[News] Late For Work 5/15: Check Out Joe Flacco's Ninja Warrior Trainer

[rmcjacket23]

saying Upshaw is situational shows a lack of knowledge of the Ravens defense... Dumervil is the situational player!! He thanked Upshaw on many many occasions because he does all the dirty work that allows Elvis to come in on passing situations and work the bull rush. Upshaw is not dispensable. He is our swiss army knife... he laid THE BIGGEST hit I had ever seen, and it just so happened to be on Ben Roethlisberger. Dumervil won't be around forever so how are we replacing Upshaw... who can play multiple positions. I'd say we are getting an heir replacement Dumervil who just so happens to mirror the play of Pernell McPhee.

They are both basically situational. Upshaw plays on less than half the snaps (48.5% in 2014), and Dumervil played 55.8%.

 

Just like McPhee was situational, playing on 47.7% of snaps.

 

When its 3rd and long or an obvious passing down situation, Upshaw generally isn't on the field. That, by definition, makes him a situational player. There's nothing wrong with being a situational player, except in some ways it can devalue you from a FA standpoint, because I don't think there's many teams who would be willing to pay Upshaw to be a 80-90% snap count player.

 

Its cool that he laid a big hit on Ben, but that's not relevant at all to the fact that he is, by definition, situational.

[rmcjacket23]

why let Upshaw go.... he is not going to command big money on the open market... we could re-sign him for cheap and we would have Upshaw and ZSmith waiting in the wings... Dumerville and SUggs aren't getting any younger that's for sure! We could have both of their replacements in house... and it would be similar to having JJ (the run stopper) in Upshaw and Suggs the pass rusher in (ZSmith).... Upshaw is excellent against the run... he is a nasty physical presence which is what we want in our division and he is getting better.... yet under the radar enough that teams wont over pay him like (Art Jones and others that have left us)!

All depends on cap situation. We still got guys like Tucker, Osemele, Yanda, and even guys like Will Hill who can all be UFAs next season, and as of now, I'd consider them all more important to resign than Upshaw at the moment. We've seen the Ravens let players walk who didn't command big money on the open market either (Corey Graham comes to mind).

 

Just depends on how much the FO values him. He's good at what he does, but maybe the FO thinks that they can use a mid-round draft pick on a run-stopping OLB in the next draft, or even find somebody even cheaper on the open market.

 

A lot of moving parts there.

[steelcityraven]

mcjacket23.... While I agree that cap space determines everything in the NFL.... I think that also supports why we keep UPSHAW... KO, YANDA and TUCKER will all be bigger priorities moving forward but they will come at a much bigger cost as a result. And while we have cut some players who did not command big money in the past we have probable cut as many or more big names not willing to work to get under the cap. NGATA, TORREY, BOLDIN,KRUGER, Art Jones, Todd Heap, Ed Reed, Kelly Greg, Derrik Mason, etc. We are a stop the run defense and Upshaw is that guy! When we can find that guy and he comes cheaply... I would find it hard to believe that we would let him go. Meanwhile Yanda, KO are bigger priorities and we may not be able to keep them both.... I think that is why we have Urschel and drafted a G this year! Very similar to how we knew we may lose NGATA and snatched up Timmy Jernigan just in case we couldn't get that big contract under control. You are right in that there are still a lot of moving parts there....injuries, player development, likelihood that we will work out one or several of those contracts before the offseason... but in baltimores system... bigger priority doesn't mean that you will be more likely to be signed (as we have seen year in and year out) it means that if you don't work with us... (Like Webb) you may be packing your bags.... Upshaw has little reason not to work with the Ravens and the Ravens would probably have little reason to not work with Upshaw... I would be very surprised if Courtney is not back after this season!

[Zeus]

Remember when Brady told us to review the rule book?

[MadStorkSociety]

@SteelCityRaven - and don't forget Upshaw's hit on Rothlisburger. He's worth keeping just to see if it can happen again!

[rmcjacket23]

mcjacket23.... While I agree that cap space determines everything in the NFL.... I think that also supports why we keep UPSHAW... KO, YANDA and TUCKER will all be bigger priorities moving forward but they will come at a much bigger cost as a result. And while we have cut some players who did not command big money in the past we have probable cut as many or more big names not willing to work to get under the cap. NGATA, TORREY, BOLDIN,KRUGER, Art Jones, Todd Heap, Ed Reed, Kelly Greg, Derrik Mason, etc. We are a stop the run defense and Upshaw is that guy! When we can find that guy and he comes cheaply... I would find it hard to believe that we would let him go. Meanwhile Yanda, KO are bigger priorities and we may not be able to keep them both.... I think that is why we have Urschel and drafted a G this year! Very similar to how we knew we may lose NGATA and snatched up Timmy Jernigan just in case we couldn't get that big contract under control. You are right in that there are still a lot of moving parts there....injuries, player development, likelihood that we will work out one or several of those contracts before the offseason... but in baltimores system... bigger priority doesn't mean that you will be more likely to be signed (as we have seen year in and year out) it means that if you don't work with us... (Like Webb) you may be packing your bags.... Upshaw has little reason not to work with the Ravens and the Ravens would probably have little reason to not work with Upshaw... I would be very surprised if Courtney is not back after this season!

I expect him to be back as well, but we also don't really know what Upshaw wants. He may be a guy who wants to go somewhere where he can at least have a shot at being a full time player (playing 70-80% of snaps at least), and he'd have a better shot at that on a 4-3 base defense team in my opinion. Maybe he decides its worth taking $500K-$1M less per season to simply play more, since barring injuries, there's very little chance he gets to be that kind of a player on this team in the next 2-3 years at least.

[757RavensFan]

saying Upshaw is situational shows a lack of knowledge of the Ravens defense... Dumervil is the situational player!! He thanked Upshaw on many many occasions because he does all the dirty work that allows Elvis to come in on passing situations and work the bull rush. Upshaw is not dispensable. He is our swiss army knife... he laid THE BIGGEST hit I had ever seen, and it just so happened to be on Ben Roethlisberger. Dumervil won't be around forever so how are we replacing Upshaw... who can play multiple positions. I'd say we are getting an heir replacement Dumervil who just so happens to mirror the play of Pernell McPhee.

 

 

I flew up from Miami to see this game, and was 1st row in that endzone. I've never seen someone get laid out like that, absolutely amazing. Even better who it happened to.....

 

 Bart Scott's sack on Rothleisberger has to be right up there with Upshaw's!!  

[ravenwildman]

Jim McNally called himself "deflator" because he is trying to lose weight.......lol, seriously??! If you are ever in need of someone to cover you with your wife after being out too late, this guy is not the one to do that! LOL GO RAVENS!

[respecttheRaven]

Remember when Brady told us to review the rule book?

Yes, I remember......and I still can't get over the first video after this ordeal was exposed,  Brady was asked if he was a cheater. Brady slyly smiled and said "Um....I don't believe so"   Really?!!  If I had been accused of cheating, and had not, I would have said " Definitely NOT". I don't know why, but this just sticks in my mind...oh, and how pompous he is! 

[ryananth]

Let's not downplay those sacks by Upshaw. He absolutely leveled Big ben at least twice.

[Ngataninch]

I would pay (not much, but maybe $10-$20) to see an interview with Jim McNally. Forget Tom Brady. McNally has been suspended indefinitely by the Patriots; pay the man $50,000 for a tell all interview and I bet he spills more than we can imagine. He seems just like the type of blabber-mouth I would never want involved in my conspiracy. Put a spot light on him. Make him feel like a star. He's worked for the team for decades I doubt this is the first time he has cheated for them.

[salamander]

I would pay (not much, but maybe $10-$20) to see an interview with Jim McNally. Forget Tom Brady. McNally has been suspended indefinitely by the Patriots; pay the man $50,000 for a tell all interview and I bet he spills more than we can imagine. He seems just like the type of blabber-mouth I would never want involved in my conspiracy. Put a spot light on him. Make him feel like a star. He's worked for the team for decades I doubt this is the first time he has cheated for them.

You are spot on. However, it is very likely that someone in the Pats organization will, or already has, paid the fired employees an even bigger fortune to keep their mouths clamped shut. Even a ton of money would be a drop in the bucket to the Pats and be worth every penny to buy lies the NFL won't be able to dismantle with more denials or silence. You are right though. The fired employees are the key to spilling the beans.  The Pats could very well attempt to slam the door shut with a shady deal, if they haven't done so already. 

[riseNConquer81]

You are spot on. However, it is very likely that someone in the Pats organization will, or already has, paid the fired employees an even bigger fortune to keep their mouths clamped shut. Even a ton of money would be a drop in the bucket to the Pats and be worth every penny to buy lies the NFL won't be able to dismantle with more denials or silence. You are right though. The fired employees are the key to spilling the beans.  The Pats could very well attempt to slam the door shut with a shady deal, if they haven't done so already.

lol you're quite the optimist.

They dont have to pay any of those people, non disclosure agreement and the threat of near poverty if they open their mouth about anything is more than enough to handle that problem and far more legal than a bribe.

[RavensReck27]

Out of Will Hill, Tucker, Yanda, Upshaw, and Osemele, I think we realistically keep 3. I would say Yanda and Tucker have the highest percentile to return, but the other three depends on the situation. If Will Hill has a good year, he will be very expensive to bring back, sadly, and if Terrence Brooks comes back after week 6 and shows signs of starting ability, Ozzie might just put his faith in him. Personally, I love Terrence Brooks and I really hope he comes back at some point this season. Osemele is probably going to have the best year of his career this year, and will likely go for market price in F/A. Upshaw is a very under-looked trench player. What Upshaw does for our defense is critical because he opens up big plays for other players. For this reason, I think we have a decent shot at keeping him, because that kind of trench work does not show up on stats, and stats are what attract money. I know he is going to try to get more sacks this year, and I hope he does, but I hope he stays under the radar enough to not attract big money. We do have a long line of history of farming OLB's for other teams to overpay, but Upshaw is different because he was our #1 pick in the 2012 draft, and he is from Alabama. Ozzie normally tries to keep those guys. I think Osemele has the lowest percentage chance to stay, unless he just loves the Ravens and wants to stay, and I think he will attract the most money out of all of these guys. I think Will Hill is the most situational player out of all of these guys, as in if he stays or not will entirely depend on the situation at that time. Yanda will get extended, and Tucker will be signed because even market kickers do not have that big of a cap hit. Upshaw is a wait and see. The good news is that we will be in a lot better situation with cap room next offseason. So we will be in a good spot to fight for these guys. Go Ravens.

Edited May 15, 2015 by RavensReck27

[salamander]

lol you're quite the optimist.

They dont have to pay any of those people, non disclosure agreement and the threat of near poverty if they open their mouth about anything is more than enough to handle that problem and far more legal than a bribe.

lol. Optimist? Actually, I'm quite the pessimist....at least as far as the Pats are concerned. I realize the nondisclosure agreement is supposed to be sufficient to deter blabbing. However, a little added incentive of cash,etc on the sly, otherwise known as a bribe, to me is well within the realm of what's possible by someone in the Pats organization. An optimist would be someone who believes that a non disclosure agreement would be enough to prevent this keg of dynamite from blowing up. Sure, the threats and reminders have probably already been made about non disclosure. Grease the wheels with a little extra incentive? Also, aren't repeated bribes the foundation of this entire fiasco, bribing with jerseys, shoes, etc.. Yeah, guess I am a pessimist. I prefer to call myself a realist though. LOL

[hen826957]

That roster looks amazing wow.

[hen826957]

@RavensReck27 If the extend Yanda this before he hit free agency then it possible to sign K.O. and Tucker next season. We got to extend Marshal Yanda now.

[huntrgathrr]

Upshaw is a rock. He won't be too high priced and we should be able to get him back. Tucker, Osemele and Yanda are just too good to let go. We may need a BIG restructure from Joe but I bet he does it especially if we go deep in the playoffs this year. He loves his offensive line and field goal kicker!!! I hope that Will Hill would give us a user friendly deal but he would be the one that gets overvalued by the league. having Lewis will help but Brooks or Elam will have to step up.

The Patriots disgrace themselves even further with childish lies like "losing weight". Has anyone in America ever used that term for weight loss?? ever?? NO. They are a real embarrassment to the league. Haven't they ever heard of man up?? This reminds me of the time we were squashing them in the AFC Ch game 2012 and Brady was on his back kicking at Ed Reed as flew by. I am SO GLAD that Goodell will be hearing the appeal....a quick and short NO will be forthcoming. For their failure to admit guilt and dragging this out even further, can they be punished even further?? That would be great.\

I'm not as pumped up about Arrington as the rest of you guys. He's a nickel corner. Way more important will be the play of Webb, Melvin and/or Jackson. One of these guys needs to be able to handle the other outside corner for this secondary to work. None of these guys are a #1 corner so Jimmy better stay healthy. he is the key to the whole secondary.

Should be another great year for the Ravens. Their future is very bright

Edited May 15, 2015 by Moderator 3
No need to insult half of our fanbase

[salamander]

Interesting that Joe is a Ninja Warrior fan. Pro football players have tried it with varying degrees success. Mostly, football players have too much mass to last the course without their arms giving out. Great athleticism of contestants, a different type of athlete worth admiring. Glad Joe is a fan. You can see some amazing feats. Even world class athletes like Joe can't do the courses as well, mostly due to body type. If you haven't watched the show, you may not want to start....cuz you will find yourself tuning in each week, addicted

[Ravensfan23]

Glad to see Brooks ahead of schedule, but with the rash of injuries the secondary had last season, i'm glad they are taking it slow. I though he was starting to put things together before the injury last year before the terrible play against the saints that allowed the TD. The he worked his way back onto the field only to get hurt in the Jax game. I think he'll continue to learn a lot from Will Hill. I noticed the two of them interacting at the Webb Softball game, they seem to have a very close relationship which should only help in terms of the game.

[Grapple Raven]

If that Patriots Rebuttal is the same one I read, Kraft needs to check and see if the attorneys he hired passed the bar, lol. 

[Minionhunter]

lol. Optimist? Actually, I'm quite the pessimist....at least as far as the Pats are concerned. I realize the nondisclosure agreement is supposed to be sufficient to deter blabbing. However, a little added incentive of cash,etc on the sly, otherwise known as a bribe, to me is well within the realm of what's possible by someone in the Pats organization. An optimist would be someone who believes that a non disclosure agreement would be enough to prevent this keg of dynamite from blowing up. Sure, the threats and reminders have probably already been made about non disclosure. Grease the wheels with a little extra incentive? Also, aren't repeated bribes the foundation of this entire fiasco, bribing with jerseys, shoes, etc.. Yeah, guess I am a pessimist. I prefer to call myself a realist though. LOL

I think that eventually the cheating will all come out from tuck rule to deflate gate. They (the cheating Patriots)  say that filming was a 1 on a scale of 1 to 100 and that deflating the footballs was like 1 on a scale of 1 to 100 (we'll see when the fumbling data  comes in), so that means by their logic they will cheat and risk so much just to get the tiniest advantage. If they are willing to do that for so little, what won't they do? What  else are they doing that gives them an even greater advantage that we don't know about? 

  

If I were McNally I would be worried about them sending me to Belize and write it all down and give it to various people to be released if I mysteriously dissappear or something happened to me. My guess is they call them Boston brakes because it was invented there or used a lot there.  

 

One thing is for sure, some ex employee will eventually get offered enough to spill the beans on the whole show.

[Sveske]

Lol at the projected starters by Sessler.. Dumerville is the situational player, not Upshaw. Dumerville has 5 combined starts with the ravens since the offense starts on 1st down, not 3rd..

[VeiledPsychosis]

Interesting that Joe is a Ninja Warrior fan. Pro football players have tried it with varying degrees success. Mostly, football players have too much mass to last the course without their arms giving out. Great athleticism of contestants, a different type of athlete worth admiring. Glad Joe is a fan. You can see some amazing feats. Even world class athletes like Joe can't do the courses as well, mostly due to body type. If you haven't watched the show, you may not want to start....cuz you will find yourself tuning in each week, addicted

I believe a few years back a Broncos WR actually made it through the qualifying course only to get knocked out by his time. It was hilarious, he was so much more massive than any of the other guys there and just brute forced his way through lots of the obstacles

[757RavensFan]

Brendon Ayanbadejo was just on American Ninja Warrior.  He didn't make it to the finals and he's in phenomenal shape.  

[The Mom Gene]

The article came out very recently....

 

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Late-For-Work-515-Check-Out-Joe-Flaccos-Ninja-Warrior-Trainer/35a1ad58-50ff-422f-8605-cf3d6fae3e74