State of the Ravens

2006-02-13T20:58:00-05:00

I think it's appropriate for my first post on the Ravens to be a "State of the Union"-type post. Let's assess where we're at and where we're going. The hot topic is definately QB. Kyle played below average in all but a few games, was regularly critized by many fans (including myself) and got less than stellar support from Billick at the end of the season. The leading theory is that we will go after a veteran. Don Banks seems to think Jon Kitna is the likely choice, with Brad Johnson coming in second. Kerry Collins obviously makes sense too, since the Raiders will likely cut him rather than pay him $12.9 million, and Jim Fassil's past success with Kerry Collins. Given Drew Brees' injury, I don't see the Chargers letting Phillip Rivers go.

So given those choices, I like Brad Johnson the best. He's a veteran, he can make plays when you need him to, but most important he takes care of the ball. If the Ravens are going to continue to be a team built on defense and running, Johnson is a good fit for the passing game.

On the other hand, both Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton showed signs of developing into top receivers. Todd Heap has proven he is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league. The Ravens have been reluctant to give Jamal Lewis the franchise tag, and I think he will ultimately end up somewhere else, which sets up Chester Taylor to be the premiere back, who is a better receiver than Jamal. Combined that with Ravens fans' increasing frustration with the offense over the past few years and it may be time for a change. If we bring in Kerry Collins, we could develop a legitimate passing attack and hopefully a rounded offense.

So ultimately what we do with Jamal could end up affecting what we do at QB. If we are going to keep Jamal, it looks like we are going to stick with our "run the ball and play defense" plan. Which I personally don't like, because it has no plan B. If teams stack the line against us, and we run the ball for no gain on 1st and 2nd down, you end up with Kyle throwing on 3rd and 10 against a full blitz, which isn't pretty. If we let Jamal go, I think that signals a change in offensive philosophy, hopefully one for the better.

PaulBarry.com - State of the Ravens

State of the Ravens