Ed Reed On Bulger

[sliceanddic3]

Another article on Bulger from [url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/20/ed-reed-troy-smith-better-equipped-than-bulger/"]ProFootballTalk.com[/url]
Ed Reed weighs in on Bulgers addition. Troy is better than Bulger?
Just sticking up for Troy, or low blowing Bulger? O.o

[edreedfromtheu]

So let me guess...

Now you people will say that Ed Reed is scared of losing his job to Bulger?

Just admit it... Troy Smith isn't that bad of a QB, especially as a back-up, and bringing in Bulger was a big mistake by the Ravens organization.


Flacco thought it would create some unnecessary tension. Reed thinks Smith is a better fit anyway. I have to believe John Beck doesn't like the move at all. The offensive line would probably enjoy playing with the quarterbacks who already know the system... and are much younger. Same with the receivers.

[darklight1216]

Way to make a guy feel welcome.

I guess we'll have to call it the Suggs, Reed, Flacco package from now on.

Seriously, leave the hiring and firing to Ozzie, guys.

[JEEPercreepermd]

Plain and simple, this time of the year before camp starts is the slow time for nfl news. So these bloggers and writers dig and dig to get these players to say something that they can blow up into big news. Flacco has no problem with Bulger and I'll put money on it that Reed doesn't either.

Last season before Traning Camp all of the talk was still on Steve Mcnair's death. The season before that it was all about Billick being fired and speculating what direction Harbaugh would take the team.

[Marc2k6]

I think before anyone makes a comment about what Ed Reed said on 1057 the Fan, they should go to the 1057 website and listen to the interview. Ed Reed never said that Troy Smith was better than Bulger.

[Alexir]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='20 July 2010 - 08:39 PM' timestamp='1279672747' post='435124']
Way to make a guy feel welcome.

I guess we'll have to call it the Suggs, Reed, Flacco package from now on.

Seriously, leave the hiring and firing to Ozzie, guys.
[/quote]

yeah but leave the team chemistry to the team. everyone seemed fine with the new guys and the rookies until Bulger came on board.

I agree with Ed, I think Troy has more experience with these guys and has been healthier than Bulger. Bulger is probably gun shy these days anyways and he hasn't played steelers 2 times a year ever.

[Moderator 2]

Well the messed up what Flacco said, guess its Reeds day in the barrel


But as an aside if this is all they can find to write about--its been a good offseason lol

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='Alexir' date='20 July 2010 - 08:56 PM' timestamp='1279673777' post='435135']
yeah but leave the team chemistry to the team. everyone seemed fine with the new guys and the rookies until Bulger came on board.

I agree with Ed, I think Troy has more experience with these guys and has been healthier than Bulger. Bulger is probably gun shy these days anyways and he hasn't played steelers 2 times a year ever.
[/quote]

There are a lot of players on this team that like Troy Smith including Joe Flacco. Hell I like the guy but at the end of the day it is about making your team better. So we will see who stays, who goes and who plays after training camp.

Back to Ed Reed, he never said that Troy Smith is better than Bugler! Never said that!

I know what I have learned to day for sure and that is to never believe it unless you hear it yourself. These media people will just twist your words around and put their own words in your mouth.

[theFRANCHISE]

As Marc pointed out, Ed Reed never said anything about Troy Smith being better than Marc Bulger. Here's a transcript I wrote up, after I listened to the audio online at 105.7FM's website ([url="http://1057thefan.cbslocal.com/2010/07/20/ed-reed-interview/#more-8255"]LINK[/url]):

INTERVIEWER (at 05:53): "What do you think about the moves they've made?"

REED (at 05:57): "I think, honestly, think at the quarterback position, Troy was the guy, Troy is the guy. Y'know, um, and he's more qualified to lead a team to a championship. Y'know, I think in adding Marc Bulger, it's just another guy. Another guy that, y'know, that's proven in the league, that's been around."

REED (at 06:37): "I mean, y'know, just the additions we've added, it's been good."

Nothing in there about Troy being better than Bulger, and I wouldn't perceive his comments about Troy as implying he thinks Troy is better than Flacco. You have to listen to the context in which the words are spoken; very casual, nothing malicious, and nothing implying discontent with the team's offseason acquisitions. Just throwaway comments like what any of us would say in ordinary conversation.

[ed.s52]

Troy wanted out, the FO should have granted that earlier, and probably would've if they weren't sure whether or not they would land Bulger.

The comments on that article are such BS. They actually made me make an accound just to respond. really?

This one is my favorite,

"If you want to talk about overrated...leave out the jets...bc the ravens are faaaarrrr more overrated. It makes me sick hearing bout these guys. Can sumone explain to me how thier offense is going to be this unstoppable force of god. So they got Boldin? oook. annnd. mind u he was good wen warner was throwing him the ball and he had like 15 other recievers to take the pressure of him. And stallworth?? how many people does this guy have to kill b4 we all see he is washed up. WHo cares how fast he is....alot of guys are fast in the NFL. doesnt mean they good. Tom Brady made him look good. And Mason is like what? goin on 63? lol. What a joke. As for the defense....they can stop the run. Cool. Just throw the ball on them. They aint that scary. they won the superbowl like 20 years ago. they are not the same. Steelers will win that division bc if anyone knows anything about football....u will know they play best with thier backs up against the wall. And thats when they win SUPERBOWLS. And thats what counts."

[Milton145]

"If Bulger was not white, would Reed have said that? "

People are ridiculous.

Once again, just sticking up for a teammate. No harm in that.

[Ravenseconbeast]

I DONT understand people that constantly protect Bulger. His been on a losing team, and contributed to a 1win 15 losses under his belt last year. He got paid 3.8mill(5mill w/ incentive). What more do you need to give him???

Have some common sense. Next year on 2011, do you want to pay a back up another 5million dollars on a QB that nobody took? (Remember how many 2nd/3rd tier QB got picked as a starter this free agency, and he wasnt one of them)

His been with Ravens for 2 week now in training camp. Preseason is starting soon. Instead of keeping a backup QB 1/4 the price, you'd Bulger fans would rather has a QB that has little clue on how Ravens operate (again, only been in training camp for 2weeks) and pay him that much money.

We have alot of good pickups this off-season. This probably isnt one of them. But hey, keep rooting for Bulger man.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='20 July 2010 - 07:38 PM' timestamp='1279672736' post='435123']
So let me guess...

Now you people will say that Ed Reed is scared of losing his job to Bulger?

Just admit it... Troy Smith isn't that bad of a QB, especially as a back-up, and bringing in Bulger was a big mistake by the Ravens organization.


Flacco thought it would create some unnecessary tension. Reed thinks Smith is a better fit anyway. I have to believe John Beck doesn't like the move at all. The offensive line would probably enjoy playing with the quarterbacks who already know the system... and are much younger. Same with the receivers.
[/quote]

... alright since you're clearly much smarter than Ozzie and Biscotti - so smart in fact that you know Bulger was a bad decision despite having NEVER SEEN HIM PLAY ON THE TEAM and coming to that conclusion based on the assumption that the receivers and O-Line would "probably" prefer Smith and Beck despite NONE OF THEM HAVING ACTUALLY SAID THAT. Why would they rather work with younger and more inexperienced quarterbacks? So they can learn how to fail at the NFL level and become career backups?

You say Troy isn't "that bad" of a backup. Yes he's not "that bad" but he's also not "that good". All that bench warming must really show you some great talent in that guy to defend him the way that you are.

And unnecessary tension? No one whined about unnecessary tension between Clayton and Demetrius when we traded for Boldin. There's supposed to be tension and competition between backups. OH NO BECK DOESN'T LIKE THE MOVE WHAT WILL WE DO?? Lets cut all our good players so the substitutes will finally get some playing time!

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' date='20 July 2010 - 10:32 PM' timestamp='1279683130' post='435215']
... alright since you're clearly much smarter than Ozzie and Biscotti - so smart in fact that you know Bulger was a bad decision despite having NEVER SEEN HIM PLAY ON THE TEAM and coming to that conclusion based on the assumption that the receivers and O-Line would "probably" prefer Smith and Beck despite NONE OF THEM HAVING ACTUALLY SAID THAT. Why would they rather work with younger and more inexperienced quarterbacks? So they can learn how to fail at the NFL level and become career backups?

You say Troy isn't "that bad" of a backup. Yes he's not "that bad" but he's also not "that good". All that bench warming must really show you some great talent in that guy to defend him the way that you are.

And unnecessary tension? No one whined about unnecessary tension between Clayton and Demetrius when we traded for Boldin. There's supposed to be tension and competition between backups. OH NO BECK DOESN'T LIKE THE MOVE WHAT WILL WE DO?? Lets cut all our good players so the substitutes will finally get some playing time!
[/quote]

This has nothing to do with John Beck/Troy. Bulger sucks as a QB. And we paid him 5mill as a backup. This rag doll makes more money than half of any player in Ravens. In fact, he makes the same money Ed Reed makes. Yes Ngata92, we should keep the guy and keep him a ravens next year and years beyond while playing 0 games the whole season.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' date='20 July 2010 - 10:41 PM' timestamp='1279683678' post='435222']
This has nothing to do with John Beck/Troy. Bulger sucks as a QB. And we paid him 5mill as a backup. This rag doll makes more money than half of any player in Ravens. In fact, he makes the same money Ed Reed makes. Yes Ngata92, we should keep the guy and keep him a ravens next year and years beyond while playing 0 games the whole season.
[/quote]

The poster I quoted was talking about Beck/Troy I agree I don't think they're relevant. I agree with you to some extent- I don't think Bulger sucks as much as you think. He had great potential early in his career but he suffered along with the team. I would never prefer him to Flacco but he's proven sooo much more than Troy and Beck have. The Ravens may have over paid him but in the uncapped year Biscotti and Ozzie felt the could take the financial risk on him. The contracts only 1 year and if he doesn't play well he's gone. Remember some teams would consider him a starting QB (Buffalo, Oakland, St. Louis).

I never said we should keep him for "years beyond" either. I think he's gone when the salary cap comes around anyway. I just think he's a decent QB and a better option than we have. If Flacco goes down I'd prefer Bulger to be starting. I'm with the front office on this one- it's worth the 5.8mil. As for Reed I say pay the man he's probably at the end of his career (max 3 more years I'd say). I wouldn't have a problem with paying him more considering the contracts guys like Ray and Suggs get. The only problem is that we also have other guys we need to lock up (Flacco, Rice, Oher, Ngata for example). I just have faith that the front office is savvy enough to keep all our key players satisfied and paid and also take risks on guys like Bulger and Stallworth.

[JO_75]

[quote name='ed.s52' date='20 July 2010 - 09:27 PM' timestamp='1279675621' post='435144']
Troy wanted out, the FO should have granted that earlier, and probably would've if they weren't sure whether or not they would land Bulger.

The comments on that article are such BS. They actually made me make an accound just to respond. really?

This one is my favorite,

[b]"If you want to talk about overrated...leave out the jets...bc the ravens are faaaarrrr more overrated. It makes me sick hearing bout these guys. Can sumone explain to me how their offense is going to be this unstoppable force of god. So they got Boldin? oook. annnd. mind u he was good wen Warner was throwing him the ball and he had like 15 other receivers to take the pressure of him. And stallworth?? how many people does this guy have to kill b4 we all see he is washed up. WHo cares how fast he is....alot of guys are fast in the NFL. doesn't mean they good. Tom Brady made him look good. And Mason is like what? going on 63? lol. What a joke. As for the defense....they can stop the run. Cool. Just throw the ball on them. They aint that scary. they won the Superbowl like 20 years ago. they are not the same. Steelers will win that division bc if anyone knows anything about football....[b]u will know they play best with their backs up against the wall. And that's when they win SUPERBOWLS.[/b] And that's what counts."[/b]
[/quote]

Yeah now I'm going to say he is a Steelers fan by his comment about the steelers winning the division. Most comments on that site I don't take seriously, and well that person is right about playing best with their backs against the wall and that is when you win the Super Bowl... the 2000 Ravens went through it at all and came out on top of the NFL.

Boldin was only good when Kurt was throwing him the ball? He was putting up Pro Bowl numbers without Warner and before Fitz got there. Stallworth, he'll prove everybody wrong this season, yeah you can't run on us but it will be hard to throw the ball when the QB is laying on his back, guess he didn't see the complete dominance in the Playoff game against the Patriots. Now we haven't won the super bowl in 20 years, well 10 years to be exact thank you but that was in the past as is the six super bowls the steelers won, it's not a What did you do 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 years ago league it's a what have you done for me lately league, and he shouldn't be bragging about the Steelers winning the division... not with what they went through this off-season, and no just because the 2000 Ravens went through alot doesn't mean the Steelers are going to win the SB because they are going through alot right now... and that is what that person is implying.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' date='20 July 2010 - 11:41 PM' timestamp='1279683678' post='435222']
This has nothing to do with John Beck/Troy. Bulger sucks as a QB. And we paid him 5mill as a backup. This rag doll makes more money than half of any player in Ravens. In fact, he makes the same money Ed Reed makes. Yes Ngata92, we should keep the guy and keep him a ravens next year and years beyond while [b]playing 0 games the whole season.[/b][/quote]
You don't know that.

[Bltravens]

I dont understand how people on this board still think Troy Smith is the best thing since slice bread. The dude is a weak armed, average accuracy, short QB, who is NOT as fast as people think he is. Bulger is a multiple time Pro Bowl QB. How the hell did we not upgrade our backup QB position? How?

[ed.s52]

If this was a capped year this decision would've been horrible, but its not so just stop.

We should give Ed more money but after he plays this season, not now, and after this season Bulger won't be a Raven so the money he got won't affect us.

And for anyone against the Bulger move, remember two things...

1) We can cut him if he sucks

2) There is a reason that Ozzie and Biscotti are where they are and why many consider them part of the best FO in the league, and there is a big chance they are more football savy, and just plain smarter, than most of the people posting on this board, except maybe Franny.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I don't get why this argument is even taking place. Training camp will be here soon enough, and regardless who can support their argument the best based on PAST facts and statistics/achievements, the only thing that will matter is who shows up at Camp and Preseason. The FO saw an opportunity that could seriously upgrade the QB situation, but there is a possibility it wasn't and upgrade. What matters though is that if Bulger isnt an upgrade Troy Smith will prove it come Training Camp. And if it took signing Bulger to get Smith to step up and prove that he's the better QB at this point then it's well worth the money because without Bulger, Troy sits back knowing he's not going to win the starting job and he's not getting cut. Flacco still is locked to be the starter, but whether he wants to admit it or not knowing a 2-time probowler is sitting behind you in line adds a bit of pressure. Struggle big time and theres a very capable back up behind you in Bulger, or if Troy beats him out the FO knows just how capable Troy is then. Flacco is now pressured into achieving his full potential as quickly as possible.

I think any way you slice it, only good can come out of the situation. Even if guys arent keen on Bulger, they'll be unified in wanting to keep him off the field. If Bulger proves at camp to be as good as he once was then we have a confident starting caliber player to back up Joe in case of injury. If Troy truly is more compitent a back up (which he hasnt shown up to this point but may have the potential) he will be forced for the 1st time in his career to step up and show it.... only giving himself and the team more confidence. Flacco also has to step his game up because no matter what happens between Troy and Bulger, everyone will see that there is a fully capable back up behind him. $3.8 mill (which I believe, dont quote me, is Bulger's base salary... the $5 mill is based on incentives which if he never gets on the field like a lot are saying he wont, he doesnt earn that money) is WELL WORTH it to answer all these questions and push all 3 players to play their best, and to straighten out the depth situation instead of having all 3 QB's just accept their role and not really have to compete for anything.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Again with incentive he'll be the highest paid back QB in NFL. His not worth that much money.

While half of Ravens player watch Bulger on bench counting money where he makes almost ten-fold what they make, its almost a slap in the face to great players thats been in Ravens working their butts of for $580,000 salary.

(i.e. Ellerbe will make 580,000, bulger 5mill)

[I AM LEGEND]

So wait....we don't want a proven pro bowl quarterback backing up our young streaky Qb?

Shoot I may actually be for Bulger starting if I see colt/steeler Flacco early in the season

Doesn't this sound alot like the cardinals going to get the washed up Kurt warner to back up the young franchise Matt leinart


As far as these comments coming from the players....

Here's my advice....

Shut up


Bulger is a member of the team whether they like it or not. Except him and keep all comments that may even be remotely negative to yourself..we understand Troy has been there for a couple years...so he's a little more popular..but ANY Raven that tells you troy smith is a better option than Bulger is just trying to be nice to their buddy..

The players sure are making this an attractive market for future Free agents...I mean who wouldn't want to go to a team where people are gonna complain about taking their buddies spot.

[I AM LEGEND]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' date='21 July 2010 - 02:10 AM' timestamp='1279692643' post='435242']
Again with incentive he'll be the highest paid back QB in NFL. His not worth that much money.

While half of Ravens player watch Bulger on bench counting money where he makes almost ten-fold what they make, its almost a slap in the face to great players thats been in Ravens working their butts of for $580,000 salary.

(i.e. Ellerbe will make 580,000, bulger 5mill)
[/quote]


LOL!

So a proven pro bowl QB....one that plays the most.vital position on a football field...who may be called in at times this year to win some games for us...

Should be paid less than our what....6th linebacker...because?

Under your management...FO should probably pay the special team players more than Bulger too.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' date='21 July 2010 - 01:10 AM' timestamp='1279692643' post='435242']
Again with incentive he'll be the highest paid back QB in NFL. His not worth that much money.

While half of Ravens player watch Bulger on bench counting money where he makes almost ten-fold what they make, its almost a slap in the face to great players thats been in Ravens working their butts of for $580,000 salary.

(i.e. Ellerbe will make 580,000, bulger 5mill)
[/quote]


Again, I'm pretty sure Bulger will only make $3.6 million or so if all he does is sit on the bench. He has the ability to make $5 mill but thats based on incentive, which if he does end up making $5 million he will have earned it by playing and playing well.

Saying the Ellerbe should make more or equal to Bulger is kind of ridiculous. Salaries are based on position. QB's fall into a much higher tier of pay, even backups. Ellerbe was an UDFA so of course no one foresaw him playing really well. Why would you sign an UDFA MLB for $5 million a year? If he retains his starting gig, which isnt quite locked up considering there is some close competition there, and continues to play at a high level he will get a better contract when this one is up. Unfortunately for him and several other players who went undrafted but turned out to be good players, he's locked into the deal he signed his rookie season. If we gave Ellerbe $5 mill as an UDFA you would have flipped out, regardless if he played well or not... you just don't do that.

You also have to realize that paying $3.6 million to bring in Bulger does more for the team than just pay one man. The competition it brings into camp should help improve Flacco, Bulger, Smith, and Beck. Whoever performs second best will be the back up. We then get the insurance and ease of mind that if anything happens to Flacco there is a capable back up. That also allows the coaching staff to really open up the books and take the training wheels off of Flacco because they don't have to keep in the back of their mind that if Joe gets hurt we're pretty much done for. So yea, they paid $3.6 million which may seem a high price, but when you consider that the acquisition will help to improve 4 players at least, provide insurance for injury, possibly a few more wins in the event of an injury, and help to open up the play book which helps not only Flacco to achieve his full potential but also make the offense more dynamic and hard to defend.... the $3.6 million really is a steal of a price.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='20 July 2010 - 08:38 PM' timestamp='1279672736' post='435123']
So let me guess...

Now you people will say that Ed Reed is scared of losing his job to Bulger?

Just admit it... Troy Smith isn't that bad of a QB, especially as a back-up, [b]and bringing in Bulger was a big mistake by the Ravens organization.[/b]


Flacco thought it would create some unnecessary tension. Reed thinks Smith is a better fit anyway. I have to believe John Beck doesn't like the move at all. The offensive line would probably enjoy playing with the quarterbacks who already know the system... and are much younger. Same with the receivers.
[/quote]

How?

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='20 July 2010 - 08:38 PM' timestamp='1279672736' post='435123']
So let me guess...

Now you people will say that Ed Reed is scared of losing his job to Bulger?

Just admit it... Troy Smith isn't that bad of a QB, especially as a back-up, and bringing in Bulger was a big mistake by the Ravens organization.


Flacco thought it would create some unnecessary tension. Reed thinks Smith is a better fit anyway. I have to believe John Beck doesn't like the move at all. The offensive line would probably enjoy playing with the quarterbacks who already know the system... and are much younger. Same with the receivers.
[/quote]
Don't always believe what you hear in the media. I'm sure Flacco and Bulger will be fine with each other and each others role. And who cares what Reed thinks? First off, he never even said he thinks Troy is better, it's the media that attempts to twist people's words and try and create stories out of it. Secondly, he's a safety and has a different job on the field altogether and has no influence on who ends up getting the second string role on this team.

No matter what is said about Troy, he's not a proven leader, he's never been under pressure in big games and even if he does know the system better than Bulger at the moment, I'm sure Bulger will do all in his power to learn it because that's the first step in playing QB for a new team. And who cares what John Beck thinks? He's probably the odd man out anyway, which is not a bad thing at all, but as BOLDnPurPnBlacK said, the addition of Bulger should only add more pressure to Beck and Smith, which will build the team and it's confidence. If it doesn't motivate them to perform better, then get rid of both of them for all I care. Sorry to be so critical about them, but until I see otherwise, they don't bring as much to the table as Bulger and they really need to pick it up.

[1/28/01]

for the love of all that is good, please bring on the season already!!!!!!!!!

[lowrider]

[quote name='I AM LEGEND' date='21 July 2010 - 02:24 AM' timestamp='1279693463' post='435243']
So wait....we don't want a proven pro bowl quarterback backing up our young streaky Qb?

Shoot I may actually be for Bulger starting if I see colt/steeler Flacco early in the season

Doesn't this sound alot like the cardinals going to get the washed up Kurt warner to back up the young franchise Matt leinart


As far as these comments coming from the players....

Here's my advice....

Shut up


Bulger is a member of the team whether they like it or not. Except him and keep all comments that may even be remotely negative to yourself..we understand Troy has been there for a couple years...so he's a little more popular..but ANY Raven that tells you troy smith is a better option than Bulger is just trying to be nice to their buddy..

The players sure are making this an attractive market for future Free agents...I mean who wouldn't want to go to a team where people are gonna complain about taking their buddies spot.
[/quote]
I was about to bring up the Warner situation too and you said it right before me. I think it's hard to blame Bulger for not having the Rams play better. They just suck. And when you don't get time as a qb to throw the ball your not going to play well. Along with the fact he had no receivers. In the Ravens offense, he will play better than in the Rams offense, no doubt.

They are paying a lot for Bulger. But he has played before and showed he can succeed if he is in the right situation. Can anyone tell me a reason why we are supposed to trust Smith in any crucial games? Has he done anything? I don't blame him for not getting an opportunity and I really feel bad for the guy but realistically I can't trust him if Flacco goes down.

I think Reed, Suggs and Flacco just want Smith to get an opportunity because they are all friends with Smith. They aren't going to say to their friend that he doesn't deserve an opportunity. But the front office is making a decision for our team. This isn't tee ball where everyone gets an opportunity.

[JohnJohnson]

Man I just hope Troy Smith can get a shot to start on another team. That way all of these fans and players who just can't get over how athletic he is can realize that he's just not what you want in an NFL QB. He might be one of the most all around athletic guys, but that doesn't matter. Football is about specialization, and he doesn't have any dominant abilities. I would love to see him succeed somewhere, but it's just not gonna happen. Yes, he's a "capable" backup. Bulger is a capable starter, who is taking a back seat to Flacco in order to win a championship. We're paying him 3.8 mil, not 5, and if we do pay him 5 because of incentives then I doubt we'll look back and say "we overpaid, I wish we had Troy Smith or John Beck in there." If we pay him 5 he will have helped us continue our season.

[PlayLikeAFan]

This is not the kind of drama we need right now. Chances are neither one of them will get any field time unless were kicking [i]<butt>[/i] and pull flacco out, or flacco goes down [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif[/img].