Josh Gordon Ban Helps Baltimore Ravens, Tyrod Taylor Ready For Start
By Brett Foote
Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to Lunchtime Links, where we round up all the latest Ravens news from around the web for your convenient consumption. Today we discuss why the Josh Gordon ban is good for the Ravens, what Raven great Brandon Williams is studying, Tyrod Taylor is ready for what may be his last opportunity with the team, and the chances that Derek Cox sticks on the roster.
Josh Gordon Ban Helps Ravens
Jamison Hensley at ESPN thinks that Cleveland Brown wide receiver Josh Gordon’s year long suspension is a break for the Ravens, and in a way it is. Gordon led the NFL is receiving last season at the young age of 23, and by all means was on his way to super stardom. Add that to the injury woes the Ravens are experiencing in the secondary, and you could have had some trouble.
Gordon’s absence hurts the Browns, who lack a legitimate receiving threat outside of Gordon and tight end Jordan Cameron. And since the Ravens play the Browns twice a year, that additional threat could have made the difference between two wins and two losses. Not to say that the Ravens are guaranteed a sweep against the Browns, but Gordon’s absence won’t hurt.
Tyrod Taylor ready for last preseason start
You may have forgotten, but Ravens backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor is entering a contract season, and may very well not be back with the team next season. So tonight’s start against the New Orleans Saints might be his very last opportunity to make an impression on teams that could look to give him an opportunity next offseason.
More from Ravens News
- Ravens’ Super Bowl odds stagnant amidst Lamar Jackson trade rumors
- 5 Georgia Bulldogs the Ravens might draft to follow Todd Monken
- Get ready, Baltimore, you’re going to love Todd Monken
- Ravens news: Bengals fall to Chiefs in AFC thriller, a new OC in the mix, and more
- Ravens news: Anthony Richardson buzz grows louder, an unsung hero, and more
And as Aaron Wilson points out, Taylor is ready for the audition. Like any backup, Taylor hopes to one day get a chance to start in the league. And he has had a solid preseason this year, completing 65.8 percent of his passes with a 89.8 quarterback rating. Considering the lack of QB talent around the league, he might just get a shot next year.
Brandon Williams studying Kelly Gregg
New Ravens nose tackle Brandon Williams has had a great preseason and looks set to hold down the nose tackle position for years to come. And as Aaron Wilson tells us, part of his inspiration is coming from a familiar name – former Ravens defensive lineman Kelly Gregg.
Williams has been watching tape of Gregg during his playing days this offseason, taking lessons from the Raven’s great who he shares quite a few similarities with – including their super human strength. “I’ve definitely been doing that and trying to work that into the repertoire,” Williams said. “Play-making ability, his hands, his feet, the way he gets off blocks, the way he moves, everything.”
Will Derek Cox stick on the final roster?
The Ravens signed cornerback Derek Cox Wednesday, after he was part of the Minnesota Viking’s first cuts. Cox was a coveted free agent who signed a $20 million dollar deal with the San Diego Chargers last offseason, but was a huge bust out west. The fact that he couldn’t make it past first cuts with the Vikings isn’t a good sign.
The Ravens needed warm bodies to play Thursday night against the Saints, so Cox could be one and done in Baltimore. But we all know that Ozzie Newsome loves reclamation projects, and Cox fits the bill. So he could very well stick on the final roster, if he at least performs admirably tonight and shows the team something.