Great run, but will Baltimore be back?
by Benji5203 on Jan 19, 2009 2:37 PM EST
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PrintAn amazing season has come to a end for the Baltimore Ravens after a tough lost to the Pittsburgh steelers. No one ever thought that the Ravens would make it this far after a 5-11 season(and a lost to the 1-15 dolphins) we had in 2007. We came into this season with a rookie head coach, rookie quaterback, questionable O-line and a aging(but still great) defense. Alot of so called experts were saying that this was a rebuilding year and that Baltimore may be in the running for the #1 pick. Now look at the Ravens, one game away from reaching the grand stage. Now here comes the question, can we do it again?
As we all know, Baltimore will be going into the offseason with 3 of our 4 LB under no contract. T-Sizzle, Bart Scott and the heart and soul of our D, Ray Lewis, will be hitting the market. The Ravens will most likely use the Franchise tag on one of these guys, but who. Alot of people believe it will be Ray Lewis. Ozzie would be crazy to let this guy go. He's coming off of one of his best season ever. Now, I know this is a contract year and players always seem to step it up, but when hasent he played his best? I also realize that Ray is going to be 34 years old, but he has yet to show a huge drop off in production yet. When it's all said and done, i think ray signs a nice size contract and finishes his career with B-more. Now, With Ray staying, It comes down to Bart and Suggs. I believe that Baltimore Will try to sign Terrell Suggs to a long term contract( 5-6 years) and moves on from Bart. One reason why this will happen is because the Ravens drafted a Linebacker in Tavaris Gooden who can do a great job replacing Bart. T-Good can learn from Ray Lewis and become the next great Baltimore LB. I expect a team like Cleveland to sign Scott where his production will most likely drop. Also, alot of people think Chris McAlister wont be back next season because of the realtionship with John Harbaugh. I personally believe this would be a terrible move. With Fabian Washington coming off a nice season and a opportunity to draft a young cornerback, Baltimore could turn a secondary that was a weakness in our defense into a strength. We also gotta look to find a replacement for Rex Ryan(who will sign a 4 year deal to coach the Jets).
Now, with the cap space we will have, do we go after a WR or do we wait to draft one. I think Baltimore should go after a guy like Chad Johnson in a trade. We all know that he wants out of cincy and I believe the Bengals are willing to trade him. Chad Johnson is still one of the best WR in the league, and with a new team and new surrounding, he could revamp his career in Baltimore, much like Randy Moss did in N.E., and help the development of Joe Flacco. We could also go after T.J. Whos-your-mama or maybe strike a trade with Zona and send a 2nd and 3rd rounder for Boldin. What do you guys think is going to happen this off season?
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
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I think getting any of those big name receivers you mentioned is a strech
IDK why, just a hunch i’m having. I also think Ray will stay since we are getting a new D-Coordinator and Ray would be a great help in keeping the unit together. For some reason I think we’re going to keep Bart Scott, I’m not sure I just do.
I think CMac will be gone as well, he had 2 injury ridden seasons back to back, Fabian played well this season, and if samari hangs around he could be a good leader for the other young fellas who have been having trouble with consistency (see Ivy & Walker) I’d love cmac to stay because he’s a great physical corner, but i just dont see it happening.
My big question has been are we going to keep Dawan or Jimmy, I believe they are both Free agents this year, and Jimmy played great this season, especially heading into the post season. Hopefully we wont do anything stupid like drop both of them and work from a rookie.
I see us picking up a corner & a wideout at sometime in the draft a corner most likely coming first. and depending someone to take suggs spot. And what about stover does Hausca (spelled it wrong) become the future?
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
Keep Landry as the starting SS
He was improving prior to his injury and has pro bowl potential. He can be the big hitter the Ravens need opposite Reed. Also, his injury was one as such there should be no long term affects. I can’t wait to see number 26 out there next year. He is one of my favorite Ravens.
Leonhard is a great story but Landry is a better fit in our system next to Reed. You just can’t teach size although Leonhard came through for us in a huge way this year. He has surely earned a multi year contract through his performance in 2008.
That said, I hope we keep Leonhard as the starting punt returner and the top Safety reserve.
Safety
I think Baltimore keeps both. Leonard had a great season for us but Dawan was our start for a reason. Lets not forget that this is the same guy who had 5 picks his rookie season and was set to have a breakout year this season.
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
With Leonhard and Landry
Could we maybe run a 3 safety system at times? Wouldnt that be something crazy to see. Landry and Reed on the outside and Leonhard in the middle. Jimmy is such a good athlete that he would be amazing to have in our 2nd and long and 3rd down packages.
I like the fact of having T-Good take Bart’s spot. Ray loves him and they roomed together at training camp. Plus hes from the U, they are never bad players.
Gonna be an exciting offseason and we are gonna come back healthier and stronger then we ever were this season. GO RAVENS!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
lets not get ahead of ourselves with the 3 safety thing
we still dont know who our d-coordinator will be. Maybe marvin lewis will fold under pressure and come back. (I can dream can’t i?)
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Jan 19, 2009 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
Would love Marvin Lewis back
Bring back that 4-3 defense and let Ray be Ray.
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Damn stright
Ray Lewis is going to take T-Good under his wing and develop him into the next great Baltimore Linebacker. Also, it would be great to see a 3 safety system on 3rd downs. We also dont have to line Leonard at safety. We can use him as a nickel, dime and also as a extra blitzer. Cant wait for next season!
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
great posts
I definitely like Gooden, its too bad he got hurt. But I think he’ll have a good career and love the U connection. I’m also a big fan of Antwan Barnes, I think he’s a guy that would really break out if given the chance to play (although he’s probably more of an OLB).
I like the Boldin idea. I’ve read his stock could be down after his argument in the NFL Championship game. He’d be a good buy low, and would fit the #1 WR we were lacking this year. Boldin, Mason, and Clayton would be a nice set of receivers (add to that Heap and Spyniewski).
If the Cardinals are in the superbowl
I doubt his stock is going to be low.
And by god if they Win… and he has ANY part in it… his stock def wont be low… just saying, rings tend to make ppls price go up… specially when you start
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Jan 20, 2009 1:27 AM EST up reply actions
But
I heard he was moping after the NFC Championship game and would not celebrate with the team. That can’t be good for anyone’s value. But I see your point…. Super Bowl Champ never looks bad on the resume.
I had happened to read it on the Yahoo football blog
I’m not a big fan of it, but they made some decent points. Although your probably right. If Boldin catches a TD or makes some big plays in the Super Bowl, then teams will probably forget about his argument. However, if he does nothing and/or continues to argue, then I could see him losing value.
Here's what we will do
Sign Ray and Suggs, let C-Mac and Bart go. Sign Jason brown, who is also an unrestricted FA, but is a big part of our offense. Keep Landry and Leonhard and let them fight to start. Sign or trade for a FA WR, draft a CB with our #1 pick. Go back to playoffs, win this time and then onto Super Bowl (where is it in 2010?). Done.
Rexx
right on rexxxx. i just hope we get an impact receiver/offense..obviously defense doesn’t win championship.
no... just defense + joe flacco
doesnt win championships…
dilfer did it, lol
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Jan 19, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
how about
letting Leonhard and Landry fight for the starting DB, and then transforming the loser into a WR?
Kevbo: [to George Sherrill] George, you look a lot like Vin Diesel...
Flatbill: Let's get somethin' straight... Vin Diesel looks like me.
-From "The Making of Orioles Magic"
the fun of my Shock post
subsided, so i deleted it, incase anyone is wondering where it went.
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
Chopsticksboi?
Why don’t you do a FanPost once in a while on this site to see how you draw commentary from our readers? If you do a story, you can post a link to your blog as well. Try it!
Rexx
PROMOTED!!!
This is a great post, deserving of being on the Front Page!
Also, don’t forget that the Ravens are the pro equivalent of Penn St. being “Linebacker U.”
If/When Bart leaves, don’t forget that the one who could also make the transition to the next great Ravens LB other than Tavares Gooden, could be Jameel McClain, who has done something good every time he’s in there. With Gooden, McClain, Barnes, along with Ray and JJ, we will be absolutely fine in the front seven. Imagine our issues when Kelly Gregg comes back and we have to find a “place” for Bannan, much less Marques Douglas!? We need to focus on the corners and wideouts, and then depth everywhere else.
Rexx
Very pleased with both lines. Very lucky to have young beastly lines for many years to come. A second proven TE and impact receiver will solidify our 2009 playoff push. This might be our best off season -least amount of questions wise. The draft will be interesting. Take the best available player and get a younger vet receiver. I really think TJ could be our Hines Ward.
Does anyone think there is any weight to the idea Ray going to Dallas (Jerry Jones would surely throw money at him) or following Rex to the Jets?
Ray has never followed a D cordinator anywhere before this so i feel that is unlikely. Dallas on the other hand is supposedly willing to give him a 3 year $25 million contract
I heard just now $27-30 million
with $25 guaranteed. Jerry Jones thinks they’re ready for a Super Bowl runa dn Ray would help solve the locker room issues. See, how other teams value Ray’s impact both on and off the field. Most people think he’s just a 33 year old linebacker, whoch couldn’t be further from the truth.
Rexx
I wont be a Ravens fan any more
If we get rid of Ray. That would be the stupidest decision made by one of the smartest organizations in this league.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Biscotti won't let Ray Walk
Unless they offer some outrageous money and years. The Ravens cap situation looks to be in good enough shape where we can get away overpaying Ray… Something to the tune of 3 years 25 million, 30 million max. Jerry is going to have to up the ante if he wants to make Ozzie and Biscotti sweat. If he adds a fourth year at the same money per, it might be time to reevaluate things.
Word.
Ray Lewis is a very loyal man with more pride than most people. If it was up to him he would never leave his beloved town of Baltimore. He knows what he means to the city and what his prescence means to his former teammates.
Does any1 but me
remember that one year he was about to walk. I cant remember what year it was tho, but he was having some contract disagreements and was very tempted to leave. the way i see it though bringing in a new d-coordinator you gotta keep ray in order to make sure the balance doesnt get messed up. he’ll hold the D together through the transition
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Jan 20, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions
He was pissed
Because we didn’t have the beef up front to keep blockers off him. This was in the post Goose/ Sam Adams era. Then we got Ngata and all was well in the world.
He lives in Boca Raton and works in B-more..When asked about his contract he stated that he doesn’t look at it. Its all in the hands of his agent. He only thinks about playing the game. Makes you wonder if he really would miss B-more as long as he’s playing somewhere. Not sure how deep Baltimore runs with him. He’s on his own planet. If a guy of his caliber were to leave via free agency it would be a loss because we miss out on a trade. Just like Ripken..there was a point where we could have got some great young players for him but he is “Baltimore” so of course we didn’t. Just throwing it out there..do you let emotion and “he’s our guy” get in the way of future success..even if it’s 4-5 years down the road?
Wouldn't be surprised but really disappointed
if he finished his career in either Miami or Jacksonville. He obviously went to the “U” and is from Jax. Makes some sense.
Rexx
Ray is from Jax?
I thought he was from Lakeland,FL, which is in central FL, but you probably know better then I.
Safeties
How do Nakamura and Zibikowski fit into our safety picture? They were getting PT in the playoffs. We somehow have 5 legitimate safeties in Reed, Landry, Leonard, Nakamura and Zibi. And somehow we have a dearth of cornerbacks outside of Fabian and Samari, because it is clear CMac cant coexitst with Harbaugh. Jameel McClain and Tavares Gooden are clearly the heirs to the linebacker throne, so I wouldn’t be surprised if both Scott AND Ray Ray are gone. Newsome is a smart dude with money and contracts, and as much as we love Ray it doesn’t make any sense to throw the money he will command at that 34 year old body. I love him, but the success of the oranization depends on making good decisions, and signing him would be a mistake.
WRONG!
What makes you think that he is slowing down after the way he played this year? Its not just the fact that he may be a little older than we would like, but he is the heart of this team. He is the clear cut leader of every player and inspires the players on both sides of the ball to perform up to his level. That is why everyone succeeds in our defenses because they do not want to fail Ray. There is nothing more that I want than to see Ray finish his career as a Raven. And by the way he performed this year, he has shown that he can play another 3-4 seasons for sure. Ask him how much longer he thinks he can play with us, throw him a 2-3 year contract, get him another ring and let him rest after that. If we can win it all next year, he can retire if he wants. You dont get rid of someone like Ray Lewis, he is a one of a kind player and person.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
True that
It will be a bigger mistake not re-signing Ray Lewis. It was a mistake letting him get this close to living Baltimore.
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Male ray the D-Coordinator
and call the plays on field…like they already do 1/2 the time…he just needs a secretary for the admin. work..Bischotti could get him a temp.
Of course Ray stays!
He is the unquestioned leader of this team on both sides of the ball and will retire a Raven and then join our coaching staff. Can you imagine what a great linebackers coach he’d make? Mike Singleary was good from the start, and Ray will be better.
Rexx
Ray Must Stay
Loosing Rex Ryan is one thing but the team will not be able to overcome the potential loss of Rex and Ray. Oz will never let that happen.
IDEA
Why don’t we offer Ray a three year contract as starting MLB/D Coordinator. Bring back the player-coach. Kill two birds with one stone, right?
I'm with that idea
Is it legal tho? I think in basketball it used to be legal (think Jordan/Wizards) then it became illegal (think Jordan/Wizards) lol
Is it legal in football tho?
Life is nothing but Beats & Rhymes
by Matchz Malone on Jan 20, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions
Must sign Ray
and T Sizzle. Keep C-mac, draft a CB in round one if possible, or round 2 if no value can be had in round one. Take Percy Harvin if at all possible, I’ll look past my blinding hate of Florida for us to take him. If we don’t bring back Scott, Laurinaitis should be an option in the late first.
Laurinaitis will be gone
by the time we pick at 29 or 30th. Let C-Mac go, grab a DB with first round pick. Try to sign a veteran WR or trade for one in the off season. Load up thru FA and draft on DB’s. Grab some depth at CB’s, WR’s, kick returners. We need to get better use out of Nakamura and Zbikowski, as both are excellent defenders, tacklers, etc.
Rexx
WR is the best Position in this draft
Crabtree, Harvin, Maclin, Hay-Bey, Britt….
I say that you take best player available that fills a need and that will most likely be WR, with so many underclassmen studs declaring. I’d like Hayward-Bey in the late first if he’s there. Sure I may be biased (UMD Alum), but I go to every UMD home game and this guy has rare abilities. Granted, he is still raw and may not help right away, but how many rookie WR’s really do? His height (the reason I like him over Maclin and Harvin) and speed and improving skill make him a potential game breaker – exactly what Joe needs for the next 5-10 years.
If a corner drops to us who is good value, then I’m all for scooping him up. I just see more high end talent at WR then any other position.
If we go after Heyward-Bey
then there’s no reason to re-sign D. Will, as they’re basically the same person. I’d get Harvin, although I can’t believe he’d still be there, as he can fill that need as well as be a dangerous returner on both punts and KO’s. Of course, if you know what I really want, it’s obvious my thoughts lie with a CB, unless we can grab Lito Sheppard or someone else like that through trade or FA.
Rexx
Harvin
I’d love to get Harvin as well, but I don’t think he’ll be there. He would fit in real well with the “Suggs” package.
But I really think our best move is to draft a CB and get an experienced WR. If we draft a WR he will take a couple years to really develop. While I think we could become real contenders if we get someone who is a #1 WR right now.
Who I really want
Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis, or Crabtree
Never Happen.
You guys have a similar wish list?
Of course
Who doesnt want 1 of the top 10 players in this draft?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Vontae davis may slip
I read on a mock draft that he could slip into the early 20’s. Baltimore May be able to trade up and snag him.
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Right there with you on Hay-Bay
He would be a hometown hero to a lot of people around here. Kind of like when the Wizards had Juan Dixon, Steve Blake, and Lonny Baxter on the team.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
The difference is
Hay-Bey has All Star potential when the UMD basketball guys were and are role players. Bey would have the chance to be a star, he is one of the sickest athletes I’ve seen play football.
They won a playoff game for the first time in over twenty years
Even though it had more to do with Gil and Jamison
another way to look at the Ray situation
an argument could be made that HE IS 10% of all the other players by the way he motivates and leads…work that into the contract and he’s a bargain at most prices.
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