Is The Old Todd Heap Back?

[ravensfan160]

They had a story on the news the other night about Heap. They interviewed him and he said he's getting off the line better than he has in years and that he expects big things out of himself this year.

As if all players don't say stuff like that this time of the year. Still, its encouraging. If all goes according to plan we'll have a healthy Williams to stretch the field and Heap and LJ Smith catching stuff over the middle with Mason working underneath. I'm trying not to get excited cause theres an injury history with all except Mason but I'm hopeful.

[20ravens52]

It all sounds great...but lets just hope we don't get the injury bug again.

[tweety]

[quote name='ravensfan160' date='04 August 2009 - 12:45 PM' timestamp='1249404336' post='214849']
They had a story on the news the other night about Heap. They interviewed him and he said he's getting off the line better than he has in years and that he expects big things out of himself this year.

[b]As if all players don't say stuff like that this time of the year.[/b] Still, its encouraging. If all goes according to plan we'll have a healthy Williams to stretch the field and Heap and LJ Smith catching stuff over the middle with Mason working underneath. I'm trying not to get excited cause theres an injury history with all except Mason but I'm hopeful.
[/quote]
I don't remember this much good news last year. Positive is flowing in this year and people seem to be back to health after injury.

[ravenrooter]

Heap played a different role last season. He was more of a blocking TE than a receiving. With that being said, yes he did drop some passes, but he is still Todd Heap. Heap should be back to his receiving role this year, and be a prime target for Flacco.He's looked great in training camp so far so lets just hope he stays healthy and keeps it up.

[Ravens52]

Wasn't last years camp awful? Good to hear its solid this year.

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='ravensfan160' date='04 August 2009 - 10:45 AM' timestamp='1249404336' post='214849']
They had a story on the news the other night about Heap. They interviewed him and he said he's getting off the line better than he has in years and that he expects big things out of himself this year.
[/quote]

Good news indeed!
read more here....
http://carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/08/04/sports/1_ravens_heap.txt

[tweety]

I took a while for everyone to adjust to the new camp. This new couch and coordinator has tightened the rules. Not sure how I feel about that, because a lot of players seem to be benefiting from it. I want our players to enjoy camp though.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='WinnipegRaven' date='04 August 2009 - 01:18 PM' timestamp='1249406304' post='214873']
Good news indeed!
read more here....
http://carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2009/08/04/sports/1_ravens_heap.txt
[/quote]
Thanks for the link. Great article. Lets just hope Gaither and Oher stay healthy because with Terry going on IR we are one play away from having to use BOTH TE to block for Joe. haha

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='tweety' date='04 August 2009 - 11:18 AM' timestamp='1249406326' post='214874']
I took a while for everyone to adjust to the new camp. This new couch and coordinator has tightened the rules. Not sure how I feel about that, because a lot of players seem to be benefiting from it. I want our players to enjoy camp though.
[/quote]
Bellick ran a "country club" type TC where players did what they wanted, attitudes were relaxed and easy going. Harbaugh runs camp the way it should be run - regimented and intense.

[SIZZLE4PRESIDENT]

The Todd Heap of old will be back. You heard it here first

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='SIZZLE4PRESIDENT' date='04 August 2009 - 02:10 PM' timestamp='1249409421' post='214909']
The Todd Heap of old will be back. You heard it here first
[/quote]
Ahh...I sorta said it first. Its my thread. haha

[MagicianCamille]

I love Todd Heap so I really hope so. We won't know until a game is played though.

[Ravensfan23]

Having Heeeaaaapppp back to his old way will mean a lot to us.
Heap is still a mismatch for most LBs and Safties. We all know how important the TE is in Cams system, just look at SD.

Having Heap back to pro bowl form would meaning we'd have a dominate presence over the middle of the field. Like I said LBs would be able to cover him alone, so safties would have to help over the top. Well if that safety is helping over the top, then that means the defense would have to make a choice of doubling Williams, Mason, or Clayton. All of those men are capable of beating man to man coverage.

Having Heap back to his old self would also mean more success in the run game. For a safety or LB to be worried about Heap means they couldn't attack the LOS as hard on running plays

Also because of the running game, expect to see Flacco and Heap connect often on playaction this year.

The media will label Tony G going to AtL a huge addition for Ryan. However I think having a healthy Heap is just as important; maybe even more of an impact for Joe Flacco.

[tweety]

[quote name='WinnipegRaven' date='04 August 2009 - 01:53 PM' timestamp='1249408433' post='214892']
Bellick ran a "country club" type TC where players did what they wanted, attitudes were relaxed and easy going. Harbaugh runs camp the way it should be run - regimented and intense.
[/quote]
I have notice an increase in injury though.

[Ed_Reed20]

If Heap is truly getting off the line like he did back in '06, then he's truly back. Last year, he just didn't look right going in and out his breaks.

[jfc13]

I think some of Heap's problems last year were just due to lack of repetitions. Spending most of your time blocking and then being asked to run a route and catch a ball doesn't lead to the smoothest of transitions. Hopefully, Heap will get more repetitions this year to become more consistent.

[GoRavensNTerps]

When I saw him at training camp, he looked mediocre at best. He dropped at least two passes that were right to him.

[wolfzie06]

I think that if he stays in this kind of shape and health, he could be a huge weapon for Flacco this year. As in he could easily get over 60 receptions if he resembles the Todd of old.

[raven4life]

It's very hard to tell if the old Heap is back ,because he is getting older and he also is very injury prone, But if heap stays healthy he will have one of his best years ever.

[funky141]

Heap is junk, L.J. Smith is 10 times better.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='funky141' date='04 August 2009 - 11:01 PM' timestamp='1249441299' post='215169']
Heap is junk, L.J. Smith is 10 times better.
[/quote]

Make sure you pass after two puffs

[Jeff Camm]

I dont think we will see the OLD TODD HEAP. Let me correct my self we will see Todd Heap the reason I say that is because last year they pretty much had him protecting Flacco last year and not running many pass routes. Its smart he is one of the best blockers ever in the game. And with and young quarterback at the time its what we needed. Yeah sure the two years prior nothing through the roof but ailing injuries and out several games you will not put up big numbers.This year we will see a NEW TODD HEAP thats right new. Hes goin to be use in new ways to make big plays

[Jeff Camm]

[quote name='1/28/01' date='04 August 2009 - 10:04 PM' timestamp='1249441485' post='215170']
Make sure you pass after two puffs
[/quote]


Make sure you know your stats on that topic. I hope the best for both but i cant say L.J. is going to come out of the gates super strong but i sure hope he does

[skycade]

Man its funny how people can see him so differently. Some people must have their "hater" glasses on. I heard on The Fan Tuesday that he was lumbering off the line and was not as explosive in and out of his breaks. Then you have the majority of the press are singing his praises. The media sources I have faith in say Heap is looking good. Lets hope he stays healthy!

[S1mon]

I am just hoping he produces cause he is a key figure in the Ravens' lineup

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='funky141' date='04 August 2009 - 11:01 PM' timestamp='1249441299' post='215169']
Heap is junk, L.J. Smith is 10 times better.
[/quote]
You can't be serious.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='ravensfan160' date='05 August 2009 - 08:52 AM' timestamp='1249476761' post='215264']
You can't be serious.
[/quote]

I'd like to think he's not serious but the internet is filled with junior analysts and haters...