Sizing Up the Baltimore Ravens
Let’s take a break from the unfortunate week-that-was for the Orioles, shall we?
Instead let’s turn our attention to the Ravens and take a look at where they stand. Training camp is, after all, less than two months away (July 21).
Unless I’ve missed something, they’ve had a fairly quiet offseason. But a couple of issues have me thinking.
1. Backup QB
Is it John Beck or Troy Smith? And if it’s not Smith, is he pushed into Wildcat duty against his will?
Seems to me like Smith makes more sense, but what’s the point of bringing in Beck if he’s not going to get that job?
2. Starting RB
This is the storyline with the most explosive potential heading into camp. Everything I’ve heard suggests that Harbaugh and McGahee don’t see eye-to-eye, and Coach recently went on record as saying that Ray Rice can be an every down back. I don’t see this ending well. For McGahee, anyway.
All in all, though, here’s what I see from the team so far: a calm, professional offseason. Workmanlike, minimal drama. Seems like that bodes well as they prepare to lay the foundation for another run.
Thoughts on the Ravens offseason so far?
(photo via)
The interesting thing to me regarding the backup QB spot is that if Beck wins it, they can’t play Troy Smith as the wildcat QB unless they use an active roster spot for him. Usually the third string QB is just an emergency QB, and can’t enter the game unless both QBs are hurt (or something like in the last 5 minutes – not exactly sure). Last year we also had issues in the depth of our corners because we carried two kickers and lost a roster spot there. I’m betting they won’t want to lose that spot.
For the RBs, I was pretty surprised they didn’t bring back Neal and seem to be putting McClain back at FB. We still should have a very strong running game, though with a strong O-Line, Rice in his second year and healthy, and (if healthy AND motivated – big if) a very good RB in McGahee. We could always still sign another FB, we got Neal real late last year.
These problems are so much better than the usual who is going to be our quarterback and do we have enough of a line to protect him.
In theory they could dress Smith as a WR and then use him all over the field. After all, it’s not as if they have a ton of depth at that position to begin with. The biggest issue there is that I don’t think Smith wants any part of it.
I just saw a rumor on the Ravens Insider blog that Brandon Marshall of the Broncos might get acquired by the Ravens. This would be a GREAT pickup by the Ravens. Marshall is a true vertical threat – I could see our offense resembling the ’07 Patriots in scheme (if not potency) if Marshall ends up here. We’d have the parts: a true deep threat (Marshall / Moss), a dependable possession guy (Mason / Welker) and an athletic, inconsistent third option (Clayton / Stallworth). Can Flacco play as efficiently as Brady? Who knows.
This is the first exciting news I’ve heard all offseason.
I think comparisons to the Pats are premature, but there’s no doubt that getting Marshall would be a fantastic move. A guy like that is the missing piece on paper, meaning the Ravens would enter this season with a full complement of weapons. Not sure that’s ever been the case before.
Premature? WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?!!!!!
Marshall = BAGGAGE.
There’s no way Harbaugh wants this guy on his team, in my opinion.