You might have to bear with me during this article whilst I delve into the dangerous realms of searching too hard for reasons to be optimistic, but I wanted to share with you something I came across this weekend that got me thinking.
Whilst searching for something to pass the time before the draft finally arrives on Thursday, I came across a Bleacher Report article from the end of March 2012 which summarized the Ravens’ offseason moves to that point. It sparked my curiosity enough for me to read it, and I couldn’t help but start spotting glaring comparisons to this year’s offseason moves.
For example, the Ravens’ fan base was ripe with optimism following a heartbreaking yet encouraging playoff loss in New England. That optimism was soon quelled by some major losses in free agency which left most analysts questioning if the team could retain its form from the previous year. Especially considering the tight cap space with which the team had to work with.
The Baltimore Ravens’ biggest priority so far this off season has been to hold on to as many of their own free agents as possible.
They’ve had mixed results in doing so—they’ve lost five free agents to other teams, but have given restricted free-agent tenders to some of their most-needed players.
Andrea Hangst, Bleacher Report, March 2012.
The above paragraph could easily describe how both the 2012 and 2015 offseasons began, but it doesn’t stop there.
On top of this, the Ravens were left with uncertainty over some positions as it was unclear if the injured Terrell Suggs would return to the field that year.
This time around, the uncertainty surrounds Dennis Pitta. Admittedly it is a bit more serious in that he might not return to the field at all, but hopefully you get my point.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the player losses in each season.
The biggest losses in 2012 included OG Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DL Brandon McKinney (Colts), DL Cory Redding (Colts), S Tom Zbikowski (Colts), and RB Ricky Williams (Retired).
Most of these departures left holes on the roster which raised legitimate questions over whether they could be filled, and the team mainly looked to the draft to replenish the roster. If we compare these to this offseason’s losses, more similarities arise.
The biggest losses this offseason include WR Torrey Smith (49’ers), DT Haloti Ngata (Lions), WR Jacoby Jones (Chargers), OLB Pernell McPhee (Bears), and TE Owen Daniels (Broncos).
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Whilst the positions and roles of these players are obviously different, I feel as though there are similar doubts as to whether or not younger guys can fill the roles, and whether suitable replacements can be acquired via the draft.
However, in both years the Ravens were able to hold on to some key players, and offered restricted free agent tenders to others who the coaches hoped could take on important roles.
In 2012 the Ravens retained C Matt Birk, RB Ray Rice (franchise tag), LB Jamell McClain, and LT Bryant McKinnie as well as restricted free agents CB Lardarius Webb, CB Cary Williams, and LB Dannell Ellerbe.
In 2015 the Ravens retained free agents RB Justin Forsett and DE Chris Canty, as well as restricted free agents K Justin Tucker, CB Jimmy Smith, S Will Hill, and WR Kamar Aiken.
The comparisons between these re-signings come mostly in the importance of their roles on the team in which I see broadly similar levels between the two years.
Ozzie Newsome didn’t make a big splash in free agency in either offseason, though this is a trend common to all Ravens offseasons, so I wouldn’t read too much into it in this case.
We have yet to see what this year’s draft will bring, though if it can produce some quality talent that also fills gaps on the roster like the 2012 draft was able to do (Courtney Upshaw, Kelechi Osemele, Bernard Pierce etc…) then maybe the comparisons will continue further into the season, especially if that talent can gel together for a postseason run.
It’s a far cry to start thinking about another Super Bowl just yet, and you’ll have to forgive me if you think I’m reading too much into these comparisons. But they got me pretty excited for next year when I started thinking about them, and it proved a good way to spend some time before the draft, so hopefully it can do the same for you.
Also, at the very least, hopefully this gives you some more ammunition to argue with when people try to rule out the Ravens as contenders for Super Bowl 50. They’ve done it once… and they can do it again.
Next: Will the Ravens Trade out of the First Round?
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