41 replies to this topic

[Dudeman]

Perhaps the most under-rated Raven of all time was Jarret Johnson #95. A lot of players have come and gone over the years, and the Ravens D remained the same. This past off-season I didn't like losing JJ one bit. I thought last year was one of his best to date, especially from a leadership standpoint.

I know the likelihood of bringing him back is slim to none. But I can't think of one other player who really better embodied the Ravens way. Just a blue collar guy whose departure was as under-rated as his tenure. But I loved him for the big hit on Hines Ward in week 1 last year, and the iron man tough as nails way he played.

For how long pundits have said we needed to find the guy "opposite" of T. Suggs. What they didn't realize was he was already there! Was he the flashiest player with the biggest stats? Heck no, but he got pressure on the QB, and was basically the trashman of the defense. He was always there to clean up the mess, and he knows the D inside and out.

So why was he let go? It wouldn't have taken a lot to keep him, and the only reason I could think was that maybe he wouldn't be a starter 2-3 years from now.

But man oh man I would love to have him back now. Not to knock on Kruger or Upshaw either, or as an every down kind of player. But to put him in to do what he does best, and thats stopping the run.

[The Raven]

We let him go for two reasons. The defense needed to get younger. We couldn't afford him. It was necessary to let him go so our younger defensive players could develop.

[Bltravens]

He really didn't provide much pressure on QBs at all.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

He really didn't provide much pressure on QBs at all.

We have Suggs back, that will help, this would help soo much with the run. SD wont do it tho......

[berad]

He barely plays in San Diego, that should tell you something. The bigger loss was probably Redding, with the way the DL is getting pushed around.

[baltravens]

I do not at all cry over JJ because Upshaw will fill that role as soon as he gets up to speed.

[horus13corvineus]

He barely plays in San Diego, that should tell you something. The bigger loss was probably Redding, with the way the DL is getting pushed around.

agree, we miss Cory the most... Upshaw will take his game up a level playing alongside Suggs so yeah... dline help is what we need most

[K-Dog]

I-95 got a sweet pay check in S.D. that would not have been in our best interest to compeat with.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

I do not at all cry over JJ because Upshaw will fill that role as soon as he gets up to speed.

Upshaw will be better. He has the chance to be a pro bowler bc he actually has pass rush ability.

[redrum52]

With Kruger back in his situational role and Upshaw in JJs spot the run d will start to improve. The pass rush will as well if Ngata can come back healthy. I still don't know why we're playing him with a bad MCL. Seems like that is something that could cause either damage. I think what we need to do is start bumping or at least showing bump. Our corners are terrible when they play off.

[Ravens<3]

In a year or two we won't want him. I wish we would have brought him back in the offseason now inn hindsight, but It's to late now.

[gabefergy]

We could have used JJ when Suggs was out, but now that Sizzle is back we really dont need him. Upshaw is making plays and will only get better with more playing time. As others have pointed out, the guy we really miss is Cory Redding and I think to a lesser extent Brandon McKinney. Our D-line rotation is pathetic with a banged up Ngata the only difference maker. McPhee has been up and down, and Arthur Jones has been a big dissappointment this season.

[H8R]

I agree , Redding was the cog up front me miss the most. JJ was overpaid, but good for home for making some scratch. We need to see McPhee get down in size a bit to see the pass rush come back. he's probably 30lbs heavier then last year.

[Dudeman]

Don't get me wrong I miss Redding too. He was one of my favorite players last year.

But I am surprised there isn't a lot of love for JJ. I mean the guy was the consumate pro when he was with us, and on any other team he would've been a pro-bowler. Also I have watched him play for the Chargers, he still looks like he's got it.

Again, not knocking Kruger or Upshaw either. I think Upshaw has a bright future, and has impressed me so far. But again, right now I miss JJ. I guess we'll just have to see how the run D looks next week against the Browns but they maybe without Richardson so....

[K-Dog]

I was as big of a JJ fan as the next guy dont get me wrong. Even with Suggs back he is missed.
The problem is I dont write the checks for the Ravens. ( I would totally crush the cap if that were the case )

[berad]

Don't get me wrong I miss Redding too. He was one of my favorite players last year.

But I am surprised there isn't a lot of love for JJ. I mean the guy was the consumate pro when he was with us, and on any other team he would've been a pro-bowler. Also I have watched him play for the Chargers, he still looks like he's got it.

Again, not knocking Kruger or Upshaw either. I think Upshaw has a bright future, and has impressed me so far. But again, right now I miss JJ. I guess we'll just have to see how the run D looks next week against the Browns but they maybe without Richardson so....

I don't think so, I think the Ravens allowed him to maximize his talent. He was a beast in the running game but gave you next to nothing in coverage or as a pass-rusher.

[H8R]

I don't think so, I think the Ravens allowed him to maximize his talent. He was a beast in the running game but gave you next to nothing in coverage or as a pass-rusher.

I agree 100 percent. He was able to do half the job that AD did. He was a great run player, but not much else. The great thing about him is he was durable, and gritty !

[Bltravens]

We have Suggs back, that will help, this would help soo much with the run. SD wont do it tho......

Not especially, with Suggs back JJ would provide nothing. Upshaw does almost as much as JJ did in the run game, he just doesn't anchor the edge quite as well, but he makes as many plays as JJ did. Plus Upshaw is younger, runs better and has more potential. They need to stop messing with Kruger and McClellan now that Suggs is back and just let Upshaw play until he needs a breather. McClellan has no legit talent and Kruger plays well one game and then is a detriment the next. I thought the KC game he finally figured it out and then he goes out the next two games and does crap all. Especially against Dallas' line, terrible.

Our rush defense is terrible because we have Art Jones, Pernell McPhee 10 pounds overweight and god only knows what the hell has happened to Cody, playing on the line.

[Bravens292]

redding is twice the loss of JJ right now. Upshaw is fine. DE across from Ngata, not so much.

[Mr. Irrelevant]

redding is twice the loss of JJ right now. Upshaw is fine. DE across from Ngata, not so much.

I agree, now what do we do to get him back??????