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08-22-2012, 12:08 PM #1
Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
Bobby Rainey has captured the attention of coaches during training camp and the hearts of many fans after his performance in Atlanta against the Falcons. Most have quickly (and justifiably so) labeled him a poor man’s Ray Rice. Yet it’s that comparison and his similar stature and style to the Ravens’ Pro Bowl tailback that may keep Rainey off the 53-man squad.
Think about how the Ravens have used their No. 2 back in recent years. That back, whether it was Willis McGahee or Ricky Williams has been a more physical player and one who could be more productive in short yardage situations and one who was efficient in pass protection. Moreover their styles were different – a true change of pace.
But Rainey can’t be that because of the similarities to Rice. Not only that he is a very below average blocker in pass pro.
Adding to the uphill battle for Rainey is that other than being a return specialist (and the Ravens are fairly well spoken for in that department) the former Western Kentucky Hilltopper provides little value to special teams. Backup running backs, like tight ends, linebackers and members of the secondary are often looked upon to provide special teams competencies.
So where does this leave Rainey?
On the practice squad, developing and waiting for his chance.
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Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
good article. I think thats the way it plays out, only because i dont think the difference between Rainey and Berry is much different at the end of the day, but Berry will be more of an asset on ST if only for his size. He really didnt look to bad returning the kickoff either. if Rice would go down for an amount of time, we could always call him up at that point, as well. I dont think were in danger of losing any of the backs off our PS.
-JAB
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08-22-2012, 12:33 PM #3
Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
I thought the best players play? Just because he is too similar in stature to another great player on the team, I do not see why that in and of itself would keep him from making the team. The other thing is the last I checked we weren't that great in short yardage even with bigger backs.
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08-22-2012, 01:12 PM #4
Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
It doesn't make sense that the team would knowingly bring in smaller RB's only to give them hardly any chance to make the roster because they are similar to Ray Rice. Either bring in bigger players who can fill the 3rd down role or just go with the most talented guy (which Rainey has appeared to be so far this preseason.) He runs well, has made some plays catching the ball out of the backfield, and can be a return man on special teams.
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Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
It's actually arguable to who has actually been better between Damien Berry and Bobby Rainy, I think Berry has been slightly under looked in TC. He had a great game against the Lions.
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Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
-JAB
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Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
The best players with make the squad.
IMO - and a lot of others - Rainey has outperformed practically every RB on the roster right now when given the opportunity.
There is also the possibility of them carrying 4 RB's...Rice, Pierce, Berry, Rainey.Disclaimer: The content posted is of my own opinion.
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08-22-2012, 01:37 PM #8
Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
I think its still up for debate but i'd slightly lean towards PS....i know everyone gets excited when they see guys making plays but every team in the league has promising young backs on their team, some teams have 4 or more NFL quality backs on their team so i dont think its a situation where he's destined not to clear waivers.
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Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
And don't forget that Berry is a bigger back now, he's got up to 225 lbs, and is around 5'11.
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08-22-2012, 01:44 PM #11
Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
I agree, i think Berry has been one of the more impressive players on our team in pre-season. He has the size and speed and his decisiveness has stood out. He's routinely getting the yards that are their to get but he also has the ability to do a little more when possible. He also has caught the ball well.
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Re: Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?
You don't take a chance and put a guy like Rainey on the pratice squad unless you're willing to lose him. Some team that needs a running back will scoop him up faster than you can say Good Luck.
"What would you give for the man beside you?"
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