Matt Elam not playing like he did with Florida

[kdubbs79]

College vs NFL are not equal

[Poes Crows]

But who job is it to make sure that Elam is used the right way? I'm pretty sure it's Peas job.

I didn't watch a lot of Flordia games, so I don't know how he was used but from what I've heard and correct me if I'm wrong, he's pretty much an all around player.

He can cover good, has good speed, he can play the run and he's a good tackler and a hard hitter. His only knock was his size.
 

 

You're very funny Tony.

 

His size was a major factor.  If you don't have size at that position you must be dynamic and or have wits, (see Ed Reed).

 

Having looked at tapes of every safety coming out in last years draft, there was nothing outstanding in the viewing regarding Cleats Elam.  He did not stand out.  Ozzie had him rated to the Moon, but he did not stand out in those tapes. The picks he came up with were overthrows or tipped balls that Mary Full of Grace fell right into his mitts.

 

We are going to draft high in the coming draft. We can't afford misses like that this next time. Times have changed. How can we ensure that we don't miss?

[The Mom Gene]

Hes the best case of occasional college flash over true all round consistant substance. I for one was not fooled by the glitter.all his interceptions were due to the qb making bad throws and they fell on a plate for him. Not one was the result of him actualy making the move for the interception.

Hes an idiot. With some players you can just tell.

 

He made some great interceptions at FL. and some of them were actually impressive. Hes' there.  Some throws may be been "off" but there are a lot of NFL QB's that make "off throws" too.  Rookie year, and needs time to adjust.  I wouldn't call him an idiot.  It's my opinion that he's been really good back there, and made up for some of the misses by the LB's and Corners.  Bottom line, watch #26.  You'll see his number a lot in the secondary.

[rafahash]

I don't think he's looking too bad, but I also think he can play better than this. Then again, I think all of our defensive players could be playing better than this. It's partly their fault and there are other factors, but I really can't stand Pees.

[The Mom Gene]

There's a simple answer as to why Elam isn't playing like he played at Florida: He isn't being used in the same way. I know. It's too obvious. 

 

Also, you have to keep in mind that if you watch some of how he played in FL???  He'd be fined in the NFL now a days. He's got to be more careful now... it hits his wallet now.

[SeaHawk]

I was really going to try to make an informed post to some people on here... but there are just too many misinformed posters. If I singled one out, it would cause a needless debate that would likely end in the closing of this thread. So, I'll say this. He's a rookie. People are calling a rookie an idiot, a flash in the pan in college, alluding to him being a bust. The guy is a rookie!! Good thing players don't just play one year. Heck, it took a few years for Jimmy Smith to finally start coming to his own (which he has this year so far). Bottom line, don't judge a player based off of a single year, let alone less than half a season. Who knows, the guy may turn it on in the last part of the year.

[Sami84]

call me crazy but jimmy smith and our expectations of him are such now that the fact he is playing okay tells you hes been a dissapointment. im sure people here were thinking pro bowl lock down defender etc.

 

hes been good..but hardly a sensation this year.

[The Mom Gene]

I live in FL.  I used to watch this guy.  I loved him at FL.  His size, his build, and speed, his physicality...just the way he plays... he reminded me of Ed Reed.  If you look at him in this Ravens uniform, and just watch him before the play, you'd swear that it was Ed back there.  That's why so many people automatically compare him to Reed.  He's not though... and even he's smart enough to state that he's not trying to "replace" him...  He's trying to make his own legacy in Baltimore.

[GrimCoconut]

call me crazy but jimmy smith and our expectations of him are such now that the fact he is playing okay tells you hes been a dissapointment. im sure people here were thinking pro bowl lock down defender etc.

hes been good..but hardly a sensation this year.

Then I question your ability to evaluate games because Jimmy has played fantastic. No CB is flawless but he's been playing extremely well not just okay or good.

[Injayen]

Its a combination of him not playing his natural position and being a rookie.

[jazz1988]

call me crazy but jimmy smith and our expectations of him are such now that the fact he is playing okay tells you hes been a dissapointment. im sure people here were thinking pro bowl lock down defender etc.

 

hes been good..but hardly a sensation this year.

 

I think Jimmy Smith has been doing a very good job so far he was covering Josh Gordon mostly  and Gordon  didn't have any touch downs or  100 receiving yards( even when Smith left the game) game but instead had 3 catches for 44 yards. I hope Jimmy Smith well be able to  play against the bengels because we will definitely need him against AJ Green

[RavensFanMvp]

ehh, Elam isn't that all around kind of athlete, he doesn't have a lot of quickness compared to other skill players in the NFL. But he has solid straight line speed and explosiveness, if he was taller he'd be an amazing linebacker lol. 

 

I thought Elam ran a 4.5 at the combine? That seem like pretty decent speed to me.

Then again you said he has more straight line speed than anything. But still a 4.5 isn't that bad.

 

 

NFL Draft Scouts pretty much nailed it:

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/matt-elam?id=2540153

 

Strengths:

" Plays close to the line of scrimmage or in the box very often. At his best when asked to make a play, either blitzing or one-on-one on the edge."

 

Weakness:

" For how many hard-hitting splash plays he makes, he could be much more aggressive every down. Little urgency to his game. Seen standing around far too often."

 

All-in-All:

"The junior thrives when his number is called, and Elam was very visible since he frequently lined up in the box at strong safety. However, when looking beyond the splash plays, Elam lacks urgency and can be seen standing around while others make the play."

 

Thanks for the link CalvinSmoke btw. That's pretty much how I assumed he's was being used at Florida; as a in the box type guy. Which means. he's not being used right with us.

Since Pees want his safeties and corners to remain as deep as possible, it's playing to Elam's weaknesses, because he's better used being at the line of scrimmage creating havoc, sort like Troy Polamalu.

The same with Pollard. I always thought he was a in the box player as well. Most people thought he could have been a pro bowler in 2011, under Pagano. Then in 2012 under Pees, we saw Pollard get exposed in the passing game. All because he was forced to stay deep the majority of the time, versus being at the line of scrimmage where he's more comfortable at and that's why our D will always underachieve under Pees.

I'll take a aggressive, attacking D over a prevent (bend but don't break) type defense every time.

 

 

I never said he's not being used right. Don't infer your own meaning. I said he's not being used the same. Entirely different definitions.

 

I thought that's what you were insinuating.

Regardless, it's true... He's NOT being used right.

See the link CalvinSmoke posted above.
 

[Kev0825]

If Michael Huff worked out, Matt Elam wouldn't even be playing. The coaches are in love with digs at SS. I don't get why they don't just put digs or Omar back at FS and have Matt play SS. Matt had a really nice tackle for a loss when he was at the line of scrimmage against the steelers. I mean digs is gone after this season so why not just play matt, the future, where he is most comfortable. I mean it is not like we are major contenders this year. One more loss and we are basically fried.

[SeaHawk]

If Michael Huff worked out, Matt Elam wouldn't even be playing. The coaches are in love with digs at SS. I don't get why they don't just put digs or Omar back at FS and have Matt play SS. Matt had a really nice tackle for a loss when he was at the line of scrimmage against the steelers. I mean digs is gone after this season so why not just play matt, the future, where he is most comfortable. I mean it is not like we are major contenders this year. One more loss and we are basically fried.

 

If you think our D is only decent this far in the season, then just imagine what will happen when we try to play digs at FS. That is definitely not his position, and he doesn't even play decent there. He's not a cover safety.

[RavensFanMvp]

You're very funny Tony.

 

His size was a major factor.  If you don't have size at that position you must be dynamic and or have wits, (see Ed Reed).

 

Having looked at tapes of every safety coming out in last years draft, there was nothing outstanding in the viewing regarding Cleats Elam.  He did not stand out.  Ozzie had him rated to the Moon, but he did not stand out in those tapes. The picks he came up with were overthrows or tipped balls that Mary Full of Grace fell right into his mitts.

 

We are going to draft high in the coming draft. We can't afford misses like that this next time. Times have changed. How can we ensure that we don't miss?

 

Well if you watched a lot of tape on Elam coming out of college, then I'll just have to take your word for it.

But overall on D.... It's more bad coaching then Ozzie simply missing on players.

Like I've said, if Rex or Pagano was still our D coordinator, our D would probably be one of the best in the league.

No matter who we rotated into the line up in the past, our D still played at a high level. Now all of a sudden, no matter who we bring in, our D always look vunerable and under perform. Our problem isn't with the personnel, it's the basic and vanilla schemes and plays we run.

[rmw10]

If Michael Huff worked out, Matt Elam wouldn't even be playing. The coaches are in love with digs at SS. I don't get why they don't just put digs or Omar back at FS and have Matt play SS. Matt had a really nice tackle for a loss when he was at the line of scrimmage against the steelers. I mean digs is gone after this season so why not just play matt, the future, where he is most comfortable. I mean it is not like we are major contenders this year. One more loss and we are basically fried.

 

It's not forgone that Ihedigbo won't be returning.  He's one I expect that they'll re-sign, personally.

[Dr. Kelley]

But who job is it to make sure that Elam is used the right way? I'm pretty sure it's Peas job.

I didn't watch a lot of Flordia games, so I don't know how he was used but from what I've heard and correct me if I'm wrong, he's pretty much an all around player.

He can cover good, has good speed, he can play the run and he's a good tackler and a hard hitter. His only knock was his size.

I agree with you about Dean Pees, but man, Elam CANNOT tackle to save his life. He just dives haphazardly at ankles and calls it a day. I can't remember a play I've seen where he actually wraps someone up.

[flynismo]

Hes the best case of occasional college flash over true all round consistant substance.

What?

[The Raven]

I agree with you about Dean Pees, but man, Elam CANNOT tackle to save his life. He just dives haphazardly at ankles and calls it a day. I can't remember a play I've seen where he actually wraps someone up.

 

Have you even watched the games? Elam has been our most reliable tackler in the secondary. 

[Kev0825]

Why not Omar Brown at FS and Matt at SS.

[Guest Omerta]

It's 8 games folks. He has played 8 games. Exactly what was the expectation. The love child of Ed Reed and Ronnie Lott raised by Emlen Tunnel ? 

[Sami84]

It's 8 games folks. He has played 8 games. Exactly what was the expectation. The love child of Ed Reed and Ronnie Lott raised by Emlen Tunnel ?

Hes a 1st round pick that is playing like a 4th round one

[Kev0825]

Hes a 1st round pick that is playing like a 4th round one

no

[dhstandard]

Want to know why Elam isn't playing like he did in college? I got two words for you... Dean Peas.

You haven't caught on yet? You can ask this question with all our players...

Why isn't Webb playing like he use to? He just tore his ACl...

Why isn't Ngata causing havoc like in years past? He has been injured

Why did Ray and Ed look a shell of themselves last year under Peas, but the year prior, they looked like pro bowlers? Cause they are old?  Lol.  Ed Reed isn't playing that great on the Texans either.

Why do Cody look like he don't belong in the league now, but under Pagano and even Mattison,he looked like he was progression every year up until last year.  Haha Cody was always bad.  Since we drafted him he never started until recently.  He looks tons better this year than he ever did before.

I don't care what anyone says, Peas scheme leaves the players in a vulnerable position and that's why guys who we thought would contribute more aren't. If you play as passive style on D, the players are going to play passive as well.

 

 

Who upvoted this?  Were you being sarcastic?

[dhstandard]

Excuses. :th_towel-1:

 

Not at all. They are valid points...

But seeing as though our other D coordinators had to deal with those things too, that doesn't give Peas a pass.

I'm just saying under all our other D coordinators in the past, their coaching skills could overcome these things.

Guys like Graham, Huff, and Spears, would join the Ravens and perform adequately.

Remember F.Washington, J.Leonard, K.Greg, C.Redding? Those guys wasn't anything special either but Rex, and Pagano could get the best out of those guys, because the scheme dictate for them to be aggressive and attack, instead of playing on their heels and being passive.
 

But there's no need to go back and forth about the D. That's the least of our worries right now. Our offensive line situation is a mess and something has to be done fast if we want to make another run at a title. If we lose to the Bengals this week, our season is over.

 

Come on dude...  Washington was trash under Pagano.  Redding and Greg were just run stoppers.  Nothing special at all.  Don't even know why you brought up Leonard.

[dhstandard]

I thought Elam ran a 4.5 at the combine? That seem like pretty decent speed to me.

Then again you said he has more straight line speed than anything. But still a 4.5 isn't that bad.

 

 

 

Thanks for the link CalvinSmoke btw. That's pretty much how I assumed he's was being used at Florida; as a in the box type guy. Which means. he's not being used right with us.

Since Pees want his safeties and corners to remain as deep as possible, it's playing to Elam's weaknesses, because he's better used being at the line of scrimmage creating havoc, sort like Troy Polamalu.

The same with Pollard. I always thought he was a in the box player as well. Most people thought he could have been a pro bowler in 2011, under Pagano. Then in 2012 under Pees, we saw Pollard get exposed in the passing game. All because he was forced to stay deep the majority of the time, versus being at the line of scrimmage where he's more comfortable at and that's why our D will always underachieve under Pees.

I'll take a aggressive, attacking D over a prevent (bend but don't break) type defense every time.

 

 

 

I thought that's what you were insinuating.

Regardless, it's true... He's NOT being used right.

See the link CalvinSmoke posted above.
 

 

 

Completely incorrect.  He isn't being used correctly because we have nobody to play Free Safety.  When Huff was there Peyton scored 7 touchdowns on us or did you forget?  Since Elam moved back there we look much much better.  Not great, but better.

 

If we moved Elam to SS what would we do with FS?  We would have someone horrible there and have a huge hole on defense.  Ihedigbo is good enough to play SS while Elam plays FS until we find someone we can place there.

[dhstandard]

Why not Omar Brown at FS and Matt at SS.

 

I believe that is why Omar Brown was called up from the Practice Squad.  But he needs some playing time before we just thrust him into the position as starter.

[mhead66]

The truth is, a first-rounder is considered an eventual Pro-Bowler, a 2nd-3rd rounder a solid starter.  That's what GMs anticipate, when drafting those rounds.  Consider our first rounders: Ray Lewis, Jon Ogden, Terrell Suggs, Joe Flacco, Haloti Ngata, Ed Reed, Todd Heap - all Pro-Bowlers or equivalent in talent.

 

Sure, we've had some 1st round misses, but you expect a 1st rounder to be an exceptional player, a cut above the other starters. I'm certainly giving Elam a pass for the moment - it's ONLY 8 games - but, so far, I wouldn't say he's shown EXCEPTIONAL promise... he hasn't shown what someone like young Eric Berry from KC has shown in his first couple of years.

 

The jury's still out, but I hope he blossoms, into more than a solid tackler... we had that in Bernard Pollard.  Replacing an adequate starter with comparable talent isn't what we're looking for from 1st round draft picks.

[mhead66]

I believe that is why Omar Brown was called up from the Practice Squad.  But he needs some playing time before we just thrust him into the position as starter.

CSN Baltimore reported that Brown was called up for his (exceptional) work on special teams - Harbaugh was really pissed at the kickoff return at the end of the Steeler game...

[The Mom Gene]

Want to know why Elam isn't playing like he did in college? I got two words for you... Dean Peas.
You haven't caught on yet? You can ask this question with all our players...
Why isn't Webb playing like he use to?
Why isn't Ngata causing havoc like in years past?
Why did Ray and Ed look a shell of themselves last year under Peas, but the year prior, they looked like pro bowlers?
Why do Cody look like he don't belong in the league now, but under Pagano and even Mattison,he looked like he was progression every year up until last year.
I don't care what anyone says, Peas scheme leaves the players in a vulnerable position and that's why guys who we thought would contribute more aren't. If you play as passive style on D, the players are going to play passive as well.

Another reason is some of the hits he used to put on players at FL would cost him in fines and suspensions now.