[News] Matt Elam: It's Time For Me To Get To Next Level

[BR News]

The former first-round pick struggled, but he’s more confident now after ramping up his offseason work.

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[JimmySmithMyMan]

As long as he's not missing tackles I feel like we're fine. We don't expect him at this point to be mini Ed Reed. Just don't miss tackles on Danny Amendola

[budman]

If he takes a good look around him he will see that he has all the help he could need. Ravens coaches and players will bend over backwards to help him. First he needs to want the help, and now it seems he is getting it.

Play like a Raven!

[Militant X 1]

Wrap up son...wrap up! Then you should be fine.

[757RavensFan]

I like the reports from OTA and camp that Pees has him playing near the line of scrimmage and using him in blitz packages. If he can finish the tackles when blitzing, he'll win fans over. 

[Rants N Ravens]

"When Elam returned to Baltimore in April for the voluntary offseason program, everyone took notice. He slimmed down. He had a different aurora about him. He had a bright outlook."

Aurora?

Edited June 24, 2015 by Rants N Ravens

[ellicottraven]

I'm not super confident that Elam will indeed make the jump. However, I do hope and wish he proves me wrong, badly wrong!

[ravensfan2430]

If you can't tackle, you can't play.

[ellicottraven]

"When Elam returned to Baltimore in April for the voluntary offseason program, everyone took notice. He slimmed down. He had a different aurora about him. He had a bright outlook."

Aurora?

 

"Aurora" - struck me as a slip of the keyboard! I am sure Garrett meant "Aura"!

 

[Rants N Ravens]

"Aurora" - struck me as a slip of the keyboard! I am sure Garrett meant "Aura"!

 

 

Darn auto-correct.  

[20306cab]

Next level? Get to the first level first!

[salamander]

I hope Matt lives up to his first round potential this year. I am more than willing to eat a big chunk of humble pie and I will gladly offer my most sincere apology for doubting him.

Edited June 24, 2015 by salamander

[Purpleghost23]

Please man those mistake from last year (tackling wise) were ugly,time to get the job done bro.

[bmoraven]

Tackle and boost your football IQ. The best players in the league study and place themselves in the best position to make a play. Blown Tackles and Coverages are usually a lack of preparation and adjustments. Matt has the physical tools, Let's pull for him...

[Crusader]

Ya THINK!

[Tdot.to.Bmore]

If he learns to tackle he will be ok. He has shown to be in the right place at the right time on occasions but his tackling skills need to improve. I just think that we threw to much at him last year with all the injuries. I believe in Elam. HE could be a very good player once the he flips the switch.

[boldtown]

elam, it's all or nothing. i wish you well

[bluehen]

So what do I take from this, that for his first 2 years he really did not push his off season routines and thought that he could skate by. Then after last season he realized he was in trouble with the coaching staff and fans, then decided he had better do what he should have done 2 years ago and start busting his butt, like everyone else. Wish him the best and hope it is not too late,

[NCMan]

Nice to know Elam had a different "aurora" about him. Wow.

[BallmoreAllDay]

I am pulling for you Elam. Here's hoping you are just a late bloomer like Jimmy Smith was.

[MissRay27]

So, what does get to the next level mean? Just being able to make an open field tackle, defend a pass or just knowing your assignment maybe. Show us something that makes you worthy of being a first round draft pick, other than when you do make a tackle and get up an celebrate like you've just saved the game.

[Deceman20]

He obviously needs to improve his tackling and awareness. Is it just me, or did it seem like they used him as the 3rd or 4th corner a lot last year? Man coverage is not his strength. They need to use him more in packages where he can utilize his strengths. Definitely not giving up on him yet, but this is a make or break year.

[Purple Dawg 96]

I got faith in you Matt! Bump them Haters! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[Rich McG]

"Time for me to get to the next level". Well said Mr. Elam. Good luck, we are all rooting for you.

[hen826957]

I calling it right now it's going to be a total different Matt Elam this year. He will be another version of Jimmy Smith.

[jpdsanti]

I hope we see that 'Aurora' during gameday. lol

[Fullblack_RAVEN]

I'm rooting for elam.

It'll be tough because will hill is the better player w/ a better resume to boot (minus the drug problems). Elam will probably see limited time early because of that. He's going to have to prove it to get playing time. He'll have to capitalize on every single opportunity. It seems like elam will be the odd man out at the end of the day because the other safeties on the team seem to fit the ravens' style better. Kendrick lewis, will hill and terrence brooks are all big, physical safeties with range. Elam is diminutive in comparison but is probably the fastest safety on the roster. Unless kendrick lewis bombs, elam will probably get spot work this upcoming season.

[cec327]

I hope that he makes it.However, we were being told the same thing as this year.

[Ravens07]

Coaches need to put him in position to succeed. He had no business in the slot last year. Put him in the box where he's a natural. Send him on some blitzes to get his confidence up and then expand his role. I can definitely see Elam getting on course and dominating at SS for us.

[mearzunkies]

Ravens07 I agree he is a decent SS. Yet, still disagree because he struggled at tackling. A player in the box cannot struggle THAT bad when tackling!