Here are some of my thoughts as the Baltimore Ravens head into training camp today.
Welcome Ravens Flock. Today is the day that veterans and the rest of the Baltimore Ravens finally report to training camp. Are you as excited as I am? It’s like Christmas morning. The next step is preseason games and I couldn’t be happier. The dark period is over and football IS BACK.
Here are some of my thoughts heading into camp.
1. This team isn’t a Super Bowl contender (yet)
I’ve seen the articles talking about the Ravens being legitimate contenders to win the Super Bowl but I can’t buy that just yet/ Sure the defense and offseason additions look great on paper right now, but there’s still a lot of concerns. An offense that struggled last season still has issues at tight end and on the line.
I’m not saying the Ravens can’t compete for a title, but I can’t let my bias get too much of me right now. And to be honest, I like when the Ravens are the underdogs. It always seems to work out better that way.
The AFC will be competitive this year and the Ravens have a more than manageable schedule. This team is good enough to get through the regular season and sneak into a Wild-Card spot. Sometimes that is all they need (i.e. 2012).
2. This team lives or dies by Joe Flacco
As much as people don’t want to admit it, the quarterback is the most important position on the field. That’s why they are the ones getting the big money contracts. And for this Ravens team, their success depends on how far Joe Flacco can carry them.
Will this be the Joe Flacco we’ve seen in the past? The one who threw 12 touchdowns to 0 interceptions and won a Super Bowl? I’m not sure. I can tell you the Joe Flacco we saw last year is not what is best for this offense. Most people can agree that he doesn’t need to be throwing the ball 600-700 times a season. He plays much better in a balanced offense with a consistent ground game.
Now more than one season off of the knee injury, Flacco will be more confident in the pocket. He also has some of the most weapons ever on the offensive side of the ball, which is exciting to see.
3. Let’s see what you’ve got Terrance West
After having surgery yesterday to repair his medial meniscus, Kenneth Dixon will miss 4-5 months. That’s absolutely terrible news for the Ravens. Along with Tavon Young, they’ve lost two of their most promising 2nd year players before the start of the season.
Now it’s time to see what Terrance West can do.
West was expected to handle most of the carries given Dixon’s 4 game suspension to start the season, but now he will get the majority all season long. Danny Woodhead and Bobby Rainey add depth, but they aren’t consistent options on the ground. They will be more of 3rd down options and threats in the passing game.
This is a contract year for West. After signing his restricted free agent tender he will be a free agent in 2018. This season is going to be very telling of what his future holds for this team. From what I’ve seen, I really like what he’s got.
4. It’s time to get excited about Breshad Perriman
It’s been an up-and-down ride for Breshad Perriman to start his young NFL career, but he’s finally settled in. He caught for 499 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first full season with the Ravens in 2016. Now with a bigger role heading into this season, it’s time to get excited.
Perriman brings a ton to the table. At 6-2, 215, he’s got great size and is extremely fast. Just watch some of his highlights last season if you don’t believe me. His most impressive skill is his body position. Even when draped by a defender, he puts himself in a position to catch the ball. That’s not something all defenders can do.
The Ravens used a 1st round pick on Perriman for a reason. The injuries have been concerning, but his potential is too much to not get excited about. With two mentors in Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin on the roster, they will help Perriman grow. If healthy this season he’s an easy 1,000 yard receiver.
5. Nico Siragusa could start this season
People are never excited when their team drafts an offensive lineman, I don’t care if it’s in the first round. Fans want the exciting players like a wide receiver or running back who will score a ton of touchdowns. A lot of Ravens fans will overlook 4th round pick Nico Siragusa, but he could very well start on the offensive line this season.
Siragusa was consistent as they came during college. He started 41 games over his 3 years and impressed on the field. Donald Pumphrey got all the credit at running back, but it was the San Diego State offensive line that paved the way for him and Siragusa was a part of that equation.
I’m not saying Siragusa starts at the beginning of the season, it wouldn’t make sense with Alex Lewis and Marshal Yanda starting at guard. But if there are problems at right tackle that force Lewis to possibly move outside, Siragusa could be the perfect fit at guard. With the Ravens pushing a run-first mentality this season, it would sense for him there.
6. The Weddle/Jefferson duo is going to be awesome
The Ravens had a ton of success signing free agent safety Eric Weddle last season, so why not bring in another? That’s exactly what they did when they went out and signed Tony Jefferson. Now Weddle and Jefferson are primed to be the best safety duo in the NFL this season.
Some critics say that Tony Jefferson is still unproven at the age of 25, but I love what he brings to the table. The Ravens coaching staff has raved about his work ethic and football I.Q. Jefferson is mature years beyond his age and you can tell that with the little things like staying off of social media during the season. Even something simple like that shows his focus.
These two will be wreaking havoc to opposing offenses this season.
7. Who will the next undrafted free agent to make the 53-man roster?
It’s hard to find a team that takes their undrafted free agents more seriously than the Baltimore Ravens. They’ve brought in another promising class this year and I am excited for what they have to offer. Who could be the next Michael Pierce?
This undrafted rookie could come from a number of areas. I think Tim White or Tim Patrick could be an option at wide receiver. With Dixon out for the season maybe a guy Taquan Mizzell impresses in training camp and in the preseason. Even with how good the defense is the Ravens will still be looking for depth at certain positions. It’s too early to count anyone out yet.
If you had to ask me I would say fullback Ricky Ortiz is one of the favorites to make the roster. He will give Lorenzo Taliaferro a legitimate shot in training camp.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: The positional battles to watch heading into training camp
This is why I love training camp. We already know what the more experienced players and veterans will bring to the table, so this time gives us a chance to take a look at the younger guys. These players are going all out every play in hopes of making the roster. And you never know, one or two could find their way on to it.