Notes From Ben Watson Press Conference
The Baltimore Ravens held a press conference yesterday to introduce their new tight end, Ben Watson. Watson is a very athletic tight end whom the Ravens have high hopes for. Coming off his best statistical season at the age of 32, Watson agreed to a two year contract with the Purple and Black. Here are the biggest quotes from the press conference and my take on each of them. Here is the link to the Ravens website, where you can watch the full press conference.
General manager Ozzie Newsome discussing Watson’s potential impact on the team:
"Thinking about Ben right now, I think what he brings to Baltimore, I think I can look at it in three areas. If you look at his production on the field last year it was unbelievable. The amount of catches, the touchdowns and a guy that played over 90% of the snaps."
This is something that I really respect the Ravens for. They looked at him for his versatility on the field and the fact that he played 90% of the snaps is huge. I agree with Mr. Newsome that is something that is important. After the injury plagued season we had, the ability to take on such a work load for an older NFL player is an important note. It also shows that he is the kind of player, the Saints coaches wanted on the field all the time.
"The second aspect is Steve [Bisciotti] always talks to us about bringing in good people into the organization, and he’s at the top of the charts when it comes to that. Anyone that you talk to in any of the organizations that he’s been around will tell you that there’s not too many people that you get to meet that are equal to Ben."
This is a team that needs all the good PR it can get. We are still recovering from the Ray Rice incident in the public eye. The Terrell Suggs incident with his suspended license didn’t help. The Ravens should be focused on bringing in good people. That’s just good business, especially after the Ravens recent PR nightmares.
"The third part of it is having three young tight ends in Crockett, Maxx and Nick and potentially with Waller going to Tight End, what better person to have in that room and on the practice field than Ben Watson"
To me this is the most important thing Newsome said. Watson will be a perfect mentor for the Ravens young tight ends. There is no doubt he will set the bar high for his younger teammates.
Head Coach John Harbaugh on Ben Watson’s fit with the Ravens:
"We’re a balanced offense. He’s a run blocker and he’s very productive in the passing game. He can run all the routes. He makes plays in tight areas and he makes third down conversions all those things he’s always done. But also just playing against this guy and having to defend him all these years in the different places and the different offenses he’s been in, and every different type of offense he’s been in he’s been productive, as a pass catcher, and as a blocker."
I think we found the reason the Ravens head coach loves Watson so much. He is a blocker. He is a tough and gritty player and the Ravens have always been a run oriented team that wants to be more physical than the guys across from them. Watson is a good tight end that fits what the Ravens want to do.
"The final piece to share with you is that he just really understands how to take care of himself and how to work hard and that’s going to translate to the rest of our team."
This was the theme of the press conference. Watson is a good guy who sets the example. He is a leader. After a 2015 campaign riddled with penalties and undisciplined miscues, I can see that the Ravens are committed to bringing in leaders.
Ben Watson Introduces Himself:
"My biggest goal is to come here and be somebody who can be trusted. Someone who can be a leader who can contribute on the field to help win football games, because really that’s the most important thing, why we’re here obviously in this building. But also my wife and I like to be connected to every community we’re involved in."
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That was really the meat of Watson’s comments. He also mentioned how he is honored to be part of the organization and gave his thanks to Newsome and Harbaugh. He seems like a very humble and experienced player. He has a unique perspective. Watson is as advertised, a good man and a good football player. It should be fun having him represent Ravens Nation in the coming years.