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For the second year in-a-row, PFW’s Senior Editor Mr. Mike Wilkening has graciously answered a few Ravens related questions for Baltimore Sports and Life.
Baltimore Sports and Life: “In a best case scenario for the Baltimore Ravens, Fabian Washington and the uber-talented Lardarius Webb show an ability to come-back from their 2009 ACL injuries and be ready to begin the year as the starting corners. Chris Carr’s current hamstring issue does not manifest, and he proves to be a capable nickleback. Even if Ed Reed is forced to miss the first-six weeks, the other Safeties (Landry, Zbikowski, Nakamura, Hamlin) are good enough to pick up the slack in the interim. Do you think that group at their best, is good enough to deal with the spread offenses of the AFC? Does it come down to how much of a pass rush is established from the front-seven?”
Mike Wilkening: “Yes, I’d agree that the group at full strength is good enough to contend with the potent offenses of the AFC. The pass rush is key, of course. This wasn’t a defense that got a ton of sacks last year, but it does create pressure.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “There are a lot of whispers in Baltimore about OT Jared Gaither having a suspect work-ethic.Before he was diagnosed with a small tear in his back, there were plenty of fans suggesting he should be the Raven moved to help add depth at CB. When I look at Gaither, I think the marks against him are a bit overblown. Actions speak louder than words, but Gaither did go out of his way to tell the Baltimore Media he was not disgruntled, and that he had no desire to be a distraction to his teammates or the organization. It seems to me the Ravens are still irritated at Gaither for skipping some of the voluntary work-outs this off-season, and for reporting to camp 25-30 lbs lighter than he played last-year. Gaither said he took that weight off to alleviate pressure on his toe that he had been dealing with.
So a number of different thoughts here. If Gaither was healthy, do you think the Ravens would have been better off with trading him for CB help, and playing either Cousins or Yanda at RT? If the organization is irritated at Gaither, is that irritation warranted? Do you think the Ravens should attempt to extend his contract for typical RT money?”
Mike Wilkening: “I believe the Ravens’ best line is with Oher and Gaither at tackle, and I don’t believe trading him for CB help would have been wise. And it may not have been feasible — player-for-player NFL trades are somewhat rare. I’m not sure what the future holds for Gaither and the Ravens, but for now, the Ravens are in an enviable position — they have two players capable of playing left tackle and playing it well.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “If the Ravens were to pursue CB help via a trade – who is an obtainable target? I see Buffalo is planning on using Leodis McKelvin as their nickleback. Is he actually available? If so, what type of price-tag (players, picks) would it take to acquire him?”
Mike Wilkening: “Hard to say who’s obtainable in terms of outside CB help for Baltimore. Trades can be tough to make, and teams that have good depth beyond the starters would risk weakening their nickel and dime packages if they made such deals. And that’s risky. In terms of any potential trade packages, I would think draft picks would be in greater demand than players off the Ravens’ current roster.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “The 1st selection in the Ravens 2010 draft was OLB/DE Sergio Kindle in the 2nd round. Obviously it is known that Kindle had an unfortunate injury that has left him with a fractured skull. The injury occurred prior to Kindle signing his initial professional contract. Publicly the Ravens have remained committed to signing Kindle, and also believe it is possible he will return this year. Will the injury effect the contract Kindle ultimately signs?”
Mike Wilkening: “At this point, he’s unsigned, and I’ve seen the reports that he’ll be in Baltimore to undergo medical tests this week. Until more is known about Kindle’s status for this season and beyond I wouldn’t want to speculate about his contract.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “If there has been one consistent knock on Flacco during his first two years, it has been his ability to work over the middle of the field. The Ravens have sought to address with the additions of Boldin, and the Rookie TE’s Dickson, and Pitta. If Flacco improves in this area, how close is he to the elite echelon of NFL QB’s?”
Mike Wilkening: “Flacco has the best receiving corps he’s ever had to work with, and I think he’ll be able to work the edges and middle of the field better than he ever has. If he keeps improving overall and the Ravens continue to win playoff games, he’ll have a chance to be elite in time.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Flacco has yet to miss a start in his NFL career. If he were to miss time in 2010,does Bulger have enough left to help?”
Mike Wilkening: “Yes, I believe he does. He should be a very good backup.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “McGahee had 12 TD’s last year, and averaged 5 yards per carry. He also saw his carries drop from 170 in ’08 to just 109 in ’09. Should it be a priority of the Ravens coaching staff to limit some of the wear-and-tear on Rice, by giving some additional snaps to McGahee, and McClain?”
Mike Wilkening: “I believe the Ravens used Rice a reasonable amount last year. Including the playoffs, he averaged around 21 touches per game in 2009. McGahee and McClain also merit some work, but Rice should get the majority of work in the backfield.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “True or False, the addition of Rookie Defensive Tackle Terrence Cody, gives the Ravens the largest and most athletic tandem of DT’s in the league with him, and Haloti Ngata?”
Mike Wilkening: “If they’re not the biggest tandem, they are close. Ngata’s athleticism relative to his size is special, of course. Cody could be an effective run stuffer for a long time.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “With the 4 to 6 game suspension of Big Ben, coupled with the losses of Colon, and Holmes; there seems to be a temptation to dismiss the Steelers this year. I think they had an underrated draft, and will get back to ball-control with Mendenhall and maybe with Dwyer if his blitz pick-up improves. What do you think of Pittsburgh, especially with the idea of them laying in the shadows?”
Mike Wilkening: “The Steelers cannot be discounted as a division-title contender; their defense is strong, and the offense, once Roethlisberger returns, will again be at its strongest. That said, Roethlisberger’s absence early obviously puts the Steelers in a tough spot. It will be interesting to see how they fare without him and how quickly he rounds back into form once he returns from suspension.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Like Pittsburgh, I thought the Bengals added some good pieces in the draft (Gresham, Dunlap, Ghee) I think they have a couple of second year players in Michael Johnson, and Andre Smith that could really emerge this year. Good linebackers, good secondary. Bryant and Owens should help the passing game. I’m still wondering about Carson Palmer. In 3 of Palmer’s last 5 games in ’09, he threw for less than 139 yards. What do you think about Cincinnati and Palmer?”
Mike Wilkening: “The Bengals will be competitive in the North and are one of the AFC’s better teams, in my view. Palmer will benefit from the addition of Terrell Owens, as well as Gresham and rookie WR Jordan Shipley.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “The Ravens have won road playoff games in back-to-back seasons. True or False, the Ravens will host at-least one playoff game this coming January?”
Mike Wilkening: “I’m picking the Ravens to win the division, so yes, I’m projecting at least one home playoff game.”
Baltimore Sports and Life: “Where do you see the Ravens finishing?”
Mike Wilkening: “10-6 or 11-5 sounds about right.”
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.