Who Is Next To Be Cut?

[justifythegame]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1365124800' post='1425277']
Neither of these guys will go.

Graham is the only sure thing at CB right now. Webb is coming off of injury and Jimmy is still a question mark, although signs are encouraging. McClain is staying for the simple fact that no one else is behind him. Although they played well last year, Bynes and McClellan are still question marks. And it makes no sense to cut McClain in order to sign a much older Dansby.
[/quote]

Experience, veteran presence, and instincts for the position make a difference, we should know that from having Ray Lewis for 17 years. Dansby is coming off his best season ever. McClain can rack up tackles, but isn't a game changing linebacker that makes an impact on the field. He is coming of a serious injury as is more of a question mark than anyone you mentioned.

[justifythegame]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1365125257' post='1425284']
Leach probably won't be resigned next year and I won't be surprised if the Ravens use a low round pick on a FB and stash him on the IR or Practice Squad. So a redshirt year under one of the best FB is a good option, but run-heavy scheme with FB seems to be obsolete with the league going into a passing mode.
[/quote]

FBs can play a long time in the league, its obvious to me the Ravens missed have the presence of Lorenzo Neal several years back and decided Leach was worth the richest FB contract. Leach is imo the "right player" for ozzie and co. so they might be willing to overpay to keep him around.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1365125285' post='1425285']
Experience, veteran presence, and instincts for the position make a difference, we should know that from having Ray Lewis for 17 years. [b]Dansby is coming off his best season ever. McClain can rack up tackles, but isn't a game changing linebacker that makes an impact on the field.[/b] He is coming of a serious injury as is more of a question mark than anyone you mentioned.
[/quote]

It's ironic that you describe Jameel's play that way and claim Dansby had his best season last year. He set a career-high in tackles (according to NFL.com) but he's had better seasons.

[rmw10]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1365125285' post='1425285']
Experience, veteran presence, and instincts for the position make a difference, we should know that from having Ray Lewis for 17 years. Dansby is coming off his best season ever. McClain can rack up tackles, but isn't a game changing linebacker that makes an impact on the field. He is coming of a serious injury as is more of a question mark than anyone you mentioned.
[/quote]

The difference is that McClain won't save us much, $1.2 million if I remember correctly. It would cost us more to cut McClain and sign Dansby than it would to just keep McClain. In a very tight cap situation with a few holes that still need to be filled, it wouldn't be beneficial for the team at all. The only way I see McClain going this year is if he just can't get over this injury. I do highly doubt he'll be on the team in 2014, however.

[GrimCoconut]

McClain will only be gone if he is really injured. Consistency & system familiarity are very important & are forgotten, it seems, around here. I don't like McClain, but he probably knows the system better than any LB on the team. I doubt he is gone unless that spine is really bad. I don't even like McClain but I don't see him gone. Look at the Chris Carr situation & how that played out for a recent example.

Leach could go, but I think he'll play out his deal. Everyone but Leach seems to be getting cut. I expected Leach to be gone, but it seems we still value the FB & that's fine by me. I really like Leach.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1365123543' post='1425249']
I've got my money on Fly....dude just doesn't put in the time anymore lol
[/quote]
He's been replaced with the younger, more effective irrelevant one.

Wow, that's so many contradictions within itself it's funny

[HoldingCall]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1365099566' post='1424875']
Alot of ppl said Leach is next on the chopping block, but I don't think he is cuz he is great at run block and pass protection. He has also improved on his catching ability, so I think he will get restructured or probably his last year......
[/quote]

I agree with you! Leach also has special team value...and he is not vocal. I keep visualizing the fabulous block Leach laid to spring Jacoby's kick-off return for the touchdown that helped win the Superbowl.

Also, since many teams no longer use/have a Fullback how do they prepare for the Raven's? Using a TE in their prep practices just can't measure up.

[HoldingCall]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1365124658' post='1425275']
1. Corey Graham - due to make 2 mil, if they want to plan for the future and start Jimmy Smith a full season AND they draft a good CB early to mid rounds, they might cut Graham. They have Chykie Brown, Asa Jackson who are young players needing more experience and Chris Johnson for depth.

2. Jameel McClain - due to make 3 mil, he's coming back from a spinal injury, hes wasn't that great starting imo anyway...they might just decide to start completely fresh at MLB, draft 1 or 2 LBs, add a veteran like Urlacher/Dansby, and throw in Bynes and McClellen for competition to see if one of them emerge as a good player.
[/quote]

I'd be surprised to see Graham cut because he is also very good on special team. McClain may leave due to the type of injury.

[black blood purple passion]

[quote name='melvinmelon123' timestamp='1365118803' post='1425171']
I'm 99% sure that he can't be put on the practice squad.
[/quote]
[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1365119421' post='1425188']
Can't be put on the practice squad. He has way more than 9 games of experience.
[/quote]
[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1365120039' post='1425201']
You can only be on practice squad if you've played for less than 9 games.
[/quote]

oh rats....well then if he doesn't show anything in pre season, cut him.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1365124658' post='1425275']
1. Corey Graham - due to make 2 mil, if they want to plan for the future and start Jimmy Smith a full season AND they draft a good CB early to mid rounds, they might cut Graham. They have Chykie Brown, Asa Jackson who are young players needing more experience and Chris Johnson for depth.

2. Jameel McClain - due to make 3 mil, he's coming back from a spinal injury, hes wasn't that great starting imo anyway...they might just decide to start completely fresh at MLB, draft 1 or 2 LBs, add a veteran like Urlacher/Dansby, and throw in Bynes and McClellen for competition to see if one of them emerge as a good player.
[/quote]

1. No. $2 Mil is nothing for a guy who has proven he can be a starting CB and a playmaker at the position as well. If anything they should consider extending him (they won't because he's current deal is a bargain), but he won't be cut.

2. No again. They stuck with him through last year and I still believe he'll be back. Remember if not for his injury Ellerbe wouldn't have been the top dog next to Ray Lewis in the Super Bowl, the team had already decided they like McClain more than Ellerbe. If he's not totally recovered from his spinal injury I think he'll start on the PUP.

[cursona pirate]

I don't want to see Leach go.

[T-ray]

[quote name='cursona pirate' timestamp='1365175919' post='1425652']
I don't want to see Leach go.
[/quote]

Me either... he's one of my fave players with the way that he plays. But, that looks like a possibility we may have to face sooner or later, if the FO decides to go that route. We'll be fine without him, because we've always had the knack of finding excellent fullback after excellent fullback, if we do go that route. Just look at the loss of Ovie Mughelli and LaRon Mcclain for perfect examples of that. Plus, we may run the up tempo no huddle offense much more without him. But thats just mere speculation to say that he will be cut at all at this point.

[justifythegame]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1365125696' post='1425288']
It's ironic that you describe Jameel's play that way and claim Dansby had his best season last year. He set a career-high in tackles (according to NFL.com) but he's had better seasons.
[/quote]
u got me there

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='cursona pirate' timestamp='1365175919' post='1425652']
I don't want to see Leach go.
[/quote]
Neither do I. I really don't think anyone does. It's like Boldin. This situation is different, however, as Leach is a very valuable lead blocker for Ray Rice. I think Leach will stay. All accounts seem to be pointing in that direction. I think Leach is the last guy we want to cut.

[Gordo52]

People who make the total reasonable argument that they don't want him because he's getting overpaid for seeing less then 30% of snaps, also need to account for how much Ray Rice needs him and that he's in Caldwells new offense. Next season he could see around 50% of snaps and I will be happy. I'm sure the league average of FB snaps a season had to be extremely low last year. However we have the best in the league, who's very effective for our offense.

I hope he don't rack up the penalties next year dropping his head on people. I'm gonna miss seeing it.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='cursona pirate' timestamp='1365175919' post='1425652']
I don't want to see Leach go.
[/quote]
Didn't you hear? He's moving to MLB like Hall is.

Actually, I would like to see leach as a LB for a day

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1365274682' post='1426681']

Didn't you hear? He's moving to MLB like Hall is.

Actually, I would like to see leach as a LB for a day
[/quote]
I thought about this as well. I would love to have Leach as a LB. Not sure if he can cover. That's the problem.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1365278473' post='1426719']
I thought about this as well. I would love to have Leach as a LB. Not sure if he can cover. That's the problem.
[/quote]
Just have him hit a guy lol

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1365278672' post='1426723']
Just have him hit a guy lol
[/quote]

strong safety?

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1365248928' post='1426420']
People who make the total reasonable argument that they don't want him because he's getting overpaid for seeing less then 30% of snaps, also need to account for how much Ray Rice needs him and that he's in Caldwells new offense. Next season he could see around 50% of snaps and I will be happy. I'm sure the league average of FB snaps a season had to be extremely low last year. However we have the best in the league, who's very effective for our offense.

I hope he don't rack up the penalties next year dropping his head on people. I'm gonna miss seeing it.
[/quote]

I thought that penalty only applied to runners in the open field?

[display name]

[quote name='cursona pirate' timestamp='1365175919' post='1425652']
I don't want to see Leach go.
[/quote]
I would rather restruct his contract; I don't think people realize just how vital he really was. Though it will be hard for him to be quite what he once was with the helmet rules and all. He and Boldin were two of the most physical players on our offense in a while.
As others have hinted at, I don't think anything will really happen between now and the draft.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365363029' post='1427238']


I thought that penalty only applied to runners in the open field?
[/quote]
I thought it was for everyone at any time.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1365363666' post='1427245']
I thought it was for everyone at any time.
[/quote]No, it's still legal inside the tackles. Or at least that's my interpretation.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1365363666' post='1427245']
I thought it was for everyone at any time.
[/quote]

"[color=#333333][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]It will now be a 15-yard penalty if a player who is more than three yards downfield or outside of the tackle box delivers a blow with the crown of his helmet." - Nfl.com[/size][/font][/color]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#333333][size=3]So, Leach could be affected, but he'll still be good for his in the box blows.[/size][/color]

[color=#333333][size=3]Honestly, this penalty will not last. If this rule is enforced, there will be double-digit penalties every game. [/size][/color][/font]

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365364083' post='1427248']
"[color=#333333][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]It will now be a 15-yard penalty if a player who is more than three yards downfield or outside of the tackle box delivers a blow with the crown of his helmet." - Nfl.com[/size][/font][/color]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#333333][size=3]So, Leach could be affected, but he'll still be good for his in the box blows.[/size][/color]

[b][color=#333333][size=3]Honestly, this penalty will not last. If this rule is enforced, there will be double-digit penalties every game. [/size][/color][/b][/font]
[/quote]AP gonna be pissed.

[The Raven]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1365364458' post='1427255']
AP gonna be pissed.
[/quote]

Shoot, every running back should be. Every linebacker should be. There are a ton of players who will be adversely affected by this. I guarantee that we'll be seeing double-digit flags every game, and we will see the players actively voice their opinion on the rule. That is, if the penalty is actively enforced. For all we know, the refs might be lenient on that rule. I doubt it, giving all of their questionable unnecessary roughness calls, but it remains a possibility.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365364913' post='1427260']
Shoot, every running back should be. Every linebacker should be. There are a ton of players who will be adversely affected by this. I guarantee that we'll be seeing double-digit flags every game, and we will see the players actively voice their opinion on the rule. That is, if the penalty is actively enforced. For all we know, the refs might be lenient on that rule. I doubt it, giving all of their questionable unnecessary roughness calls, but it remains a possibility.
[/quote]It's going to be a judgement thing for sure. Just like PI is (which I loathe). I think it'll be enforced if it's excessively violent but I'm hoping they refs will let the guys play if it was unintentional. But I do think a call is warranted if the back lowers his head in anticipation and then runs over the defender with the crown of his helmet. That kind of stuff is unnecessary and risks the players to injury.

[chappers11]

All depends how we draft but unless someone gets cut by another team that we want I can't see anyone being cut until we need to get to 53

[Bltravens]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365364083' post='1427248']
"[color=#333333][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]It will now be a 15-yard penalty if a player who is more than three yards downfield or outside of the tackle box delivers a blow with the crown of his helmet." - Nfl.com[/size][/font][/color]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][color=#333333][size=3]So, Leach could be affected, but he'll still be good for his in the box blows.[/size][/color]

[color=#333333][size=3]Honestly, this penalty will not last. If this rule is enforced, there will be double-digit penalties every game. [/size][/color][/font]
[/quote]
Isn't this just to protect defensive players against offensive guys using their helmet like a battering ram? Thats all I ever interpreted it as. Helmet to helmet contact would be ok if its the side of the helmet in a shoulder to shoulder collision.

[Yatagarasu]

I think we will let Leach to play out his contract. We can invest a low round pick on a FB to learn under Leach for a year. However, in today's NFL, a lot of teams are exchanging FBs for TEs or whatever. However, ground pounders like Alfred Morris and Adrian Peterson wouldn't have succeeded a lot without their quality FBs like Darrel Young and Jerome Felton.

Leach is getting paid a lot more than the nearest competitor, but that's the price of a three straight All-Pro. I love Leach's mentality, but his price tag is high, especially if the team decide to pass more than run.