John Clayton's observations

[Dfence4champs2052]

[quote name='Juviebest' timestamp='1344257579' post='1110968']
Only one thing I disagree with and that was "Webb is one of the better corners in the AFC North"....should read "the NFL".
[/quote]

Honestly, I thought the same thing too when I read that.

[RavensAllTheWay]

The positions I can honestly say I would consider weaknesses are LT, OLB and NT.

McKinnie was inconsistent, but still serviceable last year. However, his apparent bad worth ethic is really starting to test my patience, and I'm still not sold on Oher at that spot until I see the improvement. Revenge against Abraham this Thursday night, IF he plays on the left, would be a good starting point.

I heard from a camp report yesterday on NFLN that we planned on using Kruger on passing downs as a rusher, while Upshaw would primarily be in on the early, more run-friendly downs. My question: if they're interchanging, who's playing the opposite spot? Kindle? Is he finally getting up to football speed after his incident? Something like that is very difficult to recover from, and be able to play NFL football at a high level after. McClellan, who I like, but I see primarily as depth?

Reports are that Cody has been at the training facilities more often than most guys this offseason, and that he's working hard to up his game. I would like to have someone who can take his place on a few plays if necessary. Hopefully that will be McBean when he comes back from suspension. Terrence had been nothing special in the middle since his starting days began. Hopefully the hard work pays off, that would create a deadly talented D line with Ngata on one side and McPhee on the other.

I'm comfortable with the other positions. Someone up to the task will earn that LG spot, so I don't worry there.

[Blex64]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1344372938' post='1111960']
The positions I can honestly say I would consider weaknesses are LT, OLB and NT.

McKinnie was inconsistent, but still serviceable last year. However, his apparent bad worth ethic is really starting to test my patience, and I'm still not sold on Oher at that spot until I see the improvement. Revenge against Abraham this Thursday night, IF he plays on the left, would be a good starting point.

I heard from a camp report yesterday on NFLN that we planned on using Kruger on passing downs as a rusher, while Upshaw would primarily be in on the early, more run-friendly downs. My question: if they're interchanging, who's playing the opposite spot? Kindle? Is he finally getting up to football speed after his incident? Something like that is very difficult to recover from, and be able to play NFL football at a high level after. McClellan, who I like, but I see primarily as depth?

Reports are that Cody has been at the training facilities more often than most guys this offseason, and that he's working hard to up his game. I would like to have someone who can take his place on a few plays if necessary. Hopefully that will be McBean when he comes back from suspension. Terrence had been nothing special in the middle since his starting days began. Hopefully the hard work pays off, that would create a deadly talented D line with Ngata on one side and McPhee on the other.

I'm comfortable with the other positions. Someone up to the task will earn that LG spot, so I don't worry there.
[/quote]

Kruger is probably going to be a a fulltime player. I'd say we're more likely to see some sort of Upshaw/Kindle/McClellan rotation on the opposite side.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1344372938' post='1111960']
The positions I can honestly say I would consider weaknesses are LT, OLB and NT.

McKinnie was inconsistent, but still serviceable last year. However, his apparent bad worth ethic is really starting to test my patience, and I'm still not sold on Oher at that spot until I see the improvement. Revenge against Abraham this Thursday night, IF he plays on the left, would be a good starting point.

I heard from a camp report yesterday on NFLN that we planned on using Kruger on passing downs as a rusher, while Upshaw would primarily be in on the early, more run-friendly downs. My question: if they're interchanging, who's playing the opposite spot? Kindle? Is he finally getting up to football speed after his incident? Something like that is very difficult to recover from, and be able to play NFL football at a high level after. McClellan, who I like, but I see primarily as depth?

Reports are that Cody has been at the training facilities more often than most guys this offseason, and that he's working hard to up his game. I would like to have someone who can take his place on a few plays if necessary. Hopefully that will be McBean when he comes back from suspension. Terrence had been nothing special in the middle since his starting days began. Hopefully the hard work pays off, that would create a deadly talented D line with Ngata on one side and McPhee on the other.

I'm comfortable with the other positions. Someone up to the task will earn that LG spot, so I don't worry there.
[/quote]
You think he's been "nothing special", but that's because nose tackles compile the fewest stats of any defensive player. They're the most forgotten-about players on that side of the ball. But the Ravens finished 2nd in run defense thanks to a monster in the middle. Cody's conditioning and strength is the best it's ever been. Much better than last year at this time, and when he came into the league, his hand placement and technique was raw. He should be playing every snap we need at NT this year (it's not really a 3rd-and-long position) and should be encroaching on Pro-Bowl status. NT is not an issue for us.

Kruger is still learning run-stuffing/edge-setting technique but he's made big improvements so far. We're too far away from week 1 for anyone to say he needs to be subbed in on rushing downs. Upshaw won't even be playing on Thursday in all likeliness, so I don't know why we should believe whoever said that.

With Upshaw temporarily out, McClellan would be the 1st and 2nd down guy opposite Kruger. He's played ILB, so I doubt he would have problems defending the run.

[The Raven]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1344372938' post='1111960']
The positions I can honestly say I would consider weaknesses are LT, OLB and NT.

McKinnie was inconsistent, but still serviceable last year. However, his apparent bad worth ethic is really starting to test my patience, and I'm still not sold on Oher at that spot until I see the improvement. Revenge against Abraham this Thursday night, IF he plays on the left, would be a good starting point.

I heard from a camp report yesterday on NFLN that we planned on using Kruger on passing downs as a rusher, while Upshaw would primarily be in on the early, more run-friendly downs. My question: if they're interchanging, who's playing the opposite spot? Kindle? Is he finally getting up to football speed after his incident? Something like that is very difficult to recover from, and be able to play NFL football at a high level after. McClellan, who I like, but I see primarily as depth?

Reports are that Cody has been at the training facilities more often than most guys this offseason, and that he's working hard to up his game. I would like to have someone who can take his place on a few plays if necessary. Hopefully that will be McBean when he comes back from suspension. Terrence had been nothing special in the middle since his starting days began. Hopefully the hard work pays off, that would create a deadly talented D line with Ngata on one side and McPhee on the other.

I'm comfortable with the other positions. Someone up to the task will earn that LG spot, so I don't worry there.
[/quote]

LT is not a short term weakness. Despite his laziness and off the field distractions, McKinnie is a great tackle. Not a weakness at all.

NT could be considered a weakness but only because of less than stellar depth.

OLB could also be considered a weakness due to depth. Also, Kruger will be starting. Stop listening to that nonsense about Kruger only being a rusher. Kruger and Upshaw will both be the starters. I'm pretty sure Harbaugh has said that Kruger will start. If the reports saying that Upshaw and Kindle are dominating in camp are accurate, I feel pretty comfortable there.

[Tiz]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1343927355' post='1108739']


Who in the sports media hates the Ravens? I've seen more Ravens coverage and love in the media in the past 3 years than ever with exception to the post super bowl year. Thats like saying the media hates the giants, 49ers, texans etc...perhaps they may be good teams that aren't as hyped as a team like the patriots. Maybe rooting for the home team you would like to c ur team get more respect but the media doesn't go out of their way to hate the ravens.
[/quote]

I hear it a lot on this mb but honestly I don't care.
I'm not a fan of Clayton regardless of what he writers either

[ravefan52]

Clayton pretty much summed up all the good things people have been trying to say all camp

[Cville-Raven]

[quote name='Juviebest' timestamp='1344257579' post='1110968']
Only one thing I disagree with and that was "Webb is one of the better corners in the AFC North"....should read "the NFL".
[/quote]
For one he's the best corner in the AFCN; no disrespect to Taylor or Haden.

[berad]

[quote name='Dfence4champs2052' timestamp='1344370094' post='1111895']
It's funny too because he was a Steeler beat writer at one point lol. I like his point of view as well.
[/quote]

Just goes to show that anyone can be redeemed.

[Blackbirds Rule]

Thanks for posting the article. I really like Clayton's work. I don't like it when you have analysts that never see a team play or practice and just report things as fact.