Additional O-Linemen
Few teams add players that can make an impact once training camp begins. If they were that good, they would not be available. The Ravens are stuck with this offensive line for the rest of the season. As I've written before, this is not Major League Baseball. You can't go down on the farm and bring up prospects. The Ravens, unfortunately, are contractually locked into all the starting offensive linemen. They gave right tackle Tony Pashos a new contract during the offseason. There are some rumblings that some of the other players and front office personnel would like to see second year player Adam Terry replace Pashos, but he is not much better. It's a soft offensive line. I have faith in only two players, left guard Edwin Mulitalo and left tackle Jonathan Ogden. I have concerns about Ogden rebounding this year because of the death of his father. In the past, Mulitalo and former right offensive tackle Orlando Brown had family members pass away close to or during the season, and neither played very well. I feel for Ogden because he is one of the nicest players in the league, not just on the Ravens. But if there is a player who can overcome adversity, it's Ogden, even though he looked lost Friday night against the Vikings.
Overall, the Ravens are pretty much stuck with this team. They want to make a run within the next two seasons before they tear it apart. I think the two-year run was one of the main reasons they brought back head coach Brian Billick for another season. It would have been unfair to bring in another coach for two years and then rebuild. It would have been tough on the new coach as far as setting a tone and implementing offensive and defensive systems.
Comments
Oh shush, we'll be fine.
Posted by: Nobody | August 28, 2006 9:11 PM
Unless these guys find the fountain of youth, we are doomed on the OL.
Posted by: Macadamia | August 28, 2006 9:23 PM
what about flynn?
Posted by: incoggy | August 28, 2006 10:06 PM
I agree that this offensive line is below par.
That is why I believe that the team should had been rebuilt. A new coach should had been found, players with some value should had been traded. Now the fans will have to endure two more seasons of a team just good enuff to be above Cleveland in the AFC North Standings and drafting behind the Brownies in the NFL Draft.
Posted by: AC | August 28, 2006 11:52 PM
I agree with your thoughts on the offensive line. I wonder if will affect the capabilities of McNair so much that either an injury or lack of productivity motivate a return to Kyle Boller. It seems to me that Boller is not serious and mean enough. Iwould like to see him throw with more intensity, if he is able. I liked what very little I saw in Drew Olson. He seems to have a "live" throwing arm and motion. He was right on the money in a long pass that was defended perfectly, resulting in and incompletion. But, I worry that Billick is blind when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks, and this guy may not be given a chance to show more before he is released. Musa Smith reminds me of Jamal of several years ago. All said, I think we are in for a dissappointing season, perhaps no better than last year. I hope I am way off base.
Posted by: sparky | August 29, 2006 3:05 AM
Mike, from my limited coaching experience, I find it hard if not impossible to coach toughness. Wasn't that the knock on some of these lineman last year? Why continue to bring these guys back?
Do you think the Ravens can score with Billick as head coach, Bill Walsh as Offensive Cord, Dick Vermeil as Line Coach, Norv Turner as Reciever Coach, Mike Martz as Quarterback Coach????
Posted by: confused fan | August 29, 2006 6:13 PM
Mike,
Why didn't we go after a free agent O-lineman? Are they stubborn, over-loyal? It makes no sense that they didn't get a decent one in free agency. Pashos will never be an elite. I predict Mcnair will play 10-12 games with that line, then get hurt.
P.S. I live in Frederick and haven't seen the Ravens play on tv yet. They were listed on the tv schedule last week but some news show was on. Comcast has replayed the Redskins game over and over here. What gives?
Posted by: chris | August 30, 2006 4:02 PM
Aside from the obvious Musa Smith, who else has either made a surprise impact as an undrafted free agent or big strides as young player? What's the short term prospects of Chester?
Posted by: JRavens Fan | August 30, 2006 8:55 PM