Kindle Still Involved

[MKdave]

It's good to hear that Kindle's still involved and progressing towards to competing next year.

[url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-kindle-1028-20101027,0,1715335.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+baltimoresun%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Frss2+%28+Ravens%2FFootball%29&utm_content=Google+UK"]http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-kindle-1028-20101027,0,1715335.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+baltimoresun%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2Frss2+%28+Ravens%2FFootball%29&utm_content=Google+UK[/url]

It's tough to miss something you never had, but the pass rush could really do with Kindle's speed and talent. Atleast he should be ahead of the learning curve when he's a rookie next year.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

So happy he's doing things this year, woul've been bad for him to just stay home all year. At least he gets the feel of it by being there with the team. Next year he'll play with a vengeance.

[Runnin Raven]

I agree its great to see he's involved and Ray's giving him some spiritual lift. Really hoping this whole thing works out and he comes back strong. We need the pass rush, not just this year but next also! Its good to get an update as I've been wondering about him - pretty darn quiet up til now.

[Ed_Reed20]

It's almost painful watching his highlights thinking of what the Ravens are missing this year.

[True]

With all the new concerns about concussions and helmet to helmet hits, Kindle's return is going to be very very hard due to his head injury.

I don't want to say it's a lost cause, but it'll be hard to live up to expectations of being the first pick in the '10 draft. He'll be a project like Paul Kruger and take a few years to maybe play again.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1288277507' post='522806']
With all the new concerns about concussions and helmet to helmet hits, Kindle's return is going to be very very hard due to his head injury.

I don't want to say it's a lost cause, but it'll be hard to live up to expectations of being the first pick in the '10 draft. [b]He'll be a project like Paul Kruger and take a few years to maybe play again.[/b]
[/quote]

How will he be a project like Kruger and how do you know it'll take a few years for him to play again?

[True]

He'll be a project because he's coming off a serious injury and for his position that requires big hits and you have to be extra cautious to make sure he doesn't damage anything. It'll take slow development as he eases into the scheme and fits into the defense. Being a full time player would take a couple years (depending on depth) as he slowly acclimates to certain defensive situations to playing nearly all the snaps.

He's kinda similar in regard to Kruger because he was being built to play a certain position and it's taking him time to be the player the Ravens expected of him, and not an immediate impact guy like Reed, Suggs, or Ngata.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1288278953' post='522823']
He'll be a project because he's coming off a serious injury and for his position that requires big hits and you have to be extra cautious to make sure he doesn't damage anything. It'll take slow development as he eases into the scheme and fits into the defense. Being a full time player would take a couple years (depending on depth) as he slowly acclimates to certain defensive situations to playing nearly all the snaps.

He's kinda similar in regard to Kruger because he was being built to play a certain position and it's taking him time to be the player the Ravens expected of him, and not an immediate impact guy like Reed, Suggs, or Ngata.
[/quote]

I agree with some of what you said but not all.

Look at Ken Hamlin who was attacked in a nightclub during the '05 season. His injuries included a fractured skull(like Kindle), a small blood clot and bruising of the brain tissue. He came back in '06 and had one of the better seasons of his career.

Assuming Kindle returns, he'd obviously see more contact than Hamlin went through but a return to significant action is certainly possible.

[bmorefan444]

Can't wait for him to re[b]KINDLE[/b] our pass rush next year.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1288280162' post='522830']
I agree with some of what you said but not all.

Look at Ken Hamlin who was attacked in a nightclub during the '05 season. His injuries included a fractured skull(like Kindle), a small blood clot and bruising of the brain tissue. He came back in '06 and had one of the better seasons of his career.

Assuming Kindle returns, he'd obviously see more contact than Hamlin went through but a return to significant action is certainly possible.
[/quote]
Jez I didnt even know about that, that is savage.

[Clutch Ravens]

Getting Kindle back will be like having drafted 2011's best 3-4 OLB prospect.

[hawkprey]

Maybe he can still win that rookie of the year he wanted! (Only kidding)

[indianstick]

I was wondering if anyone has came back from a fractured skull injury and it makes me feel a little better that hamlin was able to play after fracturing his skull and even having a blood clot

im glad that kindle is working to stay in shape and is attending position meetings because that means if he is medically cleared before next season he'll be able to make an impact pretty quickly

[SnOoPy]

Take your time Kindle. Get Healthy! Get well soon! Can't wait to see you play..

[Jabara]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1288278953' post='522823']
He'll be a project because he's coming off a serious injury and for his position that requires big hits and you have to be extra cautious to make sure he doesn't damage anything. It'll take slow development as he eases into the scheme and fits into the defense. Being a full time player would take a couple years (depending on depth) as he slowly acclimates to certain defensive situations to playing nearly all the snaps.

He's kinda similar in regard to Kruger because he was being built to play a certain position and it's taking him time to be the player the Ravens expected of him, and not an immediate impact guy like Reed, Suggs, or Ngata.
[/quote]
I totally disagree. Pass rushers aren't exactly projects, and he has raw talent that surpasses the idea of a [i]project[/i], I think you are confusing the idea of what a project player is.
As far as the "big hits" thing, he's the one that would be delivering big hits, so why is that such a concern, players learn to tackle in order not to injury themselves, and he has played football before.
Again, as you say he'll take time learning schemes and all, when that is exactly what he'll be doing while not being able to play. He isn't going to have to learn much, primarily being a pass rusher.
He's not like Kruger at all, in fact it was this offseason that they changed Kruger's position and conditioning.
And to say he won't be an immediate impact player is speculation, he could be, he has the talent, and he's gaining a year of learning the NFL before he even plays a snap. Besides, you listed Reed, Suggs and Ngata as examples, those are rare examples in the history of the NFL, Suggs being the weak link, but still, those are heavy expectations that you and and all of us as Ravens fans, are jaded with.

[True]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1288344608' post='523268']
I totally disagree. Pass rushers aren't exactly projects, and he has raw talent that surpasses the idea of a [i]project[/i], I think you are confusing the idea of what a project player is.
As far as the "big hits" thing, he's the one that would be delivering big hits, so why is that such a concern, players learn to tackle in order not to injury themselves, and he has played football before.
Again, as you say he'll take time learning schemes and all, when that is exactly what he'll be doing while not being able to play. He isn't going to have to learn much, primarily being a pass rusher.
He's not like Kruger at all, in fact it was this offseason that they changed Kruger's position and conditioning.
And to say he won't be an immediate impact player is speculation, he could be, he has the talent, and he's gaining a year of learning the NFL before he even plays a snap. Besides, you listed Reed, Suggs and Ngata as examples, those are rare examples in the history of the NFL, Suggs being the weak link, but still, those are heavy expectations that you and and all of us as Ravens fans, are jaded with.
[/quote]

I’m sure you’ve read that there is a possibility that Kindle may not even play football again. If it was say a limb injury then he could recover and get back to playing, but a head injury is very serious. He may be laying out the tackles but there is also a kickback shock when you make an impact that would affect his body, including his brain. He has to be careful with shoulder tackles in the chance of getting an accidental helmet to helmet hit and hurting his head. With the NFL being so highly concerned regarded to concussions and brain injuries, you don’t think the Ravens would take every precaution available to make sure he doesn’t seriously injure himself and potentially damage his health permanently?

That’s why he would be a “project” type player because you have to make sure he can play at full game speed. The Ravens drafted him so high because they wanted him to be the fulltime OLB of the future, not a situational pass rusher. So due to the unique case of his injury it would take some time for him to get used to playing before he can start playing all the time. Sure he could be an immediate impact player, but from what we’ve learned so far and the risks that come with his current situation, I feel that it would take some good time (thus being a project) before he can live up to expectations. Trust me, I’d love for him to come back immediately next year and start making plays, but the guy’s life is more important than playing football and that’s what should be taken into account first most.

[XxSizzleXx]

It is still rattling that this happened to the one that probably 75% of us were most excited about of the players that were drafted this year. When they drafted him all I envisioned was him playing similar to Orakpo(just more athleticism as oppose to more brute strength) and just tearing the edges up with Suggs. Then all the non-sense happens and again like last year we are having trouble getting pressure. It pains me to talk about it so I'm just going to stop lol.

Next year, the kid from Texas and Suggs rippin it off the edges. Watch out!

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1288366081' post='523328']
I’m sure you’ve read that there is a possibility that Kindle may not even play football again. If it was say a limb injury then he could recover and get back to playing, but a head injury is very serious. He may be laying out the tackles but there is also a kickback shock when you make an impact that would affect his body, including his brain. He has to be careful with shoulder tackles in the chance of getting an accidental helmet to helmet hit and hurting his head. With the NFL being so highly concerned regarded to concussions and brain injuries, you don’t think the Ravens would take every precaution available to make sure he doesn’t seriously injure himself and potentially damage his health permanently?

That’s why he would be a “project” type player because you have to make sure he can play at full game speed. The Ravens drafted him so high because they wanted him to be the fulltime OLB of the future, not a situational pass rusher. So due to the unique case of his injury it would take some time for him to get used to playing before he can start playing all the time. Sure he could be an immediate impact player, but from what we’ve learned so far and the risks that come with his current situation, I feel that it would take some good time (thus being a project) before he can live up to expectations. Trust me, I’d love for him to come back immediately next year and start making plays, but the guy’s life is more important than playing football and that’s what should be taken into account first most.
[/quote]

I agree, it is idiotic to assume that the adjustment from College to pros is automatic. Case point: Vernon Gholston, a monster pass rusher in college but terrible in the pros. Rookie players only start from day one when the position is depleted, this is because they lack game day experience.