6 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baltimore Sun / Matt Vensel: Q&A with Chris Worthington
http://www.baltimore...0,2087498.story

[DanBryden]

A couple things to add to a solid core of answers:

1) I expect to see Upshaw on the edge opposite of Suggs for clear running downs as Upshaw excels in run defense but hasn't quite shown a consistent pass rush. That leaves Dumervil to play 3rd and obvious passing downs to get after the QB.

2) Getting Webb back is being severely underestimated IMO. The ravens have effectively picked up one of the best cover corners in the game (not to mention an aggressive blitzer and run stopper) for no extra cap hit.

3) We've seen tall, quick, and somewhat awkward TEs (Heap) used as a flexible and primary part of the offense in the past. I think Pitta can be an effective replacement for Boldin's vertical strengths and represent the Ravens flex TE that seems to be a popular piece in many successful offenses these days.

5) Linebacker (especially inside/middle linebackers) used to be a huge part to build a defense around (Ray, Urlacher, Zach Thomas). That isn't the case any longer. Inside linebackers can be two-down players these days who can be replaced by pass rushers or defensive backs on passing downs. Run stuffing inside linebackers should be a low priority. Agile linebackers who can cover can be more helpful but this position is turning into a safety/linebacker hybrid.

[Mackus]

2) Getting Webb back is being severely underestimated IMO. The ravens have effectively picked up one of the best cover corners in the game (not to mention an aggressive blitzer and run stopper) for no extra cap hit.

I agree that Webb is a stud when healthy, a top-5 corner IMO.

My concern for next year is exactly how healthy will he be coming back from the injury. If you remember his 2nd season, he struggled coming back from when he tore up his other knee (forget which knee was which time) and didn't have a strong season after having a very promising rookie campaign before getting hurt. He really didn't get back to being a major impact guy until the following season as I recall. No two injuries are the same, even to the same guy, so maybe he'll be closer to 100% this time around, but I think it may be a bit optimistic to be expecting him to be the guy he was the last year and a half prior to his injury right out of the gate next season.

[BSLMattJergensen]

I agree that Webb is a stud when healthy, a top-5 corner IMO.

My concern for next year is exactly how healthy will he be coming back from the injury. If you remember his 2nd season, he struggled coming back from when he tore up his other knee (forget which knee was which time) and didn't have a strong season after having a very promising rookie campaign before getting hurt. He really didn't get back to being a major impact guy until the following season as I recall. No two injuries are the same, even to the same guy, so maybe he'll be closer to 100% this time around, but I think it may be a bit optimistic to be expecting him to be the guy he was the last year and a half prior to his injury right out of the gate next season.

Same concerns here. I've heard some loose talk of moving Webb to Safety, a position that he played in college. It may be better for him as it limits his one on one opportunities as he gets back to playing full-time. Then again he's also playing Tight Ends who are bigger and stronger than most wideouts he'd cover.

It will all depend on how he responds in camp I guess.

[Mike in STL]

Great stuff Chris. I meant to leave you some feedback this morning, but I've been in and out of the doctors all day. I agree with all of your points. I've been saying the 4-3 defense could return with Ray Lewis out of the fold. Should they draft a younger faster MLB, that player can be given the room to run around in the 4-3, whereas an aging Lewis couldn't be expected to cover the field as the lone MLB like he used to.

Boldin is the release that may have the most impact. Or the player we miss the most. But I remember saying the same thing when Heap was released. This will be one of those next hurdles that Joe Flacco will have to overcome. The games elite turn mediocre receivers into pro-bowlers. Not the other way around.Tom Brady and Peyton Manning could be given a receiving corps of rookies and still throw for 4,500 yards. It's looking like it'll be up to Flacco to turn Tandon Doss into a capable receiving option.

[ChrisWorthington]

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it. Hope it's nothing serious at the doctor. You're absolutely right--the offense is going to be on Joe's shoulders more than ever. Dan has a lot of faith that Pitta can replace Boldin. I feel that he can do that to an extent. I hope that Doss can turn into a serious threat and doesn't drop as many passes. The organization seems to have a lot of faith in him.

Mackus and Matt--obviously we're all hoping Webb comes back 100%. Interesting point about him moving to safety, though. I'd still prefer to see him play our slot corner, obviously, but I hadn't considered the safety move before.

[Mike in STL]

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate it. Hope it's nothing serious at the doctor. You're absolutely right--the offense is going to be on Joe's shoulders more than ever. Dan has a lot of faith that Pitta can replace Boldin. I feel that he can do that to an extent. I hope that Doss can turn into a serious threat and doesn't drop as many passes. The organization seems to have a lot of faith in him.

Thanks Chris, nothing serious. Kidney stones had me in serious pain.

Pitta could replace Boldin as he doesn't line up next to the tackle all the time. He'll go out into the slot or split wide sometimes. Pitta will likely be Flacco's favorite red zone target now. (Pitta = fantasy sleeper pick)

Doss had great hands in college. Joe Flacco hand picked him after a workout. I think his drops had a little to do with jitters being a playoff game and not getting much playing time all year and trying too hard. Give him ample playing time in the preseason, and see if those jitters go away.