...He's a top 10 talent and I'm not a massive fan of safetys going top 10 unless they're ed reed. I'll take a higher position of value thanks, CB is  a need but not worth a top 10 pick cause of Webb,Smith etc. 2nd round yes. first no

The Ravens are moving Webb to safety which is actually the position he played in college. He might look undersized for the position but while he might be a little too slow for a corner now after his numerous leg issues, he's still quick for a safety. He's a very good tackler and he has pretty good hands. I think he'd be a great CF roamer type and hopefully playing back from the line of scrimmage helps him stay healthy. So if there is a stud, sure fire CB available in the first round I say we take him. You can't count on Smith being healthy and Webb also has had health issues. The rest of the guys on the team aren't very promising.

D-line has potential but nobodys living up to it aside from brandon williams. Jernigan needs to play to the level he's capable of, Still the run defense isn't the problem. Everything else is....The cursed injuries...(horrific penalties) nothing went right this year. I can't think of a single positive thing aside from the TEs who will probaly sneeze and shatter their noses or something.

I made a post in another thread about a Guy not getting any love. I knew he was under the radar but didn't know our own fans wouldn't notice him. Part of the reason why Carl Davis and Kapron Lewis-Moore can't get on the field is because of the play of Lawrence Guy. Guy is second on the D-line in tackles, very close behind Williams, and he's tied for second on the team with 3.5 sacks. Canty has been playing decently in bursts.

It will be nice to have Urban back if he's healthy and to get a look at what he can do in game time, but this guy has missed two full seasons of pre season football and practice time. I hope he's not another Kapron Lewis-Moore. He was hyped like mad, kept getting hurt, and now that he's finally healthy after three seasons he might not ever be the talent he was supposed to be due to all the injuries. At this point we don't NEED to have Urban. If he's not completely healthy just sit him down and get him ready for next season.

As for Carl Davis I noticed something. In the very first game he played he was in against starters and he never even had his name mentioned. It wasn't until later when the back ups were playing that he started to make plays. To me that means that the physical tools are probably there, but he needs to learn a bit better technique. I look for him to make a bigger impact next year. Jernigan has just really disappeared too. These guys are going to get some snaps along with Zadarius Smith next season because I don't think the Ravens will bring back Canty or Upshaw.

I'd bet a nickel that Matt Elam will not be a starter for the Ravens unless everyone else is injured. But I have a question: Is Jimmy Smith "hurt" or did he just get paid and playing on a team going nowhere this year?

This season was supposed to be the year Matt Elam was in make or break mode...then he tore his pectoral. I hope he is spending the time digesting the play book and doing as much working out as he can to come into camp next season in his best shape ever because I think the Ravens will give him one last look. But, just like they did this season, they should look for a steady veteran to bring in just for insurance. Brooks would be getting a longer look if he could stay healthy. The fact that Webb is getting snaps at safety now is pretty telling. If the Ravens can get two good corners (a healthy Jimmy Smith), and a free agent or top draft pick, then maybe this secondary will start playing well again.

As for Jimmy Smith he had a Lis Fran fracture. I never knew what that was until I saw it popping up all the time in a Madden game I was playing years ago. The Lis Franc is the portion of bone in the top portion of your foot right where your foot meets your ankle. For many players it was a career ending injury. The fact that Jimmy is back and playing within a year is encouraging but you can tell he's just not healthy. He still has some straight line speed, but he can't plant, cut, or turn like he used to. Speed is helpful at corner, but you have to be really athletic and agile so you can change your directions in almost an instant. Hopefully he will be fully recovered for next season.

How soon can we get him in a Ravens uniform? We might need him to suit up right from the delivery room with how injuries have been hitting us.

Maybe Justin has been missing some kicks because he's been "Tuckered" out making an addition to his family roster?

Congratulations to the Tucker family.

Buck might not even be getting many carries or snaps if it weren't for injuries. He was behind the depth chart with Forsett and Taliafero in front of him. I like our three pronged attack. All should be back next season. Forsett has a knack for finding holes and picking up extra yards you don't expect him to get. Taliafero is good at finding the hole and hitting it hard and should be the goal line/short yardage guy. Then you have a great third down back in Allen who can run and catch. The younger guys can use this time with Forsett on the roster to prove they should have the starting job, or to show the Ravens they should get another guy in the next couple of drafts.

Gillmore is no surprise to me. Been saying it since we drafted him that this guy would be a sleeper beast. He's not fast. Who cares? He's huge, he's strong, he has softer hands than you think, he can get open, AND he can actually block. I was predicting a pretty big year for him.

This secondary has switched around a bit. Hill is solid at safety, Webb is shifting to safety, Smith is still iffy and I am not really impressed with Kyle Arrington. It is a patchwork for sure. If we can get some pressure with that terrible OL of the Browns then I don't think McCown will torch this team again.

I know this is supposedly and offensive game now in the NFL. But I still say along with Ray that "Defense wins Championships." We were spoiled by having such good defenses for a long time in Baltimore that these last couple of seasons have been a shock. You don't realize the value of a good defense until you see a BAD one. A good defense can win you games and Championships. A bad one costs you games.

Here are my five questions:

1) Are the refs blind or do they only have tunnel vision for the Ravens? I know I might be sounding like a whining homer here, but some of the calls this year have been absolutely atrocious. It'd be one thing if you also got some in your favor and it was consistently terrible for both teams, but it isn't.

2) Will somebody catch the freaking' football? It doesn't really matter who plays under center if nobody can get open and on the odd chance that they do get open, they drop the dang ball.

3) Speaking of catching the ball, will the Ravens go Twin TE and also feature a "heavy" package that includes Jusczcyk along with that formation? Seems like the only guys with reliable hands are Gillmore, Williams, "Juice," and Buck Allen. I think they need to split out Juice more and get him open on short routes. He's not really a YAC guy and when he gets screens and all he's not all that effective. But he's great on that 5-7 yard little swing pass and he can sometimes bowl over a defender.

4) Did the Ravens defense finally wake up, or was that just a terrible Rams offense? Todd Gurley had been tearing up most of the league and he's not even completely healthy yet. What a great talent. I hope he stays healthy for his NFL career because he could be something really special. Rare blend of true speed, power, and when healtier...he's got moves too. Case Keenum was running the offense, but this isn't exactly Joe Montana we're talking about here.

5) Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

I would be so depressed if we having the season we were expected to have and Joe got hurt. However,  I think Joe getting hurt may set us back a little in the development of our young receiving corp without Joe sling the ball.

While the wideouts we are playing are relatively young, they aren't exactly rookies.

Kamar Aiken is 26 and in his 4th season and he's showing why he was expendable. He didn't carve out a slot with the Bills, Bears, or the Patriots. He's got questionable hands and isn't exactly electric. He'd be a decent complimentary player as a 3rd wide out. Clearly not a #1 or #2. At this point it would be a little bit of wishful thinking to ponder him becoming anything more than what he is. He can work on his hands.

His partner in crime right now is another veteran in Chris Givens who is actually a year younger than Aiken, but is going into his 5th year. He spent all of his prior time with the Rams and simply got lost in the shuffle as others stepped over him on the depth chart. So far I am not impressed. He's not getting open and with the game on the line and time running out he was too busy jawing at his former teammates instead of hurrying back to the line of scrimmage for a spike to kill the clock. Again, five years in the NFL is enough time to show what you've got.

Then there is the one year wonder Marlon Brown. I thought he was going to be a good weapon in the redzone and be a good possession guy. Only problem is dude can't get open and he also has the dropsies. He's in his third season and time to cut bait and go with somebody new.

Now there is recently added to the roster Jeremy Butler. He's the only rookie really in the mix right now and he's just starting to get playing time. He's busting his butt on the practice field and forcing the Ravens to take notice after missing his entire time up to this point with an injury. He's showing some promise and I think he should start grabbing snaps away from Givens.

Then there are the Tight Ends. Flacco was already in good sync with Gillmore and I think he showed he was in good time with Williams. Unfortunately Boyle is hurt and probably done for the year, but he was the third stringer anyway.

The other young guys are on the shelf (Perriman and Campanaro) so it isn't like Flacco is missing time with them while he's out with his injury. I get what you were trying to say, but I don't really think it is an issue. I don't really expect to see some of these names on the roster next season. I could see the Ravens keeping Aiken and Butler. Bye bye Brown, bye bye Givens.

I am so glad Brandon Williams wasn't just a hype machine. Seeing the youtube video of him doing the handstand was really impressive. A guy that weighs in around 330-350lbs being strong enough and athletic enough to do that sort of thing is amazing in its own right. Drafting him made losing Ngata no big deal. It was clear in the last couple of seasons that Ngata has lost something and wasn't the same guy he was in his earlier days.

The game of football starts in the trenches and when you win at the point of attack you put yourself in good position for great things to follow. Williams pretty much shut down Gurley single handed. Another "Guy" flying under the radar was thought to be just another "Guy" is DE Lawrence Guy. He's getting starter snaps and really responding well. He is second in tackles on the D-Line only to Williams and he's tied for second on the team with 3.5 sacks. Since the Ravens use a 3-4 set up your DE's are more run stoppers anyway and the rush comes from the outside backers. Anything you get from the interior line is gravy. So there are two parts of your D-line that are checked off. Now you need a replacement for Chris Canty. That could be either Jernigan or Carl Davis if either of them step up. We're set at line backer on the inside with Smith and Mosley for another season, but the Ravens need to look for Smith's replacement soon. One big area of need are replacements for Suggs and Dumervil. We're also set to lose Courtney Upshaw. Upshaw is solid, but he's not the type of player we need for this type of defense. He's pretty good edge against the run, but he usually doesn't get home as a pass rusher.

Then there is the secondary. Looks like Will Hill if he can lay off the drugs is the answer at one safety spot and we're still looking for his dance partner. Is that a healthy Matt Elam or Brooks next year? Maybe it is Lardarrius Webb? But that means you need to have a healthy Jimmy Smith and another good corner.

Jensen was, in my opinion, guilty of tripping. Tough to see in that video, but I remember seeing it during the replay on tv. Also, I don't see a problem w/the block on Will Hill. Plays/blocks like that are made on almost every kick, by us and others. Enough whining!!

Jensen didn't intentionally trip the guy. In fact, the player didn't even trip over him. Jensen went out for a cut block and missed, and the defensive guy actually places his hand on Jensen and hops over him as Jensen is bouncing up off the turf. I don't know about you, but whenever I would dive for a play in baseball or get tackled or dive playing football, the natural instinct is to bend at the knees. Nobody planks when they fall to the ground unless they are knocked out.

As for the cheap shot, there  actually is something very wrong with it because the NFL outlawed it. So on a play where the officials can see enough to call three separate penalties on the Ravens, how come they missed the one that caused the personal foul call against the Ravens? They also called a block in the back and a holding penalty as well? Seriously? Then there is the ticky-tack defensive pass interference on Jimmy Smith that went for the longest play of the day for the Rams. Then one of our guys gets completely mauled on a pass and there is no flag. When the commentators; who usually don't show a lot of love for the Ravens when it is a national broadcast, are questioning flags not being thrown then you know something isn't right.

NFL needs to do something about this. Officials are directly determining the outcome of games on MISTAKES. Everybody makes a mistake, but when you have an officiating crew that blew the call in the Jacksonville game that is the SAME CREW as the one that blew a call in a game a couple of years ago against the Browns that also cost the Ravens a win...then those guys don't deserve to have jobs in the NFL anymore. Clearly they can't do their job properly.

Josh was actually playing very well before he got injured, but I think the Ravens have a chance in this game. The Browns offensive line is atrocious and allowed 22 sacks of McCown in the games he played and Manziel got sacked 14 times. That's 36 sacks in 10 games! Not only that, but the ground game for the Browns has been pretty bad as well, and if the Ravens do nothing else on defense, they clamp down on the run. The main weapon the Browns have on offense is a TE that is tearing it up and that is one key weakness on the Ravens. Our LB'ers can't cover TE's for some reason and the secondary doesn't help.

The Browns secondary isn't all that great either. Tayshaun Gipson leads the team with 2 picks, and the only other member of the secondary with a pick is a back up safety. Karlos Dansby is tied with Gipson for the team lead in picks. The Browns also don't have a pass rush. So, even with a banged up O-line, a back up running back, and a back up QB, I think the Ravens have a shot to win this game.

What a train wreck the Cleveland franchise is. A few years ago (2007) they were 10-6 and it looked like things were turning around. Then boom goes the dynamite. Seems like they had a season like we're experiencing now with everyone getting hurt. The Browns were actually on a 4th string QB who wasn't even on the roster when the season began. Jamal Lewis got hurt, their leading WR Braylon Edwards got hurt, their best OL got hurt, Josh Cribbs got hurt, and plenty of defensive players also were injured. But, you can overcome injuries...if your front office isn't a complete disaster. With as bad as things are with the Ravens this year, I feel confident that the team will bounce back next season and soon we'll be atop the division. I have no such faith in the Browns. It is unfortunate that one of the model franchises in the NFL is so horrible now.

quinton coples, released by jets, very intriguing

He was released awhile ago. Seems to have lost his fire and is a flop. I know the Ravens need help, but nobody else is chomping at the bit to get him.

Let's hope Clausen is a real pickle for us if he ever has to step onto the field for anything. Here's the deal though, he's familiar with Trestman, he'll have about another half season in the system, he'll be practicing it daily. Matt Schaub will likely get another big off season deal and if he manages to look good in the remaining games he might get another crack at a starting gig. If not, he'll likely be looking at another 2-3 million deal to be a back up.

If Trestman keeps his job, perhaps Clausen keeps his as the back up to Joe. Draft a guy later in the draft who has some upside. Clausen can be the emergency guy and if Flacco goes down again you can adress the situation then. I am sure there will be another slew of veterans or cast offs from other teams we can get. Not like you need another franchise QB, nor could you afford him.

Jimmy Clausen was recently released and has familiarity with Trestman.

Instead of looking for a wide out with the first pick which has gone just oh so swimmingly with this franchise, I think it is time to look for the best pass rusher you can find either at DE or OLB to replace either Suggs, Dumervil, or Courtney Upshaw. Suggs and Dumervil because of age, and Upshaw because he's not really a rusher, he's more of a run stopper and I think this is the last year of his rookie contract. The Ravens aren't going to spend money on him nor should they.

If there isn't one slated to go at the time the Ravens pick, then it is time to look for a franchise LT if there is one in the draft. Monroe is always banged up and we might not be signing Osemele who also has his fair share of injuries. Draft your LT, play him at LG until Monroe's contract is up just like they did with Ogden years ago.

If there isn't a pass rusher or LT, then look for a stud shut down CB if there is one. The Ravens are playing around with moving Webb out to safety anyway and who knows if Jimmy Smith will ever look like he did before he broke his foot.

If no players like that exist, trade down and get a couple of picks.

I think two things here, first I think Matt Schaub is going to surprise some of his critics and play some pretty great football. Secondly, I think if he does it should also be noted he is doing it with a depleted offense of almost all veteran talent. It's going to be interesting to see if this propels some guys into that next level thing, or hammers them......"Always listen to experts, they'll tell you what can't be done, and why. Then go do it" - Robert A. Heinlein

I haven't seen anything out of Schaub yet to prove to me he isn't the same guy his last season in Houston and the horrible time he spent in Oakland. Not saying he can't be decent, but the deck is stacked against him. He can't throw a deep ball. So he has to work underneath stuff and intermediate routes with the 3rd and 4th string wideouts that can't get seperation, with a patch work offensive line, and the ground game is relying on the 3rd and 4th string running backs. I'm looking for a lot of dink and dunk passes to Maxx Williams, Crockett Gillmore, Kyle Jusczyczk, and Buck Allen. Schaub is also prone to panicking under pressure so....good luck with that with this offensive line we got going on now.

Time to see if the defense was waking up out of its coma or if it was just that we were playing against the lame Rams and Case Keenum.

I was somebody who early on in the off season when Schaub was signed was pointing out his recent past and even posted an article that a scout had written that said that Schaub had lost the little bit of zip on his passes that was just enough to let him get away with some of the passes he would attempt. Whether it is age that has sapped it, or an elbow injury (yes, he was playing through something in his elbow, but it wasn't disclosed which makes me wonder if it was really an injury or an excuse), he showed his propensity for picks in training camp and in the pre season as well. I think he's Trent Dilfer right now. He can manage a game for you, but don't ask him to win it for you.

Despite the depletion of the QB position, RB position, and the O-line being banged up the Ravens have made a few personnel moves.

WR: Joe Morgan has been waived.

WR: Chuck Jacobs has been promoted to the roster from the practice squad.

WR: Chris Matthews has been signed; cousin of Hall of Famer Reggie White.

Rumors are that the Ravens are interested in Jason Campbell for QB; but he's supposedly interested in retirement. Ravens are also supposedly trying to get Bryn Renner back for a practice squad body and also another QB to add as the back up to Schaub. Better get somebody soon because you got a game coming up this weekend and Schaub could get hurt.