[News] Late For Work 3/16: Ravens Getting High Praise For Free-Agent Moves

[BR News]

Weddle turned down more $$$. Ravens done until draft? JJ compares Weddle to Reed. Wallace criticized.

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[budman]

Not all high praise out there. As usual, Elliot Harrison said that all moves were "curious" and did nothing to add what was lacking. Even gave a Power Ranking (means nothing I know) 23. Seems he has never gotten over our Superbowl win 2012. Each week of the playoffs he insisted that it was Ray Lewis's last game. Some people still don't believe.

[respecttheRaven]

I really don't think Wallace meant that Bridgewater was a bad QB....just that he didn't fit his style of play, the long ball. Flacco fit's better, that's all. But as we all know the media will blow this thing up, as they do with everything. Anyway, Welcome to Baltimore Wallace, Watson and Weddle!!! I am SO excited!!!! I can't wait for 2016 season!!!!

[RavensDieHard21]

Not all high praise out there. As usual, Elliot Harrison said that all moves were "curious" and did nothing to add what was lacking. Even gave a Power Ranking (means nothing I know) 23. Seems he has never gotten over our Superbowl win 2012. Each week of the playoffs he insisted that it was Ray Lewis's last game. Some people still don't believe.

Harrison is up there as one of the worst analysts and his personal bias always reflects how he feels about teams and players. It would be no different if any average football fan were to take his job lol He literally writes manilla reviews and goes crazy for the Steelers.

[fusuymada]

I listened to all his comments and I thought it was more a statement on the offensive system than on the QB. Bridgewater wasn't asked to throw it deep, especially with AP standing right behind him and him being a young guy. I put that more on Norv Turner than on Bridgewater, but you know how teams are. We did the same thing when KO said that we didn't care about the front line here so that's why he went to the Raiders. What happened, this writer picked right up on it and slapped it in the days LFW article. Not saying it was a bad thing, it is just local markets tend to be a little sensitive when they have a guy leave they want to keep. Its kind of like getting jilted for someone that the other person likes more than you. So I can see where the media is running with it because stirring up stuff generates hits on the website (or sells newspapers) and generates ads and revenue. So in that same vein, how about JJ's comment that he hopes the move to Baltimore does for Weddle what going to San Diego did for him. So lets see if people can analyze just what he meant by that comment. Was he not treated well in Baltimore? Not utilized correctly? I would like a little clarification on what San Diego did for him that Baltimore did not, could not or would not do...

[fusuymada]

Not all high praise out there. As usual, Elliot Harrison said that all moves were "curious" and did nothing to add what was lacking. Even gave a Power Ranking (means nothing I know) 23. Seems he has never gotten over our Superbowl win 2012. Each week of the playoffs he insisted that it was Ray Lewis's last game. Some people still don't believe.

Elliott Harrison is a huge Steelers fan. If the Steelers would have been able to sign Weddle it would have been a great coup considering the Steelers secondary. Well, the Ravens secondary wasn't much better with safeties getting beaten constantly but Harrison wanted the Steelers to get Weddle so he is talking through jealousy and the heated rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens. Don't get caught up in what Harrison says as he has always been a Ravens basher. once again, confrontation and an argumentative personality makes money and attracts people.

[OnlyRavensFanInFlorida]

I feel a lot more confident with these veteran players coming in. I think Weddle can help develop our young safeties. Watson can develop our young TE's and Perriman can learn a lot from Wallace. Now in the draft we can focus on adding some play makers on defense and an O-lineman or two, and we will be back to superbowl contender.

[RavensDieHard21]

Don't get me wrong. I have been somewhat on the fence about signing free agents and blowing cap and losing a potential 3rd round comp, but the way in which the FO is attacking Free agency and preparing itself for the draft, they must know we still have a championship caliber team when healthy, therefore these are some pieces that add stability and leadership. Watson is as polished as they come at catching and route running, might not be super explosive, but he will help move the chain while Maxx continues to come along. Weddle was a godsend as we have lacked an instinctive FS with great leadership and communication skills since Reed. Plus he is a sure tackler which can avoid those mishaps of Elam in the 2014 Patriots game. And Wallace just makes our offense more balanced and unpredictable. He will give Pees something to utilize as his and Breshad's speed will have to be slowed down by safeties.

[stixfix69]

A lot of the reason why we are disliked is the organization has a history of getting the most out of the players we draft, and players we sign with a limited amount of cap space on a annual basis.....The analyst who have this hatred towards us must be fans of perennial losers...We are spoiled, and often to harsh on the organization when we lose, because they have provided us with team who is used to competing for the SB on a annual basis...So many of us freak out with a losing season, trust me when i tell you the world isn't going to end, because we will be right back in it......

[RavensDieHard21]

Oh yeah, I love DeCosta. Having him is like having two top-tier GMs and I think every other organization is jealous of that! Class act all around.

[MTRavensFan]

@fusuymada I totally agree with what your saying. I find it really interesting that whenever a player has high praise for his new team, people want to interpret it as a back-handed swipe at his old team, when that was not what was said at all. I also listened to all of Wallace's comments, expecting not to like him (my own prejudice), and was pleasantly surprised by his optimism.

Also surprised he's taking so much heat for them. Must be a slow news day, gotta stir up trouble where none exists...

[stixfix69]

The most telling statement Wallace said in his presser yesterday for me was when he said the first time he was a FA he really wasn't as he knew where he was going, this time around, he had the freedom to choose where he went, and this is where he wanted to be......There is no doubt all the guys we signed could have gone after the money, but they have all been in the league long enough to know what they want, and where they feel they can be the most happy playing.....And so here they all are...:)

[billiejean]

I think the FO should really consider adding Jamarcus Russell

[budman]

15 minutes ago, fusuymada said:

Elliott Harrison is a huge Steelers fan. If the Steelers would have been able to sign Weddle it would have been a great coup considering the Steelers secondary. Well, the Ravens secondary wasn't much better with safeties getting beaten constantly but Harrison wanted the Steelers to get Weddle so he is talking through jealousy and the heated rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens. Don't get caught up in what Harrison says as he has always been a Ravens basher. once again, confrontation and an argumentative personality makes money and attracts people.

Big Steeler Fan. He has them winning the Superbowl already this season.

Edited March 16, 2016 by budman

[b93333]

Still think the FO should be making a run at retaining Upshaw at the right price (if they haven't already).

[Dorota]

I'd love to get Upshaw to stay. Anybody notice that all the signings begin with a "W"? As in Win :D

[ALPHA]

18 minutes ago, budman said:

Big Steeler Fan. He has them winning the Superbowl already this season.

He's a Texans or Cowboys fan I think, he's shown us love before

[budman]

Just now, ALPHA said:

He's a Texans or Cowboys fan I think, he's shown us love before

I would disagree. Please post some "love" articles for me.

[stixfix69]

I'd love to get Upshaw to stay. Anybody notice that all the signings begin with a "W"? As in Win :D

Just one more "W" i want to see on the board....Brandon Williams signs long term deal....:)

[bioLarzen]

  26 minutes ago, Dorota said:

I'd love to get Upshaw to stay. Anybody notice that all the signings begin with a "W"? As in Win :D

Just one more "W" i want to see on the board....Brandon Williams signs long term deal....:)

I would also welcome JJ Watt - but I'm not holding my breath over it :D

[bioLarzen]

  1 hour ago, fusuymada said:

Elliott Harrison is a huge Steelers fan. If the Steelers would have been able to sign Weddle it would have been a great coup considering the Steelers secondary. Well, the Ravens secondary wasn't much better with safeties getting beaten constantly but Harrison wanted the Steelers to get Weddle so he is talking through jealousy and the heated rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens. Don't get caught up in what Harrison says as he has always been a Ravens basher. once again, confrontation and an argumentative personality makes money and attracts people.

Big Steeler Fan. He has them winning the Superbowl already this season.

That means nothing. Dave Dameshek predicted the Ravens going to the Super Bowl three times the last 6 seasons (including the one where we really did) - and he is an admitted steelers-fan...

[surfdude]

Great signings ! Wallace and Watson are basically 1 year deals and Weedle is a 2 year deal essentially. Now I would like to see Tucker signed long term and Williams signed to an extension. Then have a great draft and maybe add another player during the summer cuts. Bounce back year !

[bioLarzen]

1 hour ago, respecttheRaven said:

I really don't think Wallace meant that Bridgewater was a bad QB....just that he didn't fit his style of play, the long ball. Flacco fit's better, that's all. But as we all know the media will blow this thing up, as they do with everything. Anyway, Welcome to Baltimore Wallace, Watson and Weddle!!! I am SO excited!!!! I can't wait for 2016 season!!!!

That's more about being classy. What he did was basically very similar to what KO did when he said what he said about the Ravens not appreciating the O-line... It's just not nice. Nothing more. Surely, neither him nor KO wanted to hurt their former organizations or meant to be rude. Nate Burleson IMHO nailed it with his comment.

If Wallace delivers the kind of production we are hoping for, nobody will remember it - well, maybe Bridgewater...

Edited March 16, 2016 by bioLarzen

[Nick04263]

So the Raiders pay KO left tackle money, then bring back their LT from last year. So KO is getting LT money to play Guard. Good for him but that comes across as "begging for Free Agents" to me at least. Whatever.

[bioLarzen]

As for pass rushers - first let's wait and see if/how Suggs will be penalized by the court and/or the NFL. If it's not significant, a new pass rusher isn't an absolute necessity (although still a need). If he's out for more than one or two games, we'll definitely need a veteran pass rusher.

But the night is still so young...

Edited March 16, 2016 by bioLarzen

[surfdude]

  1 hour ago, respecttheRaven said:

I really don't think Wallace meant that Bridgewater was a bad QB....just that he didn't fit his style of play, the long ball. Flacco fit's better, that's all. But as we all know the media will blow this thing up, as they do with everything. Anyway, Welcome to Baltimore Wallace, Watson and Weddle!!! I am SO excited!!!! I can't wait for 2016 season!!!!

That's more about being classy. What he did was basically very similar to what KO did when he said what he said about the Ravens not appreciating the O-line... It's just not nice. Nothing more.
Nate Burleson IMHO nailed it with his comment.

Who cares ! I swear the media loves to spin things, all these guys are BIG boys, i think they can take peoples opinions. This isn't pee wee ball.

[ALPHA]

28 minutes ago, budman said:

I would disagree. Please post some "love" articles for me.

I didn't say articles just his AP and under 25 lists, but I'm sure he gets his rankings from PFF.

Objectively speaking there's nothing homer about rating the Steelers above us or questioning Flacco back in 2012, Ben is a top 5 QB and he has the leagues best HB/WR combo.

[WNC-Raven]

A month ago I would have never thought we would be in this positions as Ozzie typically waits for bargain signings and the draft to fill our holes. We may have to draft an OT to back up Monroe in the draft but we have our starter until he proves otherwise. Monroe is good when healthy so we may need a back up plan. Not a primary plan. Ravens are great at finding talented Guards and pass rushers in the draft. CB is going to be tough. Very few rookies can come in and start at the NFL level right away and there are not many options in FA. I bet we draft one and pray someone decent gets cut as the rosters develop. Remember there are still cuts to come and Ozzie is patient.

[Purple Dawg 96]

In regards to all the moves made thus far "A"!

[merryjman]

1 hour ago, respecttheRaven said:

I really don't think Wallace meant that Bridgewater was a bad QB....just that he didn't fit his style of play, the long ball. Flacco fit's better, that's all. But as we all know the media will blow this thing up, as they do with everything. Anyway, Welcome to Baltimore Wallace, Watson and Weddle!!! I am SO excited!!!! I can't wait for 2016 season!!!!

I agree. When he said "good quarterback" I think he mostly meant "a quarterback who can get me the deep ball;" i.e. a good quarterback for Mike Wallace, which Tannehill and Bridgewater definitely weren't.