Dienstag, 30. Dezember 2008
Headlines September - October
Flacco's future on Baltimore's mind
The Ravens love rookie QB Joe Flacco’s poise, something they believe he has in ample reserve for a first-year player. And they love his skill set. But they are wary of the hard lessons he might endure after being thrust into the starting lineup because of a season-ending shoulder injury to Kyle Boller and a tonsil infection that kept Troy Smith off the active roster in Week One. The way we hear it, it will not be a surprise if the Ravens bench Flacco if he struggles once Smith is back in the fold. Flacco did get off to a winning start, though, helping lead the Ravens to a Week One win over the Bengals. He completed 15-of-29 passes for 129 yards and didn’t turn the ball over. He also ran 38 yards for a TD. In short, the Ravens have Flacco’s long-term future in mind as well as the present. In the meantime, Flacco is being asked to run an offensive package that isn’t quite as expansive as the one the Ravens would run with Boller or Smith.
McClain's emergence gives Ravens' RB depth a big lift
Le’Ron McClain carried 37 times in four seasons at Alabama, a total befitting a fullback best known for his blocking. When the Ravens picked him in the fourth round of the 2007 draft, the role of lead blocker was the one he was pegged to play. But that role has been altered, thanks to his success carrying the ball, and it has significantly bolstered the Ravens’ RB depth.
McClain was one of the feel-good stories of Week One. He carried 19 times for 86 yards as Baltimore beat favored Cincinnati, 17-10. The Ravens employed a run-first attack throughout to both protect rookie QB Joe Flacco and wear down the Bengals’ defense, and the strategy paid dividends.
With RB Willis McGahee ready to return to the lineup after not playing in the opener as he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery, we hear the Ravens’ grind-it-out attack is likely to become a staple. Head coach John Harbaugh indicated McGahee, McClain and rookie Ray Rice can all expect to see work.
“With all the backs, I think it’s always going to be a situational ballgame,” Harbaugh told Baltimore reporters. Each of [the running backs] has a certain skill set that you try to put in that situation where that skill set can thrive based on the game plan and game situation.”
Interestingly enough, we’re hearing that McGahee’s return might have the biggest effect on Rice’s workload, not that of McClain. Rice is a smaller, shiftier back than McClain, but he boasts similar skills to McGahee, Baltimore’s usual starter. The 6-0, 260-pound McClain isn’t going to run by many defenders, but he will run over them, which makes him an asset in short-yardage situations.
So how did McClain get into the mix for carries? We hear RB coach Wilbert Montgomery, the former Eagles star, was among those who took note of McClain’s run skills. McClain also had no qualms volunteering for the job, and he has no shortage of confidence.
That’s how the Ravens found a rather unlikely solution to a potentially big problem.
Anderson likely to push Terry at right tackle for Ravens
The way we hear it, it’s more a matter of when, not if, Willie Anderson will push Adam Terry for the starting role at right tackle. Were he to lose his job, Terry would likely serve as the top backup at both right and left tackle. We're told the Ravens are unlikely to push young OLT Jared Gaither out of the starting lineup unless they're given a compelling reason to do so. Both Terry and Gaither helped their cases with solid play in Week One, not allowing a sack and helping the Ravens rush for 229 yards vs. the Bengals. In Week Three, the Ravens allowed only one sack and the team rushed for 151 yards. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has indicated that all three tackles could be given playing time. “We’ve got three tackles that we’ve got a lot of confidence in,” Cameron said. “There could be some scenarios where Adam is in there at left and Willie goes to right. With Jared Gaither, it’s kind of a three-man situation.”
Relatively good health for defense helps Ravens get off to fast start
The Ravens' defense has endured a few injuries this season, most notably the neck injury suffered by SS Dawan Landry in Week Three and the knee injury that has sidelined DT Kelly Gregg. But their replacements, S Jim Leonhard and DT Justin Bannan, have played well. (Bannan's solid play is especially important, given that head coach John Harbaugh has said Gregg's injury status will be determined on a weekly basis after Week Four.) What's more, even if CB Samari Rolle's shoulder injury affects his play, the Ravens have a capable backup in Fabian Washington. Contrast this situation to the 2007 campaign, when a wave of injuries to the secondary compromised the defense. At present, this is a deeper and healthier group, which is allowing defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to turn up the pressure. Ryan's complicated system demands cohesion, and the Ravens have had that early this season, as evidenced by the defense's No. 1 ranking entering Week Four.
Ravens likely to get TE Heap more involved in passing game
As surprising as it was to see TE Todd Heap catch only seven passes in Baltimore's first four games, it would be an even bigger surprise if he weren’t a bigger part of the offense in the weeks to come. Several factors contributed to Heap’s lack of catches early. He frequently has been utilized as a blocker as the Ravens try to protect QB Joe Flacco. Also, Flacco frequently has targeted WR Derrick Mason — who has 12 more catches than any other Ravens pass catcher — while spreading the ball around otherwise. That said, it’s likely Flacco will look for Heap more in the weeks to come. He has had three seasons of 68 catches or more in his NFL career, remains an important part of the offense, and the Ravens don’t want him to lose sight of that. “Sure, we want him catching more balls, and we’re going to keep working on it to make sure that happens,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said recently.
Stover's slow start doesn't entail a loss of job security
Ravens PK Matt Stover missed three field goals in his first four games of the 2008 season, more than he missed in the entire 2006 season and as many as he missed in all of the '04 campaign. In short, the Ravens aren't used to seeing Stover struggle. This has led to speculation about whether Stover, 40, had finally hit the downside of his career after kicking so well in his mid- and late-thirties. But the way we hear it, Stover's job is unlikely to be in any immediate danger; a fixture with the franchise ever since it moved from Cleveland, Stover, a free agent at season's end, will get the benefit of the doubt. What's more, his leg strength is not a concern, either, given that he was, entering Week Six, averaging more than 63 yards per kickoff for the third consecutive season. In short, if Stover can recapture the form that has made him one of the NFL's most consistent kickers over the years, he won't have many job security concerns now and in the immediate futire — especially when you consider how some coaches won't trust any kickers but veteran ones.
Loss of Yanda a potentially big blow to Ravens' offensive line
In the offseason, the Ravens moved Marshal Yanda from right tackle to right guard, and the shift served to help player and team. Yanda was faring well at his new spot on the Ravens’ line, which was exceeding expectations after looking to be one of the club’s weak spots entering the 2008 campaign. But Yanda suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week Six, and replacing him will not be easy, the way we hear it. ORT Adam Terry is a candidate to move into Yanda’s spot for the rest of the season, but Terry has been bothered by a knee injury. This means the Ravens had to turn to Chris Chester, a 2006 second-round pick recently moved to tight end after failing to impress at center or guard, last week. But Chester at least has starting experience at right guard, having started three games there in ’06 and four in ’07. The majority of Terry’s pro starts have been at tackle, and he would be learning on the job at guard.
Ravens CB McAlister's demotion unlikely to be long-term one
At his best, CB Chris McAlister is the Ravens’ top cornerback, and he played an important role in Baltimore’s surprise start, intercepting three passes in his first five games. But he barely played in Week Seven at Miami, and he missed the club’s Week Eight game vs. Oakland with a knee injury. In one of the surprises of the Ravens’ season to date, McAlister did not start at Miami. Head coach John Harbaugh was vague as to the reasons Frank Walker replaced McAlister in Miami, but did say it wasn’t an injury that had kept McAlister on the bench. The Ravens’ head coach also brushed aside the notion that McAlister was in the “dog house.” We hear the decision to sit McAlister for much of the Miami game appeared to be multi-faceted, with McAlister’s struggles at Indianapolis in Week Six one factor. It might not have helped McAlister’s case that he violated the team’s pregame dress code before the Dolphins’ game.
Ravens' opponents have to prepare for Flacco and Smith
By unveiling a package of plays for QB Troy Smith, the Ravens accomplished a couple of objectives. One, opponents have to prepare for the possibility that Smith, who saw his first on-field action in the Week Eight win vs. Oakland, will get a handful of snaps per game. (Indeed, Smith also got some playing time Week Nine at Cleveland.) Smith is more mobile than starter Joe Flacco, but he also has a strong arm, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can employ him in a variety of ways. Using Smith off the bench — and keeping him in the game plan — has the added benefit of keeping the Ravens’ backup quarterback sharp. Smith was likely to win the starting job if not for a tonsil infection that knocked him out of the final two preseason games and drained his strength. Now he’s back, and again an important part of the offense — a win-win prospect for team and player.
The Ravens love rookie QB Joe Flacco’s poise, something they believe he has in ample reserve for a first-year player. And they love his skill set. But they are wary of the hard lessons he might endure after being thrust into the starting lineup because of a season-ending shoulder injury to Kyle Boller and a tonsil infection that kept Troy Smith off the active roster in Week One. The way we hear it, it will not be a surprise if the Ravens bench Flacco if he struggles once Smith is back in the fold. Flacco did get off to a winning start, though, helping lead the Ravens to a Week One win over the Bengals. He completed 15-of-29 passes for 129 yards and didn’t turn the ball over. He also ran 38 yards for a TD. In short, the Ravens have Flacco’s long-term future in mind as well as the present. In the meantime, Flacco is being asked to run an offensive package that isn’t quite as expansive as the one the Ravens would run with Boller or Smith.
McClain's emergence gives Ravens' RB depth a big lift
Le’Ron McClain carried 37 times in four seasons at Alabama, a total befitting a fullback best known for his blocking. When the Ravens picked him in the fourth round of the 2007 draft, the role of lead blocker was the one he was pegged to play. But that role has been altered, thanks to his success carrying the ball, and it has significantly bolstered the Ravens’ RB depth.
McClain was one of the feel-good stories of Week One. He carried 19 times for 86 yards as Baltimore beat favored Cincinnati, 17-10. The Ravens employed a run-first attack throughout to both protect rookie QB Joe Flacco and wear down the Bengals’ defense, and the strategy paid dividends.
With RB Willis McGahee ready to return to the lineup after not playing in the opener as he recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery, we hear the Ravens’ grind-it-out attack is likely to become a staple. Head coach John Harbaugh indicated McGahee, McClain and rookie Ray Rice can all expect to see work.
“With all the backs, I think it’s always going to be a situational ballgame,” Harbaugh told Baltimore reporters. Each of [the running backs] has a certain skill set that you try to put in that situation where that skill set can thrive based on the game plan and game situation.”
Interestingly enough, we’re hearing that McGahee’s return might have the biggest effect on Rice’s workload, not that of McClain. Rice is a smaller, shiftier back than McClain, but he boasts similar skills to McGahee, Baltimore’s usual starter. The 6-0, 260-pound McClain isn’t going to run by many defenders, but he will run over them, which makes him an asset in short-yardage situations.
So how did McClain get into the mix for carries? We hear RB coach Wilbert Montgomery, the former Eagles star, was among those who took note of McClain’s run skills. McClain also had no qualms volunteering for the job, and he has no shortage of confidence.
That’s how the Ravens found a rather unlikely solution to a potentially big problem.
Anderson likely to push Terry at right tackle for Ravens
The way we hear it, it’s more a matter of when, not if, Willie Anderson will push Adam Terry for the starting role at right tackle. Were he to lose his job, Terry would likely serve as the top backup at both right and left tackle. We're told the Ravens are unlikely to push young OLT Jared Gaither out of the starting lineup unless they're given a compelling reason to do so. Both Terry and Gaither helped their cases with solid play in Week One, not allowing a sack and helping the Ravens rush for 229 yards vs. the Bengals. In Week Three, the Ravens allowed only one sack and the team rushed for 151 yards. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has indicated that all three tackles could be given playing time. “We’ve got three tackles that we’ve got a lot of confidence in,” Cameron said. “There could be some scenarios where Adam is in there at left and Willie goes to right. With Jared Gaither, it’s kind of a three-man situation.”
Relatively good health for defense helps Ravens get off to fast start
The Ravens' defense has endured a few injuries this season, most notably the neck injury suffered by SS Dawan Landry in Week Three and the knee injury that has sidelined DT Kelly Gregg. But their replacements, S Jim Leonhard and DT Justin Bannan, have played well. (Bannan's solid play is especially important, given that head coach John Harbaugh has said Gregg's injury status will be determined on a weekly basis after Week Four.) What's more, even if CB Samari Rolle's shoulder injury affects his play, the Ravens have a capable backup in Fabian Washington. Contrast this situation to the 2007 campaign, when a wave of injuries to the secondary compromised the defense. At present, this is a deeper and healthier group, which is allowing defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to turn up the pressure. Ryan's complicated system demands cohesion, and the Ravens have had that early this season, as evidenced by the defense's No. 1 ranking entering Week Four.
Ravens likely to get TE Heap more involved in passing game
As surprising as it was to see TE Todd Heap catch only seven passes in Baltimore's first four games, it would be an even bigger surprise if he weren’t a bigger part of the offense in the weeks to come. Several factors contributed to Heap’s lack of catches early. He frequently has been utilized as a blocker as the Ravens try to protect QB Joe Flacco. Also, Flacco frequently has targeted WR Derrick Mason — who has 12 more catches than any other Ravens pass catcher — while spreading the ball around otherwise. That said, it’s likely Flacco will look for Heap more in the weeks to come. He has had three seasons of 68 catches or more in his NFL career, remains an important part of the offense, and the Ravens don’t want him to lose sight of that. “Sure, we want him catching more balls, and we’re going to keep working on it to make sure that happens,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said recently.
Stover's slow start doesn't entail a loss of job security
Ravens PK Matt Stover missed three field goals in his first four games of the 2008 season, more than he missed in the entire 2006 season and as many as he missed in all of the '04 campaign. In short, the Ravens aren't used to seeing Stover struggle. This has led to speculation about whether Stover, 40, had finally hit the downside of his career after kicking so well in his mid- and late-thirties. But the way we hear it, Stover's job is unlikely to be in any immediate danger; a fixture with the franchise ever since it moved from Cleveland, Stover, a free agent at season's end, will get the benefit of the doubt. What's more, his leg strength is not a concern, either, given that he was, entering Week Six, averaging more than 63 yards per kickoff for the third consecutive season. In short, if Stover can recapture the form that has made him one of the NFL's most consistent kickers over the years, he won't have many job security concerns now and in the immediate futire — especially when you consider how some coaches won't trust any kickers but veteran ones.
Loss of Yanda a potentially big blow to Ravens' offensive line
In the offseason, the Ravens moved Marshal Yanda from right tackle to right guard, and the shift served to help player and team. Yanda was faring well at his new spot on the Ravens’ line, which was exceeding expectations after looking to be one of the club’s weak spots entering the 2008 campaign. But Yanda suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week Six, and replacing him will not be easy, the way we hear it. ORT Adam Terry is a candidate to move into Yanda’s spot for the rest of the season, but Terry has been bothered by a knee injury. This means the Ravens had to turn to Chris Chester, a 2006 second-round pick recently moved to tight end after failing to impress at center or guard, last week. But Chester at least has starting experience at right guard, having started three games there in ’06 and four in ’07. The majority of Terry’s pro starts have been at tackle, and he would be learning on the job at guard.
Ravens CB McAlister's demotion unlikely to be long-term one
At his best, CB Chris McAlister is the Ravens’ top cornerback, and he played an important role in Baltimore’s surprise start, intercepting three passes in his first five games. But he barely played in Week Seven at Miami, and he missed the club’s Week Eight game vs. Oakland with a knee injury. In one of the surprises of the Ravens’ season to date, McAlister did not start at Miami. Head coach John Harbaugh was vague as to the reasons Frank Walker replaced McAlister in Miami, but did say it wasn’t an injury that had kept McAlister on the bench. The Ravens’ head coach also brushed aside the notion that McAlister was in the “dog house.” We hear the decision to sit McAlister for much of the Miami game appeared to be multi-faceted, with McAlister’s struggles at Indianapolis in Week Six one factor. It might not have helped McAlister’s case that he violated the team’s pregame dress code before the Dolphins’ game.
Ravens' opponents have to prepare for Flacco and Smith
By unveiling a package of plays for QB Troy Smith, the Ravens accomplished a couple of objectives. One, opponents have to prepare for the possibility that Smith, who saw his first on-field action in the Week Eight win vs. Oakland, will get a handful of snaps per game. (Indeed, Smith also got some playing time Week Nine at Cleveland.) Smith is more mobile than starter Joe Flacco, but he also has a strong arm, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron can employ him in a variety of ways. Using Smith off the bench — and keeping him in the game plan — has the added benefit of keeping the Ravens’ backup quarterback sharp. Smith was likely to win the starting job if not for a tonsil infection that knocked him out of the final two preseason games and drained his strength. Now he’s back, and again an important part of the offense — a win-win prospect for team and player.
Headlines July - August
If Ravens' defense can stay healthy, ILB Scott could be in for a big year
Two seasons ago, the Ravens' Bart Scott had an exceptional season for an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Scott notched 103 tackles and a remarkable 9½ sacks — a take-down total that would be the envy of many 4-3 defensive ends. Scott also defended seven passes and made two interceptions. But Scott wasn't quite as productive in 2007, making 10 fewer tackles and notching only one sack. The way we hear it, Scott could bounce back this season if the Ravens' defense, which struggled with injuries last season, can stay intact for much of the campaign like it did in '06. Scott was asked to drop into coverage more last season as the Ravens' defense took a more conservative approach in response to the personnel losses. Scott is an effective blitzer and also has shown an ability to put his hand on the ground and rush the passer off the edge in some instances, too, and another season in which all of his talents are on full display likely would enhance his market value when his contract expires after this season.
Ravens could have their work cut out for them next offseason
The Ravens' inability to reach a long-term contract with OLB-DE Terrell Suggs, the recipient of the team's franchise tag, means they cannot sign him to a new contract until after the season. Whether they will be able to do so is another issue altogether. Suggs is one of three high-profile Ravens defenders whose contracts expire at season's end. ILBs Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will also be in need of new deals, and getting all three players back in the fold will take a considerable financial commitment by the Ravens. Suggs, who is only 25 and a legitimate pass-rush threat in a league where such talents are hard to come by, would likely draw the most demand — and command the highest price — on the open market. The Ravens have the option of giving Suggs the franchise tag once again next year, but it's more likely that both sides would try to strike a long-term, salary-cap-friendly deal that would give Suggs a hefty up-front bonus that could be prorated over the life of the contract.
Ravens may be coming back around to Boller
Kyle Boller's efficient play early in training camp has enhanced his chance to win the Ravens' starting QB job, the way we hear it. Boller outplayed second-year pro Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco in the early stages of camp, largely by limiting his mistakes. Smith's play, according to a source close to the club, was up-and-down early in camp, with Flacco faring the worst of the quarterbacks who are competing to start. Of course, much can change in Baltimore's four preseason games, and the quarterbacks' performances in those games will be given significant weight by the coaching staff. But there is little doubt Boller has helped his stock by limiting his errors early on.
McGahee expected to be ready for opener — and bulk of the carries will still be his
The way we hear it, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that Ravens RB Willis McGahee gets a little work in Baltimore’s preseason finale vs. Atlanta on Aug. 28. If that doesn’t happen, McGahee, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week, likely is to be ready for the Week One game vs. Cincinnati on Sept. 7. McGahee has had a tough training camp; the word from Baltimore was that he didn’t look all that impressive before leaving the lineup with the injury. But there’s no doubt McGahee will be the Ravens’ featured back this season. Rookie RB Ray Rice, who rushed eight times for 77 yards and a TD vs. the Vikings, will get plenty of work throughout the rest of the preseason, but he’ll be McGahee’s primary backup come the regular season, with McGahee likely getting around 20 carries per game.
Ravens QB Smith on pace to start in Week One
Although the Ravens still have yet to name a starting quarterback for Week One, sources in Baltimore say Troy Smith is locked in as their choice, barring a complete collapse in the remaining preseason action. The Ravens really don’t have any great options at quarterback, between Smith, Kyle Boller and rookie Joe Flacco, but Smith appears to be the best game manager at this point. We hear the team likes Smith’s mobility and the way he tucks the ball and runs if need be. It’s very likely that whomever is under center will face a great deal of pressure off the edge if starting OTs Adam Terry (ankle), who recently returned to practice, and Jared Gaither (ankle) are slowed by their injuries, and Smith is the best option to handle that pass rush. Smith’s biggest problem appears to be his lack of accuracy, especially when he’s throwing to the flat, where his passes tend to sail. Sources say it would take an injury or a nightmarish performance from Smith for Boller to get another shot at starting.
Boller injury could blow up Ravens' plan at quarterback
It’s unclear whether Ravens QB Kyle Boller’s shoulder injury is a torn or partially torn labrum, but regardless, he’ll be out for two weeks minimum and perhaps the entire season, the way we hear it. Baltimore coaches and medical staff will wait a few weeks to see how Boller is healing after he undergoes another set of tests on Friday and then make a judgment on whether or not he should have season-ending surgery. Although Boller lost the starting QB battle to Troy Smith in the preseason and doesn’t appear to be in the team’s long-term plans, sources say the Ravens do view his injury as a major setback for their club. Baltimore was hoping to keep rookie QB Joe Flacco on the bench for most, if not all, of this season. It will be much more difficult to accomplish that if Boller is lost for the season, leaving Flacco as the primary backup to Smith, who is also on unsure footing after missing time with tonsillitis. The team signed Casey Bramlet on Aug. 27 but released him on Saturday. Baltimore is expected to add another veteran quarterback.
Two seasons ago, the Ravens' Bart Scott had an exceptional season for an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Scott notched 103 tackles and a remarkable 9½ sacks — a take-down total that would be the envy of many 4-3 defensive ends. Scott also defended seven passes and made two interceptions. But Scott wasn't quite as productive in 2007, making 10 fewer tackles and notching only one sack. The way we hear it, Scott could bounce back this season if the Ravens' defense, which struggled with injuries last season, can stay intact for much of the campaign like it did in '06. Scott was asked to drop into coverage more last season as the Ravens' defense took a more conservative approach in response to the personnel losses. Scott is an effective blitzer and also has shown an ability to put his hand on the ground and rush the passer off the edge in some instances, too, and another season in which all of his talents are on full display likely would enhance his market value when his contract expires after this season.
Ravens could have their work cut out for them next offseason
The Ravens' inability to reach a long-term contract with OLB-DE Terrell Suggs, the recipient of the team's franchise tag, means they cannot sign him to a new contract until after the season. Whether they will be able to do so is another issue altogether. Suggs is one of three high-profile Ravens defenders whose contracts expire at season's end. ILBs Ray Lewis and Bart Scott will also be in need of new deals, and getting all three players back in the fold will take a considerable financial commitment by the Ravens. Suggs, who is only 25 and a legitimate pass-rush threat in a league where such talents are hard to come by, would likely draw the most demand — and command the highest price — on the open market. The Ravens have the option of giving Suggs the franchise tag once again next year, but it's more likely that both sides would try to strike a long-term, salary-cap-friendly deal that would give Suggs a hefty up-front bonus that could be prorated over the life of the contract.
Ravens may be coming back around to Boller
Kyle Boller's efficient play early in training camp has enhanced his chance to win the Ravens' starting QB job, the way we hear it. Boller outplayed second-year pro Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco in the early stages of camp, largely by limiting his mistakes. Smith's play, according to a source close to the club, was up-and-down early in camp, with Flacco faring the worst of the quarterbacks who are competing to start. Of course, much can change in Baltimore's four preseason games, and the quarterbacks' performances in those games will be given significant weight by the coaching staff. But there is little doubt Boller has helped his stock by limiting his errors early on.
McGahee expected to be ready for opener — and bulk of the carries will still be his
The way we hear it, it is not out of the realm of possibilities that Ravens RB Willis McGahee gets a little work in Baltimore’s preseason finale vs. Atlanta on Aug. 28. If that doesn’t happen, McGahee, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week, likely is to be ready for the Week One game vs. Cincinnati on Sept. 7. McGahee has had a tough training camp; the word from Baltimore was that he didn’t look all that impressive before leaving the lineup with the injury. But there’s no doubt McGahee will be the Ravens’ featured back this season. Rookie RB Ray Rice, who rushed eight times for 77 yards and a TD vs. the Vikings, will get plenty of work throughout the rest of the preseason, but he’ll be McGahee’s primary backup come the regular season, with McGahee likely getting around 20 carries per game.
Ravens QB Smith on pace to start in Week One
Although the Ravens still have yet to name a starting quarterback for Week One, sources in Baltimore say Troy Smith is locked in as their choice, barring a complete collapse in the remaining preseason action. The Ravens really don’t have any great options at quarterback, between Smith, Kyle Boller and rookie Joe Flacco, but Smith appears to be the best game manager at this point. We hear the team likes Smith’s mobility and the way he tucks the ball and runs if need be. It’s very likely that whomever is under center will face a great deal of pressure off the edge if starting OTs Adam Terry (ankle), who recently returned to practice, and Jared Gaither (ankle) are slowed by their injuries, and Smith is the best option to handle that pass rush. Smith’s biggest problem appears to be his lack of accuracy, especially when he’s throwing to the flat, where his passes tend to sail. Sources say it would take an injury or a nightmarish performance from Smith for Boller to get another shot at starting.
Boller injury could blow up Ravens' plan at quarterback
It’s unclear whether Ravens QB Kyle Boller’s shoulder injury is a torn or partially torn labrum, but regardless, he’ll be out for two weeks minimum and perhaps the entire season, the way we hear it. Baltimore coaches and medical staff will wait a few weeks to see how Boller is healing after he undergoes another set of tests on Friday and then make a judgment on whether or not he should have season-ending surgery. Although Boller lost the starting QB battle to Troy Smith in the preseason and doesn’t appear to be in the team’s long-term plans, sources say the Ravens do view his injury as a major setback for their club. Baltimore was hoping to keep rookie QB Joe Flacco on the bench for most, if not all, of this season. It will be much more difficult to accomplish that if Boller is lost for the season, leaving Flacco as the primary backup to Smith, who is also on unsure footing after missing time with tonsillitis. The team signed Casey Bramlet on Aug. 27 but released him on Saturday. Baltimore is expected to add another veteran quarterback.
Headlines April - June
Wilcox looking to rebound after injury-plagued season
Last season was a frustrating one for Ravens TE Daniel Wilcox. He missed 11 games with a variety of injuries, the most serious being a left toe that required offseason surgery. With a new coaching staff in place, and a new offense being installed, the 31-year-old Wilcox is working to get back onto the field. “I’m looking to get into the best shape of my life,” Wilcox told PFW this week. Wilcox hasn’t resumed running, but he has been cleared to start some physical activity, and he is expected to be back at full strength about a month before training camp. When healthy, Wilcox gives the Baltimore offense another pass-catching threat to a cast that already includes former Pro Bowler Todd Heap. Wilcox has met with new head coach John Harbaugh on several occasions and has come away impressed with the former Eagles assistant. “He seems like the type of guy who is about business,” Wilcox said. “And business equals winning.”
Ravens have an eye on running back in the draft
Word from Baltimore is to expect the Ravens to use at least one of their nine draft picks on a running back. The team’s depth at this position is shaky, and new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will make RB Willis McGahee the centerpiece of the offense. Hence, a stable of backs capable of spelling McGahee isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. The top backup, Musa Smith, played all 16 games in 2007 for only the first time in five NFL seasons and has only one career start to his credit. The next most likely option off the bench, P.J. Daniels, has never played a regular-season down in two NFL seasons. He was a healthy scratch for all 16 games in ’06 and missed all of last season with a hamstring injury. Third-year RB Cory Ross racked up six yards a carry in limited action last season, but he is only 5-foot-6. The Ravens released veteran backup Mike Anderson earlier in the offseason. McGahee has been relatively healthy since missing the entire ’03 season recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in his final collegiate game. He had 337 touches (294 carries, 43 receptions) last season, the second-highest total of his career. McGahee missed most of Week 16 and all of the season finale in ’07 after suffering a rib injury at Seattle.
McNair's retirement leaves Ravens with limited options at quarterback
In February, general manager Ozzie Newsome said Steve McNair would be the starting quarterback. “We have no one else,” Newsome said, pointedly. Now, a little more than a week before the draft, McNair has elected to retire, leaving backups Kyle Boller and Troy Smith to compete for the job. On the surface, Boller would appear to have the edge on winning the job; he has 42 career starts compared to Smith’s two. However, head coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that the plans for the position have yet to be finalized. “We’ve talked about that many times — it’s competitive,” Harbaugh said Thursday. “We lost our incumbent, and now it’s wide open.” Newsome indicated McNair’s retirement would not alter the team’s draft plans. The Ravens select eighth overall and have nine draft picks. However, only five of those picks — Nos. 8, 38, 106, 173 and 215 — are tradable; the others are compensatory selections. That is worth noting as speculation about the Ravens’ interest in Boston College QB Matt Ryan grows. Ryan is expected to be selected before the Ravens are on the clock at No. 8. Newsome also hinted that the Ravens might not direct their attention to adding a veteran quarterback until after the draft. That said, the Ravens have pulled off a Draft Day trade for a passer before, trading two second-day picks for the Rams’ Tony Banks in 1999. Newsome was then the Ravens’ director of player personnel.
Loss of Sypniewski impacts offense, puts stress on TE depth
The potential season-ending knee injury suffered by TE Quinn Sypniewski hurts the team’s depth at a position riddled by injuries a season ago, and it could have a material effect on the offense. Sypniewski, an above-average blocker, developed into an effective target on short passes a season ago, catching 34 passes for 246 yards and starting nine games. With Sypniewski out, the Ravens may be forced to rely more heavily on veteran Daniel Wilcox, whose ’07 season was cut short by a variety of injuries. Wilcox is recovering from offseason toe surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp. Wilcox is a better receiver than blocker. The same can be said for starter Todd Heap, who is back at full strength after missing 10 games with a hamstring injury last season. Sypniewski tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after colliding with LB Antwan Barnes in a minicamp practice on April 18.
Is Ravens' O-line in for a shuffle?
The most interesting development coming out of the Ravens' last minicamp was the sight of OLG Jason Brown, ORG Ben Grubbs and ORT Marshal Yanda all getting work at new positions. Brown, regarded as one of the league's better left guards, got work at right guard and center. Grubbs got a look at left guard. And Yanda got some practice time at right guard and center. What does this all mean? Head coach John Harbaugh said the moves were for offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's benefit. "If Cam can see this guy pulls better on the left side than the right side, or if a guy has a better reach block on the left side, then that can help his play-calling down the road," Harbaugh told Baltimore reporters. That Brown and Yanda got snaps at center underscores that C Chris Chester will be under pressure to play well in his third NFL season, the way we hear it.
CB Washington has made a positive early impression on Ravens
Don’t be surprised if ex-Raiders CB Fabian Washington makes a run at a starting job, a source close to the club tells PFW. Washington would step into the lineup if CB Samari Rolle, who missed much of last season because of complications due to epilepsy, is unable to handle a full-time role. Washington fell out of favor in Oakland, prompting his trade to Baltimore on draft weekend, but there is no doubting his elite speed for the position, and there are some who believe a new beginning may be just what he needs to spark his career. “The thing about Fabian is, first of all, he's very competitive,” head coach John Harbaugh told Baltimore reporters early in May. “He gets out there during one-on-one drills and he wants to win everything, even individual and the fundamental [drills] he wants to win. He's got tremendously quick feet, he's very fast and he's probably stronger and a little more physical than we anticipated. It's been real positive.” Washington injured a hamstring during the Ravens’ latest minicamp, but Harbaugh said the cornerback is expected to be healthy for the team’s OTAs.
Rice: Ravens' minicamp fight not a big deal
Don’t read too much into the Ravens’ team-wide brawl at a May 10 minicamp practice, rookie RB Ray Rice recently told PFW while in Los Angeles for the NFL Players Rookie Premiere weekend. “What you saw in camp last week was something it really wasn’t,” said Rice “Everybody was in the locker room (afterward), shaking hands.” The fight began when rookie OT Oniel Cousins and veteran DL Amon Gordon reportedly threw punches at each other. Rice, who is likely to be the primary backup to starter Willis McGahee in his first NFL season, gets the sense the Ravens will be playing with an edge this season.“We’re going to be an aggressive team,” Rice said. “As a team, whoever plays against us is going to feel that. We’re going to play the game hard and fast.”
Ravens' passing game a work in progress
With about two months left before training camp, much must be sorted out with the Ravens' passing game. There is no clear-cut starting quarterback; rookie Joe Flacco, young Troy Smith and veteran Kyle Boller all have fighting shots at the job, the way we hear it. Injuries have already taken a toll at tight end. TEs Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox are coming off injury-plagued seasons, and capable backup Quinn Sypniewski is out for the 2008 season with a knee injury. There are questions about the WR corps beyond steady Derrick Mason. Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, both of whom struggled to stay healthy last season, will see significant playing time, especially if the Ravens, as expected, employ plenty of three-WR sets. And there is the issue of whoever plays quarterback getting on the same page with his receivers while everyone gets comfortable in Cam Cameron's offense. Flacco, the team's first-round pick, recently told PFW that building chemistry with the receivers will come once he starts to master the offense.
With Ogden stepping aside, spotlight lands on Gaither
With OLT Jonathan Ogden officially announcing his retirement on Thursday, the Ravens will give young Jared Gaither the first run at Ogden's job. Gaither, a 2007 supplemental draft pick, has jaw-dropping size (6-9, 350) and flashed impressive talent at times as a rookie. The Ravens are banking that ability will make up for a lack of his experience; Gaither is only 22, and he has appeared in only six NFL games, starting twice. "He's been working very hard," Ravens ORG Marshal Yanda, himself a second-year player, told PFW. "I think he's been doing a pretty good job." The installation of Gaither at left tackle is only one of many moves the Ravens have made along the offensive line; there are likely to be new starters at all five positions. Ben Grubbs, the right guard from a season ago, will step in at left guard, replacing Jason Brown, who moves to center. After starting at right tackle as a rookie, Yanda moves inside, with Adam Terry slated to start next to him at right tackle.
Consistency on Yanda's mind as he moves to guard
Marshal Yanda is no stranger to the position of guard, having played the position in his junior season at Iowa before moving to tackle. So the second-year pro was not surprised that the Ravens’ coaching staff moved him from right tackle to right guard. Nor does he think the position switch is something he can’t overcome. “There are a lot of similarities,” Yanda told PFW of the two positions. “The main difference (at guard) is that you’re blocking a three-technique — a (much) bigger guy.” Yanda, who started 12 games as a rookie, learned first-hand how mental and physical fatigue can set in as a game progresses. “As the game went on, it was tough for me to keep my fundamentals,” Yanda said, mentioning his footwork in pass protection as an area he struggled with on occasion. On the other hand, he received plenty of valuable experience in his first NFL season — something he plans to use to his advantage in 2008. “Nothing is going to be surprising to me,” Yanda said.
Could Rice be Ravens' Jones-Drew?
Rookie RB Ray Rice has made a positive impression in his first few months with the Ravens, and the way we hear it, he could carve out a Maurice Jones-Drew-like role in the offense. Veteran Willis McGahee will get the majority of the workload, but the team made a concerted effort to keep him fresh last season and figures to do so in 2008. This creates an opportunity for Rice, who had a very productive collegiate career at Rutgers. His progress in the passing game will go a long way in how much he can contribute in his first NFL season. Rice caught only 37 passes in college, and he’ll have to consistently pick up the blitz — an area in which the short-but-stout Jones-Drew thrives.
Last season was a frustrating one for Ravens TE Daniel Wilcox. He missed 11 games with a variety of injuries, the most serious being a left toe that required offseason surgery. With a new coaching staff in place, and a new offense being installed, the 31-year-old Wilcox is working to get back onto the field. “I’m looking to get into the best shape of my life,” Wilcox told PFW this week. Wilcox hasn’t resumed running, but he has been cleared to start some physical activity, and he is expected to be back at full strength about a month before training camp. When healthy, Wilcox gives the Baltimore offense another pass-catching threat to a cast that already includes former Pro Bowler Todd Heap. Wilcox has met with new head coach John Harbaugh on several occasions and has come away impressed with the former Eagles assistant. “He seems like the type of guy who is about business,” Wilcox said. “And business equals winning.”
Ravens have an eye on running back in the draft
Word from Baltimore is to expect the Ravens to use at least one of their nine draft picks on a running back. The team’s depth at this position is shaky, and new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will make RB Willis McGahee the centerpiece of the offense. Hence, a stable of backs capable of spelling McGahee isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. The top backup, Musa Smith, played all 16 games in 2007 for only the first time in five NFL seasons and has only one career start to his credit. The next most likely option off the bench, P.J. Daniels, has never played a regular-season down in two NFL seasons. He was a healthy scratch for all 16 games in ’06 and missed all of last season with a hamstring injury. Third-year RB Cory Ross racked up six yards a carry in limited action last season, but he is only 5-foot-6. The Ravens released veteran backup Mike Anderson earlier in the offseason. McGahee has been relatively healthy since missing the entire ’03 season recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in his final collegiate game. He had 337 touches (294 carries, 43 receptions) last season, the second-highest total of his career. McGahee missed most of Week 16 and all of the season finale in ’07 after suffering a rib injury at Seattle.
McNair's retirement leaves Ravens with limited options at quarterback
In February, general manager Ozzie Newsome said Steve McNair would be the starting quarterback. “We have no one else,” Newsome said, pointedly. Now, a little more than a week before the draft, McNair has elected to retire, leaving backups Kyle Boller and Troy Smith to compete for the job. On the surface, Boller would appear to have the edge on winning the job; he has 42 career starts compared to Smith’s two. However, head coach John Harbaugh said Thursday that the plans for the position have yet to be finalized. “We’ve talked about that many times — it’s competitive,” Harbaugh said Thursday. “We lost our incumbent, and now it’s wide open.” Newsome indicated McNair’s retirement would not alter the team’s draft plans. The Ravens select eighth overall and have nine draft picks. However, only five of those picks — Nos. 8, 38, 106, 173 and 215 — are tradable; the others are compensatory selections. That is worth noting as speculation about the Ravens’ interest in Boston College QB Matt Ryan grows. Ryan is expected to be selected before the Ravens are on the clock at No. 8. Newsome also hinted that the Ravens might not direct their attention to adding a veteran quarterback until after the draft. That said, the Ravens have pulled off a Draft Day trade for a passer before, trading two second-day picks for the Rams’ Tony Banks in 1999. Newsome was then the Ravens’ director of player personnel.
Loss of Sypniewski impacts offense, puts stress on TE depth
The potential season-ending knee injury suffered by TE Quinn Sypniewski hurts the team’s depth at a position riddled by injuries a season ago, and it could have a material effect on the offense. Sypniewski, an above-average blocker, developed into an effective target on short passes a season ago, catching 34 passes for 246 yards and starting nine games. With Sypniewski out, the Ravens may be forced to rely more heavily on veteran Daniel Wilcox, whose ’07 season was cut short by a variety of injuries. Wilcox is recovering from offseason toe surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp. Wilcox is a better receiver than blocker. The same can be said for starter Todd Heap, who is back at full strength after missing 10 games with a hamstring injury last season. Sypniewski tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee after colliding with LB Antwan Barnes in a minicamp practice on April 18.
Is Ravens' O-line in for a shuffle?
The most interesting development coming out of the Ravens' last minicamp was the sight of OLG Jason Brown, ORG Ben Grubbs and ORT Marshal Yanda all getting work at new positions. Brown, regarded as one of the league's better left guards, got work at right guard and center. Grubbs got a look at left guard. And Yanda got some practice time at right guard and center. What does this all mean? Head coach John Harbaugh said the moves were for offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's benefit. "If Cam can see this guy pulls better on the left side than the right side, or if a guy has a better reach block on the left side, then that can help his play-calling down the road," Harbaugh told Baltimore reporters. That Brown and Yanda got snaps at center underscores that C Chris Chester will be under pressure to play well in his third NFL season, the way we hear it.
CB Washington has made a positive early impression on Ravens
Don’t be surprised if ex-Raiders CB Fabian Washington makes a run at a starting job, a source close to the club tells PFW. Washington would step into the lineup if CB Samari Rolle, who missed much of last season because of complications due to epilepsy, is unable to handle a full-time role. Washington fell out of favor in Oakland, prompting his trade to Baltimore on draft weekend, but there is no doubting his elite speed for the position, and there are some who believe a new beginning may be just what he needs to spark his career. “The thing about Fabian is, first of all, he's very competitive,” head coach John Harbaugh told Baltimore reporters early in May. “He gets out there during one-on-one drills and he wants to win everything, even individual and the fundamental [drills] he wants to win. He's got tremendously quick feet, he's very fast and he's probably stronger and a little more physical than we anticipated. It's been real positive.” Washington injured a hamstring during the Ravens’ latest minicamp, but Harbaugh said the cornerback is expected to be healthy for the team’s OTAs.
Rice: Ravens' minicamp fight not a big deal
Don’t read too much into the Ravens’ team-wide brawl at a May 10 minicamp practice, rookie RB Ray Rice recently told PFW while in Los Angeles for the NFL Players Rookie Premiere weekend. “What you saw in camp last week was something it really wasn’t,” said Rice “Everybody was in the locker room (afterward), shaking hands.” The fight began when rookie OT Oniel Cousins and veteran DL Amon Gordon reportedly threw punches at each other. Rice, who is likely to be the primary backup to starter Willis McGahee in his first NFL season, gets the sense the Ravens will be playing with an edge this season.“We’re going to be an aggressive team,” Rice said. “As a team, whoever plays against us is going to feel that. We’re going to play the game hard and fast.”
Ravens' passing game a work in progress
With about two months left before training camp, much must be sorted out with the Ravens' passing game. There is no clear-cut starting quarterback; rookie Joe Flacco, young Troy Smith and veteran Kyle Boller all have fighting shots at the job, the way we hear it. Injuries have already taken a toll at tight end. TEs Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox are coming off injury-plagued seasons, and capable backup Quinn Sypniewski is out for the 2008 season with a knee injury. There are questions about the WR corps beyond steady Derrick Mason. Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, both of whom struggled to stay healthy last season, will see significant playing time, especially if the Ravens, as expected, employ plenty of three-WR sets. And there is the issue of whoever plays quarterback getting on the same page with his receivers while everyone gets comfortable in Cam Cameron's offense. Flacco, the team's first-round pick, recently told PFW that building chemistry with the receivers will come once he starts to master the offense.
With Ogden stepping aside, spotlight lands on Gaither
With OLT Jonathan Ogden officially announcing his retirement on Thursday, the Ravens will give young Jared Gaither the first run at Ogden's job. Gaither, a 2007 supplemental draft pick, has jaw-dropping size (6-9, 350) and flashed impressive talent at times as a rookie. The Ravens are banking that ability will make up for a lack of his experience; Gaither is only 22, and he has appeared in only six NFL games, starting twice. "He's been working very hard," Ravens ORG Marshal Yanda, himself a second-year player, told PFW. "I think he's been doing a pretty good job." The installation of Gaither at left tackle is only one of many moves the Ravens have made along the offensive line; there are likely to be new starters at all five positions. Ben Grubbs, the right guard from a season ago, will step in at left guard, replacing Jason Brown, who moves to center. After starting at right tackle as a rookie, Yanda moves inside, with Adam Terry slated to start next to him at right tackle.
Consistency on Yanda's mind as he moves to guard
Marshal Yanda is no stranger to the position of guard, having played the position in his junior season at Iowa before moving to tackle. So the second-year pro was not surprised that the Ravens’ coaching staff moved him from right tackle to right guard. Nor does he think the position switch is something he can’t overcome. “There are a lot of similarities,” Yanda told PFW of the two positions. “The main difference (at guard) is that you’re blocking a three-technique — a (much) bigger guy.” Yanda, who started 12 games as a rookie, learned first-hand how mental and physical fatigue can set in as a game progresses. “As the game went on, it was tough for me to keep my fundamentals,” Yanda said, mentioning his footwork in pass protection as an area he struggled with on occasion. On the other hand, he received plenty of valuable experience in his first NFL season — something he plans to use to his advantage in 2008. “Nothing is going to be surprising to me,” Yanda said.
Could Rice be Ravens' Jones-Drew?
Rookie RB Ray Rice has made a positive impression in his first few months with the Ravens, and the way we hear it, he could carve out a Maurice Jones-Drew-like role in the offense. Veteran Willis McGahee will get the majority of the workload, but the team made a concerted effort to keep him fresh last season and figures to do so in 2008. This creates an opportunity for Rice, who had a very productive collegiate career at Rutgers. His progress in the passing game will go a long way in how much he can contribute in his first NFL season. Rice caught only 37 passes in college, and he’ll have to consistently pick up the blitz — an area in which the short-but-stout Jones-Drew thrives.
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