[News] Late For Work 5/25: One-Third Of Starting Jobs Up For Grabs; Putting OTA Attendance In Perspective

[BR News]

The voluntary practice sessions are more important for some players than others. Is there room on the roster for Dennis Pitta? The next 5 Super Bowl locations. In AFC North news, the Bengals are bringing in Dwight Freeney for a visit and lost Tyler Eifert for the beginning of the season.

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[cushrinada1986]

I say give Waller a shot. Pitta would be a great option if not for the injuries. Lets not forget that Watson isnt a spring chicken himself, he is solid but still an aging vet. Boyle already has 2 strikes on him and hasnt been in the league that long + he is already out 10 games this season. If we keep 4 TE's I see Waller the safer option than Pitta and Boyle.

[eze17]

I say give Waller a shot. Pitta would be a great option if not for the injuries. Lets not forget that Watson isnt a spring chicken himself, he is solid but still an aging vet. Boyle already has 2 strikes on him and hasnt been in the league that long + he is already out 10 games this season. If we keep 4 TE's I see Waller the safer option than Pitta and Boyle.

Boyle won't count against the 53 man roster until he's served his suspension, so we needn't worry about him until his suspension is over. More than likely the Ravens will wait and see how we're doing injury/performance wise before making a decision on him. Pitta is a great story, but will the Raven's really want to take a chance on a player who has had so many injuries? I am a big Pitta fan, but I worry about his long term health, and I would imagine the Raven's are going to leave no stone unturned to find out if he is as risk free as he's claiming. Waller could make the cut based on his special teams play, but I think with as much depth as we have it will be an uphill battle. He could end up on the practice squad.

[bioLarzen]

I say give Waller a shot. Pitta would be a great option if not for the injuries. Lets not forget that Watson isnt a spring chicken himself, he is solid but still an aging vet. Boyle already has 2 strikes on him and hasnt been in the league that long + he is already out 10 games this season. If we keep 4 TE's I see Waller the safer option than Pitta and Boyle.

The regular season is not for giving unproven players a shot if not out of necessity. We all know what Pitta is cpable of when healthy - and the if he proves at the camp that he still has it, we are getting a proven commodity - and a target we all know Flacco is very comfortable with. We don't yet know what we would get from Waller at TE. Apart from the price tag, I don't see anything in favor of Waller over Pitta, to be honest. Waller is a project guy at TE, and, if none of the four guys ahead of him on the depth chart (five if we count Boyle) gets injured or flops in a spectacular fashion, I don't see Waller carving out more than a very, very limited number of O snaps (well under 1 play per game IMHO), so he would primarily be a special teamer.
If Pitta doesn't experience any setbacks and doesn't show any dropoff of his performance more than the understandable rust, and Waller doesn't come up with something out-of-this-world, I think Waller will either go on IR or the PUP list - thus essentially making sure we don't lose him and also not having to spend a roster spot on him, Pitta goes on the 53 with Gillmore, Watson and Maxx Williams, and when Waller comes off the PUP (if he's stashed there) or Boyle comes off his suspension, they will make the modifications if there's any to make based on the four guys' health status and performance so far.

[cushrinada1986]

With the WR battle, Watching Moore, Perrimen, Wallace, and SSS as our top 4 along with Aiken and maybe even 2 other younger WRs will be interesting to watch in 2016. Will be up to Flacco to really go after teams this year. Has the speed, better, Oline, Much improved pass rush and DB lineup. We need to finish off teams this year and do it with authority.

[fusuymada]

Pitta who is a proven commodity that if he can prove he is healthy is a better tight end than anyone else we have on the team. Watson had his best year last year with Drew Brees after Jimmy Graham left. That offense is heavily weighed to the TE so I don't put a lot into expecting much from him. Gillmore has earned his spot on the team but once again if he can stay healthy. He hasn't yet in two years. Williams was a disappointment but so are a lot of rookies. I think this year will show if he IS that Pitta replacement we were hoping for, but why want the replacement when you have the original. Boyle is the last on the list. In two years he hasn't proven he can stay off the juice. I like what I saw, but once again, can he stay on the field first and secondly, without the juice, is he the same player. So when people say "is there room for Pitta", I have to say, if he is healthy he could be one of the best TE's in the league, why would you cut that player. He has proven he can do it, Watson proved he could do it with Brees, none of the other guys have proven anything.

[VermontRaven]

My guess is we keep 5 TEs (especially with Waller having the flexibility to play WR if needed)
I see our roster looking this way
2 Qbs-Flacco and Mallett, 3 RB-Forsett, Allen, Dixon, 1 FB-Juice, 5 TE-Watson, Gillmore, Williams, Pitta, Waller-Then make decision when Boyle comes back, 6 WR-SSS, Aiken, Wallace, Moore, Perriman, Reynolds, 8 O-linemen-Monroe (or other young guy if he is cut), Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Lewis, Urshel, Jensen, 8 D-Linemen-Williams, Jernigan, Guy, Urban, Kaufusi, Davis, Henry, then Judon or Ochi 7 LB-Mosley, Dumerville, Suggs, ZSmith, Orr, Mcellan, Correa 5 Corners-JSmith, Wright, Powers, Young, Davis or Arrington, 4 safeties-Weddle, Webb, then 2 of Lewis/Brooks/Elam K-Tucker P-Koch LS-Cox That accounts for 52 with 1 more guy from any number of postions such as: Extra RB if Richardson/West/Taliaferro prove worthy, extra WR, keeping Judon and Ochi, or some other player that surprises and earns his way on the roster.

[mitchch]

BRAVO EUGENE MONROE. Anyone and everyone criticizing Eugene Monroe for publicly endorsing medical marijuana needs to read the "Getting Off the T Train" article Sarah linked at the bottom of her blog. Don't criticize Monroe without understanding the facts. If you take the time to read you will discover he is not some pot head, but an intelligent and well-reasoned advocate to stop over-prescribing addictive and harmful opioids and study the use of medical marijuana as alternative for pain relief and potentially for CTE applications. Opioid addiction is increasing at an alarming rate across every social strata in our society. Many times this addiction starts with prescribed pain killers. Opioids are by far more dangerous than marijuana. So why are we so quick to condemn Eugene Monroe for advocating to stop over prescribing addictive opiods and start studying a promising non-addictive alternative? We should be praising Eugene Monroe for his courage to speak out particularly in a society where we so highly value free speech.

[rmcjacket23]

43 minutes ago, mitchch said:

BRAVO EUGENE MONROE. Anyone and everyone criticizing Eugene Monroe for publicly endorsing medical marijuana needs to read the "Getting Off the T Train" article Sarah linked at the bottom of her blog. Don't criticize Monroe without understanding the facts. If you take the time to read you will discover he is not some pot head, but an intelligent and well-reasoned advocate to stop over-prescribing addictive and harmful opioids and study the use of medical marijuana as alternative for pain relief and potentially for CTE applications. Opioid addiction is increasing at an alarming rate across every social strata in our society. Many times this addiction starts with prescribed pain killers. Opioids are by far more dangerous than marijuana. So why are we so quick to condemn Eugene Monroe for advocating to stop over prescribing addictive opiods and start studying a promising non-addictive alternative? We should be praising Eugene Monroe for his courage to speak out particularly in a society where we so highly value free speech.

I won't knock the guy for advocating for legitimate marijuana usage. In fact, I'd support it, because when you really look at the actual facts, its silly why its still treated the way that it is. 

That being said... not really a great look for a player who is consistently injured and has had his work ethic in his profession questioned. Not a great look for a guy who is facing legitimate and tough competition for his job. 

I understand he's still in the medical protocol due to his injuries, so I'm not going to bash him for doing this instead of showing up to OTAs. I'm just saying that from a public relations standpoint, this isn't a guy people want to be hearing this from.

Its a great cause to advocate for, and I support that, but at the end of the day, if he doesn't start focusing more on his actual career (professional football player), he won't have it any longer. And when that happens, literally nobody is going to listen to him advocate for NFL policy changes if he isn't in the league anymore.

Edited May 25, 2016 by rmcjacket23

[eze17]

My guess is we keep 5 TEs (especially with Waller having the flexibility to play WR if needed)
I see our roster looking this way
2 Qbs-Flacco and Mallett, 3 RB-Forsett, Allen, Dixon, 1 FB-Juice, 5 TE-Watson, Gillmore, Williams, Pitta, Waller-Then make decision when Boyle comes back, 6 WR-SSS, Aiken, Wallace, Moore, Perriman, Reynolds, 8 O-linemen-Monroe (or other young guy if he is cut), Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Lewis, Urshel, Jensen, 8 D-Linemen-Williams, Jernigan, Guy, Urban, Kaufusi, Davis, Henry, then Judon or Ochi 7 LB-Mosley, Dumerville, Suggs, ZSmith, Orr, Mcellan, Correa 5 Corners-JSmith, Wright, Powers, Young, Davis or Arrington, 4 safeties-Weddle, Webb, then 2 of Lewis/Brooks/Elam K-Tucker P-Koch LS-Cox That accounts for 52 with 1 more guy from any number of postions such as: Extra RB if Richardson/West/Taliaferro prove worthy, extra WR, keeping Judon and Ochi, or some other player that surprises and earns his way on the roster.

I think five TE's is way to many...three would seem more likely, four if you sit one as a healthy scratch on gamedays. I also notice that you have eight (nine if you count Ochi) rookies making the active roster, which I consider more than most teams that are supposedly reloading rather than rebuilding would carry. Yeah, I like our rookie class, but to throw them all right into the fray seems a little unlikely to me. My guess is some of them wind up on the PS rather than the active roster. (Henry,Judon,Ochi, unless they really stand out, could end up there. I think the Pats might scoop up Reynolds if we put him on the PS, but if he can look capable doing returns I think he makes the cut.)

I also think you're loading a lot of players up front on our defense, and leaving the secondary thinner than a balanced team should be. This is a passing league now. Yes, you need pass rushers and run stoppers, but you also need depth at pass protection. Having only nine DB's doesn't leave much room for error or in game-injuries. Yes, you could always move webb back to CB if need be, but then you'd be short at safety. I'd add at least one more player in our secondary.

[rmcjacket23]

6 minutes ago, eze17 said:

I think five TE's is way to many...three would seem more likely, four if you sit one as a healthy scratch on gamedays. I also notice that you have eight (nine if you count Ochi) rookies making the active roster, which I consider more than most teams that are supposedly reloading rather than rebuilding would carry. Yeah, I like our rookie class, but to throw them all right into the fray seems a little unlikely to me. My guess is some of them wind up on the PS rather than the active roster. (Henry,Judon,Ochi, unless they really stand out, could end up there. I think the Pats might scoop up Reynolds if we put him on the PS, but if he can look capable doing returns I think he makes the cut.)

I also think you're loading a lot of players up front on our defense, and leaving the secondary thinner than a balanced team should be. This is a passing league now. Yes, you need pass rushers and run stoppers, but you also need depth at pass protection. Having only nine DB's doesn't leave much room for error or in game-injuries. Yes, you could always move webb back to CB if need be, but then you'd be short at safety. I'd add at least one more player in our secondary.

 

1 hour ago, VermontRaven said:

My guess is we keep 5 TEs (especially with Waller having the flexibility to play WR if needed)
I see our roster looking this way
2 Qbs-Flacco and Mallett, 3 RB-Forsett, Allen, Dixon, 1 FB-Juice, 5 TE-Watson, Gillmore, Williams, Pitta, Waller-Then make decision when Boyle comes back, 6 WR-SSS, Aiken, Wallace, Moore, Perriman, Reynolds, 8 O-linemen-Monroe (or other young guy if he is cut), Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Lewis, Urshel, Jensen, 8 D-Linemen-Williams, Jernigan, Guy, Urban, Kaufusi, Davis, Henry, then Judon or Ochi 7 LB-Mosley, Dumerville, Suggs, ZSmith, Orr, Mcellan, Correa 5 Corners-JSmith, Wright, Powers, Young, Davis or Arrington, 4 safeties-Weddle, Webb, then 2 of Lewis/Brooks/Elam K-Tucker P-Koch LS-Cox That accounts for 52 with 1 more guy from any number of postions such as: Extra RB if Richardson/West/Taliaferro prove worthy, extra WR, keeping Judon and Ochi, or some other player that surprises and earns his way on the roster.

Here's my take:

1. I don't think you're giving enough consideration to special teams, as that generally plays a major factor in the reserves. Guys that can play ST well always have a leg up.

2. 5 tight ends isn't happening (6 if you count Boyle on suspension). I'm somewhat considered about the healthy of Gillmore, and I think its possible he ends up on PUP or IR all together before the season starts. Hopefully I'm wrong about that. 

I think Watson, Williams and Gillmore are the only locks on that list. If all five of those TEs are healthy, there's no chance Waller makes the team in my opinion. Still entirely possible Pitta doesn't play, which makes it easier.

3. Carrying 8 defensive lineman, to me, doesn't make a lot of sense for a team that plays a base 3-4 and will practically never have more than 3 on the field at the same time. I agree its difficult to see who on that list gets cut, but I just can't see 8. I think 6-7 is the right number. Probably have some tough decisions to make there. 

4. Don't have too many issues with the secondary. I think that's the right number. I don't think we need 10 DBs, though I do think a guy like Levine is more valuable than people think. 

Keep in mind that your special teams units are largely going to be your RBs, WRs, secondary and some linebackers. Those are your primary areas for ST, so I think you typically see a bit more depth there than other positions.

I will say... defensive line looks like the position to watch all offseason. There's a lot of "prospects" mixed in with good but not great players we have up front. You can make a case for 8-10 of those guys to make the team, but I can't see the number being that high. I would think a max of 7.

The good news is that injuries tend to take care of things like this, but I think a lot of the mid-to-late round picks from this draft + guys like Lawrence Guy and Brent Urban have a lot of competition to face for roster spots and playing time. I only see maybe 2-3 "locks" in that group.

[Maryland]

Surprised they are just completely ignoring Urban among the DE battle. I know he's been unhealthy, but those injuries have been more freakish, and the hype from previous preseasons has been that he has some pass-rush skills.

[ellicottraven]

I'm impressed with Monroe in that he's willing to stand up for what he truly believes in. Those types of people are remarkable in their own right. They're willing to challenge the status quo at great image and 'ridicule' risk to themselves. However, sometimes it can also be diversion from what is important.

Monroe is a professional NFL player who signed with the Ravens for several millions of dollars in contract money. He needs to fulfill that obligation first and foremost. He's getting paid for it. The fact of the matter is he's been oft injured and unavailable to play LT for the Ravens. That being said, I would much rather Monroe chose retirement and then become part of the NFLPA and fight like hell to institute new rules with the next CBA. He has a better chance of getting something accomplished that way. Right now, it seems hollow since he's using his spare time advancing a cause that has no immediate victory considering Goodell's very recent stance and statement.

So what is the point really? I would much rather he come to the facility, rehab and get ready for mandatory mini camp and prove he can actually play healthy for an entire season first.

[TheConquerorWorm]

Pitta who is a proven commodity that if he can prove he is healthy is a better tight end than anyone else we have on the team. Watson had his best year last year with Drew Brees after Jimmy Graham left. That offense is heavily weighed to the TE so I don't put a lot into expecting much from him. Gillmore has earned his spot on the team but once again if he can stay healthy. He hasn't yet in two years. Williams was a disappointment but so are a lot of rookies. I think this year will show if he IS that Pitta replacement we were hoping for, but why want the replacement when you have the original. Boyle is the last on the list. In two years he hasn't proven he can stay off the juice. I like what I saw, but once again, can he stay on the field first and secondly, without the juice, is he the same player. So when people say "is there room for Pitta", I have to say, if he is healthy he could be one of the best TE's in the league, why would you cut that player. He has proven he can do it, Watson proved he could do it with Brees, none of the other guys have proven anything.

I think you mean the 2013 version of Pitta is better than anyone else - just like the 2013 version of Larry Fitzgerald or Andre Johnson is better than most WR in the league. 2 years is a long time away from football especially from a guy that's had 2 major hip surgeries and is on the wrong side of 30.

As with every position, he will compete with the guys around him - if he can't beat out those guys, then he doesn't deserve a place on the team no matter what he's done 3 years ago. We all love Pitta but he's a far cry from a "proven commodity" at this point.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

BRAVO EUGENE MONROE. Anyone and everyone criticizing Eugene Monroe for publicly endorsing medical marijuana needs to read the "Getting Off the T Train" article Sarah linked at the bottom of her blog. Don't criticize Monroe without understanding the facts. If you take the time to read you will discover he is not some pot head, but an intelligent and well-reasoned advocate to stop over-prescribing addictive and harmful opioids and study the use of medical marijuana as alternative for pain relief and potentially for CTE applications. Opioid addiction is increasing at an alarming rate across every social strata in our society. Many times this addiction starts with prescribed pain killers. Opioids are by far more dangerous than marijuana. So why are we so quick to condemn Eugene Monroe for advocating to stop over prescribing addictive opiods and start studying a promising non-addictive alternative? We should be praising Eugene Monroe for his courage to speak out particularly in a society where we so highly value free speech.

Yes, I completely agree. This is a very real cause. The opioids epidemic is equivalent to legally drugging players with the equivalent to hard street drugs.

If the NFL ever takes this topic seriously, many will want extensive testing and studies done on medical marijuana use, mostly so they can continue with their opioids program in the mean time; a.k.a "delaying/stalling".

Fact is marijuana is completely safe and cures and protects from many diseases, symptoms and cancers. The fact marijuana is a naturally occurring substance means that it is not able to be copyrighted the way man made drugs can be so as to gain exclusive rights. This means their is little value (money) to be made for big pharma, so they ignore it and give us their bogus man made drugs that are less effective and far more costly. When people start to realize their have been given less effective medications for many years simply due to the greed of large corporations at the expense of quality of life and even life itself in some cases, there will be a huge reform.

One question I really need to find an answer to is why anyone can prescribe opioids legally? Are they not on the banned substances list as well? Sure seems like a double standard.

[Mahatma_Sloth]

"the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services even holds a patent (U.S. Patent 6630507), which labels cannabinoids found in marijuana as both anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective" Schedule I

Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous drugs of all the drug schedules with potentially severe psychological or physical dependence. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are:

heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote

[eze17]

  1 hour ago, eze17 said:

I think five TE's is way to many...three would seem more likely, four if you sit one as a healthy scratch on gamedays. I also notice that you have eight (nine if you count Ochi) rookies making the active roster, which I consider more than most teams that are supposedly reloading rather than rebuilding would carry. Yeah, I like our rookie class, but to throw them all right into the fray seems a little unlikely to me. My guess is some of them wind up on the PS rather than the active roster. (Henry,Judon,Ochi, unless they really stand out, could end up there. I think the Pats might scoop up Reynolds if we put him on the PS, but if he can look capable doing returns I think he makes the cut.)

I also think you're loading a lot of players up front on our defense, and leaving the secondary thinner than a balanced team should be. This is a passing league now. Yes, you need pass rushers and run stoppers, but you also need depth at pass protection. Having only nine DB's doesn't leave much room for error or in game-injuries. Yes, you could always move webb back to CB if need be, but then you'd be short at safety. I'd add at least one more player in our secondary.

 

  2 hours ago, VermontRaven said:

My guess is we keep 5 TEs (especially with Waller having the flexibility to play WR if needed)
I see our roster looking this way
2 Qbs-Flacco and Mallett, 3 RB-Forsett, Allen, Dixon, 1 FB-Juice, 5 TE-Watson, Gillmore, Williams, Pitta, Waller-Then make decision when Boyle comes back, 6 WR-SSS, Aiken, Wallace, Moore, Perriman, Reynolds, 8 O-linemen-Monroe (or other young guy if he is cut), Stanley, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Lewis, Urshel, Jensen, 8 D-Linemen-Williams, Jernigan, Guy, Urban, Kaufusi, Davis, Henry, then Judon or Ochi 7 LB-Mosley, Dumerville, Suggs, ZSmith, Orr, Mcellan, Correa 5 Corners-JSmith, Wright, Powers, Young, Davis or Arrington, 4 safeties-Weddle, Webb, then 2 of Lewis/Brooks/Elam K-Tucker P-Koch LS-Cox That accounts for 52 with 1 more guy from any number of postions such as: Extra RB if Richardson/West/Taliaferro prove worthy, extra WR, keeping Judon and Ochi, or some other player that surprises and earns his way on the roster.

Here's my take:

1. I don't think you're giving enough consideration to special teams, as that generally plays a major factor in the reserves. Guys that can play ST well always have a leg up.

2. 5 tight ends isn't happening (6 if you count Boyle on suspension). I'm somewhat considered about the healthy of Gillmore, and I think its possible he ends up on PUP or IR all together before the season starts. Hopefully I'm wrong about that. 

I think Watson, Williams and Gillmore are the only locks on that list. If all five of those TEs are healthy, there's no chance Waller makes the team in my opinion. Still entirely possible Pitta doesn't play, which makes it easier.

3. Carrying 8 defensive lineman, to me, doesn't make a lot of sense for a team that plays a base 3-4 and will practically never have more than 3 on the field at the same time. I agree its difficult to see who on that list gets cut, but I just can't see 8. I think 6-7 is the right number. Probably have some tough decisions to make there. 

4. Don't have too many issues with the secondary. I think that's the right number. I don't think we need 10 DBs, though I do think a guy like Levine is more valuable than people think. 

Keep in mind that your special teams units are largely going to be your RBs, WRs, secondary and some linebackers. Those are your primary areas for ST, so I think you typically see a bit more depth there than other positions.

I will say... defensive line looks like the position to watch all offseason. There's a lot of "prospects" mixed in with good but not great players we have up front. You can make a case for 8-10 of those guys to make the team, but I can't see the number being that high. I would think a max of 7.

The good news is that injuries tend to take care of things like this, but I think a lot of the mid-to-late round picks from this draft + guys like Lawrence Guy and Brent Urban have a lot of competition to face for roster spots and playing time. I only see maybe 2-3 "locks" in that group.

Pretty much agree with this. I was going to bring up that the value of being consistent on special teams will always help make the cut. Especially given Harb's background. Another reason I could see a 10th guy in the secondary, as most teams utilize 1-2 DB's on ST, Levine being a good example of someone who probably does have a chance at sticking with the team. Probably the only way I see Canady having a shot, and Reynold's easiest way to make the roster.

[cbrook1862]

With the WR battle, Watching Moore, Perrimen, Wallace, and SSS as our top 4 along with Aiken and maybe even 2 other younger WRs will be interesting to watch in 2016. Will be up to Flacco to really go after teams this year. Has the speed, better, Oline, Much improved pass rush and DB lineup. We need to finish off teams this year and do it with authority.

This is what WR's I think make the roster: SSS, Perriman, Wallace, Aiken, Campanaro, Moore, and Butler.

[eze17]

  4 hours ago, cushrinada1986 said:

With the WR battle, Watching Moore, Perrimen, Wallace, and SSS as our top 4 along with Aiken and maybe even 2 other younger WRs will be interesting to watch in 2016. Will be up to Flacco to really go after teams this year. Has the speed, better, Oline, Much improved pass rush and DB lineup. We need to finish off teams this year and do it with authority.

This is what WR's I think make the roster: SSS, Perriman, Wallace, Aiken, Campanaro, Moore, and Butler.

I think if Reynolds can make an impact on special teams he bumps Butler or Campanaro...both if the Raven's only carry six WR. I also don't know if we could hide Reynolds on the practice squad, whereas Butler & Camp would probably not get picked off by another team. Of course, maybe the rumors that the Pats wanted Reynolds are just rumors...

[CaliRavenFan]

3 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I'm impressed with Monroe in that he's willing to stand up for what he truly believes in. Those types of people are remarkable in their own right. They're willing to challenge the status quo at great image and 'ridicule' risk to themselves. However, sometimes it can also be diversion from what is important.

Monroe is a professional NFL player who signed with the Ravens for several millions of dollars in contract money. He needs to fulfill that obligation first and foremost. He's getting paid for it. The fact of the matter is he's been oft injured and unavailable to play LT for the Ravens. That being said, I would much rather Monroe chose retirement and then become part of the NFLPA and fight like hell to institute new rules with the next CBA. He has a better chance of getting something accomplished that way. Right now, it seems hollow since he's using his spare time advancing a cause that has no immediate victory considering Goodell's very recent stance and statement.

So what is the point really? I would much rather he come to the facility, rehab and get ready for mandatory mini camp and prove he can actually play healthy for an entire season first.

To be fair he has been at the facility all offseason rehabbing and getting ready for the season. I would rather have him miss this than anything actually serious, when he starts skipping mandatory camp and games then we have a problem. I am actually proud of him for taking a stand and doing this, some people call it stupid but he is doing it the right way.

[billiejean]

  5 hours ago, mitchch said:

BRAVO EUGENE MONROE. Anyone and everyone criticizing Eugene Monroe for publicly endorsing medical marijuana needs to read the "Getting Off the T Train" article Sarah linked at the bottom of her blog. Don't criticize Monroe without understanding the facts. If you take the time to read you will discover he is not some pot head, but an intelligent and well-reasoned advocate to stop over-prescribing addictive and harmful opioids and study the use of medical marijuana as alternative for pain relief and potentially for CTE applications. Opioid addiction is increasing at an alarming rate across every social strata in our society. Many times this addiction starts with prescribed pain killers. Opioids are by far more dangerous than marijuana. So why are we so quick to condemn Eugene Monroe for advocating to stop over prescribing addictive opiods and start studying a promising non-addictive alternative? We should be praising Eugene Monroe for his courage to speak out particularly in a society where we so highly value free speech.

I won't knock the guy for advocating for legitimate marijuana usage. In fact, I'd support it, because when you really look at the actual facts, its silly why its still treated the way that it is. 

That being said... not really a great look for a player who is consistently injured and has had his work ethic in his profession questioned. Not a great look for a guy who is facing legitimate and tough competition for his job. 

I understand he's still in the medical protocol due to his injuries, so I'm not going to bash him for doing this instead of showing up to OTAs. I'm just saying that from a public relations standpoint, this isn't a guy people want to be hearing this from.

Its a great cause to advocate for, and I support that, but at the end of the day, if he doesn't start focusing more on his actual career (professional football player), he won't have it any longer. And when that happens, literally nobody is going to listen to him advocate for NFL policy changes if he isn't in the league anymore.

Has his work ethic been questioned? Im not saying it hasn't, but the only place that I have heard anything negative about EMs work ethic is by commenters on this site. Is there a more legitimate source that backs up that claim? I may just be out of the loop on this one.

[RRRRRavens]

BRAVO EUGENE MONROE. Anyone and everyone criticizing Eugene Monroe for publicly endorsing medical marijuana needs to read the "Getting Off the T Train" article Sarah linked at the bottom of her blog. Don't criticize Monroe without understanding the facts. If you take the time to read you will discover he is not some pot head, but an intelligent and well-reasoned advocate to stop over-prescribing addictive and harmful opioids and study the use of medical marijuana as alternative for pain relief and potentially for CTE applications. Opioid addiction is increasing at an alarming rate across every social strata in our society. Many times this addiction starts with prescribed pain killers. Opioids are by far more dangerous than marijuana. So why are we so quick to condemn Eugene Monroe for advocating to stop over prescribing addictive opiods and start studying a promising non-addictive alternative? We should be praising Eugene Monroe for his courage to speak out particularly in a society where we so highly value free speech.

I agree that MJ should be put on the formulary for doctors to use in selected cases where there is proven benefit. After all, the various opioids are allowed to be prescribed except heroin in the USA. By the way heroin is essentially two morphine molecules connected together and is legal to be prescribed in the UK. But to say MJ is non-addictive is an error. It's just not as addictive as opioids. To some people it is worse though. I've seen them.

[RRRRRavens]

  8 hours ago, mitchch said:

BRAVO EUGENE MONROE. Anyone and everyone criticizing Eugene Monroe for publicly endorsing medical marijuana needs to read the "Getting Off the T Train" article Sarah linked at the bottom of her blog. Don't criticize Monroe without understanding the facts. If you take the time to read you will discover he is not some pot head, but an intelligent and well-reasoned advocate to stop over-prescribing addictive and harmful opioids and study the use of medical marijuana as alternative for pain relief and potentially for CTE applications. Opioid addiction is increasing at an alarming rate across every social strata in our society. Many times this addiction starts with prescribed pain killers. Opioids are by far more dangerous than marijuana. So why are we so quick to condemn Eugene Monroe for advocating to stop over prescribing addictive opiods and start studying a promising non-addictive alternative? We should be praising Eugene Monroe for his courage to speak out particularly in a society where we so highly value free speech.

Yes, I completely agree. This is a very real cause. The opioids epidemic is equivalent to legally drugging players with the equivalent to hard street drugs.

If the NFL ever takes this topic seriously, many will want extensive testing and studies done on medical marijuana use, mostly so they can continue with their opioids program in the mean time; a.k.a "delaying/stalling".

Fact is marijuana is completely safe and cures and protects from many diseases, symptoms and cancers. The fact marijuana is a naturally occurring substance means that it is not able to be copyrighted the way man made drugs can be so as to gain exclusive rights. This means their is little value (money) to be made for big pharma, so they ignore it and give us their bogus man made drugs that are less effective and far more costly. When people start to realize their have been given less effective medications for many years simply due to the greed of large corporations at the expense of quality of life and even life itself in some cases, there will be a huge reform.

One question I really need to find an answer to is why anyone can prescribe opioids legally? Are they not on the banned substances list as well? Sure seems like a double standard.

In the USA the DEA determines which addictive drugs can be prescribed legally and who (physicians) can legally prescribe them. It's a matter of US law, not clinical risk/benefit. The most dangerous drug is probably alcohol but the DEA does not control that. The ATF does.

[Moderator 2]

7 hours ago, Ravenous_Ravens said:

Yes, I completely agree. This is a very real cause. The opioids epidemic is equivalent to legally drugging players with the equivalent to hard street drugs.

( content removed from OP to help those on mobile )
One question I really need to find an answer to is why anyone can prescribe opioids legally? Are they not on the banned substances list as well? Sure seems like a double standard.

I really enjoyed reading Monroe's stance on medication and marijuana legalization, I did want to clarify a few things.

The drug Toradol or ketorlac is a NSAID that is chemically similar to indomethacin, there is no opioids there.  The side effects are such you can only be on it 5 days max, and it can be given as an injection, pills, IV and nose spray.   That doesn't mean they are not also handing out Oxycodone or something like that also which opioid.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 admistered by the DEA and FDA have the five catagories and their various definitions of what goes where is FEDERALLY enforced.  What can be given in a certain state such as Colarado is a state's issue just as who can prescribe meds in that state.  In some states MD's, DO's PA's and CNP's have prescriptive powers that are given after passing medical and nursing boards and maintaining continuing education hours.

Marinol is a synthetic derivative of THC the active ingredient in  marijauna -- it is used for an appetite stimulant, cancer pain and narrow angle glaucoma.  This is very, very basic and as an RN I wanted try to clear things up.

[RRRRRavens]

2 hours ago, Moderator 2 said:

10 hours ago, Ravenous_Ravens said:

Yes, I completely agree. This is a very real cause. The opioids epidemic is equivalent to legally drugging players with the equivalent to hard street drugs.

( content removed from OP to help those on mobile )
One question I really need to find an answer to is why anyone can prescribe opioids legally? Are they not on the banned substances list as well? Sure seems like a double standard.

I really enjoyed reading Monroe's stance on medication and marijuana legalization, I did want to clarify a few things.

The drug Toradol or ketorlac is a NSAID that is chemically similar to indomethacin, there is no opioids there.  The side effects are such you can only be on it 5 days max, and it can be given as an injection, pills, IV and nose spray.   That doesn't mean they are not also handing out Oxycodone or something like that also which opioid.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 admistered by the DEA and FDA have the five catagories and their various definitions of what goes where is FEDERALLY enforced.  What can be given in a certain state such as Colarado is a state's issue just as who can prescribe meds in that state.  In some states MD's, DO's PA's and CNP's have prescriptive powers that are given after passing medical and nursing boards and maintaining continuing education hours.

Marinol is a synthetic derivative of THC the active ingredient in  marijauna -- it is used for an appetite stimulant, cancer pain and narrow angle glaucoma.  This is very, very basic and as an RN I wanted try to clear things up.

One addition to your comments might be helpful. Some people believe that MJ has become "legal" in Colorado and other states.  Technically that is not entirely true.  Although Colorado laws permit MJ production and sales by a non-medical person the Federal laws still prohibit it. In the USA federal system of government federal law supersedes state law wherever they disagree. Technically any citizen of Colorado participating in MJ production or sales is violating federal law and is subject to federal prosecution if they do not have some sort of specific authorization from the federal government. The fact that they are currently not so prosecuted is only because the current administration chooses not to enforce the federal law. Depending on who the next President is that could all change on January 20, 2017 depending on the druthers of the new President. He/she would not need a new federal law. It's already on the federal books merely awaiting a directive from the President to the DEA to resume enforcing it. This applies to the public use of MJ, not the medical use which I believe is federally allowed but with strict controls over who can make it and which physicians can prescribe it.

Edited May 26, 2016 by RRRRRavens
fixing an awkward and misleading statement

[Dorota]

The blog by Monroe on the T-Train is very well written and gives a good insight into how players deal with pain and what effect it has on them. Well worth the read.
For those bashing on Monroe for 'work ethic', as far as I know, his work ethic was never questioned and the only reason he is facing starter controversy is he pulled the short end of the stick while with us in Baltimore. It's unfortunate, it could cost him his job, and rightly so, Ravens can't afford to keep guys for sentiment, but for what they do for the team on the field. However, he's been a hard worker and apart from the last two years, when he's been dealing with injury repeatedly, he was a durable and reliable player. I'm still hoping he can get back on track, although I feel comfortable with having Stanley succeed him.

[rmcjacket23]

13 hours ago, billiejean said:

Has his work ethic been questioned? Im not saying it hasn't, but the only place that I have heard anything negative about EMs work ethic is by commenters on this site. Is there a more legitimate source that backs up that claim? I may just be out of the loop on this one.

Mostly just from posters on this site, so yes, that should be taken with a gigantic grain of salt. 

I do recall hearing a quote from Harbaugh last season to the effect of "he has to decide whether he wants to play or not" or something like that, but I believe that was related to his injury status and Monroe's desire to play through it vs going on IR and getting it fixed.

[budman]

19 hours ago, rmcjacket23 said:

I won't knock the guy for advocating for legitimate marijuana usage. In fact, I'd support it, because when you really look at the actual facts, its silly why its still treated the way that it is.

That being said... not really a great look for a player who is consistently injured and has had his work ethic in his profession questioned. Not a great look for a guy who is facing legitimate and tough competition for his job.

I understand he's still in the medical protocol due to his injuries, so I'm not going to bash him for doing this instead of showing up to OTAs. I'm just saying that from a public relations standpoint, this isn't a guy people want to be hearing this from.

Its a great cause to advocate for, and I support that, but at the end of the day, if he doesn't start focusing more on his actual career (professional football player), he won't have it any longer. And when that happens, literally nobody is going to listen to him advocate for NFL policy changes if he isn't in the league anymore.

Agree 100%

[usmccharles]

19 hours ago, rmcjacket23 said:

I won't knock the guy for advocating for legitimate marijuana usage. In fact, I'd support it, because when you really look at the actual facts, its silly why its still treated the way that it is. 

That being said... not really a great look for a player who is consistently injured and has had his work ethic in his profession questioned. Not a great look for a guy who is facing legitimate and tough competition for his job. 

I understand he's still in the medical protocol due to his injuries, so I'm not going to bash him for doing this instead of showing up to OTAs. I'm just saying that from a public relations standpoint, this isn't a guy people want to be hearing this from.

Its a great cause to advocate for, and I support that, but at the end of the day, if he doesn't start focusing more on his actual career (professional football player), he won't have it any longer. And when that happens, literally nobody is going to listen to him advocate for NFL policy changes if he isn't in the league anymore.

That being said, shouldn't he voice his opinion while people will listen then? 

[rmcjacket23]

1 minute ago, usmccharles said:

That being said, shouldn't he voice his opinion while people will listen then? 

Yes, he should. 

January through April is certainly a great time to do this, and I really don't have an issue with him doing it in May/June either.

But once actual OTAs and training camp begins, stick to Twitter and social media for your advocacy. Nobody wants to see him skipping an OTA or a training camp practice to go give a speech about weed. 

You'll never win that battle from a PR standpoint.