[News] Late For Work 9/27: Should Ravens Make Changes With These Three Veterans?

[stixfix69]

Well....Harbs is bent on getting the run game going, so teams are focused on stopping the run, nothing wrong with Flacco throwing to our weapons, and winning games....You take what the defense gives you, and in all 3 games, their focus was to stop the run.....As long as we get the W , i don't care if we run the ball 15 times....

[The Mom Gene]

1 hour ago, billiejean said:

He has been the highest rated RG in each of the first three games this year.

I was discussing his penalties and missteps with another member.

[The Mom Gene]

29 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

That doesn't negate the fact that at least 2 of his penalties were drive killers!

YUP

[The Mom Gene]

3 hours ago, Fastynart said:

How can anyone with a brain bigger than a turnip blame Forsett? The offensive line is doing nothing to open holes or even give the RB room to make it to the line of scrimmage before someone is on his back. We have seen this same crap for three games now and nothing changes. Get the blocking working and Forsett will be just fine.

While that would typically be a legitimate point, even when he is thrown check downs by Joe, in the backfield, and in short passing situations, he's getting nothing after the catch.  There's clearly something else happening.

[RRRRRavens]

There's one more veteran who should be dioscussed: Yanda. Not as a possible candidate for removing from the lineup of course - he's still one of the best guard in the league! - but it's impossible not to note how he's nowhere near the high standard performance we've got to expect of him. Atypical penalties, missed tackles...

Is he playing through an injury?

I noticed that too. Didn't want to say anything but now that you mention it something is going on with him. Hope he cures it quickly.

[RRRRRavens]

  4 hours ago, The Mom Gene said:

  4 hours ago, Ronan Freitas said:

Totally agree, in fact, if you look at the touchdown plays, there isn't much to do there, the first one was a break that's almost impossible to cover, and the second was just a perfect thrown ball

Ahhhh, the back-shoulder fade, almost impossible to defend without a penalty... 

 

If it was, it would be all we'd see played.

Problem is it is perhaps the hardest long pass to throw accurately enough to be caught. All the other longer passes allow the receiver to adjust to a pass thrown slightly off. The back-shoulder, not so much.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

When we drafted Correa- The book on his was that he is a raw player with a relentless motor. We knew when we drafted him that he was going to take some time to fully develop. We knew that he was also a tweener... bc another knock on him was that he lacked ideal size and we passed on Noah Spence, Reggie Ragland and others bc of 2 reason. 1. His motor... he will play like a Raven for 60 minutes 2. for his character. He would not be an issue that say a Spence could have been).

The versatility that Correa could provide (ability to play inside or outside) made him a valuable asset to us. While we have the luxury to be a little patient with him bc we have Elvis and Sizzle in front of him on the outside / and CJ and ZOrr playing at a high level on the inside. This allows us to bring him along slowing (good for him) and to deploy him (when ready) in multiple fashions (giving opposing offenses fits).

I think we as Raven fans push the panic button a little bc of the Arthur Brown debacle at LB (another 2nd round pick who didn't come in and light it up) and bc of a rich draft history at the LB position where we have found people like Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware, Jamie Shaper, CJ Mosley and more who can right in and looked like a star.

The combination of past success and recent failure at the same position leaves fans a little anxious when a high level LB (or WR) doesn't come in and perform right away.

"When better is expected - good is no longer good enough"
I think we have the luxury to bring him a long at his own pace. I think KC will be great for us... just not great for us this year. (but a little production would be great)!

I don't disagree with anything you said, but I will add this. It seems a bit strange that when you need more ILB depth to draft a player that was an OLB. The tasks and responsibilities change enough to make it a sizeable hurdle to really know the position well enough to play fast and instinctive football. Taking a bit of time is the pill the Ravens must bite for drafting him.

They also gotta hope for no significant ILB injuries either or they will need to thrust KC into a larger role than he may be ready for from their standards.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

Bring back the Zone Stretch run scheme!!! It worked so well and then someone had the insane idea to stop what works in favor of the unknown! Well now we know that was a bad idea. Run game has gotten worse since going a new direction. So again I say, bring back the Zone Stretch run scheme!!!

[RRRRRavens]

  4 hours ago, bioLarzen said:

It's interesting, isn't it, that when Elam dared the audacity to call Megatron "old", he got asll the heat from the complete NFL-scene - but now, when Ramsey does the same to Steve Smith, there is a debate? Even though Elam was much less harsh, itr was just this one remark, while Ramsey was obviously trying to be disrespectful?

Yeah, but Ramsey's comments came in the aftermath of Smith coming at him after the game. Smith, for all his likability can be very brash and confrontational, and I'm not shocked that anyone who feels disrespected by him would try to disrespect him in return.

I like SSS but I have to agree that his aggressive talk does invite retaliation.

[RRRRRavens]

  4 hours ago, thegooddoc456 said:

Yeah, but Ramsey's comments came in the aftermath of Smith coming at him after the game. Smith, for all his likability can be very brash and confrontational, and I'm not shocked that anyone who feels disrespected by him would try to disrespect him in return.

Incorrect.....  The comments came after Ramsey speared Smith in the back during a scrum on the field.  I was there.  Ramsey went after Smith and said "I got you"...  Steve went back at him then and said "I'll see you after the game".  It started way before that.  Ramsey needs to be careful.  This isn't the first time either...  when you're on a team that is 0-3....  just sayin.  He didn't shut Smith down either.  Watch the video of Steve's 23 yard catch and run.

I didn't know that. Assuming you saw what you said you saw that kind of play by Ramsey can get ugly down the line. In the distant past in the NFL team retaliation against a player trying to injure other players was much more common. Back then players policed their own, so to speak. It's less common now but it still does happen. Message to Ramsey = beware of cheap shots for you are vulnerable to the adage "what goes around comes around".

[billiejean]

1 hour ago, The Mom Gene said:

2 hours ago, billiejean said:

He has been the highest rated RG in each of the first three games this year.

I was discussing his penalties and missteps with another member.

Oh I'm sorry, I thought when you said, "I can't believe the penalties and such with Yanda", that the phrase "and such" was implying that Yanda was experiencing more problems than just his penalties.  I was just pointing out that his play minus the penalties has been really good.  Sorry for the mix up.

Edited September 27, 2016 by billiejean

[billiejean]

  2 hours ago, billiejean said:

He has been the highest rated RG in each of the first three games this year.

That doesn't negate the fact that at least 2 of his penalties were drive killers!

thats a valid point

[Drew P]

Zuttah's gonna get someone killed out there

[eze17]

I don't know what's wrong with Zuttah, but he's the guy that would be on my hot seat...

[hen826957]

I think we are under estimating what KO meant to the OL. That being said... we should be running the ball better then we have been. I think ALewis being out with a concussion and placing Urschel at G will show improvement. Urschel knows the system and will make both Zuttah and Stanley's job a little easier. A Lewis looks like a great addition down the road and he has all of the tools and physicality but he isn't there yet mentally. Urschel will be an upgrade this week and we will see it in our run game!

I don't think we underestimating K.O. We know it was a huge loss but is just no way we can pay him 12 million a year. We gave him a nice offer but he wanted 1 or 2 million more. It's not our fault. We wouldn't even have Weddle or Wallace and we would be in a worser situation if we didn't get them in free agency.

[The Mom Gene]

5 hours ago, billiejean said:

Oh I'm sorry, I thought when you said, "I can't believe the penalties and such with Yanda", that the phrase "and such" was implying that Yanda was experiencing more problems than just his penalties.  I was just pointing out that his play minus the penalties has been really good.  Sorry for the mix up.

its ok.. I don't take stuff personally

[mearzunkies]

If Dixon was healthy he'd be starting by now. He is the game changer at the RB position the Ravens have been looking for since RR.

[CaliRavenFan]

10 hours ago, steelcityraven said:

I think we are under estimating what KO meant to the OL. That being said... we should be running the ball better then we have been. I think ALewis being out with a concussion and placing Urschel at G will show improvement. Urschel knows the system and will make both Zuttah and Stanley's job a little easier. A Lewis looks like a great addition down the road and he has all of the tools and physicality but he isn't there yet mentally. Urschel will be an upgrade this week and we will see it in our run game!

I might be wrong but im pretty sure it was Jensen that came in for Alex and not Urschel.. 

[law215]

I think there are 3 things wrong with the Ravens running.

First, Trestman's play calling. He simply does not stick to the run game and it does not look like he scheme runs well. A lot of draws from shot gun, perimeter runs with TEs that can't block. What happened to the power run game with a FB as lead blocker?

Foresett does not make people miss nor run people over. He hits the ground as soon as he is touched. Start West and give Allen some carries. He has not looked good in the preseason, but he did ok when Foresett was out last season.

Too many hits in the backfield. Oline needs to be more physical.

[sizzlingdoom]

Like Steve Smith's fire but wish he would play and shut his mouth. Been with us for several seasons and hasn't made a major impact....drops too many balls.

LOL. ummmm yeah...not even gonna respond to this

[sizzlingdoom]

I remember reading all of these comments saying "wright is a straight baller" "best corner and defender on the team" after we played the non passing bills in week 1 cuz wright made. Bummed my suspition seems to be right. Don't understand why we paid him decent money after multiple teams released him. No more bad contracts please. Jeez can't imagine how good the ravens would be if they could manage to find a legit # wr and/or cb...........

[Rav'n Maniac]

  17 hours ago, steelcityraven said:

I think we are under estimating what KO meant to the OL. That being said... we should be running the ball better then we have been. I think ALewis being out with a concussion and placing Urschel at G will show improvement. Urschel knows the system and will make both Zuttah and Stanley's job a little easier. A Lewis looks like a great addition down the road and he has all of the tools and physicality but he isn't there yet mentally. Urschel will be an upgrade this week and we will see it in our run game!

I might be wrong but im pretty sure it was Jensen that came in for Alex and not Urschel.. 

It was. Urschel wasn't active Sunday.

[Cawtious]

8 hours ago, CaliRavenFan said:

I might be wrong but im pretty sure it was Jensen that came in for Alex and not Urschel.. 

Urschel was a healthy scratch.  Jensen is a run game mauler and will likely be our LG if Lewis is still in concussion protocol.  M&T Bank on it

[Cawtious]

1 hour ago, sizzlingdoom said:

LOL. ummmm yeah...not even gonna respond to this

Oh, but you did.....

[January J]

21 hours ago, Fastynart said:

How can anyone with a brain bigger than a turnip blame Forsett? The offensive line is doing nothing to open holes or even give the RB room to make it to the line of scrimmage before someone is on his back. We have seen this same crap for three games now and nothing changes. Get the blocking working and Forsett will be just fine.

I feel the same way but yet and still I would think either forsett or west would be able to bust open ATLEAST one or two runs eventually. Yes they are running into walls and have no lanes but as many times as we've given them the ball eventually you have to be able to make somebody miss and make a play out of nothing. West has done that to an extent...Atleast more than forsett.. But still has barely been anything more than an 11 yard scamper. Forsett just  seems to lack that explosion and his vision isn't like it was during his pro bowl year. He used to be able to see a wall and quickly indentify Even the smallest of holes and hit it hard enough to get    5 -7 yard runs on the regular. Then he would eventually bust open runs for 18-25 yards temporarily. We just haven't seen that. I'm the biggest forsett fan and Id like to say he's still  got it- so hopefully he shows up soon. If not Dixon may be our onky hope. We will see if Jensen will provide a spark if Alex remains in concussion protocol. Either way an offensive line shakeup is  clearly necessary.

 

I'm kind of torn about shareece. He's a good corner and has great games but he's very streaky and up and down. If I'm not mistaken I think he's given up every single passing TD on us so far this year. Granted he was up against some great receivers.. I just don't know. My main question is why Will Davis has been a healthy scratch? IMO he is one of- if not our best corner in coverage ...and i think he could Atleast be utilized on third down. I know he's mainly a slot corner and tavon young has also looked pretty phenomenal for a rookie but I just think we could  find a way to utilize him. I rarely question the coaches BC they obviously know what's best..just from the outside looking in it's a head scratcher to me.

[rmcjacket23]

Interesting reaction from Harbaugh today...

Coach John Harbaugh expressed disappointment in the Ravens' running game and said he's looking at potential changes in the backfield.
"More than changes," Harbaugh said. "It's about seeking to improve." Justin Forsett has been dreadful with just 98 scoreless yards on 31 attempts (3.2 YPC) as the "starter." Terrance West hasn't been much better with 119 scoreless yards on 33 carries (3.6 YPC), but he recorded the Ravens' longest run of the young season last week, a 15-yarder to open the third quarter. Rookie Kenneth Dixon (knee) is nearing a return and will likely be given a shot to handle a chunk of the load.
Related: Terrance West, Kenneth Dixon
Source: ESPN.com Sep 28 - 12:49 PM

[rmcjacket23]

How can anyone with a brain bigger than a turnip blame Forsett? The offensive line is doing nothing to open holes or even give the RB room to make it to the line of scrimmage before someone is on his back. We have seen this same crap for three games now and nothing changes. Get the blocking working and Forsett will be just fine.

Has lost significant speed, makes absolutely nobody miss, and hasn't show any ability in the passing game so far to be elusive. Reminds me a ton of Ray Rice in 2013.

Offensive line blocking isn't good, but good RBs also don't need consistent, massive holes to run through. Anybody can do that.

To me, Forsett has the look of the back we've always known he is... he will get exactly what the offensive line gives you, nothing more.

We can do better, and I think going forward we will, which will involve less carries for Forsett.

[billiejean]

  On September 27, 2016 at 11:11 AM, thegooddoc456 said:

Yeah, but Ramsey's comments came in the aftermath of Smith coming at him after the game. Smith, for all his likability can be very brash and confrontational, and I'm not shocked that anyone who feels disrespected by him would try to disrespect him in return.

Incorrect.....  The comments came after Ramsey speared Smith in the back during a scrum on the field.  I was there.  Ramsey went after Smith and said "I got you"...  Steve went back at him then and said "I'll see you after the game".  It started way before that.  Ramsey needs to be careful.  This isn't the first time either...  when you're on a team that is 0-3....  just sayin.  He didn't shut Smith down either.  Watch the video of Steve's 23 yard catch and run.

wow!! it must be pretty cool to have seats so good that you can hear what the players are saying. Thats awesome.

[Drew P]

What changes can possibly be made to the backfield other than activating Buck and giving him some carries?

[RavenSwag]

I'm not too fond of Shareece Wright and Jimmy Smith anyway. They play off too much(maybe that's the defensive call) and don't turn around to look for the ball which irks me. Week after week I watch corners never turn their heads around. Wright is always looking at the back of opponents jerseys. Just seems to me that the both of them aren't trusting the technique and abilities and make a play on the ball. Like I said before neither one of them will have no more than 4 interceptions if that. Make a play!