In my-mind, an extremely important aspect of the 2009 season will be the production the Ravens get out of TE Todd Heap.

Heap is missing the current mini-camp because of lingering back-issues sustained in the playoffs four months ago. You hear water-cooler commentary around town that this is more of the same for Heap… with the insinuation being that Heap can not play through pain.

I think that is an unfair label for Heap to deal with. The 2001 1st Round Draft Pick is heading into his 9th professional season… in the previous 8 years, he has played all 16 games in five different seasons, inclusive of 2008.

In 2008, Cam Cameron had an offense designed to max-protect a rookie QB.For Heap, that meant being glued the line more frequently than in previous years.

There was constant speculation out of Owings Mills, that Heap was not one of Coach Harbaugh’s favorite players. The general feeling being that Harbaugh disliked the blocking ability shown by Heap.

Maybe Heap is a limited blocker at TE… but who cares? Heap earns his money as a professional, with his pass-catching abilities.

22 of Heap’s 35 2008 receptions, were after Week 10 last year.

I think this indicates that as the season progressed, and Flacco was finally allowed to work the middle of the field… that Heap was again allowed to become a weapon.

I believe Heap still has a 50-60 reception season in him, if he is not tied to the line. Based on the current configuration of the roster… that should happen.

LJ Smith will provide good depth, and be used as well… but I do not see him leaping Heap on the depth-chart.

Neal is gone… and McClain is returning to FB… which means less Jumbo packages… and probably a more balanced offensive attack. Oher should be able to handle the right-side of the line by himself without help…. which means the TE will not have to stay in as much. The team did not add weapons at WR… which means you have to use the existing weapons on the roster.

Those are also all reasons why Heap will again be asked to provided production, and that it is imperative that he does.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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