Will the offense be better or worse this year?

[The Raven]

Yeah, I liked how we got Leach involved in those plays where he ran or he caught the ball. It was fun to see him truck a guy after catching or running the rock. Loved it. I'll definitely miss him. 

 

To springboard off of that comment, imagine how much better Juice could run those plays. Trying not to take anything away from Vonta, but Juice will be double the threat. Just trying to find some optimism about the situation. 

[K-Dog]

To springboard off of that comment, imagine how much better Juice could run those plays. Trying not to take anything away from Vonta, but Juice will be double the threat. Just trying to find some optimism about the situation.

Legit observation .
If Juice is as advertised, we are improved.
That doesn't mean we won't miss Leach of course.

[CARavensFan]

Legit observation .
If Juice is as advertised, we are improved.
That doesn't mean we won't miss Leach of course.

 

I think this right here is the reason we are letting go of Leach, they wanted to reduce his salary because I think he would have been in even fewer plays than last year because of the versatility that Juice brings to the table. Kyle allows us to go from a power run formation to a spread formation without changing our players, which in turn keep opposing defenses from changing personnel.

 

As much as I will miss Leach, I think this move helps the offense as a whole and will allow us to go faster and more no-huddle like we did to start the season last year.

[Ravensfan23]

I think this right here is the reason we are letting go of Leach, they wanted to reduce his salary because I think he would have been in even fewer plays than last year because of the versatility that Juice brings to the table. Kyle allows us to go from a power run formation to a spread formation without changing our players, which in turn keep opposing defenses from changing personnel.

 

As much as I will miss Leach, I think this move helps the offense as a whole and will allow us to go faster and more no-huddle like we did to start the season last year.

 

competely agree. You get a base set of Pitta, Dickson, Smith, Juice and Rice. That's a 2TE 2RB set but it'd put so much pressure on the defense because all those guys can operate in space.

[cobrajet]

To springboard off of that comment, imagine how much better Juice could run those plays. Trying not to take anything away from Vonta, but Juice will be double the threat. Just trying to find some optimism about the situation. 

With all due respect, I have to disagree with you on this and my reason is because I saw first hand last year that Vonta can not only catch, he is a beast when he grabs the ball. I would scream about Cam not using him more on short passes, defenses could not stop him last year. I have complete confidence in Vonta as a proven veteran double threat.

 

Anyway, IMHO I believe that just because Vonta was not used in the passing game, does not mean he can't be effective in the passing game, because I believe he could be and I always wanted to see him catching more passes because like GrimCoconut said, "it was fun to see him truck a guy." Real fun!

[The Raven]

I had a recent thought about our offense.

 

Can anyone name the Patriot's number two WR in the past three years? Hell, who is their number one right now? Are Pats fans freaking out?

 

You don't NEED two dynamite WRs. Tom Brady has proved that many times in his career.

[GrimCoconut]

I had a recent thought about our offense.

 

Can anyone name the Patriot's number two WR in the past three years? Hell, who is their number one right now? Are Pats fans freaking out?

 

You don't NEED two dynamite WRs. Tom Brady has proved that many times in his career.

The bold is the reason Pats fans don't panic. Brady can elevate the poor play of WR, even those who were cut from their other teams due to lackluster play. Granted, he can't turn bronze into gold. This is evidenced by Lloyd & Johnson & others. Still, there's no denying that he's had success with lackluster talent. They also have an excellent TE tandem there, and that really, really helps. 

 

Our problem is that Joe Flacco isn't considered Tom Brady, probably not even by our own fans. There lies our problem, lol. 

[The Raven]

The bold is the reason Pats fans don't panic. Brady can elevate the poor play of WR, even those who were cut from their other teams due to lackluster play. Granted, he can't turn bronze into gold. This is evidenced by Lloyd & Johnson & others. Still, there's no denying that he's had success with lackluster talent. They also have an excellent TE tandem there, and that really, really helps. 

 

Our problem is that Joe Flacco isn't considered Tom Brady, probably not even by our own fans. There lies our problem, lol. 

 

We have two solid TEs of our own, and a RB to go with them. We are in a much better situation then we think. There's a reason Ozzie hasn't gone after a WR: We don't need one.

[GrimCoconut]

We have two solid TEs of our own, and a RB to go with them. We are in a much better situation then we think. There's a reason Ozzie hasn't gone after a WR: We don't need one.

I don't disagree. I'm just saying what I believe others see. Pitta isn't anywhere close to the TE that Gronkowski is because truthfully we haven't featured him like Gronk. I think Pitta makes just as good catches, but Gronk is better in the YAC and as a blocker. Pitta goes down way too easily at times. Lol, he's a bit funny like that. I kinda laugh because when Pitta catches the ball he usually ends up on the ground a second later even if nobody tackles him.

 

As for Dickson, he's a good player but you know he has his issues with holding onto balls. He's a great athlete but he isn't the TE that Hernandez is.

 

People try to compare our TE to their TE, and it just doesn't work. It's part scheme and part players. 

[The Raven]

I don't disagree. I'm just saying what I believe others see. Pitta isn't anywhere close to the TE that Gronkowski is because truthfully we haven't featured him like Gronk. I think Pitta makes just as good catches, but Gronk is better in the YAC and as a blocker. Pitta goes down way too easily at times. Lol, he's a bit funny like that. I kinda laugh because when Pitta catches the ball he usually ends up on the ground a second later even if nobody tackles him.

 

As for Dickson, he's a good player but you know he has his issues with holding onto balls. He's a great athlete but he isn't the TE that Hernandez is.

 

People try to compare our TE to their TE, and it just doesn't work. It's part scheme and part players. 

 

Our TEs are going to become the focus of the offense this year. They are athletic dudes and both have the ability to do damage after the catch.

[beasy2487]

I think this right here is the reason we are letting go of Leach, they wanted to reduce his salary because I think he would have been in even fewer plays than last year because of the versatility that Juice brings to the table. Kyle allows us to go from a power run formation to a spread formation without changing our players, which in turn keep opposing defenses from changing personnel.

 

As much as I will miss Leach, I think this move helps the offense as a whole and will allow us to go faster and more no-huddle like we did to start the season last year.

 

Exactly. He also adds an element of confusion to our offensive scheme the same way a OLB/DE hybrid does in the 3-4 defense. Even though Leach is amazing at what he does, LBs knew what to prepare for when he was on the field on some level. If Juice can be 70% of the blocking fullback Leach was for us I think it's a wash. LBs will be on their heels not knowing whether Juice will engage or try to shake them on a passing rout, making them more susceptible to either option. Add in his ability in the passing game and you've got a net positive change at the position.

[HoldingCall]

I thought the Superbowl offense was really good. The difference being the addition of McKinnie at LT, replacement of offensive coordinator Cam, and the increased use of Q in the passing game. It remains to be seen how well Caldwell and Joe maintains.

The team currently have three 6'5" receivers, Tommy Streeter, Marlon Brown, and Marcus Rivers. Rashaard Carter stands at 6'3". Their height indicate the Ravens are seriously looking for a tall quality receiver. Two of them will likely make the practice squad with one potentially moving onto the 53 man roster and getting playing time this season.

[rafahash]

I'm not trying to compare Flacco's talent with Brees', but has anyone noticed the difference in productivity after Brees was no longer under Cameron's command? Just saying.

[1/28/01]

I'm not trying to compare Flacco's talent with Brees', but has anyone noticed the difference in productivity after Brees was no longer under Cameron's command? Just saying.

Yes, everyone ;)

[msufan]

No cam equals a better offense.

[rafahash]

Yes, everyone ;)

 

That was a little uncalled-for, but okay.

[The Raven]

That was a little uncalled-for, but okay.

 

Uncalled for? Really? All he did was answer your question. Sheesh.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Uncalled for? Really? All he did was answer your question. Sheesh.

That's a bit uncalled for.

[rafahash]

Uncalled for? Really? All he did was answer your question. Sheesh.

 

All I'm saying is that he was a little rude. I'm new here and I'm not even american, I don't think I'm supposed to know everything you've already discussed or noticed. All I did was post something I thought was interesting.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

All I'm saying is that he was a little rude. I'm new here and I'm not even american, I don't think I'm supposed to know everything you've already discussed or noticed. All I did was post something I thought was interesting.

Lol, don't worry about it. Everyone tends to pick on each other a bit around here.

[arnie_uk]

All I'm saying is that he was a little rude. I'm new here and I'm not even american, I don't think I'm supposed to know everything you've already discussed or noticed. All I did was post something I thought was interesting.

and all he did was answer it, how else could he word, yea, everyone.

[BirdWatcher]

Let's get back on topic, please.

[scrock]

Our schedule is tough...

 

Defense will be better this year...the offense should be good too, if things go well it could be really good. Special Teams could need some work...

 

Does it mean we'll do better than 10-6? Idk...we should be able to push for a playoff spot

[beasy2487]

All I'm saying is that he was a little rude. I'm new here and I'm not even american, I don't think I'm supposed to know everything you've already discussed or noticed. All I did was post something I thought was interesting.

Sarcasm runs rampant here, don't take it personally. Especially from those who spend more time here toward those who don't. Welcome to the boards :).

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Sarcasm runs rampant here, don't take it personally. Especially from those who spend more time here toward those who don't. Welcome to the boards :).

Exactly.

[1/28/01]

Ha, I answered the question. Geeessshhh.

[3-4ravdef509]

The one thing I'm worried about is center. Boldin will be replaced by committee, mainly by Pitta and Doss I believe. But Birk really played well in the playoffs, I'm wondering if Gino is really up to the task.

[JoeyFlex5]

I don't disagree. I'm just saying what I believe others see. Pitta isn't anywhere close to the TE that Gronkowski is because truthfully we haven't featured him like Gronk. I think Pitta makes just as good catches, but Gronk is better in the YAC and as a blocker. Pitta goes down way too easily at times. Lol, he's a bit funny like that. I kinda laugh because when Pitta catches the ball he usually ends up on the ground a second later even if nobody tackles him.
 
As for Dickson, he's a good player but you know he has his issues with holding onto balls. He's a great athlete but he isn't the TE that Hernandez is.
 
People try to compare our TE to their TE, and it just doesn't work. It's part scheme and part players.

ive seen pitta do that a few times, but VERY few times, pitta actually has a unexpected ability to gain some major YAC with some moves you wouldnt expect from a TE. like when he leaped over a db's head against denver, when he broke a pats db's ankles in the championship for a few extra yards, when he weaved between 2 defenders then trucked a 3rd one into the endzone against the colts, and i cant remember what game it was but i remember he just ran with 2 guys hanging for dear life from the back of his jersey, and he dragged them a good 15 or 20 yards, it might have been the 2011 season, im not sure. but while pitta MAY fall here and there, so does ray rice, and torrey rarely stays on his feet after a catch(he normally has to contort his spine in midair to make those 50+ yard catches though)basically, pitta has a awesome YAC ability for a TE, so you i dont think its fair to hold a stumble or 2 against him

[GrimCoconut]

ive seen pitta do that a few times, but VERY few times, pitta actually has a unexpected ability to gain some major YAC with some moves you wouldnt expect from a TE. like when he leaped over a db's head against denver, when he broke a pats db's ankles in the championship for a few extra yards, when he weaved between 2 defenders then trucked a 3rd one into the endzone against the colts, and i cant remember what game it was but i remember he just ran with 2 guys hanging for dear life from the back of his jersey, and he dragged them a good 15 or 20 yards, it might have been the 2011 season, im not sure. but while pitta MAY fall here and there, so does ray rice, and torrey rarely stays on his feet after a catch(he normally has to contort his spine in midair to make those 50+ yard catches though)basically, pitta has a awesome YAC ability for a TE, so you i dont think its fair to hold a stumble or 2 against him

I won't deny that. I honestly don't remember. I do remember the bad. Lol. You could beer right and they bad may seem worse with reminiscence. I'll take your word until otherwise proven.

[HoldingCall]

Of course a great QB can make average receivers look good.  See Drew Brees - Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, even Colston.

Average receivers can also make a good QB look average, as in last night's preseason game.