[News] Late For Work 9/1: 'Disappointing' Ravens Wide Receiver Competition

[Ravensfansince03]

My curse words are still hangin the air over the pile drive tackle on Aiken. He took abuse and got the ball back after that vicious hit. I still hope Aiken and Brown succeed.

Same here. I was literally wishing I was on the field at that moment to join in the rumble. It got me even more pissed when like 4 punk redskins got on Gilmore. I sincerely wish the Redskins the worst of luck.

[Ravensfansince03]

I have yet to see Steve as a locker room distraction.... it has been said that he has been nothing short of a great team member, coach, and teacher for the young guys

Don't get me wrong mom, everything you said is absolutely true, especially given the fact that he is a seasoned vet in the NFL. But its the little things that I notice that other viewers don't. Players around him, especially our younger WR's around him should only be focused on the game in front of them during a game. When SSS was giving a bow after getting ejected and other things, that is a distraction to other guys. Or at least can cause players to get thrown off their game. But regardless I love what he brings to this offense.

[Maryland]

I doubt any veteran WR they bring in is going to be much better than what we have. Teams don't want them because their performance isn't good or their talent doesn't match their contract. Plus they would have to learn the playbook in a short amount of time, develop chemistry. It seems like out WR corps is a whole lot of injury prone guys /w talent and average guys behind SS89. Really hope Camp can stay healthy because I love the way he gets open.

[callahan09]

I disagree that Aiken hasn't made any critical errors this preseason.

 

First interception Flacco threw in game 2 wasn't his fault by any means, but he could have done something to stop it from happening, and indeed possibly even gaining a PI call.  He was supposed to look for the ball and jump for it, and he didn't do that, he just kept running forward and let the ball fall behind him.  Yes, the throw could have been deeper, but the receiver didn't play the ball smart and do his job to stop that interception from happening on that one.  In Joe's defense, that was the kind of ball that he threw to Torrey all the time and Torrey would go up and try to get it, and more often than not he wouldn't make the catch but in having to stop short and go up, the defender would have no recourse but to contact him and he'd get that PI flag.  Joe could throw that same pass exactly like that and reliably get a positive result from Torrey, but Aiken wasn't on that same page, I guess.

 

But by far the most significant error from Aiken was when he didn't come back for a come-backer in game 3.  Joe throws him an easy come-backer and he just stops and stares at the ball waiting for it to come to him, rather than actually coming back to get it.  Complacency in waiting for a ball to get to you rather than converging on it on those come-backers is one of my biggest pet peeves from wide receivers.  He let the defender jump the ball in front of him, because the defender actually decided he wanted to go get that ball.  This is a critical error, and often leads to interceptions.  COME BACK TO THE BALL!  Don't wait for the ball to come to you when you're covered, because you're just inviting the defender to jump in front of you and take it away.  Huge, potentially game-altering flaw not to come back for a come-backer.

[Bob21043]

Hey, Tandon doss is available again! Oh wait, that won't help our team ......

[January J]

I never was excited to see our WR COMPETITION. because i knew there was already favoritism for Aiken, who I still don't think is starter material. I root for the underdogs, like Daniel brown. The guys that rarely get a chance to make a play and when given the slight opportunity they actually make a play. I was actually ecstatic to see Waller, but he plays as if he only weighs 150lbs. then again he was deemed as "raw talent" when we drafted him so I think he'll just need a full season under his belt to build on his maturity and physicality.

you don't think Aiken is starter material yet you think Daniel brown is? Interesting logic right there. You didn't exactly say that, but that's what you implied. Everything you said about "Guys who rarely got a chance to make a play but when givin the opportunity they came through" is describing Aiken from last year to a T. He hasn't done much so far this preseason but I don't put too much stock into things until games actually matter.

[January J]

You named 6 receivers, 2 of which are currently injured and not playing or practicing. 33% of the receivers you listed are out, you consider that healthy? If 36 year old Steve Smith got injured our 3 WR sets would be Waller, Aiken, and Brown. We all know you are 100% behind the Ravens in every single decision they make, you defended Ngata's BS Adderall excuse last year, so I know you're going to say we're fine. But step back a second. Now look at that sentence again. "If 36 year old Steve Smith got injured our 3 WR sets would be Waller, Aiken, and Brown." You think that's "fine?" Truly?

what if what if what if. What if your parents never met?

I wouldn't mind picking up another receiver (esp if they could return kicks and/or stretch the feild) but I'm not gonna act like were destined for failure either. We have a strong group with a lot of potential. Esp since we will also be throwing to our RBs and tight ends frequently which will open things up for them even more. Joe will make them even better.

Edited September 2, 2015 by January J

[dhartm2]

We have a strong group with a lot of potential.

You would be hard pressed to find a less accomplish receiver group in the NFL.  And we have a competent QB too so there's really no excuses.