I'm glad Dr. FLK mentioned the Jamison Hensley piece in this morning's Sun, because I was going to do the same. However, I disagree with the premise that someone like Amani Toomer can come in and keep this franchise at "contender" level.
We can't win a Super Bowl if our two starting receivers are Mark Clayton and Amani Toomer. Sorry, ain't happening. Furthermore, I can't imagine a worse scenario to stunt Joe Flacco's growth than to equip him with such a shoddy group of pass-catchers.
At some point you need to get opposing defenses to start worrying about your passing game. We won't be able to run the ball if the other team is chuckling about our receiving "threats." We need to put someone out there that will loosen up the front 7 and keep secondaries honest. My ideal target is Anquan Boldin but Hensley illustrates the concerns there; he's not getting any younger and he wants to be one of the highest paid receivers in the league. Marvin Harrison is on his way to the Hall of Fame but the treads on those tires are pretty much bald.
This leaves, in my opinion, one solid option. Brandon Marshall. Look, I understand that he's of questionable character. What's not in question, however, is his ability. I've always felt that the Ravens can get away with bringing in questionable character guys because of the veteran leadership in the locker room. I have a hard time believing that a guy is going to cause problems off the field with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed looking over his shoulder. According to Hensley, Marshall would want a deal similar to Boldin. I would much sooner give Marshall that money -- he's younger and he's much more of a deep threat than Boldin is. Plus, all signs indicate that Marshall still wants to be dealt from Denver, so that at least gives the Ravens some small bit of leverage.
The bottom line is, this team was one game away from the Super Bowl last year. Losing Mason hurts and would put a huge black eye on the offseason. With no clear #1 WR, the Ravens would not be considered contenders to make the playoffs let alone win the AFC. We still have to deal with Pittsburgh, Indianapolis shouldn't miss a beat despite the retirement of both their Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator and New England gets the "Golden Boy" back. By the way, the Ravens play both the Colts and Patriots this season.
It's tough times in this conference and if you're going to war with Mark Clayton and Amani Toomer you may as well hang a big white flag from the upper deck of M&T Bank Stadium.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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12 comments:
I don't think he'd have as much off field trouble here, either, but I do feel that him and Harbaugh would not see eye to eye.
I'm hoping that a shored up line will allow Heap to be freed up for more route running, which will allow the younger receivers to blossom. I know that's banking a lot on "if's" but at some point, the personnel we do have has to step it up, you know?
So a coach that preaches characters needs to set the precedent that character only matters...if you're not really good?
Is winning worth being embarrassed to root for that team?
FLK & DJ: You're both automatically assuming the worst will happen if he comes here. The beauty of the NFL is that if you end up bringing in a bad egg you can (for the most part) alleviate that problem by cutting the player. Sure, you may eat a bit of crow (and some $) but in the positives (like being a Superbowl contender) far outweigh the negatives in my mind.
The worst happens when he goes ANYWHERE. He isn't some guy who made a mistake...he's a guy who constantly makes the same mistake.
Everyone eventually grows up. Ask Bart even I did (to some degree). If they do go after Marshall, Harbaugh is going to be ready. He dealt with McCallister and he would deal with Marshall however he saw fit. We won a super bowl with a man who was on trial for murder. And we were all almost in tears when he was looking for other deals. All I'm saying is, if he comes to Baltimore, lets give him a fair chance. We could have gotten stuck with T.O. always remember that!
I can vouch, yes. Though, it's questionable if I grew up...:D
I doubt either of you grew up (assuming you did ;) ) from a starting point of beating up people, including two separate girlfriends, though.
i'm lost who beat up their girlfriend?
Brandon Marshall, I think.
hahahaha thats low! it was plaxico and you know it. dummy!!
So do I win the early award for "Blog Post that generated the most comments?"
What's my prize?
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