2014-2015 Baltimore Ravens ST Thread

[Chinook]

I thought it made sense to make this instead of numerous smaller threads.

Two pieces of news today: Suggs has agreed to an extension, potentially freeing up cap space and keeping the D's leader in purple a couple more seasons. Link: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10468172/terrell-suggs-baltimore-ravens-agree-contract-extension

Second, Ray Rice was arrested today for allegedly uppercutting his fiancée after she spat on him. Link:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10467981/ray-rice-baltimore-ravens-arrested-alleged-altercation-woman

[DeadlyDynasty]

(Knee-jerk and homer post warning)

The Ravens will win the AFC. It's as unspectacular a conference as ever, and Ozzie will get them the help they need (as always) to make a quick turnaround. A full season of Dennis Pitta will be nice after having no 3rd down option all last year--exacerbated by the fact that Pierce and Rice were avg'g around 3yds/carry. The defense was very good last season and the only place they're glaringly weak on that side of the ball is Safety.

Offensively, Joe Bags will have a rebound year, maybe even a career one (25/10 imo) by his standards. They need help along the O-line and are in definite need of some move-the-chains receiving threats (Boldin/Mason). Smith and Jones are as fast as they come, and even Marlon Brown showed nice potential. Tandon Doss is worthless.

Indy still has way too many holes to make the next step, Cincy and Houston are paper tigers, Denver will win a lot of games but be sketchy in the playoffs, and Brady needs some NFL-quality teammates.

[Chinook]

I like that attitude. It starts with seeing how much cap space the team gets from Suggs' extension. Bringing back Monroe, adding a starting O-lineman in free agency and drafting another during the first two days will fix the team's biggest issue.

[Chinook]

Albert Beer reported Suggs signed a $28M/5 deal with $16 Million guaranteed the first two years. If Jason La Canfora is correct and Suggs' cap hit drops to $7.8 Million, he must make about a million in base salary next year and get an $11 Million signing bonus.

From what we know so far cap hits:

2014: $7.8 Million (4.6 in previous bonus proration, 2.2 in new bonus proration, 1 in base salary)

2015: $6.2 Million (2.2 in bonus proration, 4 in base salary)

2016-2018: $6.2 Million average (2.2 bonus and 4 in salary)

So we could be looking at an option system starting in 2016 in which the Ravens decide whether to keep him at $4 Million each year or cut him. I think it's likely that the team keeps him until at least 2017 under this scenario, or even one with skewed salaries. The cap hits for releasing him in 2016 make it not worth it unless he's awful the next two years. If the salaries are flat, he remains affordable for the life of the deal so long as he's productive. He'll be making less than Lewis and Reed did in their final seasons with the team.

All things considered, it's not a bad "final" deal for Suggs.

[Chinook]

ESPN article about the extension:


OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Terrell Suggs signed a four-year contract extension Monday, a deal the Pro Bowl linebacker envisions will allow him to finish his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

"I'm truly flattered and honored that I get to be Raven for life," Suggs said during a news conference to announce the deal.

Suggs, 31, will receive $21 million over the first three years of his deal, including $16 million guaranteed. The Ravens freed up $4 million in cap space this offseason.

A first-round pick in 2003, Suggs has been to six Pro Bowls and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. He is the team's all-time leader in sacks (94.5) and forced fumbles (29).

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said he recently watched film of Suggs and gained a new appreciation for the linebacker's play.

"He affects [offenses] in the passing game as well as the running game," Newsome said. "It was something that jumped out to me."

Suggs had a tremendous start in 2013 with nine sacks in his first eight games. But he managed only 20 tackles and one sack in his final eight games.

"I think I was probably trying to do too much," Suggs said. "As one game went by and two games went by, it was like, 'I need to get a sack, I need to get a sack.' I stopped letting the game come to me."

Suggs was entering the final year of his contract, and there was speculation the Ravens may cut him if the sides didn't agree to an extension.

With his status no longer in question, Suggs said he is pleased to know he'll never wear another team's uniform.

"That's the plan, unless Ozzie has a trick up his sleeve," Suggs said. "Sizzle will be a Raven for life."

http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=10471014

Similar to what I predicted. Surprisingly enough, the contract is not backloaded. That means the team won't really have cause to release him for cap reasons. It definitely paves the way for him to retire a Raven. More players should go for contracts like this if they want a chance at stability.

[TIMMYtoZO]

Albert Beer reported Suggs signed a $28M/5 deal with $16 Million guaranteed the first two years. If Jason La Canfora is correct and Suggs' cap hit drops to $7.8 Million, he must make about a million in base salary next year and get an $11 Million signing bonus.

From what we know so far cap hits:

2014: $7.8 Million (4.6 in previous bonus proration, 2.2 in new bonus proration, 1 in base salary)

2015: $6.2 Million (2.2 in bonus proration, 4 in base salary)

2016-2018: $6.2 Million average (2.2 bonus and 4 in salary)

So we could be looking at an option system starting in 2016 in which the Ravens decide whether to keep him at $4 Million each year or cut him. I think it's likely that the team keeps him until at least 2017 under this scenario, or even one with skewed salaries. The cap hits for releasing him in 2016 make it not worth it unless he's awful the next two years. If the salaries are flat, he remains affordable for the life of the deal so long as he's productive. He'll be making less than Lewis and Reed did in their final seasons with the team.

All things considered, it's not a bad "final" deal for Suggs.

The Ravens will have a bounce back season. It took the offense fucking up so much for them to barley miss the postseason. A few tweaks, and they'll be back in it. Ozzie knows what needs to be done. The Ravens have the best front office in the NFL. Their D is going to be even better next year. I also expect the Steelers to replace the Bengals in that division as the other playoff contender.

[leemajors]

SUCK IT!!!!


The Cowboys scored their first victory of the season Wednesday, winning the 16th pick of the draft in a coin flip with the Baltimore Ravens.

[MeloHype]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OETH5brfTi4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Spur-Addict]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OETH5brfTi4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Damn

[The Gemini Method]

He got more yards carryin' his fiancée than he did on average all season long for the Ravens...

[Chinook]

SUCK IT!!!!

First time the Cowboys have beaten the Ravens head to head.

[leemajors]

First time the Cowboys have beaten the Ravens head to head.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llIQUqfljr0

[MeloHype]

Ravens WR Deonte Thompson Arrested For Marijuana Possession
http://www.purplereignshow.com/2014/02/22/ravens-wr-deonte-thompson-arrested-for-marijuana-possession

[Chinook]

I saw that. He is UDFA who was probably going to get cut this season, so it's not a big loss.

[dg7md]

Hopefully this Rice situation doesn't end in much more than a fine or a light suspension. It's messed up, but I don't think Rice is as bad as the video looks. He's never really done anything like this before and he is usually a class act for the franchise.

Anyway, regardless, I like our place in the AFC next year. We have nowhere to go but up I feel, we had a hangover losing some of our soul with Ray and Ed leaving, but I think we'll have recovered enough for at least a 10-6 record.

[The Gemini Method]

The AFC is weak. Of course you have to like your position because there isn't really any complete juggernauts in that Conference. It might take some tinkering, but I wouldn't see the Ravens back in the mix. The D performed better than expected and while the O was stagnant at time, it wasn't completely inept. I think the Rice thing may be key but it would probably be better to look to an improvement around Flacco.

[Wiz]

Ravens are gonna finish last in the division and Flacco will be top 3 in most interceptions thrown

[Clipper Nation]

Flacco will still have the 1>0 stick over Cum Newton....

[Chinook]

Flacco will still have the 1>0 stick over Cum Newton....

Probably. He already has the 9>0 playoff-win stick.

[Chinook]

Leach and Jameel McClain are going to be released, per reports. That will create a few more million in cap space. The Ravens have a ton of room now to keep all their guys, including Arthur Jones, who I had assumed was gone. We'll see who gets re-signed and who gets the boot.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Leach and Jameel McClain are going to be released, per reports. That will create a few more million in cap space. The Ravens have a ton of room now to keep all their guys, including Arthur Jones, who I had assumed was gone. We'll see who gets re-signed and who gets the boot.
Leach (and FB's in general) have been phased out anyways, and w/o Rice he loses his value/purpose. They can definitely upgrade McClain's spot for cheaper, but I do hope they keep Arthur Jones.

[Chinook]

Pitta just agreed to a five-year deal. Dunno how much it's worth yet.

EDIT: It's a reported $32M/5 deal. Kind of expensive for what Pitta brings. We'll see how it's structured.

[Chinook]

Jah Reid arrested. May end up being cut, but I doubt anything happens yet. Weird off-season.

[Chinook]

News on two MLBs. McClellan re-signed for two years (probably at an APY less than his tender). And Rolando McClain intends to return to football next season. The Ravens still hold his rights on a one-year min deal with non-guaranteed, I believe. We'll see if they believe in him enough to bring him into camp.

[spurraider21]

:lol McClain

[MeloHype]

443364829974507520

[MeloHype]

443404533268361217

[Chinook]

Thanks for the updates, MeloHype . I am actually surprised the LT market looks to be so tame. People were talking Monroe making up to $13M APY. Now it seems like $9-10 is a realistic possibility.

No way they try to outbid Cleveland for Mack, though.

[MeloHype]

Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sunreports that the Ravens are “expected to emerge (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-sources-ravens-steve-smith-could-be-a-strong-fit-20140311,0,1802485.story) as a strong potential landing spot” for Smith if and when that comes to pass. The Ravens are definitely in the market for help at wideout this offseason and Smith would make a nice fit across from Torrey Smith (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6442/torrey-smith) in the role that Anquan Boldin (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2078/anquan-boldin) played during the team’s Super Bowl run.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/11/report-ravens-expected-to-be-strong-potential-landing-spot-for-steve-smith/

[MeloHype]

443468106749734912

[Chinook]

The Ravens locked up Monroe on a $37.5M/5 deal. That's tremendous. That's half of what some rumors said he'd get.

In Ozzie we trust.

[spurraider21]

the raiders paid more than that for Saffold :lol

[J.T.]

Chinook, I don't really watch the Ravens much so how good is Arthur Jones? Lot of people seem to like the signing and don't think the Colts paid too much. I'm sure we got him for the Pagano connection more than anything.

[Chinook]

Chinook, I don't really watch the Ravens much so how good is Arthur Jones? Lot of people seem to like the signing and don't think the Colts paid too much. I'm sure we got him for the Pagano connection more than anything.

He's a lot like Redding, honestly. He got playing time after Cory left and filled the spot seamlessly. Perfect five-tech: strong against the run put can also beat one-on-ones and get to the QB. He made several splash plays during the SB run.

His only flaw is that he can't succeed as the best player on the D-line. He'll disappear if he doesn't get enough favorable matchups. He's not an elite player, but then again, he's not getting elite money. I think his signing was a really good deal for the Colts depending on their other pass-rushers.

[J.T.]

He's a lot like Redding, honestly. He got playing time after Cory left and filled the spot seamlessly. Perfect five-tech: strong against the run put can also beat one-on-ones and get to the QB. He made several splash plays during the SB run.

His only flaw is that he can't succeed as the best player on the D-line. He'll disappear if he doesn't get enough favorable matchups. He's not an elite player, but then again, he's not getting elite money. I think his signing was a really good deal for the Colts depending on their other pass-rushers.

Interesting comparison because a lot of Colts people seem to think he'll replace Redding after the next season or two. Being strong against the run is great, the Colts have needed more players like that since 2006, nice to see them finally try to fix it.

[Chinook]

Jacoby's new deal is $14M/4 with $4.5M guaranteed. Pretty decent, and that means his cap number for 2014 could be in the $2M range. Fine deal that could be a steal if he continues hjsw growth but also is small enough to not prevent the team from upgrading at the third-receiver spot.

Supposedly, the team is also interested in Edelman. I'd hate that pickup.

[MeloHype]

444253370174681088

[Chinook]

Dunno why the Ravens want Smith so badly. But it would be a decent get if the contract is small.

[Chinook]

Speaking of Smiths, Daryl Smith just re-upped on a $16.1M/4 deal. Nice to see him back on a good deal. Ozzie's been killing it re-signing his vets.

[Chinook]

Steve Smith is a Raven on a $10.5M/3 deal. Weird. Not excited, but if he's willing to take the third role, it could be good. But with Smith and Jones signed, the Ravens commited an annual average of $7 Million to their third and fourth receivers. Or at least to those who SHOULD be their third and fourth receivers. Hope the team still drafts Evans if he falls to them.

[Mal]

So Patriots signed Browner. Their secondary is looking very good.

[Chinook]

So Patriots signed Browner. Their secondary is looking very good.

All right.

[Mal]

All right.

Wrong thread :lol

[Chinook]

The Ravens have signed former Rams Safety Darian Stewart to a one-year deal. He played under Spags in St. Louis and is most famous to Ravens fans for being burned on all three of Torrey Smith's first TD catches. Don't understand why the Ravens are risking a fifth-round compensatory pick for him.

[DD]

The Ravens have signed former Rams Safety Darian Stewart to a one-year deal. He played under Spags in St. Louis and is most famous to Ravens fans for being burned on all three of Torrey Smith's first TD catches. Don't understand why the Ravens are risking a fifth-round compensatory pick for him.

IOWT

[Chinook]

Now the Ravens are linked to Blount. I'd be livid if the team gave up a fourth-roune compensatory pick to sign him. There are tons of good backs in the draft and on the street.

[Chinook]

The Ravens traded for Jeremy Zuttah using a 2015 draft pick. I imagine it's a late pick that may rise in value depending on playing time. Interesting trade. Zuttah is versatile, but he's best as a depth interior lineman. He makes a lot of money (for his role), too.

[TIMMYtoZO]

The Ravens traded for Jeremy Zuttah using a 2015 draft pick. I imagine it's a late pick that may rise in value depending on playing time. Interesting trade. Zuttah is versatile, but he's best as a depth interior lineman. He makes a lot of money (for his role), too.

Just read on the Ravens board they extended Zuttah's deal to lower his cap hit.

[TIMMYtoZO]

I wonder if the Ravens will draft a FS or if Omar Brown is their guy.

[Chinook]

Just read on the Ravens board they extended Zuttah's deal to lower his cap hit.

Yeah, and supposedly, they only gave up a 2015 fifth-rounder. That's solid if Zuttah is the answer.

I like Brown, but I don't think the Ravens plan for him to have much of a shot to start next season. They reportedly like Stewart ad a starter until they get a draft pick up to speed. It's likely Brown would come into camp at no better than third on the depth chart.

[Chinook]

So as it stands, here are Baltimore's current draft picks.

17, 48, 79, 99, 134, 138, 175, 194 and 235. It was a perfect year to deal away a couple picks for a proven tackle.

[DPG21920]

Damn, Rice could be going to jail..

[Chinook]

Damn, Rice could be going to jail..

At least he'll be doing it as a married man. :lol

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10693847/ray-rice-baltimore-ravens-gets-married-janay-palmer-one-day-indictment

I wonder if they're doing this to plead the fifth.

[Chinook]

Zuttah's new contract has finally been revealed to be a new $18M/5 contract with $6.5 guaranteed. He only counts for $1.7M this season and $3.7M in 2015. Very manageable.

[Chinook]

It seems that the Ravens have made the widely speculated move of signing Owen Daniels. It most likely means the end of Dickson in Baltimore, and it removes the need for a second TE. I think they would still take Ebron if he fell, though.

[benefactor]

Daniels is a solid addition if he stays healthy. Not a very good blocker but has some of the softest hand in the league.

[spurraider21]

:lol Rolando McClain wants to comeback. Says he "is excited to play the game again" aka his checking account is drained

[DD]

has some of the softest hands in the league.

So pretty much the antithesis of Kwame Dickson.

[spurraider21]

^i remember the brutal drops that team had in the weak 1 beatdown. had they made those plays early on, i doubt denver's offense would have exploded the way it did

[MeloHype]

452157829793984512

[Chinook]

With Ed Dickson going to Carolina, the Ravens now have lost five qualifying FAs and only signing one, their compensatory-pick count is at the maximum of four. My guess is they'll be a fourth, fifth and two sevenths. Not bad considering the team is already without a fifth-rounder. This means they'll have 11 picks in 2015 as of now.

[Spur-Addict]

Haloti Ngata rejects long term deal from Ravens. Reportedly lucrative, but also an attempt to lessen the short term cap hit on Baltimore.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000341727/article/ravens-offered-haloti-ngata-lucrative-longterm-deal

[Chinook]

Haloti Ngata rejects long term deal from Ravens. Reportedly lucrative, but also an attempt to lessen the short term cap hit on Baltimore.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000341727/article/ravens-offered-haloti-ngata-lucrative-longterm-deal

Thanks.

Nonstory. Ngata refused the extension back in March. He knows he gains nothing from extending this season. In order to give the Ravens the cap room they're looking for, Ngata's new deal would have to include little new money--even less than the one Suggs signed. He's guaranteed to be on the roster this season, so if he has to take a pay cut, it may as well be next year.

The elephant in the room though is that Ngata has hinted at retiring young. He may simply not want to sign a contract he doesn't intend to see through.

[Spur-Addict]

Thanks.

Nonstory. Ngata refused the extension back in March. He knows he gains nothing from extending this season. In order to give the Ravens the cap room they're looking for, Ngata's new deal would have to include little new money--even less than the one Suggs signed. He's guaranteed to be on the roster this season, so if he has to take a pay cut, it may as well be next year.

The elephant in the room though is that Ngata has hinted at retiring young. He may simply not want to sign a contract he doesn't intend to see through.

You're welcome. Losing a player of that caliber early, would suck no matter the circumstance.

[Chinook]

:lol So Ronaldo McClain is retiring again, according to ESPN.

[Chinook]

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/videos/videos/Ravens_Celebrate_Inside_War_Room/a17d7eae-42c0-4ffc-a628-d98395a888c9 (http://www.baltimoreravens.com/videos/videos/NFLN_CJ_Mosley_Its_Been_A_Long_Ride/c7935dcb-5273-41c0-9ce2-4bbbbd875829)

At least it seems like the Ravens' brass was really excited to pick Mosley. They aren't usually good at hiding their depression if the board doesn't break they way they wanted it to. Gotta trust Ozzie on this one, but I'm holding off my praise of this draft until after pick 99.

[Chinook]

The Ravens have signed CB Derek Cox.
Holden_Caulfield, Clipper Nation and any other Jags/Chargers fans: What's the scouting report on this guy? He has started more than 50 games in five years, so he can't be a complete scrub. But he's on his fourth team in less than two years. Does he have a chance to be an Ozzie steal, or is he going to bust like Michael Huff did?

[spurraider21]

CN will comment about how he sucks cox

[Raven]

i know CN has deep hate for him

[Chinook]

The Ravens also added Jamell Fleming to their practice squad. What's the word on him, JMarkJohns or anyone else? He was a third-rounder in 2012. Most draft people had him rated highly coming out of school. What happened?

[JMarkJohns]

What happened is almost all Whisenhunt picks sucked. Fleming may have had upside, but he never developed and seldom showed he would.

I wouldn't get hopes up. Arizona had some great defenses, lots of talent, but lacked depth at CB, yet he couldn't even carve out a consistent role.

[Aztecfan03]

The Ravens have signed CB Derek Cox.
Holden_Caulfield (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=23326), Clipper Nation (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=28500) and any other Jags/Chargers fans: What's the scouting report on this guy? He has started more than 50 games in five years, so he can't be a complete scrub. But he's on his fourth team in less than two years. Does he have a chance to be an Ozzie steal, or is he going to bust like Michael Huff did?

http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/26/5121590/why-is-san-diego-chargers-cornerback-derek-cox-struggling

An article from sometime during last season.

[Chinook]

What happened is almost all Whisenhunt picks sucked. Fleming may have had upside, but he never developed and seldom showed he would.

I wouldn't get hopes up. Arizona had some great defenses, lots of talent, but lacked depth at CB, yet he couldn't even carve out a consistent role.


http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/11/26/5121590/why-is-san-diego-chargers-cornerback-derek-cox-struggling

An article from sometime during last season.

Thanks for the info, guys. Obviously, these guys are the fifth and sixth corners right now (maybe lower in an actual game setting), so I'm hopeful that they won't be out there unless they show marked improvement in practice. They both seem to be press corners, which is interesting, since the team can't seem to decide if that's what they want or not. Ozzie keeps signing big, physical corners, but Pees keep having them play off-man. That doesn't give me a lot of confidence that they could step in a play well. With how fragile Webb and Smith are, that's a cause for concern.

[Arcadian]

Not sure what to expect this year with AFC North. We shall see

[Clipper Nation]

He has started more than 50 games in five years, so he can't be a complete scrub.

You'll be eating those words as soon as he sees the field :lol

[Chinook]

Not sure what to expect this year with AFC North. We shall see

We'll have a better idea in seven days.

[Chinook]

You'll be eating those words as soon as he sees the field :lol

:lol I think he'll be inactive most games, so hopefully I never find out why you hate him so much.

[Aztecfan03]

Thanks for the info, guys. Obviously, these guys are the fifth and sixth corners right now (maybe lower in an actual game setting), so I'm hopeful that they won't be out there unless they show marked improvement in practice. They both seem to be press corners, which is interesting, since the team can't seem to decide if that's what they want or not. Ozzie keeps signing big, physical corners, but Pees keep having them play off-man. That doesn't give me a lot of confidence that they could step in a play well. With how fragile Webb and Smith are, that's a cause for concern.

And I think Cox would need to play press most of the time too. If he is only playing it a small amount, he would probably suck at it because his confidence would be down.

[Chinook]

:lol The Ravens have cut Cox again so they didn't have to guarantee his salary. What's funny is that they're probably going to try to re-sign him after tomorrow. We'll see who they're going to add in his place.

[Chinook]

Ravens just claimed DL Christo Bilukidi from the Bengals. He was a sixth-rounder by the Raiders in 2012. spurraider21 , Mugen or any other Raider/Bengals fan give any insight into this guy? They cut Toussaint (for whom they had cut Derek Cox) to make room for Bilukidi, so I guess they must have liked him at least a bit.

[spurraider21]

Ravens just claimed DL Christo Bilukidi from the Bengals. He was a sixth-rounder by the Raiders in 2012. spurraider21 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=31905) , Mugen (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15519) or any other Raider/Bengals fan give any insight into this guy? They cut Toussaint (for whom they had cut Derek Cox) to make room for Bilukidi, so I guess they must have liked him at least a bit.
umm... he was cut by the raiders after 1 season. honestly, that's all you need to know :lol

when he was drafted he was a project guy. had good size and was supposed to be pretty quick off the line, good first step. never really materialized. was seen as a project 3-technique but just didn't show anything

edit: guess it was two seasons, but he rarely played

[Chinook]

umm... he was cut by the raiders after 1 season. honestly, that's all you need to know :lol

when he was drafted he was a project guy. had good size and was supposed to be pretty quick off the line, good first step. never really materialized. was seen as a project 3-technique but just didn't show anything

edit: guess it was two seasons, but he rarely played

Thanks for the info.

He's 6-5 and 315. Seems like the 3-tech would be a poor fit for him. That's prototypical five-tech size. I hear he was good in the preseason for Cinci, so there's hope. The Ravens are bringing him in over decent guys on their PS.

[Chinook]

Pitta with a fractured and dislocated hip. Same injury as last year, but I think everyone is more pessimistic this time around. The fear is that this is could be career-threatening.

[Chinook]

Also, it kind of sucks that he JUST signed a new deal. Makes him pretty much uncuttable for a couple years, even if he can't come back from his injury.

[Chinook]

Confirmed out for the season

[Chinook]

Eugene Monroe is going to miss some time after having knee surgery. Rookie UDFA James Hurst is expected to start. Goodie. Perfect D-line for this to happen against. Crockett Gilmore better be ready to help out his LT.

[Aztecfan03]

Eugene Monroe is going to miss some time after having knee surgery. Rookie UDFA James Hurst is expected to start. Goodie. Perfect D-line for this to happen against. Crockett Gilmore better be ready to help out his LT.

You think Pierce will get good touches this week? I'm kinda forced to start him in fantasy.

[Chinook]

You think Pierce will get good touches this week? I'm kinda forced to start him in fantasy.

I think he'll start if healthy, but I don't expect him to be a bell cow. The Ravens have three good backs, and I think they'll use all three. Bernard is the most talented of the stable, but he's hobbled.

[chunticakes]

Chinook what's going on with Torrey Smith?

[Chinook]

Chinook what's going on with Torrey Smith?

He's suffering in Kubiak's offense like Jones has. Smith is really only good at deep/speed routes, and those really aren't what this new offense is made to do.

Also, his hands have reverted back to their state when Torrey was a rookie.

[Chinook]

So the Ravens are about to get back four players. Two of them, Osemele and Jernigan have been injured, though KO's only missed a week. Cody has been on the PUP and looks good, according to Harbaugh. He'll provide good depth behind Williams at NT.

However, the final player is the most intriguing: FS Will Hill. PFT had him as a top safety last season with the Giants. Our resident NYG fan had a date with the business end of a shotgun, so I can't really ask much after him. I have really high hopes that he turns out well. If he does, the team has him under control through next season (RFA next year). If he doesn't, he has a non-guaranteed contract and can be cut. We'll see. Won't be hard for him to outplay Darian freaking Stewart as a center-fielder.