State of the Ravens going into 2017

[ravensnj]

23 hours ago, polynesian15 said:

Dude, we NEED outside pass rush... really bad! Better O-line and give Breshad more time to develop, I think he'll be good.

Top draft needs imo: edge rush, O-line, secondary... after that another WR wouldn't hurt.

Just as important, coaching (duties) needs to improve/change.

We only carry 5 OLB's

Doom (1 )is still a top player and Suggs (2) is coming back. So, Correa (3) needs to step up as Judon (4) is developing nicely, and Smith (5) is still developing,  

Who do we get rid of?

We need a Center

We need Corners

We need safeties 

We need Wr's

Now that SSS is retiring, name one wr currently on the roster that is a consistent receiver, can get open, run the correct routes, and knows how to help a Qb  when the pocket collapses? Yep, we have none. 

Of course, we need pass rush, so, I can only see Smith as the odd man out. 

[rmw10]

3 minutes ago, ravensnj said:

We only carry 5 OLB's

Doom (1 )is still a top player and Suggs (2) is coming back. So, Correa (3) needs to step up as Judon (4) is developing nicely, and Smith (5) is still developing,  

Who do we get rid of?

We need a Center

We need Corners

We need safeties 

We need Wr's

Now that SSS is retiring, name one wr currently on the roster that is a consistent receiver, can get open, run the correct routes, and knows how to help a Qb  when the pocket collapses? Yep, we have none. 

Of course, we need pass rush, so, I can only see Smith as the odd man out. 

It doesn't matter how many you have if they aren't effective.  Dumervil is a cut candidate at his salary.  You could cut Za'Darius and very few people would bat an eye.  You can keep 6 and still consider Correa as a backup option at ILB.  Regardless, talent is needed there and it shouldn't matter what else you have, especially when those guys are passable at best at this point.  If you find a young, stud pass rusher and opt not to go that route because you already have 5, that's a quick way to get fired.

[ravensnj]

3 hours ago, OUravensfan said:

Will Flacco ever have WRs/TEs that don't let him down? The one time they came through Flacco got criticized as being bailed out by them, so tired of our biggest losses being defined by plays not made by a pass catcher, it has really gotten old.

Ben throws short of the end zone, time would have expired, he throws to AB triple teamed who gets in for him, Ben the hero.

Actually, Pitta, Boyle and Waller catch pretty darn good. Flacco was erratic this year with passes to high, behind , or otherwise uncatchable. So, I see no weakness at the TE. Wr's have been awful, plain awful, basically hideous, probably the worst in the league, now that SSS is retiring. 

[ravensnj]

3 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

It doesn't matter how many you have if they aren't effective.  Dumervil is a cut candidate at his salary.  You could cut Za'Darius and very few people would bat an eye.  You can keep 6 and still consider Correa as a backup option at ILB.  Regardless, talent is needed there and it shouldn't matter what else you have, especially when those guys are passable at best at this point.  If you find a young, stud pass rusher and opt not to go that route because you already have 5, that's a quick way to get fired.

I wouldn't cut Doom, he still has plenty left in the tank. He just missed a crucial strip sack of big ben in the fourth quarter. If you review the footage you will see the play. Saying that, I would cut Smith and Correa to get a premier pass rusher. Otherwise, next year, I would start Judon and Doom and bring Sizzle off the bench.

[Ravensfan23]

8 hours ago, Davesta said:

I want us to use maxx and Darren more in 2017. I know pitta is joe's BFF, but he's slow and can't block to save his life. Let's see what we have in the best TE coming out of his draft class before his rookie contact is up and waste another pick. Hope the coaching staff stop choosing old vets on their last leg over developing younger guys (I'm still salty we cut 3rd round pick Terrence brooks for Kendrick Lewis). 

Does anyone think that Pitta has done enough this season to dismiss the hip injury concerns and if that's the case does he have trade value much like Boldin and Ngata? 

I know it will be an unpopular decision and we still don't know what we have at TE behind him, but I think if he's clearly recovered that Watson can take over that veteran presence you want to have at TE to help the young guys develop. He'll count for 4Mil against the cap and I think that will be lowered. Pitta will count for 7.7 and even though his stats say he did well, I think that tank is leaning more towards E than it is F. Pitta at 31 has a few more productive years left to help groom a young QB, but for what the Ravens appear to be doing offensively I don't think he fits anymore. Waller, Maxx and Boyle have to be the focal point moving forward imo. Both Watson and Gilmore can come to camp as insurance and compete but I think those 3 guys are the future. 

[GrimCoconut]

Just now, Ravensfan23 said:

Does anyone think that Pitta has done enough this season to dismiss the hip injury concerns and if that's the case does he have trade value much like Boldin and Ngata? 

I know it will be an unpopular decision and we still don't know what we have at TE behind him, but I think if he's clearly recovered that Watson can take over that veteran presence you want to have at TE to help the young guys develop. He'll count for 4Mil against the cap and I think that will be lowered. Pitta will count for 7.7 and even though his stats say he did well, I think that tank is leaning more towards E than it is F. Pitta at 31 has a few more productive years left to help groom a young QB, but for what the Ravens appear to be doing offensively I don't think he fits anymore. Waller, Maxx and Boyle have to be the focal point moving forward imo. Both Watson and Gilmore can come to camp as insurance and compete but I think those 3 guys are the future. 

Pitts hasn't looked good. He fails to block and seems completely uninterested in blocking, which isn't huge but it is a slight issue seeing as how his hands don't appear reliable anymore. Pitta cost us plenty of yards, points, and conversions himself. I personally think Pitta needs to go. He had one or two good games max. 

[Sunday QB]

In 2017 I would like to see a passing game like the Falcon's have, they also have a good run game. We have two good WR's in Wallace and Aiken and Permian is developing nicely and adding a free agent veteran will help.  The run game will improve with Dixon leading the way. I agree with everybody that the pass rush needs to be much improved. Adding a safety and cornerback will help the defense along with a Coordinator who will stop playing Prevent defense in the 4th quarter. This upcoming draft has to be one of the best in recent years, please draft playmakers in the early rounds. The offensive line needs a better center and some top notch depth. Alex Lewis getting healthy will help a lot. And I am just saying "Rex Ryan".

[rmw10]

8 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Does anyone think that Pitta has done enough this season to dismiss the hip injury concerns and if that's the case does he have trade value much like Boldin and Ngata? 

I know it will be an unpopular decision and we still don't know what we have at TE behind him, but I think if he's clearly recovered that Watson can take over that veteran presence you want to have at TE to help the young guys develop. He'll count for 4Mil against the cap and I think that will be lowered. Pitta will count for 7.7 and even though his stats say he did well, I think that tank is leaning more towards E than it is F. Pitta at 31 has a few more productive years left to help groom a young QB, but for what the Ravens appear to be doing offensively I don't think he fits anymore. Waller, Maxx and Boyle have to be the focal point moving forward imo. Both Watson and Gilmore can come to camp as insurance and compete but I think those 3 guys are the future. 

I think Pitta's time is done here, and I don't see any value in him via trade either.  I see Grim mentioned it as I was typing this, but he really only has a couple of good games, one of which Miami just seemingly forgot that there was a middle of the field.  I won't even comment on the blocking, but even as a receiver, he doesn't seem to have it any more.  He's slow and can't really get any separation anymore.  Most of his receptions have come as the checkdown option.  He's not really getting open up the seem and you need that for a guy that can't block from the inline position.

[Sunday QB]

4 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

Pitts hasn't looked good. He fails to block and seems completely uninterested in blocking, which isn't huge but it is a slight issue seeing as how his hands don't appear reliable anymore. Pitta cost us plenty of yards, points, and conversions himself. I personally think Pitta needs to go. He had one or two good games max. 

I am looking forward to Ben Watson, Waller, Williams and Boyle on the field next year. I won't be upset to let Pitta and Gilmore go.

[rmw10]

22 minutes ago, ravensnj said:

I wouldn't cut Doom, he still has plenty left in the tank. He just missed a crucial strip sack of big ben in the fourth quarter. If you review the footage you will see the play. Saying that, I would cut Smith and Correa to get a premier pass rusher. Otherwise, next year, I would start Judon and Doom and bring Sizzle off the bench.

You might not, but the salary cap could say otherwise.  Dumervil is a legitimate cut candidate, and might even be one of the likelier ones.  A few good plays here and there don't erase an iffy past 2 seasons.

[Ravens4Real]

Going to need to get better. There will probably be no drop off at all from Pittsburgh, Cincy will come back and be competitive, I won't go too deep into the Browns. They once again have a ton of draft picks that they may or may not do something with. If they are able to find competent pieces, they could be competitive also.

[TurkishRaven]

Our needs are clear. 

Pass rusher.

OLineman

CB

WR

 

I liked what I saw from webb but his pricetag...

I think we will get a veteran WR. We already have 2 young WRs, I don't see us drafting another one in the first 4 rounds. 

 

 

[Ravensfan23]

10 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

Pitts hasn't looked good. He fails to block and seems completely uninterested in blocking, which isn't huge but it is a slight issue seeing as how his hands don't appear reliable anymore. Pitta cost us plenty of yards, points, and conversions himself. I personally think Pitta needs to go. He had one or two good games max. 

 

Just now, rmw10 said:

I think Pitta's time is done here, and I don't see any value in him via trade either.  I see Grim mentioned it as I was typing this, but he really only has a couple of good games, one of which Miami just seemingly forgot that there was a middle of the field.  I won't even comment on the blocking, but even as a receiver, he doesn't seem to have it any more.  He's slow and can't really get any separation anymore.  Most of his receptions have come as the checkdown option.  He's not really getting open up the seem and you need that for a guy that can't block from the inline position.

well by good I mean numbers wise. I think he'd be much more appealing to a team as a 75-80 catch TE who is known as a security blanket and chain mover at TE. A team like the Rams or 49ers who have young QB or will have one in the 9ers case and don't really have much offensive talent.  I'd be willing to take a 6th rounder for Pitta if a team is desperate enough. He does have the 3rd most receptions and 12th in yards right now so by the numbers he's still a good TE. 

But I agree with both of you guys. He hasn't looked good at all. Some of the things the Ravens wanted to do in 2TE sets they just couldn't because Waller was inexperienced and Pitta was awful. No surprise that the run game started to pick up when Boyle returned and the redzone offense improved with Waller getting targets or pulling coverage down there. 

Even without a trade i wouldn't mind seeing Pitta and his 7Mil cap hit gone. 

[rmw10]

Just now, Ravensfan23 said:

 

well by good I mean numbers wise. I think he'd be much more appealing to a team as a 75-80 catch TE who is known as a security blanket and chain mover at TE. A team like the Rams or 49ers who have young QB or will have one in the 9ers case and don't really have much offensive talent.  I'd be willing to take a 6th rounder for Pitta if a team is desperate enough. He does have the 3rd most receptions and 12th in yards right now so by the numbers he's still a good TE. 

But I agree with both of you guys. He hasn't looked good at all. Some of the things the Ravens wanted to do in 2TE sets they just couldn't because Waller was inexperienced and Pitta was awful. No surprise that the run game started to pick up when Boyle returned and the redzone offense improved with Waller getting targets or pulling coverage down there. 

Even without a trade i wouldn't mind seeing Pitta and his 7Mil cap hit gone. 

I don't see a team out there that would trade and take on that salary, even though it's not guaranteed.  Pitta to me is a guy that will likely be cut, sit out on the open market for awhile, and garner a few tryouts before a team finally signs him.  The numbers might look good, but the skills certainly aren't there anymore unfortunately.  I feel bad for the guy because I like him and I know he wants to be out there, but it's probably in his best interest to hang them up at this point.

[PurpleCity5]

6 hours ago, rmw10 said:

That's the tough part.  Even the "#1" options out there have their question marks.

Brandon Marshall is a nice thought and could be on his way out regardless of the money because of some more locker room issues, but do we even want a guy like that?  Even if you say yes, he doesn't have many more years left in him and you're back in the same situation in a couple of years.

Alshon Jeffrey also sounds good but he's going to get paid, even with his issues, and I highly doubt we'll be in the running there.  He's got some serious injury issues and it's hard to commit a ton of money to a guy that always seems to be out dealing with something.

And that leaves you... basically a whole bunch of nothing.  If we're going to invest in a WR, I'd much rather us go the Marvin Jones type of route and get someone on the younger side that may not be a #1, but at least has a proven track record and can provide you something.  I doubt we'll be getting a #1 unless it's via trade or via draft.  Those guys just don't come available, and as we've both alluded to, you can't really cut Wallace without having something else in place.

I think the main thing we have to learn to do is to not worry so much about comp picks.  There are a lot of good players out there that we've passed on solely because we opted for someone else's discard.  It works sometimes, but other times, you have to pick the best player.  Just a couple of years back, we opted not to pay Julian Edelman or Emanuel Sanders $5M/year because we thought we could get Campanaro at the same value in the draft.  I bet they're regretting that decision right now.

FWIW, I don't think Mike Wallace has a lot left in the tank either, he will be 31 coming into the season, his sharp decline since the bye week, over the stretch where we consider the offense to be at their best, he has failed to get a TD or cross 100 yards, its very concerning. When you subtract the comeback win vs Cleveland, Mike Wallace has recorded a TD in only two other games. 

To be honest with you, I definitely think he's an asset but I would absolutely take Alshon over him, and why would he get paid so much? I think the market might be thinner than you think. He's coming off a 4 game suspension and will come off two consecutive years in which he's failed to record 1000 yards and as you said the injury concerns are right there. Of course those two reasons are good enough to stay away from him, but you're getting a guy who was on his way to make $14M a year for $8M-$10M. Also considering that right now he's playing at a $14M franchise tag, can you say he's playng up to it? I don't think so. Teams will look at that and turn down that salary. The only leverage he has is being the #1 FA WR on the market, but he's not going to have much leverage over other skill players. 

Brandon Marshall is a guy I would take over him, he's turning 33 but I have plenty of reasons why I would take him over Wallace. To start, as an offense, we make Tucker look too good in opportunities where we were supposed to get 7, Marshall had 14 TDs last year and I honestly think the offense he plays in gives him no such help at all. Yeah the age is there, but I'm looking for a veteran in this offense, you got plenty of young guys there, why not get someone who can not only help you in places where you badly need help in but provide the leadership needed? The only thing I want to know is why a guy who produces year after year becomes a rental player? There has to be some background into that. 

After that, yeah, nothing there, and that decision to pass on Edelman/Sanders for Camp looks like an awful decision right now. 

I don't think the draft is much of an option right now, I think you have two choices, either bank on Perriman big time and hope he plays up to what you anticipate, or just stack more weapons and in the long run hurt Perriman's development and reps. 

Edited December 27, 2016 by PurpleCity5

[AsianRice]

Pitta should be gone in 2017; he just lives up to the price tag.....wouldn't blame him though, but we need strong TE who can block and catch at the same time....

[PurpleCity5]

18 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

You might not, but the salary cap could say otherwise.  Dumervil is a legitimate cut candidate, and might even be one of the likelier ones.  A few good plays here and there don't erase an iffy past 2 seasons.

Doom is a guy that I think could be a cut and return if we don't work out a restructure. 

[rmw10]

4 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

FWIW, I don't think Mike Wallace has a lot left in the tank either, he will be 31 coming into the season, his sharp decline since the bye week, over the stretch where we consider the offense to be at their best, he has failed to get a TD or cross 100 yards, its very concerning. When you subtract the comeback win vs Cleveland, Mike Wallace has recorded a TD in only two other games. 

To be honest with you, I definitely think he's an asset but I would absolutely take Alshon over him, and why would he get paid so much? I think the market might be thinner than you think. He's coming off a 4 game suspension and will come off two consecutive years in which he's failed to record 1000 yards and as you said the injury concerns are right there. Of course those two reasons are good enough to stay away from him, but you're getting a guy who was on his way to make $14M a year for $8M-$10M. Also considering that right now he's playing at a $14M franchise tag, can you say he's playng up to it? I don't think so. Teams will look at that and turn down that salary. The only leverage he has is being the #1 FA WR on the market, but he's not going to have much leverage over other skill players. 

Brandon Marshall is a guy I would take over him, he's turning 33 but I have plenty of reasons why I would take him over Wallace. To start, as an offense, we make Tucker look too good in opportunities where we were supposed to get 7, Marshall had 14 TDs last year and I honestly think the offense he plays in gives him no such help at all. Yeah the age is there, but I'm looking for a veteran in this offense, you got plenty of young guys there, why not get someone who can not only help you in places where you badly need help in but provide the leadership needed? The only thing I want to know is why a guy who produces year after year becomes a rental player? There has to be some background into that. 

After that, yeah, nothing there, and that decision to pass on Edelman/Sanders for Camp looks like an awful decision right now. 

I don't think the draft is much of an option right now, I think you have two choices, either bank on Perriman big time and hope he plays up to what you anticipate, or just stack more weapons and in the long run hurt Perriman's development and reps. 

I understand that as well, and I think that's a fair argument.

As far as Alshon, remember what the FA market is like.  The FA market is what got inconsistent Marvin Jones $8M a year over 5 years.  I'd be hard pressed to believe that a team is going to see a 26 year old, big WR who has been good when he's been on the field is worth less than that.  Teams are looking for WRs and there are quite a few out there with some big bucks to spend.  This isn't meant to be rude or anything despite it maybe sounding like it is lol, but I really think you just have it in your mind that he won't cost much because you want it to happen, but it's not reality.  Contracts are huge on the open market, and although he's been injured and has the suspension to his name, some team is still going to recognize what he can do - and likely a team that can afford to burn some money.

I'd have no problems with Marshall as a player, but as you alluded to, you have to have some serious concerns about him in the locker room.  He always seems like he's grown up and then another problem arises.  This is now 4 teams that have had locker room issues with him.  You're taking a serious risk by taking on a guy like him.

The reality remains that we just haven't adequately addressed the position and that looks like it will remain the case.  I won't pretend that Mike Wallace is the perfect option, but neither is anyone else.  At least with Wallace, you have some familiarity with the offense and can continue that.  Everyone available has flaws in some way.

[PurpleCity5]

12 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

 

well by good I mean numbers wise. I think he'd be much more appealing to a team as a 75-80 catch TE who is known as a security blanket and chain mover at TE. A team like the Rams or 49ers who have young QB or will have one in the 9ers case and don't really have much offensive talent.  I'd be willing to take a 6th rounder for Pitta if a team is desperate enough. He does have the 3rd most receptions and 12th in yards right now so by the numbers he's still a good TE. 

But I agree with both of you guys. He hasn't looked good at all. Some of the things the Ravens wanted to do in 2TE sets they just couldn't because Waller was inexperienced and Pitta was awful. No surprise that the run game started to pick up when Boyle returned and the redzone offense improved with Waller getting targets or pulling coverage down there. 

Even without a trade i wouldn't mind seeing Pitta and his 7Mil cap hit gone. 

I don't know about being so quick to cut Pitta. He's earned back all his incentives so in a sense he has played above expectations, he also has a shot of making the Pro Bowl as an alternate so keeping all that in mind he might have some trade value. It would be much easier to cut Pitta if someone emerged, I think he's more of a camp cut.

[balfan23]

1 hour ago, rmw10 said:

It doesn't matter how many you have if they aren't effective.  Dumervil is a cut candidate at his salary.  You could cut Za'Darius and very few people would bat an eye.  You can keep 6 and still consider Correa as a backup option at ILB.  Regardless, talent is needed there and it shouldn't matter what else you have, especially when those guys are passable at best at this point.  If you find a young, stud pass rusher and opt not to go that route because you already have 5, that's a quick way to get fired.

I would go so far as to say Dumervil is virually guaranteed to be cut. I see no reason to believe that his production will warrant keeping him given the cap savings releasing him will bring ($6M). As you say, Z isn't inspiring anyone and at this point we don't even know if Correa is a back up option (which is very disappointing given his draft position). OLB is a draft position we must nail for 2017. CB is a clear need, but no need is more acutely felt as edge rush. 

[PurpleCity5]

16 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

I understand that as well, and I think that's a fair argument.

As far as Alshon, remember what the FA market is like.  The FA market is what got inconsistent Marvin Jones $8M a year over 5 years.  I'd be hard pressed to believe that a team is going to see a 26 year old, big WR who has been good when he's been on the field is worth less than that.  Teams are looking for WRs and there are quite a few out there with some big bucks to spend.  This isn't meant to be rude or anything despite it maybe sounding like it is lol, but I really think you just have it in your mind that he won't cost much because you want it to happen, but it's not reality.  Contracts are huge on the open market, and although he's been injured and has the suspension to his name, some team is still going to recognize what he can do - and likely a team that can afford to burn some money.

I'd have no problems with Marshall as a player, but as you alluded to, you have to have some serious concerns about him in the locker room.  He always seems like he's grown up and then another problem arises.  This is now 4 teams that have had locker room issues with him.  You're taking a serious risk by taking on a guy like him.

The reality remains that we just haven't adequately addressed the position and that looks like it will remain the case.  I won't pretend that Mike Wallace is the perfect option, but neither is anyone else.  At least with Wallace, you have some familiarity with the offense and can continue that.  Everyone available has flaws in some way.

That's fair, I'm not going crazy for Alshon because I see plenty of reasons not to go after him, but Marvin Jones got that deal playing behind AJ Green, in an impressive offense that was easy to make him look better than what he really was. Teams saw that he

Chicago doesn't seem to have any interest in paying him the 14M salary that he's already playing under, I just don't see any other team interested in that. Of course it only takes one but if you play under the tag and don't preform than its hard to get the money that you want, not to mention the other concerns. I think there was also reports out there that his market might be thin. I'd rather pay Melvin Ingram, JPP, and Nick Perry than Alshon honestly. 

Marshall is a locker room concern but if I can recall, Steve Smith wasn't getting along with everyone in Carolina and someone could have easily labeled him as a locker room distraction and avoided him, didn't stop us from signing him even though the scenarios are different between one guy who will wreck havoc in the locker room and someone who will wreck havoc throughout the entire facility(Marshall). Steve Smith is not a bad teammate, just has a lot of fire in him and not everyone is like that. 

We haven't addressed WR, but if we're going to do it, I can bet a lot of cash that it won't be via the draft. Most likely FA since there's no reason to add another young and inexperienced WR. 

Edited December 27, 2016 by PurpleCity5

[PurpleCity5]

12 hours ago, flynismo said:

I don't agree, but even if we had to choose between the two, Alshon is clearly the choice.

Why keep Wallace with Perriman on the roster? Having a cap hit from two starting WRs of $8M just doesn't seem to make sense. That's too much money with help needed elsewhere. I'd much rather rely on Perriman to step up there rather than keep Wallace. 

Edited December 27, 2016 by PurpleCity5

[rmw10]

Just now, PurpleCity5 said:

Why keep Wallace with Perriman on the roster? Having a cap hit from two starting WRs of $8M just doesn't seem to make sense. That's too much money with help needed elsewhere. I'd much rather rely on Perriman to step up there rather than keep Wallace. 

Look at it this way though.  If you don't keep Wallace, but add a veteran FA still, Perriman is still your number 2.  Campanaro and Moore follow him up.  Out of those 3, are you confident in any of them?  That gives us 0 depth and questionable starting options.

[Gtown Purple]

Another FA and draft like last year and we should contend. Last time we had a bitter loss like this we went to the SB

[PurpleCity5]

13 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

Look at it this way though.  If you don't keep Wallace, but add a veteran FA still, Perriman is still your number 2.  Campanaro and Moore follow him up.  Out of those 3, are you confident in any of them?  That gives us 0 depth and questionable starting options.

I think sometimes you need a step up guy. We've experimented that with Brandon Williams, Chykie Brown, Timmy J, and Shareece Wright. It's helped us some and hurt us plenty. I think the reps and development would go a long way for Perriman. Every team has that guy who steps up and why not rely on Perriman for that? Don't think Perriman should go into next season as the #1, but it wouldn't bother me if he came into next season as the #3, let's not forget that we still have Aiken on the roster. 

Paying Mike Wallace and Alshon Jeffery to a a cap hit of $8M and $10M is too much, especially given that we could use more help at CB and OLB. 

I'd rather take the bullet at WR than CB/OLB. 

Edited December 27, 2016 by PurpleCity5

[Ravensfan23]

19 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I don't know about being so quick to cut Pitta. He's earned back all his incentives so in a sense he has played above expectations, he also has a shot of making the Pro Bowl as an alternate so keeping all that in mind he might have some trade value. It would be much easier to cut Pitta if someone emerged, I think he's more of a camp cut.

Not a toot my own horn type of guy but many said the same thing when I said that Forsett would be cut if these young guys stepped up at RB. Not exactly the same situation but I saw signs of Forsett being near the end and I see the same from Pitta. Again the production looks good but remember in 2010 Todd Heap had a really solid season at TE with the combination of Dickson and Pitta behind him producing a total of 12 catches 153yds 1TD. So there was nothing about those young guys take said they could handle more snaps, especially Pitta who had 1rec for 1 yard in 2010. 

Waller, Williams, Boyle and Gilmore have all at least shown flashes that they produce given opportunities. Give the TE room to this young group and let them work. I think there is room for all 4 guys because I think the Ravens are comfortable enough to carry only 2RBs with Juice acting as that 3rd guy. That opens up a roster spot to keep a 4th TE. 

I think you cut Pitta before the offseason to allow him to pick up with another team and basically send a message to the young TEs that it's on them now. 

[rmw10]

2 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

I think sometimes you need a step up guy. We've experimented that with Brandon Williams, Chykie Brown, Timmy J, and Shareece Wright. It's helped us some and hurt us plenty. I think the reps and development would go a long way for Perriman. Every team has that guy who steps up and why not rely on Perriman for that? Don't think Perriman should go into next season as the #1, but it wouldn't bother me if he came into next season as the #3, let's not forget that we still have Aiken on the roster. 

Paying Mike Wallace and Alshon Jeffery to a a cap hit of $8M and $10M is too much, especially given that we could use more help at CB and OLB. 

I'd rather take the bullet at WR than CB/OLB. 

You need a step up guy but you also need to consider what happens if that guy doesn't step up.  Perriman should be given most of the reps this coming Sunday but that remains to be seen.  Otherwise, you have (insert Wallace/other veteran here), Perriman, Moore, and Camp in this scenario.  Aiken is also a FA so we don't really have him either.  It makes no sense to cut Wallace at this juncture.  I think the idea of us dropping that much coin of a FA anyways is unrealistic.  I would fully expect another veteran.  Garcon was mentioned a lot and I actually think he makes a ton of sense.  We'll likely add another via the draft as well.

[Ravens419]

8 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

You need a step up guy but you also need to consider what happens if that guy doesn't step up.  Perriman should be given most of the reps this coming Sunday but that remains to be seen.  Otherwise, you have (insert Wallace/other veteran here), Perriman, Moore, and Camp in this scenario.  Aiken is also a FA so we don't really have him either.  It makes no sense to cut Wallace at this juncture.  I think the idea of us dropping that much coin of a FA anyways is unrealistic.  I would fully expect another veteran.  Garcon was mentioned a lot and I actually think he makes a ton of sense.  We'll likely add another via the draft as well.

I think Garçon is the obvious pick by the FO this offseason get Garçon somewhat cheap and sign a Stephen Gilmore but I'd be content with that but I think Alshon could do wonders for this team Garçon is too much of a SSR and Q type of signing which I loved both of them but I want a young big guy who is a flat out PLAYMAKER when he's on the field but I don't think the FO goes for Alshon just because of off the field issues and price tag I'll be willing to bet we sign Garçon and someone like stephon Gilmore

[RavensDieHard21]

On December 25, 2016 at 10:41 PM, ravens rule said:

Going into flacco's 10th season why is WR still a huge question mark ? 

Because Ozzie has one position he has 0 luck with drafting and that is WR. 

[ravensnj]

2 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Does anyone think that Pitta has done enough this season to dismiss the hip injury concerns and if that's the case does he have trade value much like Boldin and Ngata? 

I know it will be an unpopular decision and we still don't know what we have at TE behind him, but I think if he's clearly recovered that Watson can take over that veteran presence you want to have at TE to help the young guys develop. He'll count for 4Mil against the cap and I think that will be lowered. Pitta will count for 7.7 and even though his stats say he did well, I think that tank is leaning more towards E than it is F. Pitta at 31 has a few more productive years left to help groom a young QB, but for what the Ravens appear to be doing offensively I don't think he fits anymore. Waller, Maxx and Boyle have to be the focal point moving forward imo. Both Watson and Gilmore can come to camp as insurance and compete but I think those 3 guys are the future. 

Watson had one really good year with Brees and he's old! Cut him , as we have to many younger Te's.  Now, with Boyle playing as our blocking Te, Pitta has time to roam. He had like 75 catches, that's better than most number one wr's and would have had more if Boyle or Max played more this season. Who's going to make up for that loss? That's going backwards in my mind.

Edited December 27, 2016 by ravensnj