Position Battles

[Ed_Reed20]

With Training Camp five days away, simply state which position battles you're looking forward to the most.

[RAYvenFan20]

not really a postion battle but i cant wait to see zibby take the field. reeds proabably gonna miss some time and ive been a fan of this guy since his college days. as far as battles go, the fight for pretty much every CB spot should be good as well as the #3 WR

[BmoreSports09]

Gonna have to go with cornerbacks and wide receivers. It'll be interesting to see who ends up where on the depth chart with DBs and WR depth behind Boldin/Mason. We all assume Stallworth is the likely leading candidate to be the #3, then beyond that Clayton is the favorite to be the 4th, David Reed probably the 5th, but we'll see how that all shakes out in training camp.

[RAYvenFan20]

[quote name='BmoreSports09' date='22 July 2010 - 01:09 PM' timestamp='1279822153' post='435868']
Gonna have to go with cornerbacks and wide receivers. It'll be interesting to see who ends up where on the depth chart with DBs and WR depth behind Boldin/Mason. We all assume Stallworth is the likely leading candidate to be the #3, then beyond that Clayton is the favorite to be the 4th, David Reed probably the 5th, but we'll see how that all shakes out in training camp.
[/quote]

id have to agree with u, as long as stallworths speed is still where it was a few years ago he'll see the field more than clayton if only to stretch the field. if reed lives up to the hype, he should make a great slot guy, but he still has time to prove himself, no rush

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RAYvenFan20' date='22 July 2010 - 02:07 PM' timestamp='1279822048' post='435867']
n[b]ot really a postion battle but i cant wait to see zibby take the field.[/b] reeds proabably gonna miss some time and ive been a fan of this guy since his college days. as far as battles go, the fight for pretty much every CB spot should be good as well as the #3 WR
[/quote]

Zibby could battle Hamlin for the starting FS job.

[lowrider]

1. Kindle vs. Barnes- I feel like this is a vital battle. Suggs needs a wingman that takes some of the attention from him. Hopefully one or both can emerge and be an effective pass rusher to help out our secondary.

2. Kruger vs. Pryce- I really want to hear that Kruger is playing well and still has that quickness along with strength with the new weight he built up. Pryce is one year older and still gets injured a lot so hopefully Kruger can take over. But it will be interesting who wins the spot considering I didn't hear good things about Kruger in OTAs.

3. Walt Harris vs. Travis Fisher- Harris is coming off injury and I've never heard of Fisher before we picked him up. I feel like the Ravens will only keep one of the two, and which ever one stays will get a decent amount of playing time especially with the injuries we have at cb. Hopefully one can play well enough to take over and play well.

4. David Reed vs. Mark Clayton- Baltimoresun was in love with David Reed during OTAs but does that carry over to the gameplay with pads. Clayton would still be a solid number 4 option but it would be nice if we drafted a wr that panned out for once.

5. Ed Dickson vs. Dennis Pitta- Which will be that compliment with Heap. Pitta is a little bit older, a little bit more mature, and I feel like a little smarter. Dickson is more athletic, better at blocking. Hopefully both play well and split the playing time, but one needs to emerge.

[Romo Ravens]

I can't wait for Ellerbe and Gooden to battle it out. Both have tremendous upside, but if I were to pick a Jack ILB opposite of Ray, I'd have to go with Ellerbe. I still have a soft spot for Tavares though because he's a former 'Cane, but may the best man win.

I'm also looking forward to the WR position after Boldin and Mason. I might make some enemies, but I hope Clayton gets cut, which will allow for Stallworth to be our full-time deep threat, and let our younger WR's such as David Reed step up to the plate.

I think we'll see a lot of battles for Nickel duty as well, which will make for some great competition involving Washington and Webb (not Carr, please).

[Romo Ravens]

Tight End's! Can't wait for Dickson and Pitta to duke it out as well. Never have I been so ready for TC.

[lowrider]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='22 July 2010 - 02:19 PM' timestamp='1279822778' post='435875']
I can't wait for Ellerbe and Gooden to battle it out. Both have tremendous upside, but if I were to pick a Jack ILB opposite of Ray, I'd have to go with Ellerbe. I still have a soft spot for Tavares though because he's a former 'Cane, but may the best man win.

I'm also looking forward to the WR position after Boldin and Mason. I might make some enemies, but I hope Clayton gets cut, which will allow for Stallworth to be our full-time deep threat, and let our younger WR's such as David Reed step up to the plate.

I think we'll see a lot of battles for Nickel duty as well, which will make for some great competition involving Washington and Webb (not Carr, please).
[/quote]
Very well said. I hope this Jason Philips guy shows up. Last year I kept hearing how hard of a hitter he is and how he was a great pick. Time to play baby, let's see it.

I hope Clayton gets cut too honestly. I'm glad someone feels the same way. He is a solid number 4 but we are paying him way to much to be a number 4 receiver.

[PuRock]

I'm looking forward to any position where the incumbent isn't entrenched.

CB, DL, LB, 3rd WR, 4th WR, TE's

[DevilsLuck]

I'd have to say the DL, WR, and LB battles will be really close. Gonna be good this year.

[Ed_Reed20]

I'm interested in the kick return and punt return battles too. Parmele was a beast last season but will likely face competition from David Reed, among others. Carr had some decent punt returns late in the year but too often settled for fair catches when there was room or didn't look explosive enough to make anything happen. Hopefully Reed or Prince Miller(assuming he sticks) can win the job.

[XxSizzleXx]

I'm mainly excited to see how much we use our younger guys on our Dline this year, such as Jones and Kruger. I think Kindle really can give JJ a run for his money and most likely will throughout the year. The last one is a straight up battle between two TE's and that would be Dickson and Pitta.

[ed.s52]

Flacco vs Bulger

Definitely going to be the closest battle this year......... hahaha had some of you goin for a little didnt I.


But seriously, I think Kelly Gregg vs Terrence Cody could be legit depending on both of their play/

[JO_75]

Tight End: Heap vs Dickson vs Pitta, Heap isn't what he use to be and it would interesting to see if one of the rookies out perform him and take his spot away.

Wide Receivers: Can Mark Clayton hold on to the 4th spot on the depth chart and hold off guys like Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, Eron Riley and rookie David Reed.

DL: Kruger vs Pryce/Cody vs Gregg: Pryce had lost his starting job toward the end of last year to Dwan Edwards who is in Buffalo now, now can Pryce get back to form and hold off Paul Kruger or will Kruger show improvement after bulking up to play as a 3-4 DE and take his job? Kelly Gregg is also up there in years, it will be interesting to see if Cody can make an impact and be someone we can count on for 3rd downs in place of Gregg, maybe Gregg gets hurt again and Cody would have to step up due to an injury.

Gooden vs Ellerbe: The fight to play next to a Hall of Famer, and not just any Hall of Famer, we are talking Ray Lewis. Gooden started out with the job last season and Ellerbe finished the season playing next to Ray. Can Ellerbe keep his spot or will Gooden bounce back?

[Milton145]

I can't wait to see who will be our #3 and #4 WRs.

I wouldn't necessarily count Clayton out yet. Eron Riley, Justin Harper, and Rodelin Anthony are also vying for a roster spot along with David Reed. Then you have Stallworth.

Should be interesting.

[The Raven]

i'm looking forward to battles at LE, Sam, and Jack. I'm not sure how Kruger's going to do, but he seems to have the work ethic and desire to start. Also, don't forget about Redding and Arthur Jones. It's gonna be difficult for all to get playing time. This is one position we may have too much talent at.

Sam, or the lolb, will be interesting too. I love JJ, but i keep hearing good things about Barnes and Kindle. I'm not sure if Jameel McClain is still involved here, but you can't forget about his talent. Maybe move Barnes to be Suggs' backup. Kindle's faster and more of an athlete than JJ, but JJ is a good football player. Who knows?

The Jack, the spot next to Ray, will be exciting. Gooden is an athlete, but Ellerbe is a better football player. Jason Phillips is also a contender. He's bigger than Gooden and Ellerbe, and from what I've seen, he has alot of potential. The guy can hit, and is good in coverage. he plays with that sort of recklessness that thrives on this defense.

[edreedfromtheu]

Since the Ravens didn't bring back Kelly Washington...

I'm really anxious to see if Justin Harper makes the team or not. Flacco needs a red zone target. Harper could definitely be that guy. It's a crowded receiving group... but I really don't see why Clayton should make the team.

Mason and Boldin are the everydown receivers, for obvious reasons.

Stallworth and Williams are the best options as deep threats.

Harper is the best red zone and jump-ball threat by far. I'd love to see Revis guard him on Monday Night... looking completely helpless.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='22 July 2010 - 08:51 PM' timestamp='1279846297' post='436058']
Since the Ravens didn't bring back Kelly Washington...

I'm really anxious to see if Justin Harper makes the team or not. Flacco needs a red zone target. Harper could definitely be that guy. It's a crowded receiving group... but I really don't see why Clayton should make the team.

Mason and Boldin are the everydown receivers, for obvious reasons.

[b]Stallworth and Williams are the best options as deep threats.[/b]

[b]Harper is the best red zone and jump-ball threat by far.[/b] I'd love to see Revis guard him on Monday Night... looking completely helpless.
[/quote]
Thats what they're hoping about Stalls, but Williams? Really? Clayton has 35 receptions over 20 yards and 15 over 40 yards......Williams has injuries!

Harper cant catch, so to say hes the best redzone target with the TE's we have is just dumb!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='1/28/01' date='22 July 2010 - 09:19 PM' timestamp='1279847944' post='436062']
Thats what they're hoping about Stalls, but Williams? Really? Clayton has 35 receptions over 20 yards and 15 over 40 yards......Williams has injuries!

[b]Harper cant catch, so to say hes the best redzone target with the TE's we have is just dumb![/b]
[/quote]

Agreed. The guy has zero receptions in his career so I don't see how he's the best at anything.

[MKdave]

The most important one in my opinion is FS. I think it's the only starting position where the job isn't someone's to lose. Hamlin has vet experience, but Zbikowski is the incumbent of sorts and performed superbly in Ed Reed's lieu.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='MKdave' date='23 July 2010 - 07:03 PM' timestamp='1279926219' post='436531']
The most important one in my opinion is FS. [b]I think it's the only starting position where the job isn't someone's to lose.[/b] Hamlin has vet experience, but Zbikowski is the incumbent of sorts and performed superbly in Ed Reed's lieu.
[/quote]

No one has really nailed down the #2 CB, kicker and punt returning duties but I agree the FS battle will be imporant.

[MKdave]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='24 July 2010 - 12:40 AM' timestamp='1279928423' post='436548']
No one has really nailed down the #2 CB, kicker and punt returning duties but I agree the FS battle will be imporant.
[/quote]

Well I think it'll be Fabe's unless he doesn't make it back. So in a way I'd say it's his to lose because it's on him to get healthy. Until Webb gets back, then it'll be a competition, and I don't think punt returner constitutes a starting position.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='1/28/01' date='22 July 2010 - 09:19 PM' timestamp='1279847944' post='436062']
Thats what they're hoping about Stalls, but Williams? Really? Clayton has 35 receptions over 20 yards and 15 over 40 yards......Williams has injuries!

Harper cant catch, so to say hes the best redzone target with the TE's we have is just dumb!
[/quote]


[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='22 July 2010 - 11:33 PM' timestamp='1279855981' post='436127']
Agreed. The guy has zero receptions in his career so I don't see how he's the best at anything.
[/quote]

He has zero receptions because he hasn't PLAYED! He was a rookie last year. He was on the practice squad. So because he dropped some passes in his first NFL action in preseason games where he's trying to make the team... that means he can't get better? That means he can't shake the nerves? I guess we should give up on him at age 25?

If that's the case, then by default... we'd have to give up on Clayton because he's never broken 1000 yards and the most touchdowns he's had in a season is 5. And he's played for a lot longer than Harper. Oh, and he's a 1st round pick.

But I don't see much of a difference in Stalls, Clayton, and Williams... but Williams is just a little taller and I think he is the fastest out of all of them. And between Clayton and Stalls, I just think Stallworth runs better routes and changes his speed as needed. Clayton always seems to be running at the same speed.

Previous numbers might be comparable, but I think in this offense the other two hold a slight advantage in specific areas that will help Flacco out.

[edreedfromtheu]

Kick returner battle... I don't even know who the candidates are, but I hope they are doing everything possible to find someone to do the exact opposite of what Chris Carr did last year.

[baltravens]

Zibby vs. Hamlin

[1/28/01]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='24 July 2010 - 11:34 AM' timestamp='1279985647' post='436754']
[b]He has zero receptions because he hasn't PLAYED! He was a rookie last year. He was on the practice squad. So because he dropped some passes in his first NFL action in preseason games where he's trying to make the team... that means he can't get better? That means he can't shake the nerves? I guess we should give up on him at age 25?[/b]

If that's the case, then by default... we'd have to give up on Clayton because he's never broken 1000 yards and the most touchdowns he's had in a season is 5. And he's played for a lot longer than Harper. Oh, and he's a 1st round pick.

But I don't see much of a difference in Stalls, Clayton, and Williams... but Williams is just a little taller and I think he is the fastest out of all of them. And between Clayton and Stalls, I just think Stallworth runs better routes and changes his speed as needed. Clayton always seems to be running at the same speed.

Previous numbers might be comparable, but I think in this offense the other two hold a slight advantage in specific areas that will help Flacco out.
[/quote]
Again, here is an example of someone not actually responding properly to the original topic/statement at hand, which was you saying Harper is the best redzone target we have. Nothing more, nothing less......You, yourself, just said he has had NO playing time and dropped just about every ball in preseason, correct? We were refuting the "best redzone target" part of your original comment. Please fully read and comprehend before posting

[Ngata92NT]

Smith vs Beck: Who will we keep? I know we aren't going to keep 4 QBs (or ARE we lol). I really want to get rid of Troy so we can stop hearing about how he should start over Flacco. But I think he's probably more useful than Beck so I say keep him for now.

Clayton vs Williams vs others: I think Clayton is probably a lock but the other receivers are all fighting it out for the other spot(s). It'd be a shame if David Reed didn't make the roster but I think Williams has the advantage.

Gregg vs Cody: This is what I'm most excited about. Gregg's the veteran but Cody will give him a run for his money. Should be interesting to say the least.