Currently eight days away from the first pre-season game, let’s discuss some of the current topics with the Ravens.
Topic 1: Back-up QB
As initially reported by Ravens 24×7, and reported today by the Baltimore Sun (http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/08/source_bulger_is_retiring.html) there are reports that last year’s backup Quarterback Marc Bulger is retiring. Going back to the Super Bowl season, one of the reasons I was so excited for that year was the addition of Trent Dilfer as a backup. I had spent the previous year living in Tampa, and had saw the previous 1st rounder play a lot. My feelings were that he would have a chance to push Tony Banks, or at-least provide experienced depth if called upon. We didn’t see Bulger last year, but there was a comfort factor which existed knowing that the Ravens had a guy that had thrown for nearly 23,000 yards and over 120 TD’s sitting on the bench. Baltimore’s sole goal this year is winning a Super Bowl. When you have that goal, you can’t have a rookie like Tyrod Taylor being one snap away from being called upon. Flacco played every game during the initial three years of his career. Unless he is a Farve physical clone, that will change at some point. If you look at the list in The Sun’s link above, there are not a lot of even decent options. Jake Delhomme has had the most success; but he has had a brutal stretch since his Tommy John surgery. I don’t think Delhomme could lead the team for multiple games in succession, but his experience might allow him to contribute in an individual game or so if needed. He was not mentioned by The Sun, but I believe Troy Smith remains a Free Agent. Smith did not do much with San Francisco last year, but did get into 6 games, and obviously is familiar with the Baltimore offense. If he is actually available, Smith would be probably be my favorite.
Topic 2: Foxworth
NBC’s Pro Football Talk relayed the story (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/08/02/foxworth-says-his-knee-doesnt-feel-great/related/) first published by The Sun’s Jamison Hensley yesterday. Certainly you would prefer to hear Foxworth stating he feels terrific, as opposed to him saying he, “Does not feel great… nor as quick or fast as I was.” Foxworth’s game has always been built on speed, and his intelligence. Everyone understands that he if he has trouble running or cutting, that would be a problem. That said, I don’t think we should overstate this as in issue… yet. Foxworth talked about how the Ravens medical staff and Coaches want him to not push things as hard as he can. That is because they understand getting Foxworth ready to play is not just about Week 1. With or without Foxworth, the Ravens have three other very capable CB’s in Smith, Webb, and Carr. Early on, Baltimore should be able to limit the amount of snaps Foxworth gets. You simply want him to be in a position where his role can increase, and he can contribute more as the year progresses.
Topic 3: Baltimore signed former Raven Casey Rabach
The 33 year old Rabach was signed to a two year contract yesterday. Coming off of shoulder surgery, Rabach was recently released by the Redskins. Looking at comments of Redskins fans from his release, it appears that many did not believe he had much left. While that might be, and likely is true – I was pleased with the move. I’ve written several times that I think I think Birk is on his last legs, and would feel better about things if the Ravens had some backup Center depth. We will see if any of the UFA’s step-up, but like Birk, Rabach has seen everything in this league and will not be mentally overwhelmed if called upon. That is a position which requires some smarts, and experience helps. I do think that both Rabach and Birk will probably both be exposed a bit as an every down player over a 16 game season. I know the NFL prefers not to rotate guys at the O-line, and particularly at the C position; but with them both being very experienced veterans – maybe the Ravens could? Try and limit their overall snaps and keep them both fresher? In my head, I’m picturing them alternating halves, but the reality of that is probably zero.
Topic 4: McClain, and the Ravens official website.
The Baltimore Ravens typically do most everything right PR wise. Knowing that, it is puzzling to understand what happened yesterday. For those of you that did not see it, the Ravens official Twitter account (http://twitter.com/#!/1WinningDrive) posted the following last night:
1WinningDrive Baltimore Ravens
Unlike @LeRonMcClain33, newest #Raven @vleach44 is only interested in playing FB and blocking the way for @RayRice27: bmob.us/17c
The link was to a blog by Ryan Mink on the Baltimore Ravens website. To be fair, before any words from Mink are shown; there is large disclaimer stating:
PLEASE NOTE: “The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.”
While it is commendable that the Ravens have hired writers willing to give their own opinions (and not just state a standard corporate line), the disclaimer does not absolve the Ravens from the comments of the writer. If you have someone writing on the official website, that writer is representing your organization.
There are plenty of people in Baltimore who share Mink’s opinion that McClain should not have campaigned in public for a larger role in the offense. It is my opinion, that with Mink representing the organization; he should not be interjecting himself into the story by slapping McClain with thinly veiled barbs. McClain noticed, responding on Twitter himself (https://twitter.com/#!/LeRonMcClain33) and stating he “Will remember this, and don’t use this to talk down on me* I put in work for the Ravens for 4 years!! Great 4 years. So don’t play me like that.”
Let’s say the organization agrees with Mink. Well, in that case McClain is a Free Agent, and the Ravens are under no obligation to bring him back. If you are not bringing McClain back, is there any reason to give parting shots to the 2x All-Pro? Let’s say the organization disagrees with Mink, and with Leach obtained, and McGahee released; would like McClain back as the backup RB as opposed to the other existing Free Agent options. Were your prospects for retaining McClain improved by McClain seeing a disparaging piece on the Ravens official site? Do you think such comments play well with current, and prospective future employees?
Topic 5: Umenyiora
With Sergio Kindle cleared for physical contact, he can potentially help the Ravens pass rush as a 3rd down specialist opposite of Suggs. The one thing the Ravens have lacked is a pass rushing DE similar to what Michael McCrary used to provide the Baltimore defense. Umenyiora is a 2x All-Pro, who has had 60 sacks in his 7 year career. He is coming off of a 11.5 sack season, and would greatly elevate this Defense. In a vacuum, I’d have no problem with Baltimore letting go of a 2nd round draft choice for Umenyiora. The problem is that while Umenyiora has 2 years and $7M left on his contract; he is seeking a high dollar extension. If the Ravens get Ngata’s extension done, they could probably find a way to pay Umenyiora. The question is do you want to let go of a pick, and spend that type of money? My guess is that combined price is ultimately too much for the Ravens. If it is not, why weren’t the Ravens more interested in Cullen Jenkins?
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.