In Ozzie We Trust (2014 Edition) The Ravens Free Agency Thread

[Mt. Crushmore]

Considering Wenning played at Ball State, the reports about his performance don't surprise me.  The transition from college to NFL QB is hard enough for a QB who played high-level competition in college, let along one who didn't.

[rmw10]

Considering Wenning played at Ball State, the reports about his performance don't surprise me.  The transition from college to NFL QB is hard enough for a QB who played high-level competition in college, let along one who didn't.

 

It's a whole different ball game when you have guys like Suggs and Dumervil running after you.  There's no question I'd be overwhelmed coming from Ball State.

[Ravensfan23]

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong.  I don't think Tyrod is anywhere close to a lock.  I just don't see Wenning as the guy supplanting him.  It sounds like he has way too many issues to be the primary backup this year.

 

Oh yea I can definitely agree with that. I ultimately see a vet cut from another team coming in to hold down the backup spot. Preferably someone familiar with the WCO and can be a bit of a in game mentor to Wenning if he's the long term option as the backup.

 

This preseason I have a feeling the Ravens will be keeping a eye out on some QB competitions around the league. Although it'll be highly unpopular among fans. Battles like Sanchez vs Barkley might produce our backup QB, a guys like Christian Ponder, Trent Edwards, Charlie Whitehurst, you hope a guy like Matt Moore is surprisingly cut, but the options look few. OR you may find the Ravens bring in a guy who has promise but not much more experience then Tyrod or Wenning but the Ravens may have liked him in a pervious draft and are willing to sign him. Guys like Ricky Stanzi, Matt Simms, Scott Tolzien or Zac Dysert may be available, depending on if the Ravens see something they like. The only thing that certain is that the Ravens are probably done if Flacco goes down.

[rmw10]

Oh yea I can definitely agree with that. I ultimately see a vet cut from another team coming in to hold down the backup spot. Preferably someone familiar with the WCO and can be a bit of a in game mentor to Wenning if he's the long term option as the backup.

 

This preseason I have a feeling the Ravens will be keeping a eye out on some QB competitions around the league. Although it'll be highly unpopular among fans. Battles like Sanchez vs Barkley might produce our backup QB, a guys like Christian Ponder, Trent Edwards, Charlie Whitehurst, you hope a guy like Matt Moore is surprisingly cut, but the options look few. OR you may find the Ravens bring in a guy who has promise but not much more experience then Tyrod or Wenning but the Ravens may have liked him in a pervious draft and are willing to sign him. Guys like Ricky Stanzi, Matt Simms, Scott Tolzien or Zac Dysert may be available, depending on if the Ravens see something they like. The only thing that certain is that the Ravens are probably done if Flacco goes down.

 

It's hard enough to find a starting QB, let alone a backup QB.  As you said (and if the names don't make it evident themselves), the options aren't great.  In very few cases does your starter go down for a significant amount of time does the backup QB come in and perform extraordinarily well.  I've always preferred a backup that will simply come in and take care of the football.  I don't need a guy to come in and throw 4-5 TD's while my starter is out.  Give me the guy that doesn't cause turnovers but may only throw 1-2 TDs a game.  Does that win every game you play?  No, but it at least keeps you competitive if you can control the ball and the clock.  Unfortunately, teams typically don't cut those types of guys and that's when we get left with the Kevin Kolbs and Josh Freemans of the world as options.

 

I've always been surprised that we haven't prioritized backup QB more than we have.  We've been extremely lucky that Flacco has been as durable as he has.  That day is going to come though where Flacco goes down.  I just hope at that point, we have a more than capable backup.  I really wanted TJ Yates.  I was kind of hoping we'd throw something Houston's direction via trade.

[Ravensfan23]

It's hard enough to find a starting QB, let alone a backup QB.  As you said (and if the names don't make it evident themselves), the options aren't great.  In very few cases does your starter go down for a significant amount of time does the backup QB come in and perform extraordinarily well.  I've always preferred a backup that will simply come in and take care of the football.  I don't need a guy to come in and throw 4-5 TD's while my starter is out.  Give me the guy that doesn't cause turnovers but may only throw 1-2 TDs a game.  Does that win every game you play?  No, but it at least keeps you competitive if you can control the ball and the clock.  Unfortunately, teams typically don't cut those types of guys and that's when we get left with the Kevin Kolbs and Josh Freemans of the world as options.

 

I've always been surprised that we haven't prioritized backup QB more than we have.  We've been extremely lucky that Flacco has been as durable as he has.  That day is going to come though where Flacco goes down.  I just hope at that point, we have a more than capable backup.  I really wanted TJ Yates.  I was kind of hoping we'd throw something Houston's direction via trade.

 

Agree 100%. I also really wanted TJ, but more importantly I just want to move away from the athletic backup QB. It just doesn't make much sense to me because it doesn't fit what we do. Why have a backup QB that you have to change your offense in order for him to be successful? Wouldn't it be best to have a guy who, while he may not be as good as your starter, can at least perform well enough in the offense as you said. Tyrod would be a better fit for a team like the 49ers, who gets more creative on offense and if Keap should go down at all, they could still keep the same style of offense at least.

 

Flacco is a big strong guy and much tougher then he seems to get credit for. It's not like he hasn't had his scares of being injured for. In the 2009 playoffs the guy couldn't even step into his throws because of a deep bruise on his hip, so we've definitely been luck to escape anything major with Joe. Especially with the poor protection he's accustom to. I think the time is now to get a backup who can grow with the system along with Joe. Hopefully Wenning proves to be the answer. 

[butchwolf]

sounds good to me abd after  viewing trhe Blind  Side why  did  we lose  Micharl oher? he is 1 of the  finest playes in the  NFL  bummer he was traded i so admire that young man and woul dlove to meet him in person i thanks Sandra Bullock and Tim macgraw for filing that awsome movie about a  very talented young american hero god  bless you Michael  we Love you!!!!!!!

[rmw10]

sounds good to me abd after  viewing trhe Blind  Side why  did  we lose  Micharl oher? he is 1 of the  finest playes in the  NFL  bummer he was traded i so admire that young man and woul dlove to meet him in person i thanks Sandra Bullock and Tim macgraw for filing that awsome movie about a  very talented young american hero god  bless you Michael  we Love you!!!!!!!

 

Great story but unfortunately his talent never translated on the NFL field.  He had his moments where you could see how much talent he had, but it was time for a change of scenery for him.

[bMore Heathen]

sounds good to me abd after viewing trhe Blind Side why did we lose Micharl oher? he is 1 of the finest playes in the NFL bummer he was traded i so admire that young man and woul dlove to meet him in person i thanks Sandra Bullock and Tim macgraw for filing that awsome movie about a very talented young american hero god bless you Michael we Love you!!!!!!!

My brain hurts now....

[Rav'n Maniac]

My brain hurts now....

.... because no doubt, everyone needs a hero!

[Token]

We signed Will Hill per Aaron Wilson.

 

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider 

Ravens signed suspended GIants safety Will Hill

[display name]

We signed Will Hill per Aaron Wilson.

 

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider 

Ravens signed suspended GIants safety Will Hill

I guess we're bent on setting that arrest record.

[ravefan52]

We signed Will Hill per Aaron Wilson.

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider

Ravens signed suspended GIants safety Will Hill

Has a 6-game ban but I love the pickup. He was a really good safety last year

[gabefergy]

I love the addition of Will Hill. If he can get his life back on track and get integrated into the defense after missing time for his suspension, it will be a huge steal.

[Ravenskid52752]

_{Will Hill was the 3rd ranked safety from PFT! if he can get right we might have found our FS!}

[KDUBB44]

In other news, Darin Gantt is officially the biggest Ravens hater out there. Solid signing

 

 

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/25/ravens-sign-will-hill-because-of-course-they-do/

 

 

^ if that doesn't sound hateful in any way....

[PuRock]

I really like the signing.  Its a PR nightmare with the trouble we've had, but it should make our football team better on the field.  He's a really good young player when he's on the field.  

[rmw10]

Love the pickup. Insanely talented player, but tons of issues if course. It gives you training camp to work with him and see where his life is at without having to commit a roster spot to him.

[berad]

Don't worry about PFT, their misery knows no bounds and they love pumping Ravens stories right now.

 

Hill is very troubled but talented. He's suspended 6 games this year which is his third run in with the league.

[Gordo52]

So now that makes 3 safeties who've played college ball in the state of Florida.

Love the signing. Please stay out of trouble

[Alexir]

I guess we're bent on setting that arrest record.

 

He got suspened for a pee test which is probably from Adderall. Where is arrest article? I hope you aren't talking about the child support one...

[Alexir]

_{Will Hill was the 3rd ranked safety from PFT! if he can get right we might have found our FS!}

2nd actually!

[GrimCoconut]

If I recall correctly, doesn't Stewart have issues staying healthy? Lol Hill could be off of suspension by the time Stewart might be feeling the effects of the NFL.

[Gordo52]

Will Will Hill chill?

[Static]

Ozzie Grab!

[1/28/01]

HORRIBLE timing and piss poor PR move. Welcome to Baltimore, Will Hill. You'll fit right in

[PuRock]

Don't worry about PFT, their misery knows no bounds and they love pumping Ravens stories right now.

 

Hill is very troubled but talented. He's suspended 6 games this year which is his third run in with the league.

 

They are just being haters.  Dallas was rumored with signing Hill.  If they did, PFT would probably compliment them because they had a need and got a very talented player.  

[bMore Heathen]

Has a 6-game ban but I love the pickup. He was a really good safety last year

Interesting pick up. Defiantly a talented player. Could this mean Brooks is struggling more than we thought? To add another body to the S competition seem like we aren't satisfied with depth.

[rmw10]

WARNING:  FOUL LANGUAGE AND SEXUAL REFERENCES IN THIS LINK

 

Now that the warning is out of the way, this is the type of guy we picked up.  He seems like a complete knucklehead, but this is a very enjoyable read:

[Alexir]

HORRIBLE timing and piss poor PR move. Welcome to Baltimore, Will Hill. You'll fit right in

 

Who the hell cares about PR move. NFL made the suspension 2 games, not the Ravens.

[Static]

Will Hill only allowed 1 TD in 2013. He also only gave up 186 passing yards. He did not allow a completion longer than 25yards all season. Also played the run very well.

If he returns and is a fraction of the guy he was last year than we made out like bandits.

Hehehe.