Ravens Don’t Need Ben Tate or LeGarrette Blount
By Brett Foote
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate (44) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Ravens news and notes for your convenience. Today we dismiss the silly idea that the Ravens might be interested in free agent running backs Ben Tate and LeGarrette Blount, find out the bye week has the team “re-energized” and ready for a playoff run, and examine some bold predictions for Monday Night Football.
“Re-Energized” Ravens Ready for Playoff Run
The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for a team that seems to have gone backwards offensively in the last few weeks after a strong start. This is also a team that features a number of veterans who play important roles on both sides of the ball, so a week of rest should do the Ravens a lot of good.
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The Ravens have a strong run defense and a patchwork secondary, so will the Saints even bother trying to pound the rock? Maybe a little. And with Drew Brees throwing a ton of interceptions these days, it is well within the realm of possibility that he tosses at least one on Monday night.
Ravens Offense in a Slump, But Still Much Improved
We sometimes forget just how bad this offense was last season, particularly the ground game and offensive line play. Even though they have fallen off a bit, this unit is light years better than what we experienced last season.
Is Joe Flacco Causing Steve Smith’s Troubles?
Flacco hasn’t been very good lately, and neither has Smith. RSR is placing the blame on Flacco, but we think the truth lies a little more in the middle. Smith hasn’t been getting open lately like he was early in the season. But Flacco does deserve at least part of the blame as well as he stares down receivers and fails to recognize the blitz.
Would the Ravens Think About Ben Tate or LeGarrette Blount?
It turns out the team was at least passingly interested in Blount this offseason. Not a surprise considering his success with the Patriots, particularly in short yardage situations.
With Ravens and LeGarrette Blount, they talked to him in free agency, but never made formal contract offer, didn't want to give up comp pick
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 18, 2014
But as Jamison Hensley points out, it’s really silly to even consider the possibility when you have one of the NFL’s top rushers already toting the rock.
In terms of AFC North veteran RBs, Tate and Blount have been cut and Justin Forsett is No. 7 in NFL in rushing. Just like everyone predicted
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 18, 2014
Both of these guys were cut for reportedly complaining about their diminishing roles on offense, and Blount even walked off the field before the end of last week’s game (which turned out to be the last straw). The last thing any team needs, including the Ravens, is a whiny running back, let alone one who isn’t producing on the field when he does get a chance.