Dear Ozzie,

[flynismo]

[quote name='bmorerav20' timestamp='1288302232' post='523077']<br />what do you mean, FIX the defen. ozzie. he built this d fense. one of the best d's that has ever played the game. when someone has to play the ravens, the first thing that strikes their minds IS OUR D. ozzie does a GREAT job in the draft. hes the perfect fit the ravens....<br />[/quote]

So, you haven't noticed any problems with our defense over the past year and a half, eh? Or the problems that are soon approaching?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288303637' post='523088']
So, you haven't noticed any problems with our defense over the past year and a half, eh? Or the problems that are soon approaching?
[/quote]


There are obviously problems with the D but you sound like you don't have faith the FO will address them in the off-season.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

Here's my take on the state of the team. First, I must say that I disagree with Fly calling Gregg a retread, not even sure what that means. I think that Gregg has been an underappreciated player for our team. While I agree that our D is currently has many issues I recall that last year at the bye we were 3 & 3 and the D wasn;t exactly setting the world on fire. After the bye, our D went on to become rated 5th overall - correct me if I am wrong. So, we have all being crying for a QB who could finally lead our offense and Ozzie drafted Flacco. Flacco was pushed into service his rookie year due to injuries and lead us to the playoffs. We quickly realized that Flacco had no receivers (excluding Mason) as targets. So, Ozzie signed Boldin, Stallworth and Housh. I think our Offense is finally beginning to gel and we should see great improvement after the bye. I am certain the Ozzie is aware of the state of our aging D players and will manage to do whatever it takes to address that. I believe it is too early in the season to write-off this Defense. My only concern is that the coordinators are not using our talent to the best of their (players) abilities and Defensive playcalling is too vanilla. Finally, I truly believe this team will reach the playoffs and then we will really see what this team is really made of. In Ozzie we trust - Go Ravens!

[flynismo]

,[quote name='kash96ravenstotalfan' timestamp='1288308050' post='523112']<br />Here's my take on the state of the team.  First, I must say that I disagree with Fly calling Gregg a retread, not even sure what that means.  I think that Gregg has been an underappreciated player for our team.  While I agree that our D is currently has many issues I recall that last year at the bye we were 3 &amp; 3 and the D wasn;t exactly setting the world on fire.  After the bye, our D went on to become rated 5th overall - correct me if I am wrong.  So, we have all being crying for a QB who could finally lead our offense and Ozzie drafted Flacco.  Flacco was pushed into service his rookie year due to injuries and lead us to the playoffs.  We quickly realized that Flacco had no receivers (excluding Mason) as targets.  So, Ozzie signed Boldin, Stallworth and Housh.  I think our Offense is finally beginning to gel and we should see great improvement after the bye.  I am certain the Ozzie is aware of the state of our aging D players and will manage to do whatever it takes to address that.  I believe it is too early in the season to write-off this Defense.  My only concern is that the coordinators are not using our talent to the best of their (players) abilities and Defensive playcalling is too vanilla.  Finally, I truly believe this team will reach the playoffs and then we will really see what this team is really made of.  In Ozzie we trust - Go Ravens!<br />[/quote]

haha, the first sentence made me lol..."I dont know what a retread is, but I dont agree with you calling him (Gregg) one!"... It was extra funny because I just rewatched 40 Year Old Virgin, and it reminded me of the scene where the one guy says "you just used a big word and I dont know what it means, and since I dont know what it means I'mma take it as an insult!"

Anyway, yes, the defense turned it around after the bye last year. Maybe they'll do it again this year, maybe not...obviously we all hope so, but either way it isnt really relevant to what I'm talking about.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[yakraven]

First, I agree, the dude needs a bye and a serious chill pill!
"bloated salary for Heap"- he's playng lights out this year and after
ofinally getting over injuries sustained during Joe's first year, he
certainly deserves his pay.
Gaither gets hurt and you want to throw him out, yet last year he and
Oher anchored an O-line that was one of the best in the NFL.
After screaming all last offseason for receiving targets we get them
and already people are saying trade TJ for a LB. True we didn't get
that "name" CB but we got good CBs through FA and trades that have
played well.
From it's inception until 2007, we've drafted defensive players and
tried to find offensive players, especially QB w/o great success.
Our last several drafts, our offensive picks have sone well and so the
defensive has taken second chair.
You can't have it both ways - we can one or two D players each draft
but the bulk of the defensive gains have to be thru FA or trades
(cast offs if you will). The same applies to the offense.
It's insane to ask the owner to go out and spend millions for players
that haven't proved themselves or more importantly don't fit your teams
style, just because they are a name player.
As fans, our biggest problem is our refusal to change - we have said
we won't to score points AND we don't won't to give any up. It don't
work that way.
We used to tell the team, "score 10 points and we'll win" and we did a
lot of the time; but now we've said we want to score 40 points and we
still want the D to hold the other team to one touchdown and it don't
work.
"In Oz we trust" - Oz will make the moves to make the changes needed.

[Alexir]

Only think Ozzie has really done that I questioned was signing Houshmanzadeh but thats because I just dont like the dude. As much as I hated the Barnes trade, that was more Harbaugh telling Ozzie he wasn't gonna make the team and Ozzie wanted to get some value. Thats how I took it anyway.

[RavensMan]

Ray Lewis wasn't always "THE Ray Lewis". It takes time and development. We have to draft guys in order for them to turn into Hall Of Famers and Ozzie is doing his best at that. Sometimes gems doesn't always fall in your lap, you have to work to get one. Every team has their down times on each side of the ball, offense, defense, and special teams. It has to get worse before it gets better. Nobody stays at the top forever and nobody stays at the bottom forever. Ozzie will do his job because it is HIS job.

[flynismo]

[quote name='yakraven' timestamp='1288324203' post='523217']<br />First, I agree, the dude needs a bye and a serious chill pill! <br />&quot;bloated salary for Heap&quot;- he's playng lights out this year and after<br />ofinally getting over injuries sustained during Joe's first year, he<br />certainly deserves his pay.<br />Gaither gets hurt and you want to throw him out, yet last year he and <br />Oher anchored an O-line that was one of the best in the NFL.<br />After screaming all last offseason for receiving targets we get them<br />and already people are saying trade TJ for a LB. True we didn't get<br />that &quot;name&quot; CB but we got good CBs through FA and trades that have <br />played well.<br />From it's inception until 2007, we've drafted defensive players and <br />tried to find offensive players, especially QB w/o great success.<br />Our last several drafts, our offensive picks have sone well and so the<br />defensive has taken second chair. <br />You can't have it both ways - we can one or two D players each draft<br />but the bulk of the defensive gains have to be thru FA or trades <br />(cast offs if you will). The same applies to the offense. <br />It's insane to ask the owner to go out and spend millions for players<br />that haven't proved themselves or more importantly don't fit your teams<br />style, just because they are a name player.<br />As fans, our biggest problem is our refusal to change - we have said<br />we won't to score points AND we don't won't to give any up. It don't<br />work that way. <br />We used to tell the team, &quot;score 10 points and we'll win&quot; and we did a <br />lot of the time; but now we've said we want to score 40 points and we<br />still want the D to hold the other team to one touchdown and it don't<br />work. <br />&quot;In Oz we trust&quot; - Oz will make the moves to make the changes needed.<br />[/quote]

Try not to break your posts off into random sentences, makes it hard to follow what you are saying.

Nowhere did I say trade TJ for a LB. What I said was if TJ is going to be very expensive, let him go and spend that money on our defense instead. I like TJ, but to be honest, the main reason I am excited over his signing is because we are paying him the vet minimum. I would NOT have been happy if we were paying his full salary, which is over $7M. He's not worth that much. If he's going to cost $7M to retain, then that money would be better spent elsewhere.

And regarding Heap. As I said, if the staff feels confident in Dickson and/or Pitta, then absolutely we should either restructure Heap's salary. The guy makes more money than Ray Lewis. I dont feel comfortable paying ANY tight end that kind of money, especially a 31 year old tight end.

Finally, where did you see me "ask our owner to spend millions on a player who has yet to prove themselves or wont fit our style just because they are a name player"?
But since you brought it up, lets see a raise of hands of all the people who were excited when we signed Foxworth to a 4 year, $28M contract. Anyone? And he wasn't even a big name player.
Regardless, talent is talent. You dont necessarily look for people who fit a particular style of play. If a guy is a great player, you base your style of play on the talent you have. You dont pass on a good player for a lesser one just because you think the less skilled guy is a better 'fit'...you bring in the good player and find ways to utilize his talents.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288295796' post='522979']
Why do I have to keep repeating myself? :bangshead:

We have known for the past five years that Ray Lewis is on the wrong side of thirty. We still don't have a guy who can play at a high level to replace him.

And you're a sucker if you believe Ed when he says that. Did he look 25 to you on the field? I mean jeezus, what do you think he was going to say? And sure, why not draft a quality safety to groom and play alongside Reed? Is that a bad thing?
[/quote]
Oh, and Ozzie is supposed to miraculous discover their future proteges 7 games through into the Season? So we actually won't have possibly multiple drafts to address these issues. What did I think he was going to say? For a player who was straight forward enough to claim he that considered retirement in the Colts post-game interview, I would figure he might be at least somewhat truthful. No, he didn't look 25. He would've had 4 INTs and 2 FFs. And it's totally understandable to judge his apparent over-the-hill shape by his 1st game back with a single week's worth of practice, after several months of absence. Both Earl Thomas and Eric Berry have started since day one, without any need for grooming. Louis Delmas, Patrick Chung and Jarius Byrd were thrown into the fire last year as well, all five with impressive results. What reason do we have to believe that we can't possibly wait until say...either of them drops from still being Top 3 at their positions? And tell me, by any chance, when you said alongside Reed, did you mean at the SS spot?

[flynismo]

Yeah, I meant whoever we would've gotten could have played at SS alongside Reed. Safety is pretty much interchangeable these days, its not like in the past when SS was there just to stop the run.

[Ravens549]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
Why draft a play making safety early in the draft when you have Ed Reed already?
[/quote]
Because we need to start thinking about Reed's replacement.
Plus, why not get a great young talent now that could work with the great Ed Reed and not after he is gone?
I still think not taking Wilson is going to come back to eat us in a year or two. This guy is going to be good, imo. Or at least better than what we have right now to replace Reed.

[Alexir]

[quote name='RavensMan' timestamp='1288329586' post='523242']
[b]Ray Lewis wasn't always "THE Ray Lewis"[/b]. It takes time and development. We have to draft guys in order for them to turn into Hall Of Famers and Ozzie is doing his best at that. Sometimes gems doesn't always fall in your lap, you have to work to get one. Every team has their down times on each side of the ball, offense, defense, and special teams. It has to get worse before it gets better. Nobody stays at the top forever and nobody stays at the bottom forever. Ozzie will do his job because it is HIS job.
[/quote]

That is the most absurd, ignorant comment I have ever read.....

Ray not only made the All-Rookie team but he also led the team in tackles and led the LEAGUE in tackles for a loss.....

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravens549' timestamp='1288357297' post='523296']
Because we need to start thinking about Reed's replacement.
Plus, why not get a great young talent now that could work with the great Ed Reed and not after he is gone?
[b]I still think not taking Wilson is going to come back to eat us in a year or two. This guy is going to be good, imo. Or at least better than what we have right now to replace Reed.[/b]
[/quote]

Unless Kindle, Dickson or Pitta don't pan out, passing on Wilson isn't going to "eat" the Ravens. And next year alone, there are going to be better CB prospects than him in the draft so it isn't like the CB position can't be upgraded through the draft.

[Displaced Fan]

As a native Baltomorean or baltomoron as it is refered to in my new home western Maryland home of the steeler and redskin fan "ugh" Itoo hate to see our defense overlooked. I dont blame Ozzie he has done a wonderful job fielding a top 5 or 6 team year in year out, look at the orioles. Oriole fans would love to have an Ozzie at the helm. The problem lies with the scheme which falls back on the coaches. After Ryan left our defense looked terribly flat with the same players with the exception of Leonard and Scott and I dont think those two were that big of a loss. Scheme and confusion or lack of (rushing 3 dlineman) allows even a 1st year quarterback to pick you apart much less the talents of Manning,Brady,and Roethlisberger the three we have the biggest problem with. Give them time and its a loss, period.
One last point. The 1985 Bears had a great defense and linebackers in that scheme but after Marshall and Wilson left They were average. Buddy Ryan father of that scheme is also the father of our old Def coord and scheme, and the Jets head coach ,father of thier new scheme.(confusing but you get my point) Line up 11 on 11 mistake free football ,scheme wins.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Displaced Fan' timestamp='1288374092' post='523421']
As a native Baltomorean or baltomoron as it is refered to in my new home western Maryland home of the steeler and redskin fan "ugh" Itoo hate to see our defense overlooked. I dont blame Ozzie he has done a wonderful job fielding a top 5 or 6 team year in year out, look at the orioles. Oriole fans would love to have an Ozzie at the helm. The problem lies with the scheme which falls back on the coaches. After Ryan left our defense looked terribly flat with the same players with the exception of Leonard and Scott and I dont think those two were that big of a loss. Scheme and confusion or lack of (rushing 3 dlineman) allows even a 1st year quarterback to pick you apart much less the talents of Manning,Brady,and Roethlisberger the three we have the biggest problem with. Give them time and its a loss, period.
One last point. The 1985 Bears had a great defense and linebackers in that scheme but after Marshall and Wilson left They were average. Buddy Ryan father of that scheme is also the father of our old Def coord and scheme, and the Jets head coach ,father of thier new scheme.(confusing but you get my point) Line up 11 on 11 mistake free football ,[b]scheme wins[/b].
[/quote]

Players win games.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288332948' post='523252']
Yeah, I meant whoever we would've gotten could have played at SS alongside Reed. Safety is pretty much interchangeable these days, its not like in the past when SS was there just to stop the run.
[/quote]
You mean, instead of drafting a true FS and keeping him at his actual position, you recommend that we groom him as a SS and then have him spend the Offseason re-learning his first position? Coming from somebody who used to play both positions in High School, there is quite a difference, so they are not interchangeable. I can't recollect a single SS this moment, aside from Troy, who can cover better than the teams FS. There's a reason for that.

[flynismo]

I dont mean to make it sound as if the two positions are identical, by definition they are two very different positions, as you already know (just out of curiosity, where did you play?).
For the benefit of anyone who doesn't know the difference and following this conversation, I'll throw out a very simplified definiton for them:
strong safeties main responsibilites are to handle assignments near the line of scrimmage, whether it be going after the RB or picking up a TE in coverage, etc.
Free safeties main responsibilities are almost exclusively coverage duties, whether it be a deep zone or whatever the case may be.
They both share one responsibility, which is to never let a play get behind them, so the ability to tackle is paramount, which is why not just any cornerback can convert to safety, even though free safety may just sound like a glorified cornerback.
Is that a fair, if simple, description?

The point being, it really isn't that big of a transition. Both safety positions require you to be able to play coverage. Both positions require you to be able to lay some wood when needed. The differences are in the nuances. Will Demps was better suited to tackle RB and larger recieving threats, so we moved Ed Reed from SS to Free Safety. Doesnt mean Demps couldnt play FS, he could've (and did), just means his skills made him a better fit for us at SS.

Which is kind of what I was getting at earlier. Teams use their SS in coverage a lot more than in the past (us in particular), when in the past, SS were basically another LB on the field.
It is a transition to make, so me saying the two are interchangeable is a bit of an exaggeration to make my point, but its not a huge transition. I mean if will demps can do it, surely a blue chip prospect can lol..

[reediddy]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1288360912' post='523313']
That is the most absurd, ignorant comment I have ever read.....

Ray not only made the All-Rookie team but he also led the team in tackles and led the LEAGUE in tackles for a loss.....
[/quote]

He probably said that solely to give him some sliver of support for his argument. It wasn't a factual or statistical observation.

[flynismo]

Haha, I just saw that this thread got 12 neg reps...
I laugh because the same people who negged me are probably the same people who throw this defense under the bus every time we go an entire game with barely a sniff of a pass rush, or fabian gives up 3 tds to the bills, or when we let guys run up and down the field on us. Hypocrites!

Sorry guys, but if you cant see that due to contracts and subpar personnel at certain positions, as well as the impending retirements of ed and ray that this defense is in jeopardy of facing a near crisis, then that is more a reflection on you than it is me. I brought up legitimate points about the problems we are facing, and the only responses I've heard amount to nothing more than "trust me we're fine" and "but how are we supposed to replace them on short notice" (as if we haven't had years to prepare for Ray retiring or to get our defensive line on point).

K, that is all.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288396066' post='523590']
Haha, I just saw that this thread got 12 neg reps...
I laugh because the same people who negged me are probably the same people who throw this defense under the bus every time we go an entire game with barely a sniff of a pass rush, or fabian gives up 3 tds to the bills, or when we let guys run up and down the field on us. Hypocrites!

Sorry guys, but if you cant see that due to contracts and subpar personnel at certain positions, as well as the impending retirements of ed and ray that this defense is in jeopardy of facing a near crisis, then that is more a reflection on you than it is me. I brought up legitimate points about the problems we are facing, and the only responses I've heard amount to nothing more than "trust me we're fine" and "but how are we supposed to replace them on short notice" [b](as if we haven't had years to prepare for Ray retiring or to get our defensive line on point). [/b]

K, that is all.
[/quote]

Ozzie [i]has[/i] attempted to solve both of those problems though. The team drafts or signs UDFA LBs every year and yet no one has even come close to pushing Ray let alone played at a Pro Bowl level consistently.

The d-line has been addressed too with picks like Cody and Jones this past year, Kruger the year before, Ngata in '06, Cody in '05 and Edwards the year before that. Some guys have panned out, others didn't and the jury is still out on Kruger and Cody and Jones are rookies but like I said before, we've wanted the offense to upgraded for a long time now and Ozzie has done that so it shouldn't be surprising the D has taken a hit.

[flynismo]

,[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1288396683' post='523592']<br />Ozzie <i>has</i> attempted to solve both of those problems though.  The team drafts or signs UDFA LBs every year and yet no one has even come close to pushing Ray let alone played at a Pro Bowl level consistently.<br /><br />The d-line has been addressed too with picks like Cody and Jones this past year, Kruger the year before, Ngata in '06, Cody in '05 and Edwards the year before that. Some guys have panned out, others didn't and the jury is still out on Kruger and Cody and Jones are rookies but like I said before, we've wanted the offense to upgraded for a long time now and Ozzie has done that so it shouldn't be surprising the D has taken a hit.<br />[/quote]

i understand that due to cap limitations, you can only do so much. You're not going to have a HOF at every position.
Which is pretty much the whole point of this thread.

With Flacco, Rice, Boldin, Oher, Grubbs, McGahee, Yanda (as long as he stays at RG), Pitta and Dickson, the foundation of this offense is set for years to come. Those are enough weapons to take us to the SB with a typical Ravens defense.
So it makes perfect sense to me if instead of paying Gaither the $6-8M he will probably want, the nearly $7M we are paying Heap, and the $7M Housh will be on the hook for, instead of giving it to them, spend that money on our defense. Thats $20-22M in cap room we are talking about! I'm sure that kind of money can land us a stud DT or DE (or both) instead of relying on guys like gregg/mckinney/redding, and bring in either a LB who can either help out this pass rush or play alongside Ray until he retires.
That is what has me scratching my head...week after week people moan and piss about the obvious problems that the defense is having, and usually I'm one of the guys who sticks up for our defense. But I bring up the subject of what we are soon going to be facing, and now all of a sudden everything is just peachy and I'm overreacting? Lol...uh huh...

Anywho, in response to what you said, that is all well and good. It also clearly has backfired big time. We cant keep bringing in UDFA and late round picks and expect them to turn into the type of players we are accustomed to. That isnt realistic. Its why our defensive line is in the shape it is in (people were actually excited when we brought in Redding. What does that say about the state of our line?) and why we still dont have a Plan B for when Ray and Ed retires.
However, this offseason is our chance to fix all those screwups. Thus, the whole point behind 'Dear Ozzie,'
we're going to see a lot of turnover this offseason, and I want us focusing on our defense. Why do so many people find that so disagreeable? ,,,,

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288399676' post='523603']
i understand that due to cap limitations, you can only do so much. You're not going to have a HOF at every position.
Which is pretty much the whole point of this thread.

With Flacco, Rice, Boldin, Oher, Grubbs, McGahee, Yanda (as long as he stays at RG), Pitta and Dickson, the foundation of this offense is set for years to come. Those are enough weapons to take us to the SB with a typical Ravens defense.
So it makes perfect sense to me if instead of paying Gaither the $6-8M he will probably want, the nearly $7M we are paying Heap, and the $7M Housh will be on the hook for, instead of giving it to them, spend that money on our defense. Thats $20-22M in cap room we are talking about! I'm sure that kind of money can land us a stud DT or DE (or both) instead of relying on guys like gregg/mckinney/redding, and bring in either a LB who can either help out this pass rush or play alongside Ray until he retires.
That is what has me scratching my head...week after week people moan and piss about the obvious problems that the defense is having, and usually I'm one of the guys who sticks up for our defense. But I bring up the subject of what we are soon going to be facing, and now all of a sudden everything is just peachy and I'm overreacting? Lol...uh huh...

Anywho, in response to what you said, that is all well and good. It also clearly has backfired big time. We cant keep bringing in UDFA and late round picks and expect them to turn into the type of players we are accustomed to. That isnt realistic. Its why our defensive line is in the shape it is in (people were actually excited when we brought in Redding. What does that say about the state of our line?) and why we still dont have a Plan B for when Ray and Ed retires.
However, this offseason is our chance to fix all those screwups. Thus, the whole point behind 'Dear Ozzie,'
we're going to see a lot of turnover this offseason, and I want us focusing on our defense. Why do so many people find that so disagreeable? ,,,,
[/quote]

I don't disagree with you nor do I think you're overreacting. My point is, Ozzie is well-aware that the D needs to upgraded and will definitely be doing his best come the off0season through the draft and FA.

Gaither won't be back, as sad as it is to say, I doubt Heap will be either. As for Houshmandzadeh, how do the Ravens owe him 7 million?

You talked about Plan Bs for Ray and Ed retiring. To me, there's rarely a "Plan B" when dealing with the loss of future-HOFers. You simply plug in player if there's depth at the position or draft a player and hope he develops into at least a solid contributer.

With all that said, the offense still does need to be addressed a bit. Like you can say there isn't a Plan B for Ray and Ed's retirements, there isn't one at WR or C for when Mason and Birk hangs up their cleats, which could realistically happen after this season.

[Bltravens]

Isnt Derrick Johnson a FA next season? Dudes legit and highly under rated. Why he didnt start last year for the Chiefss Ill never know.

[berad]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1288403238' post='523636']
Isnt Derrick Johnson a FA next season? Dudes legit and highly under rated. Why he didnt start last year for the Chiefss Ill never know.
[/quote]

Oh, I do declare! I would be very happy if Derrick Johnson became a Raven. He's one of my favorite young defensive players in the league. He would be an upgrade over our own Johnson or inside, next to Ray. I would be happy.

[CapoRocky]

I agree with some points and disagree about several others about the Ravens: (1) Boldin has exceeded all of our expectations as a receiver; (2) Housh isn't worth a big contract; (3) JJ may be pushed to backup with the acquisition of a decent FA pass rusher; (4) Cody will be only get better when he develops in a year or 2; (5) Dickson is better than Pitta and will eventually take Heap's starting position away from him, even though, Heap is having another great season; (6) the Ravens wouldn't have signed Kindle if they didn't see the potential; (7) Ray Lewis is the greatest middle LB ever to play the game.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1288404197' post='523642']
Oh, I do declare! I would be very happy if Derrick Johnson became a Raven. He's one of my favorite young defensive players in the league. He would be an upgrade over our own Johnson or inside, next to Ray. I would be happy.
[/quote]

Johnson plays inside in KC's 3-4 scheme so he wouldn't replace J.J. if he came here but he'd definitely be an upgrade over McClain and Ellerbe. The man is absolute monster and doesn't get enough recognition from fans the league for being so good.

He will in fact be a FA next season unless KC extends his contract(they may not as he's had issues with Haley in the past) but I could see him getting Karlos Dansby-like attention on the market. I'd love to see Ozzie make a run at him though.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1288406725' post='523653']
Johnson plays inside in KC's 3-4 scheme so he wouldn't replace J.J. if he came here but he'd definitely be an upgrade over McClain and Ellerbe. The man is absolute monster and doesn't get enough recognition from fans the league for being so good.

He will in fact be a FA next season unless KC extends his contract(they may not as he's had issues with Haley in the past) but I could see him getting Karlos Dansby-like attention on the market. I'd love to see Ozzie make a run at him though.
[/quote]
I dont see him re-signing in KC specifically because Haley didnt play him last year at all. Unless he likes Romeo Crennell that much I think hes gone. I dont know if he'll be getting as much drive as Dansby got just because Dansby was doing it for longer and was in the spotlight with Arizona's two playoff runs. But with the cap back, and JO and McNair's deals off the table we should have room to make a stab at him. The athleticism he would bring to our front 7 and specifically our LB corps would be huge and immediately noticeable. Ray Lewis is arguably still our most athletic LB on our team.

[flynismo]

,[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1288403238' post='523636']<br />Isnt Derrick Johnson a FA next season?  Dudes legit and highly under rated.  Why he didnt start last year for the Chiefss Ill never know.<br />[/quote]

yeah, and he's one of my old madden man crushes haha...
He's a Raven trapped inside a KC jersey. Dude could be our Plan B for Ray, or if Kindle cant play, he can go outside and liven up this pass rush. ,,,,,,,,

[Alexir]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1288403238' post='523636']
Isnt Derrick Johnson a FA next season? Dudes legit and highly under rated. Why he didnt start last year for the Chiefss Ill never know.
[/quote]

Haley and Harbaugh are very similar coaches. They have dog houses and will put anyone in them. For some reason Haley put Johnson in his.

[yakraven]

got to give points for consistency! so, you're satisfied w/ the O as long as Yanda
stays a Guard nd you don't see Birk staying around. Oh yeah and we're getting rid
of Gaither, Heap and Housh and so we'll have 20-22M to spend on some non-FA or UDFA
player (ie Draft?).
If Gaither leaves, than Yanda, who was a college Tackle will have to stay at Tackle;
if we shed Birk, then Chester must move from Guard to Center; why would we shed TJ
and Housh when they're both healthy and playing good ball.
Redding was a good member of the Seahawks who no one out here wanted to see leave and
he has played very well.
There may be LBs available in the offseason but they may not fit our team or available
coming out of College.
Cody is playing and will play more as he gets his NFL skill set together, everyone
agrees he will be ab awesome player.
You want tackles and LBs, there are still people on here that await an elite CB and S.
Right now, nearly our entire team is healthy or nearly healthy. By the time the end of
the season gets here, who knows what the state of the team will be; we may have a
totally unexpected need by then.
Also, lets wait until the end of the season gets here to really see if all this "panic"
is deserved. I mean, it couldalways be a moot point, we could have a lock out! lol