In Ozzie We Trust (The Ravens Free Agency Thread)

[rmw10]

Don't expect us to make anymore moves.  Under the rule of 51, we are currently $4.383M under the cap after the Leach/Shiancoe signings.  Remember that ones final cuts pass, everyone counts against the cap.  We'll need ~$1M for players 52 and 53, likely ~$2M for IR/PUP guys, and some more for practice squad guys.  We need a reserve amount for future moves.  We don't have enough to get anyone else, really.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Don't expect us to make anymore moves.  Under the rule of 51, we are currently $4.383M under the cap after the Leach/Shiancoe signings.  Remember that ones final cuts pass, everyone counts against the cap.  We'll need ~$1M for players 52 and 53, likely ~$2M for IR/PUP guys, and some more for practice squad guys.  We need a reserve amount for future moves.  We don't have enough to get anyone else, really.

tight is the general word there, agree

[CARavensFan]

Just saw this:

 

NFL suspended Ravens CB Asa Jackson eight games for violating the NFL's policy against performance enhancing substances.

Aug 2 - 4:12 PM

 

Source

[Sami84]

ummm. what about santana moss on a 1 year deal? I'm sure a late round pick would suffice.

[CARavensFan]

ummm. what about santana moss on a 1 year deal? I'm sure a late round pick would suffice.

A few years ago I'd be interested, but does he have anything left? I haven't heard much about him the past year with Griffin in DC.

[SecretAgentMan]

For the last damn time. If Ozzie knew there was a problem he'd try to fix it.

He obviously believes in the talent HE picked.

We ain't picking up anyone, because one of the guys we got has to be good.

[JO_75]

For the last damn time. If Ozzie knew there was a problem he'd try to fix it.

He obviously believes in the talent HE picked.

We ain't picking up anyone, because one of the guys we got has to be good.

 

After tonight, I truly think every one here lost the right to criticize anything Ozzie does no matter how "stupid" of a move it may be. The fact is that Ozzie picked a future Hall of Famer with the first pick in Ravens history in 1996. How many new teams can sit there and say the very first draft pick in the team's history was a Hall of Famer. Only one(at least to my knowledge), and that's us.

 

In five years, we'll be able to say that we drafted two Hall of Famers with out first two picks. I bet many GMs to this day sit there and wonder how did that happen, that kind of luck, or destiny as I call it just doesn't happen with a brand new team. 

 

Like Ozzie said, Modell told him to pick a flashy player to help sell tickets. He didn't pick the flashy player not to go against the idea of bringing in a flashy player to help sell tickets, and in the words of Ozzie, it wasn't going to be popular pick but he knew it would be a great pick, something that I believe is the motto he lives by every April.

 

Fact is, In Ozzie We Trust isn't just a catch phrase to describe the off-season in Baltimore, it's been the Ravens way since 1996.

[SecretAgentMan]

Also after tonight, I truly think every one here lost the right to criticize anything Ozzie does no matter how "stupid" of a move it may be. The fact is that Ozzie picked a future Hall of Famer with the first pick in Ravens history in 1996. Like Ozzie said, Modell told him to pick a flashy player to help sell ticket. Yet, Ozzie knew that it wasn't going to be popular pick but a great pick, something that I believe is the motto he lives by every April.

Fact is, In Ozzie We Trust isn't just a catch phrase to describe the off-season in Baltimore, it's the Ravens way.

His first two picks were hall of famers.

They had no right anyway

[SecretAgentMan]

Ed Dickson strained hamstring

[beanfigger]

Ed Dickson strained hamstring

 

Not serious, according to Harbaugh.  He said he was pulled for precautionary reasons.

[CARavensFan]

Ed Dickson strained hamstring

:P

[SecretAgentMan]

:P

Yep. It's TE beginning of the end :p

[CARavensFan]

Yep. It's TE beginning of the end :P

 

Our season's hopes and dreams:

[Ravenseconbeast]

ummm. what about santana moss on a 1 year deal? I'm sure a late round pick would suffice.

I would check out laurent robinson out first. Maybe our WR pool is bad enough to fit him in.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

there's no way we make it back to the super bowl with Boldins contract.  It was just too much.

 

People need to move on, Boldin was not worth 4 players and he was getting paid like it.

 

Loved Q, but could not agree more. Too many teams fall by the way side trying to 'keep the band together' for another hurrah - when realistically, this is not how it works. Teams must evolved, otherwise, they will fall behind the curve quickly. 

[Sami84]

I think it's worth being honest here and up until proven otherwise, on paper this is the weakest receiving core we have had in many years. I can't see Ozzie not making a move unless someone really shows up. I can't see tandon doss doing it for us.

[rmw10]

I heard a reporter (maybe Aaron Wilson, don't quote me, I was in and out) on the radio at work today and they asked him what he thought about the receiving/tight end core.

 

He said Doss, Thompson, and Reed have all been very impressive, despite reports.  They dropped a lot at the beginning of camp but they've been very consistent as of late.  Streeter and Mellette have been very bad, according to him.  Neither is playing physical and they're both struggling with a lot of drops.  LaQuan seems to be in the lead for spot #6, with Marlon Brown inching his way up.

 

At tight end, Shiancoe and Bajema have taken the majority of snaps with the first team.  Shiancoe is starting to get the offense down and Bajema has been a solid pass catcher and blocker thus far.  Now, the point that surprised me... Furstenburg has been merely below average to average, despite reports.  He said he regularly sees Furst performing against our 3rd string D, but struggles mightily when facing the 1st and 2nd.

 

Take it for what it's worth.  Usually I don't like to go by reports, but this guy does see them at practice everyday.

[5aiah]

I think it's worth being honest here and up until proven otherwise, on paper this is the weakest receiving core we have had in many years. I can't see Ozzie not making a move unless someone really shows up. I can't see tandon doss doing it for us.

We don't have a choice. Signing a FA will only stunt these guys development. Best thing we can do is let it ride on the young guys and hope by playoff time they are ready for the big time. 

[gabefergy]

I think it's worth being honest here and up until proven otherwise, on paper this is the weakest receiving core we have had in many years. I can't see Ozzie not making a move unless someone really shows up. I can't see tandon doss doing it for us.

I guess on paper, you could say that because half the WRs do not have stats, but 2008- 2010 were far worse IMO. Clayton, past-his-prime Mason, and 1 year of average play from Boldin were not good receiving corps. Heck, even 2011 was comparable considering Torrey was incredibly raw. I think this group has a chance to be the best WR corps the Ravens have ever had.

[SecretAgentMan]

I guess on paper, you could say that because half the WRs do not have stats, but 2008- 2010 were far worse IMO. Clayton, past-his-prime Mason, and 1 year of average play from Boldin were not good receiving corps. Heck, even 2011 was comparable considering Torrey was incredibly raw. I think this group has a chance to be the best WR corps the Ravens have ever had.

But Gabe, we don't have a proven guy. We need a young gun to develop more, because he needs development over playing time.

We're screwed without it

*****
Sarcasm

[Ravenseconbeast]

I guess on paper, you could say that because half the WRs do not have stats, but 2008- 2010 were far worse IMO. Clayton, past-his-prime Mason, and 1 year of average play from Boldin were not good receiving corps. Heck, even 2011 was comparable considering Torrey was incredibly raw. I think this group has a chance to be the best WR corps the Ravens have ever had.

I dont like the way you mention mason that way, just so you can prove your point. He was a warrior for us, and always been productive..

Going back on the topic, this is a FA thread. Is it so bad for people to speculate a possible FA WR if we happen to need one later in the season?

[5aiah]

I guess on paper, you could say that because half the WRs do not have stats, but 2008- 2010 were far worse IMO. Clayton, past-his-prime Mason, and 1 year of average play from Boldin were not good receiving corps. Heck, even 2011 was comparable considering Torrey was incredibly raw. I think this group has a chance to be the best WR corps the Ravens have ever had.

Are you saying this year they could be the best WR corps? That is incredibly naive, especially when all of these guys are still dropping passes and they aren't even taking big hits. Also what you fail to understand is the lack of proven durability aside from Torrey and Jacoby. You have to see how these guys can play through the nagging injuries or stay completely healthy. So not only are their hands,route running, and toughness unproven, but also their durability, something you are taking for granted right now. By the way Mason was terrific for us and Clayton wasn't as bad as you make him out to be. We don't even have a true starting WR opposite Torrey and no possession TE to help these guys out and give them time to develop further in the season without being relied on. On paper and on the field this WR corps doesn't yet match up to any of the previous ones because there are no starters aside from Torrey. All WR corps have the chance to be the best the Ravens ever had when they have't stepped on the field yet. That being said i hope we don't grab one still. Let these guys fight it out all season. They won't be ready until late. 

[Sami84]

Mason and Clayton were actually far more productive for us compared to Torrey and jacoby respectively. Heap had some decent seasons for us as well.

[5aiah]

Mason and Clayton were actually far more productive for us compared to Torrey and jacoby respectively. Heap had some decent seasons for us as well.

I'm all for optimism but jeez, no matter who gets traded or injured this year's receiving group will be magical. The homerism is rampant. Lol. Then they all find ways to put down previous Ravens to make their points too. What do we know though, Jacoby will catch 100 passes and push Megatron for best WR.

[Sami84]

I'm all for optimism but jeez, no matter who gets traded or injured this year's receiving group will be magical. The homerism is rampant. Lol. Then they all find ways to put down previous Ravens to make their points too. What do we know though, Jacoby will catch 100 passes and push Megatron for best WR.

I know. If we traded pitta everyone would have said. It doesn't matter, he's 28 Dickson has more upside. If we traded Dickson, it doesn't matter, pitta is the man while Dickson is just butterfingers. If we traded torrey smith. It doesn't matter, we are only losing 50 receptions for 800 yards or so. We trade boldin, it doesn't matter, he's old . We release tandon doss, he's a scrub. We keep him, he's the real deal,it doesn't matter that h hasn't shown anything in 2 years, he's better than proven options. The reality is there was more cAuse for optimisim regarding mark Clayton who had a pretty darn good 2006 season. Close to 1000 yards.

[5aiah]

We keep him, he's the real deal,it doesn't matter that h hasn't shown anything in 2 years, he's better than proven options. The reality is there was more cAuse for optimisim regarding mark Clayton who had a pretty darn good 2006 season. Close to 1000 yards.

I know it is the weirdest thing. The same guys who make fun of Streeter fans, go and overhype a possession receiver who drops routine passes, and claim he can fill in for Boldin. I miss Clayton, still have his bobble head I got from a gas station alongside my other Ravens bobble heads.

[gabefergy]

Are you saying this year they could be the best WR corps? That is incredibly naive, especially when all of these guys are still dropping passes and they aren't even taking big hits. Also what you fail to understand is the lack of proven durability aside from Torrey and Jacoby. You have to see how these guys can play through the nagging injuries or stay completely healthy. So not only are their hands,route running, and toughness unproven, but also their durability, something you are taking for granted right now. By the way Mason was terrific for us and Clayton wasn't as bad as you make him out to be. We don't even have a true starting WR opposite Torrey and no possession TE to help these guys out and give them time to develop further in the season without being relied on. On paper and on the field this WR corps doesn't yet match up to any of the previous ones because there are no starters aside from Torrey. All WR corps have the chance to be the best the Ravens ever had when they have't stepped on the field yet. That being said i hope we don't grab one still. Let these guys fight it out all season. They won't be ready until late.

Nope. I don't fail to understand anything. I just have better perspective than you. We have never had great weapons for Joe. That is my point. Last year is probably the best receiving corps we have ever had, but prior to that there have been serious struggles. You can misremember how bad our WR situation has been in the past all you want, but it doesnt change the fact that Clayton was bad. Extremely inconsistent. He was no more talented than Deonte is. I would much rather have Torrey as the #1 than 35 yr old Mason.You and others see inexperience and assume that means bad. In actuality we have several players that can be quality NFL receivers, but they just haven't had the opportunity yet. These guys aren't rookies. They have been in the system for 2, 3, and 4 years. Of course there can be hiccups, but the potential is there for a lot of production. The one constant is Joe Flacco and as long as he is behind center he will find players to throw the ball to.

[gabefergy]

I know it is the weirdest thing. The same guys who make fun of Streeter fans, go and overhype a possession receiver who drops routine passes, and claim he can fill in for Boldin. I miss Clayton, still have his bobble head I got from a gas station alongside my other Ravens bobble heads.

Clayton was terrible.

[gabefergy]

Mason and Clayton were actually far more productive for us compared to Torrey and jacoby respectively. Heap had some decent seasons for us as well.

You are kind of making my point for me. If old Derrick Mason and stone hands Mark Clayton can be productive with a lesser QB, why can we not have production from Torrey, Jacoby, Deonte, and Tandon from one if the best QBs in the game. You act like these guys are talentless, by the fact is you just haven't seen them play.

[gabefergy]

I dont like the way you mention mason that way, just so you can prove your point. He was a warrior for us, and always been productive..

Going back on the topic, this is a FA thread. Is it so bad for people to speculate a possible FA WR if we happen to need one later in the season?

Mason was very productive, but he was also limited in what he could do by the end if his career. He was a great route runner and he caught everything, but similar to Boldin he got shut down by good CBs.

Is it wrong to talk about bringing in a vet? I don't think there is any right or wrong, but assuming that it will be necessary is premature. I highly doubt another receiver is brought it in. I think midway through the season there will be slot of people eating crow.