More camp observations
The Ravens have bragged about the additions of cornerbacks Fabian Washington and Frank Walker, but I haven't seen anything special. Washington has been solid in holding his own, but Walker may not get on the field. He has been slow to catch on. Starting cornerback Samari Rolle has not been in training camp because of the death of his father, so we really don't know what type of playing condition he is in. But if I were the Ravens, I'd still like to find another dependable cornerback before camp breaks.
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New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has already been in the ear of of general manager Ozzie Newsome. Cameron knows he doesn't have many game breakers for the 2008 season, but high on his wish list for next year is a big, go-to receiver. The only player that comes close to filling that bill right now is tight end Todd Heap, and if Heap doesn't have good offensive numbers this season, the Ravens will have major problems.
And by the way, there haven't been a lot of impressive receivers in training, regardless of age. The best young one has been Marcus Smith, the fourth-round pick out of New Mexico.
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I hope the Ravens don't use Heap to chip on defensive ends in pass protection. It's hard on the eyes. It will be even harder on a quarterback's behind.
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Maybe starting running back Willis McGahee is sick, or hurt, but it seems that rookie Ray Rice has taken more repetitions with the first team during the last two days than McGahee
- Mike Preston
Comments
"Maybe starting running back Willis McGahee is sick, or hurt, but it seems that rookie Ray Rice has taken more repetitions with the first team during the last two days than McGahee"
I believe Rice is a better back than McGahee. Period.
I have seen Rice in person for almost 20 games (Rutgers Alum) and he is a nasty little dude. He is tough to arm tackle and can cut on a dime and break opponents ankles. I do not know if he will get a real chance to surpass Willis on the depth chart, but I really believe he is a better RB along with being an example teammate and tireless worker.
You guys got a steal and I will follow both Ray and the Ravens closely this year. Good Luck.
Posted by: Bob | July 30, 2008 4:47 PM
"Washington has been solid in holding his own"
But yet you said you haven't seen anything special. Make up your mind Mike!
I'm sure Rolle has been doing some kind of conditioning. He is a veteran football player you know. Wake up Mike.
Posted by: Jared | July 30, 2008 6:44 PM
He wants a big go to receiver? Trade Suggs for Boldin. Suggs wants to go bac to Arizona. Boldin is mad at the Cardinals. Makes sense.
Posted by: Sam | July 30, 2008 8:23 PM
I like that Suggs for Boldin idea. Makes sense for both teams and both players. I like Suggs, but our defense will still be strong without him and our offense improves tremendously with Boldin. Good suggestion...go call Ozzie, Sam!
Posted by: Adam | July 30, 2008 9:39 PM
Mike,
I have to agree with you on Todd Heaps blocking abilities. That has been the one short point of his game, though I have seen him make a few good blocks as well.
Heap is in the best condition he's been in for years, and I think all aspects of his game will improve this season. I think he going to have a Pro Bowl type of season.
Posted by: Mike bROWN | July 30, 2008 10:20 PM
Sam, has the answer for the plight the Ravens now find themselves. Ozzie needs to focus alittle better on the weaknesses of the aging and suspect components. I would add that cost savings and the relief from a primo who believes all his and the media hype would be welcomed. Suggs needs to catch the next flight to Shanghi or Alaska ! Probably sleep in a lawnchair ?
Posted by: Cornell | July 30, 2008 11:26 PM
Sorry, Sam. Ozzie has had a policy for the past 12 years that prohibits any NFL-caliber wide receivers on the team. Boy, I would like to see that trade, though.
Posted by: easywriter01 | July 30, 2008 11:29 PM
Washington has been solid in holding his own"
But yet you said you haven't seen anything special. Make up your mind Mike!
I'm sure Rolle has been doing some kind of conditioning. He is a veteran football player you know. Wake up Mike.
Posted by: Jared
Here come the attack dogs again. What was wrong with what Mike stated? He was solid, yet nothing spectacular. I don't see any contradiction.
Posted by: james | July 31, 2008 9:02 AM
Ravens are gonna be great this year.
Posted by: Stevers | August 1, 2008 6:47 PM