This (2012) Off Season Has Been Pretty Bad For The Ravens

[Rav'n Maniac]

[quote name='funky141' timestamp='1340118459' post='1091298']
I'm a little worried about the Ravens and the season that's coming up. I know its early and every team has issues, but it seems more than normal for the Ravens.
20 players no show for mini camp
Suggs out
Ed Reed not sure if he is going to play
Ngata a little out of shape
McKinnie way out of shape
Ray Rice contract issues
Joe Flacco contract issues
and much more


Thoughts?
[/quote]

Dude, you really don't want to do this, so just hand me the gun!

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1340132197' post='1091413']
I am going to get really tired of this "Suggs is out and Ray and Ed are old - therefore the Ravens defense sucks" thing when prediction season comes in late July/August.
[/quote]

I think w/ Suggs out( he's 30), Ray and Ed might possibly be the only starters on D over 30. If that's the case, our D is FAR FROM old!!

[RavenO's]

Percy Harvin wants out of minnesota. I honestly think he wouldn't be a bad idea to give an offer too. Good return skills, does have some issues with migraines and misses a couple games a year, but is definitely a proven playmaker in this league. This most likely wont happen due to the recent signing of Jones but the idea sounds good.

[ROH522155]

We're gonna be just fine. Perhaps you should worry more about your Colts seeing as how they have twice as many problems as us eh?

[The Raven]

[quote name='RavenO's' timestamp='1340199967' post='1091665']
Percy Harvin wants out of minnesota. I honestly think he wouldn't be a bad idea to give an offer too. Good return skills, does have some issues with migraines and misses a couple games a year, but is definitely a proven playmaker in this league. This most likely wont happen due to the recent signing of Jones but the idea sounds good.
[/quote]

Firstly, we don't have room in our WR corps for him. Secondly, he's holding out for more money. We do not have the cap room to give him more money.

[kassaiscool]

I think our offense is going to do some impressive things this year, but our defense is not going to be as good as years in the past. Suggs can't be replaced, he stuffs the run, he gets after the passer, hes just an overall beast. We also play the NFC east which have some good offenses + the patriots and chargers again. I really think we can go 10-6 or 9-7 and make a run to the superbowl. This team has so much playoff exp and their is no afc team that scares me, I think we can win the afc this year.

[mhead66]

[quote name='RavenO's' timestamp='1340199967' post='1091665']
Percy Harvin wants out of minnesota. I honestly think he wouldn't be a bad idea to give an offer too. Good return skills, does have some issues with migraines and misses a couple games a year, but is definitely a proven playmaker in this league. This most likely wont happen due to the recent signing of Jones but the idea sounds good.
[/quote]
Percy's a quality player, but - like The Raven said - we don't have the cap room, and he's in the final year of his rookie contract, and holding out for more money. Sound familiar... [size=1](cough Ray Rice cough)[/size] ?

And, after averaging 11 yds/ reception, he's more of a possession type wideout, at 5'11 180. We have plenty of young talent that simply need an opportunity.

If we were to sign a quality free agent - which we won't, at this late date and with the salary cap as it stands - we would need another OLineman, first and foremost. Of course, I don't regard G Tony Wragge, 32 years old with 23 career starts in 10 seasons, as "quality." Bobbie Williams, he's servicable - but I regard Wragge as a camp body.

[old school football]

I have been around football for many years and every year Raven's fans say the same thing...DOOM and GlOOM for the upcoming year. This team is not about a few players,this team is about a defensive blueprint that is embedded in the organization. This years team is going to surprise alot of people because I know that this is a 13 win team this year with or without 2 or 3 three superstars. The Ravens can plug players into positions like no other team in the history of football and I know that this years defense (with new personnel) will rise up and perform. This years defense will be no.1 in all categories across the board. Is this the year of THE RAVEN.......YES! Come January I want all you to remember this post. The Ravens will be WORLD CHAMPS this year and in future years even when Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are distant memories.

[codizzle]

[quote name='RavenO's' timestamp='1340199967' post='1091665']
Percy Harvin wants out of minnesota. I honestly think he wouldn't be a bad idea to give an offer too. Good return skills, does have some issues with migraines and misses a couple games a year, but is definitely a proven playmaker in this league. This most likely wont happen due to the recent signing of Jones but the idea sounds good.
[/quote]
20 bucks and a bushel of crabs sound good?

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1340277816' post='1092005']
20 bucks and a bushel of crabs sound good?
[/quote]

Someone say crabs?

[K-Dog]

Ill take the crabs.

[Yatagarasu]

You guys worry too much.

This is a proven playoff team.

Harbaugh will keep the team in line and ready for the Bengals week 1.

Even with all the issues with star veterans like Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, and Ray Rice. We have players who can step up and fill the void.

[GrimCoconut]

I laughed out loud when I read about Harvin coming here. There are so many reasons he won't be here it is ridiculous. No offense to those who are for it. I don't know how anyone wouldn't want him here. He is a pretty damn good player and would be an upgrade over Boldin. With that said, he has as much chance of coming here to play FOR the Ravens as I do of growing another arm.

It's been a rough offseason for us, but I think we will emerge from this and do better than most people believe we will. I really think Flacco makes. A big leap forward this year, hence why I want him signed before Rice.

[jdynamite]

Other than the Suggs injury, I don't find this offseason to be concerning at all....
Given the Ravens history of signing players to long term deals ( even if during the season ) R.Rice isn't a concern to me for missing any games..
Ed Reed has shown he can miss half the season and still lead the league in INTs, people that say 3 INTs was a down year need to realize that the previous year was a statement by Reed that I'm still the best...

I was much more concerned last year because of the roster changes lack of practice, so much unproven talent. We won with a shuffling offensive line also last year lets remember McKinnie barely even knew the playbook for half the season.

I believe the team will be stronger this year, because the continued development of CBs Webb & Smith with there potential, to cover WRs and allow Reed to roman even more. Cody continues to improve and Ngata is going back up in Weight which means he will be back to getting triple teamed.
On offense Dickson, Smith, Pitta and Leach will all be even more comfortable And making plays.

[jdynamite]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1340132197' post='1091413']
I am going to get really tired of this "Suggs is out and Ray and Ed are old - therefore the Ravens defense sucks" thing when prediction season comes in late July/August.
[/quote]

I agree with u completely. I've been tired of " the ravens are old " label based off Ray and Ed for 2 years. Now with the Suggs injury I'm ESPN and NFLN will run with the Old Suggsless Ravens don't have a chance angle.
Just a few days ago at work a Steeler Fan say oh y'all season over Suggs is gone. I said " Suggs is great but Ngata still has to get double and triple teamed, Cody will be improved, A.Jones , McPhee. This team always has someone to step up and become a contributor.

[ravefan52]

I think a lot of what this season comes down to is how good Joe plays

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='ravefan52' timestamp='1340339544' post='1092392']
I think a lot of what this season comes down to is how good Joe plays
[/quote]
Agreed, as well as 2nd and 3rd year players such as terrence cody and ed dickson.

[Ravens4Liife]

I haven't read through all of the posts, so if I re state something I apologize.

The only thing I'm worried about this year is the loss of Suggs, and maybe Grubbs. But to be quite honest I'm not all that worried. We signed Bobbie Williams, who is a solid starting guard, played well all his career and will greatly help the team. The loss of Suggs is unfortunate, especially after losing JJ to the Chargers. Upside is we have Paul Kruger, who in extremely limited play notched 5.5 sacks last season. Not too shabby. Not to mention the plays he didn't get a sack he was in the QBs faces the whole time. I'll be excited to see him get starting time, will be excited to see Upshaw show what he's got, and maybe see Kindle get some PT finally. All in all I'm actually more excited this year than last season. Why? Because Flacco has a new QB coach, an AMAZING young receiving corps and a very strong secondary, with or without Reed. If for any reason Reed doesn't play I feel Smith could fill in at safety for him, or even Cary Williams could fill in. All we need is Joe to be consistent and get consistent play from his receivers and the offense could FINALLY break into the top of the league.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='funky141' timestamp='1340118459' post='1091298']
I'm a little worried about the Ravens and the season that's coming up. I know its early and every team has issues, but it seems more than normal for the Ravens.
20 players no show for mini camp
Suggs out (partial tear, Troy had that last year and started in the beginning of the season last year)
Ed Reed not sure if he is going to play (never said that, he didnt show up for personal reason, non-related football per se)
Ngata a little out of shape (nope.. are you kidding?)
McKinnie way out of shape
Ray Rice contract issues (lets be honest. you know he'll be ready)
Joe Flacco contract issues
and much more


Thoughts?
[/quote]

Bad start, but not as bad as you make it out to be. You can start worrying about your own team though. Starting with Andrew Luck. He still hasnt even signed the contract yet.

[mhead66]

[quote name='jdynamite' timestamp='1340326898' post='1092317']
I agree with u completely. I've been tired of " [b]the ravens are old[/b] " label based off Ray and Ed for 2 years. Now with the Suggs injury I'm ESPN and NFLN will run with the Old Suggsless Ravens don't have a chance angle.
Just a few days ago at work a Steeler Fan say oh y'all season over Suggs is gone. I said " Suggs is great but Ngata still has to get double and triple teamed, Cody will be improved, A.Jones , McPhee. This team always has someone to step up and become a contributor.
[/quote]

This John Clayton article is about the "Theory of 150" concept - that when a teams' starting OLine reaches 150 (averaging 30 yrs. old each), that team starts going downhill. It's an interesting read... and somewhat disturbing. The Ravens have the oldest OLine in the NFL - the starters are 155, collectively.

[url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8112247/nfl-how-long-too-long-o-line"]http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8112247/nfl-how-long-too-long-o-line[/url]

[hawkprey]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1341097040' post='1094559']
This John Clayton article is about the "Theory of 150" concept - that when a teams' starting OLine reaches 150 (averaging 30 yrs. old each), that team starts going downhill. It's an interesting read... and somewhat disturbing. The Ravens have the oldest OLine in the NFL - the starters are 155, collectively.

[url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8112247/nfl-how-long-too-long-o-line"]http://espn.go.com/n...too-long-o-line[/url]
[/quote]
I think by the end of the year, Bobbie Williams and Matt Birk will be replaced by KO and Gradkowski, probably making us one of the youngest.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1341097040' post='1094559']
This John Clayton article is about the "Theory of 150" concept - that when a teams' starting OLine reaches 150 (averaging 30 yrs. old each), that team starts going downhill. It's an interesting read... and somewhat disturbing. The Ravens have the oldest OLine in the NFL - the starters are 155, collectively.

[url="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8112247/nfl-how-long-too-long-o-line"]http://espn.go.com/n...too-long-o-line[/url]
[/quote]
Fortunately just about every one of those aging starters has an immediate replacement. There's a strong possibility we start KO at LG which would bring down that age as well. Williams is just a stop-gap until he is ready.

[Markus92]

This guy has a colts logo as his a avatar.... why take him serious?

[mhead66]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1341097201' post='1094560']
I think by the end of the year, Bobbie Williams and Matt Birk will be replaced by KO and Gradkowski, probably making us one of the youngest.
[/quote]
[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1341097350' post='1094562']
Fortunately just about every one of those aging starters has an immediate replacement. There's a strong possibility we start KO at LG which would bring down that age as well. Williams is just a stop-gap until he is ready.
[/quote]

I agree with both of you, especially on K.O. - but I'm not so sure about Gradkowski. In the post draft analyses, both Kiper and McShay had reservations about Gradkowski, especially for a 4th rounder. Kiper said he wouldn't be ready for quite some time.

Unfortunately, even if K.O. is more pro-capable, I'm not sure if either one will be up to speed really quickly... Both are reportedly rather raw, in need of seasoning. TC will help, but I'm betting that they will both start the season watching.

I guess we have to hope for good health - outside of the starting 5, not a single backup (other than Wragge) has 1 NFL start.

K.O. better learn quickly...

[mhead66]

[quote name='Markus92' timestamp='1341098194' post='1094564']
This guy has a colts logo as his a avatar.... why take him serious?
[/quote]
Funky's a Colts' fan... but he's usually logical and level-headed.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1341098245' post='1094565']
I agree with both of you, especially on K.O. - but I'm not so sure about Gradkowski. In the post draft analyses, both Kiper and McShay had reservations about Gradkowski, especially for a 4th rounder. Kiper said he wouldn't be ready for quite some time.

Unfortunately, even if K.O. is more pro-capable, I'm not sure if either one will be up to speed really quickly... Both are reportedly rather raw, in need of seasoning. TC will help, but I'm betting that they will both start the season watching.

I guess we have to hope for good health - outside of the starting 5, not a single backup (other than Wragge) has 1 NFL start.

K.O. better learn quickly...
[/quote]
Kiper and McShay? They talk about who they want to talk about. They probably watched 2 minutes of film on Gradkowski combined. I dont think he will be a starter this season, but he definitely has a strong chance to be our center next year.

K.O. was really highly rated coming out of college and I forsee him as very NFL ready. I think what spooked the FO was his injury, even if it was minor, showed our lack of depth at Guard. Teams start rookie Olineman all the time. The Steelers will most likely be starting 2.

By next season we will most likely have one of the youngest O-lines in the NFL.

[Markus92]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1341098409' post='1094568']
Funky's a Colts' fan... but he's usually logical and level-headed.
[/quote] I guess man... I think we will be aight this year though

[mhead66]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1341098917' post='1094572']
Kiper and McShay? They talk about who they want to talk about. They probably watched 2 minutes of film on Gradkowski combined. I dont think he will be a starter this season, but he definitely has a strong chance to be our center next year.

K.O. was really highly rated coming out of college and I forsee him as very NFL ready. I think what spooked the FO was his injury, even if it was minor, showed our lack of depth at Guard. Teams start rookie Olineman all the time. The Steelers will most likely be starting 2.

By next season we will most likely have one of the youngest O-lines in the NFL.
[/quote]

The nice thing about starting KO is that OG is the easiest place to hide an inexperienced player - center and OT - especially LT - not so much. The Steelers are starting a rookie LT and RG this year... but [b]any[/b] new meat is an upgrade to their OLine mess.

I think next year draft priority must be at LT - we can't keep relying on McKinnie... like you said, we'll soon have a young OLine... and that's good, even though their will be some growing pains. Hopefully, KO and Gino can learn their position from a [b]new[/b] OCoordinator next year.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1341099259' post='1094575']
The nice thing about starting KO is that OG is the easiest place to hide an inexperienced player - center and OT - especially LT - not so much. The Steelers are starting a rookie LT and RG this year... but [b]any[/b] new meat is an upgrade to their OLine mess.

I think next year draft priority must be at LT - we can't keep relying on McKinnie... like you said, we'll soon have a young OLine... and that's good, even though their will be some growing pains. Hopefully, KO and Gino can learn their position from a [b]new OCoordinator next year. [/b]
[/quote]

Amen to that. Cam needs to have a brilliant year to stick around.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Markus92' timestamp='1341099155' post='1094573']
I guess man... I think we will be aight this year though
[/quote]
I think you're right... but I'm an optimist!

I think it comes down to two factors: the health of our OLine and whether we can get sufficient pass rush with Upshaw & Kruger...