Asa Jackson

[Greatness]

Once again... ED Reed said the Ravens would be crazy to cut Asa Jackson. I'll believe the Greatest Safety to ever play the game. I'm firmly in the Asa Jackson support group. And he looked good in pre-season. Let's hope he continues that trend in a miserable secondary that could sure use any and all help.

[Poes Crows]

Going into last years Draft, some had Eric Reid rated a cinch NFL safety.  Last I checked he had 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions. 

 

One of the key stats though is Reid is 6' 1" tall.

 

This is the modern NFL you can't field a team of munchkins or lilliputians, especially at key positions.

[GrimCoconut]

Going into last years Draft, some had Eric Reid rated a cinch NFL safety. Last I checked he had 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions.

One of the key stats though is Reid is 6' 1" tall.

This is the modern NFL you can't field a team of munchkins or lilliputians, especially at key positions.

And one again you're wrong and know nothing if you think height is a prerequisite.

[Poes Crows]

And one again you're wrong and know nothing if you think height is a prerequisite.

 

Well....lets put it this way...most of the time, Corners are supposed to cover the lanky Wide Receivers but the time often comes when they lose their assignment or the doubling Safety has to make the play.

 

The above is part of the reason I don't accept the "Safety Out of Position" argument as it pertains to Cleats.  Its rejected here outright. A good Safety. A Safety a team uses its number 1 pick on has to be much more than a dedicated run stopper.  We had that in Pollard. We did not need to draft a "Mini-Pollard" as Sami 84 has extensively stated.  (A Mini or Supreme Pollard, that has not even been as effective as Pollard Regular.)  If our number 1 pick at Safety does not have Free Safety coverage ability, I rest my case right here. You don't use a number 1 pick on a Strong Safety, at least not in this opinion, but I'll elaborate in the event some expect Cleats to develop the dynamic part.

 

Ed Reed was generational. No need to elaborate upon that. It was clear however we were going to need a replacement for him. That is why I spent the time that I did looking at the safeties in last year's draft. I felt we had to select the best one and give Reed the opportunity to impart his wisdom to the new player.  To train him up.  Ed Reed HAD to come back for one more year. HAD to come back.  It's just not even debatable. Even LESS so when you realize in hindsight that the Front Office had no intention of retaining Pollard Regular.  Even now STUNNED is all I can say.  Absolutely STUNNED by the incompetence in purging the last line of defense in it's entirety.  And that is BEFORE the decision to draft Cleats. 

 

Cleats didn't warrant a second look in regard to the Safeties reviewed here. He didn't make the grade. He didn't show a thing.  Pre Draft, many of the so called "Draft Experts" had him rated as the Top Safety.  Not sure where he went in regard to safeties drafted but it sure wasn't the top.  The only Safety I even considered to replace Ed Reed was the guy the Niners took.  If I remember correctly they moved up to get him. They knew what they were doing, but it was evident on film. His name was the same. It was the Football Gods talking as clear as they could to the Raven Front Office. The Gods wanted him to be a Raven also. It was Fate.

 

I have nothing more to say on this topic, other than to reiterate I hold Ozzie Newsome Personally responsible.

[rmw10]

 

Cleats didn't warrant a second look in regard to the Safeties reviewed here. He didn't make the grade. He didn't show a thing.  Pre Draft, many of the so called "Draft Experts" had him rated as the Top Safety.  Not sure where he went in regard to safeties drafted but it sure wasn't the top.  The only Safety I even considered to replace Ed Reed was the guy the Niners took.  If I remember correctly they moved up to get him. They knew what they were doing, but it was evident on film. His name was the same. It was the Football Gods talking as clear as they could to the Raven Front Office. The Gods wanted him to be a Raven also. It was Fate.

 

I have nothing more to say on this topic, other than to reiterate I hold Ozzie Newsome Personally responsible.

 

So, what you're saying is that the guys that do this for a living and have countless hours of film are incorrect, but you, some guy from a message board, is a better talent evaluator?

 

Okay.

[SecretAgentMan]

So, what you're saying is that the guys that do this for a living and have countless hours of film are incorrect, but you, some guy from a message board, is a better talent evaluator?

Okay.

Fire Ozzie for him

[GrimCoconut]

Well....lets put it this way...most of the time, Corners are supposed to cover the lanky Wide Receivers but the time often comes when they lose their assignment or the doubling Safety has to make the play.

The above is part of the reason I don't accept the "Safety Out of Position" argument as it pertains to Cleats. Its rejected here outright. A good Safety. A Safety a team uses its number 1 pick on has to be much more than a dedicated run stopper. We had that in Pollard. We did not need to draft a "Mini-Pollard" as Sami 84 has extensively stated. (A Mini or Supreme Pollard, that has not even been as effective as Pollard Regular.) If our number 1 pick at Safety does not have Free Safety coverage ability, I rest my case right here. You don't use a number 1 pick on a Strong Safety, at least not in this opinion, but I'll elaborate in the event some expect Cleats to develop the dynamic part.

Ed Reed was generational. No need to elaborate upon that. It was clear however we were going to need a replacement for him. That is why I spent the time that I did looking at the safeties in last year's draft. I felt we had to select the best one and give Reed the opportunity to impart his wisdom to the new player. To train him up. Ed Reed HAD to come back for one more year. HAD to come back. It's just not even debatable. Even LESS so when you realize in hindsight that the Front Office had no intention of retaining Pollard Regular. Even now STUNNED is all I can say. Absolutely STUNNED by the incompetence in purging the last line of defense in it's entirety. And that is BEFORE the decision to draft Cleats.

Cleats didn't warrant a second look in regard to the Safeties reviewed here. He didn't make the grade. He didn't show a thing. Pre Draft, many of the so called "Draft Experts" had him rated as the Top Safety. Not sure where he went in regard to safeties drafted but it sure wasn't the top. The only Safety I even considered to replace Ed Reed was the guy the Niners took. If I remember correctly they moved up to get him. They knew what they were doing, but it was evident on film. His name was the same. It was the Football Gods talking as clear as they could to the Raven Front Office. The Gods wanted him to be a Raven also. It was Fate.

I have nothing more to say on this topic, other than to reiterate I hold Ozzie Newsome Personally responsible.

I'll start with the fact that he's out of position. That seems to be your thesis. Elam can play man coverage as displayed by how he covered Finley. Now I'm unbiased so I'll admit here that Elam's lack of height possibly caused him to be unable to defend the pass. With that said, I liked what I saw from him covering man. It was impressive especially with his height. I feel he can improve and will do there's optimism here.

I agree that Reed should have returned to help Elam along. I can get behind that but it didn't happen. He wanted too much money. It's business and it's a shame.

As for him being the consensus top safety or whatever that's not true. That was Kenny.

[hawkprey]

Ajax needs to see the field. As a nickel CB or as a punt returner. Although I do like Doss in that position too. Maybe see if he can return kicks. Just get him involved.

[GrimCoconut]

Ajax needs to see the field. As a nickel CB or as a punt returner. Although I do like Doss in that position too. Maybe see if he can return kicks. Just get him involved.

Yep. I just want him to play. I think he's got great potential.

[easternshore97]

Fire Ozzie for him

This...and then bring in Matt Millen. Now that guy does wonders for a franchise!

:th_327321_Spy_23x22:

[jazz1988]

I'll start with the fact that he's out of position. That seems to be your thesis. Elam can play man coverage as displayed by how he covered Finley. Now I'm unbiased so I'll admit here that Elam's lack of height possibly caused him to be unable to defend the pass. With that said, I liked what I saw from him covering man. It was impressive especially with his height. I feel he can improve and will do there's optimism here.

I agree that Reed should have returned to help Elam along. I can get behind that but it didn't happen. He wanted too much money. It's business and it's a shame.

As for him being the consensus top safety or whatever that's not true. That was Kenny.

 

Reed wanted to  get paid and now his future with Houston Texans is unclear because he just recently was benched. It would be cool if they cut him and the ravens re-sign but I doubt it happens

[GrimCoconut]

Reed wanted to  get paid and now his future with Houston Texans is unclear because he just recently was benched. It would be cool if they cut him and the ravens re-sign but I doubt it happens

If that happened, it would be amazing. I'd be more than happy to have him back and I'm sure he would be happy to return and he got his payday. I'm not sure how much we want him back but our safety group is suffering and he could at least help guys communicate back there.

[K-Dog]

Ed Reed benched?
Really?

[CalvinSmoke]

I knew that Reed hadn't done much, i didn't know that he was benched. Feel bad for the old guy 

[rmw10]

Ed Reed benched?
Really?

Yep.

http://houston.cbslocal.com/2013/11/06/future-hall-of-famer-benched-by-texans/

[jazz1988]

Ed Reed benched?
Really?

 

I knew that Reed hadn't done much, i didn't know that he was benched. Feel bad for the old guy 

 

yes he was benched saw it here http://houston.cbslocal.com/2013/11/06/future-hall-of-famer-benched-by-texans/

[omar586]

Guys please don't neg for this:

 

Without further ado, here's my spin on those DirecTV commercials. When our running game stinks and our head coach says it's improving, he's delusional. When he's delusional, the running game continues to suffer. When the running game continues to suffer, our offense becomes one-dimensional. When our offense becomes one-dimensional, it results in three-and-outs and unsustainable drives. When we keep go three-and-out and not sustain drives, our anti-takeaway defense (with Asa Jackson included) sees more of the field. When our anti-takeaway defense sees more of the field, they become winded. When they become winded, they can't stop anybody when it counts most. When they can't stop anybody when it counts most, we lose football games. When we lose football games, you become unhappy. When you become unhappy, you start to throw your remote control at your TV. When you you start to throw your remote control at your TV, your TV catches fire. When your TV catches fire, you run like Speedy Gonzales to flee from your house. And when you flee from your house, your house explodes in a fiery blaze. Don't let your house explode in a fiery blaze. Get rid of cable and upgrade to DirecTV. Lol jk. 

 

In all seriousness though, how much of a difference will Asa Jackson make? I like him and he looked well in preseason. If our running game still stinks up the joint, our defense will struggle to stop anyone in the fourth quarter no matter how many snaps Asa plays. We'll see what happens against Cincy. 

lol

[Chris K]

Really hoping Asa shows enough in practice to get a shot at the job for slot receiver coverage. I was a big believer in Graham but he's shown nothing. In fact, he's usually the reason why our defense stays on the field in passing downs when the offense should be getting the ball back. Hope Asa provides that spark in the secondary, I'm giving Webb a pass for his underwhelming performance because of the injury.. for now.

[K-Dog]

Poor Ed :-(

Hey Texans
"Ha ha!!!!"
(Nelson Muntz)

[easternshore97]

Guys please don't neg for this:

 

Without further ado, here's my spin on those DirecTV commercials. When our running game stinks and our head coach says it's improving, he's delusional. When he's delusional, the running game continues to suffer. When the running game continues to suffer, our offense becomes one-dimensional. When our offense becomes one-dimensional, it results in three-and-outs and unsustainable drives. When we keep go three-and-out and not sustain drives, our anti-takeaway defense (with Asa Jackson included) sees more of the field. When our anti-takeaway defense sees more of the field, they become winded. When they become winded, they can't stop anybody when it counts most. When they can't stop anybody when it counts most, we lose football games. When we lose football games, you become unhappy. When you become unhappy, you start to throw your remote control at your TV. When you you start to throw your remote control at your TV, your TV catches fire. When your TV catches fire, you run like Speedy Gonzales to flee from your house. And when you flee from your house, your house explodes in a fiery blaze. Don't let your house explode in a fiery blaze. Get rid of cable and upgrade to DirecTV. Lol jk. 

Same song and dance from 2005 pre the late great Steve "Air" McNair. That's why it's hard for me to condemn the defense.

Asa has some explosiveness. He's probably ready to take his opportunity to show out

[Poes Crows]

yes he was benched saw it here http://houston.cbslocal.com/2013/11/06/future-hall-of-famer-benched-by-texans/

 

Going into the Indianapolis game, Houston was number 1 in the league against the pass, granting stats are "match-up relative". They had not allowed an "over the top" score with Reed playing Center Field.

 

Late against the Colts,  the safeties broke down and let Luck throw over them for a 58 yard score they didn't have to earn.

Ed Reed was not on the field.

 

Value is also a relative thing.

[arnie_uk]

Going into the Indianapolis game, Houston was number 1 in the league against the pass, granting stats are "match-up relative". They had not allowed an "over the top" score with Reed playing Center Field.

Late against the Colts, the safeties broke down and let Luck throw over them for a 58 yard score they didn't have to earn.
Ed Reed was not on the field.

Value is also a relative thing.

reed also only has 17 or so tackles and not one pass defences this year. They don't need to pass over the top because they know they can pass it short and reed won't make the tackle anyway

[jazz1988]

Going into the Indianapolis game, Houston was number 1 in the league against the pass, granting stats are "match-up relative". They had not allowed an "over the top" score with Reed playing Center Field.

 

Late against the Colts,  the safeties broke down and let Luck throw over them for a 58 yard score they didn't have to earn.

Ed Reed was not on the field.

 

Value is also a relative thing.

 

I didn't watch the colts vs the Texans but  you don't bench  a player because he's performing well . luck may have been able to throw for a  58 yard  score because Reed wasn't  on the field but even    with all that he still  was benched.

[rmw10]

It's clear that Reed's heart isn't in the game anymore.  He wanted that one last pay day.

[Latch]

Best part of the Reed thing is that he got his check and he'll be remembered as a Raven when he decides to retire. 

 

I think Asa has shown glimmers of greatness, but I think his whole suspension carousel he's been on in recent years is a little unsettling. Isn't this the second time he's been suspended for PED? 

[Kev0825]

He looked good in the preseason, but he is an idiot. Stop getting suspended.

[CorvusCorax]

Let's see what he brings to the table. The good thing is he's a Special Teams player as well. Even though he's done returns, it's nice to have options.

 

Hope he steps up and becomes a game changer.

[The Mom Gene]

Best part of the Reed thing is that he got his check and he'll be remembered as a Raven when he decides to retire.

I think Asa has shown glimmers of greatness, but I think his whole suspension carousel he's been on in recent years is a little unsettling. Isn't this the second time he's been suspended for PED?

he was suspended for ADHD medication. Apparently has been on it for years. He just never fully d out the appropriate paperwork and submitted it for approval. After talking with Harbs,he admitted it was his responsibility and accepted the consequences.

[GrimCoconut]

He's officially been activated!!! KO to IR

[rmw10]

Sounds like he was working hard, too.

 

 

Matt Vensel ‏@mattvensel2m

The #Ravens have placed Kelechi Osemele on injured reserve and added Asa Jackson to the active. Jackson has put on 10 pounds of muscle.