Torrey Smith Not A Fit For Offense, Ravens Working Out Tight Ends

Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) is called for pass interference against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-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 look at some tight ends the Ravens are working out while they seek to replace Dennis Pitta, discuss theories of how they will replace his production, and we ponder whether or not Torrey Smith is a fit for the Raven’s offense.

Torrey Smith a poor fit for the Raven’s offense?

Torrey Smith has been a huge disappointment for the Ravens through three games while taking a back seat to Steve Smith.  But his drop in production isn’t coming from a lack of targets, so what is causing it?  Paul Lukoskie at Russell Street Report points out that not only is Smith a poor fit for Gary Kubiak’s offense, but he doesn’t appear to be trying very hard either.

Lukoskie notes Smith’s lack of route running skills, coupled with his lack of desire to go all out on passing plays where he isn’t the first read, as the main reasons he isn’t producing.  It’s a surprising development considering how Smith is in a contract year and seemingly poised to receive a huge payday.  If he keeps it up, that pay day may not come from the Ravens.

Ravens looking to fill the hole from loss of Dennis Pitta

We theorized Sunday evening that the Ravens would look to sign a street free agent to take the roster spot of Dennis Pitta, and they appear to be looking to do just that.  Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun reports that two free agent tight ends were brought in for a tryout on Tuesday morning – Jake Murphy and Emmanuel Ogbuehi.

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Ogbuehi signed with the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2013, and has since spent time on the Dolphin’s practice squad and with the Browns this past summer.  Murphy went undrafted this year despite grading out as high as a fifth rounder, and spent time with the Raiders before being cut.

Ravens better equipped to replace Pitta, will use committee?

Jamison Hensley at ESPN thinks that the Ravens will employ a committee to replace the production of Dennis Pitta, one consisting of Owen Daniels, Kyle Juszczyk, and Marlon Brown.  It’s a smart bet and essentially exactly what we have predicted.  Daniels just doesn’t have enough left in the tank to be a featured player for the entire season.  It’s a recipe for injury.

Andrea Hangst at Bleacher Report thinks that the team is better equipped in 2014 to handle Pitta’s loss than in 2013.  We agree after the team worked diligently this offseason to acquire more pass catching talent.  While the Ravens may have to adjust their scheme a little, they have more than enough viable weapons to cover the loss of their dynamic tight end.  The addition of Steve Smith, Daniels, and Gillmore, plus the emergence of Juszczyk and the presence of Brown will fill the void.