Free Agency Preview: Tight Ends

Depth Chart:

1. Crockett Gillmore
2. Maxx Williams
3. Konrad Reuland
4. Allen Reisner
5. Dennis Pitta (PUP)

2015 Recap:

Many of the Ravens positions were ravaged with injuries this season and tight end was definitely one of them. Gillmore and Williams were up and down with injuries and the surprise of the season Nick Boyle was suspended the final four games of the season when the team had unfortunately lost Gillmore for the rest of the year as well. 

Minus the injuries and suspensions, the group of Gillmore, Williams and Boyle performed well. Gillmore shined in his first season as the number one option at tight end while Williams took some time to develop. He had some production in the last few games of the season when Boyle and Gillmore were out. 

Potential Free Agent Additions:

Jermaine Gresham UFA:  Gresham is coming off of an unimpressive role in a potent Cardinals offense from 2015. Gresham had only 18 catches and 1 TD in the regular season, quite the fall from his 62 catches and 5 TDs in 2014. What he would add is a veteran presence to a young group of players with the possible upside to the player we once saw. He is younger(27) than any of the other viable options (Antonio Gates, 35 or Vernon Davis, 32). The issues he may have had with the Cardinals could have been he wasn't an important part of the offense, mainly driven by deep threat receivers and a power running game. When you watched their games it seemed Larry Fitzgerald was their short yard receiver in the offense as opposed to in Baltimore where you may see Flacco go to his tight end more often than his slot receiver.

Coby Fleener UFA: Of the two I would prefer Fleener. However I don't see Luck's security blanket getting out of Indy. While Fleener is coming off a subpar season, he was performing like that because of the team playing their worst QB. Only nabbing 3 TDs and 491 yards with nearly the same amount of targets as the two previous seasons. Once again, this was without Luck who, by far, is the team's most accurate passer. IF Fleener got out of Indy I would love to see him in purple and black, however it seems like more of a pipe dream.

2016 Outlook:

One name mentioned above in this piece was that of Nick Boyle, who was recently suspended for the first 10 games of the 2016 season for once again violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was again caught with PEDs in his system. More than likely ending his short career with the team. Harbaugh isn't a guy who enjoys being proved wrong and he thought Boyle had learned from his mistake at the end of last season. 

This could be the season of the Pitta comeback...or not. There is really no definite answer whether he will or won't just that he is trying. However with two young tight ends shining and Ozzie's ability to find value in free agents and the draft when it comes to his old position, I don't see how Boyle will still be on the team after his suspension is up and Pitta's potential comeback. Expect the team to roll once again with Gillmore and Williams as their top 2 options at the position. 

Purple Reigning Down Super Bowl Predictions EXTRAVAGANZA

Well it is almost time. For months we have watched two teams dominate the league almost as much as a Johnny Manziel headline. Finally, the league will crown its champion this Sunday night. Unfortunately, we all know how the Ravens season went. Positives of that....more biased opinion for the Super Bowl!

Especially since Tom "Cry Baby" Brady won't be there.

To be perfectly honest, I know the season is coming to a close but I just want all the hoopla to be over and get this game underway between two dominant defenses, a legendary quarterback and arguably the hottest young QB in the league. We have all heard all the picks and a tidbit of information as to why this team will win or will get smashed. So as I look into my crystal ball...

What I think will happen and what I want to happen are two totally different things. I think Peyton Manning will somehow find a way to win this game, I want Cam and the Panthers to shine because it would be nice to see kind of a passing of the torch if you will. From the old school (Manning) to the new school (Newton). What will make the evening fun is taking a shot every time you hear the terms "last rodeo" or "black quarterback" during the telecast. You might be drunk with two minutes left....IN THE FIRST QUARTER.

That being said I feel like this should be a very tight game that either team could win. If you put a gun to my head and made me choose I would take the Panthers. Before you argue with me sudden Bronco fan hear me out. I know your defense is great but hit the pause button and think about it for a minute. Big Ben with a backup running back and a bunch of young receivers was slinging it all over Denver. No Antonio Brown, no Le'Veon Bell and no shoulder for Roethlisberger. The only team all season to put up points was the Steelers (34 to be exact) during the regular season meeting.

Why does that matter? Even with a bum shoulder Ben was able to scramble around (not like he used to) and that big body wasn't easily crumbling to the ground say like the above mentioned Brady. Cam is more athletic than Ben and has a better offensive line to protect him. I like his chances to somehow find an open man or tuck it and run for a first down, drop the superman pose, make the first down signal, pull out a cell phone to call his momma all while styling all over the defense. His weapons are more than capable of getting open because they have been doing it all year. It's not like Newton only has one option to chuck the ball to, Olsen is his best/most dominant target but this kid has been slinging it to everyone no matter what.

The problem with the Panthers this season has been their inability to finish games. They almost blew a 31 point lead against the Seahawks. If they let the Broncos keep it close, momentum could easily swing in the favor of Manning but I have him throwing a few of those quackers to the Panthers. So I'm taking the Panthers in a tight game 27-20, with the MVP going to Luke Kuechly. I don't know what it is about that guy but he just always seems to be in the right place at the right time. More than likely he will be covering some of those short dump offs that Manning has been throwing a majority of this season and may snag one to take the opposite way.

So in preparation for this piece I reached out to the staff of Purple Reign and was more than pleased with the participation I received from everyone. So without further adieu...

Chuck Burke (writer)

In a shootout and dramatic game that will get compared to the arena leagues, Cam Newton will have four TDs and four turnovers. Peyton Manning will have two of each as well. The Broncos are more playoff tested and will make fewer mistakes early on, the Panthers will rally and write a storybook finish.

Score: Panthers 34-29

Patrick McDonough (writer)

Two awesome defenses, one awesome offense and one anemic offense. It would be poetic for Peyton to get a Super Bowl as he rides into the sunset but I don't see the old man pulling any magic in this game. There will be at least one defensive touchdown.

MVP: Cam Newton

Score: Panthers 24-17

Matt Szimanski (writer)

Going into the Super Bowl the Panthers are clearly the better overall team. However, when it comes to the grandest stage in sports, anything can happen. I expect Payton Manning to do just enough to capitalize on an excellent defensive performance and go out on top.

MVP: Manning, even though Von Miller will deserve it more. Sometimes, it's all about the narrative.

Ashley Anderson (writer/my partner in crime in "He said She said")

I've got Super Cam and the Panthers winning this one. Sure, we're all pretty certain this is Peyton's last shot at a ring but it's also pretty clear that his arm is blown. The Panthers were the highest scoring offense in the league this year. Even if the Broncos can slow them, they can't stop them.

Score: Panthers 30-21

BJ Appel (Cohost Purple Reign podcast)

In his "last rodeo" Peyton Manning can't put the finishing touches on the perfect ending. Unable to rely on Peyton's arm, the Broncos' running game will not be enough to keep up with Carolina. Greg Olsen hauls in 2 TDs and 100+ yards receiving from the to-be NFL MVP Cam Newton to secure the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.

Score: Carolina 31-23

MVP: Greg Olsen

Phil Gentile (Host Purple Reign podcast)

This playoff run by Peyton Manning reminds me a lot of Ray Lewis' last ride. Like Ray, I think Peyton has just enough in the tank to get one last win and his second Super Bowl. Broncos defense is the best in the league in my mind and they will be the x-factor, shutting down Cam as much as possible.

Score: Broncos 27-19

MVP: Aqib Talib


Everyone quick, call your bookies now....RIGHT NOW. Well not really, make your own decision. Enjoy your Super Bowl experience safely and I hope to see us all in better spirits next season!

He Said She Said: More Pees Please

For months now we have all heard Raven nation nearly come after Dean Pees with pitch forks all over social media and radio. Blaming him completely for all the Ravens shortcomings and damn near all of their losses. There is a rift between fans and even some writers at Purple Reign. Some wanting him out of here yesterday with others focusing on how much of the problems were lack of depth, something out of his control. Without further adieu, here is how Ashley Anderson and I broke it all down.

First we asked ourselves, what has Pees brought to the team? How have they performed under his tutelage?

Ashley's take:


Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens have exercised nearly unquestioned loyalty to assistant coaches. Virtually the only time you will see a coach leave is if he has a more lucrative opportunity elsewhere like when Gary Kubiak left for Denver to become their head coach, otherwise, they tend to stick around regardless of performance. The most recent example of this is defensive coordinator Dean Pees who has been with the team since 2011. Pees was first hired to be the linebackers coach, making the switch to DC in 2012.

Since then, the Ravens have finished 12th, 12th, 6th, and 24th in points per game allowed. For YEars, Baltimore was known for its shut down defense that punished opponents who had the audacity to try to score, but they no longer elicit the same fear. While they may not be wholly inconsistent, the Ravens defense is the opposite of clutch, repeatedly surrendering long drives in crucial situations. Just this season alone they blew four fourth quarter leads. Had the Ravens won those four games, they would have finished a respectable 9-7.

Brandan's take:

While I agree that the defense has under performed at times this season (especially late in games early in 2015), the team did well towards the end of the season.  I would say the big turnaround was the loss to the Jags. They held off the Rams (albeit with a concussed Case Keenum at the helm) and managed to beat the Steelers with their most powerful tandem healthy. Sure, they were awful against the Seahawks. Even good teams looked bad against them. My biggest beef was their inability to create turnovers and I'm not crazy enough to base their late success in that field on one game (Steelers) where Ben was giving them away like Oprah.

I feel like the biggest issue this season was our team's inability to stay healthy on either side of the ball but our playmakers on defense (such as a decent pass rusher like Terrell Suggs) that struck that fear into opposing teams weren't there. While it is on Pees to figure out how to get to the QB without Suggs he eventually found players to fill that void. There were injuries all over the defensive line and we all knew going into the season that our secondary was amateur at best. You can't fault Pees in Elam's season ending injury in the preseason (we're talking about practice no less) or what was in the water this season with a bulk of the team. Our best corner came out and said he played through the pain of his nagging foot injury from last season (Jimmy Smith). Whether or not that is a true statement I have no idea but I have to side with Pees. He didn't have the pieces to make it work. I love Ozzie but I think he failed us this season. I mean look what Pees did with that sewn together secondary last year! We finished 6th in points per game allowed, you said it yourself! We should have beat the damn Patriots!

 9-7 wouldn't have gotten us anywhere except damage the team, We would still have had to watch the Steelers and Bengals march into the postseason. Our depth would still be terrible.

Moving on! I love a good turnover, who doesn't. Thoughts?

Ashley's take:

This was a major issue in 2015, the lack of turnovers. As a team, the Ravens had a total of six interceptions; five individuals met or exceeded that number across the NFL. It may be difficult to coach turnovers, but there are exercises such as the tip drill that are designed to bring a clear focus on winning the ball. I do not bear witness to every Ravens practice, so it is entirely possible that they do work on these things, but the defensive backs clearly lack killer instinct.

Brandan's take:

I agree that the lack of turnovers was despicable. I think what we can also agree on is this team's lack of depth at corner which we have all been talking about since Ed Reed left. What kills me about that name is that he would have been very valuable, to whatever young defensive backs we bring in, as a secondary coach. Unfortunately we all get to watch that pan out in Buffalo. I am interested to see what Leslie Frazier will bring to the table as the coach of the secondary in the upcoming season. Who knows, maybe his presence will keep Pees on his p's and q's(could't resist). After avoiding the corner position in last year's draft I'm hoping that they wise up after this season.

Okay, next topic: development of players

Ashley's take:

One has to wonder how Pees is functioning as a scout and key aspect of player development. In recent years, Baltimore has spent high draft picks on Arthur Brown (2nd round), Matt Elam (1st round) and Terrance Brooks (3rd round), yet they continue to lack explosive playmakers. The team also added Will Hill, Kyle Arrington and Kendrick Lewis via free agency to help improve a depleted secondary but only Hill has really panned out thus far.

So who is the problem? Does it start all the way at the top with Ozzie Newsome making poor draft and free agency choices, or is someone else failing these players once they arrive in Baltimore? My belief is that Dean Pees is responsible for the overall struggles on defese, particularly since there is a disconnect with player development under his direction. On a personal note, it also drives me crazy that Pees calls plays from the booth because that seems to cause difficulty making in-game adjustments.

Brandan's take:

Okay, I get what you're saying. Pees can't develop film (before digital pics kids...ah screw it just google it). Terrance Cody was awful and Elam wasn't really a factor before his season ending injury this year. Add to that the failures in Arthur Brown (who was passed by Zach Orr on the depth chart) and Brooks and you've got yourself quite a fail list. Ozzie isn't used to failing on the defensive side of the ball in the draft. Offense(other than tight end) sure but defense, not so much. I don't believe that this is all on Ozzie but he has to take some of the blame here. What you are missing are the surprising value from undrafted(Orr) or late round picks like Brandon Williams(3rd round, 2013)


This season though once the replacements had enough reps, we started to see what monsters Williams, Timmy Jernigan(2nd round, 2014) and Za'Darius Smith(4th round, 2015) truly are. Williams and Jernigan don't have eye popping stats as most defensive tackles won't however they have truly been disruptive in the backfield causing an easier lane for Smith to the QB. Smith (in limited action) was able to get 5.5 sacks this season (more than Courtney Upshaw has in his career) with 3 of those being against the hated Steelers. Personally, even the Steeler loving wife enjoyed his sacks on Michael Vick. Last season's draft class performed better than I could have imagined. It's just unfortunate that none of those were corners. Carl Davis(3rd round, 2015) started the season well but unfortunately fell off as more and more players at the position healed up. Honestly he couldn't really see the field once Jernigan got healthy and Williams kept being awesome.


You're thoughts on him being in the booth calling plays does sound a bit crazy. Dom Capers does it in Green Bay but then again it's also -20 wind chill up there sometimes. There are too many ways for on field communication for that to matter on game day. Yes, the radio can go out and they would be screwed but how often does that happen in places that don't rhyme with boo tingland.

Okay fine, IF we fire him, who would we hire?

Ashley's take:

If the Ravens were to part ways with Pees, there are other candidates available to filll the void. For example, current Panthers DC Sean McDermott may be interested in a change of scenery after spending the last four years in Carolina, particularly if he does not draw interest as a a head coach. Jim Schwartz has frequently been mentioned as a possibility and he is an intriguing option since he already has head coaching experience. Moreover, Schwartz has a fiery personality, similar to that of Rex Ryan, and he could help give the defense an edgier attitude that they lack under Pees.

Brandan's take:

First of all, there is absolutely no way McDermott goes anywhere right now with his team about to play for the NFC championship. The only way I see him leaving is to go on to be a head coach somewhere. He is an excellent coach with fantastic core players, stupid for him to leave when he can use that to his advantage in getting a promotion. Which in my opinion would not be the Ravens, HUGE step down from Carolina. As far as your other option I gotta say, I like the idea. Schwartz is best known for wanting to beat the hell out of Jim Harbaugh(when he refused to shake hands when Schwartz was the head coach in Detroit). So somehow, I don't think John is going to hire him. He does tend to take things personal and especially doesn't want anyone who can upend him as the king of the roost. I don't want another Kubiak or Caldwell type situation where we have a guy for a year and BOOM he's out to be a head coach somewhere else right away. I'd be happier with the situation we have now with Pees in there and someone looming as a position coach. What if Frazier develops/improves the secondary under Pees' watch? All of us as fans would take that in a heartbeat!

"Okay, enough you two! We can't take it anymore! Just get this over with!," says everyone on the interweb.

Ashley:

In closing, this argument reminds me very clearly of Cam Cameron and the great debate about firing him year-after-year when the offense underwhelmed. John Harbaugh did not want to hurt his good friend, so Cameron lingered long past his stay potentially costing the Ravens additional chances to win the Super Bowl. When they finally did cut ties, Jim Caldwell took over and helped Joe Flacco orchestrate postseason history with 11 TDs to zero picks. 'Nuff said.

Brandan:

I feel like that is a bit of a stretch to compare Cameron (who was allegedly an offensive mastermind/guru) and Pees who has never had that kind of clout. Pees was successful in New England and has had some bright spots here in Baltimore as the defensive coordinator. Has it all been pretty? No! In all honesty, after this season I know that someone has to get the blame and there will be changes among the staff. As stated before, Leslie Frazier's hire is a good one and I look forward to seeing what his presence will do for the defense. I feel like I'm supporting the losing cause here, a losing presidential candidate who is up for re-election. Ah screw it, FOUR MORE YEARS, FOUR MORE YEARS!

Let us know how you feel Baltimore. Does Pees need to go? Does he need one more chance? Should I cue up the Notorious B.I.G.? That answer, as always, is yes!

Trading for a Crock...ett

It literally takes half of a football team to bring down the beast that is Crockett Gillmore. Unfortunately, with the season playing out like it did some have been clamoring to move pieces around for better prospects. One of those pieces could legitimately be Gillmore. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to trade him.

If there is one thing we learned this season it was that this team has a huge problem with depth. Where you may ask? Everywhere! The main place there wasn't a huge drop off was the tight end position thanks to Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle and Dan "that wasn't pass interference dude" Brown actually showing the hell up throughout the season. However, I'm going to tell you all to pump your brakes on moving Gillmore.

To back up the "let's keep Crockett" campaign we gotta talk about the backups. You know, to prove his value to the team. Now while I agree that Maxx Williams FINALLY showed up towards the end of the season, I was hoping for more. There seemed to be more clutch drops than catches early on and he was quite injury prone. Yes he played in 14 games but had a late start due to missing some serious time in the preseason. Plus the dude only grabbed 1 TD. When we drafted him I expected him to be like Todd Heap, so far I have been disappointed. He looked to be very athletic in his Minnesota days and could clearly jump over any linebacker in his path. Speaking of hurdling defenders, the early surprise of the season was Flacco's fellow Blue Hen Nick Boyle. I need to see him compete in a season where he isn't on PEDs before I claim that he is as good as he looked during this season. Until then, I can't remain Boyle Loyal. When he was suspended we turned to Dan Brown, who most people remember for his phantom offensive pass interference call. He was drafted as a wide receiver (as I have talked about before) and seems small to be a tight end. His hands were strong nevertheless but other than Boyle I'm not confident in any of their abilities in blocking.

Let's take a look back in history. Remember the Patriots, before Aaron Hernandez started killing EVERYONE (please not me buddy I have a family) and the Pats leaned on him and Gronk? Remember how powerful that offense was? Sure you do, Brady had his best season since his knee injury with those two as his security blanket. Who has Flacco palled around with in previous seasons enough to make his wife jealous? Why his tight end of course!

I know, phrasing. Anyway more strong tight end play isn't a bad thing. Having multiple tight ends who can perform at a top level would be ideal. Gillmore (although he was injured) had a strong season having more yards and TDs than any of his counterparts. Honestly how much could we get for an injury prone TE who had less than 500 yards anyway?

That being said I feel like it would be crazy to trade away a developed piece of our offense who was starting to build chemistry with Flacco the way that Dennis Pitta (who is clearly not walking through that door) used to. Now all we can do as fans is watch and wait. Watch our rivals in the postseason and pay wayyyyyyyyyy too much attention to Mel Kiper Jr.