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  1. #1

    Reasons for concern.

    All of my concern comes on the defensive/ST side of the ball. I think the offense will be outstanding this year, there are too many weapons, and too much talent for it not to be.

    Now, I realize that defensively, our first unit did pretty good when it was out there intact, and that the schemes were ultra vanilla, nothing like we will see in the season. Pees is a very good DC, and aggressive. So the lack of sacks is not nearly as disconcerting as it would seem.

    But...there are worries...

    1. Paul Kruger. Last night showed me that Kruger has a lot to learn yet. Far too many times this preseason, he has gotten too far inside and allowed RB's to get huge gains sweeping to his side. I think he has the talent and physical ability, he just has to fix these mistakes.

    2. Cary Williams. He has looked terrible. Why he didn't sign that 3.5 mil contract is beyond me. Back to the ball, often two steps behind receivers, he looks like a rookie. Have to think they'll get him straightened out, he was much better last season.

    3. Courtney Upshaw. Many predicted him to have a sizeable impact this year, but it's not looking this way so far. He will be an integral part of the pass rush at times, so he needs to get healthy and step up.

    4. Sergio Kindle. I don't know what to say about him at this point. Looking like a total bust.

    5. Kickoff/punt coverage. This is probably the #1 concern to me. It's horrible.

    There are reasons for optimism too, but these are my five main concerns.





  2. #2
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    Re: Reasons for concern.

    I thought Kindle looked lost out there last night. I saw him play in college and was impressed. He is nowhere near the player today that he was in college. I really wanted him to succeed, but I think the Ravens will cut him even with the injury to Upshaw.I think the Ravens will make a minor trade for an OLB in the next day or two. Anyone they get off the waiver wire won't be good enough to contribute right away.

    On the positive side, I was impressed with Tyson last night. He was a late round draft pick, but I think he has a bright future. He looks like a player who could develop into a decent DE.





  3. #3
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    Re: Reasons for concern.

    I think many of our problems, the ones that you listed anyway, will work itself out as the season goes on.
    1) Kruger has very limited playing time and when he did play he was a pass rush specialist. He's learning to play the run on the fly. That should improve with time. I feel the same way about Courtney Upshaw. He's a rookie. Anyone who thought he was going to have that large of an impact set him up for failure. I wouldn't be as concerned with this if they were at different levels of the defense but they are both OLB, which means that's going to be a point of weakness for a couple of weeks. But we've got a lot of leadership on defense and we've got a good defensive coaching staff. Their mistakes will be pointed out and corrected before long.

    2) I haven't really been impressed with Williams or Jimmy Smith to be honest. I don't know if Cary was a one year wonder or if he's not fully back from the injury. Jimmy just needs some time out there. He's like Paul Kruger. The bright side is we've got Ed Reed, we can always assign him babysitting duties, if they get that bad.

    3) Kindle is a total bust. I agree. I am ready to cut bait and move on. I know they won't though.

    4) I know our kick coverage has been bad recently but I am optimistic that it's not as bad as it seems. While not a strength, I think it's worth pointing out that a lot of guys that have been on ST when some of these returns have been given up are guys who will not be NFL players come week 1. We probably won't know just how bad it is until week 1.





  4. Re: Reasons for concern.

    The pass rush is very concerning right now IMO. I have faith in Paul Kruger and I do believe he will have a nice season, but now with the Upshaw injury (hasn't done much anyway) and Kindle being a wash (McClellan's legal issue), we really don't have many pieces at all. That has to be a big concern for our defense, IMO.





  5. #5
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    Re: Reasons for concern.

    Corey - great point about Kruger and I think that is something everyone needs to really let seep in.


    His main job last year as as a pass rusher. That's it.

    I also think Dean Pees wasn't tipping his hand at all this pre-season.
    Disclaimer: The content posted is of my own opinion.





  6. #6

    Re: Reasons for concern.

    I agree about Jimmy Smith. He has gotten beaten a bit this preseason, other times he looks great. Seems like consistency is an issue, and I think that with time that will improve. He's a concern to be sure, just not as high as the others IMO.

    The key for our pass rush will be getting it without blitzing. Pees does like to blitz a lot, but it would be nice if we can generate it with a four man rush. That's were Kruger, and hopeful Upshaw will be able to contribute. Upshaw didn't really get to spend much time this preseason in what I think his role will be this year, which would be providing a pass rush with the starting unit on third downs.





  7. #7

    Re: Reasons for concern.

    The pass rush will have to be totally dependent on scheme.

    Luckily our main competition has o-line issues so we still should be able to win the division.
    360 tag: Ahhhhhhhhnold





  8. #8
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    Re: Reasons for concern.

    Lost both our starting OLB including the DPOY plus Redding in the middle. It's going to have an impact regardless of the young players. I just hope the offense can step up this year

    World Domination 3 Points at a Time!





  9. #9
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    Re: Reasons for concern.

    Quote Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle View Post
    Lost both our starting OLB including the DPOY plus Redding in the middle. It's going to have an impact regardless of the young players. I just hope the offense can step up this year
    Excellent point.
    Disclaimer: The content posted is of my own opinion.





  10. #10
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    Re: Reasons for concern.

    Is Kindle even going to make the team? If you ask me know... and yeah Kruger has been embarrassed alot by poor positioning this preseason...





  11. #11
    iggyman555 Guest

    Re: Reasons for concern.

    lets go MCHPEEEEE lol





  12. #12

    Re: Reasons for concern.

    Getting to Qb on 3rd down and depth their. Trading away Barnes still bugs the crap out of me, that's what he does harass qb's and provides depth. One of the dumbest moves ever made by the FO.





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