5 Offseason Moves That Will Work

[robbcs3]

We made number 5. See the highlighted area for the best part of the story. No big deal, I just love hearing someone else say what we are all thinking.

5. Anquan Boldin winds up in Baltimore: It's hard to find a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver who's better suited to compete in the hard-hat-style offense the Ravens run. Boldin is physical, productive and proud of the way he rallies teammates with his work ethic and competitive fire. OK, so he's not the most durable guy in the world (as proved by the one injury-free season he's had since 2003). He still caught at least 80 passes in four of his past five years in Arizona, and it's a safe bet he keeps such numbers going in Baltimore.

[color="#00FF00"]Our prediction: Boldin returns to the Pro Bowl after becoming Joe Flacco's favorite target and the Ravens make a run at the Super Bowl with the most balanced team in the league.[/color]

full story here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=5242011

[BuckWilds]

Thanks for the link.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Very rarely have I seen anyone mention us as Super Bowl contenders this offseason. Most are expecting a 10 or 11 win season and then done in the divisional round. But this source very clearly explains Boldins fit in Bmore, and why it will work out. The most balanced offense in the league? Hey, I think it's very possible.

As far as other moves like McNabb to Washington, well McNabb has no offensive line, no WRs, Mike Shanahan does not fit the bill of a hard nosed, disciplinarian head coach that will force his players to try, which is what the skins need more than anything. And their defense still has questions. Who will play NT in the new 3-4? What about the secondary? Who will end up fitting in that system and who won't? Not to mention, their defense failed to produce turnovers last season, which no one seems to realize.

I think the Martz move to Chicago will work out because they have players who fit the system, unlike San Francisco. Cutler is a rocket arm, air it out type player, they have good, young, down the field WRs, although I do agree, one more explosive WR would do them wonders.

And I understand the Jags signing Kampman, but considering he has no help along the D line, idk if this will work. At least not this year, maybe it'll jell in a year or two because not only that, but he's coming off of an ACL tear.

I love debating these points being made because reality is that no one knows what will happen until the season actually takes off. But I'll tell you one thing. Boldin is bound to be a massive success.

[johnny86]

The term "most balanced offense in the league" is very dependent on Joe Flacco's progress this season, not that i think he'll struggle, but its the only 'uncertainty' we have on offense.

And Boldin going to the pro bowl may be a bit of a stretch considering this offense still revolves around Ray Rice...its a large possibility, but it depends on whether the passing game is as effective as the running game.

[lowrider]

[quote name='johnny86' date='02 June 2010 - 03:48 PM' timestamp='1275508139' post='416946']
The term "most balanced offense in the league" is very dependent on Joe Flacco's progress this season, not that i think he'll struggle, but its the only 'uncertainty' we have on offense.

And Boldin going to the pro bowl may be a bit of a stretch considering this offense still revolves around Ray Rice...its a large possibility, but it depends on whether the passing game is as effective as the running game.
[/quote]
I don't mean to be a stickler on words, but they said "most balanced team in the league". The difference between the most balanced offense and team in the league is a big difference. I think we can have the most balanced team in the league. Most balanced offense is a different story.

[XxSizzleXx]

It's only what us fans have been hoping for the past years! He will be a great fit and a great leader.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='lowrider' date='02 June 2010 - 04:04 PM' timestamp='1275509044' post='416959']
I don't mean to be a stickler on words, but they said "most balanced team in the league". The difference between the most balanced offense and team in the league is a big difference. I think we can have the most balanced team in the league. Most balanced offense is a different story.
[/quote]
No [b][/b]I[b][/b] said most balanced offense in the league. And you thoroughly explained the difference between the two with this post. However, I can see us as arguably the most balanced offense in the league. A terrific running game with a solid tandem. And a passing game with a QB only getting better in Flacco, as well as two new threats. Yes, I think Stallworth is a threat because with Mason now against #2 CBs not #1s, his numbers should only get better, regardless of age. But if you try and take away Mase [b][/b]And[b][/b] Quan, you have a 3rd threat in Stalls. So there's my explanation of why I think we have a great shot at being the most balanced offense in the league, as well as the most balanced team.

[johnny86]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='02 June 2010 - 03:13 PM' timestamp='1275509627' post='416965']
No [b][/b]I[b][/b] said most balanced offense in the league. And you thoroughly explained the difference between the two with this post. However, I can see us as arguably the most balanced offense in the league. A terrific running game with a solid tandem. And a passing game with a QB only getting better in Flacco, as well as two new threats. Yes, I think Stallworth is a threat because with Mason now against #2 CBs not #1s, his numbers should only get better, regardless of age. But if you try and take away Mase [b][/b]And[b][/b] Quan, you have a 3rd threat in Stalls. So there's my explanation of why I think we have a great shot at being the most balanced offense in the league, as well as the most balanced team.
[/quote]


Thanks for clearing that up for lowrider before i got a chance to. Buts still, alot of what this offense will be is based on Flacco continuing to progress, he seems like he is and will continue to, but hopefully he's more of the first half flacco than the second half flacco we saw last season. And now that he has the depth at reciever, we'll be able to see if he can make his reads like the best quarterbacks in the league can. In the past it was basically 'is mason open?....no, ok dump off to ray rice', now he'll have two or three options to make a play instead of just taking the easy way out.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

[quote name='robbcs3' date='02 June 2010 - 02:17 PM' timestamp='1275506231' post='416933']
We made number 5. See the highlighted area for the best part of the story. No big deal, I just love hearing someone else say what we are all thinking.

5. Anquan Boldin winds up in Baltimore: It's hard to find a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver who's better suited to compete in the hard-hat-style offense the Ravens run. Boldin is physical, productive and proud of the way he rallies teammates with his work ethic and competitive fire. OK, so he's not the most durable guy in the world (as proved by the one injury-free season he's had since 2003). He still caught at least 80 passes in four of his past five years in Arizona, and it's a safe bet he keeps such numbers going in Baltimore.

[color="#00FF00"]Our prediction: Boldin returns to the Pro Bowl after becoming Joe Flacco's favorite target and the Ravens make a run at the Super Bowl with the most balanced team in the league.[/color]

full story here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=5242011
[/quote]


what lowrider was saying is the article says "most balanced team" not most balanced offense. he wasnt saying that you stated most balanced team... it just seemed like what you said was in reference of the article, not coming up with your own statement.

i do not know about most balanced offense... if favre returns the vikes have a great qb, very good receivers, great line, and run game. saints as well. the packers are a another team that comes to mind when thinking of a complete offense. the cowboys are pretty complete on offense too. if dez is a stud they make a good argument at being one of the most complete though i hate to admit it. we are very complete as well, but to say we are the most complete offense before seeing them play a snap is tough to do, especially when there are other teams that are very talented and balanced, and are returning most of their offense from last year. on paper we should be up there with those guys, and it seems to be without a doubt that we will have a very successful offense, but to leapfrog those teams in rank without playing yet might be a stretch.

as far as most complete team.... a lot easier to argue. green bay is a contender, the vikings, cowboys, saints (they were very effective last year aside from some poor statistics but i think they rely too much on the turnover and big play ability... which if the gambles stop paying off theyll get burned too much). i guess i have to define complete... my opinion of complete is being without weakness in any aspect of the game. offense (run, pass, line, qb), defense (line, lb, secondary, run D, pass D) and special teams (punting, kicking, returns, persuit, and field position) and depth in every aspect in case of injury.

we are stacked at RB, our O-line is among the youngest and best in the league, we have TE depth, finally have WR talent and depth, an up-and-coming QB with capable backups, and great blocking. Our defense... well we know about that, we've been among the best for a decade. we have depth all over, and our one "weakness" is not a weakness in comparison to the rest of the league, just to our excellence at other positions. but when webb and washington return we will have a talented 1-2 punch and veteran/young back ups. we have one of the better punters in the league, great kick returner(s), serviceable PR with some good competition/depth, great gunners, great tacklers, and very capable field goal unit with some great veteran competition entering.

i think when looking at the starting 3 units of the teams to be considered among the most complete, it is really tough to differentiate among a couple of the elite teams. But, what i feel puts us over the top is the quality of our depth. a lot of our backups at several positions (esp. RB, TE, LB, DT, OL) would be at least starters on several teams in the league if not stand out performers.

*Forgot to include: must have a great front office and coaching staff to be the most complete or balanced team. the addition of zorn as qb staff is a huge upgrade, cam is a genius, and harbaugh is a great game/personel manager and has been among the most successful in his first 2 years. OZ... nuff said.

From top-to-bottom... players on the field at all positions, the depth, the coaching staff, the front office, THE FANS, to the guy at the ticket booth, we are the most complete/balanced team in the league. Balance is so important bc you cant gameplan against us. try and shut down one aspect and they others light you up... good luck NFL its the year of the raven

[BloodRaven]

Hopefully with all the new toys Flacco will show a bit more consistency against tougher teams and in the playoffs.

[JO_75]

I think the Boldin trade should have been 4, Kampman is going to do decent for Jacksonville but won't make much of a difference unlike Boldin where he will help lead us to a Division Title and hopefully a Super Bowl. I disagree with McNabb being number 1, he isn't going to do much, I mean the redskins will drop down the draft board and win 2-4 games but won't make the playoffs and will still draft in the top 15 in 2011. Danny boy is having buyers remorse on Haynesworth and who knows who will play NT in their 3-4 defense.

I also disagree on the Jason Campbell trade not working, believe me it will work. Oakland is going to surprise people this year, Louis Murphy should be a fantasy dark house because of Jason Campbell being the QB. They had a great draft, they will surprise people and finish 2nd in the AFC West win 6-8 games.

[RavensAllTheWay]

The Cowboys Vikings and Saints do NOT have more balanced offenses than what I am expecting from us this year. The Saints are still a clear cut pass first team. The Vikings are pretty balanced, but I wouldn't say as balanced as us. The Cowboys have been kinda shifting back and forth between a run first, powerful offense led by Marion Barber and a high tech high flying offense. Last year, they clearly established their identity as a high flying offense, and that was before they drafted Dez. And the Packers? No, their running game is average, no better than average. So their definitely not complete offensively as someone put it, but why do they need to be? They have a pro bowl QB, terrific WRs, a good bunch of TEs, they don't need to run much. They didn't last year and I'll be taken by surprise if they do this year. Teams like the Vikings, Saints and Cowboys have COMPLETE offenses, in that they CAN run and pass very effectively, but a COMPLETE offense and a BALANCED offense are two different things. Balance depends on play calling and mixing it up, not necessarily talent.

[Rav'n Maniac]

@ BOLDnPurPnBlacK - Man, you tired me out with that post, lol. All of your points are valid, couldn't agree with you more. Great Job!

[berad]

[quote name='BOLDnPurPnBlacK' date='02 June 2010 - 09:00 PM' timestamp='1275526818' post='417064']
as far as most complete team.... a lot easier to argue. green bay is a contender, the vikings, cowboys, saints (they were very effective last year aside from some poor statistics but i think they rely too much on the turnover and big play ability... which if the gambles stop paying off theyll get burned too much). [b]i guess i have to define complete... my opinion of complete is being without weakness in any aspect of the game. offense (run, pass, line, qb), defense (line, lb, secondary, run D, pass D) and special teams (punting, kicking, returns, persuit, and field position) and depth in every aspect in case of injury. [/b]
[/quote]

Every team has weaknesses. Yes, multiple. No NFL team is perfect and it's been proven time and time again. I'd be wary to call any team, much less the Ravens, 'complete' until we actually see our guys hit the field. I've just become a cynic to the hype during an offseason... wasn't 2007 supposed to be a great year, too?

[lowrider]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='02 June 2010 - 11:26 PM' timestamp='1275535614' post='417128']
The Cowboys Vikings and Saints do NOT have more balanced offenses than what I am expecting from us this year. The Saints are still a clear cut pass first team. The Vikings are pretty balanced, but I wouldn't say as balanced as us. The Cowboys have been kinda shifting back and forth between a run first, powerful offense led by Marion Barber and a high tech high flying offense. Last year, they clearly established their identity as a high flying offense, and that was before they drafted Dez. And the Packers? No, their running game is average, no better than average. So their definitely not complete offensively as someone put it, but why do they need to be? They have a pro bowl QB, terrific WRs, a good bunch of TEs, they don't need to run much. They didn't last year and I'll be taken by surprise if they do this year. Teams like the Vikings, Saints and Cowboys have COMPLETE offenses, in that they CAN run and pass very effectively, but a COMPLETE offense and a BALANCED offense are two different things. Balance depends on play calling and mixing it up, not necessarily talent.
[/quote]
I guess you could classify the Saints as a clear cut passing team, but their run to pass ratio was about 50-50 as I recall (correct me if I'm wrong, and just for the record they were 4th in the league in passing last year, and 6th in rushing). And the Ravens are a clear cut run first team. So by your definition the Ravens wouldn't have a balanced offense because they would have a run first mentality; like how the Saints have a pass mentality even though they have a pass first mentality... even though they have a run to pass ratio of 1-1...?

Then you said the Cowboys shifted from being run first to a high flying offense, and later said balance came from play calling and mixing it up, which would be exactly what the Cowboys did. So by your definition how are they not balanced?

Basically, I'm terribly confused about all the contradictions you made. Maybe you could help straighten out your definition of balanced and complete.

[berad]

[quote name='lowrider' date='03 June 2010 - 08:57 AM' timestamp='1275569826' post='417190']
I guess you could classify the Saints as a clear cut passing team, but their run to pass ratio was about 50-50 as I recall (correct me if I'm wrong, and just for the record they were 4th in the league in passing last year, and 6th in rushing). And the Ravens are a clear cut run first team. So by your definition the Ravens wouldn't have a balanced offense because they would have a run first mentality; like how the Saints have a pass mentality even though they have a pass first mentality... even though they have a run to pass ratio of 1-1...?
[/quote]

468 rushes to 544 passes. But the Saints were the 7th highest team in rushes/game and 15th in passes/game. So, yeah, looks balanced to me.

[Alexir]

Talking about the article as a whole and just not our part (which I agree with), I find it very tongue in cheek.

I for one think the Santonio Holmes project in NY is going to fail miserably because I can see him and Rex clashing and NY is a big city to get in trouble in.

However, I do see LT doing a lot for the Jets. They want Shonn Greene to have a great mentor and they will have that with LaDanian. And LT will do fine running the ball behind that O Line. Trust me. I think it was a smart move on both parties and with a young QB, there will be a lot of carries going to each back.

Jason Campbell will be good in Oakland. He is automatically hands down the best QB they have right now. He has a solid TE out there and some young, fast WRs. I wouldnt say they are going to the playoffs but I will say I believe they will become an 8 games winner this year.

As for Boldin, there is a thread saying he isn't a number 1 and people are saying he is or isn't. Let's put it this way. He is a number 1 for us because of our type of offense. He is a great blocker, he is a great leader, he has soft hands and gets YAC like its his job. This is a team where Derrick Mason was an EFFICIENT number 1 reciever. Why wouldn't Boldin? I am excited to see these 2 on the field!

[WinnipegRaven]

Ya but Prisco says he's overrated

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='lowrider' date='03 June 2010 - 08:57 AM' timestamp='1275569826' post='417190']
I guess you could classify the Saints as a clear cut passing team, but their run to pass ratio was about 50-50 as I recall (correct me if I'm wrong, and just for the record they were 4th in the league in passing last year, and 6th in rushing). And the Ravens are a clear cut run first team. So by your definition the Ravens wouldn't have a balanced offense because they would have a run first mentality; like how the Saints have a pass mentality even though they have a pass first mentality... even though they have a run to pass ratio of 1-1...?

Then you said the Cowboys shifted from being run first to a high flying offense, and later said balance came from play calling and mixing it up, which would be exactly what the Cowboys did. So by your definition how are they not balanced?

Basically, I'm terribly confused about all the contradictions you made. Maybe you could help straighten out your definition of balanced and complete.
[/quote]
Actually, the Saints were more like 54-46 in favor of passing last year from the 544 passes to 468 runs mentioned by lowrider. I wouldn't call that VERY balanced. The Cowboys threw the ball 550 times and ran it 436 times. That comes out to be about a 56-44 pass first ratio. The Ravens last year threw the ball 510 times to 468 runs. That is a 52-48 pass first ratio. So there's all the evidence I need. And THIS year, I'm expecting it to be very close to 50-50 again.

[Alexir]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='03 June 2010 - 03:59 PM' timestamp='1275595169' post='417395']
Actually, the Saints were more like 54-46 in favor of passing last year from the 544 passes to 468 runs mentioned by lowrider. I wouldn't call that VERY balanced. The Cowboys threw the ball 550 times and ran it 436 times. That comes out to be about a 56-44 pass first ratio. The Ravens last year threw the ball 510 times to 468 runs. That is a 52-48 pass first ratio. So there's all the evidence I need. And THIS year, I'm expecting it to be very close to 50-50 again.
[/quote]

Most of our Passes were practically Rushes though. Little dumps to Ray Rice.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='Alexir' date='03 June 2010 - 04:04 PM' timestamp='1275595465' post='417398']
Most of our Passes were practically Rushes though. Little dumps to Ray Rice.
[/quote]
Doesn't matter, a pass is a pass. Plus, those dump offs went for more than 4 or 5 yards. In fact, he averaged exactly 9 yards a catch, which is less than a typical pass play to a WR, but more than a typical run play which as I said went for about 4 or 5 yards last season. That sounds even more balanced to me.

[lowrider]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='03 June 2010 - 03:59 PM' timestamp='1275595169' post='417395']
Actually, the Saints were more like 54-46 in favor of passing last year from the 544 passes to 468 runs mentioned by lowrider. I wouldn't call that VERY balanced. The Cowboys threw the ball 550 times and ran it 436 times. That comes out to be about a 56-44 pass first ratio. The Ravens last year threw the ball 510 times to 468 runs. That is a 52-48 pass first ratio. So there's all the evidence I need. And THIS year, I'm expecting it to be very close to 50-50 again.
[/quote]
I see the point your making. I guess I view the balance of the overall success of the passing and rushing game as more important, and more of the true definition of balanced in my book. The fact that they were 6th in the league in rushing along with 4th in passing game a more accurate measure of balanced. And I don't expect those ranks for the saints offense to decrease that much.

Same applies to the Cowboys. They are 7th in rushing, and 6th in passing, but their overall offense is second behind the Saints.

So I would consider them more balanced to our 5th in rushing, and 18th in passing (granted it will be better this year). A team can run and pass the ball with a 50-50 ratio, but if one category is drastically better than the other, I wouldn't consider them balanced.

The Cowboys and Saints are more balanced because they are a threat from every angle on offense. Ravens are balanced, but their offense, specifically their passing game (which has gotten much better), doesn't strike fear in the heart of opponents like the Saints and Cowboys balanced attack.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='lowrider' date='03 June 2010 - 04:38 PM' timestamp='1275597503' post='417423']
I see the point your making. I guess I view the balance of the overall success of the passing and rushing game as more important, and more of the true definition of balanced in my book. The fact that they were 6th in the league in rushing along with 4th in passing game a more accurate measure of balanced. And I don't expect those ranks for the saints offense to decrease that much.

Same applies to the Cowboys. They are 7th in rushing, and 6th in passing, but their overall offense is second behind the Saints.

So I would consider them more balanced to our 5th in rushing, and 18th in passing (granted it will be better this year). A team can run and pass the ball with a 50-50 ratio, but if one category is drastically better than the other, I wouldn't consider them balanced.

The Cowboys and Saints are more balanced because they are a threat from every angle on offense. Ravens are balanced, but their offense, specifically their passing game (which has gotten much better), doesn't strike fear in the heart of opponents like the Saints and Cowboys balanced attack.
[/quote]
Like I said in my original post. A COMPLETE offense and a BALANCED offense are not the same, and having a COMPLETE offense is more important. My definition of a complete offense is your definition of a balanced offense, but at the end of the day, we can both agree that better production from the passing and running game is more important than the playcalling and mixing it up.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

yea i think we're all just arguing definitions which isnt that important. i would say that balanced play calling and having a balanced offense are two different things. even look at yards and production arent going to be an indicator of balance or completeness. a team could be somewhat balanced at both running and passing (in talent and effectivenss) but defenses choose to key on stopping the pass. which could open up the run, and since the team is effective at it they exploit it... calling more rushing plays, racking up more rushing yards, and scoring more rushing TDs.

so the stats would make it look like an unbalanced team that favors rushing the ball. but in reality the pass was just as dangerous, and was the reason the team was so successful at the run. this is just a theoretical way of me showing that looking at playcalling and production can be misleading in determining their overall offensive balance.

[Halden52]

i like the move of us getting Anquan Boldin and even Dante Stalworth. I think that their additions can only help the team's passing game, and into the running game as the passing will be more efficient and gaining more yards, of course that depends on Flacce who I think is qualified as he's proven himself leading the team to 2 playoff years in a row. But I don't think I'd venture to say that Anquan Boldin would be Flacco's favorite receiver. Yes he's a talented guy and will help the team but I think Flacco will probably be more confident in throwing to his guys that he has been the past 2 years, Mason and Clayton. I'm sure Boldin will have a good year and may get the most yards but I think as far as reception wise Mason will have the most.

[BloodRaven]

I honestly like the addition of Stallworth as much as Boldin.