is Birk done?

**Section 502 Raven** · 09-18-2012, 05:12 PM

he seems to be getting manhandled by most of the NT's we've played against. there was a good article last year that said the difference in the ravens/patriots AFC championship game was Wilfork. the article spoke about how he dominated the whole game and collapased the pocket.

a center is like a baseball catcher. a catcher can impact the game two ways; calling a good game or offensivley producing with the bat.

Birk looks like he can call a good game but i'm not sure he can execute at the point of attack.

**Dirt1** · 09-18-2012, 05:17 PM

Physically, Birk was done by the end of last year. He will not be able to hold up physically for this entire season. He is still a very bright player, who would make a great OL coach someday.

**leachisabeast** · 09-18-2012, 05:19 PM

Here we go again, the mysterious story of how bad people think Birk is, who has actually been a really solid Olinemen for us for the past 3 years with one or two bad games.

Please name me an alternative that would be better than Birk (please do not say Gino, he's a 4th round rookie out of Delaware and is just not ready to start in this league by evidence of the pre season). Until Birk is taken off as the number 1 center on the depth chart, no, he is not "done". You can think it all you want, but the coaches obviously do not agree right now.

**Mista T** · 09-18-2012, 05:25 PM

Our weekly discussion on which Ravens player sucks. IIRC, last week it was Kruger, then previously it was whoever was on the WR depth chart above Thompson.

Isn't it great that Baltimore fans don't have Boller anymore to kick from behind their keyboards?

**leachisabeast** · 09-18-2012, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Dirt1

Physically, Birk was done by the end of last year. He will not be able to hold up physically for this entire season. He is still a very bright player, who would make a great OL coach someday.

Nonsense, he aint a top 3 center in the league anymore, but he is still more than good enough for us right now. He has another good year left in him despite his age. People are forgetting the fact that the previous DT's Birk has had to deal with were Cullen Jenkins, Geno Atkins, and Vince Wilfolk.

**rharris1986** · 09-18-2012, 05:28 PM

The only topic at hand is how long will Joe survive with Birk at center. I think the answer is not very long!

**leachisabeast** · 09-18-2012, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by rharris1986

The only topic at hand is how long will Joe survive with Birk at center. I think the answer is not very long!

Seriously? :grbac:

Three years Birk has been the starting center here, and has been the guy snapping the ball to Joe for 80 % of the time of his career, you'd think Joe would have had his career ended by now if you really think he's that bad.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 09-18-2012, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Seriously? :grbac:

Three years Birk has been the starting center here, and has been the guy snapping the ball to Joe for 80 % of the time of his career, you'd think Joe would have had his career ended by now if you really think he's that bad.

LOL...Leach, you are fighting a losing battle. Once the board finds a scapegoat, it's over. Nothing you can say, no logic you use, no stats to back you up will change anything.

Just accept it state your opinion and move on...you'll be better off screaming at your wall.

**ballhawk** · 09-18-2012, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by Mista T

Our weekly discussion on which Ravens player sucks. IIRC, last week it was Kruger, then previously it was whoever was on the WR depth chart above Thompson.

Isn't it great that Baltimore fans don't have Boller anymore to kick from behind their keyboards?

I guess we should just talk about how awesome everybody is and all the moral victories from the game against the eagles???

Birk is aproaching his late 30's, he is not above criticism. Nor is ozzie for not having somebody ready to step in yet.

**Mista T** · 09-18-2012, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by ballhawk

I guess we should just talk about how awesome everybody is and all the moral victories from the game against the eagles???

Birk is aproaching his late 30's, he is not above criticism. Nor is ozzie for not having somebody ready to step in yet.

Not at all. No one is perfect.

However, there has been a recent pattern here of naming a scapegoat of the week on a team which went 12-4, near Super Bowl last year, and should be a serious contender again. It's amusing, but nothing new for Baltimore sports.