[News] Eisenberg: The 'Plan B Crew' Is Off To A Good Start

[BR News]

In a perfect world, Ravens draft picks would have stabilized the safety position and provided a reliable deep threat. But the world isn't perfect, and Eric Weddle and Mike Wallace are looking like a solid Plan B.

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[Bruce_Almty]

Ravens still need to hit the reload button next draft for S, CB, LBs, & WRs. This year, "experience" is the name of the game.

[The Mom Gene]

These guys are leaders. The young guys need to take a lesson or two and step it up. While it's nice to be a great player. We still need leaders. THAT is what will make this team successful.

[balfan23]

I certainly don't view Weddle as a plan B. Since Elam, we haven't drafted high enough to really bring in a true starter worthy safety (I don't know that a late 3rd rounder in Brooks would have carried that expectation). When we brought him in, he was going to be one of our starting safeties, no doubt. 

Now Wallace was a low cost add that was really brought in as a stop-gap for Perriman and Moore as they get acclimated to the NFL. No one should expect a 1st year WR to be a quality starter, outside of maybe an early 1st rounder. 

Most importantly, so far it doesn't appear we need a plan B for LT ... and that's a good thing, since we don't really have one. 

[cobrajet]

I noticed a big difference last Sunday. Weddle had our guys in position and ready to go when the ball was snapped. His leadership has brought a confidence to this team. Great signing by Ozzie.

[Bline1027]

My question is what is the long term answer for the safety position? We need to draft a long term answer as Webby contract is up next season. Weddle is a great stop gap.

[BigUgly]

My question is what is the long term answer for the safety position? We need to draft a long term answer as Webby contract is up next season. Weddle is a great stop gap.

We coulda had Honey Badger Matthieu a few years ago, but chose a strong safety with no coverage skills (Elam) instead. Elam was certainly a higher character guy, which Harbs loves, but so what? Ozzie needs to pick talent, and Harbs has to deal with personalities. That's what he gets paid for.

[The Mom Gene]

1 hour ago, BigUgly said:

We coulda had Honey Badger Matthieu a few years ago, but chose a strong safety with no coverage skills (Elam) instead. Elam was certainly a higher character guy, which Harbs loves, but so what? Ozzie needs to pick talent, and Harbs has to deal with personalities. That's what he gets paid for.

Honey badger is on the sidelines too... (not in the traditional sense),  just sayin.  He's limited due to a knee injury.  He's not the stud he was meant to be either.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2016/09/14/cardinals-tyrann-mathieu-role-limited-any-impact-plays/90375630/

[jravens1313]

This is not Plan B. Ozzie & Co. did the best with what free agency and the draft had to offer. Last season exposed some of our flaws in this evolving game we call football. I personally think Ozzie has crushed the last two drafts. Just understand Perriman is a high upside pick that had a bad streak of injuries.

[Halshayeji]

52 minutes ago, The Mom Gene said:

Honey badger is on the sidelines too... (not in the traditional sense),  just sayin.  He's limited due to a knee injury.  He's not the stud he was meant to be either.

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2016/09/14/cardinals-tyrann-mathieu-role-limited-any-impact-plays/90375630/

Tyran Mathieu is a stud and a half. He's a pro bowler when healthy. Only issue is his health at the moment. 

[redrum52]

4 hours ago, cobrajet said:

I noticed a big difference last Sunday. Weddle had our guys in position and ready to go when the ball was snapped. His leadership has brought a confidence to this team. Great signing by Ozzie.

There didn't seem to be that usual confusion or still lining up as the ball is snapped.

[b93333]

Plan B has worked well (except Watson) but it's no substitute for better draft results.

[OUravensfan]

I always support a good balance of both experienced veterans that bring leadership and immediate plug and play value with younger guys who have more athleticism and breakout potential with low cost. All of our best teams have had this mix as this article alluded too, 2000,2006,2011-12; 2016??.....So far so good

[The Mom Gene]

3 hours ago, Halshayeji said:

Tyran Mathieu is a stud and a half. He's a pro bowler when healthy. Only issue is his health at the moment. 

I understand that.  Like I said.. He's sidelined at the moment. Injured...  It's not a great comparison right now.

[JimmyBlack]

Weddle brings that defensive team captain role back to the secondary. Wallace is only beginning to get started. He was blazing down the field on his reception and there was no stopping number 17.

[JimmyBlack]

6 hours ago, Bline1027 said:

My question is what is the long term answer for the safety position? We need to draft a long term answer as Webby contract is up next season. Weddle is a great stop gap.

We could have drafted safety Darian Thompson in the 3rd round.  He went to the Giants right behind Kaufusi.  Also, I was hoping that we took DE Bullard who was a high talent that slid down the draft board.

[runcontrol]

It could be worse, we could be one of the many teams that over spends on other team's high draft picks. Personally I like the idea of have some seasoned veterans helping leading this team.

People are making a big deal out of this but every team has to do it and Ozzie has been successful at doing it since he has been the team's GM. From Shannon Sharpe to Jacoby Jones, veteran free agents have helped shape this team into what it is today.