Cameron is Back, Pees Promoted

January 27th, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in News, Opinions

With his team having come within seconds of the Super Bowl, Ravens coach John Harbaugh opted for continuity in securing two of his top assistants today, promoting linebackers coach Dean Pees to defensive coordinator and keeping Cam Cameron as his offensive coordinator.

I expected Pees to get the promotion due to his longstanding relationship with John Harbaugh and the fact that he has been a defensive coordinator before as a part of Bill Belicheck’s staff in New England. During Pees’ four-year tenure, the Patriots were the only team in the NFL to finish in the top 10 in scoring defense each season, allowing less than 20 points per game every year during that span.

Pees must step up and carry a proud tradition as he becomes the franchise’s fourth defensive coordinator in five seasons, two of which became Head Coaches.

The selection to retain Cameron has me torn. I think his time here has been fairly uneven, at times he’s shown brilliance while at others stubbornness. I realize that its hard to complain about an Offense that was seconds from a
Super Bowl and if not for a drop would have put up twenty seven points in a championship game.  Down the stretch Cameron seemed to finally understand the balance required to keep defenses honest while trying to get the ball in the hands of the team’s play-makers.

There was a rumor that the Ravens top brass was upset about Cameron calling Evans’ number instead of let’s say Anquan Boldin who was being covered by converted receiver Julian Edelman most of the game. If so it wasn’t enought to cost him his job.

Terms at this time were undisclosed as to the length and dollars involved.

So Ravens fans how do you feel about these moves?

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Flacco Proved Plenty

January 27th, 2012 Gene Winner Posted in Features, Opinions

 

Flacco Proved Plenty

 

Quarterback Joe Flacco proved plenty in the AFC Championship game. All the talk about him not able to get the job done should be thrown out and discarded. He made plays and threw the ball well –he led the offense. Flacco has had his share of inconsistencies, and he may have a few bad games now and then, but when it counted the most he carried the offense in the AFC Championship game.  Two years in a row now, in the playoffs, he has had a receiver fail to convert a reception in a crucial situation. Flacco has proven he can get it done.  He led the team on the road in Pittsburgh, this year and last year, with a winning last minute drive. Let’s see one of the top rated quarterbacks go into Pittsburgh, facing a tough defense, take the hits and still deliver.

 

Is Flacco going to put up gaudy numbers? Maybe not. One reason, the Ravens have one heck of a running game in Ray Rice. Joe Flacco showed heart, determination and skill in the AFC Championship game.

 

During Ray Lewis’ impassioned lockeroom speech after the loss to New England, he stated, “Joe, you played your ass off.”  Flacco’s proved plenty. –End of story.


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The Free Agent List – Who Stays? Who Goes?

January 27th, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in Features, Main, Opinions

Things are always changing in the NFL and now that the off-season has officially started for Baltimore we should start looking ahead to next season.

Let’s begin with the Free Agent list. I’ll also include my rather premature gut reactions on who remains a Raven and who is headed elsewhere.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:

LB Brendon Ayanbadejo
Age: 35; Seasons: 9
2011 Stats: 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections; 9 special teams tackles
-He’s been a key contributor on Special Teams over the years and he’s grown into a defensive role in coverage. I think the Ravens realized that keeping younger players in favor of Special Teams vets hurt the Unit which fell to 31st in the league in Kickoff coverage.

My guess: STAYS. He’s said that he’d like to return and I think he can be had at a reasonable price.

RB Ray Rice
Age: 25; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 16 starts, 291 rushes, 1,364 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns; 76 receptions, 704 yards, 3 touchdowns
-One of the premier offensive weapons in the league, Rice is the player Baltimore’s offense largely revolves around. The two-time Pro Bowler showed a knack for breaking longer runs this year.

My Guess: Are you kidding? STAYS. Find a way and if you can’t then a Franchise tag would acceptable to both player and organization for the time being.

LB Jarret Johnson
Age: 30; Seasons: 9
2011 Stats: 56 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections
-Perhaps the team’s most underrated player, Johnson is a key figure in running the defense and stuffing the opponent’s rush.

My Guess: GOES. There is a lot to like about Johnson, his toughness, his durability, and his ability to “play like a Raven.” I just wonder if the Ravens can afford him and there are more pressing issues like Rice to consider before him. The team also has younger options behind him. I’d hate to see it but I think it will come to pass.

G Ben Grubbs
Age: 27; Seasons: 5
2011 Stats: 10 games played/started
-The 2007 first-round pick has been a consistent starter from nearly the get-go, and earned his first Pro Bowl trip this season despite missing six games to a toe injury.

My Guess: GOES. Can the Ravens afford to pay another Offensive Guard “big money” after they just inked Marshal Yanda at the start of the season? I don’t see it.

C Matt Birk
Age: 35; Seasons: 14
2011 Stats: 16 games plays/started
-Birk had a fine season in the middle, and was yet again an anchor on the line. He was also relatively injury free after having problems with his knees the year before.

My Guess: GOES. He may retire anyway. Would they decide to go with Andre Gurode who might be a younger and cheaper option?

C/G Andre Gurode
Age: 32, Seasons: 10
2011 Stats: 13 games played/5 started
-Played a valuable reserve role this season and filled in admirably for Ben Grubbs when he had to.

My Guess: STAYS. He could slide in to a possible vacant Center position. Is he still starter material in the NFL or is he best used as a backup?

LB Jameel McClain
Age: 26; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 16 starts, 84 tackles, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections, 1 interception
-In his second full season as a starter, the former undrafted free agent took on an even larger role when he stepped up for Ray Lewis, who went down with a toe injury.

My Guess: STAYS. This player is the perfect example of “Right player, Right price.” If some other team threw the bank at him (it’s happened several times with our former players) then the Ravens probably wouldn’t match.

S Tom Zbikowski
Age: 26; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 14 games, 4 starts, 23 starts, 1 sack, 7 special teams tackles
-A starter early in the season before Bernard Pollard took over full-time, Zbikowski has filled in well in his brief starting stints. Strong hitter who filled in on kick returns, Special teams, and various defensive packages.

My Guess: STAYS. I really like Zibby as a multi-purpose backup but I don’t think he’s a starter. For the right price he’ll stay in purple.

S Haruki Nakamura
Age: 25; Seasons: 4
2011 Stats: 15 games, 12 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 9 special teams tackles
The scrappy Nakamura has been a special teams ace since he came into the league. His versatility to play some nickel cornerback and safety has led to time on defense.

My Guess: STAYS. With Ed Reed’s status up in air at the end of every season you need some insurance. I’d love to see what Haruki could do as a full-time Free Safety if Reed chooses to walk away from the game.

DE Cory Redding
Age: 31; Seasons: 9
2011 Stats: 15 games, 11 starts, 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections
In his two years in Baltimore, Redding has become a leader on the defense. The veteran had perhaps his best season since 2006, when he had eight sacks for Detroit.

My Guess: STAYS. A excellent move by Ozzie plucking the talented vet from the depths of loserville. He seems to have fit in very well here.

TE Kris Wilson
Age: 30; Seasons: 8
2011 Stats: 15 games, 4 special teams tackles
-His time in the sun came on a touchdown reception against Houston in the playoffs, but for the most part Wilson was a positive influence on Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta and special-teams contributor.

My Guess: STAYS. If Dickson continues to drop passes go with Wilson and Pitta in double Tight End sets.

DT Brandon McKinney
Age: 28; Seasons: 6
2011 Stats: 12 games, 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble
-McKinney is a big-bodied run stuffer who played behind second-year nose tackle Terrence Cody.

My Guess: STAYS. Good depth move to keep McKinney.

LB Edgar Jones
Age: 27; Seasons: 5
2011 Stats: 3 special teams tackles
-Signed in early November to play special teams, Jones fit in well. Jones has spent parts of five years being a versatile tool for Baltimore, playing on both offense and defense.

My Guess: STAYS. Special Teams needs players who understand their role.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS:

For restricted free agents, the Ravens have the chance to offer them a tender, attached to a draft pick. If another team wants to sign them, Baltimore would first be able to match that offer. If it choses not to, the other team would have to forfeit the corresponding draft pick to the Ravens in order to sign the player.

LB Dannell Ellerbe, RB Matt Lawrence, CB Lardarius Webb, CB Cary Williams

My Guess: I’d expect all to stay.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS:

 

An exclusive-rights free agent has two or fewer years of experience and no negotiating rights. If the Ravens make them an offer, they must accept it or be released.

LS Morgan Cox, CB Danny Gorrer, LB Sergio Kindle, LB Albert McClellan

My Guess: They all stay though I’d love to know if Kindle will ever really be able to contribute on the field. especially as a Pass rusher. He’ll come at a low cost so why not wait and see.

These were just my initial takes on each player. Of course give your own comments at the bottom.

 

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What’s in a Name? Introducing Baltimore Gridiron Report

January 26th, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in Main, News

If you’ve followed the site over the past few days you may have noticed something. The name of this blog has been changed from Ravens Gab to Baltimore Gridiron Report.

The name is the only thing that is changing here at the site. Myself, Jonathan, Gene and Ben still plan on blogging our opinions about our favorite football team – the Baltimore Ravens for as long as we can or want to. Everything else will stay the same, in fact if you log in to www.ravensgab.com you will be automatically be redirected right here.

Of course you  might ask why the need for a name change at this point.

Well, it wasn’t really our choice. A few months ago we were contacted by our superiors from the Mother ship – www.nflgridirongab.com and they said that they had received an e-mail from the Baltimore Ravens public relations department. In said e-mail they asked or rather told us to cease using the name “Ravens” in our title or risk legal action.

So as you can figure, we do not have a team of lawyers on retainer so we decided to simply change the name and move on.

I will say that I’m a bit disappointed in the whole thing as I finish my 4th season being an editor here on this fine site. We have always portrayed ourselves as fans- first and foremost and that we in no way were ever connected with the team, or league in any way. In fact we have a disclaimer that clearly states that on the header and footer of the site.

For an organization that does so many things right I don’t really get the logic in the decision. Especially when the much maligned Baltimore Orioles have reached out to its blogging community with open arms in the past few years with special blogging nights and a bloggers round-table at Fanfest. I guess we won’t see those same things for Ravens bloggers.

But we will move on undettered and continue to give the fans our unfiltered opinions about the team we love, spend money on, and will always support through thick or thin.

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Will Players Follow Pagano to Indy?

January 26th, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in Opinions

It’s a fair question to consider as many I’m sure can remember when Rex Ryan left for New York several years ago. Former free agents Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard were first in line to follow the controversial Ryan to join Gang Green. The Jets also attracted former Ravens Trevor Pryce, and Derrick Mason.

Could we see a similar situation with Chuck Pagano leaving for the Colts?

Pagano was extremely popular among the players and with almost twenty five possible free agents on the Ravens roster it’s something to think about. Linebackers, Jarret Johnson and Jameel McClain recently were both were supportive of Pagano’s new job choice in interviews.

Both players are free agents.

Haruki Nakamura, Tom Zbikowski, Corey Redding, and Brendan Ayanbadejo  are all up for contract renewals. Would they opt to support a sagging Indianapolis defense.

The last wild card in this scenario is Ed Reed. I’m not suggesting that Reed is looking for a trade but Pagano’s departure may affect Reed the most. Pagano was on staff as the Secondary coach at University of Miami and he also recruited Reed to play at the “U”. The two were extremely close and Reed credits Pagano with his mental preparation and improvement as a player and person.

Reed chose not to speak to the media after the AFC Championship loss to New England. He has hinted at retirement for the past few years and multiple injuries affected his play at different points of the season.

Would Reed be willing to break in his fourth new Defensive Coordinator in five years if he were to return?

At this point we can only speculate.

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Pagano Out But Cameron May Return

January 26th, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in News, Opinions

The news came late last Wednesday that now former Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano was hired to become the new Head coach for the Indianapolis Colts.

This of course leaves fans to wonder who is most likely to replace the popular Pagano. The Ravens love to promote from within so two possible candidates, Defensive Line coach Clarence Brooks, and Linebackers Coach Dean Pees have already been mentioned as possible replacements. It should be noted that Pees has known John Harbaugh for about three decades through various coaching stops so I think the smart money is on Pees to get the job.

Frankly I’m a little surprised that Pagano got the job. Not because he isn’t qualified but rather he’s only been a DC for one season. Then again Baltimore fans are used to seeing Coordinators get Head jobs in the NFL. Pagano becomes the yet another in that line as he joins the likes of Rex Ryan and Marvin Lewis.

Meanwhile Offensive Corodinator, Cam Cameron is currently without a contract but that doesn’t mean he is without a job. According to a league source Cameron had contacted offensive assistants on Wednesday with instructions for the coming weeks. That would probably be a sign that a new contract is in the offing.

I’m not sure how I feel about that. When it comes to Cameron I prefer to look at his body of work over the past four seasons and I’m not sure if this offense has improved much during his tenure. I  also have concerns about the offense in Short-Yardage situations and in the Red Zone from not just this year but over the past few.

I will say that if Cameron is retained he MUST trust Flacco more in terms of offensive input, schemes and playing to his Quarterback’s strengths.

I still have nightmares about the slow, plodding two minute drill that Flacco attempted to execute in Jacksonville this season. As he had to take every call from the sidelines as the Ravens worked down the field. That simply shouldn’t be the case with a fourth-year pro.

 

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Pagano to Interview for Head Job with Colts

January 24th, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in Main, News

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday night that the Indianapolis Colts will interview Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano for their vacant head coaching  job on Tuesday.

The popular Pagano re-instilled an aggressive attitude with the Ravens defense and it paid off as the Ravens finished third in the NFL in scoring defense, were tied for second in the NFL in sacks (48.0) and third in yards allowed.

 

 

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“Another Missed Opportunity”

January 23rd, 2012 Matt Jergensen Posted in Video

This one is going to sting for a while. Brent Harris reports live from the AFC Title game last night. Interviews from Billy Cundiff, Joe Flacco, Lee Evans, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs to follow.

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