I have my eye on a number of things today…
1. Baltimore Ravens Defense
It’s not just athleticism and talent that makes this unit go, but also experience and cohesiveness. That’s why I advocate us restocking our defensive front seven via free agency. I really have my eye on Terrell Suggs, who probably should be the Chiefs’ No. 1 free agent priority with Matt Cassel off the board.
2. Quarterback or Running Game?
Donovan McNabb and his pass-happy Eagles or the Vikes’ potent rushing attack — which will prevail in today’s playoff match-up?
3. The Wildcat
Can it have any effect in the postseason with the stakes a little higher, the teams a little more prepared?
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Bart Scott is another Raven FA to keep our eyes on.
It would make no sense to sign Suggs. He is much better suited for the 3-4 and we don’t run it. Peppers would make more sense than Suggs. I wouldn’t mind Scott though. He won’t break the bank and would be a solid linebacker.
Suggs would be a down defensive end in our system, dbk301. And Peppers will also make more money than Suggs. Scott is another option, but I prefer Dansby.
I’m just not sure if he is big enough to be an every down DE. I’m not sure he would hold up against the run. Who knows though. I also didn’t think Slaton was big enough to be a every down rb and look at what he did this year.
Dansby is definately better than Scott, but if we sign someone like Peppers or Suggs he would be an affordable alternative and still would upgrade our LB corp.
Remember, Suggs was the 4-3 DE who broke the sack record back at ASU as a junior (24 sacks). At 6′3″, 260 he is plenty big.
I agree that Scott would be a less pricey alternative. At the same time, no way the Ravens let both Scott and Suggs walk.
Adam:
I agree with you. I do think we need to have Scott on our radar. We can’t always get the FA’s we want.
He absolutely needs to be on our radar. I also think that Clark will remain somewhat frugal, which means Peppers will likely be out of our price range.
Likely be franchised anyway, Clark did say he was gonna be very active in Free Agency tho …Suggs, Gross, Dansby and others should all be gettable
Adam
Suggs will be an unrestricted FA, they can not franchise him and if he wanted to stay don’t ya think he would have got a long term deal done this year. Peppers is a little overrated if ya ask me. If I had my way we’d sign Haynesworth and Suggs. Draft Curry 3rd over all and load up on a deep LB draft class. Just having Haynesworth and Suggs will strengthen our D enough that we can compete for a division title this year.(giving Harm and Gunny are gone)We all know that getting constant pressure on the QB can make a mediocre Sec. look good. Also having a strong front 4 allows you LB’s to make plays.
Adam for your three points above:
Defense once again rules the day in the playoffs (See Ravens and Eagles)
QB appears the way to go, over RB. Every franchise has to have a face.
Wildcat is as it was, gadget. No one really thought this would last against a real defense, did they?
Our second half stats on offense were atrocious. Keep the Spread / Wildcat etc… in the playbook but you have to have a pro offense in the Pro’s. I remember Steve Spurier trying to bring some excitement to the big leagues, don’t you? How did that work out? He destroyed, in very short order, what Marty had finally got in place and working the year prior.
All,
Since Thiggy will probably retain the starting job, what do ya’ll think of Rhett Bomar. I just read his bio, and I am very impressed. He has the arm, the mechanics, the size, the athleticism. Originally signed by Oklahoma but got in trouble over a job. He is at Sam Houston, without a cast and his numbers aren’t great. Looks like a dam good development project though. Should come late and cheap unless someone has their eye on him.
Haynesworth isn’t going anywhere and he’d be too expensive for us anyway. I do think Peppers is overrated, too.
Adam:
I agree. I think we are best suited to aim one level down from the Haynesworth, Peppers and Lewis level. I want players a bit younger and cheaper. I still take a long term view even during free agency.
I agree with both…
1st, Dansby is gonna stay in Arizona. After making the playoffs and winning their game after so long, Dansby will remain a factor their.
Bart Scott may not be as good as Dansby, but he’s the best out there. And he’ll be able to be a leader for this struggling and leader-less defense.
Dansby will have to forego a raise to stay there…they were over the cap this year til they made emergency reworking of contracts get them just under it…
If Pioli doesn’t work out then I want DeCosta/Rex Ryan with as many Ravens players through FA as possible to help integrate the new system…real hypothetical though…