And You Call Yourself A Fan?

[hawkprey]

[size="4"]The offseason. No, it hasn't been perfect. No, it hasn't been pretty. But it's [i]us[/i].[/size]

Losing some of our veterans has been hard on many fans, but that's no reason to lose your love for this team. There's been a lot of fans down on this team for not making a splash in the FA market, for not re-signing a lot of players or making them walk.

But the 2011 Ravens are far and away a better team then last year. We've gotten so used to relying on veterans that we've forgotten you can win with youth. Maybe the receivers are younger, but that's not a bad thing. Maybe the defense is younger, but that's not a bad thing either. The Ravens won the Super Bowl with 2 rookie starters and 6 more starters with less than 3 years experience. The 2011 Ravens can do the same.


[color="#8B0000"]It all starts with the O-line. With Yanda back in his best position next to Birk, and an improved Cousins battling out with physical freak Jah Reid, it looks like we'll finally be able to give Flacco some time. Oher looks more comfortable than last year at LT, and Grubbs has had time to heal from the injury he played through most of last year.

Or WR corp doesn't have the veteran experience that 2010's did, but they have the speed and the explosiveness. Do you want another veteran group that slows down come playoff time and can't get separation? Or do you want Torrey Smith blowing the top off of defenses and our speedy slot guys slicing up defenses underneath? Don't you finally want speed at TE?

The backfield has Ray Rice yet again, this time with Leach to pave the way - the way he did for league-leading Arian Foster. Yes, it looks like the Ravens finally have a running game to rely on again.[/color]

[color="#0000FF"]On the defensive side, Pagano is already working to restore the D to it's former glory, rather than one that can't close out games. Look for more sacks, more fumbles, and more rattling of Roethlisberger than you can remember.

The D-line is going to be fast. An experimental Ngata is leaner and more explosive this year, perhaps looking to transition to safety once and for all . Mount Cody is a welcome fountain of youth to the older, slower line we're used to. Not only is Cody stronger and in better shape, his rookie mistakes are gone! Now they will be sophomore mistakes.

JJ had an injury-ridden down year in 2010. But thanks in part to a monkey of a commissioner and his pea-brained nemesis, Jarret Johnson has had plenty of time to recover and is looking more like 2009's JJ that led the team in sacks. He also has Sergio Kindle to spell him no 3rd downs and get that all-important QB pressure. Gooden is making a run at ILB next to Ray with his impressive speed and improved pass rush. And Sizzle is Sizzle, and that's all we need him to be.

Our DBs are a better group as well. The loss of Dawan will be greeted with the docking of the SS Tom Zibby, whose coverage skills we didn't have with Landry. Foxworth rejoins the CB group now riddled with talent: 1st rounder and future shut-down Jimmy Smith, a finally healed Lardarius Webb, a Cary Williams who's been picking off everybody in training camp, and the great underrated Chris Carr. Did I mention Ed Reed is finally healthy? [/color]

Of course there's our ace-in-the hole - special teams. We still have the best kickoff kicker in Billy Cundiff. Now that the marker is moved to the 30, this year will not be the touchback fest that 2010 was. Instead, Billy will be busy pinning teams inside the 10. Remember last year when we struggled to find a returner? Well, we came out having struck gold. David Reed not only won the job, he finished 1st in the AFC in yards per return.


What other team would you root for?

[D_UP]

I like our team that we have now, I rather have a team full of inexperienced youthful talent than aging over the hill has beens. I'm happy with Ozzie and the moves he made and haven't made.

[bdravens]

this is what ive been trying to say the whole time. Regardless of our lack of moves, we are still one of the better teams in the NFL. People panic because we didn't pick up a Nnamdi type player. Leach, IMO, is going to instill our old smash mouth style football. He's as good as it gets at his position, and that's a big signing in itself.

We have a solid offensive line, once Birk gets back, a soon to be great quarterback. Same goes for RB, and our WR corps have a great future after unloading some age this offseason. We lost our legend TE, but that hole can be filled. We still have the ageless Ray Lewis, and the greatest ballhawk of them all. Pollard/Zibby as Ed's wingman isn't too shabby either. Beast defensive lineman, and a solid CB corps for the first time in a long time. Whats not to like?

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

To be honest we as raven's fans have gotten so used to being successful in all phases that some wont be satis fied until our CB's are

Asomuogha
Revis
Bailey
Samuel
and the rest of the top players in the league. I dont know how they think this is feasible but some people are crazy enough to expect. I think they fail to realize that we have 3 players that are the best at their respective positions and it could be argues we have 5 players that are the top player at their position and yet are still whining.

I dont know who I would root for if it werent for this team.

[jimmysmith3]

We are very spoiled as Ravens fans and I agree because I could EASILY name 25 teams that we are in a much better position than. Also, we are the only team in the NFL to win a playoff game each of the past 3 seasons.

[Yatagarasu]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1312674214' post='738936']
To be honest we as raven's fans have gotten so used to being successful in all phases that some wont be satis fied until our CB's are

Asomuogha
Revis
Bailey
Samuel
and the rest of the top players in the league. I dont know how they think this is feasible but some people are crazy enough to expect. I think they fail to realize that we have 3 players that are the best at their respective positions and it could be argues we have 5 players that are the top player at their position and yet are still whining.

I dont know who I would root for if it werent for this team.
[/quote]

Foxworth - overpaid, but still serviceable
Smith - Future Shadow Corner
Carr - Solid and dependable
Webb - Special Teams and a lot of potential
Brown - Dark Horse
Williams - Breakout candidate

[bdravens]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1312674214' post='738936']
To be honest we as raven's fans have gotten so used to being successful in all phases that some wont be satis fied until our CB's are

Asomuogha
Revis
Bailey
Samuel
and the rest of the top players in the league. I dont know how they think this is feasible but some people are crazy enough to expect. I think they fail to realize that we have 3 players that are the best at their respective positions and it could be argues we have 5 players that are the top player at their position and yet are still whining.

I dont know who I would root for if it werent for this team.
[/quote]
You mean there's a salary cap?

[melvinmelon123]

B..But, but the Eagles signed soooo many players! Why is our FO not good like the Eagles? They win championships all the time!

...Oh wait.

But the Pats made some moves too! And they have been so good in the playoffs recently!

...Oops, forgot about that.

Well at least we could follow what the Steelers do since they made it to 2 SBs recently! They for sure sign a bunch of players right?

...No?


Seriously, we are the only team to win a playoff game each of the last 3 seasons. I think we should just let the season play out

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='bdravens' timestamp='1312674712' post='738953']
You mean there's a salary cap?
[/quote]
That is what I have been hearing, but Oz should be able to make it happen right ?

It is funny how people dont realize what we have

Ed-best at his position
Ngata-best at his position
Ray-OVERALL best at his position
Yanda-arguable
Suggs- one of the best at his position
Rice-best at his position
Leach-best at his position

And it is not like the rest of the guys are scrubs either I just dont get it man

[melvinmelon123]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1312675084' post='738961']
That is what I have been hearing, but Oz should be able to make it happen right ?

It is funny how people dont realize what we have

Ed-best at his position
Ngata-best at his position
Ray-OVERALL best at his position
Yanda-arguable
Suggs- one of the best at his position
Rice-best at his position
Leach-best at his position

And it is not like the rest of the guys are scrubs either I just dont get it man
[/quote]

My thoughts exactly. Except I wouldn't say Rice is the best RB

[-Truth-]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1312675084' post='738961']
That is what I have been hearing, but Oz should be able to make it happen right ?

It is funny how people dont realize what we have

Ed-best at his position
Ngata-best at his position
Ray-OVERALL best at his position
Yanda-arguable
Suggs- one of the best at his position
Rice-best at his position
Leach-best at his position

And it is not like the rest of the guys are scrubs either I just dont get it man
[/quote]
Agree with the majority of the list, but Adrian Peterson is the best RB, in my opinion.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1312675233' post='738965']
Agree with the majority of the list, but Adrian Peterson is the best RB, in my opinion.
[/quote]

As a pure RB cant argue with that at all. But the flexibility that RAy brings to the offense I dont think can be duplicated anybody. Ap has hands too on a swing route, but do you remember that over the shoulder grab by RR for the TD, sure it was a beautiful pass from Flacco, but how many backs do you think could have done that.

Too your point though if RB was not an elligible receiver we would still have top 3 imo opinion but AP is the top and by a long ways but if you factor in flexibility and overall skillset I have to edge it to Rice by .000001 % but I honestly give him a slight edge, but that is just one man's opinion.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1312675528' post='738975']
As a pure RB cant argue with that at all. But the flexibility that RAy brings to the offense I dont think can be duplicated anybody. Ap has hands too on a swing route, but do you remember that over the shoulder grab by RR for the TD, sure it was a beautiful pass from Flacco, but how many backs do you think could have done that.

Too your point though if RB was not an elligible receiver we would still have top 3 imo opinion but AP is the top and by a long ways but if you factor in flexibility and overall skillset I have to edge it to Rice by .000001 % but I honestly give him a slight edge, but that is just one man's opinion.
[/quote]
I understand where you're coming from. Ray Rice is easily one of the best in the league, and I think it's hard to argue who's better than who when speaking about the higher echelon of the position. In any regard, however, in no way could I give the edge to Rice. Personally, I think Peterson is already a lock for the HOF. It's a matter of opinion though.

[izvoodoo]

Rice is one of the best players in the league and I'll always be proud to have him on the ravens...

But I'd trade him for AP in a heartbeat.

[scrock]

[quote name='jimmysmith3' timestamp='1312674548' post='738945']
We are very spoiled as Ravens fans and I agree because I could EASILY name 25 teams that we are in a much better position than. Also, we are the only team in the NFL to win a playoff game each of the past 3 seasons.
[/quote]

Thats right, and thats why I'm not holding the team to high expectations, I'll go in hoping for the best and we'll see how things go. Its impossible to make the playoffs every year, some fans expect a SB or the season is a waste.

I'll take every season as its own and we'll see what happens

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

Yeah I know I am in the minority but I just like how ray fits our Offense and his skill set and I like his attitude, ya know the little scrappy SOB who dont back down from anybody I love that in a player and he has it, but again personal opinion. I do think you are correct when sayin he is a lock for the hall already.

[bdravens]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1312675084' post='738961']
That is what I have been hearing, but Oz should be able to make it happen right ?

It is funny how people dont realize what we have

Ed-best at his position
Ngata-best at his position
Ray-OVERALL best at his position
Yanda-arguable
Suggs- one of the best at his position
Rice-best at his position
Leach-best at his position

And it is not like the rest of the guys are scrubs either I just dont get it man
[/quote]
This doesn't prove the talent level (or maybe it does) but here's my theory:
Fans of other teams would most likely know who the following players are:
Flacco
Leach
Rice
Birk
Oher
Boldin
Ngata
Lewis
Suggs
Reed
Foxy
Carr(?)
Cundiff
Koch
The others are journeyman, or haven't been in the spotlight enough to be recognized (Kindle, JJ, Yanda, Cody, Webb, etc).

Now let's take, for instance, the Bills:
Fitzpatrick
Evans
Johnson
Byrd
Merriman
Jackson
B Smith

The Bills clearly aren't good, but I only compared them to us because people are acting like we stooped to their low level. LOOK AT OUR ROSTER! It is packed with talent, as opposed to...the Bills.

In other words. We're fine, people.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='bdravens' timestamp='1312677676' post='739033']
This doesn't prove the talent level (or maybe it does) but here's my theory:
Fans of other teams would most likely know who the following players are:
Flacco
Leach
Rice
Birk
Oher
Boldin
Ngata
Lewis
Suggs
Reed
Foxy
Carr(?)
Cundiff
Koch
The others are journeyman, or haven't been in the spotlight enough to be recognized (Kindle, JJ, Yanda, Cody, Webb, etc).

Now let's take, for instance, the Bills:
Fitzpatrick
Evans
Johnson
Byrd
Merriman
Jackson
B Smith

The Bills clearly aren't good, but I only compared them to us because people are acting like we stooped to their low level.[b] LOOK AT OUR ROSTER! It is packed with talent[/b], as opposed to...the Bills.

[b]In other words. We're fine, people.[/b]
[/quote]

Amen

[H8R]

We have a great nucleus of outstanding veteran leadership with a lot more youth mixed in then years passed... Not just roster filled youth but a roster FILLED WITH TALENT. Hard working, smart, savvy young players.
This roster will wake people up, will reinforce the Ravens as one of the best drafting teams in the league and prove that WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES! Enjoy the ride

[sozo91]

First time poster here.

The opening post nailed the reality of the situation of the Baltimore Ravens.

I think the underlying criticism in the recent offseason moves, or lack thereof, is partly due to the complacency in the Ravens' success in the past few years. We have done so well that any perception of not shifting the roster to select free agent studs is tantamount to failure. The fact still remains though that we are the one of the scariest and crazily stacked teams in the league.

While many fans are espousing a Super Bowl or bust mentality in the front office moves (i.e. if we don't sign Mase, we're not even out of the Wild Card), I think the past few years underscore the importance of a quarterback-receiver battery. Last year, I along with many others were tantalized with the prospect of Housh, Boldin, and Stallworth forming an impressive wide receiver line. But what happened? The offense never clicked, and Flacco ended up referring to Mason as his most reliable receiver.

While we still have a few concerns to face, the pessimism and negativity surrounding this team is too much.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1312673560' post='738915']
[size="4"]The offseason. No, it hasn't been perfect. No, it hasn't been pretty. But it's [i]us[/i].[/size]

Losing some of our veterans has been hard on many fans, but that's no reason to lose your love for this team. There's been a lot of fans down on this team for not making a splash in the FA market, for not re-signing a lot of players or making them walk.

But the 2011 Ravens are far and away a better team then last year. We've gotten so used to relying on veterans that we've forgotten you can win with youth. Maybe the receivers are younger, but that's not a bad thing. Maybe the defense is younger, but that's not a bad thing either. The Ravens won the Super Bowl with 2 rookie starters and 6 more starters with less than 3 years experience. The 2011 Ravens can do the same.


[color="#8b0000"]It all starts with the O-line. With Yanda back in his best position next to Birk, and an improved Cousins battling out with physical freak Jah Reid, it looks like we'll finally be able to give Flacco some time. Oher looks more comfortable than last year at LT, and Grubbs has had time to heal from the injury he played through most of last year.

Or WR corp doesn't have the veteran experience that 2010's did, but they have the speed and the explosiveness. Do you want another veteran group that slows down come playoff time and can't get separation? Or do you want Torrey Smith blowing the top off of defenses and our speedy slot guys slicing up defenses underneath? Don't you finally want speed at TE?

The backfield has Ray Rice yet again, this time with Leach to pave the way - the way he did for league-leading Arian Foster. Yes, it looks like the Ravens finally have a running game to rely on again.[/color]

[color="#0000ff"]On the defensive side, Pagano is already working to restore the D to it's former glory, rather than one that can't close out games. Look for more sacks, more fumbles, and more rattling of Roethlisberger than you can remember.

The D-line is going to be fast. An experimental Ngata is leaner and more explosive this year, perhaps looking to transition to safety once and for all . Mount Cody is a welcome fountain of youth to the older, slower line we're used to. Not only is Cody stronger and in better shape, his rookie mistakes are gone! Now they will be sophomore mistakes.

JJ had an injury-ridden down year in 2010. But thanks in part to a monkey of a commissioner and his pea-brained nemesis, Jarret Johnson has had plenty of time to recover and is looking more like 2009's JJ that led the team in sacks. He also has Sergio Kindle to spell him no 3rd downs and get that all-important QB pressure. Gooden is making a run at ILB next to Ray with his impressive speed and improved pass rush. And Sizzle is Sizzle, and that's all we need him to be.

Our DBs are a better group as well. The loss of Dawan will be greeted with the docking of the SS Tom Zibby, whose coverage skills we didn't have with Landry. Foxworth rejoins the CB group now riddled with talent: 1st rounder and future shut-down Jimmy Smith, a finally healed Lardarius Webb, a Cary Williams who's been picking off everybody in training camp, and the great underrated Chris Carr. Did I mention Ed Reed is finally healthy? [/color]

Of course there's our ace-in-the hole - special teams. We still have the best kickoff kicker in Billy Cundiff. Now that the marker is moved to the 30, this year will not be the touchback fest that 2010 was. Instead, Billy will be busy pinning teams inside the 10. Remember last year when we struggled to find a returner? Well, we came out having struck gold. David Reed not only won the job, he finished 1st in the AFC in yards per return.


What other team would you root for?
[/quote]

I like the different color fonts, nice touch.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='sozo91' timestamp='1312680263' post='739098']
First time poster here.

The opening post nailed the reality of the situation of the Baltimore Ravens.

I think the underlying criticism in the recent offseason moves, or lack thereof, is partly due to the complacency in the Ravens' success in the past few years. We have done so well that any perception of not shifting the roster to select free agent studs is tantamount to failure. The fact still remains though that we are the one of the scariest and crazily stacked teams in the league.

While many fans are espousing a Super Bowl or bust mentality in the front office moves (i.e. if we don't sign Mase, we're not even out of the Wild Card), I think the past few years underscore the importance of a quarterback-receiver battery. Last year, I along with many others were tantalized with the prospect of Housh, Boldin, and Stallworth forming an impressive wide receiver line. But what happened? The offense never clicked, and Flacco ended up referring to Mason as his most reliable receiver.

While we still have a few concerns to face, the pessimism and negativity surrounding this team is too much.
[/quote]
Thanks and welcome to the boards.

[quote name='ed.s52' timestamp='1312681224' post='739121']
I like the different color fonts, nice touch.
[/quote]

Yeah, it looks pretty bad without it.

[da#1ravensfan]

We have some of the best talent in the league and people complain about we need more. We can still win a Super Bowl with this current roster. If the Packers can win a SB with 20 people on IR we can win it with this roster.

[1/28/01]

I hate Ravens football!!!!

Seriously, well stated

[ravensdfan]

I think most fans understand the reality of the salary cap. If we were not making any immediate moves in FA however, I don't know why we could not have asked Heap and Mason to restructure prior to cutting them. IMO if either or both had agreed to that scenario we'd be a better team with them still around. Here is the reality of the situation as it stands today though (subject to change if we trade etc.)

RB

Rice. Yep. Just Rice. Oh, and a rookie.

WRs

Boldin plus 2 rookies and 3 untested youngsters

TEs

Dickson/Pitta both have shown potential on the receiving side but lack any major game experience. Blocking expertise also is an issue here (something we lost with Heap)

CBs

Carr - we know what we have here and I think its all to the good. Versatile as well.
Foxworth - serviceable at best prior to his injury. Who knows after his injury.
Webb - still has some to learn but no reason to think he doesn't continue to improve.
Williams - I believe he's still on the roster. At any rate, untested so no idea what we have or don't have.
2 rookies.

It isn't all roses people. I'm all for bleeding purple but I'm not blinded by it. This doesn't even go into our issues on the OL.

The hard truth is there really isn't anyone out there as far as FA goes. Our best bet would be to resign Housh for some insurance and experience at WR. This doesn't mean our rookies with promise wouldn't get any chances. As it stands, we could be in real trouble in this area.

I'm deeply concerned at RB. Rice is not built for 40+ carries and in the AFCN he'd likely be down with an injury. It's a hard hitting deivision as we all know. What do we have here? Nuttin'.

I think we should be alright at CB barring any injuries. Injuries here could kill us though. Our depth is a questionable Foxworth and 2 rookies. (Yes, I'm looking at Webb/Carr starting until someone else proves they belong there).

I hope both Smiths are as beast as they seem to be and light up the NFL. I hope they are both up for Rookie of the Year. That isn't a guarantee though so you can't really say our team is better than we were last season. At this point, until our rookies and signings prove themselves, we have definitely downgraded our team.

[kiwi_raven]

we have more talent now then when we won the super bowl, thats my opinion and im sticking to it.

i think we will have at least 5 players make the pro bowl first team selection this year and we may even have a rookie of the year in offense or defense.

[PeRK82]

Just because im not feeling confident about this upcoming season doesnt make me or anyone else feeling the same way any less of a Fan, we are just Nervous which we should be. But im holding my judgement about how this team is going to play after the Preseason games so we all can have a better understanding of how the RAVENS are going to play against other teams.

And Every Fan has the right to be nervous and question the FO , if they didnt then they wouldnt really be a fan now would they.

Im just wondering how Cam Cameron is going to use the Offense specifically the WRers because we had alot of Talent last yr and we didnt use that Talent, yea the O line was suspect but still the Play calling should have been better than High school let alone collage football.

The dump offs to Rice were very successfull but Defenses are going to be ready this season because that pretty much all we did last yr. If we are going to be running the ball, i want to see more screen passes. (honestly i hope we throw more)

Oh and i want to see Flacco more in the shot gun position plus i want to see more trick plays. I love the flea flicker, its my favorite play of all time.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='sozo91' timestamp='1312680263' post='739098']
First time poster here.

The opening post nailed the reality of the situation of the Baltimore Ravens.

I think the underlying criticism in the recent offseason moves, or lack thereof, is partly due to the complacency in the Ravens' success in the past few years. We have done so well that any perception of not shifting the roster to select free agent studs is tantamount to failure. The fact still remains though that[b] we are the one of the scariest and crazily stacked teams in the league.[/b]

While many fans are espousing a Super Bowl or bust mentality in the front office moves (i.e. if we don't sign Mase, we're not even out of the Wild Card), I think the past few years underscore the importance of a quarterback-receiver battery. Last year, I along with many others were tantalized with the prospect of Housh, Boldin, and Stallworth forming an impressive wide receiver line. But what happened? The offense never clicked, and Flacco ended up referring to Mason as his most reliable receiver.

While we still have a few concerns to face, the pessimism and negativity surrounding this team is too much.
[/quote]


I wouldnt say we are Stacked and scariest team in the league just yet. I'll be honest with though , im very excited about our Defense and new DC this yr. But like i've been saying , im going to hold my Judgement until the preseason games.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1312682542' post='739170']
I think most fans understand the reality of the salary cap. If we were not making any immediate moves in FA however, I don't know why we could not have asked Heap and Mason to restructure prior to cutting them. IMO if either or both had agreed to that scenario we'd be a better team with them still around. Here is the reality of the situation as it stands today though (subject to change if we trade etc.)

RB

Rice. Yep. Just Rice. Oh, and a rookie.

WRs

Boldin plus 2 rookies and 3 untested youngsters

TEs

Dickson/Pitta both have shown potential on the receiving side but lack any major game experience. Blocking expertise also is an issue here (something we lost with Heap)

CBs

Carr - we know what we have here and I think its all to the good. Versatile as well.
Foxworth - serviceable at best prior to his injury. Who knows after his injury.
Webb - still has some to learn but no reason to think he doesn't continue to improve.
Williams - I believe he's still on the roster. At any rate, untested so no idea what we have or don't have.
2 rookies.

It isn't all roses people. I'm all for bleeding purple but I'm not blinded by it. This doesn't even go into our issues on the OL.

The hard truth is there really isn't anyone out there as far as FA goes. Our best bet would be to resign Housh for some insurance and experience at WR. This doesn't mean our rookies with promise wouldn't get any chances. As it stands, we could be in real trouble in this area.

I'm deeply concerned at RB. Rice is not built for 40+ carries and in the AFCN he'd likely be down with an injury. It's a hard hitting deivision as we all know. What do we have here? Nuttin'.

I think we should be alright at CB barring any injuries. Injuries here could kill us though. Our depth is a questionable Foxworth and 2 rookies. (Yes, I'm looking at Webb/Carr starting until someone else proves they belong there).

I hope both Smiths are as beast as they seem to be and light up the NFL. I hope they are both up for Rookie of the Year. That isn't a guarantee though so you can't really say our team is better than we were last season. At this point, until our rookies and signings prove themselves, we have definitely downgraded our team.
[/quote]

1) Yes our #2 RB is up in the air, but anyone can run behind Leach. You do know we won the Super Bowl with a rookie RB, right?

2) Our WRs may be young, but when it's late in the season you'll see how it's a welcome change from 3 slow, old receivers. I love Mason and Housh but they aren't built for the postseason at that age.

3) TE shouldn't be much of a problem because thanks to an improved O-line, we won't need Heap to block all the time. If anything our TE's should be freed up relative to 2010.

This is what I'm talking about. We've gone so long without using rookies that much that we've forgotten that he can still produce.

[ed.s52]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1312682542' post='739170']
I think most fans understand the reality of the salary cap. If we were not making any immediate moves in FA however, I don't know why we could not have asked Heap and Mason to restructure prior to cutting them. IMO if either or both had agreed to that scenario we'd be a better team with them still around. Here is the reality of the situation as it stands today though (subject to change if we trade etc.)

RB

Rice. Yep. Just Rice. Oh, and a rookie.

WRs

Boldin plus 2 rookies and 3 untested youngsters

TEs

Dickson/Pitta both have shown potential on the receiving side but lack any major game experience. Blocking expertise also is an issue here (something we lost with Heap)

CBs

Carr - we know what we have here and I think its all to the good. Versatile as well.
Foxworth - serviceable at best prior to his injury. Who knows after his injury.
Webb - still has some to learn but no reason to think he doesn't continue to improve.
Williams - I believe he's still on the roster. At any rate, untested so no idea what we have or don't have.
2 rookies.

It isn't all roses people. I'm all for bleeding purple but I'm not blinded by it. This doesn't even go into our issues on the OL.

The hard truth is there really isn't anyone out there as far as FA goes. Our best bet would be to resign Housh for some insurance and experience at WR. This doesn't mean our rookies with promise wouldn't get any chances. As it stands, we could be in real trouble in this area.

I'm deeply concerned at RB. Rice is not built for 40+ carries and in the AFCN he'd likely be down with an injury. It's a hard hitting deivision as we all know. What do we have here? Nuttin'.

I think we should be alright at CB barring any injuries. Injuries here could kill us though. Our depth is a questionable Foxworth and 2 rookies. (Yes, I'm looking at Webb/Carr starting until someone else proves they belong there).

I hope both Smiths are as beast as they seem to be and light up the NFL. I hope they are both up for Rookie of the Year. That isn't a guarantee though so you can't really say our team is better than we were last season. At this point, until our rookies and signings prove themselves, we have definitely downgraded our team.
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Yep, just Rice, who is a top 5 RB.

Oh and just saying, but every reciever ever is untested at some point. There has never been a reciever in the History of the NFL that has been tested before he got in, unless you count AFL as experience.

Rookies can be good. Just because the are rookies doesnt mean they cant start. On the Super Bowl squad, we had 6 rookie starters. If Doss, Reid, Torrey, and Jimmy all started, we wouldnt even have that many.


I do agree with one point you have been asserting though, we do have holes. WR is not our strongest position, RT and OL depth could be a problem, and CB although solid doesnt have any great players in it, but the other fact you seem to be ignoring along with a lot of other fans is this, even though we have a couple holes SO DOES EVERY TEAM IN THE NFL. The only team that arguably does is the packers, but I would still call RB a weakness for them.