Tom Zibikowski

[TrueRaven1327]

with reed saying he may go on pup.i think were gonna see a geat safety in zibby. guy has shown he has good instincts and we all knw e can hit. i think were gonna let dawan landry go next year and put zibby in his spot.

[Romo Ravens]

Honestly, I'm a huge fan of Zbikowski. He's just a natural athlete, and even though I'd [i]hate[/i] to see Ed go, I think we are in good hands with Zibby. Not only that, but Hamlin will provide great competition which will only benefit Tom. Surprisingly, I'm not scared out of my mind that we'll miss Reed for a few games, because I know that he'll be beside Harbs coaching the defense until he comes back, then we'll be unstoppable.

With that said, I still pray for Ed, and hope for a speedy healing process.

[TrueRaven1327]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='21 July 2010 - 06:38 PM' timestamp='1279755508' post='435553']
Honestly, I'm a huge fan of Zbikowski. He's just a natural athlete, and even though I'd [i]hate[/i] to see Ed go, I think we are in good hands with Zibby. Not only that, but Hamlin will provide great competition which will only benefit Tom. Surprisingly, I'm not scared out of my mind that we'll miss Reed for a few games, because I know that he'll be beside Harbs coaching the defense until he comes back, then we'll be unstoppable.
[/quote]
you are exactly right

[ravensfan2430]

As much as it hurts me to say it, I think we were a better team last year with Zibby in the line up. I think injuries played a big part of it last year for Reed, but with Zib in the line up our defense looked more sound. I feel like Zib took less chances and therefore was in position to help with coverage more often than Reed. Excluding last year, every time the ball was thrown downfield Reed was in the frame, however, this past year he was nowhere to be found on multiple pass plays. I think Zib will add a consistency to our lineup that will be effective in lowering the amount of big plays during the beginning half of the season (this will crucial as I see the Ravens putting up a lot of points).

Once Reed is healthy then there should be no question about plugging him back in.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='ravensfan2430' date='21 July 2010 - 08:30 PM' timestamp='1279758652' post='435563']
As much as it hurts me to say it, I think we were a better team last year with Zibby in the line up. I think injuries played a big part of it last year for Reed, but [b]with Zib in the line up our defense looked more sound.[/b] I feel like Zib took less chances and therefore was in position to help with coverage more often than Reed. Excluding last year, every time the ball was thrown downfield Reed was in the frame, however, this past year he was nowhere to be found on multiple pass plays. I think Zib will add a consistency to our lineup that will be effective in lowering the amount of big plays during the beginning half of the season (this will crucial as I see the Ravens putting up a lot of points).

Once Reed is healthy then there should be no question about plugging him back in.
[/quote]
Playing the Lions and Bears offenses will do that.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='ravensfan2430' date='21 July 2010 - 06:30 PM' timestamp='1279758652' post='435563']
As much as it hurts me to say it, I think we were a better team last year with Zibby in the line up. I think injuries played a big part of it last year for Reed, but with Zib in the line up our defense looked more sound. I feel like Zib took less chances and therefore was in position to help with coverage more often than Reed. Excluding last year, every time the ball was thrown downfield Reed was in the frame, however, this past year he was nowhere to be found on multiple pass plays. I think Zib will add a consistency to our lineup that will be effective in lowering the amount of big plays during the beginning half of the season (this will crucial as I see the Ravens putting up a lot of points).

Once Reed is healthy then there should be no question about plugging him back in.
[/quote]


You are probably going to get hit with the negative police, but you make a good point and I think you are on to something. I saw what you are talking about. I hope that Reed takes the time off he needs to get to a point where he can be better than he was last year. Not that he was horrible or anything, but he wasn't the Reed we all know and love. Zibby will look great this year I think

[ed.s52]

Why would we get rid of Dawan?

Zibby is a FS, and I love Landry at the SS position. Maybe if Hakuri makes a statement this season, we will get rid of him, but considering Reed has been having injury problems with his hip and neck, having 3 starting caliber safeties would be good for us.

[Ed_Reed20]

As tough at it'll be to not see #20 out there, I'm looking forward to watching Zibby grow next season. It'll be interesting to say the least if he plays well when Ed returns.

[Alexir]

Zibby has to hold off Hamlin before we crown him a starter. It's not like he is holdin off Pachsal or Gerard, he actually has competition this year.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Alexir' date='21 July 2010 - 10:58 PM' timestamp='1279767539' post='435636']
Zibby has to hold off Hamlin before we crown him a starter. It's not like he is holdin off Pachsal or Gerard, he actually has competition this year.
[/quote]

I completely forgot about The Hammer.

Should be a good battle in training camp and pre-season.

[Radinho84]

i am really looking forward to see zibby play this year. i don´t know if or when ed will be back but i am not afraid at all that those guys we have couldn´t fill that hole. don´t get me wrong: nobody can play like a healthey ed reed!! but last season he wasn´t healthey and i would love to see him taking the time he needs to recover from any injury he has right now. even if that means that he couldn´t play this year. if he is back on top for next season and back in the old probowl caliber form than i am all for it.

back to zibby: i know he isn´t even the starter yet. he has great competition. but he is a competitive guy and i think that turns him only higher! he is a FS with the tackling of a SS or LB and has very good coverage skills. besides that: this is his third year and he knows the playbook. i think he has the best chances for the starting job until ed is back. and we all should be fine with that..

[lowrider]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='21 July 2010 - 07:38 PM' timestamp='1279755508' post='435553']
Honestly, I'm a huge fan of Zbikowski. He's just a natural athlete, and even though I'd [i]hate[/i] to see Ed go, I think we are in good hands with Zibby. Not only that, but Hamlin will provide great competition which will only benefit Tom. Surprisingly, I'm not scared out of my mind that we'll miss Reed for a few games, because I know that he'll be beside Harbs coaching the defense until he comes back, then we'll be unstoppable.

With that said, I still pray for Ed, and hope for a speedy healing process.
[/quote]
Agree with you completely. I really hope Zibby wins the position. Hamlin is a solid player but doesn't get interceptions. Didn't he get like 1 interception in 24 games with a the cowboys? Zibby is a fun player to watch.

[J-man]

[quote name='ravensfan2430' date='21 July 2010 - 08:30 PM' timestamp='1279758652' post='435563']
As much as it hurts me to say it, I think we were a better team last year with Zibby in the line up. I think injuries played a big part of it last year for Reed, but with Zib in the line up our defense looked more sound. I feel like Zib took less chances and therefore was in position to help with coverage more often than Reed. Excluding last year, every time the ball was thrown downfield Reed was in the frame, however, this past year he was nowhere to be found on multiple pass plays. I think Zib will add a consistency to our lineup that will be effective in lowering the amount of big plays during the beginning half of the season (this will crucial as I see the Ravens putting up a lot of points).

Once Reed is healthy then there should be no question about plugging him back in.
[/quote]

I agree because Reed kinda plays by his own play he creates in his head and free roams too much. High risk, high reward. Because when he leaves his assignment, the corner backs are stuck in single coverage. If you noticed, Foxworth played better with Zibby because Zibby would give him help over the top. However, Reed may do this sometime to bait the quarterback to throw it where he wants him too, leading to him popping out of nowhere and pick it off, or for him to be totally out of position. Now I'm not saying Zibby is better then Reed, but Zibby is a safe replacement for Reed. There is no doubt Reed creates big plays.

[The_Farm]

I think Zibs could be a great player down the line. He needs to become 'a student of the game,' forgive the cliche, in order to be able to replace Reed full-time (if it comes down to that). Zibs did great when Reed was there to help him notice tendencies and fall in place. Once he can do that on his own, the other teams really need to watch out. Really, there are a lot of atheletes out there; what is rare is to have a natural athlete that has field awareness, technique, and a high over-all football IQ. Zibs is on his way, but I'm yet to be sold on his overall individual ability. I am impressed with the pitch so far, but he hasn't got me writing a check, yet : )

The_Farm

*on a side note, I love the fact that he is a hard hitter. I wanna see him box some more. Maybe a surprise right hook to Ward's jaw? How bout that for a blindside.

[Corvus]

As I've said before, I am completely comfortable with Zbikowski, Landry, Hamlin, and Nakamura if Ed is on the PUP list to open the season. Some teams would kill to have our 5 safeties. Hamlin is a solid veteran, Landry has tons of starting experience and Nakamura and Zbikowski especially are both only getting better.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Zibby has learned so much from Ed and he'll learn so much more, especially if he continues to play in Ed's absense. Now true, he hasn't been crowned the starter yet, but he's proven a lot more than Nakamura, and he fits the Ravens style of defense better than Hamlin because as good as Hamlin is, he isn't a ball hawk. I think our coaching staff will do the right thing and give Zibby a good dose of playing time this season on both ST and defense.

[Ravenmore74]

I honestly think Zibby and Nakamara are going to sub in and out for Reed this season until he can be back permanently in the back field.

[T-ray]

Zibby will definitely be a part of the rotation, if there is one, but the other guy in the safety rotation for Reed's spot would be either Nakamura or Hamlin. Considering we haven't seen much out of Nakamura, we may try him out for a couple of plays, maybe when the game is all but over, and see if he has any kind of potential. If not, I could see Zibby getting the gig by himself until Reed is back to form, which may take a while. If Hamlin is a part of it, then it'll most likely come in run scenarios, since Hamlin is primarily a run stuffer.

[Shammy]

zibbs played very well last season .. more playing time will just groom him into the next FS for Us i honestly feel the D will be fine with him filling in for Reed

[Shadowalker]

Are you guys kidding? Did someone just say Reed roams too much? Sure we all love Zibby but are you guys seriously that quick to write off quite possibly the greatest safety to ever play? He just recently said he want's to play another 10 years, sure it was sarcasticly but im sure hes got another 3-4 in him!

As far as Dawan goes; He's a monster! second on the team in tackles, tied 1st in interceptions! COME ON MAN!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Shadowalker' date='23 July 2010 - 11:59 PM' timestamp='1279943947' post='436636']
Are you guys kidding? Did someone just say Reed roams too much? Sure we all love Zibby but are you guys seriously that quick to write off quite possibly the greatest safety to ever play? He just recently said he want's to play another 10 years, sure it was sarcasticly but im sure hes got another 3-4 in him!

[b]As far as Dawan goes; He's a monster![/b] second on the team in tackles, tied 1st in interceptions! COME ON MAN!
[/quote]

Dawan has been a solid player during his career but I wouldn't call him a [i]monster[/i].

[TrueRaven1327]

[quote name='Shadowalker' date='23 July 2010 - 10:59 PM' timestamp='1279943947' post='436636']
Are you guys kidding? Did someone just say Reed roams too much? Sure we all love Zibby but are you guys seriously that quick to write off quite possibly the greatest safety to ever play? He just recently said he want's to play another 10 years, sure it was sarcasticly but im sure hes got another 3-4 in him!

As far as Dawan goes; He's a monster! second on the team in tackles, tied 1st in interceptions! COME ON MAN!
[/quote]
u are exactly right. but all we are saying is that we will be fine without reed.and dawan could easily be a pro bowl player.this is a contract year for him. i thin k hes gonna show up big time

[hawkprey]

[quote name='bennyb357' date='25 July 2010 - 12:09 PM' timestamp='1280077798' post='437110']

Well to his defense he also played admirably against the Steelers and Packers. Also, Reed played in the Monday night game in Cleveland as well as the final game of the season in Oakland, both teams with lackluster offenses. I'd have to say I felt better about Zbikowski's play in the Lions and Bears games over Reed's play in the Browns and Raiders games.

Don't get me wrong, Ed Reed is an amazing player, he just wasn't himself last year.
[/quote]

Having a healthy Zibby the first half of the season and a healthy Ed the second half of the year is the best thing that could happen to us. If all goes well, Ed will feel he can play a few more years and will do so. If not, Zibby has an extra half year of experience and another full year of experience under the coaching the greatest safety. Either way we're almost guaranteed a healthy Ed for the playoffs which is all the team needs for that Lombardi.

[MountCrushmore]

Im not worried about Zibby at all he played great last year when we needed him and i guarantee you hes alot more ready now.

[Ngata92NT]

Great article on Zibby:

http://mobile.baltimoresun.com/****/news/text.jsp?sid=297&nid=16953883&cid=17085&scid=1968&ith=2&title=Sports

Apparently he's had quite an offseason (he allegedly increased his vertical by 8 inches). If he can continue learning from Reed he'll have all the physical and mental tools to be an excellent safety.

Edit: Lol the address of the article can't be linked because the letters w. a. p. are censored? That's not even a word! Just replace the **** with w ap and that's the link.

[Marc2k6]

Zibby held it down last season and I'm looking forward to seeing a lot more from him this season.

[Marcinik13]

I'm at ease with Tommy Z coming in for Reed. Reed is the best though and hope he gets back soon. I don't want Landry going anywhere, I don't know where you got that idea.

[JEEPercreepermd]

I think what people may be trying to say here is the general feeling is that Zibby is competent, and could be a starter on many teams in this league.

To all of the people saying that Ed gambles too much:

Ed DOES take chances, it's because he's good. He baits QB's into throwing interceptions. Other QB's throw the ball to wherever he's not. SOMETIMES he thinks the QB has taken the bait and breaks for it..but his nose for the ball and his ability to score when he gets it puts him on a level that few at his position have ever been to.

Zibby is a good player, but to compare him to Ed is unfair.

That being said, I DO feel that the Ravens will be just fine with He and Hamlin in Ed's place

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='26 July 2010 - 06:26 PM' timestamp='1280183163' post='437960']
I think what people may be trying to say here is the general feeling is that Zibby is competent, and could be a starter on many teams in this league.

To all of the people saying that Ed gambles too much:

Ed DOES take chances, it's because he's good. He baits QB's into throwing interceptions. Other QB's throw the ball to wherever he's not. SOMETIMES he thinks the QB has taken the bait and breaks for it..but his nose for the ball and his ability to score when he gets it puts him on a level that few at his position have ever been to.

Zibby is a good player, but to compare him to Ed is unfair.

That being said, I DO feel that the Ravens will be just fine with He and Hamlin in Ed's place
[/quote]
Creeper has a good point I feel Zibby will fill in fine he did last year,we don't know how these guys will play obviously but if we can get that second half defense backfield to play all year we will be more then fine

[The Raven]

I also feel safer when Zbikowski is on the field. He doesn't take risks. Reed takes costly risks, some do pay off, others cause touchdowns for the other team. This past season, Reed's risks didn't seem to pay off as much as in the past.