Anyone Miss My Boy Now?

[Mahatma_Sloth]

Clayton is tied for fourth in the NFC in receptions (22) and ranks fifth in the conference in reception yards (300), the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Clayton, who was brought over in a trade from Baltimore just prior to the start of the season, has easily become the Rams' most consistent receiving threat. No other Ram has come close to seeing the 41 targets that Clayton has thus far and even with the return of Laurent Robinson from injury we don't see that changing. Clayton also has two touchdowns on the year....

[EdReedFTW]

Some times change is good for all parties. Would you rather have Clayton over Mason? Boldin? Even Housh is doing exactly what we need him to do. We dont need clayton in the least. And on a side note, I hope he does very well and makes the probowl, he deserves it.

[PuRock]

Housh is an upgrade over Clayton period.

I was upset when we parted ways. But what would he have done if he was still a Raven? Probably less than what Housh is doing here. Would he have changed his route when the CB bites to catch that game winning TD against the Steelers? Probably not. Or what if Housh was in St Louis. Bradford slinging the ball to the tall possession receiver. Bet he would put up big numbers down there. Especially facing the likes of the passing D's of Was, Sea, Arz.

Congrats to Clayton on finding a successful system to be part of. But was it a good trade? Is a silly question. Because what he is doing there was not working here.

[Ed_Reed20]

Clayton has certainly flourished but part of that speaks to the dearth of talent in St. Louis. I think Clayton has had double digit targets in every game the Rams have played meaning Bradford is looking to him [i]a lot[/i]. I doubt any Ravens player can make that claim except maybe Q.

Still, I'm very happy for him and hope he finds success the rest of the year and his career.

To answer the poll question, it was definitely a good trade. As Pu explained, what Houshmandzadeh brings as a slot WR is more than what Mark does and we're beginning to see that.

[ravensalways]

I really liked Clayton, but there is no way he would've been targeted here 41 times in 4 games. I'm glad Clayton is having a great year so far with the Rams though.

But for the question you asked I would say no,just cause i liked Clayton:D. But in all seriousness If he had stayed he'd of been lucky to have 5 catches right now.

Also i don't think he would've made that game winning catch against the Steelers like T.J did.

[TSizzle00]

Considering hes there #1 option sure he has mad catches. You really think he would have done anything against the Jets and Steelers? Give me a break.

[theFRANCHISE]

I would've preferred to retain Clayton so that the team would have FOUR great receiving threats in addition to the tight ends and running backs, but the move was done to make room for other guys. Clayton would've been great in the slot, and I felt he was poised for a breakout year.

That said, a lot of Clayton's success in St. Louis is attributed to being the only viable target for Sam Bradford. WIth Donnie Avery out, there really isn't anyone else on the roster that stuck out as a receiving threat. Clayton's always been a decent route runner, he's just struggled with consistency in reeling in tough catches.

Clayton's in a different scheme where he's forced to be [i]the[/i] guy, hence his numbers.

[Gtown Purple]

Here is a question for you. What are the chances Mark Clayton makes the play if he is in the same position as TJ?

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Gtown Purple' timestamp='1286468153' post='501142']
Here is a question for you. What are the chances Mark Clayton makes the play if he is in the same position as TJ?
[/quote]
Same position? 100% he makes that very easy catch.....just answering it the way you asked. Re-phrase it and you may get a different response.

[MKdave]

I voted yes, because I don't think the trade hurt us, and it was clearly a really good trade for Mark, who deserved a break in his favour. He was too far down the pecking order here to do what he's accomplishing in St Louis. I think it's great for him that he's developing a rapport with Sam Bradford. I think he's gonna be a 4000 yard guy very soon and if Mark can remain his favourite receiver he's got some great years ahead of him.

[Mahatma_Sloth]

all points well taken! except for Gtown, i don't know what you were trying to imply Housh didn't even need to sell his rout and had an easy catch...

[Mahatma_Sloth]

I voted other because Clayton was a humble hardworking team player. My favorite type of player.... but you guys are right he probably wouldn't be as successful if he was still on this team. Bitter sweet

[Clutch Ravens]

The numbers he's had through the first 4 games for St Louis would probably have been pretty close to his season totals for us.

[Jamal]

It was a good trade for both parties. Clayton didn't magically become a better player. Our system and QB just didn't mesh with him for whatever reason.

For those of you who'll say he was going to do better in the slot, hes playing on the outside for the Rams. Other than Jackson there really isn't anyone that scares defenses. Clayton clearly needed a change of scenery.

I'm happy for the guy, but if we could go back I'd still take T.J. over him. And yes I would have said that before his winning TD catch.

Right now, we have 3 WR's who wont get intimidated by any defense in the NFL. Clayton is a good guy, and nothing against him, but I'm not sure I could have said that when he was the 3rd receiver.

[flynismo]

I voted yes, because it was good for all parties involved. We get a draft pick for a guy who wasn't going to see the field much, if at all, and Clayton goes to a team where the other recievers are CFL players in comparison.

[YYZ66]

[quote name='Mahatma_Sloth' timestamp='1286469596' post='501162']
all points well taken! except for Gtown, i don't know what you were trying to imply[b] Housh didn't even need to sell his rout and had an easy catch[/b]...
[/quote]

You might want to watch this.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-anatomy-of-a-play/09000d5d81b1ce16/Anatomy-Housh-s-game-winner"]My link[/url]

[flynismo]

[quote name='TSizzle00' timestamp='1286467892' post='501139']<br />Considering hes there #1 option sure he has mad catches. You really think he would have done anything against the Jets and Steelers? Give me a break.<br />[/quote]

No he wouldn't have. If he were playing in place of TJ, we are 2-2 and not 3-1.

But I am thrilled for Clayton. Yes, his early success is in large part due to being the only real target, but that reflects even better on Clayton, because that means teams are focusing on stopping Clayton in the pass game and he is still getting in his receptions.
That said, we all also know how Clayton can be...he can disappear for months at a time. That is why I am waiting before I scream from top of the hilltops that Clayton has finally arrived; it's only been four games.

[Gtown Purple]

What I was trying to imply is that Clayton had a habit of dropping passes in critical situations. How about the regular season game against the patriots last year?

I would have liked to have been more thorough with my previous post but I had to run to a meeting. If Mark Clayton was in the same situation as TJ Housh on that final drive and has to make that route and play what are the chances he makes it? I ask that you answer this question based on his past performance and not based on your obvious man crush on the guy.

Your analysis of TJ not selling his route is wrong, sorry to break it to you. He ran the sluggo, stick-nod, out-up, whatever you want to call it very well. How was he supposed to "sell" the route any further? By completely cutting out? That presents multiple issues.

1. That causes him to have to make multiple 90 degree cuts which would have slowed him down

2. This slow down would have thrown off the timing of the play. Causing Joe to check to another receiver or hold the ball and risk getting sacked.

3. This slow would have also allowed the CB more time to recover and make a play on the ball.

4. More cuts = more chances to slip and/or misstep

The simple fact that the CB bit as hard as he did on the out cut is case and point as to how well TJ sold the route.

Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike Mark but am I missing him? That answer is clearly no. As others have mentioned earlier. He was let go to make room for other players, namely TJ Housh and in the long run we are better off with our current receiver core. I'm happy that Mark is doing well in STL but you have to take his numbers there with a grain of salt. His involvement in the STL offense is much larger than it would have been here.


[quote name='Mahatma_Sloth' timestamp='1286469596' post='501162']
all points well taken! except for Gtown, i don't know what you were trying to imply Housh didn't even need to sell his rout and had an easy catch...
[/quote]

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Gtown Purple' timestamp='1286471765' post='501188']
What I was trying to imply is that Clayton had a habit of dropping passes in critical situations. How about the regular season game against the patriots last year?
[/quote]

Let's be fair That dropped aside, when else did he drop an on-target ball in crunch-time? The only other bad drop I remember from last year came against the Chargers.

[Gtown Purple]

I can recall at least a couple more. The dates escape me but my point is i woluldn't consider him as clutch as TJ Housh.


[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1286472020' post='501191']
Let's be fair That dropped aside, when else did he drop an on-target ball in crunch-time? The only other bad drop I remember from last year came against the Chargers.
[/quote]

[darklight1216]

I was sad to see him go, but I'm glad that he's doing well in St. Louis. He would have been riding the pine in Baltimore.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='YYZ66' timestamp='1286470805' post='501176']
You might want to watch this.

[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-anatomy-of-a-play/09000d5d81b1ce16/Anatomy-Housh-s-game-winner"]My link[/url]
[/quote]

Great link.

To say that Clayton would've made that play was ludicrous. Running that route was not easy and the fact the TJ made it look effortless is just a testament to his ability. That's like saying dunking is easy because Lebron can do it in his sleep. Masters of the craft make the tough moves look like butter. So happy we brought him here.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Gtown Purple' timestamp='1286472158' post='501193']
I can recall at least a couple more. The dates escape me but my point is [b]i woluldn't consider him as clutch as TJ Housh.[/b]
[/quote]

Agreed.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Gtown Purple' timestamp='1286472158' post='501193']
I can recall at least a couple more. The dates escape me but my point is i woluldn't consider him as clutch as TJ Housh.
[/quote]
The dates escape you because they didn't happen....he had one vital drop. Stop beating the guy up people.

[BloodRaven]

I don't miss what we never had.

[Gtown Purple]

Who's beating this guy up? Not me, I'm simply pointing out the facts and answering the OP's question. Do I miss Mark Clayton? No.


[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1286473324' post='501224']
The dates escape you because they didn't happen....he had one vital drop. Stop beating the guy up people.
[/quote]

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Gtown Purple' timestamp='1286473814' post='501231']
Who's beating this guy up? Not me, I'm simply pointing out the facts and answering the OP's question. Do I miss Mark Clayton? No.
[/quote]
In my book, saying a receiver wouldn't have a caught a wide open ball and that he has had numerous "critical drops" is beating him up. Now, if you could name more than the Pats game from last year, I'd be ripping him more than you, but you can't. Did he flop as as a 1st rounder, yes. Does he have numerous "critical drops", no!

[Terrellb2007]

I miss him and he will always be a Raven in my book, but as far as producing T.J. is the better receiver. I have to agree with DarkLight1216 when I believe he would've been pining it up if he stayed. Even though it was because of the Clayton trade that we had the room to sign T.J.

[flynismo]

i know a lot of us here still are peeved that we wasted a first rounder on Clayton. We can officially classify him as one of Oz's few 1st round busts. But the man is trying to salvage what is left of his career, and for now at least, he's doing a damn good job of it.

[Runnin Raven]

No, not after Housh proved he could step up in the absolute most critical situation.

Like EdReed_20 said, no way does Clayton get that many targets in our offense. Also he didn't play the Jets, Bengals, Browns, and Steelers.

[b]I like Clayton a lot[/b] but this thread does nothing for us Ravens fans. Good for "your boy". I'm not sure what you're trying to say really. You think he would have exploded in our first 4 games against those teams and with Boldin/Mason ahead of him? Here he's a #3, there he's a #1.