1 Vote For Addressing The Offensive And Defensive Lines In The Offseason

[baltravens]

The trenches.
Muscle, strength, and dedication are just a few words to describe those positions that the success of offenses and defenses rely on, and too, to get to the next level. Being a football purist and one who sides with the traditional school of thought, we have to address and [b]improve[/b] our offensive and defensive lines.

Offensively, at center, Birk will be 36 and playing with knee issues. Grubbs will be a free agent, and Oher's development has become questionable. (The staff knows better if he is our long-term solution at RT.) Yanda is our pro-bowler and stalwart at RG.

So, resign Grubbs and get or draft a young center who could anchor our line for years to come. I like McKinnie at LT for at least another year, but it would be all for the better if we add depth here.

With our defensive line, we sure could use a stud DE who could complement Suggs on the left side. In 2011, I was not especially impressed with Cody because he needs to dedicate himself to offseason conditioning where he hits the weight room hard. Next to him is NT Ngata who all but went away down the stretch. He is an all-pro, but maybe someone from The Flock has evidence pointing to an injury that slowed him.

More analysis in these two areas from The Flock is what I am interested in, because I think it is what will make the Ravens better. ...better than 2011.

[flynismo]

As critical as I have always been of Cody, I think he did a decent job this year. Nothing spectacular, especially considering he plays right next to Ngata, but he wasn't a liability either. I'd love an upgrade there, but he is the least of our worries. I'm willing to give him another year to come along before we even think about doing anything there.

As for the OL, I say resign Grubbs to go along with Yanda, and just start from scratch. Maybe keep McKinney another year if need be while we make the transition.
People may say something about continuity on the OL and all that jazz, but what have we really got to lose? Our OL has held us back all year; they had some bright spots, but overall it was a liability, not an asset (just think of all the pressure Flaccohas taken all year. Or how maddeningly inconsistent, and flatout ineffective, Rice has been so often this year running the ball.)

[Ravenslifer]

The O-line is the most critical thing to fix in the offseason, IMO. Joe played 12 games against top 10 defenses with nasty passrushers and was beaten like a drum continuously. He still got beaten in this game, but we see what the man can do when given time - he can cut defenses apart. I'm not too worried about other positions - besides there aren't any outstanding safety prospects that would even come a tenth of the way to replacing Ed Reed.

[ghost1986]

I think Birk said he's retiring. There's a story about it on the front page about questions in the offseason.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='ghost1986' timestamp='1327339856' post='968966']
I think Birk said he's retiring. There's a story about it on the front page about questions in the offseason.
[/quote]

He said he's considering retiring, but really it's time to move on anyway. He was beaten a lot this year, no shame in it the man's 36 years old, but he's not performing the way we need an AFC North o-lineman to perform any more.

[bravensfan52]

[quote name='ghost1986' timestamp='1327339856' post='968966']
I think Birk said he's retiring. There's a story about it on the front page about questions in the offseason.
[/quote]
said he'd stay a few months ago if the drafted a replacement for him to coach up

[Crabcakes&Football]

Definitely build the O-line. I don't know how much we need on the D-line. Another pass rusher who consistently gets pressure would be nice of course. Little is it known, that Ngata has been playing through injuries since week 4. His back and somewhere on his legs. Cody would do well in the weight room to put on some muscle. I think we should definitely try to draft an LT and center.

[WV RAVEN]

1.Get rid of Cam Cameron
2.Address offensive line depth
3.also,secondary
4.Blindfold and execute anyone else who refers to Ravens as Old browns.

[Gordo52]

I think we'll be even better next year.
A full off season with training camp. Its going to be nice for our young players.
Joe has another year under his belt, more playoff expierence, more chemistry with Boldin & friends.
Pitta,Smith,Smith,Dickson,Cody,Kruger,McPhee, and Kindle should all get even better.
Plus Cam is most likely gone so we'll see who Joe really is.
Im already excited, cant wait for preseason! (ughhhh)

[izvoodoo]

Resign grubbs and find a center.

Dline has been strong all year. Cody just needs to get into better shape.