The news continues to come fast and furious out of Owings Mills, here are a few topics to discuss today.
Topic 1: Rabach failed his physical, will Ravens turn to Olin Kreutz?
I was pleased with the news of the Rabach addition, not because I believed he had a lot left, but because he added some veteran depth behind Birk. With the news that Rabach has failed his physical, it is on to the next one for the Ravens. Even if Birk was perfectly healthy, it would be fair to question how well he will hold up this year as a starter. With Birk having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee within the next couple of days (and scheduled to miss a couple of weeks), there becomes a more pressing need to have a backup plan in place. Kreutz was recently released, after 13 years with the Bears. During his tenure in Chicago, he was a 4x All-Pro. Before being released, Kreutz turned down the Bears 1 year $4M contract offer. On Saturday, Kreutz told the Chicago Tribune he was likely done. I’m sure the Ravens are interested, but if Kreutz would not accept $4M to return to the place he had long called home, is he going to be interested in coming to Baltimore?
Topic 2: The Ravens signed Strong Safety Bernard Pollard
Baltimore has signed Strong Safety Bernard Pollard. The 26 year-old Pollard was most recently with the Houston Texans. In a January article reviewing the Texans 2010 defense, John McClain of of the Houston Chronicle said (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/mcclain/7387410.html) that Pollard was outstanding. Before joining the Texans, Pollard was with Kansas City. The Chiefs drafted Pollard in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft. In August 2009, Baltimore Sports and Life interviewed Kent Babb who covers the Chiefs for the Kansas City Star. Babb stated the following about Pollard, “Pollard has had some issues with fundamentals and tackling, and the Chiefs brought in veteran safety Mike Brown this year to push Pollard and either make the youngster better or steal his job. So far, Pollard has responded, and he is likely to be the starting strong safety. He has plenty of things he could improve on, but he is good enough if not great.”
I like the move. Zbikowski played reasonably well when he was on the field last year, but missed 8 games with foot and back injuries. Nakamura played in all 16 games last year, but spent ’09 on IR. Pollard replaces Landry, and gives the Ravens another experienced young veteran.
Topic 3: McClain signs with Kansas City
2x All-Pro Le’Ron McClain has signed a 1 year deal with the Chiefs. My opinion is that the Ravens should have brought him back. I think he is just as capable as any of the available backup RB’s. His style was a contrast to Rice. He was familiar with the scheme. There were more carries available after cutting McGahee, and signing Leach. The fact that he signed with Kansas City, basically hours after a disparaging article appeared on the Ravens official website, is probably not a coincidence. After all, with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones on the Chiefs roster; it is not like he is going receive a lot more carries there than he could have received here.
Topic 4: Mason heading North?
Derrick Mason is said to be heading North and visiting the New York Jets today. If Mason does sign with Rex Ryan, the pressure on the Ravens to get a deal done with Floyd, or Edwards just increases exponentially.
Topic 5: Webb returning punts?
The Ravens official website reported yesterday that Lardarius Webb is expected to be the Ravens primary punt returner. I find this to be a dumb decision. Sure, Webb might be the most capable option on the roster. However, his most valuable contribution to the roster will be what he provides to the Secondary. We talked yesterday about bringing Foxworth a long a bit slowly, as he works himself back into true game shape. I’m happy about Carr’s return, but I think Webb has superior skills. Now two years removed from his injury, I think Webb has the ability to breakthrough as a really outstanding DB (especially with Smith on the field opposite of him.) I would not want to limit his ability back there, by increasing his risk of injury by using him as a PR.
I know Reed, and Doss are primarily Kick Returners, but I would be giving them extended time on Punts. With Pollard signed, the Ravens could also give Zbikowski another chance back there. I would see that as preferable to using Webb as well. If the Ravens are going to carry a 6th WR (assuming 1 FA is signed, and they go with Boldin, FA, Smith, Reed, Doss), the 6th WR is going to come from Hardy, M. Smith, or Harper. Each of those three should be spending part of their time everyday on Punts as well.
Cary Williams was another guy who had success in College as a Kick Returner. Wouldn’t it make sense for him to now focus on Punts? There has been a lot of talk about Chykie Brown and his athleticism. He is obviously has to contribute on Special Teams. Yet another guy I’d rather see the Ravens consider using in that Punt Returner capacity vs. Webb.
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