[News] Eisenberg: Ravens Issue Or Non-Issue?

[BR News]

Are Breshad Perriman’s injury, Matt Schaub’s play, the returner vacancies and the run defense issues?

View the full article

[ravensfan2430]

I'd say they are all non-issues at this point.

[The Mom Gene]

Not a believer that the Perriman thing is an issue....  and not so sure that our kick/punt-returner is an issue either.  We have seen Game 1 of preseason....  Sheesh.  Come on guys, there is till plenty of time to wrap up some of these things.  We aren't "in need" of any position at this point.  We have 90 guys we are going to have to cut to 53.  Still thinking we have plenty of depth.

[January J]

Not a believer that the Perriman thing is an issue....  and not so sure that our kick/punt-returner is an issue either.  We have seen Game 1 of preseason....  Sheesh.  Come on guys, there is till plenty of time to wrap up some of these things.  We aren't "in need" of any position at this point.  We have 90 guys we are going to have to cut to 53.  Still thinking we have plenty of depth.

im with ya.

[robbie29]

Those of you downplaying the Perriman injury and saying it's not issue...it's at the point where (although painful) you have to taste the bitter pill of reality. Sorry, but I agree with Eisenberg- his injury IS an issue. Not saying he can't overcome it eventually, but when your first round pick misses almost all of training camp and there's no definitive timetable for his return- that is an issue.

[Bohica5]

With campanaro seemingly improving and not dinged up i say already that we got hosed with this perriman guy during the draft......can't practice....Oh yea he's so quick,to the bank and hospital....i think he got a taste of the pro's and that's it....Lazy unimpressive and not a Raven...........but luckily we have receivers to cover him while he sits out his whole entire career, on the bench,wasting away............please no more wasted 1st rd receiver picks! I'm tired of the drama already!

[deathonwings52]

Perriman's MRI just came back negative!! Thanks you football Gods...will be back in a week or so

[ellicottraven]

Perriman's injury ( more serious that we are led to believe to this point but not PUP worthy yet) is something we need to consider in this context: No Torrey Smith to take the top off defenses. Perriman was it and he hasn't practiced with Joe to firm up his routes or get down with Joe on timing his catches. So, it is a big problem with young players because once they get back they tend to press a lot to make up for lost time. That typically hurts production and worse hampers self confidence which could lead to even more severe problems downt the road a la Matt Elam. So, Perriman needs to come back and get some practice time in training camp before regular season begins.

[Halshayeji]

1- Jernigan back and practicing at full speed!

2- Perriman MRI negative!

3- Brooks Participated in practice. Could get some playing time sooner than later.

3 sighs of relief in one day. I'm happy

[FloridalovesRavens]

We sure have some doom and gloom fans lol. Let's not get too excited about the Perriman issue. Crap happens and its next man up. Worse things have happened to us and we have survived. Relax all is not lost. Go Ravens.

[bioLarzen]

I agree.

I suspect we may easily see a more-or-less proven kick/punt returner come to Baltimore during the remaining portion of the pre-season once one becomes available. An effective and productive return game is much more important for a successful O than people like to give it credit for.

[bioLarzen]

Not a believer that the Perriman thing is an issue....  and not so sure that our kick/punt-returner is an issue either.  We have seen Game 1 of preseason....  Sheesh.  Come on guys, there is till plenty of time to wrap up some of these things.  We aren't "in need" of any position at this point.  We have 90 guys we are going to have to cut to 53.  Still thinking we have plenty of depth.

 

Good for you that you saw ANYTHING hope-worthy about our return game... I didn't see a thing. And not only compared to Jacoby.

 

And kick/punt returns are very hard to properly simulate during practices, because it's one of the most injury potential phase of the game - of course no sane coach will order his return coverage teams to go at it full speed and force... And, sadly, that's the only way returners can show what they can really do... and the first such "real-game test time, v the Saints left us an awful lot to be desired about our return game...

 

As for Perriman - why do you think it's not an issue? You don't think our first round pick missing at least half of the pre-season, amassing a considerable amount of lag both phsically and mentally, is a problem? Also, the fact that we now have exactly zero speedsters who Flacco could throw his trademark deep bombs - you don't think it's any cause for concern?

 

I sure do.

Edited August 18, 2015 by bioLarzen

[GeeWallee]

Not much to judge on the KR aspect when the opposing Kicker knocks them out of the End Zone.

Patience......and we will find a candidate or 2. These kids have to stay healthy for one thing. Jackson must have a minor knee issue , so we will see if he returns to practices or if Campanaro or

Deandre Carter, the Rookie ,can flash for this next contest.

Jacoby didn't offer as much last year on Offense ( 9 Receptions ) and fumbled twice so I can see letting him go. Just have to let this thing work itself out. We may end up with a separate

KO/Punt Returner scenario. Could be a WR, a DB or even a RB. We'll know by early September.

[January J]

Good for you that you saw ANYTHING hope-worthy about our return game... I didn't see a thing. And not only compared to Jacoby.

 

And kick/punt returns are very hard to properly simulate during practices, because it's one of the most injury potential phase of the game - of course no sane coach will order his return coverage teams to go at it full speed and force... And, sadly, that's the only way returners can show what they can really do... and the first such "real-game test time, v the Saints left us an awful lot to be desired about our return game...

 

As for Perriman - why do you think it's not an issue? You don't think our first round pick missing at least half of the pre-season, amassing a considerable amount of lag both phsically and mentally, is a problem? Also, the fact that we now have exactly zero speedsters who Flacco could throw his trademark deep bombs - you don't think it's any cause for concern?

 

I sure do.

ofcourse hes missing some valuable reps, so thats an issue. but as far as it being a lingering/ongoing issue that extends into the start of the season i dont think so. esp now that the MRI came back normal, theres no reason for panic, he just needs to rest and keep his head in the playbook. as far as the kick returners, no we didnt see much...but then again there werent that many oppurtunities either. most kicks will be touchbacks and as far as punts i have faith that campanaro can and will get the job done.

[The Mom Gene]

Good for you that you saw ANYTHING hope-worthy about our return game... I didn't see a thing. And not only compared to Jacoby.

 

And kick/punt returns are very hard to properly simulate during practices, because it's one of the most injury potential phase of the game - of course no sane coach will order his return coverage teams to go at it full speed and force... And, sadly, that's the only way returners can show what they can really do... and the first such "real-game test time, v the Saints left us an awful lot to be desired about our return game...

 

As for Perriman - why do you think it's not an issue? You don't think our first round pick missing at least half of the pre-season, amassing a considerable amount of lag both phsically and mentally, is a problem? Also, the fact that we now have exactly zero speedsters who Flacco could throw his trademark deep bombs - you don't think it's any cause for concern?

 

I sure do.

First, Like I said, We have time.  We have watched ONLY Game 1 of preseason.  In the past, we have brought in guys with much less practice under their belts.  Yes, The guy is actually is our first round pick.  He's been playing football for how long???  I am sure he is using his time wisely to learn the scheme, participate in meetings, and gain knowledge about our games and game plan.  Execution will be there when it needs to be.

 

As for the kick/punt return game...  You are exactly right.  We DON'T want the guys going full speed during practice... and maybe with the injuries we have, Harbs and Co. don't want them doing it during preseason either... 

 

Given the scope of things???  I'm just not ready to panic and consider these things "an issue" yet.

[steelcityraven]

IDK.... I do kinda feel like most of these are non-issues:

Start with Perriman: Like I said in another post... odell beckham missed most of camp for the giants last season and still had a pretty good year. Perriman had an MRI that found not structural damage... he is fine and will be in the mix soon... and his raw skills will be a problem for opposing defenses!

Team injuries... we have depth everywhere and while it sux to lose ELAM and URBAN... I think we are as prepared as anyteam in the NFL to absorb some injuries.

Schaub.... first off.... let me start by saying that Joe hasn't missed a start... so this may all be worry over clean up duty. 2nd Schaub is a veteran and knows what it takes to win in this league... in a game he will not take the same chances as he does in practice or even preseason contests. Schaub is smart and can step in and play well for us if needed (and that is a big IF)...this really is a non-issue. Remember that he is learning a new system too....Schaub will be fine

The short yardage offense... (I think it is still too early to tell. We have some weapons... LTalifero looked good... We have Maxx Williams, Boyle, Gilmore and Possibly Pitta to make an impact in short yardage offense... We have yet to see how Trestman is going to fully utilize Juice... we have CAMP... who can be dangerous in these siutations.... way too early to tell how Trestman is going to deploy all of his weapons.... ohhh and Waller may be that mismatch in these situations too!

THe Run D.... Non -issue...while it always hurts to lose a superstar.... Haloti wasn't getting younger but our DL did.... Bwilliams, TJernigan, and CDavis all are very young and talented up front but it don't stop there... LGuy is better then advertised... KLM may be able to step in an make an impact... DTyson has been solid over the years and each year gets a little better... We do still have Canty andI think our DL is very good... infact I think our front 7 is still on of the top 5 front 7's in the league

I am concerned about the Return game.... Maybe Camp will step up and take it over... maybe it will be DeAndre Carter? IDK... but this is still a guestion mark... hope Camp steps up and assumes this role....

The one issue that I am concerned with that wasn't mentioned...is Marlon Brown... (and even Kamar Aiken) can they step up and be more then just role players? We need them to produce (at least one of them) JButler is making a strong bid but I don't know if any are ready to become that #1, #2 or even full time # 3 guy?

[huntrgathrr]

The ease with which these questions are addressed testifies to the strength of the Ravens this year.

1. Perriman's "injury" is nothing but a smokescreen. The Ravens have a game breaker that needs little work in camp. With his speed, just his presence on the field will change a defense's ability to load the box and stop our real offense....running the ball and play action. Williams, Gilmore, Smith and Campanaro will all get more catches than Perriman but his presence on the field will allow this to happen. Load the box against us and watch Flacco and Perriman light it up. Perriman's MRI was normal (surprise). He'll be back in camp but Harbaugh wants to keep this kid off the radar as long as possible.

2. Truth be told, the loss of 2 players that have never contributed and were not counted on to contribute doesn't make me cry. The two areas on the team where we are deepest with quality players are DL and Safety. Brooks was just activated. Hill and lewis will be starting but now look for Brooks to get some serious PT, he is really fast and a great talent that will benefit from having Hill, Lewis, Arrington and Jimmy Smith to help guide him early in the season. Urban would have been a rotational player on a defensive line is strong and deep: Williams, Jernigan, Canty, Davis ,Guy and Tyson can carry the mail. All would start for any team in the league.

3.Schaub...experience,experience,experience. If Flacco goes down he can follow directions and not make mistakes. I'm fine with him. So is Harbaugh.

4.Short yardage offense...With the TE group we have (excellent) and the huge red zone targets we now have (Brown 6'5, Williams 6'5", Gilmore 6'6" and Waller 6'6") I dare any body to stack the box in short yardage. But really, if we need a yard who is going to stop Yanda, Osemele and Zuttah from letting Flacco fall forward. Very few and not very often.

5.News Flash...the Ravens front 7 will again be one of the best in the NFL. The linebackers are the best in the NFL as a group. Williams and Jernigan both are pro bowl candidates. The way Pees rotates 5-6 players up front will keep this DL healthy and fresh all year. It would be nice if KLM shows up this yearn and joins the party. Same with Z.Smith who I think will contribute nicely this year.

Of all the teams in the NFL, the ravens are the only team that really don't have any issue to address except staying healthy. Whoever returns punts and kickoffs will have only one mission....do not fumble.

Turnovers are the only thing that can keep the Ravens from going 13-3 and a first round bye.

[January J]

The ease with which these questions are addressed testifies to the strength of the Ravens this year. 1. Perriman's "injury" is nothing but a smokescreen. The Ravens have a game breaker that needs little work in camp. With his speed, just his presence on the field will change a defense's ability to load the box and stop our real offense....running the ball and play action. Williams, Gilmore, Smith and Campanaro will all get more catches than Perriman but his presence on the field will allow this to happen. Load the box against us and watch Flacco and Perriman light it up. Perriman's MRI was normal (surprise). He'll be back in camp but Harbaugh wants to keep this kid off the radar as long as possible. 2. Truth be told, the loss of 2 players that have never contributed and were not counted on to contribute doesn't make me cry. The two areas on the team where we are deepest with quality players are DL and Safety. Brooks was just activated. Hill and lewis will be starting but now look for Brooks to get some serious PT, he is really fast and a great talent that will benefit from having Hill, Lewis, Arrington and Jimmy Smith to help guide him early in the season. Urban would have been a rotational player on a defensive line is strong and deep: Williams, Jernigan, Canty, Davis ,Guy and Tyson can carry the mail. All would start for any team in the league. 3.Schaub...experience,experience,experience. If Flacco goes down he can follow directions and not make mistakes. I'm fine with him. So is Harbaugh. 4.Short yardage offense...With the TE group we have (excellent) and the huge red zone targets we now have (Brown 6'5, Williams 6'5", Gilmore 6'6" and Waller 6'6") I dare any body to stack the box in short yardage. But really, if we need a yard who is going to stop Yanda, Osemele and Zuttah from letting Flacco fall forward. Very few and not very often. 5.News Flash...the Ravens front 7 will again be one of the best in the NFL. The linebackers are the best in the NFL as a group. Williams and Jernigan both are pro bowl candidates. The way Pees rotates 5-6 players up front will keep this DL healthy and fresh all year. It would be nice if KLM shows up this yearn and joins the party. Same with Z.Smith who I think will contribute nicely this year. Of all the teams in the NFL, the ravens are the only team that really don't have any issue to address except staying healthy. Whoever returns punts and kickoffs will have only one mission....do not fumble. Turnovers are the only thing that can keep the Ravens from going 13-3 and a first round bye.

i actually thought about that too, could it be possible harbaugh is just keeping perriman off the radar as long as possible so denver doesnt know what to prepare for? if he doesnt particpate in any preseason games the broncos wont have any tape on  perriman. i mean its unlikely and im sure there was a legit injury but the shadiness around the whole thing could indeed be a smokescreen. im sure theres some strategy involved. another plus to that is preventing other injuries and he will be fresh and ready to light it up week 1. as long as he is staying in the playbook and possibly working with joe behind the scenes this could be a smart play.

Edited August 18, 2015 by January J

[bioLarzen]

First, Like I said, We have time.  We have watched ONLY Game 1 of preseason.  In the past, we have brought in guys with much less practice under their belts.  Yes, The guy is actually is our first round pick.  He's been playing football for how long???  I am sure he is using his time wisely to learn the scheme, participate in meetings, and gain knowledge about our games and game plan.  Execution will be there when it needs to be.

 

As for the kick/punt return game...  You are exactly right.  We DON'T want the guys going full speed during practice... and maybe with the injuries we have, Harbs and Co. don't want them doing it during preseason either... 

 

Given the scope of things???  I'm just not ready to panic and consider these things "an issue" yet.

 

There's a difference between being concerned and panicking. Of course there's no reason to panic at this point - but "not to be concenrned" would, to me, indicate that everything's alright - which doesn't seem to be the case: Perriman's missing much more time than he was projected is, IMHO, not in the realm of "everything's alright", and nor is the fact that none of the in-house candidates seem to be doing good at returning kicks.

 

Concern, not panic.

[bioLarzen]

ofcourse hes missing some valuable reps, so thats an issue. but as far as it being a lingering/ongoing issue that extends into the start of the season i dont think so. esp now that the MRI came back normal, theres no reason for panic, he just needs to rest and keep his head in the playbook. as far as the kick returners, no we didnt see much...but then again there werent that many oppurtunities either. most kicks will be touchbacks and as far as punts i have faith that campanaro can and will get the job done.

 

What constitutes a "legit" cause for concern has no definition of course - and I'd be more than happy to be proven wrong with my concerns at the end of the day 

Edited August 18, 2015 by bioLarzen

[reed20fence]

For what its worth, Torrey only had 4 catches in his rookie preseason. In fact it wasn't until week 3 that he caught a regular season pass, and he caught 5 that week - 3 for TDs, all on deep routes.

Moral of the story? How much training camp and film study do you need to run a route that can conceptually be understood by a 3 year old? "Just go deep."

Ideally he'd be healthy, but also ideally I'd be a trillionaire.

Look to the positives, if he sits out all preseason as a precaution, Denver won't have a clue about how fast he truly is and how to cover him.

Edited August 18, 2015 by reed20fence

[omar586]

i would put perriman on IR-DTR.

[bluehen]

It will likely effect Perriman polishing his route running skills some what, but he will likely be still be able to take the top off of defenses!

[fusuymada]

I believe Waller, who ran a 4.46 forty with his size and ability to attract PI penalties (as was evident in the first preseason game) would be good to fill in that spot. Lets face the facts here, all we need to start the season, with Smith Sr on the other side and Campanaro in the slot, is someone who can run a 9 route (straight down the field), a shallow cross and to be a big target in the red zone. If Perriman comes back soon, he should be able to accomplish that, however, Waller already showed in preseason he can handle that skillset. That was basically what we got from Torrey and if Perriman cant do it as a result of injury, Waller has the speed and size to get the job done without much loss.

Edited August 18, 2015 by fusuymada

[bioLarzen]

i would put perriman on IR-DTR.

 

You know his exact medical status?

[Baltimore Bandwagon]

i would put perriman on IR-DTR.

A bit premature, especially considering that you only get one IR-DTR slot each year.

[bioLarzen]

It will likely effect Perriman polishing his route running skills some what, but he will likely be still be able to take the top off of defenses!

 

His chemistry with Flacco may also be an issue the first times, with so much practice and gelling time missed.

[omar586]

You know his exact medical status?

yes, lingering injury, lol

[RAVENSNAYSHUN]

Too early to tell whether any of these will be issues... TBD for all of the above

[TheSim]

I always wonder about the "who's going to stretch the defense" question this year. Torrey was our "speedster" for 4 years. Do you remember defenses being "stretched" very much during that time? Always seemed like no matter what, safeties were pretty close. It's less about straight-line speed than how physical you can be at the LoS to get away from press. Torrey always struggled to fight through contact (got better as time went on, but it seriously limited his speed). And his route-running took years to hone.

 

Kamar, by contrast, has better hands than Torrey, is better against contact, and has decent speed. Obviously we'd all love for Perriman to be an option for this offense, especially going 3 wide. But Kamar is as good as what we had last year at the position or better, in my opinion.

 

(And I think people thinking Waller is the solution there are getting a little ahead of themselves, he's got the physical tools but needs at least a year's worth of training still)

Edited August 18, 2015 by TheSim