Assuming There Is No Lockout, What Is Our #1 Priority In 2011?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='T-ray' timestamp='1295206319' post='610022']
I hate to say it guys, and I hope I'm wrong because I don't like periods of years of rebuilding, but I think thats what we are going to have to do for a little while. Ray Ray, Reed, Gregg, Mase, Housh, and even Heap are less than 2-3 years away from leaving. [b]I say we take a few years, bring in some young guns and top notch FA's, and rebuild for a year or two. We want to rebuild now that we still are playoff contenders rather than later when we won't otherwise have the talent to get to the playoffs for 2 years or more.. just a sad fact IMO. There are just too many holes to fill, and too many old vets to be content on just building a year's team that still may not even reach the Promised Land.[/b]
[/quote]

But what does that mean? Just because a team is in transition doesn't mean their goal should any different. Even with the older veterans in the twilights of their careers, there are a good number of young building blocks on this team.

[Scotty410bmore]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295205860' post='609987']
The majority of those guys aren't plausible targets.

How is Merriman the top FA target? The Bills re-signed him for a two-year deal.
[/quote]

They are reasonable targets to look at. I had no idea Merriman resigned. We need some new linebackers also. I think we'll bring back Sergio Kindle, but we need another outside rusher opposite of T-Sizzle. We dont tackle well obviously. Ask Mendenhall and Redmond. Those broken tackles in both Pittsburgh games were unacceptable.I think we can realistically get TWO of the recievers i mentioned this offseason. Braylon Edwards is out there too. I want Sidney Rice, Vincent Jackson, or Santonio Holmes.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295206658' post='610044']
They are reasonable targets to look at. I had no idea Merriman resigned. We need some new linebackers also. I think we'll bring back Sergio Kindle, but we need another outside rusher opposite of T-Sizzle. We dont tackle well obviously. Ask Mendenhall and Redmond. Those broken tackles in both Pittsburgh games were unacceptable.I think we can realistically get TWO of the recievers i mentioned this offseason. Braylon Edwards is out there too. I want Sidney Rice, Vincent Jackson, or Santonio Holmes.
[/quote]
Holmes would be a good pickup...and to see him put numbers up on the Steelers would be awesome

[ravensfan2424]

stick to ravens basics and beef up the defense and line for the run game, work on the passing crap later. Fire cameron because he cant stay consistent with his playcalling, and preach to mattison to play tougher and make other teams fear this D

[T-ray]

My fave two recievers from that list, although I don't think its possible at all to get both, is Vincent Jackson and Santonio Holmes. Holmes for his speed, Jackson for his size/jump skills/after catch abilities. While Sidney Rice is good, he's still a question mark to me. One good year, surrounded by an injury year with down numbers (although the down numbers could be attested to the lack of a good Qb), and also inconsistent games has me scared a little.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295206658' post='610044']
They are reasonable targets to look at. I had no idea Merriman resigned. We need some new linebackers also. I think we'll bring back Sergio Kindle, but we need another outside rusher opposite of T-Sizzle. We dont tackle well obviously. Ask Mendenhall and Redmond. Those broken tackles in both Pittsburgh games were unacceptable.I think we can realistically get TWO of the recievers i mentioned this offseason. Braylon Edwards is out there too. I want Sidney Rice, Vincent Jackson, or Santonio Holmes.
[/quote]

If the team brings in a rush LB, it will be through the draft.

How exactly do you see the Ravens being able to bring in two of the WRs you mentioned? Rice and V-Jax will likely be re-signed. Edwards has hands of stone and while I like the idea of Holmes being brought here, the Jets could very well re-sign him too.

[krrock10]

I just want a receiver who can get some semblance of separation. I swear, our receivers got separation maybe on 10% of the routes they ran. And on those 10% of the times, Flacco was usually getting pressured before he could get the throw off.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1295191226' post='609192']
The reason the Ravens "can't run the ball" is because they DON'T TRY! They'd rather throw 30+ times instead of using McGahee and Rice. And they REALLY hate to use McGahee, which makes no sense.

And when they DO run the ball... they insist on going right up the middle. EVERY SINGLE TIME... right up the middle. How about try the left or the right?!?! You've got Boldin, Mason, and Housh.... 3 GREAT blocking receivers. But you refuse to run outside where the receivers can block corners who are usually the worst tacklers on a defense.

This team insists on trying to prove Flacco is "the man" by letting him throw all the time, and they have yet to get back to the Super Bowl despite having a better overall team than teams they end up losing to. A team shouldn't be scared to use their talent, in this case... the running backs.
[/quote]


We get it, you hate Flacco. I remember you blaming him for the Bills scoring 30+ points on us. Don't you ever have anything new to say?

[Scotty410bmore]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295207030' post='610067']
If the team brings in a rush LB, it will be through the draft.

How exactly do you see the Ravens being able to bring in two of the WRs you mentioned? Rice and V-Jax will likely be re-signed. Edwards has hands of stone and while I like the idea of Holmes being brought here, the Jets could very well re-sign him too.
[/quote]

If im Ozzie i'd break the bank for Santonio Holmes. We need speed on offense. The window hasnt closed for the Ravens but we cant go into next season with Anquan Boldin as our number 1 reciever, and Mason As our number 2. We RARELY get behind anybody.

And we need a speed rusher opposite of Suggs. Maybe Mathias Kiwanuka from NY or Charles Johnson from CAR. Johnson replaced Peppers and had 12 sacks and a pro bowl this year.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295208211' post='610140']
If im Ozzie i'd break the bank for Santonio Holmes. We need speed on offense. The window hasnt closed for the Ravens but we cant go into next season with Anquan Boldin as our number 1 reciever, and Mason As our number 2. We RARELY get behind anybody.

And we need a speed rusher opposite of Suggs. Maybe Mathias Kiwanuka from NY or Charles Johnson from CAR. Johnson replaced Peppers and had 12 sacks and a pro bowl this year.
[/quote]
THose guys are 4-3 DEs though and dont have the skill set to be 3-4 OLBs

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295208211' post='610140']
If im Ozzie i'd break the bank for Santonio Holmes. We need speed on offense. The window hasnt closed for the Ravens but we cant go into next season with Anquan Boldin as our number 1 reciever, and Mason As our number 2. We RARELY get behind anybody.

And we need a speed rusher opposite of Suggs. Maybe Mathias Kiwanuka from NY or Charles Johnson from CAR. Johnson replaced Peppers and had 12 sacks and a pro bowl this year.
[/quote]

But why would you break the bank for Holmes when you're already going to do that for Ngata, Q is earning a big contract and you have to re-sign players like Yanda, Koch, Cundiff and others?

As for the pass rushers, you named, like Blt said, neither of them fit the 3-4. There's no reason the Ravens can't draft a rush LB in the draft if they decide to give up on Kindle.

[baltravens]

[quote name='krrock10' timestamp='1295207295' post='610085']
I just want a receiver who can get some semblance of separation. I swear, our receivers got separation maybe on 10% of the routes they ran. And on those 10% of the times, Flacco was usually getting pressured before he could get the throw off.
[/quote]
If Joe does not have the time to throw, as was the case this season with our inconsistent pass protection and weak pass protection verse elite teams, what good are most receivers. I still say our offensive line and defensive line are top priorities. Who will play RT? What is Birk's status? Who is going to permanently play LT? I know that Chester will be out of the starting mix, but that is all I know with the OL.

[reediddy]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1295208630' post='610154']
If Joe does not have the time to throw, as was the case this season with our inconsistent pass protection and weak pass protection verse elite teams, what good are most receivers. I still say our offensive line and defensive line are top priorities. Who will play RT? What is Birk's status? Who is going to permanently play LT? I know that Chester will be out of the starting mix, but that is all I know with the OL.
[/quote]

It was equal parts OL problems and WR problems. When the OL was good in pass protection, Flacco would have all sorts of time...but the receivers wouldn't get separation. When the receivers did get separation...the OL didn't generate enough of a pocket. Inconsistency ruined the Ravens offense this year. You have to think it'll be a priority to resign Gaither in the offseason and move Oher back to RT and Yanda in to RG, that's a good OL right there barring any injuries.

Houshmandzadeh will probably stay if Mason retires, which is probable. But still we need a WR who can create separation, which surprisingly Housh and Boldin were unable to do.

[Scotty410bmore]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295208552' post='610153']
But why would you break the bank for Holmes when you're already going to do that for Ngata, Q is earning a big contract and you have to re-sign players like Yanda, Koch, Cundiff and others?

As for the pass rushers, you named, like Blt said, neither of them fit the 3-4. There's no reason the Ravens can't draft a rush LB in the draft if they decide to give up on Kindle.
[/quote]

the players we clearly need to resign are of course Big Haloti, Leron Mcclain, Sam Koch, Billy Cundiff, Dawan Landry, and one of our two corners.

I see Haloti getting the only max deal so we'll have some flexibility to sign two max contracts. One max contract on offense and one max contract on defense.
Since Willis Mcgahee has one year left i would trade him for draft picks or just bring him back with a new coordinator on offense. But i would give Santonio Holmes a max deal. He's under 30 years old, has speed, route running and a big play mentality you cant teach. We need that in Baltimore. We cant let him go to San Diego, ATL, or Indy who need recievers too.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295210554' post='610243']
the players we clearly need to resign are of course Big Haloti, Leron Mcclain, Sam Koch, Billy Cundiff, Dawan Landry, and one of our two corners.

I see Haloti getting the only max deal so we'll have some flexibility to sign two max contracts. One max contract on offense and one max contract on defense.
Since Willis Mcgahee has one year left i would trade him for draft picks or just bring him back with a new coordinator on offense. But i would give Santonio Holmes a max deal. He's under 30 years old, has speed, route running and a big play mentality you cant teach. We need that in Baltimore. We cant let him go to San Diego, ATL, or Indy who need recievers too.
[/quote]
As great as Landry is against the run, the league has kind of phased safeties like him out, both safeties have to be good in coverages and willing to attack the LOS with just a run stopping mentality. The days of 220 pound SS's is getting numbered IMO, Landry excelled in 2006 because Rex used him like another LB and let him attack downhill. He's not as bad as some safeties in the league but he's definitely not a great coverage safety.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295210554' post='610243']
the players we clearly need to resign are of course Big Haloti, Leron Mcclain, Sam Koch, Billy Cundiff, Dawan Landry, and one of our two corners.

I see Haloti getting the only max deal so we'll have some flexibility to sign two max contracts. One max contract on offense and one max contract on defense.
Since Willis Mcgahee has one year left i would trade him for draft picks or just bring him back with a new coordinator on offense. But i would give Santonio Holmes a max deal. He's under 30 years old, has speed, route running and a big play mentality you cant teach. We need that in Baltimore. We cant let him go to San Diego, ATL, or Indy who need recievers too.
[/quote]

Le'Ron isn't a "must re-sign" in my opinion. He's a good run blocker, a nifty runner for someone his size and underrated in pass protection but I think the Ravens can find a better smashing blocker than him.

There are no "max contracts" in the NFL. McGahee isn't going to warrant any draft picks and if he's allowed to return, he'll need to take a pay-cut.

Holmes isn't worth a big contract. And with with Boldin earning around 7 million a year, you're already paying one WR handsomely. [b][size="3"]The Ravens have to find a capable WR through the draft.[/size][/b] Seemingly every good team in the league has been able to. If the Ravens truly have their franchise QB in place, nows the time to do it.

Rookie WRs are seemingly making an impact fresh out of the gate more than ever. The time is now.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295210883' post='610253']
Le'Ron isn't a "must re-sign" in my opinion. He's a good run blocker, a nifty runner for someone his size and underrated in pass protection but I think the Ravens can find a better smashing blocker than him.

There are no "max contracts" in the NFL. McGahee isn't going to warrant any draft picks and if he's allowed to return, he'll need to take a pay-cut.

Holmes isn't worth a big contract. And with with Boldin earning around 7 million a year, you're already paying one WR handsomely. [b][size="3"]The Ravens have to find a capable WR through the draft.[/size][/b] Seemingly every good team in the league has been able to. If the Ravens truly have their franchise QB in place, nows the time to do it.

Rookie WRs are seemingly making an impact fresh out of the gate more than ever. The time is now.
[/quote]
Alot of these guys are making an impact on offenses that employ some type of collegiate shotgun spread approach as well. Maybe it is time to let Cam go and get someone who will spread it out, and employ quick strikes in those formations to nullify the Steelers pass rush.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1295211307' post='610266']
Alot of these guys are making an impact on offenses that employ some type of collegiate shotgun spread approach as well. Maybe it is time to let Cam go and get someone who will spread it out, and employ quick strikes in those formations to nullify the Steelers pass rush.
[/quote]

Agreed. The o-line will obviously have to be improved for that to be effective but the against teams like the Steelers, you have to employ a spread offense more often than not.

[Scotty410bmore]

Most importantly i think we need to avoid these stop gap guys on offense. Stallworth and Houshmanzadah were stop gap recievers. Last thing we need is a Ochocinco lol. We need players that Flacco can develop chemistry with like Brady has Welker, Branch and Brandon Tate. Big Ben has Wallace, Ward and Sanders.

Joe Flacco has Heap, Boldin, and Mason. The problem is Boldin and Mason dont compliment each other well. Mason is better off being our number 3 reciever at this point in his career. We need to get a PROVEN young big play wide out (Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice, or Vincent Jackson). We wont likely draft a WR in the first round. The window is still open, but we dont have time to develop a 3rd or 4th round player into a star his first year. It just doesnt happen.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295213581' post='610369']
Most importantly i think we need to avoid these stop gap guys on offense. Stallworth and Houshmanzadah were stop gap recievers. Last thing we need is a Ochocinco lol. We need players that Flacco can develop chemistry with like Brady has Welker, Branch and Brandon Tate. Big Ben has Wallace, Ward and Sanders.

Joe Flacco has Heap, Boldin, and Mason. The problem is Boldin and Mason dont compliment each other well. Mason is better off being our number 3 reciever at this point in his career. We need to get a PROVEN young big play wide out (Santonio Holmes, Sidney Rice, or Vincent Jackson). We wont likely draft a WR in the first round. The window is still open, but we dont have time to develop a 3rd or 4th round player into a star his first year. It just doesnt happen.
[/quote]

Tate isn't a big part of New England's offense at all but I agree Joe definitely someone he can grow with.

At this point, drafting a WR in the first round is a legitimate possibility. Jonathan Baldwin could be there and even Julio Jones be as well. Regardless, you don't have to draft a WR in the first round to get an impact player. Mike Williams in TB was taken in 4th round. Steve Smith with the Giants was drafted in the second round I believe. It's pretty common for WRs not drafted in the first round to make immediate impact nowadays as well.

[Moderator 2]

The problem this year is 2 fold in my opinion, O-line was supposed to be a strength and all the re-shuffling because of Gaither and injury cascaded down and impacted most of the issues on offense. The in ability to run, Flacco getting hurried and not having time to throw and the need to pull the TE and FB to block so there were more throwaways and coverage type sacks. The inability to run kept the D on the field too long some games and their age showed.
Second the 'Prevent Offense" HAS GOT TO GO!

[PuRock]

[quote name='Moderator 2' timestamp='1295214281' post='610397']
The problem this year is 2 fold in my opinion, O-line was supposed to be a strength and all the re-shuffling because of Gaither and injury cascaded down and impacted most of the issues on offense. The in ability to run, Flacco getting hurried and not having time to throw and the need to pull the TE and FB to block so there were more throwaways and coverage type sacks. The inability to run kept the D on the field too long some games and their age showed.
[b]Second the 'Prevent Offense" HAS GOT TO GO![/b][/quote]

The team really needs to make a rule for themself. No prevent offense no matter what in 2011. Make it a habit.

[Scotty410bmore]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295214073' post='610389']
Tate isn't a big part of New England's offense at all but I agree Joe definitely someone he can grow with.

At this point, drafting a WR in the first round is a legitimate possibility. Jonathan Baldwin could be there and even Julio Jones be as well. Regardless, you don't have to draft a WR in the first round to get an impact player. Mike Williams in TB was taken in 4th round. Steve Smith with the Giants was drafted in the second round I believe. It's pretty common for WRs not drafted in the first round to make immediate impact nowadays as well.
[/quote]

If Jonathan Baldwin and Julio Jones are there i'd take them both without hesitation. Julio Jones is better after the catch, but I like Baldwin more. He reminds me of a young Andre Johnson. He's a big target and has a long speedy stride. He would be a nice pick!!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295215207' post='610445']
If Jonathan Baldwin and Julio Jones are there i'd take them both without hesitation. Julio Jones is better after the catch, but I like Baldwin more. He reminds me of a young Andre Johnson. He's a big target and has a long speedy stride. He would be a nice pick!!
[/quote]

I like Jones more because he seems like more of a team player, is a better blocker and a better route runner too. Whatever happens, the Ravens will need to draft a young play-making WR or hope David Reed pulls a Miles Austin if the offense is to get more explosive.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295210883' post='610253']
Le'Ron isn't a "must re-sign" in my opinion. He's a good run blocker, a nifty runner for someone his size and underrated in pass protection but I think the Ravens can find a better smashing blocker than him.

There are no "max contracts" in the NFL. McGahee isn't going to warrant any draft picks and if he's allowed to return, he'll need to take a pay-cut.

Holmes isn't worth a big contract. And with with Boldin earning around 7 million a year, you're already paying one WR handsomely. [b][size="3"]The Ravens have to find a capable WR through the draft.[/size][/b] Seemingly every good team in the league has been able to. If the Ravens truly have their franchise QB in place, nows the time to do it.

Rookie WRs are seemingly making an impact fresh out of the gate more than ever. The time is now.
[/quote]

Good post. McGahee is due to make $20 Million over the next 3 years. NO ONE will take him in a trade, and he'll have to take a pay cut.

Holmes made $4 million last year, he'll want double that.

And... the Steelers have [b]2 UFA starters[/b] for next year - Woodley and Ike Taylor.

We have Haloti Ngata, Josh Wilson, Chris Carr, Dawan Landry, Jared Gaither, Chris Chester, Marshal Yanda, Tom Zbikowski (RFA), Haruki Nakamura (RFA), TJ Houshmandzadeh, Dannell Ellerbe (RFA), Tavares Gooden (RFA), Jameel McClain (RFA), Le'Ron McClain, Billy Cundiff, Sam Koch, Donte Stallworth, Fabian Washington and Cary Williams.

Not to mention Prescott Burgess, Marc Bulger, Oniel Cousins (RFA), Lamar Divens (RFA), Matt Lawrence (RFA), Jalen Parmele (RFA), Marcus Smith (RFA), Kelly Talavou (RFA), and Tony Moll.

One other thing of note: In 2012, the following are Free Agents: Ray Rice, Todd Heap, Lardarius Webb, Derrick Mason, Matt Birk, Ben Grubbs, Cory Redding, and Jarret Johnson.

So, I think we have to resign our core, draft quality players and teach them well. It's always been the way to success in the NFL, not free agency - just ask Daniel Snyder.

[Scotty410bmore]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1295215316' post='610452']
I like Jones more because he seems like more of a team player, is a better blocker and a better route runner too. Whatever happens, the Ravens will need to draft a young play-making WR or hope David Reed pulls a Miles Austin if the offense is to get more explosive.
[/quote]

Im watching the Patriots and Jets, and the Patriots go up and down the field everytime the offense gets the ball. They NEVER go 3 and out. Santonio Holmes always gets open but Sanchez is inaccurate lol. This'll be a dog fight.

When the Ravens play offense, watching them try to get a first down is like pulling teeth sometimes. Im still sick that we blew that great first half. In the 3rd and 4th quarter [u]our offense[/u] had 3 pts and 3 turnovers. I TE-VOed the game and Flacco made a hell of alot of plays the last 5 minutes of the game. I like Joe but he generated 3 points of offense in the second half. Who do you blame??

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Scotty410bmore' timestamp='1295217400' post='610552']
Im watching the Patriots and Jets, and the Patriots go up and down the field everytime the offense gets the ball. They NEVER go 3 and out. Santonio Holmes always gets open but Sanchez is inaccurate lol. This'll be a dog fight.

When the Ravens play offense, watching them try to get a first down is like pulling teeth sometimes. Im still sick that we blew that great first half. In the 3rd and 4th quarter [u]our offense[/u] had 3 pts and 3 turnovers. I TE-VOed the game and Flacco made a hell of alot of plays the last 5 minutes of the game. I like Joe but he generated 3 points of offense in the second half. [b]Who do you blame??[/b]
[/quote]

It was a complete offensive meltdown.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

It's been said 100 times, but we need a Mike Wallace. I'd use the first pick on a fast WR, then I would go for another safety, then CB, then LB, then tackle.

We also have to start thinking about filling the shoes of some of out veterans who will be leaving in the next few years

[Scotty410bmore]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1295216909' post='610529']
Good post. McGahee is due to make $20 Million over the next 3 years. NO ONE will take him in a trade, and he'll have to take a pay cut.

Holmes made $4 million last year, he'll want double that.

And... the Steelers have [b]2 UFA starters[/b] for next year - Woodley and Ike Taylor.

We have Haloti Ngata, Josh Wilson, Chris Carr, Dawan Landry, Jared Gaither, Chris Chester, Marshal Yanda, Tom Zbikowski (RFA), Haruki Nakamura (RFA), TJ Houshmandzadeh, Dannell Ellerbe (RFA), Tavares Gooden (RFA), Jameel McClain (RFA), Le'Ron McClain, Billy Cundiff, Sam Koch, Donte Stallworth, Fabian Washington and Cary Williams.

Not to mention Prescott Burgess, Marc Bulger, Oniel Cousins (RFA), Lamar Divens (RFA), Matt Lawrence (RFA), Jalen Parmele (RFA), Marcus Smith (RFA), Kelly Talavou (RFA), and Tony Moll.

One other thing of note: In 2012, the following are Free Agents: Ray Rice, Todd Heap, Lardarius Webb, Derrick Mason, Matt Birk, Ben Grubbs, Cory Redding, and Jarret Johnson.

So, I think we have to resign our core, draft quality players and teach them well. It's always been the way to success in the NFL, not free agency - just ask Daniel Snyder.
[/quote]

I think we should only resign Haloti Ngata, Josh Wilson, Chris Carr, Dawan Landry, Marshall Yanda, Le'Ron McClain, Billy Cundiff, Sam Koch and then CLEAN HOUSE. Coaches included. We would have alot of cap room if we do clean house which i think we will.

[XxSizzleXx]

Personally I think I would rather see us bring back Carr over Wilson, would probably be the cheaper of the two as well.

Next there is a huge target on the list there in Sidney Rice who could make Joe and Q ultimately much better because the threat and plays he can make over the top. We've seen how much help it is when you have 6'5 receiver (Chargers) who has a 40" vertical with great hands. He would be a huge target for Joe because Joe himself is a big man.

If we couldn't bring in Rice I'd love to see Holmes in a Ravens uniform. Regardless the Ravens are going to need to address the WR situation.

But the biggest thing of all is Ngata, he needs to be locked up.