Can the Ravens afford Nate Clements if they cut Jamal? And what is Rolle scheduled to make? Can they restructure that deal?

"Even at this point in his career, there still aren't 10 running backs in the league better than Lewis."

This statement is from your article on January 14th. On the 18th in this post, you said Jamal can't get any better. The statement in the post is odd given the statement on the 14th, but still may not be directly contradictory.

However, you wrote an article today saying Jamal was not the answer. Still very odd, but not contradictory if you're implying the Ravens require a top 5 back in the league to have a successful running game. The impending contradiction occurs when you start listing backs in the draft that are superior alternatives to Jamal.

Can you explain your change of heart over the course of 10 action free days? Maybe there's something I'm missing. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills here.

Good column today, Mike. I'm actually starting to agree with you on most of your columns and blogs, now that you've toned down the outragous negativity. Thanks for going positive!

I agree that Jamal is done, as this was the season to prove himself, and he just couldn't do the job. Seems as if he never picked holes well this season, and always ran into piles. Do you think any of the guys you profiled have the ruthless style of Jamal in '03, but also the ability to catch a screen and break an outside corner?

Vincent has to go. Early reports seem to indicate that Mulitado has something left; I'm optimistic, given the renewal of Ogden's play this season. We have to do whatever it takes to get Ogden back for at least one more year.

My last concern is McNair... he provides the leadership that Boller doesn't have, but you're right - his abilities have declined. We could have beaten the Colts if those 2 picks wern't thrown. If we can win a superbowl with Dilfer, we should be able to do it with McNair, but to consistantly run with with the NFL elite, we need to develop the next Brees, Manning, Brady, Palmer, Rivers, etc... the AFC championship game made that point. Do you know if my buddy Mel Kiper has anyone in mind that the Ravens can find in the later stages of the draft?

Thanks in advance for any response.
Steve

What planet is Ray Lewis living on? In no way shape or form does he deserve any sort of pay raise for his recent performance on the field. His skills are clearly declining, he’s no longer the best player on defense or at the linebacker position for that matter, he’s injury prone, and he creates a distraction every time he gets injured. Look Ray is still a good solid player ( when healthy), but the Ravens can’t afford to mortgage their 2007 salary cap because Ray feels he’s “owed” something. Does this guy actually take himself seriously?

The Ravens have higher offseason priorities anyways. AD needs to be resigned, as should Jarret Johnson because of their abilities to make plays and play multiple positions. We need also new starting corner opposite #21 On offense Tony Pashos and Ovie Mughelli should be resigned and the offensive line needs to reshaped to give the younger guys a chance to start. As for Jamal Lewis, the moving vans can’t arrive soon enough.

With all this going on in the Ravens’ front office, the last thing they need is for Ray to be whining about his cash flow problems. He should be thankful for the money he has and the situation he’s in.

Mike, you should change the title to "Pay-Ray". When does his current contract expire? He's 31, and on the downside of his career. I don't blame him for trying to get more money, but he has to understand that they need to devote resources to greater needs on the team than his contract.

Jamal Lewis not producing was more on the O-Line than him. Rarely when I watched a game did I see him get a decent hole to run up.
Keep Jamal.

Can't the Ravens give Ray an extension without messing things up for 07-08? He is asking for more money, but he is also trying to play in Balto longer. We need Ray on our defense. I noticed a bid difference without Ray, especially in the Tennessee game. Thankfully we blocked that FG. Ray is the guy that will end up the LB coach for the Ravens in the future.

Andrew's question about Clements is interresting. But I'd rather not see JaLew go. He's at least the 11th or 12th HB in the league, we just don't use him right. Why don't the Ravens throw to Jamal in the flat more often?

Did it ever occur to any of you that giving ray a new deal will lessen his salary cap number for next year by spreading the money out and enable us to keep guys like AD? You're novices.