[News] Dennis Pitta 'Optimistic' About Playing This Year

[stixfix69]

Way to early to really speculate, only sure thing is Harbs won't put him out there if he feels he can;t do the things we would need him to do as a pass catching TE....

[Bohica5]

If.....he's really dumb enough to try this i say.....Cut him before he hurts himself please...............We're on the hook for his money anyways and i don't want to see him get paralyzed or his legs fall off in our uniform.....

[January J]

Some of y'all are quite disrespectful. I'm not going to actually hope for him to retire- I want him to be happy and play the game he loves. Only thing I'm gonna hope for is for it not to happen again. If he can't make it back on the feild that would be ok too- but I'm also not going to insult his intelligence and act like he doesn't know what he's doing.

Edited May 15, 2015 by January J

[Mr.Incredible]

I want Pitta to play but only if 100% ready, I don't think he should start wk1, I think that when he injured his hip for the second time, his hip wasn't all the way healthy due to how easily he went down, he didn't even get touched, this time I think he understands that he has to take his time and be more cautious. Im confident that he will come back strong with a FULLY HEALTHY HIP, unlike last season. Stop being so doubtful and trust that he knows what he's doing, if the doctor, the team, him and his family all agree that he is good enough to play and he should, who are we to say no.

[FloridalovesRavens]

You are in my prayers Dennis. What ever you decide is ok with me. Go Ravens.

[paulCBpac]

if hes healthy we could have a lethal offense

[RavensReck27]

I am not going to lie, I kind of just want him to retire. I know he is Joe's boy, and he has been great in the past, but he is just so fragile. I am going to cringe every time I see him get hit. Also, he is a big cap hit, for a player who has not been able to contribute much in the past two seasons. My biggest reason though, is that we have 3 young stud TE's to run the show. If we keep 4 TE's that most likely means we will keep 1 less receiver, and in a really tight receiver battle this year, that will be a big factor. I think Pitta just wants to play so he can make as much money from his contract as he can so he can live comfortably for the rest of his life, which I completely understand.

[Mad Scientist Too]

Oh man. I don't know how to feel. I'd like to see Pitta back, of course. But I'm scared that he hurts the hip again and then it is permanent. He's too good a guy to have to live with that fore the rest of his life.

 I hear you. The flip side of the story is between Glimore and the two TE picked up in the draft .  They could rotate TEs  and Pitta would not be on the field  continuously. That would spare some wear and tear on the hip.  

[huntrgathrr]

If Pitta can play without getting injured that's great. But why take the chance. Pay him for this year and let him retire. He would be a great coach.

What Ozzie did through the draft was excellent. We have 3 (4 if you include Juice) very good tight ends that are young and full of potential. Also cap friendly!!

Ozzie has left no stone unturned this year. This is as deep and talented team as we have ever put on the field. Looking at other good teams around the league, we are as good a shape as any. We have a solid chance to beat every team we play.

[hen826957]

I hope Pitta plays so we wouldn't have to take a salary cap hit and I don't want that. I want a great salary cap space this year and going into next.

[RavensReck27]

We are a run first team. Having two solid blocking TE's (Gilmore, Boyle) is more important than having two receiving TE's (Willams, Pitta). Williams can carry the load at the receiving TE position, while Gilmore and Boyle will be tough blockers who can also slip under the secondary and catch passes when we do two-Tight End sets. We really don't need Pitta, and he is more of a luxury at this point. I just don't like the idea of having 4 TE's on our roster when we are so deep in other positions that could use that extra roster spot.

[Fastynart]

I admire Pitta and wish him well, but, come on, the guy has had two major hip injuries. He is lucky to still be walking. If he suffers anothere one, he may not. He should take that into consideration before setting foot on the field again. After seeing him go down a second time, when no one touched him, I don't believe a word that the doctor's are saying. He needs to go on IR and spend a lot of time rehabbing and thinking about the risk.

[hen826957]

If Pitta wants to play then he wants to play boost our offense for sure.

[RavensReck27]

If he can comeback 100% healthy, and the hip injuries are no concern, and he is looking good on the field, THEN I would be open minded about having 4 TE's on the roster. Until all of those factors are shown, I will stick to my idea that going with Williams, Gilmore and Boyle is the better option.

[mettro79]

This whole Pitta situation is no more clearer now than it was 3 months ago. We all know of his talent and ability when he's healthy and I would love to have him back on the field, but unless I'm missing something there's been no concrete info as to his return. All we know is as an organization we have a ton of talent at the TE position right now, which is not a bad thing. I guess only time will tell.

[The Mom Gene]

We are a run first team. Having two solid blocking TE's (Gilmore, Boyle) is more important than having two receiving TE's (Willams, Pitta). Williams can carry the load at the receiving TE position, while Gilmore and Boyle will be tough blockers who can also slip under the secondary and catch passes when we do two-Tight End sets. We really don't need Pitta, and he is more of a luxury at this point. I just don't like the idea of having 4 TE's on our roster when we are so deep in other positions that could use that extra roster spot.

Problem is?  He's under contract and his $$ fall under the cap.  That being said, I'm sure he's getting medical advice.  Just think if there were something in your life that you absolutely LOVED and you were great at it.  Now imagine folks telling you you'll never be able to do that again, or we don't need you because now we have these guys.... You have to accept that and let go in your own time.  Let the guy make his decision independently of any persuasion.   

[RavensBaltimore]

We are a run first team. Having two solid blocking TE's (Gilmore, Boyle) is more important than having two receiving TE's (Willams, Pitta). Williams can carry the load at the receiving TE position, while Gilmore and Boyle will be tough blockers who can also slip under the secondary and catch passes when we do two-Tight End sets. We really don't need Pitta, and he is more of a luxury at this point. I just don't like the idea of having 4 TE's on our roster when we are so deep in other positions that could use that extra roster spot.

Last year, we were a pass first team(about 55%-45% in favor of pass). In the playoffs, we were even more pass heavy, and the offense was better. And that was despite the fact that we couldn't run 2 TE sets with 2 receiving TEs, even though they are a big part of Kubiak's system. This year, we have more weapons at WR and TE, and we'll be running the same system, but with an OC who has historically been more pass heavy than Kubiak. I think it's important to the FO and coaching staff to have 2 receiving TEs, and I can almost guarantee we will be a pass first team this year. That doesn't mean that they don't care about the TEs being able to block, nor does it mean we will be forgetting about the run game, but with 2 receiving TEs, we will be more versatile and more dangerous.

[January J]

This whole Pitta situation is no more clearer now than it was 3 months ago. We all know of his talent and ability when he's healthy and I would love to have him back on the field, but unless I'm missing something there's been no concrete info as to his return. All we know is as an organization we have a ton of talent at the TE position right now, which is not a bad thing. I guess only time will tell.

I think it's a little clearer now that he's actually practicing with the team , running and cutting. That's a good sign and a whole lot better than seeing him on crutches

[RavensBaltimore]

If he can comeback 100% healthy, and the hip injuries are no concern, and he is looking good on the field, THEN I would be open minded about having 4 TE's on the roster. 

The doctors say he already is 100% healthy, but as long as he's on the field, the hip injuries will always be a concern, and by that, I mean there will always be a better chance of him breaking it again than if it had never been broken. That reality is never going to go away. It's his decision if he wants to take that risk, and I don't think anyone on these boards knows what's best for Pitta more than Pitta himself.

[RavensReck27]

Problem is?  He's under contract and his $$ fall under the cap.  That being said, I'm sure he's getting medical advice.  Just think if there were something in your life that you absolutely LOVED and you were great at it.  Now imagine folks telling you you'll never be able to do that again, or we don't need you because now we have these guys.... You have to accept that and let go in your own time.  Let the guy make his decision independently of any persuasion.   

No I completely understand his situation. I see why he wants to play, for many reasons. I am saying from my personal opinion that Pitta makes me uncomfortable because he is so fragile, and we are paying him a lot of money when he has not contributed much, and we have a potential franchise TE in Maxx Williams, plus two solid guys in Boyle and Gilmore; all under cheap rookie contracts.  I am saying from a GM's viewpoint, Pitta retiring is definitely an appealing option. 

[RavensReck27]

Last year, we were a pass first team(about 55%-45% in favor of pass). In the playoffs, we were even more pass heavy, and the offense was better. And that was despite the fact that we couldn't run 2 TE sets with 2 receiving TEs, even though they are a big part of Kubiak's system. This year, we have more weapons at WR and TE, and we'll be running the same system, but with an OC who has historically been more pass heavy than Kubiak. I think it's important to the FO and coaching staff to have 2 receiving TEs, and I can almost guarantee we will be a pass first team this year. That doesn't mean that they don't care about the TEs being able to block, nor does it mean we will be forgetting about the run game, but with 2 receiving TEs, we will be more versatile and more dangerous.

We may have had more passing snaps last year, but the scheme we ran, and I expect us still to run, is the line up like we are running on every play to make the defense play close, and either hand it off, drop straight back, or do play action.  The point is, our TE's are lined up ready to block on almost every play, and thats when they either continue blocking or fade out into a route.  It keeps the defense guessing, because those TE's can do both (Gilmore, Boyle). I completely see your point that having Pitta and Williams on the field at the same time running routes sounds appealing, but I think Gilmore showed us he can be a pretty solid #2 receiving TE.  I just think with what we have in those 3 young TE's, makes the kind of money we are paying Pitta not worth it, especially with his injury risk factor on every play.  My biggest concern, is that if we keep 4 TE's that probably means that we will keep one less WR.  Not saying that is a guarantee, but either way, we are going to have a tight receiving race this summer, and that spot will be vital. So I agree that having Pitta would be nice, but I just think the negatives of keeping him outweigh the negatives. 

[RavensReck27]

The doctors say he already is 100% healthy, but as long as he's on the field, the hip injuries will always be a concern, and by that, I mean there will always be a better chance of him breaking it again than if it had never been broken. That reality is never going to go away. It's his decision if he wants to take that risk, and I don't think anyone on these boards knows what's best for Pitta more than Pitta himself.

Yeah that is why I am uncomfortable with him playing again. I am going to cringe every time he gets hit, and I have seen other comments today from other fans saying the same thing.  Obviously he knows best for himself, we all are just giving our opinions  on here of what we think is best.  However, my intakes have focused on what is best for the TEAM rather than what is best for him; since it is not my decision to make.

[Postapocalypse Raven]

"Those ruling him out for 2015 should take pause."

 

Been trying to tell'm that for months now.

[Postapocalypse Raven]

He came back in 2013 to help us beat the Vikings in the Snow Bowl at M&T. This year he'll come back again and help us win another Super Bowl!

Edited May 16, 2015 by Postapocalypse Raven

[Purple&Black]

I like Pitta. He's a good guy and I'd hate to see him get hurt again. He's got to think about life after football. He could be chancing not be able to walk straight, if at all. I get it though. You can't just quit something you love. At the very least he should take more time. Last time he was cleared and ready and he went down without being touched. If his goal is to play this season I say wait even if you think you're ready. At the end of the day, only the docs and Pitta himself know

Edited May 16, 2015 by Purple&Black

[Purple&Black]

If.....he's really dumb enough to try this i say.....Cut him before he hurts himself please...............We're on the hook for his money anyways and i don't want to see him get paralyzed or his legs fall off in our uniform.....

 

really wow? So many things I want to say, but I'm going to be respectful and say just show some class. This man is putting his body on the line to do something he loves and so you can be entertained and you care about the money? wow!

[Purple&Black]

It makes you think i was aprihensive of ozzie's signing pitta to a long term deal especially with him now be 29 as opposed to ed dickson only 27 and has been playing well if not better than pitta since being with carolina and no signs of his thigh injury he had when he was here in baltimore. and it makes me worry that as much as i hope pitta is ok for a te of his age i really hope that he takes it slow because another hip injury by age 30 it really could be permanate

 

Um. I don't know which Ed Dickson you're talking about because the one in Carolina is sitting on the bench behind Greg Olsen and only had 10 catches last season. To put that in perspective, he had 11 his rookie season and 25 his last season in Baltimore. So tell me again how he's playing better... Pitta not at 100% is probably still better than Dickson

[The Mom Gene]

I like Pitta. He's a good guy and I'd hate to see him get hurt again. He's got to think about life after football. He could be chancing not be able to walk straight, if at all. I get it though. You can't just quit something you love. At the very least he should take more time. Last time he was cleared and ready and he went down without being touched. If his goal is to play this season I say wait even if you think you're ready. At the end of the day, only the docs and Pitta himself know

And that's why he's taking his time this time around.  He was back in 4 months last time.  This time it's been double that already.  I think everyone is concerned with his life after football.  None more than his parent's and his wife, I'm sure.  They know and understand him and what he wants in his life.

 

Have you ever looked back and wished you'd done something, but didn't?  If we all walked around and didn't do things because of risk... or we were afraid of how it might affect us in the future we'd live pretty boring lives, don'tcha think?  He wants to live doing what he loves to do....

[GO_Ravens]

Pitta and Maxx Williams duo would be pretty beast I must add but I would really hate to see Pitta hurt again he better really take a lot of time to think about this.

[January J]

Who knows Maybe he changes his mind and just sits out the whole year and then call it quits next year. Like it was previously said- it would be stupid for him to retire now bc his money for this year is guarenteed and that would be the equivalent of throwing away a winning lottery ticket. he's gonna need that few million for life after football. I support him regardless but ofcourse I want to see him beat the odds and return to his pro form