Optimistic and Negative Thoughts for the Ravens

As the Baltimore Ravens move towards Training Camp, here are my optimistic and negative thoughts for each of the position groups.

O-Line
Oher, Grubbs, Birk, Yanda, Gaither (Chester, Cousins, Hale, Moll, Harewood)

Optimistic:
Oher got sometime at LT during his rookie season, and looked very comfortable. Knowing the position is his, has given him the entire off-season to concentrate on his technique and foot-work. Gaither going to RT should also be a bonus. He figures to avoid some of the elite speed rushing DE’s that exist throughout the league. Not only do the starters return, but the primary depth has returned as well.
The reports of Chester’s weight-gain, coupled with the organization’s enthusiasm for Harewood is interesting. There are those in the organization that believe Cousins is ready to take a significant step-forward in 2010.

Negative:
I wish there was another veteran tackle behind them Oher, and Gaither. If you lose Oher to injury and Gaither had to slide over to LT to replace him, you can probably get by at RT with Yanda, Cousins, and Harewood. Still, I think that would be a significant drop in production for the team.
Birk is now 33 with 13 years of experience. If he plays everygame, you wonder about what he will have left in the tank come January. If he has to miss time, the Center depth appears weak. Beyond just blocking, Birk adds to the line with his experience, and knowledge of the game.

Full-back
McClain

Optimistic:
McClain has played in every-game during his 3 years with the Ravens. After 232 carries and 900 yards in 2008, McClain received just 46 carries in 2009. While stating several times he would like to be more involved with the offense, McClain continued open up lanes for Rice and be a good teammate. The Ravens like to out-physical teams, and having this bruiser in the backfield helps. Opposing teams also have to account for him as a receiver, as he has averaged 20 receptions these last two years. You also can not dismiss how important McClain is with picking up the blitz.

Negative:
McClain has done more talking about wanting to receive his share of carries this season. If that does not occur, does his demeanor in the locker-room change?I understand you are not going to find a back-up FB with McClain’s range of skills, but I am surprised the only listed back-up FB is undrafted rookie Mike McLauglin.

WR
Boldin, Mason, Stallworth, Clayton (one of Williams, Reed, Harper)

Optimistic:
Boldin gives Flacco a weapon with great skills after the catch, and positions Mason better as a true 2nd receiver. Stallworth has averaged 14.8 yards per reception, and could help stretch the field. Clayton has been under a lot of scrutiny as an under-performing 2nd receiver, but would provide strong depth as a 4th. It appears the Ravens will carry a 5th WR, and they will have options. Reed has opened eyes in the mini-camps, Harper made a lot of Training Camp plays last-year (at-least when the lights were off), and Williams made 7 of his 8 total 2009 receptions in December last-year.

Negative:
It seems to be missed on most Ravens fans that Boldin is a possession receiver. He has averaged 12.8 yards a catch for his career, but has been below that number for 3 consecutive years. While he adds real talent to the receiving corps, I do not think his addition will greatly open up the passing game.
A year-ago I was severely doubting the ability of K. Washington to help. Washington caught 27 first-downs and proved me wrong. This year I am wondering what can be expected of Stallworth. Everyone knows he missed all of 2009, but there has been less focus on his 2008 season where he had just 17 catches for Cleveland, for 10 yards a reception. If the Ravens do not have the Stallworth that averaged 42 catches between 2006 & 2007 as he made plays down the field; the wideouts would seem to be missing the home-run option.
Many people seem to believe Clayton will be at risk of being cut during camp. I think that would be a mistake. As a 4th he provides good depth. Mason is a year older. Stallworth missed last-year. Boldin regularly misses time. If Clayton is cut, you could see the Ravens have to rely on Williams or Reed more than they currently anticipate at some-point during the year.

TE
Heap, Dickson, Pitta

Optimistic:
Heap played in every game for the 6th time in his 9 year career last-year. He nearly had as many receptions (53) as he had in the two previous years combined (58). While Boldin might not greatly open up the receiving game, his addition should pull some coverage away from Mason, and Heap.
Heap should produce again while facing single coverage more often, and gaining additional rest with the rookies Dickson, and Pitta getting snaps.
The reports on Dickson’s athleticism are glowing. He appears to have the legs to run away from defenders. Pitta is supposed to have great hands. Cam Cameron loves utilizing two TE sets, and Dickson and Pitta should take the field more often than LJ Smith did last year.

Negative:
LJ Smith had health issues that certainly contributed to his lack of production in 2009. There were also plenty of reports that the guy that had been in the league since 2003 was unable to grasp the Ravens offense. That makes one wonder how quickly Dickson and Pitta will become comfortable, especially as they adjust to the pass-blocking required of NFL TE’s.

RB:
Rice, McGahee, Parmele, Lawrence

Optimistic:
Rice had 1,300 yards rushing (on 5.3 yards a carry) and 700 yards receiving on 78 catches. He is one of the elite backs in the game, and a threat to score every-time he touches the ball. In his own words he has recently stated he believes he is still underrated, and will play 2010 with something to prove. What else could you want in a player?
McGahee had 12 Touchdowns last year, and averaged 5 yards a carry. If Rice were to go down to injury, we will all appreciate having McGahee on the roster.
Parmele showed some good burst, and an ability to help in the Return game if needed.

Negative:
When you have an elite starting RB, and a capable backup; it becomes rather hard to suggest any negative exists. If I were to pick one, it would be again chaining McGahee to the bench. In 2009 McGahee had 11 games with 7 carries or less. His carries decreased from 170 in 2008, to just 109 in 2009. The carries should not be even with Rice, but you should work to get McGahee on the field.

QB:
Flacco, Bulger, Smith / Beck

Optimistic:
In Flacco’s first two years at the helm for the Ravens, he has led the organization to 3 playoff victories. He completed 63.1% of his passes last year for 3,613 yards with 21 TD’s against 12 interceptions.

Despite dealing with numerous injuries last-season, Flacco again started every game. He has more weapons to work with, and his line returns. The Ravens have also added Jim Zorn to work with him. On a weekly basis, you see Flacco make passes to the outside that opposing QB’s just can not make.

The addition of Bulger brings a lot of comfort to the organization. If Flacco goes down, having a guy that has thrown for over 20,000 yards in the NFL figures to give everyone confidence.

Have to imagine that Smith will be traded, but if he is not (or if he is and Beck is the 3rd) the Ravens have 3 capable QB’s.

Negative:
As strong as Flacco’s arm is, he has struggled with the deep ball at-times. I hope that part of his arsenal is improved in Year 3. Flacco has been sacked 68 times during his first two-seasons. The O-line obviously bears some responsibility for that, but Flacco can also be guilty of holding onto the ball to long trying to make a play.

While you feel good about Bulger’s experience, you do have to question what exactly he has left. His recent Rams teams were horrible, but his QB rating has been 71.4 and lower for 3 consecutive seasons. I tend to think that if he grabs a clipboard for awhile, and is only needed for a spot start or so, he will be fine. What if he has to start for an extended period of time? Does he retain the physical skills required?

What if the answer to that is no, and you have already traded Smith?

Defensive Line:
Pryce, Gregg, Ngata (Redding, Cody, Kruger, Jones, Talavou)

Optimistic:
As beastly as Ngata has been so far in his career, I still feel like he is capable of more. Last year he had a lot of nagging injuries. Maybe his health holds, and he puts everything together. There is no reason why he can not end 2010 considered as the best DT in the league.

I was pretty down on Pryce last-year until his snaps were reduced. As a situational pass-rusher, I thought Pryce played pretty well. Redding should prove to be a valuable addition.

Gregg looked better as the year progressed, but it would be a priority of mine to limit his snaps as well. Cody is immensely talented and one of the things I am looking most forward to seeing this year. When Mount Cody and Ngata line-up next to each other, opposing offensive lines will have to make a choice of whom to double. Whomever gets single coverage is going to have the chance to collapse the pocket from the middle.

Kruger has bulked up, the team really likes the potential of Jones, and Talavou just seems to make plays when ever he touches the field. The depth could be pretty strong.

Negative:
Pryce is 35 in August, and even on a situational basis could fall off. If he is not able to rush the passer on 3rd down, it becomes more imperative that Kruger is ready to contribute.

Redding is a 29 year-old former Texas Longhorn. At one time the Detroit Lions used their Franchise tag on him, and he later became the highest paid DT in the league. In 2008 his season ended on Injured Reserve, in 2009 he was mostly chained to the bench in Seattle. If the Ravens have to rely on Redding, is he up to that challenge?

Linebackers:
Johnson, Lewis, Ellerbe, Suggs (Kindle, McClain, Gooden, and one of Ayanbadejo, Barnes, or Phillips)

Optimistic:
The addition of Cody at DT, will only help Lewis and the rest of the LB’s be able to run around and make more plays. Cody’s mass will limit the amount of time the LB’s are dealing with opposing Guards and FB’s.

Suggs has acknowledged he was overweight in 2009, and has stated 2010 will be different. The addition of Kindle will eliminate some of the double-teams Suggs has faced and make it more likely he gets to the QB.

Kindle, McClain, and Gooden are all going to be capable of making plays off the bench.

Negative:
The reports of Johnson’s rehab from a Torn Labrum have been good, but who knows until he takes some hits? I do not believe it to be an issue, but I guess you have to add the obligatory comment wondering about Lewis’ age.

Secondary:
Washington, Landry, Reed, Foxworth (Webb, Nakamura, Zbikowski, Carr, Harris, Hamlin)

Positive:
The rehabs of Washington and Webb are very encouraging. Washington might not be the tackler you would want, but has the speed and cover skills to help a Secondary. Webb has all the tools necessary to be a consistent play-maker in the league.

Foxworth is a leader on and off the field, and is largely responsible for the improvement the secondary showed after the bye last year.

Reed seems to be progressing, and you have to feel good about what Zbikowski provided as a replacement last year. You would not want Carr starting all-year for you, but he is an excellent nickle/dime back.

Harris and Hamlin have both had success in the league, and camp will reveal how much left they have to offer. At a minimum they experienced depth that has scene it all, and done it all.

The key to the Secondary is an improved pass-rush.

Negative:
I feel pretty good about the Secondary, but I will feel even better when Training Camp ends and it is confirmed that Reed and Webb are on-track to start and contribute with regularity.

Special Teams:
Koch, Cundiff / Graham, Webb / Carr

Positive:
Koch is one of the better directional punters in the league. Webb was explosive on returns last year. Carr has had previous success in the return game. The competition between Cundiff and Graham should help the victor.

Negative:
While the competition between Cundiff and Graham should help the victor, neither would be considered one of the league’s better kickers. You will still play this year, not having the confidence you had when Stover went back for 3.

If Webb gets back to starting in the Secondary, you want to limit how often he is returning kicks. If Carr has to begin the year as a starter in the Secondary, it would be a mistake to also having him helping with kicks and punts. (Parmele should be the guy)