Printable View
As of right now (aside from the obvious question marks involving starting rookies) it's the only criticism you can really give this team. I can't remember another offseason where we have had such few question marksQuote:
Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle
This is a real possibility. The 49ers have been toying with Vernon Davis as a wideout during their OTAs. It's been reported that he didn't even work out with the TEs during their last mini-camp, but exclusively with the WRs. It's the new wave of NFL offenses - trying to create match-up problems for a defense by using the TE in nontraditional ways.Quote:
Originally Posted by wickedsolo
Also lost the best fullback in the game and counting on rookies to replace two of the greatest Raven defenders ever. There are some areas that can be scrutinized.Quote:
Originally Posted by runrayrun27
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Absolutely a fair question.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle
Someone will step up though. I mean, Boldin had I think 64 or 65 receptions last year and Torrey had in the high 40's. There is no reason to think that they can't divide up 65 receptions among who is still there.
Pitta had 61, but I could see him even getting into the 70-80 range. Torrey should easily be able to jump from the high 40's into the 70's or 80's...maybe even more. Rice has shown that he can be a 60+ reception back. So, right there you've got 3 guys who can really pick up the slack of losing Boldin.
For schnitzengiggles, let's say that Torrey gets 80 receptions (approximately 30 more than last year), so at that point you've only got 35 receptions left to divide up. Dickson could get 10-15 more receptions on the year. KJ could easily handle 10 receptions on the year. Pitta could probably get another 10-15 receptions and at this point you've already met and/or exceeded last year. This isn't even factoring in Jacoby, Thompson, Doss, Reed, Pierce, and (hopefully) Furstenburg.
Replacing what Boldin did in the playoffs is not going to be easy at all. However, we aren't talking about a guy who had 100+ receptions, 10 TD's and 1000+ yards. Maybe that had more to do with Cam than we thought (certainly seems like it base on the playoffs); however, I definitely think that guys like Pitta and Dickson can help alleviate that loss.
I agree. The funny thing is we all say how athletic Dickson is for his size, but Pitta matched a lot of his combine numbers. Both are pretty damn athletic.Quote:
Originally Posted by alien bird
I'm really hoping Furstenburg makes this team too because he is another pretty athletic TE that was horribly under-utilized at MD.
Agreed on all parts. Were not replacing a perrennial probowler. His production in the playoffs was exceptional, but how much was joe and how much was caldwell? I understand theres questions, as there should be with the unproven but i think theres a lot to be excited about as well. I think the feeling with boldin was addition by subtraction. I have a feeling they felt he was holding back the rest from what theyve seen and feel confident. Whether its doss, thompson, reed etc. Just an opinion but it goes inline with their actions.Quote:
Originally Posted by wickedsolo
IMO much of the skepticism over the Boldin-less Ravens is less about catch numbers than about who's going to step up now. I look at the Gil Brandt quote in wicked's sig----& I think that might apply to WRs as well.Quote:
When it comes to quarterbacks, don't pay attention to stats; pay attention to guys who make crucial plays at crucial times
In the playoffs Q went up & made the tough catches to put points on the board & keep drives moving. Doss--the most obvious candidate to take his place--muffed a couple of tough catches. Not routine catches--but still, someone has to step up, & as of the moment the jury is out on who might, or even if there's anyone on the roster who could.
I feel strongly that one or more of the "kids" is going to step up & the offense will ignite, but I wear ultraviolet specs--& I can't fault the pundits for their skepticism. At least not unless & until they start ignoring evidence to the contrary.
Ravens will develop their own Cruz this year with who is already on the team. I have faith in the Raven coaches, the NFL will get to see the Ravens offense come alive with Caldwell and Flacco . Not worried about stats, just wins.
I believe it's commonly overlooked that Joe dropped in some nice passes for Boldin to grab. I've watched those catches several time and although Boldin deserves credit, I don't think Joe got his due for fitting passes into tight windows.
No doubt. I personally think that playoff run was way more about Flacco than Caldwell. I give Caldwell credit for giving Joe the nod to run the offense without restrictions but it was Joe who stepped up and did it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigfish
It's pretty hard for any receiver to be utilized properly when one QB transfers, three more go down with ACL tears, one has a foot injury end his season, so a scout team linebacker & true freshman ends up the guy throwing you the ball.Quote:
Originally Posted by wickedsolo
He absolutely doesn't get credit for the passes, the general consensus amongst fans and media is that Joe's success was mostly due to him being "bailed" by Q and Torrey; Jump Ball Joe they call him. :grbac:Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigfish