[News] Ravens Not Satisfied, But Have High Hopes For Matt Elam

[Guest]

Oh, I know, but you're right, I will never understand it.

 

We're juiced for the coming year, but if we go down before we hoist the George Halas Championship Trophy, I'm banking it will be the secondary and predominately the Safety Play.  Clearly, Ed and Bernard would not be slated for this year, but the "planning" we did for that position, still has us in a deep hole.

 

 

Yeah, we cut our leading tackler, but you still don't get it? Don't you remember hearing anything about the "mutiny"? I thought Pollard was a big ingredient in that if I remember correctly. Did you really expect Harbaugh to keep him around after that? By the way, I didn't neg you. Someone else did that.

 

 

The entire Secondary was hit unusually hard by the injury bug! When in the history of the Ravens has one segment of one unit sustained so many season-ending injuries? I can't remember a year!

Besides, we were so busy trying to plug in and coach up guys each week that we never got a chance to get them squared away as a whole unit!

One could see that it was not the PLAY of the SAFETIES and corners that proved to be our Achilles' Heel,... it was clearly lapses in communication! 

Edited May 14, 2015 by Danny D

[Guest]

Elam was 32, He might as well be a 2nd rounder.

 

Well, but for Oz statements that Elam was at "The very top of his board". 

 

If you analyze the Safety situation beginning with jettisoning both of our Championship Safeties in the same year, it is comical. 

 

We dispose of Reed and Pollard

We sign Huff to about a 3 million deal. 

Huff sucks, so we cut him and eat about 2 million of guarantee money

We insert our 1st round draft pick into his spot. (A draft pick that can't play a lick)

And we still suck at safety, without reference to 2015 because we don't know yet.

 

Its actually funny.

We kinda sucked at receivers, but this year has great potential on the rookies and Smith Sr.'s mentoring

[Nexttime]

The Ravens make good decisions with guys like Elam and Brown. Think Paul Kruger, he didnt see the field his first two years, same kind of lackluster adjustment to the NFL and then he came on. I believe Harbaugh or Ozzie said, Paul decided finally to be a football player.

On the other hand there are high picks like Terrence Cody who showed good first years and then disappeared. That could be Elam? Could Brown be Kruger?

Nevertheless the Ravens are competitive by not giving up and finding guys like Mosely, Brandon Williams and Jernigan.

[ReginaldColeman1]

The Ravens are gambling that Perriman's injuries won't continue into his pro career and believe his development will make him a number one receiver. A successful number one. And they've gambled at the same time on the secondary arguably the weakest link at the close of last season. Time to move forward and see how Harbaugh makes this combination work into the flow. There's every reason to believe they can win the division and get that coveted bye and home advantage in the playoffs.

[Mystigo_Dragon]

Oh, I know, but you're right, I will never understand it.

 

We're juiced for the coming year, but if we go down before we hoist the George Halas Championship Trophy, I'm banking it will be the secondary and predominately the Safety Play.  Clearly, Ed and Bernard would not be slated for this year, but the "planning" we did for that position, still has us in a deep hole.

 

I'm a bit slow because don't think we've ever hoisted the George Halas Trophy and I can't even speculate on why we lost the Lamarr Hunt trophy on May 14th, 2015!

 

[Mystigo_Dragon]

Last year Ravens started with a healthy secondary and they got hurt. Now this year their starting a bunch of serious injured recovering players. How is that going to work out? Ben, Payton, Rivers, Dalton, and Tannehill (4,045 yards last year) will chew this secondary up..

 

I can't speculate on how our Secondary will perform as of May 14th,... it's not even June yet!

[stampedehero]

The way Elam played last year (regardless of natural position) still alerts all of us to his poor tackling.  If you can't tackle, you should not play.  He is lucky because in the real world you get canned for work like that. I want to see Kendrick Lewis do the nasty work, not Matt Elam.  

[Guest]

I'm a bit slow because don't think we've ever hoisted the George Halas Trophy and I can't even speculate on why we lost the Lamarr Hunt trophy on May 14th, 2015!

 

 

Yea we did. We hoisted the Halas twice. 2000 and 2012

Probably should have hoisted the Halas a couple more times too, but fate intervened.

 

No worries, I believe we will hoist the Halas in 2015 if our secondary isn't awful.

 

My definition of dynasty is 3 Halas Hoists in 5 years. Let me illustrate that

 

Halas - Halas - Halas

Halas- x - Halas - Halas

Halas -x-Halas-x-Halas

Halas - x - x - Halas-Halas

x - Halas-x-Halas-Halas

 

I think that covers the combos, like I said math isn't my strong suit, but I know who should be honored and where

[TXRavensFan]

That's the Lombardi Trophy, Danny...The Halas Trophy is for the NFC champion (like the Lamar Hunt trophy in the AFC).

[Joey Flac]

Ihedigdo made the pro bowl with the Lions. He was a little better than a band-aid. We just needed to get value out of our first round pick because like you said, they both played SS. However, Ihedigdo despite his lack of starting experience, was clearly a leader on the field for us. But perhaps you are right, perhaps Hill and Lewis will be a better influence. Although, I would question Hill because he still needs some guidance himself (off the field at least)

 

He failed a few drug tests... big deal. I am more high on Kendrick Lewis, who has been starting for a while and played with Damian Berry in KC. Will Hill has lead by example by showing up in games. If he gets another negative test then so be it... To say he STILL needs help is a little off base, he hasn't had any trouble since he came to Baltimore. Everyone need guidance, Elam probably needs it more than Will Hill. 

 

I don't put much into Pro-Bowl selections. Kam Chancellor and TJ Ward were the only two Strong Safeties to make it... Ihedigbo made it because Kam couldnt go. He wasn't voted in because of his performance. 

 

Ihedigbo also had the benefit of playing next to Glover Quinn... who ACTUALLY made the pro-bowl through voting. So I'd hope he would have a good season with a pro-bowl Free Safety next to him, instead of throwing out two strong safeties like we had with Elam and Ihedigbo... and he was a Band-Aid because we had NO reason to keep him since we drafted a safety in the first round. How is he not a temporary replacement with a one-year stint at starter? 

Edited May 15, 2015 by Joey Flac

[Guest]

That's the Lombardi Trophy, Danny...The Halas Trophy is for the NFC champion (like the Lamar Hunt trophy in the AFC).

 

Wait a minute

 

We hoisted Halas in 2012

2013 X

2014 X

 So if we hoist Halas in 2015 and 2016 the pattern becomes:

 

Halas X X Halas Halas and that's Dynasty Baby!!!

 

I'm all about the Halas, bout the Halas, no Steelers

I'm all about the Halas, bout the Halas, no Steelers

Edited May 16, 2015 by Danny D

[TXRavensFan]

Wait a minute

 

We hoisted Halas in 2012

2013 X

2014 X

 So if we hoist Halas in 2015 and 2016 the pattern becomes:

 

Halas X X Halas Halas and that's Dynasty Baby!!!

 

I'm all about the Halas, bout the Halas, no Steelers

I'm all about the Halas, bout the Halas, no Steelers

 

Let me rephrase...the Halas Trophy is awarded to the winner of the NFC Championship game - since the Ravens are in the AFC, they have never, nor will they ever (barring drastic realignment) hoist the Halas Trophy.

 

On the other hand, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Super Bowl. The Ravens hoisted that trophy after the 2000 and 2012 seasons.

[Purple&Black]

He failed a few drug tests... big deal. I am more high on Kendrick Lewis, who has been starting for a while and played with Damian Berry in KC. Will Hill has lead by example by showing up in games. If he gets another negative test then so be it... To say he STILL needs help is a little off base, he hasn't had any trouble since he came to Baltimore. Everyone need guidance, Elam probably needs it more than Will Hill. 

 

I don't put much into Pro-Bowl selections. Kam Chancellor and TJ Ward were the only two Strong Safeties to make it... Ihedigbo made it because Kam couldnt go. He wasn't voted in because of his performance. 

 

Ihedigbo also had the benefit of playing next to Glover Quinn... who ACTUALLY made the pro-bowl through voting. So I'd hope he would have a good season with a pro-bowl Free Safety next to him, instead of throwing out two strong safeties like we had with Elam and Ihedigbo... and he was a Band-Aid because we had NO reason to keep him since we drafted a safety in the first round. How is he not a temporary replacement with a one-year stint at starter? 

The point is Ihedigbo was a good leader on the field so Elam could and should have learned from him. Was he a temporary replacement? Maybe, but that doesn't mean he isn't a good leader. I never said it was a big deal that Hill has a troubled past, nor did I say he was trouble. I said he needed guidance. Someone in his corner to keep him on the path he is currently on. Part of growing is learning from mistakes. So far he seems to be doing that. However, big deal or not, he can't exactly be a leader if he isn't on the field now can he? Which is why who he is off the field plays just as important a role. I agree with you on Lewis. He played with ERIC Berry FYI.

[Joey Flac]

The point is Ihedigbo was a good leader on the field so Elam could and should have learned from him. Was he a temporary replacement? Maybe, but that doesn't mean he isn't a good leader. I never said it was a big deal that Hill has a troubled past, nor did I say he was trouble. I said he needed guidance. Someone in his corner to keep him on the path he is currently on. Part of growing is learning from mistakes. So far he seems to be doing that. However, big deal or not, he can't exactly be a leader if he isn't on the field now can he? Which is why who he is off the field plays just as important a role. I agree with you on Lewis. He played with ERIC Berry FYI.

 

id say our safety staff now is better than anything we had with Elam... which was my whole point. I don't put much stock into Ihedigbo as a "leader" if he hasn't started in over half of his NFL career games. You can call over 80% of people in the NFL "leaders" if you have that criteria. He is a journeyman that just recently got a starting job... I want a guy that has multiple years starting experience. How much can Ihedigbo REALLY teach Elam when he is learning the nuances of being a starter in the NFL himself?

 

I enjoyed his play, he had good energy and stuffed the run... but how much can someone lead when Elam is flying by the seat of his pants trying to learn a position he hasn't played in college... He had some of the WORST busted coverages I had ever seen. I don't see how Ihedigbo could of fixed Matt Elams coverage and confidence problems. He needed a stronger presence that would know when to get in his face and when to motivate him. 

 

Justin Forsett was a "leader" in that regard of talking to young players, but his play also backed it up last year.

 

I'm not as concerned with Will Hill, if Matt Elam is supposed to take his job eventually. 

 

The guy smoked some pot, it isn't hard to quit. You don't need someone in your corner like Rocky. I'd say about 50% of guys in the NFL do the same stuff that Will Hill does...

[Guest]

Let me rephrase...the Halas Trophy is awarded to the winner of the NFC Championship game - since the Ravens are in the AFC, they have never, nor will they ever (barring drastic realignment) hoist the Halas Trophy.

 

On the other hand, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Super Bowl. The Ravens hoisted that trophy after the 2000 and 2012 seasons.

 

Hmmmm

 

I'm not sure about that.

 

Halas was a NFL co founder.  Lombardi was just a coach.  Maybe a good coach, but just a coach.

 

If we hoist the Halas in 2015, Harbaugh will have as many hoists as Lombardi!

[Mystigo_Dragon]

Yea we did. We hoisted the Halas twice. 2000 and 2012

Probably should have hoisted the Halas a couple more times too, but fate intervened.

 

No worries, I believe we will hoist the Halas in 2015 if our secondary isn't awful.

 

My definition of dynasty is 3 Halas Hoists in 5 years. Let me illustrate that

 

Halas - Halas - Halas

Halas- x - Halas - Halas

Halas -x-Halas-x-Halas

Halas - x - x - Halas-Halas

x - Halas-x-Halas-Halas

 

I think that covers the combos, like I said math isn't my strong suit, but I know who should be honored and where

 

Sir, The trophy given to the winner of the NFC Championship Game in the National Football League. 

You do,.... uhhh... realize that, uhhh.... we're in the AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE, don't ya? 

Does the "Smash mouth" AFC-NORTH ring a bell to ya?  

 

Yea we did. We hoisted the Halas twice. 2000 and 2012

Probably should have hoisted the Halas a couple more times too, but fate intervened.

 

No worries, I believe we will hoist the Halas in 2015 if our secondary isn't awful.

 

My definition of dynasty is 3 Halas Hoists in 5 years. Let me illustrate that

 

Halas - Halas - Halas

Halas- x - Halas - Halas

Halas -x-Halas-x-Halas

Halas - x - x - Halas-Halas

x - Halas-x-Halas-Halas

 

I think that covers the combos, like I said math isn't my strong suit, but I know who should be honored and where

 

 

Sir, The trophy given to the winner of the NFC Championship Game in the National Football League. 

You do,.... uhhh... realize that, uhhh.... we're in the AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE, don't ya? 

Does the "Smash mouth" AFC-NORTH ring a bell to ya? 

[ms190027]

Im a miami hurricane fan.Arthur Brown started his college fb career there.He tranfered to k state because he couldn't get playing time became he couldn't get the scheme down. Dude is just not b very smart. He is a see ball hit ball kind of guy.

[Purple&Black]

id say our safety staff now is better than anything we had with Elam... which was my whole point. I don't put much stock into Ihedigbo as a "leader" if he hasn't started in over half of his NFL career games. You can call over 80% of people in the NFL "leaders" if you have that criteria. He is a journeyman that just recently got a starting job... I want a guy that has multiple years starting experience. How much can Ihedigbo REALLY teach Elam when he is learning the nuances of being a starter in the NFL himself?

 

I enjoyed his play, he had good energy and stuffed the run... but how much can someone lead when Elam is flying by the seat of his pants trying to learn a position he hasn't played in college... He had some of the WORST busted coverages I had ever seen. I don't see how Ihedigbo could of fixed Matt Elams coverage and confidence problems. He needed a stronger presence that would know when to get in his face and when to motivate him. 

 

Justin Forsett was a "leader" in that regard of talking to young players, but his play also backed it up last year.

 

I'm not as concerned with Will Hill, if Matt Elam is supposed to take his job eventually. 

 

The guy smoked some pot, it isn't hard to quit. You don't need someone in your corner like Rocky. I'd say about 50% of guys in the NFL do the same stuff that Will Hill does...

I agree with what you're saying the only thing I'm countering is that you don't have to be a starter to be a leader. Let's say for instance a player like Forsett doesn't have the immediate talent to start in the NFL, but he works harder than anyone else, and pushes his teammates in practice. Even though he never started, wouldn't you call that a leader. At any rate, yes Elam should benefit from lewis and hill. Playing behind them should also enable he to watch more and not have added pressure to perform. Then again, his job is on the lone if he doesn't show up this season

[Drew P]

Well he is buried on the depth chart so hopefully he fades away or they bundle him with Arthur Brown and jettison him off to the 49ers for a draft pick or two

[Joey Flac]

I agree with what you're saying the only thing I'm countering is that you don't have to be a starter to be a leader. Let's say for instance a player like Forsett doesn't have the immediate talent to start in the NFL, but he works harder than anyone else, and pushes his teammates in practice. Even though he never started, wouldn't you call that a leader. At any rate, yes Elam should benefit from lewis and hill. Playing behind them should also enable he to watch more and not have added pressure to perform. Then again, his job is on the lone if he doesn't show up this season

 

i used the word "leader" too loosely there... I'm referring to their experience as an NFL starter and how that can "lead" Elam to follow their habits and game prep. 

 

i'd say you're talking about a "locker room leader" vs an on the field leader, which I was referring to... but those are splitting hairs of split hairs.