Eating my words, giving props where its due- kamar aiken

[Purple_City39]

Considering Aiken has shown a better skill set, yeah, I do. I mean, it can be played both ways because who is Aiken playing across from that is gonna command so much attention? At least in 2013 the Ravens had a legitimate tight end threat in Pitta, but Boyle got suspended and Gilmore has been hurt. His receivers across from him? Chris Givens and Jeremy Butler, one who just got called up from the PS. 

Seriously?  Aiken is struggling against 1 on 1 coverage and you think he's succeed against constant double teams?

 

Also, Pitta only played 4 games in 2013.  Not sure how he was a legitimate threat helping Torrey that year especially since those games were all in December and therefore not really helping Torrey during the first 5 games you mentioned where he was dominant

[PurpleCity5]

you should see how may targets each had this season and in the past.

 

might paint a very different picture.

 

And yes id rather have a higher AVG +  7 to 8 AVG TD  + all those PI he was getting each season over what aiken has done so far.

 

in 2013 when torrey was in the same situation as aiken is now, torrey had over 1100 yards and saw double coverage pretty much the whole season lol.

 

torrey had 4 productive seasons here.

 

lets again wait till aiken does it for a few season before we start comparing him to receivers who played here and actually achieved stuff here...

You can argue Kamar's stats are inflated because of targets, but I don't think Torrey was signed by the 49ers with the goal of 26 targets by seasons end. It seems to me that he struggles with the same problem Chris Givens struggles with and the struggles he himself had here. He just does not get the separation he needs outside of going deep. He just is not effective outside of being a deep threat.  

 

So you would have rather paid Torrey the money he simply does not deserve while struggling to keep afloat with the limited cap space that we have? I'd rather have drafted Perriman and have Aiken as the starter rather at that. I'm pointing out that the money simply was not worth it for Torrey. We don't miss Torrey, we miss the element of a deep threat that is existent in Breshad. If we had him here no one would be talking about Torrey.

[Purple Punishment]

Classic case of Ravens Fan Syndrome, where we're so starved for a top WR that we think someone like Aiken will be that guy after 4 games of being force fed the ball and not doing squat the years prior. For reference, please see Marlon Brown, Demetrius Williams, Aaron Mellette, Yamon Figures, etc. Overhyped WR's that Ravens fans and Ravens coaches wanted so badly to turn into big time players but never happened. At this point, I just want Ozzie to bring in solid veterans at the position like we've done with Mason, SSS, Housh and Q; players that might be considered over the hill, but still reliable nonetheless.

DeMarco Murray wouldn't have been a starter in Dallas without injuries. Sometimes injuries allow a player that was buried to step up and show what they have. The reason I use Murray as an example is because he flourished in DAL but was a 3rd Stringer as evaluated by the coaching staff. Coaches don't always know what or who is best for the overall success of the team. Kamar was asked to step up and damnit he has. This season will only help the kid with his confidence and craft. He's going up against teams number 1 corners and is being effective. Stop downing the dude and appreciate that he has stepped up

[rmw10]

Who ever would have thought Kamar Aiken would have a 13 page thread? Props to him.

[Tru11]

You can argue Kamar's stats are inflated because of targets, but I don't think Torrey was signed by the 49ers with the goal of 26 targets by seasons end. It seems to me that he struggles with the same problem Chris Givens struggles with and the struggles he himself had here. He just does not get the separation he needs outside of going deep. He just is not effective outside of being a deep threat.  

 

So you would have rather paid Torrey the money he simply does not deserve while struggling to keep afloat with the limited cap space that we have? I'd rather have drafted Perriman and have Aiken as the starter rather at that. I'm pointing out that the money simply was not worth it for Torrey. We don't miss Torrey, we miss the element of a deep threat that is existent in Breshad. If we had him here no one would be talking about Torrey.

 

you should watch some niners games.

 

you might get a clue on where the issues lie on offense on that team...

[BmoreBird22]

pitta was injured for most of the season....

smh lol

Right, sorry, I was thinking of his "big breakout year" in 2012, but really doesn't change the premise of my comment or what I believe

[BmoreBird22]

Seriously? Aiken is struggling against 1 on 1 coverage and you think he's succeed against constant double teams?

Also, Pitta only played 4 games in 2013. Not sure how he was a legitimate threat helping Torrey that year especially since those games were all in December and therefore not really helping Torrey during the first 5 games you mentioned where he was dominant

He's pretty much the only threat on the offense, not that I think most people on these boards could recognize coverages. Torrey wasn't facing bracket coverage on every play or anything, but considering pretty much Aiken is the only threat that teams need to defend and he's playing with backups.

But even if he did struggle against separating, at least he's able to make contested catches, high point the ball, and attack it.

And as for Pitta, I was thinking of 2012 for some reason

Edited December 21, 2015 by BmoreBird22

[redrum52]

Give it a reat, Ayken isn't Bolden!

Perfect...

[The Raven]

My concern with Kamar is that, if we rely on him to be a dependable number 2, we could get burned again, just like when we relied on Tandon Doss, Marlon Brown, etc... We have a history of relying on players that turn out to be not to reliable in the long run. 

 

I also think his production is partially due to being force-fed the ball. He's seizing the opportunity, which is good, but he's not always getting separation. I like what he's doing but what he's doing has more to do with balls skills and strength than route running, and it's dangerous, in my opinion, to rely on those types of receivers. I'm happy to hear the other side. I'm no expert on WRs.

Edited December 21, 2015 by The Raven

[52520Andrew]

I liked Aiken before the season but he has done better than I thought. I think part of it is just how bad we are at WR but Aiken deserves credit for stepping up his play and showing some desire out there. You watch the games during this time of year and you look for the guys who keep fighting as guys you want to keep around for next year. Aiken is one of those guys who is earning a role for himself next year. 

[JoeyFlex5]

My concern with Kamar is that, if we rely on him to be a dependable number 2, we could get burned again, just like when we relied on Tandon Doss, Marlon Brown, etc... We have a history of relying on players that turn out to be not to reliable in the long run.

I also think his production is partially due to being force-fed the ball. He's seizing the opportunity, which is good, but he's not always getting separation. I like what he's doing but what he's doing has more to do with balls skills and strength than route running, and it's dangerous, in my opinion, to rely on those types of receivers. I'm happy to hear the other side. I'm no expert on WRs.

what's wrong with a wr using his strengths? Boldin disappeared from games completely but the second he made a contested he was the savior of the franchise and he was the only reason flacco could complete a pass, but when aiken does it he gets knocked for it?

[BmoreBird22]

My concern with Kamar is that, if we rely on him to be a dependable number 2, we could get burned again, just like when we relied on Tandon Doss, Marlon Brown, etc... We have a history of relying on players that turn out to be not to reliable in the long run.

I also think his production is partially due to being force-fed the ball. He's seizing the opportunity, which is good, but he's not always getting separation. I like what he's doing but what he's doing has more to do with balls skills and strength than route running, and it's dangerous, in my opinion, to rely on those types of receivers. I'm happy to hear the other side. I'm no expert on WRs.

I really like Aiken's overall skill set because I think he has things (tenacity, wiggle/elusiveness) that just aren't easily taught or can't be taught. I really love that every ball is his and he has shown incredibly plus body control.

With route running, I do agree he's not perfect, although I like his subtle moves at the top of routes, like shoulder dips, slight push offs, head fakes, etc that do help him gain that last little bit. And route running is totally something that can be learned through hard work.

However, he isn't terribly explosive in and out of breaks and doesn't have incredible jumping or speed to begin, so he's a limited athlete, giving him a likely middle tier two as a ceiling.

I don't mind relying on him because he is the only threat and he's consistently winning with his skills. If he can have Perriman to take the top off or Steve Smith to threaten the middle, he's going to be able to consistently do what he's doing now on the boundary. In that sense, I really like him. He won't ever do it alone like Julio, Green, Dez, but he functions really well when he has a little help

[The Raven]

what's wrong with a wr using his strengths? Boldin disappeared from games completely but the second he made a contested he was the savior of the franchise and he was the only reason flacco could complete a pass, but when aiken does it he gets knocked for it?

 

Because this skill set isn't enough to rely on consistently. All he has is strong hands and attitude. He's not a good route runner (yet) and he's not explosive in his breaks. That's a problem. You can't rely on ball skills alone.

[JoeyFlex5]

Because this skill set isn't enough to rely on consistently. All he has is strong hands and attitude. He's not a good route runner (yet) and he's not explosive in his breaks. That's a problem. You can't rely on ball skills alone.

those ball skills offer more than any other wr on the team currently, and we have searched high and low for years for a 3rd wr with some ball skills because everyone that ended up here was a dumpster fire who didnt belong in the nfl, instead of downing the guy maybe be happy we found a wr with ball skills who isnt a 35 year old?

 

and with a #1 and #2 wr starting, what is the one thing you would ask for in your #3... either a big play threat, or a chain mover, whether your chain mover does his job by making a tough catch or with a savvy route, it doesnt matter, as long as he makes the catch. i hate to compare the 2 but it kinda needs repeating, anquan boldin couldnt get separation and has built a career off of contested catches, why is he some golden god around these parts but then you shoot down aiken for doing the same thing? 

 

the amount of hypocrisy i see on here is just incredible.. i mean come on people, you have to see the irony here, you have to understand how you are all making yourselves look when you bash aiken for being a "#3 at best" and "only producing by contested catches" and then endlessly praising other players who were producing by the same exact means in more favorable situations.. 

 

once again, i would never say aiken is a superior wr to boldin, his game is boldin-esque but boldin is another animal, i just dont understand how you all can so consistently fault a guy for not gaining separation even though he is still producing.

Edited December 21, 2015 by JoeyFlex5

[1/28/01]

He's taking advantage of the opportunity afforded to him. Strong hands it seems, high points the ball as others have said and has a little tenacity/attitude. I like him as next year's #3.

[RavensFanMania]

Well I'm not a fan of his and it's my opinion

You are entitled to your opinion, but what are you basing it on?  The kids got over 800 yards receiving and over 531 from San Diego on.  That is more than serviceable and I'm glad he's a raven, because he is certainly playing like one.  Now imagine having him alongside both Sr. and Perriman and another young receiver and Butler.  That's not bad, especially with Flacco throwing him the ball. 

Edited December 21, 2015 by RavensFanMania

[BmoreBird22]

Just want to throw this out there, but since taking over as the starter (San Diego), Aiken ranks 15th in receiving yards, has yet to have less than five catches in a game, and ranks as PFF's fifth best receiver since that time.

 

Yeah, that's really impressive.

[ludy51]

Just want to throw this out there, but since taking over as the starter (San Diego), Aiken ranks 15th in receiving yards, has yet to have less than five catches in a game, and ranks as PFF's fifth best receiver since that time.

Yeah, that's really impressive.

And his "average hands" are catching almost everything thrown his way

[Cillmatic]

Just want to throw this out there, but since taking over as the starter (San Diego), Aiken ranks 15th in receiving yards, has yet to have less than five catches in a game, and ranks as PFF's fifth best receiver since that time.

Yeah, that's really impressive.

He's definitely deserved his stay. I'll Be glad to have him on the team next season. Having a speedy Perriman will open things up for him and the other WR. Edited December 22, 2015 by Cillmatic

[BmoreBird22]

He's definitely deserved his stay. I'll Be glad to have him on the team next season. Having a speedy Perriman will open things up for him and the other WR.

To me, if he's the three, it'll be similar to when Denver had Welker as their three and Arizona with Brown. A damn good three who could probably start. I won't complain

[Winchester]

what's wrong with a wr using his strengths? Boldin disappeared from games completely but the second he made a contested he was the savior of the franchise and he was the only reason flacco could complete a pass, but when aiken does it he gets knocked for it?

I agree. Aiken may not be a #1 or #2 but there is a place on the ravens for Aiken. He is a reliable and now experienced and battle tested #3. A very poor man's Boldin you may say. And I agree Boldin was overrated but had a great run during the Superbowl run!! Boldin did often disappear and struggled to separate. Injuries and rough play took some of his burst and elusiveness he displayed with the cardinals from 2003-2008. Even if perriman is a bust, I like Campanaro,Aiken and one of Thomas,Boyd or Doctson as a set of receivers. As well as a determined Maxx Williams to come back in better shape and far more explosive to form a nice tandem with Gilmore and 2 young running backs that catch very well. Especially if ravens keep Oline intact and add Tunsil. The dominating intimidating oline will make joe cool and receivers better as well. Through a clean pocket,dominating Oline fueling successful run\Throw balance on offense that will keep defenses tired and off balance. Aiken will fit as a reliable #3. I agree he should not be counted on as a #2. It would be cool to trade a 2017 mid round pick to bring Marqise Lee in. As his minor injuries have caused him to fall behind the chemistry Bortles has built with 3 other young talented receivers. But has the raw explosive skills to excel with a QB like Joe Cool 2.0, He does have similar raw skills to Beckham. Just needs to refine certain things as he coasted on his immense skillset in college.

[PurpleCity5]

I agree. Aiken may not be a #1 or #2 but there is a place on the ravens for Aiken. He is a reliable and now experienced and battle tested #3. A very poor man's Boldin you may say. And I agree Boldin was overrated but had a great run during the Superbowl run!! Boldin did often disappear and struggled to separate. Injuries and rough play took some of his burst and elusiveness he displayed with the cardinals from 2003-2008. Even if perriman is a bust, I like Campanaro,Aiken and one of Thomas,Boyd or Doctson as a set of receivers. As well as a determined Maxx Williams to come back in better shape and far more explosive to form a nice tandem with Gilmore and 2 young running backs that catch very well. Especially if ravens keep Oline intact and add Tunsil. The dominating intimidating oline will make joe cool and receivers better as well. Through a clean pocket,dominating Oline fueling successful run\Throw balance on offense that will keep defenses tired and off balance. Aiken will fit as a reliable #3. I agree he should not be counted on as a #2. It would be cool to trade a 2017 mid round pick to bring Marqise Lee in. As his minor injuries have caused him to fall behind the chemistry Bortles has built with 3 other young talented receivers. But has the raw explosive skills to excel with a QB like Joe Cool 2.0, He does have similar raw skills to Beckham. Just needs to refine certain things as he coasted on his immense skillset in college.

I like Aiken as our #3. I'm more concerned about Steve Smith Sr. He will very likely play only one more season if he were to return, and I think we should plan for the future for his inevitable departure. 

[Tru11]

he is a FA though and making a good case for a nice contract.

 

think we will resign him but might rule out another veteran FA addition.

[Winchester]

Didn't know Aiken is a free agent?? That would suck lol. Because Kelechi Osemele is the #1 priority!! He must get resigned!! However I like aikens improvement. There is something i noticed that separates Aiken from other receivers that begin the season #4 or lower on the depth chart. Something a little special he and several other Receivers share. A trait that only some particular people overall share . II began to pick up on it when he stole Marlon Browns TD but did not give it much thought. Something that will allow Aiken to be a top shelf #3 receiver.

[usmccharles]

Aiken is a restricted free agent. 

[Tru11]

Aiken is a restricted free agent. 

 

dang restricted FA at age 27 lol

 

got lucky if he still qualifies for it since this is his 5th season.

[1/28/01]

Didn't know Aiken is a free agent?? That would suck lol. Because Kelechi Osemele is the #1 priority!! He must get resigned!! However I like aikens improvement. There is something i noticed that separates Aiken from other receivers that begin the season #4 or lower on the depth chart. Something a little special he and several other Receivers share. A trait that only some particular people overall share . II began to pick up on it when he stole Marlon Browns TD but did not give it much thought. Something that will allow Aiken to be a top shelf #3 receiver.

It's just about guaranteed KO is gone. Might want to wrap your head around that sad fact now.

[usmccharles]

dang restricted FA at age 27 lol

 

got lucky if he still qualifies for it since this is his 5th season.

thats what it says per rotoworld

[PolishRifle]

Kamar is really making the most out of his opportunity. Really proud of the guy.

[JoeyFlex5]

i just cant cope with the fact that we finally found a LT that we groomed in house, and he only gets 4 games with us before he leaves for a big payday... how do these things happen to us?