Ravens sign WR Brandon Stokley

[rmw10]

God, Streeter looked terrible. Very, very, very lazy. I want him gone right now I'm so mad at him.

I agree, as I came up with the same impression. I'd be 100% alright if he was cut now. Marlon Brown seems to already be what we were hoping Streeter could be this year. Very disappointed in Streeter.

[flynismo]

Again, Ozzie has a track record.  You have consistently been one of the most negative posters in your short time here.  Please tell me, if Lloyd is so much better, why is Stokley here and Lloyd still on the streets?

Because he knows better than Ozzie. Duh

[flynismo]

Really? Lloyd's numbers sure don't bear out the conclusion you're making.

 

Well well, the prodigal son returns :D

[rmw10]

Because he knows better than Ozzie. Duh

I'm sure Ozzie was thinking when making the offer to Stokley... "I'm sure Lloyd is a much better option for this team, but I'm going to sign Stokley anyway because that's what I want."

End sarcasm.

[flynismo]

We need a burner who can actually catch and can play for a few more years.

 

Someone like Torrey?

[bravensfan52]

Yeah. He's officially a huge disappointment.

how so ?

[5aiah]

Huge fan of this signing. Remember him fondly as a youth(him and Qadry) and we get a guy who can run routes and has solid hands at the same time.

[GrimCoconut]

I agree, as I came up with the same impression. I'd be 100% alright if he was cut now. Marlon Brown seems to already be what we were hoping Streeter could be this year. Very disappointed in Streeter.

I really liked what I saw from Marlon Brown. I want to see him go against some better competition, however. I'm not ready to believe in him yet, but I did like what I saw in terms of his willingness to take a hit and to hit. I liked how he was willing to fight for yards. I liked his effort. Yes. His hands were a bit inconsistent, honestly. That's a concern. But I liked his heart, so I'll give him a break there. 

 

As for Streeter, here's an excerpt from what I wrote in the other thread about him:

 

But in terms of worst game I'd give that ball to Tommy Streeter. He looked terrible. I mean terrible. He looked lazy. He had little effort. He caught one ball but didn't get much after it. I can't remember who but he could've blocked for someone and that would've helped them get more yards and I think a first down. The guy played like a bum. He was a bum. Worst performance I saw on the team. 

 

I really hated what I saw from Tommy. I just can't say it enough. He looked like a bum. Like a real bum. Can I say that enough? I don't believe I can. He was awful. So bad I'd put him behind every single WR on the team. I think Terrence Cody could play WR better than he did. 

 

I'm glad we signed Stokley, though. I would've liked some other guys, but I think this was a good move. I get it. I'm guessing it was for the vet minimum. Anyone have details on that?

[Ravenseconbeast]

Then go after Laurent Robinson. I just never trusted Jacoby as a receiver what so ever. We need a burner who can actually catch and can play for a few more years.

Alot of team had a look at Laurent. No on is biting to make a room for him. Might be good indication that his concussion symtoms are still lingering

[jtrostle]

This has the feeling of one of those moves that nobody thinks much about, but all of the sudden it's 3rd down in the red zone, Torrey is double covered, Jacoby can't get open, Dickson is covered, Rice is covered in the flat, and Stokely breaks free across the middle for a TD.

[Grapple Raven]

Had a feeling this was going to be our next signing, when I heard this interview on 31st of July:  http://bit.ly/17iKwHM (see 7:55 mins. in)  I bet Ozzie's been talking to him on the phone for a while, lol.

 

I pleased with this signing, think it will help in the slot! Stay healthy Brandon.

[ravensfan160]

how so ?

Doss presumably was being groomed for this exact role. He was a big bodied possession receiver but was blocked from serious playing time by Boldin. With Boldin gone I'm sure everyone hoped he would step up and take that job. You don't sign a veteran receiver if Doss did that.

[H8ME]

Ugghh. This screams of desperation. This team needs a #2 receiver more than a slot receiver.  Obviously, Ozzie doesn't like what's out there right now.  If Stokely can stay healthy he would be a serviceable 3rd down option in the slot.  (Definately not an every down player)

 

Put Jacoby back in the role he excels in.  Game changing/Pro Bowl returner.  Why take that weapon out the arsenal?

[rmw10]

Doss presumably was being groomed for this exact role. He was a big bodied possession receiver but was blocked from serious playing time by Boldin. With Boldin gone I'm sure everyone hoped he would step up and take that job. You don't sign a veteran receiver if Doss did that.

I wouldn't say this means Doss is a colossal bust. Stokley isn't coming in to be an every down player. Doss is still going to get plenty of opportunities. I'd say he's not performing up to what we and the team thought, but he's still going to get a lot of reps and turn some into good plays.

[rmw10]

I really liked what I saw from Marlon Brown. I want to see him go against some better competition, however. I'm not ready to believe in him yet, but I did like what I saw in terms of his willingness to take a hit and to hit. I liked how he was willing to fight for yards. I liked his effort. Yes. His hands were a bit inconsistent, honestly. That's a concern. But I liked his heart, so I'll give him a break there.

As for Streeter, here's an excerpt from what I wrote in the other thread about him:

But in terms of worst game I'd give that ball to Tommy Streeter. He looked terrible. I mean terrible. He looked lazy. He had little effort. He caught one ball but didn't get much after it. I can't remember who but he could've blocked for someone and that would've helped them get more yards and I think a first down. The guy played like a bum. He was a bum. Worst performance I saw on the team.

I really hated what I saw from Tommy. I just can't say it enough. He looked like a bum. Like a real bum. Can I say that enough? I don't believe I can. He was awful. So bad I'd put him behind every single WR on the team. I think Terrence Cody could play WR better than he did.

I'm glad we signed Stokely, though. I would've liked some other guys, but I think this was a good move. I get it. I'm guessing it was for the vet minimum. Anyone have details on that?

Yeah I agree. I'm not ready to crown any rookies to be future stars (except Elam and Williams, but that's another topic). I do think Brown was able to show what we hoped Streeter would: a guy that can use his size and fight on every play. He's still got work to do, but I thought his first game was very encouraging.

I find it pretty appaling that Streeter looked so pathetic when he had an opportunity layed out for him. That competition is wide open. I understand making a few mistakes and what not, but to flat out not try is ridiculous. With the addition of Stokley, I would rank Streeter the 10th best receiver on the team right now. Hopefully he can pick it up, but again, I would not at all be opposed if the Streeter experiment ended right now.

[ellicottraven]

At least he will retire a Raven. Poetic actually consiering he spent his first 4 yrs here and won a SB ring here! I think we are craving some possession receivers that can move the chain in the middle of the field. He fits that bill.

However, I think we could have waited till the first round of cuts to see who was available too.... Stokely would still be there probably.

[ellicottraven]

Hmm, Stokley is 37. Is he really that much better than our unproven talent at this stage of his carreer? Was he ever all that great? He is a bit of journeyman.

I don't know if journey men typically have a single 1000 yd season and stay in the NFL for 14 yrs as a starter... he was better than a journey man no?

[The Raven]

Another perspective to add, Stokely could definitely offer these young guys a lot. One thing we lost when Boldin was traded was a vet influence. Jacoby isn't the savvy route runner or technically sound vet that Boldin is. Torrey is still young. Stokely could help the young guys with route running, how to recognize coverages, and just how to be a pro. He could especially help a guy like Doss who has a reputedly similar game and skill set.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Another perspective to add, Stokely could definitely offer these young guys a lot. One thing we lost when Boldin was traded was a vet influence. Jacoby isn't the savvy route runner or technically sound vet that Boldin is. Torrey is still young. Stokely could help the young guys with route running, how to recognize coverages, and just how to be a pro. He could especially help a guy like Doss who has a reputedly similar game and skill set.

There is nothing that Stokley can help that Boldin couldnt with Deonte/Doss/Laquan. Its now or never for at least two of the 3 WRs before we start the reg. season. Enough with the 'influence and helping young guys'. I want to see Stokley be right the thick of things hand to hand on a competition with the young guys. Whoever wins the fight will get the prize of being #2 WR.

[CARavensFan]

Ugghh. This screams of desperation. This team needs a #2 receiver more than a slot receiver. Obviously, Ozzie doesn't like what's out there right now. If Stokely can stay healthy he would be a serviceable 3rd down option in the slot. (Definately not an every down player)

Put Jacoby back in the role he excels in. Game changing/Pro Bowl returner. Why take that weapon out the arsenal?

Where Boldin and Pitta made their biggest impact was in the slot position. Jacoby and Torrey can work the outside but we need someone who can work the inside if Doss can't do it.

It's a min. vet deal, nothing desperate about it. If nothing else Brandon is a pros, pro who can continue being a good example to all the young guys on the roster.

[5aiah]

Where Boldin and Pitta made their biggest impact was in the slot position. Jacoby and Torrey can work the outside but we need someone who can work the inside if Doss can't do it.

It's a min. vet deal, nothing desperate about it. If nothing else Brandon is a pros, pro who can continue being a good example to all the young guys on the roster.

Exactly. This is a good move for the team because we need a reliable slot receiver and Doss isn't there yet. The question is who does this push out. Streeter is already gone imo but now another head must roll.

[Mahatma_Sloth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPaed8I3V1A

[Gorillaz MD]

Well, he has proven that he can catch the ball consistently, which is more than can be said of any of our receivers bar Torrey, so how exactly does this move not make sense?

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

Who better than Stokley to at least attempt to fill a void this big? Who caught the sweet T.D. toss from Dilfer the first  time around? Sure, he's older but again, this is Ozzie at his best. Welcome back Brandon, Todd Heap sure could have used your help all those years.

[BloodRaven]

I would be excited about this signing if it was 2004.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

honestly ,  to end a career returning home to the place of your first superbowl ,  a dream for some players.  Lets see if he can fit the bill as he was back then .

[redravenfan]

I was hoping one or two receivers would start to show some skills this year . Stokley has good hands and can run routes. can't wait for Thursday .

[arnie_uk]

Apparently busting the door down and giving him a nice shove in the back wasn't enough for Doss. Seriously, everything lined up perfectly for you and the team has to resort to signing a 37 year old off the street. I'm so disappointed in Doss right now I almost want to end it right now and just cut him already.

what makes you think this is all doss' fault. Thompson is inured jones has only ever been average, streetcar and Mellette are young and inexperienced. Maybe it's just to add some vet savvy when you need that crucial third down to keep the game winning drive alive because boldin and pitta aren't there. I can't see this signing saying doss is out the door or that he's been poor. It's not what I get from this signing at all.

[Tank 92]

Then go after Laurent Robinson. I just never trusted Jacoby as a receiver what so ever. We need a burner who can actually catch and can play for a few more years.

Yeah. Why trust a guy that caught a bomb TD pass that put us in the AFCCG and another that helped us win the SB. And Old Man Torrey is just about washed up. We really need to get some guys with speed to stretch the field.

[Ravenslifer]

Stoke has actually put up decent numbers as a number 3 option in Denver, and that was for Cutler.  Plus, he's a receiver Caldwell is very familiar with - 4 seasons together in Indy.  I just want him to see the field as much as possible whatever his order in the receiving corps is.