Raven'evermore

 Waller was one of the last ravens I'd have thought this of.  Seemed so smart and honest from the get go.  Still, I want hear his side.

1 hour ago, Moderator 3 said:

Not suspended for PEDs.  Please read the article.

 Read the article three times.  If not for PEDs, then what?

 Would love to see 5 TEs especially if they're going to be used as Joe's primary targets.  Will need depth at the position.  Seems that a lot of people are counting on Pitta to play in the regular season, but he hasn't even taken a hit yet.  I know it was a non contact injury, but it's still an injury.  I won't feel comfortable until he gets past preseason intact.  If so, then I hope we still keep Waller.

 Nothing unusual about this.  If we can stay away from injuries like last year, then I think we make the playoffs and possibly further.  Then, all the Flacco critics will somehow fade into the shadows until the next preseason where and when they will emerge once more. 

2 hours ago, OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL said:

Lets hear it. Its now the 2016 season, the draft is over, you have had a couple camps, kinda see what you have going forward, based on health, etc, a couple of question marks, but:

What new schemes should be devised, what improvements do we make anywhere, what is still broken, what should our top priorities be, and what should we be focusing on to right this ship....5-11 still leaves a bad taste in my mouth, has a certain odor to it, we have some unfinished business here, so lets hear your thoughts.

 

 

 

 

  Lots of improvement all around except maybe ILB.  Lots of weapons for Joe.  We could go deep or use short passes to our TEs who I think will be one of the best groups in the league with or without Pitta.  Running game should be better with the addition of Dixon who a lot of people considered the second best RB in the draft behind Elliott and also considered to be close in talent.  Our secondary seems improved even after finishing strong the last half of the season especially with Weddle and Powers now on the team.  Pass rush has a lot of potential especially with Doom and Suggs coming back.  My thoughts concerning unfinished business?  Let's blow the competition out of the water.

59 minutes ago, Cillmatic said:

Getting everyone healthy.

 And staying that way.

 Great news.  Hope this starts a new turning point for Perriman after all the negativity he's gone through lately as well as a winning season for the Ravens.  Go Breshad!

 Disappointed for him mostly.  I had just said in a previous post that I didn't think injuries were going to be as much a problem this year.  So much for wishful thinking. 

 This may come as a shock to some, but for us fans it's still just a game that we enjoy to watch as spectators or even give opinions on, which is fine.  However, this game is this man's livelihood.  You might even say his dream.  As stated before, he has gone through so much already perhaps more than any of us at this stage in his life.  If anything, we should be thinking of him.  That is if we are truly fans.  If anything, we should be praying for his mentality and spirit as well as his injury to get better.  I will say this: things happen for a reason.  It is possible that he might not play, but there's also the possibility that God has something else in mind.  Something even better.  Prayers to Breshad.

2 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

So, whats the one most important factor that this season is going to hinge on?? Like, if "X" happens i think we'll be a playoff team, if it doesnt we're in trouble.

Flacco recovering is the obvious one so i'll state that and get it out of the way. Too easy. Assuming hes back to his old self... 

Suggs might be the X factor. We were beating the eventual super bowl champions with him in the game. He goes down, we lose that game and never look the same again. I know we've added a lot of pass rush, but it might take a year or 2 before we see serious dividends from that. Z i expect to take a step forward, but other than maybe Z we dont really have a 3 down outside LB that can play the run well, set the edge, drop into coverage, and get after the passer. Now if we move to a 4-3 that changes a little, but as currently constructed - Suggs being Suggs might be the single most important development of the offseason IMO.

What are some other possible nominees?

Injuries were the biggest factor why we didn't have a winning season last year, so I don't see why that would change.  However, I don't think it will be a problem this season so I'll say good officiating (don't hold your breath), the running game or Tucker having a really good year (give that man a contract).

 Wouldn't the easier question be what are you least excited about this season?  So many topics to choose from.  For me it's between Perriman and Waller.  With Perriman, it's reliving all the excitement from last season waiting to see what he could do on the field.  A big reason we lost so many games last year was we didn't have anyone to stretch the field, unless you count Givens (JMO).  Now we might have at least three speedsters with Perriman, Wallace and Moore.   Now concerning the TE situation, what happens if we cut Waller and then either Gilmore reinjures his shoulder, Boyle is put on the sidelines for ten games but fails another drug test or Pitta goes down again.  The problem as I understood it with Waller is that he had a difficult time getting open as a wr, but he's still very young and has loads of potential.  So do you take a chance on the seasoned though sometimes injured vets or maybe hope that Boyle's learned his lesson (remember he already has 2 strikes against him), or do you try and develop Waller who has shown good character and also considerable talent?

2 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Yea, he definitely took responsibility, however the flip side could say he has to be tougher when handling situations like that. In the NFL or life for that matter, things are just handed to you as a man they way they are handed to you as a stud football player in HS and College. I would have liked to see him play for the Colts with a chip on his shoulder and not as a victim. But sometimes it doesn't matter how long it takes you to develop a certain mindset, it's what you do once you develop it. I think he may have that mindset now and only time will tell. I love how he spoke about getting back to being great and a possible HOFer, not just proving he can make a team. 

Because of drafted position and what they've shown on field, I think it's safe to say Dixon, Forsett and Allen are top 3 right now. However I really think it will be an open competition in camp/preseason and that's where I see T. Rich moving up that depth chart to one of the top 2 RB spots. I don't think there is a RB on this roster who is better as that all purpose RB that Trestman wants to use then Richardson. The combination of size, speed, physicality, elusiveness, pass catching, big play ability, toughness, durability and a noise for the endzone makes him the potential perfect back for what Trestman wants to do. It's completely up to Richardson to prove he's the man. Dixon is a close 2nd to Richardson imo and would provide the perfect compliment to him.

Yea I think often times we just look at these players as assets or liabilities but they are human first and foremost. This guy went out their as a rookie for the Browns and played most of the season at a pretty high level with broken ribs, only to be traded the next season as if you were the problem. That has to be tough on a young kid(which he still was) to deal with that type of betrayal. I definitely think he's focused and has high expectations of being that guy worthy of the #3 overall pick in the NFL draft. I think the Ravens give him a great opportunity. I don't think his signing was just a flier or a lets see what he's got type of deal. I think Harbs and Trestman really saw the potential he can bring to this offense if he's in shape and motivated. He made good by getting into prime shape(back down to his college weight) so the Ravens could sign, I would not be at all surprised to see him running with the first team early in camp so Harbs and Trestman can see what they have. 

 We sometimes forget just how young these guys are and expect so much when they're picked so highly in the draft, but nothing is guaranteed in this game.  I think we set them up so high that it's easy for them to get down on themselves when things don't pan out unless there's someone there to properly guide them through the ups as well as the downs.  Don't think he got much of that before coming here.  As you said, it might take some time to develop that mindset that's needed, but I think he may be well on his way.  Things happen for a reason and things sometimes don't happen for a reason as well.  Maybe that's why Trent's here now.

 Thanks for that.  Loved how he takes responsibility although I think now that perhaps he just hasn't been put into the right situation.  Not just a good o line, but coaching as well.  He's had a lot toss onto his shoulders and now he needs encouragement.  I think the Ravens are one of the best teams for that.  Right now I see Dixon, Allen and Forsett.  Maybe not in that order.  As much as I loved LT, I don't think he makes the team because of his history with injuries.  After him though it might be a toss up between T.R and T.W. 

  Watched tape of him at Indy and couldn't help notice all the excess weight.  May be unrelated, but if in fact he was feeling a lack of confidence; then couldn't that also contribute to depression and in turn cause weight gain.  Or am I reading too much into it?  Posted that I thought he was done, but hope I'm wrong.  Hate to see all that potential get wasted just because he wasn't given a fair chance to succeed.

 Thinking ref's gonna find a lump a coal this Christmas for that penalty.  Pretty cool Moore gave the kid some gear though.  Probably something he'll keep as a memento as he gets older. 

 I think finding another team will be best for him where he will a have a better chance to show his talent.  Looking forward to seeing some highlight film.

 Stanley/Dixon.

 Stanley, especially if Monroe goes down again because if Stanley isn't there to fill in for Monroe, then we're probably talking about Joe being sacked more often and also losing a lot of 3rd down opportunities.  

 Dixon because except for the butter fingers problem, he may be close to Elliott in talent and I think Elliott would have made the quickest and most impactful difference had we gotten him.  The only reason I would choose Stanley over Dixon is because I believe Dixon might take awhile before he's given a starting role.  Hope I'm wrong.

9 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I got this golden nugget from RSR, and I've linked directly to the Podcast from Waldman, the creator of the RSP (Rookie Scouting Portfolio) talk glowingly about Kenneth Dixon. Start at 1:09 and please listen in. You'll begin to believe that Kenneth Dixon was the steal of the draft not just for the Ravens, but he may prove to be the steal of the entire 2016 draft! From what I heard, Dixon is going to be a stud RB in this league. Comparisons to Frank Gore, Marshall Faulk, etc? Are you kidding me? All fans of the Ravens must listen to this. It is exciting.

http://podcast.footballguys.com/2016/Footballguys-Audible-2016-Vol22a.mp3

 Ezekiel who?

 He acknowledged he has a problem with alcohol.  So that he means that he still has a problem with alcohol.  Where's the evidence to the contrary?  I also don't believe that he has as much remorse as he says.  I could be wrong, but I don't care for it when someone starts out saying that they feel bad for their victim, but then right away begin talking about themselves and how they've learned from the experience.  Who cares?  It's more like they're just trying to put a positive spin on themselves.  Not buying it. 

4 hours ago, ALPHA said:

Correa, Kaufusi, Judon, if only one of these guys is a hit the draft is a success but if two or three hit we're going to destroy offenses.

 Don't forget Ochi and Henry.  I almost feel sorry for oposing qbs. I said almost. 

42 minutes ago, Halshayeji said:

Sure some weight training sessions will be mandatory. But if I had to guess. 75 percent of the real gain is on your own. I mean the NFL season is only so long and your body doesn't really get the chance to bulk during a grueling season. Also, most athletes usually max out their "human body". In better wording, they can work out 5 times a week and their bench press and dead lifts will remain where they were. A human can only bench so much but if they ignore it for months then they lose it.

 

Heres where desire comes into play. The only way to continuously improve on your maxed out gym measurables is by challenging yourself and eveything you care about in the gym. And the harder part is that improvement are so minimal when you max out your body that most people just give up. That's what you can't force an athlete to ever do. Sure il go to the gym and lift. But unless I'm willing to lay an egg every time I go to the gym then I won't gain.

 

We already have enough gym rats on this squad and enough competition to influence Stanley to earn his stripes. To make him challenge himself more than anyone else! If that happens then we have a keeper.

 

oh I also read reports about his work ethics. Some of it may be true when you compare him to Bosa who people claim is the hardest worker theyv ever seen. But Stanley would never make it to the top ten or stay injury free if he was a complete bum who barely works out. 

 See your point.  Mine was that he should put on some muscle just through the weight training he'll get from the coaches, but yes, it'll be interesting to see if he pushes himself further than that.  Like your last point about his durability.  Maybe that will put some questions concerning his work ethic to rest.  Like this pick more and more.

1 hour ago, usmccharles said:

I would think it would have been even in college, but now he will be in a different atmosphere

 Speaking of atmosphere; wonder what it be like if the NFL brought in actual DIs and established a militaristic atmosphere for training.  R. Lee Ermey types.  Half the players might drop out, but I'd imagine the teams would be that much better for it, also nobody could say they weren't earning their pay checks.  LOL. Just a thought.  Not really serious.

Won't weight training be a part of his new regimen? I mean, won't it be mandatory?  Not sure he has a whole lot of choice.

Feeling better about not getting Elliott with this pick.  Not saying their on the same level, but I do think he will help our running game a lot.  From what I've read, he only ran a 4.58 at the combine, but usually runs in the high 4.40s, same as Elliott.  Is very good at pass protection as well.  Another thing I liked about Elliott.  Only concern is durability since he likes to run through people, also has had injuries.  Never the less, great pick especially after strengthening the O line.

 They're saying video was taken years ago.  I like Tunsil's attitude.  'Things happen for a reason.'  he said.  Also said what he did was a mistake.  Still glad we took Stanley over him though.

 Heard Ravens dropped Tunsil after seeing pics of him with bong.  Glad, I was so worried they weren't going to catch that.  Good pick with Stanley.  O line just got better.