[News] Eisenberg: The Most Important Question Of Preseason

[BR News]

Whose stock goes up? Whose goes down? Those are important questions, but pale in comparison to this one.

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[January J]

No question. It's pretty much inevitable but all we can do is hope it doesn't happen to our marquee players and that it's nothing serious if it does. The thing is though just like with jordy Nelson it doesn't always even take contact, so it can happen during a non contact practice. The jaguars 3rd overall pick I believe got injured on the first day of OTA's( fowler jr.?) so yeah it's just the nature of the game.

[balfan23]

The final line in the article is really all you need to hear. "... let your key players take as many snaps as you think they need in preseason games, then get them out of there, quick."

 

You can't play careful and conservative to avoid injury ... and you have to prepare for what is to come in the regular season. No one is going to be any happier if a player goes down in week 1 because they aren't prepared vs. in a preseason game.

 

Getting into game shape takes work and comes with risk. There are no short cuts to get there.

[salamander]

Some interesting points to consider about why these injuries are increasing. Regardless of why, the bottom line is I am concerned that injuries dramatically alter the outcomes of games and entire seasons. I am extra squeamish this year with fresh memories of last year's injured secondary, which could have been the main difference between getting knocked out of the playoffs or being in the Super Bowl. The biggest win for me tonight is not about the score as much as it is about praying for no significant injuries.

[KidNme]

That's why our depth is so important. We have to have quality backups because they usually end up playing more than we thought they would. I think we have pretty good depth and by mid season, we should have some real talent to swap in and out as needed.

Hoping Perriman can get out there and start practicing. If nothing else, he should have the playbook down by the time he gets on the field. No need to rush him. He has high expectations on him and I imagine he doesn't want to get out there under 100% and hear everyone get down on him if he isn't blowing the doors off CB's in his first couple games. It has to be scary, coming fresh out of college and playing with the big boys and being expected to be a star right away. Keep your head up and play like a Raven!

[January J]

Some interesting points to consider about why these injuries are increasing. Regardless of why, the bottom line is I am concerned that injuries dramatically alter the outcomes of games and entire seasons. I am extra squeamish this year with fresh memories of last year's injured secondary, which could have been the main difference between getting knocked out of the playoffs or being in the Super Bowl. The biggest win for me tonight is not about the score as much as it is about praying for no significant injuries.

exactly. Those vulnerable feelings of last years secondary are replaying in everybody's mind and that is exactly why everybody is feeling so uneasy.

[letitgosometimes]

Eisenberg: Girl Scout mothers worry about camp-outs. Let's not walk on eggshells, this is the NFL. Players understand the risks associated with this intense game. Playing less than full throttle is an invitation to injury. The Ravens must bring their A-game without a single thought of "What if I get hurt?" Get the football, keep the football!

Edited August 29, 2015 by letitgosometimes

[The Mom Gene]

I also have the opinion that social media also makes us more aware... of even the most basic injuries. We are "plugged in" 24/7 and hear more about players than we ever did in the past. Not only from media sources, but from players themselves via Twitter and Instagram.

[reed20fence]

Coughlin said a few years ago that you're only as prepared as your 53rd man. You can insert any random cliche about the weakest link in here but that's the point of the preseason - honing down to the toughest men with the most to contribute. Yeah, you wanna keep the first wave of attack healthy, but you also need to balance the need for a strong 3rd and 4th waive. Imagine if TB didnt give any time to Melvin last preseason and we had no tape on the guy as a potential plug in the bursting dam that was our secondary last year. Would we be talking about replacing Webby with him now as a starter?

As a franchise that invests heavily in scouting and whose competitive edge are Ozzie, DeCosta and their army of Watchers, preseason is a potential treasure trove for us every year.

Edited August 29, 2015 by reed20fence

[cobrajet]

I also have the opinion that social media also makes us more aware... of even the most basic injuries. We are "plugged in" 24/7 and hear more about players than we ever did in the past. Not only from media sources, but from players themselves via Twitter and Instagram.

This is so true, it is amazing to me how quick we get information in today's world. As Instagram's name reflects, it is almost instantaneous.

[BmoreB]

I certainly hope there are no injuries but I'm not going to worry about it either. The only thing I'll worry about tonight is the language some fans may use as I'm taking my seven year old daughter to her very first game. I'll keep my fingers crossed. lol

[cobrajet]

exactly. Those vulnerable feelings of last years secondary are replaying in everybody's mind and that is exactly why everybody is feeling so uneasy.

Absolutely, it is only natural. I am worried about the o-line, I just can't help it. Injuries suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RRRRRavens]

I fear you are right, John E, about most of your article. I would only add one small possible correction. In general, not withstanding Pitta's injury to his hip, I don't think it is the 'bone framework' that is the culprit in most cases. My guess is that the players build up their muscle strength to where the muscle's attachments to the bone cannot take the additional stress when a muscle pulls on it to the max. Muscle grow readily with weight lifting, etc. But tendons, the attachments of muscle to bone, grow far less quickly, if at all. The same goes for ligaments (attachments between bones). With a bigger muscle pulling on its attachment to its bones the tendency, at some point, would be the attaching ligament to tear or rupture. I don't have an answer to this problem, unfortunately.

Edited August 29, 2015 by RRRRRavens

[Arch Mage]

To me the most important question for tonight is: can we stretch the field and get Denver to have to prepare for it?

Players get hurt in "real" games too.... and those losses are just as bad as ore-season ones.

[huntrgathrr]

Only one real question: Perriman.

[bigcatfrank1]

NEXT MAN UP !

[ellicottraven]

I would love to know how these injuries have increased statistically over the years or if they have increased at all. If injuries are a perennial problem in the NFL and its bound to occur, then all one can do is hope that it does not afflict our team as badly. Otherwise, I don't see a point to pondering over the imponderable.

[LunarRover]

i wouldnt change anything about how we play preseason or regular season games. Its Nfl Football and you play the game. ITs what you get paid mega millions to do and its a liability and casualty of the sport. Playing less preseason games is only going to set your men up for more injury in season. Muscle memory is important and not prepping for it is a bigger prob in my opinion.

[52liveforever]

I hate all these injuries. I understand its part of the game blah blah. If perriman doesn't come back soon I hope Waller is given some big chances. IMO he has looked the best with the exception of Camp when he has been in. I like Aiken and Brown, but they are inconsistent and id like to see them give Waller a chance to deliver Joe some consistency

[stampedehero]

Without quality linemen games are lost. Offense needs the run and without them no chance to inititiate drives and protection for passes.  The lineman are my biggest concern as the life blood of a team centers here and spreads outward through the season..