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.
Before any of you try to give me a hard time about not hating in a long time think about this. How hard is it to hate on anyone when you are trying SO hard to figure out what you like about your crapfest of a team? I have an answer for you, pretty damn hard. Now I could easily have complained about the Rams, Dolphins or this week's fabulous opponent the Chiefs but no. I can't do it. Baltimore won't let me.
It has come to my attention that because we are terrible many "fans" have decided to tune out, not giving one iota about this team. That to me is a problem. If you are a "fan" I believe you stick through thick and thin. This season is pretty damn thin, Calista Flockhart thin. So I think some of us need to remember the reason why we should keep tuning in.
1) Duh, football season is only 4-5 months out of the year
The same people that are bitching that they won't watch Ravens games anymore this year, who have sold the remainder of their season tickets and who are probably communists (that last part may or may not be true) are going to be the same ones bitching there is no football until August come March. No one can have it both ways. I mean, do what most fans do. Bandwagon hop. Just stay the hell off social media ya poser! We know you haven't been a Panther fan since '99 and don't gimme that AFC/NFC team bullshit. I don't want to hear it. I'm just saying, want a better viewing experience? Watch anyone else in the division races UNLESS, they are in the NFC East.
2) Jarvaihudflkjahl Allen
Point being, stop trying to say his first name. You couldn't even say Ngata right commentators, you damn sure aren't saying Javorius correctly. Call him Buck, we in Baltimore are huge fans of Buck.
Shit, wrong one. Either way, we here are interested to see how both of them are going to do. Allen has shown that he can in fact be productive out of the backfield and possibly could give Forsett a run for the starting job. Taliaferro has been injury prone in his short career and it is clear (so far) that Allen is more dynamic out of the backfield as a receiver than he is. While Allen has yet to clear the 100 yard rushing mark he did drop a 100+ yards receiving against the Browns. Yes I know, they are terrible but he still did it! We need to figure out what we have back there because we really don't have any solid players at the running back position who have proven to be a dominant force for more than one season.
3) K.O. is LT
Okay, I promise not to bash Eugene Monroe too much in this section. I mean, if I do he might be out all of next season with damaged pride and low self esteem. Since coming to Baltimore, Monroe has been lackluster and injured. Not a good combination. Osemele, on the other hand, has been very productive as a guard and is going to be a free agent in the offseason. With the Ravens extending Yanda they can't put all that money towards the guard position. However, if Osemele dominates as a left tackle they can make it rain in his general direction. They threw him right into the wolves this past week with Seattle and it isn't like its going to get better moving forward. Chiefs, Steelers and Bengals all have an impressive pass rush that should really test whether or not Osemele can achieve man among bitches status. For our sake, let's hope he does.
4) Flaccups?
Honestly, this hurts to watch on Sunday. However, as fans we have to wonder who will be there to backup Flacco if this knee injury prolongs the start to his 2016 season. Add to the equation massive whiny pants Ryan Mallett who has led the league in complaining (a technique he learned in New England I'm sure) this season. Both Schaub and Claussen have been seen taking reps with the first team this week but you have to figure that these last few weeks will decide who will still be on the roster next season. From what I have seen (Mallett isn't even in the conversation) Schaub hasn't played himself out of the job if he in fact wants it next year. Claussen managed to not completely ruin the game until the second half when he realized, "Shit, I'm Jimmy Claussen! I have only won 1 NFL game in my career and this defense is hard. Sherman looks like he wants the ball, I'll throw to him!'
That being said expect either Schaub or Mallett to start the final two games. It all depends on how Harbs(or his QB) is feeling.
5) Would a real Wide Receiver Please Stand Up?!?
Honestly there are only a couple of names that stand out from our receiving core. One of them is technically a tight end. Kamar Aiken has been improving over the past few weeks and Dan Brown(as the last man standing in a decimated tight end depth chart) has been very impressive. If there is one thing this team can clearly do, it's seeing talent and developing that talent in tight ends. Makes sense with Ozzie at the helm. Amusingly enough Brown was cut from the practice squad the day after Thanksgiving(as a wide receiver). Only to be signed after sooooooooooooooooo many injuries. With that out there we really need to see what guys like Jeremy Butler, Chris Givens and Kaelin Clay. Clay has been impressive in the return game but hasn't done much else. Butler has been more involved the past two weeks so we shall see. All in all as fans and analysts alike, we need to keep an eye on this for the future,
If there is one thing that has been proven this season is that this team lacks depth. Anywhere. More than anything the remainder of this season is about improving that depth. Not only in our roster but our sanity as fans. So cheer up Baltimore, it's only going to be one down year. Right? RIGHT?!?!
Well folks it's Halloween week, fellow Purple Reign writer Ashley Anderson and I were having this recent interaction...
"With the upcoming doom of our season, I almost forgot that Halloween is Saturday. It got me thinking about some of the scariest and most intimidating Ravens of all time," I said.
"Yes, Brandan, this has certainly been a haunted season in Baltimore, but we should focus on the bright side. There have been a number of terrifying guys donning purple and black throughout the years, and luckily they were only out to frighten opponents," she said.
What followed were numerous emails back and forth regarding who in Ravens history were some of the most intimidating, fear inducing, baddest mofos to ever wear the purple and black. It was by far the most productive lunch hour I have ever had. So without further adieu, let’s take a look at the top five scariest Ravens who were sure to cause nightmares for the rest of the league.
5. Tony "Goose" Siragusa
Ashley's Take - You wouldn’t think Siragusa was all that intimidating, but you would be wrong. During his five seasons in Baltimore, Goose was a beast at the defensive tackle position. He only recorded 5.5 sacks as a Raven, but he frequently gobbled up double teams to spring other defenders free. Standing in at 6’4,” 340 pounds, his size alone caused opponents to wither in fear, and he played with an arrogance that made him all the more intimidating.
Brandan's take - This is the one I had to make sure was on the list! Sure Goose was a maniac on the field but think of the fear he imposed during training camp on not only the rookies but the veterans as well. His pranks were legendary and part of the reason Hard Knocks had to start in Baltimore. Without Goose, Ray Lewis wouldn't have been the dominant force he was that season and he sure plugged the whole with the best of them. I mean, the defense was arguably the best ever. The best thing is, when the battle was over, he probably would make you some delicious ribs to help you heal from his hits. Rich Gannon still feels that hit that knocked him out back in 2000.
4. Jonathan Ogden
Ashley's Take - J.O. was the Ravens’ first draft pick when the franchise came to Baltimore in 1996. A monster of a man at a massive 6’9,” 345 pounds, Ogden stonewalled opponents on the blindside. A nightmare for defensive coordinators, he was nearly impossible to beat, leading to his election in the Hall of Fame.
Brandan's Take - One of the greatest left tackles to ever play the game, all Ozzie Newsome did in 1996 was draft hall of famers in the first round. J.O. turned most pass rushers into babies when they attempted to get after the slew of QBs we had. Only a few pass rushers had his number, very few.
3. Terrell Suggs
Ashley's take - When quarterbacks look across the line of scrimmage to see Sizzle waiting on the other side, it tends to strike fear in their hearts. Over the course of his career, Suggs has amassed a staggering 106.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 27 forced fumbles. Long after Ben Roethlisberger retires, he will still see Suggs in his dreams and find himself waking up in a cold sweat. Happy haunting, Ben!
Brandan's take - First and foremost, IT'S THE SUGGERNAUT! Along with his fantastic numbers, Suggs is by far the greatest trash talker in Ravens history. Look it up. I'll wait. Here, I'll help you out. "His (Big Ben's) soul may belong to God, but his ass belongs to me." That will haunt you in your sleep. If you have a few years you could read up on all his hate towards Tom "Big Baby" Brady. By far the best pass rusher in franchise history.
2. Ed Reed
Ashley's Take - Few defenders can get into an opponent’s head like Ed Reed could. His presence in the secondary was extremely unnerving, and he would make QBs pay for throwing the ball in his direction. Like a killer stalking his prey, Reed would swoop in from out of nowhere to intercept passes, taking many of them back for touchdowns. With Hannibal Lecter-like mind games, Reed seemed to always manipulate opponents into making deadly mistakes.
Brandan's Take - He did enjoy his interceptions with some fava beans and a nice chiante. The best part about him was his play making ability. It caused numerous opposing coaches to have Freddy Krueger-esque nightmares about having to face Reed week to week. Special teams? No problem, just blocking punts and taking it to the house. Defense? Child please, interceptions and taking it to the house. No matter what, he always wanted the defense to score, his laterals were some of the most terrifying things to Raven fans.
1. Ray Lewis
Ashley's take - As the face of the franchise, there was no one more intimidating than Ray Lewis. He delivered not just powerful, motivating speeches, but also crushing tackles. Always the first person to bounce off the ground, Lewis made it his business to punish anyone who crossed his path. A run-in with Lewis surely meant an ice bath after the game.
Brandan's take - Ray Lewis single handedly ruined Eddie George's career. Kids, back when you used to be able to lay down crushing blows onto an opponent, Ray was a master at the task. It's what earned him being the 7th most feared tackler in NFL history. I won't let my or Ashley's words describe how bone crushing his tackles were. Just check out his hit list.
I feel like we are missing some people, we just couldn't leave a few people out.
Honorable mention: Steve Smith Sr.
Ashley's take - Though his career with the Ravens won’t be as long as the guys who made the list, Smith has been a force to be reckoned with in Baltimore. From his trash talking to his unmatched toughness, Smith embodies what it means to be a scary competitor. Every time he takes the field, he is looking to leave blood and guts in his wake. In his final season, he is sure to destroy all of his opponents.
Brandan's take - This is the main reason I tune in for a Ravens game these days. His trash talk is up there with Suggs and just so quotable you can't help but love the guy on your team. He will ride with you, he will die with you and if you cross him, he will punish you. I'm pretty sure he's gonna get fined for whatever he does to Lawrence Timmons for messing up his back.
Less-Than-Honorable Mention: Ray Rice in an elevator
Ashley's Take– Too soon? I think not. Like meeting up with your worst enemy in a back alley, no one wants to ride an elevator with Ray Rice.
Brandan's Take - It's never too soon. I'm not scared at all of him on the field. Hell we could give it to him 4 times and not get a first down. Thanks Ray! No I will NOT get on that elevator with you sir. Stop it!
How Could We Forget?: Michael Jackson
Ashley's Take – In true Halloween spirit, we’ve gotta give a shout-out to Baltimore’s own MJ. He may not have lived at the Neverland Ranch, but he could sometimes be a Thriller.
It is pretty easy to hate this team. Unlike the Raiders (even though they have looked surprisingly not terrible) the Browns are a division rival of a town our team "migrated" from. While I do utterly enjoy their awful ability (most of the time) to play the game of football, there are times where they do surprise us. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me hate them any less.
1) They act like Art Modell was Robert Irsay
First of all, shut up. Second of all, shut up. I mean, the man moved a team with plenty of notice and let the city keep the history. Sure, I know it sucks that the team left. Let's be real, if they stayed in Cleveland they weren't going to win the Super Bowl like the Ravens did. Unless this is an alternate universe and your team was actually good. It has gotten to the point where a fan went to his grave and relieved himself on it. I mean, that is class with a capital GFY. Kids tell your parents to google that one. Anyway, Modell and Irsay aren't in the same conversation. When a man leaves you in the middle of the night with no notice and runs off with a franchise you call me you whiny losers!
Wait don't, I don't think I have enough anytime minutes.
2) Viewing Johnny Manziel like the team drafted the G.O.A.T.
Watching this poor over privileged kid suffer his bumps and bruises is very amusing. Mostly because it just means the Browns have no idea what to do. The thing that got me was ESPNs wall to wall coverage of the kid. WHY? I mean, let's just be honest with ourselves. I am! I know that Ozzie Newsome can't draft a top tier wideout. Everything else, sure. The modern day Browns CAN'T draft and develop a quarterback. Let's look at your craptacular history with the second coming. Just since 2009 you have had 12 quarterbacks start, (22 since you reentered the league in 1999). You have ruined the lives of Brady Quinn, Tim Couch, Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy just to name a few. Do yourself a favor and pick up from the trash heap of the rest of the league and leave the drafting of QBs to the professionals. Morons!
3) They think they are going to the playoffs every year
I'm all for supporting your team. We had lovable losers for 14 straight seasons over at Camden Yards. We accepted their inability to win until they actually were playing well IN THE END OF THE SEASON! I don't care if your P.O.S. team is playing well up until week 4. They more than likely have a new coach who hasn't proven squat and neither has upper management. When they still matter in week 10, fine. When I see their fans going ape after 4 weeks of the season and they are miraculously in first (obviously not this year but for example, 2013 when the Steelers were 0-4). Easy Romeo. You're team isn't consistent enough to brag at all. Let nature take it's course and have the season smash their head with a rock.
4) The Dog...Dawg...Duhog...whatever pound
Look, I don't get it. I don't understand the association with dogs and your team. It makes no damn sense. Most of you are wearing those stupid, glum dog masks. What's your deal? Ugly face? Big Arsenio Hall fan? Not wanting to be seen at a Browns game perhaps? Either way, I'm going to need you to give me a history lesson to tie the two together. Wait, scratch that, I don't care. Enjoy watching hot garbage on the field loser.
5) Cleveland does NOT in fact, rock
I've never been to Cleveland but I hear it's pretty awful there. Oooooo the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame....and we're done sight seeing. I mean, you can try and blame Lebron leaving on effecting the downtown area but he's back now so you can't blame Lebron for anything....can you? Your best known for being utter failures so if you could just keep doing that that would be great. Stay crappy Cleveland!
Man, the hate is strong. That wraps up this edition. Think I took it easy on them? Feel free to jump in the comments with your suggestions for more hate towards Cleveland. It's so easy, even a caveman could do it.
I feel like I have seen that game before. Back and forth, being on the losing end of yet another low time amount TD to AJ Green. It's getting old boys! We still believe! Well some of us do, some of us go on talk radio and lose our mind! The one thing that never gets old, hating on the Steelers. Now I have had some posts where it was hard to come up with five things. For this, you mean I only need five?
1) Why oh why did they have to be so good in the 70s
credit: Amazon
This one is personal. My wife grew up around the time of Terry Bradshaw and the steel curtain battling it out with the Cowboys (her dad's team). While I thank the football God's she isn't a damn Boys fan I have to remember that she is a hated rivals fan. Now I have to go through life getting asked stupid questions like, "How did this happen?" Or hearing fun things directed towards her like, "go home bitch!,"or, "I knew there was a reason I liked your wife." Guess which fan says what in those previous interactions. If they could have just sucked like they did in the 3 decades prior that would have been fantastic. Alas, they didn't, so I have to stare at a black and white framed photo of Bradshaw on my wife's nightstand. Three pictures on that damn thing, Bradshaw, our daughter and our first dog. Notice there was no mention of me in there. DAAAAAAAAAAAAMN YOOOOOOOOOOOOOU BRAAAAAAAAAADSHAAAAAAW!
Eh, I got the wedding photo over the bed. Suck it Bradshaw!
2) Wishy Washy Fan Reactions to Michael Vick
credit: NFL Memes
Some fans, could care less. "He served his time blah blah blah here we go blah blah black and yellow blah blah terrible towel blah blah QUEST FOR 7 blah blah." I know, I know....Ray Rice. I heard it already! Am I condoning what either of them did? No. Did I support Rice when it all went down? No. However, your new backup served time for running a dog fighting ring where multiple dogs were killed and mistreated. My guy punched his future wife. Just sayin'. Your QBs tend to make poor decisions. Hoping for more from Vick on Thursday.
I personally enjoy talking to the ones who hate the move...like the wife. "I...can't believe they signed him. I'm embarrassed. I don't know if I can support them." Did I mention the dog photo on the nightstand over me? Okay, now that we're clear...
3) Hines Ward's face
credit: steelers.com
That smile probably means he just legally blind side blocked the hell out of somebody and gave them a concussion. Ward has the same effect as Derek Jeter had/has on me. I hate/respect him. Ward was a warrior and one of the reasons that the Steeler/Raven rivalry is so great today. Would I have taken him on my team? Oh hell yeah. Would I have enjoyed seeing him fall through the ground in The Dark Knight Rises? Bane is an ass hat for NOT doing that. Did I enjoy seeing him get blown away in The Walking Dead? I would have, if he would have been on screen for more than 10 seconds. I do take some pleasure knowing he had to sit through all the time of having the makeup put on for only a few seconds of work...however, still awesome to have been on the show. DAMN YOU WARD! EVEN IN RETIREMENT WE STILL HATE YOU! Admit it, you know you boo when NBC is in town and he shows up. He feeds off those like a warlock feeds off tears.
credit: examiner.com
4) Joey Porter is still a douche
I have hated this guy for as long as I can remember. It pains me to still see him on the damn sideline. I mostly hate him for one play in particular. Way back in my drunken youth (2004) we were playing the Steelers here at the big crab cake. Todd Heeeeeeeeeeeeap (yeah we started that before your little Heeeeeeeeeeeath chant d-bags) came back from a play and was limping badly. He had, what looked like, hurt his ankle on the play and the Ravens were rushing to the line to spike the ball to stop the clock. Porter, in his infinite wisdom, pushed Heap to the ground as Boller spiked the ball. Porter denied it as a cheap shot and said Heap could have been faking and that this is just football. After that moment I busted my roommates chops and called my friend (and future wife) to call her player an a$$hole. They both gave the same defense.
Probably cause they were butthurt to have lost to a Kyle Boller led Ravens team, 30-13. I don't blame you, if I lost to a pile of garbage in a game of Madden I'd be pissed to.
5) There is no arguing with SOME of their fans
Now, some of them do actually have some damn sense. Just like some Ravens fans(stop stereotyping us Steeler fan). True football heads are hard to come by but when you can have an educated conversation with a rival fan without ever hearing the phrase, "WE HAVE 6!," or "QUEST FOR 7!" It's a beautiful thing. Like seeing a rainbow, finding the pot of gold at the end of said rainbow and enjoying an ice cold one as you swim around your new riches. However with Steeler fans it's like seeing a freaking unicorn. It never happens. Most keep that stupid title comment in their back pocket along with "hate us cause they ain't us" which is just a totally overused phrase that needs to just die. The people that use that phrase are usually the ones that try to bet on games with you before you even know who is going to be on the team. Listen here Mitch, can we get to March before you want me to drop a 50 spot on the game? K! Thaaaaaaaaanks.
I am shocked that took more than 10 minutes to type up! I'm disappointed, that I didn't have more hate! The thing is with this team, we all have plenty. While I haven't been to a Ravens Steelers game in nearly a decade I can honestly say that those were the most intense games I went to. I saw more fights pregame than anyone can imagine and would almost bet to see more at the game were I there on Thursday. Hopefully the Ravens put up a good showing cause you know with Vick out there its going to be a dog fight. Waka waka kids!
Please stand up, please stand up. We're a contender so don't be a pretender and won't the real contender please stand up, please stand up, please stand up. Will Smith doesn't have to cuss in his blogs to get views, oh yeah well...
Well before I go all Marshall Mathers, this question is asked every season by the true contenders for a division. The Broncos faithful have to wonder if the Chiefs or Chargers are going to matter. The Colts have to hope for four more years of sucking for the Texans and Titans. The Patriots have, uh, the Patriots have, uhm, OH WAIT I GOT IT! The Patriots have to figure out how to make the NFL look like a bunch of morons each season and whether or not someone in their division might get out of mediocrity. While us in purple country, MD wonder who is going to be a bigger thorn in our side. The Steelers or Bengals.
If we all want to believe Sports Illustrated's Peter King who recently said we could go to the Super Bowl this season with the only thing being in our way....the Cincinnati Bengals. Citing that they have won 4 out of the last 5 meetings between us. That lone victory was the insane overtime home game where AJ Green caught that TD pass to tie the game off of a deflection from Ihedigbo. I had a Bengal fan drop this gem on me, "Andy Dalton (regular season version) always seems to be the Red Rifle against you, (terrible) against most everyone else." Easy bro, Dalton hasn't exactly been precise in our meetings. Surprisingly productive in crunch time yes but his TD-INT is terrible. He has 7(passing) TDs compared to 12 INTs. His QBR isn't that impressive either with only eclipsing a 90 rating twice (out of eight meetings). So while the Bengals fan may have said something silly, King points towards the Bengal defense as their reason for success. While our defense aged and hit kind of a rut, the Bengals have improved significantly on offense and defense over the past few years. Their D has held us to 18.8 points per game. Doesn't bode well for getting another important factor for success in the playoffs. King believes that for the Ravens to go to the promised land we need homefield advantage. I got to say, I 100% agree with that fact. The Harbaugh led Ravens are 45-11 at home and a measly 27-29 on the road during the regular season. Would you rather enjoy playing in the nest in downtown Baltimore for the AFC championship or freezing your nether regions off in Denver/New England?
That being said, let's look at who is actually playing New England on Thursday night. The Steelers will be opening the season against the reigning champs from New England where there are probably going to be a total of 90 points put up. The Steelers, like us, have had a severe change in their lineup over the past few years during our rivalry, arguably the best one in the sport. Their defense is just straight doo doo. While we (surprisingly) finished in the top 10 last year, Pittsburgh fell down into 18th. Not terrible but also not the Steeler football that we are used to seeing. On the flip side of that, they were the second in the league in both total offense (a mere .3 yards behind the Saints) and passing (behind Indy by 69 yards). The killer B's (Big Ben, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown) all
The Killer B's
Photo Credit: Bleacher Report
have something to do with that. Brown and Bell are arguably the best at their position. Ben is the best QB in the division, ouch that hurt to type. Anyway the man is more than likely going to post a 5,000 yard season this year especially with Bell out the first two games of the year while going against okay pass defenses. New England doesn't really have a shut down corner(and Ben has done well before since Belichick hasn't figured him out). San Francisco may have one, in the year 2020. So he might legitimately have nearly 1,000 yards by the end of week 2. No Bell means little to no run game (sorry DeAngelo Williams) and even though the team is without their deep threat in Bryant they still have a bevy of other weapons they can use. The cupboard isn't bare in Pittsburgh. What does this have to do with the Ravens you say? Well in all honesty, as far as the season series goes we can usually pencil whip a 1-1 split between the teams. Most times they will be close, someone may die/get severely injured and we are going to have one of a battle with some jerkwad on social media about something Suggs does. Happens every time. The thing is, Pittsburgh always plays well later in the season, you know when the season is on the line, and we do get to play them in a part of their schedule that they are usually in a groove.
In all honesty there is a wrong answer here. That answer is what King said. I don't see how, with the chip on our shoulder from last year, we don't march all over Cincy when we play them in week 3. Harbs seems to be quite pissy lately when the team isn't performing up to par and I don't see them doing that again against the Bengals. Hell, by week 17 they could be out of the playoff picture. They have a tougher (first place) schedule, an aging oft injured defense, their star player is coming back from several injuries from just a season ago (A.J. Green) and a QB who (most of the time) chokes under pressure. I hate/respect Big Ben. If we aren't up by 9 or more against the Steelers with more than :35 on the clock I'm nervous. If anyone says other wise they are lying more than Tom Brady in court.
All in all I expect this year to be a down year for the Bengals and Coach Lewis to finally be cut loose. The Steelers, whether we like them or not, get the Ravens to play their best football. Even in the Boller years (ugh) we always got amped up to beat/play them. Plus that high powered offense utterly destroyed us last season and considering our lack of depth in the secondary it could happen again. Look for the Ravens and Steelers to be going blow for blow all season.
I know, I know. The Browns are awful! Why would anyone waste any portion of their life previewing a team that is more than likely going to finish last in the division, of which they MIGHT win 2 games in said division? Well for starters, it allows the writer to mock a crappy team and laugh at what poor soul decided being on the Browns was a good career move in the offseason. "I'm gonna go to the Super Bowl!," said no Browns QB ever.
Key Departure
Josh Gordon and Johnny Football's substance abuse problems? Well yes and no. In all seriousness the team lost a key piece to their offense when Jordan Cameron (not to be confused with Cameron Jordan) took his talents to South Beach to catch passes from Ryan Tannehill. Cameron's biggest issue was staying on the field in 2014 but it is hard to deny that he, at one time, was a dominant force in this offense. A piece defensive coordinators had to focus on and figure out how to eliminate him from their game plan. Add to that Gordon is serving a one year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy which unfortunately takes out two cogs in the offense.
Without Gordon and Cameron the Browns will rely heavily on Andrew Hawkins, somewhere over the Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline and Gary Barnidge. Gary who? Gary "never had more than 13 receptions in a season, God I hope we have a good running game this year, is it January yet?"
Also, Brian Hoyer is gone. We knew that was going to happen when the team drafted Manziel.
What about the draft?
The Browns may not have made too many free agent splashes however they did have 12 draft picks this year. Before we go too crazy let's remember that there are 7 rounds to the draft and this team had 5 of those 12 picks in the 6th and 7th. However, that allowed them to add some young depth to their squad. Starting with their piss poor defensive line from a year ago that EVERYONE ran on, they went with a plug up the middle in DT Danny Shelton who adds depth to a line that lost a man to free agency and has another (Phil Taylor) returning from injury AND playing in a contract year, going young is a good move. Also in the first round they added depth to their offensive line (also piss poor) by adding Cameron Erving. It will solidify the right side of the Browns line as well as add much needed depth. Which is basically what the team did with the rest of the draft. Why in the hell this team drafted yet another running back (who fantasy types like myself are just hoping bursts through) I have no idea. For some reason this team took a flyer on Duke Johnson in the third round. Adding him to an already crowded backfield makes little sense but when do the Browns honestly make sense.
Did they pick up anybody?
Well I kind of spoiled it above discussing who was in the receiving core. The team acquired oldie but goodie Brian Hartline and younger unproven Dwayne Bowe. The biggest acquisition was the person throwing these two guys the ball. Josh McCown is in town, throwing balls around, not very sound and probably gonna go down....a lot. I don't really see this is much of an improvement at the position with Hoyer's departure. McCown is more of a veteran but he is still not throwing balls to the likes of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey in Cleveland like he was when he was successful in Chicago. All in all this feels like a lateral move to McCown who is just a place holder until Manziel is ready to have another go at starting. I'm guessing by midseason it will be Johnny Football time.
Prediction
It's not hard to predict where these cellar dwellers will finish. They occasionally shock a division opponent and luck out playing the Raiders (who will probably beat them). Having a completely new offense as far as receivers go doesn't bode well along with a brand spanking new quarterback who is unproven without having superstar receivers to back him up. Their first four games are a complete tossup. They honestly could win all of the games (@Jets, Titans, Raiders & @Chargers) but after the division play starts. The NFC West starts and the good teams in the AFC West start. They go to Seattle and KC (losses no doubt) towards the end of the season. You know, to solidify their draft spot. It's going to be a long season for these guys. The defense may surprise some folks and if their offense can keep pace they are going to surprise some teams. Not enough to matter in the thick of things.
4-12, Last place, 2nd worst record in football
So that covers the division. Now we are ready for some FOOTBALL! Well after this last week of preseason that is. Let's just hope all teams get through this last game with the least amount of injuries, for fantasy purposes of course.
So let me get this straight. The Steeler's open the season with the Hall of Fame game and also open the regular season against what will probably be the Brady-less (waaa waa Pats fans) Patriots squad. Interesting. In all honesty I missed the game this past Thursday. Starters barely play in the first game and fans barely get a chance to see new players in action. Even realize the team has new players. I didn't get to hear the wife say,"Oh crap! He's a damn Steeler now?." Well now you(and she) will know.
Key Departure
This is a no brainer. It is a sad day when a future hall of famer leaves a team and the Steelers losing Troy Polamalu to retirement is disappointing. Ravens fans and Steeler fans alike loved arguing who was better between he and Ed Reed. Polamalu may have not been the same player in recent years but his presence definitely mattered in a young Steeler locker room. He was the quiet warrior and I for one am sad to see him go. Just like Hines Ward (who we all STILL hate respect) he was part of a beautiful disaster that was our rivalry with this team. I'm not going to miss him causing Flacco headaches near our own goal line (yes Steeler fan we remember that play) nor will I miss him terrorizing our entire backfield. In other words, respect!
Shamarko Thomas is stepping into the unfillable shoes of a legend.
Update: A few days after writing this article Martavis Bryant was handed a four game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Apparently, he couldn't stay out of Le'Veon Bell's stash. Anyway his suspension hurts the offense across the board(not JUST the fantasy board). An offense that will already be missing Bell for two of those games. Markus Wheaton is going to have to step up with those two key pieces missing on offense.
What about the draft?
While every one of their fans will argue, you know they were looking for the heir apparent to Heath Miller and we snagged Maxx Williams before they could. However they still had a successful draft grabbing some depth for their linebacking core and defensive backs. They grabbed a pass rushing LB (Alvin Dupree, Kentucky) something this team has been missing since James Harrison left. Yes I know he came back and did his thing for a few games but they need it on a more consistent basis. When he was in the backfield that is when this team was dominant on the defensive side of the ball. As we all know, their pass defense was terrible last season. Almost as bad as the Ravens (which was pretty terrible). They went with a corner in the second round(Senquez Golson, Ole Miss) who was known in his college years as a ballhawk (he had 10 INTs last season at Ole Miss). In all honesty I always try to keep an eye on the receivers this team drafts. Lately they have been hitting homeruns with their later round receiver picks. This year's diamond in the rough could be Sammie Coates out of Auburn. While he did have a case of the drops he also had a case of averaging over 20 yards a reception in the SEC last season.
Did they pick up anybody?
In a word...yes! The biggest knock on the Steelers last year was how one dimensional they became without Le'Veon Bell on the field. That all should change with a significant upgrade in his backup. Deangelo Williams will be spelling Bell this season and more than likely starting in his place for a the first two games while he serves his suspension. Williams is not the runner he once was but he is still a dangerous back when healthy. He certainly isn't Bell but he can at least be dangerous as a runner which this team was missing last season when Bell wasn't out there.
Update: While I still believe Williams to be the most significant pickup of the offseason for the Steelers, the team has signed veteran dog kill...er quarterback Michael Vick as a backup. Will Vick even see the field this season? Probably not. We all know that it literally takes a motorcycle accident for Big Ben to miss any significant amount of time. However, I can assure you that some Steeler fans (ie, the wife) were/are not too happy to see him on the team. Then again my wife likes dogs more than people.
Prediction
This really isn't prediction as much as it is a fact. This is a contending team for the division and possibly the AFC. They are year in and year out and that is mostly due to their franchise QB. There will be a battle between them and the Ravens for the AFC North which fortunately we play towards the end of the season (in week 16). However, this is during a 5 game stretch towards the end of the season where they have a quite a meaty sandwich with Browns bread. After their first game with the Browns in week 10 they get to rest up for a brutal stretch that includes @Seattle, Colts, @Cincinnati, Broncos and @Ravens before closing the season out against the Browns. This team is usually one who has started to pick up steam towards the end of the season but this one could fare differently because of that rough stretch. Yes, they are going to play the Pats without Brady more than likely in week one. Who cares? They still have to win the game without arguably their best player in Bell. So quit complaining Ravens fans, this is why they hate us. Not cause they ain't us. However if Janeane Garofalo or whatever that kids name is beats them (shut up I know his name is Jimmy Garoppolo) I will be the first to laugh at the wife until we play on Sunday against the Broncos.
10-6, wild card/possible division crown
There you have it, the division is wrapped up. Should make for an interesting football season. Remember kiddies, only a couple more sleeps until the beginning of the season!
The 2014 receiving core definitely had its ups and downs this season. Looking forward into next season it is hard to say if we will recognize half of the starters. There could be a major overhaul resulting in half of the squad changing going into next season. Last season the Ravens had six members of their depth chart belonging to receivers.
2014 Receiver Depth Chart
WR1- Steve Smith Sr.
WR2 - Torrey Smith
WR3- Marlon Brown
WR4 - Kamar Aiken
WR5 - Jacoby Jones
WR6 - Michael Campanaro
2014 Recap
Gary Kubiak took over a subpar offense and hoped to improve the production of Joe Flacco. The main protagonists in his tale were Steve and Torrey Smith. Each had their own successes in Kubiak's offense which favors the WR1 which in this case was Steve. Torrey had a massive drop in yardage but nearly led the league with his 11 TDs. The offense improved from the year prior in the passing game jumping from an NFL rank of 18th in 2013 to 13th in 2014. The biggest issue was the inconsistencies from the third and fourth receivers. Jones started the season higher on the depth chart but had a few drops to start the season thus losing his spot to Brown and Aiken. The lack in production outside of the Smiths goes back to what plagued this team all year, injuries. Brown, Aiken and Campanaro all missed time with injuries. Campanaro missed the most time, shining in the Tampa Bay game before injuring his hamstring and missing most of the season.
2015 Outlook
WR1 - Steve Smith Sr.- Ozzie basically has told him, after Steve initially said he was ready to come back, to take some time to reflect on whether he wants to honestly come back. All signs are pointing to him returning for his 15th season but can his old body take another season? After all the talk at the beginning of last season of him setting a career mark(four out of first six games he had over 100 yards) he had a less than stellar second half. Only going over 100 yards once after week six. At least the once was the first round of the playoffs! I could see Smith having a similar start to next season but possibly seeing more of the younger guys step up later in the year.
WR2 - Torrey Smith - He has become one of the most talked about free agents from the team this year. Rampant debates among Ravens fans and the talking heads of local radio. Can he run crisp routes? Not really. Great hands? Average at best. However the guy still hustles and has barely missed any time. Local product out of Maryland who hasn't had any issues off the field, for the right price I would welcome him back. My gut tells me he is going to get offers from teams like Carolina, Oakland or possibly the Colts. Any of those teams have the cap space to make an offer to Torrey.
WR3 - Marlon Brown - Brown was a mystery last season. It is hard to figure what he will do in 2015. With or without Torrey's return I would guess that Brown will go back to being productive as he was in 2013. Trestman is used to having big targets at his disposal and Brown definitely fits that bill. All Brown has to do is stay healthy and stay in the good graces of Harbs.
WR4 - Kamar Aiken - Out of all of the returning talent he is the one I am most excited about. From the little we saw of him last year we did see that he has hands. His rookie campaign had flashes of greatness and I'm hoping to see more of that next season.
WR5 - Jacoby Jones - HE GONE! Look, I love Jacoby as much as the next Raven fan but his decline in the the return game and lack in ability to catch the ball make his departure that much easier to deal with.
WR6 - Michael Campanaro - The local boy out of Silver Spring, MD who people are hoping to be the next Wes Welker (sans the concussions) or Julian Edelman (sans the douchebaggery) out of the slot. Another case of, will he stay healthy enough in 2015 to show his potential? He and Aiken looked like the real deal against Tampa this season. Then again, so could anyone against them. Campanaro could have a break out year with a bulk of the return duties as well as working in the slot.
Competition from the Outside
First of all, if you think the Cowboys are going to let Dez Bryant out of Dallas you have clearly lost your mind. Stop calling radio stations with this notion crazy people! I expect the Ravens to either re-sign Torrey Smith or possibly upgrade if the financial numbers work. If we learned anything from this postseason it is that Green Bay could survive without Randall Cobb. Cobb will probably get a big pay day anywhere which normally eliminates the Ravens. There have also been some rumors that Brandon Marshall will follow his former head coach Marc Trestman to Baltimore. If he was a free agent I would be all for it but I personally don't like us giving up picks for possibilities. As great as Marshall is, he is coming off injury. Besides, this is a team that normally builds from the draft unfortunately with little success in the team's history. This year, there is a strong receiver class.
Draft Outlook
First and foremost, there is absolutely no damn way we are going to trade up for Kevin White! I don't care how great he looked in the season, how he dominated in pretend football during the combine or his ability to apparently walk on water. We aren't getting him. So all you Raven bloggers who keep posting "WRs to watch for in this years draft, Ravens edition" please stop. A more believable option if we do go for one on the first day is Jaelen Strong. 17 TDs and 2,287 yards in his collegiate career and a great showing at the combine (4.44 second 40 yard dash and an impressive 42 in vertical leap) make Strong a valid option to be a potential number one. I know me personally, I have leaped many a time, I don't think I have totaled 42 inches in my lifetime while leaping vertically. Not to mention he is a monster at 6'2" 217 lbs. I would suspect the Ravens to stay away from problem child Dorial Green-Beckham, that whole "marijuana" issue and "domestic violence" problem is something they are trying to clear their image of.
I would expect them to keep an eye on local prospect Stefon Diggs (Maryland) and not so local prospect Philip Dorsett in the later rounds to possibly fill the role of Jacoby Jones. Occasional receiver, return guy. Both were speedsters at the combine running sub 4.5 sec forties but Diggs definitely has the injury bug which could cause him to drop in the draft. Also keep an eye on Breshad Perriman out of UCF. The interesting fact on Perriman is the comparisons to a former UCF alum in Brandon Marshall. Minus the diva act and going nuts/punching through a TV that sounds great to me. The negative is that he would be a project, like Torrey Smith has been. Not crisp running routes but talented. I do expect the Ravens to probably grab three of four receivers either in the draft or post draft with undrafted free agents. They need at least a couple for the practice squad to fellas.
2015 Roster Predictions
WR1 - Steve Smith Sr.
WR2 - Jaelen Strong
WR3 - Marlon Brown
WR4 - Kamar Aiken
WR5 - Michael Campanero
WR6 - Stefon Diggs
I'm guessing two of our wide receivers will be picked up in the draft but it is possible that a veteran could be resigned (like Torrey Smith). Possibly a veteran could be picked up in free agency but the draft class is more populated with upside than the potential crapfest that is the NFL WR 2015 free agent class. Whoever is on the practice squad is going to be a late round or undrafted free agent. Not too much turnover but I can assure you that we will have at least one new face to look at in our wide receivers if not more.
