I Thought Upshaw Was Suppose To Replace JJ?

[PSG_Mud]

So, why are people talkin about him replacing suggs?

[RAYvenFan20]

because suggs got hurt...

[rtrJerry]

I'm a Bama fan. One of the things that's making me a Ravens fan is because they're going to haveone of the best D's in the country. Excited to see what kind of impact Upshaw will have. Since I'm new to the team I was curious what you guys take will be on the Ravens offense this year and who the play makers are.

[berad]

Upshaw's position in college was similar to the one Suggs played in our D. Additionally, Kruger was already being molded to replace JJ before Upshaw was drafted. Would be less of a learning curve for Upshaw to slide into a spot he is more familiar with.

[Cville-Raven]

[quote name='rtrJerry' timestamp='1341753042' post='1096144']
I'm a Bama fan. One of the things that's making me a Ravens fan is because they're going to haveone of the best D's in the country. Excited to see what kind of impact Upshaw will have. Since I'm new to the team I was curious what you guys take will be on the Ravens offense this year and who the play makers are.
[/quote]
Well first and foremost welcome and thank you for making the right decision. Our two big play makers going into next season are probably Ray Rice and Torrey Smith.

[usmccharles]

[quote name='rtrJerry' timestamp='1341753042' post='1096144']
I'm a Bama fan. One of the things that's making me a Ravens fan is because they're going to haveone of the best D's in the country. Excited to see what kind of impact Upshaw will have. Since I'm new to the team I was curious what you guys take will be on the Ravens offense this year and who the play makers are.
[/quote]

You made a great choice. Considering your new to the team, we have always been a top defense, year after year and most likely will continue to do so. As far as offense, you have ray rice and torrey smith, but what is great about our offense is people shine when you need them to. Last year we were getting stomped by the cardinals at home and then Boldin turned out beast mode and literaly caught anything thrown in his direction. Obviously when you think of playmakers you think of speedy guys, but each guy we have on offense has their on unique way of being a playmaker and in my opinion, well my faviorte play maker we have is vonta leach, he creates our plays a lot of the times, but this is a new discussion entirely.

[Rav'n Maniac]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1341755467' post='1096146']
Upshaw's position in college was similar to the one Suggs played in our D. Additionally, Kruger was already being molded to replace JJ before Upshaw was drafted. [b]Would be less of a learning curve for Upshaw to slide into a spot he is more familiar with.[/b]
[/quote]

Great point! But, I thought I read somewhere that they had Kruger step into Suggs position and Upshaw was working in JJ's old spot.Hard to make any sense out of that.

[ravensfan2430]

[quote name='PSG_Mud' timestamp='1341738590' post='1096131']
So, why are people talkin about him replacing suggs?
[/quote]

I've heard he is to replace JJ as well...

[The Raven]

Does it really matter who he replaces? Just let him come in and play ball and stop worrying about who specifically he's replacing. That doesn't matter.

[Purple Nurple]

Seriously. Both Suggs and JJ are being replaced at this point so who cares who's filling who's shows???

[berad]

[quote name='Rav'n Maniac' timestamp='1341824308' post='1096277']
Great point! But, I thought I read somewhere that they had Kruger step into Suggs position and Upshaw was working in JJ's old spot.Hard to make any sense out of that.
[/quote]

I'm sure they want them both to have experience at both spots. The Ravens love versatility

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Rav'n Maniac' timestamp='1341824308' post='1096277']
Great point! But, I thought I read somewhere that they had Kruger step into Suggs position and Upshaw was working in JJ's old spot.Hard to make any sense out of that.
[/quote]

From what I've heard and also read, the Ravens like Upshaw's aggressive style of play on the edge. So they'll have him lining up overtop of the TE on what is seaming rushing downs, and then he'll line up in Suggs' position(rush backer) on passing downs.

Much like others have said, I see both guys being interchangeable, because the NFL has turned into a pass happy league. Because JJ wasn't much of a pass rusher, I'd like to think that Kruger, Upshaw and Kindle will be more like Steelers defense were both OLBs can rush and hold the line.

More accurately they'll probably be like the Texans young defense. A bunch of high energy young flying to the ball no matter if it's run or pass. Much of the Ravens pass rush usually comes from the nickle sub packages where we have 4 down lineman. I would like the Ravens to start using the pass rush abilities of guys like McClain, Ray, Bynes/Carr and Ellerbe even more from the ILB position. That would make our defense that much tougher to handle.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='rtrJerry' timestamp='1341753042' post='1096144']
I'm a Bama fan. One of the things that's making me a Ravens fan is because they're going to haveone of the best D's in the country. Excited to see what kind of impact Upshaw will have. Since I'm new to the team I was curious what you guys take will be on the Ravens offense this year and who the play makers are.
[/quote]

Ahhhh, an outsider finally opened his eyes.

Who was your other team before the ravens or are you just new to football completely.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='Cville-Raven' timestamp='1341757180' post='1096153']
Well first and foremost welcome and thank you for making the right decision. Our two big play makers going into next season are probably Ray Rice and Torrey Smith.
[/quote]

Nah bud, it will be Torrey Smith and LQ Williams. Mark my words about LQ. and for T.Smith, ill be honest, i wasn't too happy with all his drops last season but he has gotten better with every game so im very excited for that. He is making me a believer. Also Torrey Smith should line up in the slot more often, dude has speed and can burn any lb or cb with ease.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1341854423' post='1096350']
Nah bud, it will be Torrey Smith and LQ Williams. Mark my words about LQ. and for T.Smith, ill be honest, i wasn't too happy with all his drops last season but he has gotten better with every game so im very excited for that. He is making me a believer. Also Torrey Smith should line up in the slot more often, dude has speed and can burn any lb or cb with ease.
[/quote]

Naw it's be Torrey Smith and Ed Dickson. I know so many people are down on Ed Dickson, but the guy has the potential to be a really good TE. He'll abuse the seams of defenses this year, and force that LB safety bracket coverage that you hear about so much. That will free things up for Boldin, Doss, LQ, and PItta over the middle. I have Dickson having a Veron Davis type of year this season. 65rec 750yds 11.5ypc 7TD. Those are the numbers of a play making TE.

Torrey will just explode this season imo. I honestly thought he could have had 1,000 yards last year. So this year I fully expect him to do so. I think he'll become a more complete WR this year, which will make him that much more dangerous. I don't see nearly as many drops for either Dickson or Smith this year. I can see Smith with a Mike Wallace type season. 70rec 1200yds 17.1ypc 9TDs.

I knowing judging our past, that these numbers seems highly unlikely for a pair of Baltimore Ravens offensive players, but I strongly think it'll happen this year.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1341856918' post='1096360']
Naw it's be Torrey Smith and Ed Dickson. I know so many people are down on Ed Dickson, but the guy has the potential to be a really good TE. He'll abuse the seams of defenses this year, and force that LB safety bracket coverage that you hear about so much. That will free things up for Boldin, Doss, LQ, and PItta over the middle. I have Dickson having a Veron Davis type of year this season. 65rec 750yds 11.5ypc 7TD. Those are the numbers of a play making TE.

Torrey will just explode this season imo. I honestly thought he could have had 1,000 yards last year. So this year I fully expect him to do so. I think he'll become a more complete WR this year, which will make him that much more dangerous. I don't see nearly as many drops for either Dickson or Smith this year. I can see Smith with a Mike Wallace type season. 70rec 1200yds 17.1ypc 9TDs.

I knowing judging our past, that these numbers seems highly unlikely for a pair of Baltimore Ravens offensive players, but I strongly think it'll happen this year.
[/quote]

I think Pitta could be a WR honestly, he kinda reminds me of a smaller version of Gronk, TE for the PATS. He catches everything that is thrown to him. I also see Smith with a Wallace type season. He has made me a believer, that amazing TD against the Pats set it off. Samething when he ran in for a TD against the Chargers. Like i said, he should line up in the slot and catch more balls in the middle and be a Y.A.C type of player like LARRY FITZ.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1341856918' post='1096360']
Naw it's be Torrey Smith and Ed Dickson. I know so many people are down on Ed Dickson, but the guy has the potential to be a really good TE. He'll abuse the seams of defenses this year, and force that LB safety bracket coverage that you hear about so much. That will free things up for Boldin, Doss, LQ, and PItta over the middle. I have Dickson having a Veron Davis type of year this season. 65rec 750yds 11.5ypc 7TD. Those are the numbers of a play making TE.

Torrey will just explode this season imo. I honestly thought he could have had 1,000 yards last year. So this year I fully expect him to do so. I think he'll become a more complete WR this year, which will make him that much more dangerous. I don't see nearly as many drops for either Dickson or Smith this year. I can see Smith with a Mike Wallace type season. 70rec 1200yds 17.1ypc 9TDs.

I knowing judging our past, that these numbers seems highly unlikely for a pair of Baltimore Ravens offensive players, but I strongly think it'll happen this year.
[/quote]

Oh yea, also, I see our OFFENSE maybe almost matching our Defense. I really do, our offense can be really dangerous, if only Cam wouldn't let off the gas as soon as we get a 3 point lead and expect to run the clock out when the 3rd quarter just starts. Saw it way too many times. This Team needs to go in for the kill, We saw it in the CARDS game. That how we need to play every game, play like the other team has a 21 point lead. If we do that every game, it would be game over for any team.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1341858671' post='1096374']
Oh yea, also, I see our OFFENSE maybe almost matching our Defense. I really do, our offense can be really dangerous, if only Cam wouldn't let off the gas as soon as we get a 3 point lead and expect to run the clock out when the 3rd quarter just starts. Saw it way too many times. This Team needs to go in for the kill, We saw it in the CARDS game. That how we need to play every game, play like the other team has a 21 point lead. If we do that every game, it would be game over for any team.
[/quote]

Yea Flacco has been begging to be more aggressive for 2 years now, and I can't count the number of fans who would love to see this offense use more no huddle/shotgun/uptempo type of style.

I think back to the 2007 season and the comments that Tom Brady made, when asked about other teams feeling that the Pats run up the score. Brady said, as a offense it's our job to Score!!! Every time we touch the ball our mission is to score, regardless of score or time left in the game. Even if a game is out of reach, we are putting things on film for next weeks opponent. Now that's not an exact quote, but it's pretty close.

I think the Ravens need to adopt that style of thinking and I feel Flacco wants it. I think way too often we rely on the fact that we have a great defense. Well to be honest, we aren't the same defense as 2000 or 2006. It seems like as a team we have that same mentality of, hey get the defense 10-14 points and the game is over.

That's not the case anymore. We've seen teams like the Bills, Cincy, even the Browns, have success against our Defense when we all thought they shouldn't have. With the way the NFL is catered to the offense these days, that get us a 2 possession lead and the game is over thinking has to go.

The Ravens should stay in attack mode from the start of the game until the finish. We all know Ray Rice is a really good RB and he needs to get his touching in the running game. But imagine just how much more explosive and dynamic Ray would be if the defense had to worry about us pushing the ball down field for 4 quarters. Basically opening up rushing lanes all game long.

[arnie_uk]

flacco again???

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1341858427' post='1096372']
I think Pitta could be a WR honestly, he kinda reminds me of a smaller version of Gronk, TE for the PATS. He catches everything that is thrown to him. I also see Smith with a Wallace type season. He has made me a believer, that amazing TD against the Pats set it off. Samething when he ran in for a TD against the Chargers. Like i said, he should line up in the slot and catch more balls in the middle and be a Y.A.C type of player like LARRY FITZ.
[/quote]

Love Pitta man. His reliability and toughness reminds me so much of Todd Heap. I can't wait to see the type of season he has. I know I'm expecting big things from Dickson at the TE position this season, but Pitta will have a big year as well imo. I see him having a Todd Heap type year. Something like 53rec 560yds 10.5ypc 5TDs. That's a pretty good season by a TE regardless if he's #1 or #2.

I think Tandon Doss and Pitta are very similar as far as we they'll bring to the offense. They are both guys who are catch and run type guys, but if they find the right match-up, they can make plays down field. I expect Doss to have around that 12.5-13.2 ypc this year, mainly because he'll have plenty of space to run after the catch once the ball is in his hands. I think Doss will work mainly out of the slot, which will make him a prime target for Flacco on plays he's in the game.

LQW, is a guy i'm very intrigued about. I don't think what he showed last season in the preseason was a fluke at all. I think he's a guy that the Ravens were fortunate to get as a UDFA guy because of his injury history in College. I think he's a guy that based on what he'll show for us, could have easily been a 3rd or 4th round WR in the draft last season. I know he has yet to show it with production, but I just see such a explosive and smooth style from Q2. I see him as a Greg Jennings type. Now im not sure he'll ever match Jennings overall production. But just the style of play is the similar imo. Like Jennings isn't really great at any specific area of his game, he just seems to be polished and playing in a pass happy offense helps. I see the same with LQW, there's isn't really anything you'll find in his game that'll make you say wow, this guy is special, but while watching the game, you'll just see him making play after play.

I can't wait to see this offense come together this year.

[Dfence4champs2052]

I think it will really be moot because they'll likely be interchangeable working both sides and seeing where their strengths lie. They'll both be on both sides. Just give us sacks!!!

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Dfence4champs2052' timestamp='1341861957' post='1096398']
I think it will really be moot because they'll likely be interchangeable working both sides and seeing where their strengths lie. They'll both be on both sides. Just give us sacks!!!
[/quote]

Yea I actually think Kruger, Upshaw and Kindle will surprise some people this year. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but I'm a believer in, allowing guys to prove themselves when given the opportunity, rather then say what they are or aren't before we even see. I think this guys are more then pumped to get the opportunities to show and prove this year.


Kruger is a guy who was hampered by coaching decisions imo. I feel like he should have never been moved from his OLB position but Mattison thought it best to bulk Kruger up and use him at a 5 tech. Being back at OLB last season, there were times that Kruger was just unblockable and some times his pressure would lead to sacks for other players. I think we'll see his playmaking abilities on full display this year.

Kindle is a guy who has worlds of potential, which we saw flashes of in the preseason last season. I think people forget that last season was basically his rookie year, and because of what he had to overcome just to get back on the field, that him not seeing a lot of game action isn't a big deal imo.Kindle was mainly about pure athleticism last season. This year he'll have to add the technique and knowledge of the defense to his game. At 6'3 250 Kindle looks huge at times, and he's very quick off the ball. If he can adopt Pees approach to the defense, Kindle could very well have a 5.5-7 sack season imo. I don't see him as anything more then a situational pass rusher right now, but that could be a major role in our defense.

Upshaw is a guy who plays so much like Suggs, it's amazing that Ozzie continues to come up with these guys in the draft. Much like Suggs, Upshaw isn't really an elite pass rusher, in terms of moves, but he's a well rounded player who excels with his hand in the dirty. Like Suggs, he's a highly intelligent defender with a great first step, who can defeat you with power or speed. Both of these guys make a lot of plays off of pure hustle. I strongly believe that Suggs lacks the sack totals of some other top pass rushers, just because of fact that the Ravens ask Suggs to do far more then just rush from his rush OLB position. Suggs defends the screen, draw, cutback play as well as any OLB in the NFL. Also he eliminates RB on flare routes far more then people take notice of. I think because the Ravens won't ask Upshaw to do nearly as much as what Suggs did, that he'll be able to pin his ears back and rush far more, thus having a really strong rookie season.

I actually see both Kruger and Upshaw having at least 10 sacks this season. Upshaw will be in the running for RDOY, but i'm not sure he'll get it.

[rtrJerry]

[quote]
Ahhhh, an outsider finally opened his eyes.

Who was your other team before the ravens or are you just new to football completely.[/quote]

I've never gotten into NFL. I've always just stuck with NCAA football. I still like college ball better.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='rtrJerry' timestamp='1341881249' post='1096510']


I've never gotten into NFL. I've always just stuck with NCAA football. I still like college ball better.
[/quote]

Most do, but the Ravens are a great team to become a rabid fan of.

[Cville-Raven]

[quote name='rtrJerry' timestamp='1341881249' post='1096510']
I've never gotten into NFL. I've always just stuck with NCAA football. I still like college ball better.
[/quote]
Ehh college football has to much nonsense: about a million different Bowl games, rankings, and other stupid things. Not that I don't like College football, its just that some things about just turn me off.

[BMOREHAWAII]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1341888899' post='1096533']
Most do, but the Ravens are [b][size=4]THE ONLY [/size][/b][size=4]football [/size][size=4][size=3][size=4]team[/size][/size][/size] to become a rabid fan of.
[/quote]
Fixed

[BMOREHAWAII]

We have a plethora of unpolished gems we can unleash on the opposition, despite who is filling in for the time being.
I like our talent and where they are headed.

It will be huge benefactor when Suggs returns, and our D is already tearing it up.

[Dfence4champs2052]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1341866252' post='1096429']
Yea I actually think Kruger, Upshaw and Kindle will surprise some people this year. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part, but I'm a believer in, allowing guys to prove themselves when given the opportunity, rather then say what they are or aren't before we even see. I think this guys are more then pumped to get the opportunities to show and prove this year.


Kruger is a guy who was hampered by coaching decisions imo. I feel like he should have never been moved from his OLB position but Mattison thought it best to bulk Kruger up and use him at a 5 tech. Being back at OLB last season, there were times that Kruger was just unblockable and some times his pressure would lead to sacks for other players. I think we'll see his playmaking abilities on full display this year.

Kindle is a guy who has worlds of potential, which we saw flashes of in the preseason last season. I think people forget that last season was basically his rookie year, and because of what he had to overcome just to get back on the field, that him not seeing a lot of game action isn't a big deal imo.Kindle was mainly about pure athleticism last season. This year he'll have to add the technique and knowledge of the defense to his game. At 6'3 250 Kindle looks huge at times, and he's very quick off the ball. If he can adopt Pees approach to the defense, Kindle could very well have a 5.5-7 sack season imo. I don't see him as anything more then a situational pass rusher right now, but that could be a major role in our defense.

Upshaw is a guy who plays so much like Suggs, it's amazing that Ozzie continues to come up with these guys in the draft. Much like Suggs, Upshaw isn't really an elite pass rusher, in terms of moves, but he's a well rounded player who excels with his hand in the dirty. Like Suggs, he's a highly intelligent defender with a great first step, who can defeat you with power or speed. Both of these guys make a lot of plays off of pure hustle. I strongly believe that Suggs lacks the sack totals of some other top pass rushers, just because of fact that the Ravens ask Suggs to do far more then just rush from his rush OLB position. Suggs defends the screen, draw, cutback play as well as any OLB in the NFL. Also he eliminates RB on flare routes far more then people take notice of. I think because the Ravens won't ask Upshaw to do nearly as much as what Suggs did, that he'll be able to pin his ears back and rush far more, thus having a really strong rookie season.

I actually see both Kruger and Upshaw having at least 10 sacks this season. Upshaw will be in the running for RDOY, but i'm not sure he'll get it.
[/quote]

I agree 100%! why draft them and never give them an opportunity. It would make no sense. Plus they've shown spots of brillance (Kruger's pick for TD against Pitt anyone?) Let them play! Homegrown talent isn't as expensive either lol.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

welcome my friend , you will find since 1998 this team has been Dominant on D it only got better in 2000-2001 when they found a good running back. now the next thing you will notice this is like the Early 96 offense with our 2001 Defense. the big difference is the WRs we never had spectacular ones now we have a stable of them that seem to have to fight to get on the field. Don't listen to the talking heads , mark my words Joe may do a Brees on them. a few years back they said Drew Brees would do nothing because of being a new dad , he won the Lombardi . I expect Joe to repeat that pattern minus the bounty gate

[black blood purple passion]

I hope he throws Gronkowski into the stands in week 3.....and sacks brady in a brutal but clean hit....mind you he'll still get flagged.