Ravens Re-sign WR Derrick Mason to Two Year Deal
"We know exactly what we're getting with Derrick and that's production. Every Ravens fan knows what Derrick brings to this team. It's reliability, toughness, leadership, the fight to win, the want of the ball in the clutch times. He has a two-year history with Joe that says 'we know how to produce together.' They are on the same page." - Ozzie Newsome
almost 2 years ago
Mr MaLoR
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Excellent
Now it can be considered a major upgrade at that position.
If we can hold on to our players from last year and add some depth on the defense we are good.
I agree.
You guys went from a shaky group of WR’s to a very strong one, as long as Boldin stays on the field. I thought Kelly Washington did a pretty decent job for you guys in the slot, especially on 3rd down, but maybe I just enjoy his little pimp walk gimp 10 yards down the field every time he gets a first down. Are you planning on keeping him around, or looking elsewhere to fill the slot?
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
by nrmax88 on Mar 10, 2010 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Oh,
Stallworth right? Forgot about him. He was very productive as the 3rd option in New England, so you guys really are looking good. Ray Rice is amazing. I went to the same high school with him, and he was unreal at that level. I hope he turns into the next Barry Sanders. His speed/lateral quickness/power is amazing in his frame. Somebody please just get the memo to Mr. Harbaugh to stop letting Willis vulture his TD’s away, messed up my fantasy team big time. Rice is a dynamic back, there is nobody in the NFL more well rounded, he is in for some career.
"Relax, all right? Don't try to strike everybody out. Strikeouts are boring; besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. It's more democratic."
- CRASH DAVIS
Doubtful K-Wash will be returning, although
he was a solid ST player and could be used for that and as WR insurance policy.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
then smile it off like nothing important happened.
that image is burned in my head whenever I think of him now.
by allintimyng on Mar 10, 2010 11:49 PM EST up reply actions
You and me both bro.
My brother is a big Vikings fan, and wants to be able to cheer the Ravens with me too, but we can’t have a conversation about how good Mason is without that getting brought up.
Not surprised
NFL Network said it was coming. Oh well, I sort of was against it because of my concern that Mason would take Flacco’s concentration off of Boldin and Anquan needed to be his first look from now on.
On the other hand, with Boldin, Mason, Heap and Rice in the patterns, look out. Add in Stallworth and Clayton and we are set. Now we probably won’t go to the draft until at least the third pick, depending on what round that might be with the remaining picks we have. First two rounds will need to be for DE and CB, and perhaps even an OT, depending on what happens to Gaither, whom I hear is drawing interest. If someone grabs Jared, I expect it to be one of the teams late in the first round, such as Indy. We could use the 25th and 31st picks to grab a DE (Carlos Dunlap) and a CB (Patrick Robinson), then take a OT in the second round and be a very happy team going into 2010, eh?
aka 'Rexx'
Sounds Right To Me
I’m much happier taking WR later in the draft. In addition to it being a deep draft at that position, we’ve never been great at drafting WR and they take a long time to develop. This team has an eye for defensive players, and it should draft what its good at drafting and get the defense young again.
Yanda to RT?
If Gaither leaves, I like Chester, Hale or a rookie 2nd rounder inside and Yanda taking back RT. It could be worse. I want Gaither to stay badly. But just think, he was an undrafted rookie free agent and now we could get a 1st rd pick for him. Not bad. Worst case scenerio: Cousins starts earning the job and we lead the league in penalties again.
by PurpleNorangeNbeer on Mar 10, 2010 8:55 PM EST up reply actions
I think Yanda has solidified himself as a Guard. He is becoming a great pull guard and that position seems to fit him nicely. I would rather keep Yanda at RG and bring in a RT through Free Agency or the Draft.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Sounds pretty good
I was just reflecting back to two years ago. Yanda played so well at RT. As a lineman it must be frustrating to be moved around. He is probably begging to stay at RG. RT is a huge position and I think I’m going to be having Oniel Cousins nightmares pretty soon.
by PurpleNorangeNbeer on Mar 10, 2010 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
If need be
I say we do some shuffling and give Hale a shot. He’s really shown some promise from what I’ve seen.
"I kill myself in small amounts"
Yanda is a guard more than a tackle
and was drafted to be a guard. He can play RT, but perhaps Adam Terry would be a better fit if healthy. Cousins has every chance to be the RT (he also has dreads, so comeon Oniel, keep the trend right!). Chester is a guard at best and Hale is the heir apparent at center right now.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
Pretty sure Terry is not technically on the roster
so I think he would have to be resigned.
I’ve heard that Indy has been checking out Terry.
"I kill myself in small amounts"
by StuckInUtah on Mar 11, 2010 9:55 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Shit-Balls
I always like him, just wish he was not so prone to injury.
Terry was just one big injury. I never thought he was that great. Maybe Ozzie can sign Orlando Pace for one year if Gaither goes? I wouldn’t mind that if he can still play.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Hey, I hear Willie Anderson
is thinking about a comeback!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
For us? If s, get Gaither the F out of here and pick up a draft pick
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 11, 2010 9:48 PM EST up reply actions
No way he comes back, but Scott Garceau was talking about this situation yesterday and said exactly what I have been saying the entire time. We get rid of Gaither for a 1st or 2nd/3rd and sign a veteran to RT. I wouldnt mind Orlando Pace for a year. He is such a good person and probably can still play.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Pieces are Falling Into Place
State of the Ravens: What the 2009 Film Revealed
By ANDY BENOIT
Baltimore Ravens
Offense
Before a hip injury in the regular-season finale, Joe Flacco continued to show improvement. He still wasn’t always comfortable in the pocket, but unlike most young passers, he didn’t often let the discomfort lead to foolish mistakes. His biggest challenge was finding receivers. Mark Clayton, quick as he is, continued to struggle to get open. Derrick Mason, when facing good man coverage, looked all of his 35 years. The fulcrum of the offense was Ray Rice – and for good reason. Rice exhibited uncanny strength for a runner with his quickness and lateral agility; his receiving skills made him darn near impossible to defend. Over all, Rice was one of the five best running backs in football. RT Michael Oher didn’t shine, but he certainly overachieved. And he got better by the week. It’s hard to understand all the rumblings about Jared Gaither’s work ethic after seeing his near-perfect season at LT. LG Ben Grubbs also stood out, mainly as a run-blocker.
Defense
Every defensive player wearing a Ravens uniform seemed to have a superhero’s swagger. That confidence and enthusiasm comes in part from a.) Being surrounded by trustworthy leaders (like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed) and b.) Being comfortable with the system. This was a cohesive unit, particularly up front. The defensive line consistently won the power struggle at the line of scrimmage. It started with Haloti Ngata. At linebacker, jack-of-all-trades Jarret Johnson may have been the game’s most underrated force, and Lewis, while perhaps a half step slower, was still as good as any inside ‘backer not named Willis or Beason. The cornerbacks committed too many penalties, but as a whole, the secondary was O.K. considering the number of injuries.
Top 5 Needs
1. Cornerback
Last year’s third-round rookie Lardarius Webb was a gem in the slot, but he’s coming off a torn A.C.L. So is No. 1 corner Fabian Washington.
2. Defensive Lineman
They’ll miss versatile Justin Bannan (recently signed with Denver). They can let Dwan Edwards go in free agency. He showed some quickness and range in run support but was often the only lineman getting driven. With these two gone, and Trevor Pryce being 34, the second string must be replenished.
3. Second Tight End
We might be reaching by calling tight end a "need," but last year’s fifth-round pick, Davon Drew, is a mystery.
4. Inside Linebacker
Ray Lewis is still Ray Lewis, or a close-enough variation of. As long as he’s on the field, Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe can trust their athleticism and not have to think too much. But with Lewis being 35 in May and the rest of the roster loaded, Ozzie Newsome may want to plan ahead.
5. Wide Receiver
The addition of Anquan Boldin makes this offense Super Bowl caliber – especially if Derrick Mason gives it one more year. And there’s a chance Donte Stallworth can fill the longstanding void at slot receiver. But teams with a rich history of ineptitude at one position seem to have trouble changing their fortunes, no matter what they try (see Bears quarterbacks, Lions defensive backs, or wide receivers for the post-Jimmy-Smith-Jaguars). It’s best not to get complacent here.
by davver on Mar 10, 2010 8:39 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Disagree with priority order
DE is biggest need, as w/o a pass rush, it doesn’t matter who are the corners,they can’t cover forever when the QB has all day to throw. Look how “good” the Steelers CB’s were with a big pass rush. Below average guys did real well when the opposing QB had to get rid of the ball so fast.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
I love it when the hated rival is used for greater clarity.
From a detriment to an asset
Wow.
Boldin + Mason + Stallworth
vs
Mason + Clayton + Williams
No comparison.
"The moment you stop thinking you're the best, it's time for you to get out the game." -'King' Mo Lawal
We should just change our name to the Baltimore Superbowl Champions.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
That certainly has a nice ring to it.
"I kill myself in small amounts"
by StuckInUtah on Mar 10, 2010 8:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
How can we not be considered a serious threat now? I gotta feeling that Ozzie is gonna do something special in the draft as well.
How can we not be considered a serious threat now?
Because we are from Baltimore. The NFL still hates the fact that a fairly new team in a city that has such a poor image is having alot of success in the NFL. There will always be a flaw in our roster with the national media.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
We are technically set at all positions now
The only upgrade we need is a young and durable CB, because Foxworth and Webb are our starters, we just need someone to replace them if one goes down like last year.
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 10, 2010 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
Pass rush Warrior
Bruce said it (see up) no pass rush can = no win.
Well alot of solutions to our pass rush are already on the team. If Suggs would wake up and start getting 12-15 sacks like he is getting paid to do, than things would be better. Hopefully we are breeding Kruger into being the beast we all want him to. I get the sense from Coach Harbaugh that we want to use him at DE. I like that.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
If someone else on the team
would cause the offense to worry and they couldn’t always double team Suggs, then maybe he’d get back to his 10+ sack average. Besides, Kruger is not the answer anytime soon.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 9:39 PM EST up reply actions
Suggs wasn't double teamed a lot (football has so many gay references)
He was just slow and kinda fat (for an edge rusher). He couldn’t beat any good left tackles.
This is a great move
I say Flacco has 4000+ passing yards next season.
The night is darkest right before the dawn
and hopefully many, many touchdowns.
dare i say this will be one of the top receiving corps of the season?
dare i say this will beone ofthe top receiving corp of the season?
Yea, I said it!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Well, I mean there is Philly and Arizona but still
We could be the best if we add a solid rookie
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 10, 2010 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
Arizone, without Warner, they won’t look that good. Philly, yeah they’re more explosive than us still. Indy, NO, San Diego, Minnesota all still better than us too. We’ll be much better this year though.
As good as they look on paper
from their past history catching passes from QB’s not here (other than Mase), Flacco still has to prove that he can find them and get them the ball in the Red Zone and against top competition.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
I'm with ya Blitz
Leinart is not the answer in Arizona. I expect that WR corps to be a lot less potent with Leinart under center.
It's hard to deny
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 10, 2010 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
Did you guysw know that we only have made moves for WRs so far this offseason?
The night is darkest right before the dawn
Quite amazing
That was the clear, glaring weakness and Ozzie went out right away and fixed it.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Not likely if we was he would have
Fired Flacco, Released rice, and traded away Ed Reed
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 10, 2010 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
fyi, but...
carlos dunlap is a bum. dont you guys ever read walterfootball? lol :)
Stop dunlapping the correct usage of my word
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 11, 2010 9:50 PM EST up reply actions
D. Mason
I’m very happy that Mason has re-signed. He’s still a great route runner and his presence gives Flacco his top weapon from last season and another security blanket. This unit should be lethal and prolific next season. The Wizard of Oz does it again.
Go Ravens!
Crazy that he went from retired last off-season to signing a new 2 year deal. He could be playing at 40 years old lol.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Derrick Favre
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 10, 2010 9:58 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
"Rec" that comment!
“Derrick Favre,” hilarious!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah
That’s pretty damn good. Rec’d. Mason really is an amazing athlete. To be doing what he does at his age…….amazing.
I love it!
The defense is always solid at the very least. Now the offense is starting to look scary. Superbowl or bust?
Playing, coaching, and watching basketball.
Nowhere to go, but
down, after these moves. Anything less than a SB victory will have us disappointed, but then again, after losing to the Steelers in the AFCCG in 2009, we thought the same thing going into the 2009-10 season!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Mar 11, 2010 8:59 AM EST up reply actions
We still need someone that will stretch the field for us. Yes the must respect both of our wr’s but neither one of them can burn you with speed. Hopefully that 4.43 that stallworth ran gets used in games, or even better they move Eron up and take advantage of his 4.3 speed. Either way we still need a burner to back those safeties up.
by Georgia Raven on Mar 11, 2010 9:43 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Plus 4.3 straightline speed equates to like 8 inches...
I’m more worried about seperation AND deep ball speed. The 9 route isn’t the ONLY route that deep ball receivers run. You have to take in mind how they pull off double moves and such.
I think Stallworth is going to be real good for us
The guy has something to prove and is on the perfect team to do that. It seems like he really made an effort to keep in football shape during his time off and I think he is going to just absolutely ball out for Flacco. If he is the #3 all season, I would not be surprised if he got 40 catches for 600-700 yards and 5-7 TDs. Be great.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
If we had that production from our 3rd receiver that would be the Balls!
We didn’t get that from our number 2 last year so…
I just get the strange feeling that everything is starting to go our way for once. We actually WR who can rip apart a defense if they are having a good day. Stallworth gives me the impression that he is truly thankful to be a Raven and really does not want to let Ozzie and Harbaugh down for giving him a chance. I like those type of players.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
They had to plug up D-Will’s rectum before games because of this.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Remember
Marcus Smith is still alive. I think we can expect to see him this year. He could really step up. Last year after training camp he was voted most improved Raven.
by PurpleNorangeNbeer on Mar 11, 2010 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
I really liked Ernie wheelright and Justin Harper, but those two seem to have fallen off of the face of the earth
The night is darkest right before the dawn
by Zachary Beard on Mar 11, 2010 9:52 PM EST up reply actions
Yay for our team
Continuity and some new blood…This could definitely be an exciting season if everyone’s health holds up! Go Ravens!
Now it's all on Flacco
He doesn’t need to throw for 4000 yards. I’d have been satisfied if he threw for only 100 more than last year. Those 100 yards of completions in the Red Zone translate into 3-4 more TD’s and probably 2-3 more wins last year. Those 100 yards had he gotten them would have given us perhaps a bye but certainly the AFC title and a home playoff game. Those 100 yards could have made the difference in going home in mid-January or playing into February.
I’ll settle for those 100 type of yards next year.
aka 'Rexx'
I don't care about Flacco's stats too (except wins)
Our offense just needs to avg upper 20’s for ppg.
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