3 Burning Training Camp Questions

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) breaks the tackle of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

With training camp looming on the horizon, summer vacation will soon come to an end for players and coaches. The start of the offseason program always carries with it a number of burning questions that teams hope to find answers for quickly. The Ravens have their fair share of questions for 2014 camp, many revolving around a new offensive scheme, injuries, suspensions, and new players.

The offseason is a time for teams to restock, reassess, and forget about past failures (or even successes). It is a reset button for the past, and the only time each team is on equal footing. Every fan feels like their team can win the Super Bowl. It is a time to be optimistic, but we are going to take this time to be realistic instead.

Here are three burning questions facing the Ravens going into training camp.

1. Is Bernard Pierce healthy and ready to be a workhorse?

Training camp has always been the target for Bernard Pierce to make his return from January’s shoulder surgery. The team has not wavered from this timeline and it looks all but certain that we will see Pierce taking handoffs soon. But as we have learned in the past, simply getting back on the field doesn’t ensure effectiveness.

His progression through training camp and the preseason will have a huge impact on how carries will be split between himself, Justin Forsett, and impressive rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro.

In addition to recovering from surgery, Pierce is coming off a tough year. He undoubtedly will need to get back into football shape before he can even start to work on regaining past form. His progression through training camp and the preseason will have a huge impact on how carries will be split between himself, Justin Forsett, and impressive rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro.

2. How will weight changes affect Haloti Ngata, Elvis Dumervil, and Terrell Suggs?

All three have at least partially blamed their weight for a drop in production last season. Dumervil felt like he needed to gain weight to add durability in a “rugged” AFC North, while Ngata and Suggs worked to lose weight and improve conditioning. Weight changes are a dicey proposition in the NFL and have mixed results.

Better conditioning can improve durability, but will it affect performance? Sometimes it pays to have some extra weight when going up against massive offensive linemen. Sometimes that extra weight negatively affects speed. There is no scientific answer as to the ideal weight for these guys, so whether or not they did the right thing will show up on the field.