2nd and 3rd WR situation tied to Joe Flacco's yards?

[ellicottraven]

Please discuss at length so it calms me down and quells my anxiety. I want to make sure there is no drop off in our receiving abilities with the timely exit of Boldin.

My personal view is we will have more 2 TE sets to make up for some receiving yards, but I am still unsure if Jacoby can handle #2 duties, especially if he is the primary punt returner. I would thing that David Reed and Doss are the most likely candidates to line up opposite Torrey, with Deonte Thompson having a shot as well. However, if somebody can come up with a very viable situation that lets Flacco throw for over 4000 yards, please let me know.

I for one, side with the existing WR corps in not wanting us to add an experienced WR to this mix. It is about time we let our own kids grow into big roles....

[RavensDE]

It's hard to bet on anyone aside from Torrey Smith popping up for big games here and there, Jacoby making the odd big play and Pitta making great grabs. I'd like to think we've got enough talent that some one emerges. Doss looks consistent but Deonte Thompson is who I think will emerge. Just an opinion but I like everything I've seen from that guy.

[5aiah]

Deonte Thompson give Joe Flacco the best opportunity to throw for a high amount of yards this season. With Torrey as the X receiver,Jacoby as the Y, and Deonte as the Z, they will absolutely blow the tops off of defenses trying to handle their speed deep. This leaves all the intermediary and short stuff for Dickson,Pitta,Rice,and Juice. Also if what they are saying about Deonte's route running over the middle is true then I think he could make big plays when the defense is sleeping on him expecting just the usual deep route. Torrey will have to step in and be more of a possession guy, overall becoming more balanced, while allowing Deonte to take his old job as flanker. This is the only situation I see leading to a breakout regular season from Joe Flacco. Otherwise his numbers will remain the same most likely if Doss just steps in as a poor man's Boldin, and he certainly won't be putting up stats like he did in the playoffs.  

[Ravenslifer]

Please discuss at length so it calms me down and quells my anxiety. I want to make sure there is no drop off in our receiving abilities with the timely exit of Boldin.

My personal view is we will have more 2 TE sets to make up for some receiving yards, but I am still unsure if Jacoby can handle #2 duties, especially if he is the primary punt returner. I would thing that David Reed and Doss are the most likely candidates to line up opposite Torrey, with Deonte Thompson having a shot as well. However, if somebody can come up with a very viable situation that lets Flacco throw for over 4000 yards, please let me know.

I for one, side with the existing WR corps in not wanting us to add an experienced WR to this mix. It is about time we let our own kids grow into big roles....

 

If Joe had played more than 1 quarter in Cincy last year he would have hit 4000 yards.  Plus Joe hit 3800 with 4 games under 200 yards.  He's going to hit 4000 this year barring injury.  If your question is how well the receivers will make up for Q's absence, in my opinion it's very simple - Q has 2 things we can't replace, his strong hands and his ability to elevate his game when the time comes.  He's always been a big game receiver.  But everything else is replaceable - his snaps will be taken up by other players, and most importantly, Jim Caldwell's schemes will be much more receiver friendly.  Unlike Cam's insistence that the receivers beat man coverage by shear physical ability because they run the same 5 routes the entire season, Jim will scheme ways to get receivers open and get the ball to them in ways that will maximize what they can do YAC wise.  So while I believe there will be a drop off in skill set (since nobody does what Q does), the talents our receivers do have coupled with consistent gameplanning and adjustments (for the first time in Joe's career) will lead to more yards, more TDs, and an overall better passing game, in my opinion.

[hawkprey]

I'm hoping the Flacco to Torrey connection will be better, since it's year 3 for them. Since 2008, we've only had 3 receivers who've lasted 3 seasons: Mason and Heap 2008-2010, and Boldin 2010-2012. All 3 of those players had great year 3's. 

[descent into the maelstrom]

 if somebody can come up with a very viable situation that lets Flacco throw for over 4000 yards, please let me know.

Cam Cameron has been replaced by Jim Caldwell.  That should keep any Ravens' fan calm.

[PuRock]

With our current group of guys, I would like to see Torrey and Deonte on the wides.  Let Joe utilize his deep ball with the guys with blazing speed and skill.  But I also agree that Torrey needs to get more involved elsewhere.  

 

Jacoby is what he is.  He'll flash the amazing once in a while as a receiver, but leave you hanging for more.  Honestly,  This is the year of the Pitta, IMO.  If Pitta can stop the whole, catch-and-fall-to-the-ground routine, he could finish as a top two TE.  Pitta needs to be the pass catcher (besides Rice) that gets Joe out of trouble.  

 

As for the whole 4,000 yards thing.  We won a SB and Joe didn't reach that milestone in the regular season.  But its more a matter of philosophy, game planning, and play calling.  He'll definitely have a better shot with Caldwell at the helm.  

[Tank 92]

While replacing Q does present an intriguing situation, Joe getting 4k yards is by no means a benchmark for the Team's success. I trust the Ravens' collective think tank has a plan(and a plan B, C and D) to fill the void left by Q's departure. My guess is plan A will be for Doss to step in to replace Q and to also utilize Pitta/Dickson more effectively. And I think a plan B may be to go against the trend and put a lot of faith into the run game. We are certainly equipped to do so.

 

With the perceived stability of the O line and improved game planning/execution, I don't see a need to worry about losing Q. We'll be fine.

[PurpleCorsair]

I'm hoping the Flacco to Torrey connection will be better, since it's year 3 for them. Since 2008, we've only had 3 receivers who've lasted 3 seasons: Mason and Heap 2008-2010, and Boldin 2010-2012. All 3 of those players had great year 3's. 

Actually Mason's best years were 2008 and 2009 when he topped 1,000 yards. He is still the last 1,000 yard receiver for the Ravens.

[flaccopoe]

I'm pretty damn confident in Ja-Kobe and Torrey, obviously.  The real wild card's going to be the WR 3.  Luckily, Flacco still has his TEs as security blankets if things don;t pan out.

 

Btw, welcome our newest Member:

 

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/user/86011-masturbateurs/

[cushrinada1986]

Deonte Thompson give Joe Flacco the best opportunity to throw for a high amount of yards this season. With Torrey as the X receiver,Jacoby as the Y, and Deonte as the Z, they will absolutely blow the tops off of defenses trying to handle their speed deep. This leaves all the intermediary and short stuff for Dickson,Pitta,Rice,and Juice. Also if what they are saying about Deonte's route running over the middle is true then I think he could make big plays when the defense is sleeping on him expecting just the usual deep route. Torrey will have to step in and be more of a possession guy, overall becoming more balanced, while allowing Deonte to take his old job as flanker. This is the only situation I see leading to a breakout regular season from Joe Flacco. Otherwise his numbers will remain the same most likely if Doss just steps in as a poor man's Boldin, and he certainly won't be putting up stats like he did in the playoffs.

I agree, Deonte, Smith, and Jones are a potential match up nightmare for most teams if Jones and Deonte and produce and allow that multidimensional play that Flacco will need to stretch the field. Flacco has proven he has the Arm to get the ball anywhere on the field(up to 74 yards deep as it seems) and with guys with that type of speed, defenses will be running deep coverage all day, allowing Rice and Bernard to run them down all day, while pitta, dickson, and juice slice them for underneath yardage. If everything works out with the WR core, teams will have to pick how they get beat, either slowly with the change up running game and intermediate passing game of the TE's and FB, or just get blown away by the over the top deep threats of our WR's. Thats not even mentioning the offensive production we could get from our defense. I say that because with the new look D we have, I expect some picks 6's as well as shorter drives to the endzone since with the increase speed and the added pass rush of suggs and doom, teams offenses shouldnt be on the field for very long. Expect Flacco and everyone to drop a 50 burger on someone in 2013!!

[CapoRocky]

I think that we will use more Rice and Juice out of the backfield in the passing game.  Pitta in the slot.  I like Thompson but he will need to be the definitive #3 after training camp before I'd pencil him in.  I think that Doss has the edge because he fits the role of slot receiver better than the others.

[Free Agent]

Actually Mason's best years were 2008 and 2009 when he topped 1,000 yards. He is still the last 1,000 yard receiver for the Ravens.

 

Those were the days when Mark Clayton was the number two guy, so that's not very surprising.

[5aiah]

I think that we will use more Rice and Juice out of the backfield in the passing game.  Pitta in the slot.  I like Thompson but he will need to be the definitive #3 after training camp before I'd pencil him in.  I think that Doss has the edge because he fits the role of slot receiver better than the others.

I agree Doss fits the slot receiver role, but i also think Jacoby will be fine in that role. Unless Doss' hands are extremely consistent and he attacks the ball as well as Boldin did then having him start is a step back for the offense. Boldin never was able to get much separation instead running his routes just well enough to the point he could out muscle the competition for the ball. Doss doesn't seem to be any more explosive then Boldin was or even will be this season at his advanced age right now. The main benefit of using Doss alot in the offense would be the balance of possession and speed on the field but I think with Pitta and Dickson out there we will be balanced enough without a possession WR. 

[jazz1988]

Those were the days when Mark Clayton was the number two guy, so that's not very surprising.

Flacco still had other receiver weapons like Heap and Rice at the time( may not be considered much) . I thought clayton was a solid player for the ravens he just never reached the potentials that the ravens hoped similar to Jacoby Jones situation  with the Texans. In my opinion  Derrick Mason wasnt consistently ganing 1,000+ receiving yards because the other receivers wasnt that good but indeed it was because Mason really was that good.

 

He was great route runner, smooth running his routes, tough as nails, hands like glue, always fighting to get open rather in man coverage or against zone coverage and very smart which is some traits i havent seen from our wideouts today( i believe  that  will change). I just hope Torrey Smith doesnt reached 1,ooo receiving yards only because Jacoby Jones is the number two wideout whom some may say is another clayton but bigger/faster(  no knock on him becase i think he will be great this year but we never know)

[Free Agent]

Flacco still had other receiver weapons like Heap and Rice at the time( may not be considered much) . I thought clayton was a solid player for the ravens he just never reached the potentials that the ravens hoped similar to Jacoby Jones situation  with the Texans. In my opinion  Derrick Mason wasnt consistently ganing 1,000+ receiving yards because the other receivers wasnt that good but indeed it was because Mason really was that good.

 

He was great route runner, smooth running his routes, tough as nails, hands like glue, always fighting to get open rather in man coverage or against zone coverage and very smart which is some traits i havent seen from our wideouts today( i believe  that  will change). I just hope Torrey Smith doesnt reached 1,ooo receiving yards only because Jacoby Jones is the number two wideout whom some may say is another clayton but bigger/faster(  no knock on him becase i think he will be great this year but we never know)

 

I agree, Mason was a very good WR. He was just plain smart. He wasnt a great athlete, but he was a smart WR, as you said.

 

I'll be honest, I'd rather Jacoby stay on special teams, and therefore be limited on offense. I like the idea of a committee approach, considering who we have on the roster currently besides Torrey.

 

Doss' great hands can be used in short yardage situations, Deonte can be used as a playmaker and a deep threat, and the others can be worked into the offense based on their strengths as well.

 

I'd definitely prefer that approach, if it means Jacoby can stay on special teams where he is flat out dangerous.

[RavenDomination87]

Actually Mason's best years were 2008 and 2009 when he topped 1,000 yards. He is still the last 1,000 yard receiver for the Ravens.

 

That changes this year as I highly doubt Torrey Smith plays the entire season as the #1 WR and gets less than 1,000 yards. He played 8 games last season where he only got 2 receptions or less. That's half the season where Torrey wasn't properly utilized. He only had 2 games last season over 100 yards. That's going to change this year. I think Torrey has a breakout season and really comes into his own. Somewhere around 1,100 yards and 10-11 TDs.

[scrock]

Jacoby may start out as the #2 WR but he wont stay there, simply because he isnt a #2....#3 at best.

 

We will use 2 TE sets more often this year and I can see Caldwell using Ray Rice more in the passing game now that we have another explosive RB in Pierce.

 

Deonte Thompson is my pick to take over as the #2 WR with Doss as close to a Boldin close that we have playing the slot....or maybe Deonte plays the slot.

 

Joe's yards will be fine if not go up...between Deonte, Doss, and possibly Streeter or Mellette depending on how far they can come along they will more than cover the yards lost by Boldin.

 

Boldin was strong in the playoffs but he was pedestrian for most of the season.

[zetadan]

The author of this article thinks that Flacco might be affected by the loss of Boldin. Pretty insightful :)

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/best-case-worst-case-qbs-222300530--nfl.html

 

It seems they are ranking him 17th among quarterbacks. It is strange, 2nd and 3rd options or not there is not much spread from their best case to worst case. They are really going out on a limb with this one.

 

[T3hRaven]

I think Mellette could be a dark horse.  He's got good size, and a couple draftniks, including my own personal favorite Greg Cosell, were pretty high on him and thought he was a steal.  Cosell, in fact, liked him better than Quinton Patton who many of us were upset about missing out on.

[5aiah]

I think Mellette could be a dark horse.  He's got good size, and a couple draftniks, including my own personal favorite Greg Cosell, were pretty high on him and thought he was a steal.  Cosell, in fact, liked him better than Quinton Patton who many of us were upset about missing out on.

Same here bro but he needs to have the playbook down pat. I think he can be a more confident version of Doss as well as being faster and likely more physical at the line against press corners. I know everyone is super high on Doss but that has been a struggle of his for the longest time now and he has had enough time to improve on it in the league. WR2/3 is still a huge concern and its wide open. Someone better step up.

[dhstandard]

I think people are forgetting how bad our O-line was last season.  Flacco had one of the worst average times in the pocket for any QB.  Around 1.5 seconds less.  It's hard for receivers who rely on speed to get open so quickly.  A good route runner is better at that.

 

I think with McKinnie at left, Oher back at right, and KO at LG, Flacco will do a lot better this season if they can hold up.  With more time Torrey and Jacoby will have more time to outrun their man and beat them or at least take away the safety and give more room to Pitta in the middle.

 

If Deonte Thompson wins a starting job teams will have their hands full covering all that speed.