tsylvester

I agree on Oweh, this is a make or break year for him. I have my doubts about him, if he doesn't produce, healthy or not, boot him. Lamar no show today, but there is always tomorrow, we love ya tomorrow, tomorrow makes a dream come true....

While this is voluntary, it should be interesting to see who doesn't show up, given a new offensive system is being put in place. Not too mention a few new faces.

https://apnews.com/article/nfl-jim-brown-03d88c7da08840a0921ae8d8dd0a6aaa He was far more than a football player, far more than a Hall of Famer, sure, he didn't make it as an actor, he left the NFL early, but he used his fame to try and help others step out from under the boot of this world.

So Rex should have for Ray? Sure, Smith was a missing piece, but there is no argument for McDonald and all of the excellent in game adjustments with coverages, with the types of pass rush he called, different stunts, blitzes etc.

I was a bit skeptical of McDonald at first, but he has shown the ability to adjust game to game, and especially in game. Give him a healthy hungry defense, man, this could be real fun, Rex Ryan like fun like back in the day

Yeah, Pierce has shown flashes each year but keeps getting bit by the injury bug it seems. If he can stay healthy, he can be a real beast, take this run stuffing and pocket collapse to a new level

In the early stages of what’s being deemed “football school,” a mixture of young talent and a sprinkling of veterans participate in the earliest stages of offseason workouts. Among the veterans is defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Pierce, 30, signed with the Ravens last season to a three-year, $16.5 million deal as the Ravens attempted to bolster their pass rush after a deal with outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith fell apart. But four weeks into the season, Pierce suffered a torn biceps injury against the New England Patriots and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Now, fully healthy, he’s returned and involved in the early stages of team workouts, and Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald is appreciating the veterans attendance. “You saw the start that [Pierce] was off to last year so it was disappointing to lose him,” Macdonald said. “Having Mike back in the middle of the defense will definitely be a big point of contention for us moving forward. I’m excited to see what he does.” The start Macdonald’s referring to was significant, as Pierce was the No. 7 ranked defensive lineman by PFF, directly behind Los Angeles Rams defensive star Aaron Donald through the four games he played. His overall grade sat at 86.9, and he graded above a 70 in run defense, tackling, pass rush and coverage. Now, with defensive end Calais Campbell joining the Atlanta Falcons, Macdonald sees Pierce as a person to help subside the loss of one of the NFL’s most unique defensive players. “Just having another vet guy that’s done it at a a high level, of course that’s going to help us,” Macdonald said. “[He has a] different skillset, but I think Michael Pierce is an underrated interior rusher, too. When the time comes, I think you’ll see what he can do in pass downs as well.” https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/5/18/23727011/ravens-dc-mike-macdonald-on-michael-pierces-return-i-think-youll-see-what-he-can-do

https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-dc-mike-macdonald-says-olb-david-ojabo-achilles-is-gaining-confidence-ent Baltimore is counting on linebacker David Ojabo hitting the ground running in Year 2. The outside linebacker is making strides this offseason after missing the bulk of his rookie campaign, according to Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. "The first thing is he has a full year of the program to physically get himself to a spot…" Macdonald said Wednesday. "He looks great. I feel like he's put on some good weight, looks stronger, looks fast right now. I think, more than anything, mentally, I think he's in a great spot as well. I think you're gonna see a lot of confidence from him throughout the process. That's great to see him in good spirits." Ojabo, a projected first-round pick last season, fell to the Ravens in the second round after suffering an Achilles tear at Michigan's Pro Day. Ojabo appeared in just two regular-season games, playing 21 total snaps on defense -- 20 coming in the season finale. He played two defensive snaps in Baltimore's wild-card loss to the Bengals. The Michigan product generated 11 sacks in his final collegiate season. The Ravens are banking on the 23-year-old getting that burst back and adding to Baltimore's pass rush in 2023 alongside Odafe Oweh. "It's a blessing and I just can't wait," Ojabo said Wednesday. "I've never been injured before and I never had to just sit down and it tested my patience, but it was definitely for the better."

I'm glad that he came down from his demand, but, just gonna leave this here

He is depth, not a starter, one year deal,

Sam Mustipher, not a bad replacement, plays 3 positions Local product Sam Mustipher is returning home to play for the Ravens. The Owings Mills native who grew up near the Under Armour Performance Center has been signed by the Ravens to add interior offensive line depth. Mustipher started 16 games at center for the Bears last season and has started 40 games for Chicago over the past three seasons. Mustipher attended Our Lady of Good Counsel in Olney, Md. where he was a four-star recruit who chose Notre Dame over Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State. A three-year starter for the Fighting Irish, Mustipher was a team captain who was signed to Chicago's practice squad after being an undrafted rookie in 2019. The Ravens lost an experienced backup offensive lineman when center Trystan Colon signed with the Jets during free agency. Versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari can play all five positions, but Mustipher adds to the depth behind starting center Tyler Linderbaum. In another roster move, the Ravens have waived defensive back Thakarius Keyes, a seventh-round pick by the Chiefs in 2020 who was signed to Baltimore's practice squad late last season. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-sign-former-bears-starting-center-sam-mustipher

https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/baltimore-ravens-draft-trenton-simpson-chris-horton-eric-decosta-scouting-report-clemson Baltimore Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton was "one of the happiest guys in the building" when his team selected linebacker Trenton Simpson in Round 3 - and he delivered a full scouting report as to why. After waiting over 60 picks between their first- and third-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens landed the player that general manager Eric DeCosta thought was "clearly" the best available in Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson. Viewed as a versatile piece with plenty of upside, Simpson has a lot of fans in Baltimore's building - perhaps none bigger than special teams coordinator Chris Horton. DeCosta stressed early on draft night that Horton was "one of the happiest guys in the building" with the selection of Simpson - but why? "It was pretty easy to love this guy," Horton said. "You turn on the tape, and you watch him fly around, you watch him get to the football, you watch him make plays. When I had the privilege to evaluate that guy as a special teamer, it was a no-brainer for me; I want that kind of player." The 6-2, 235-pound Simpson made his mark defensively at Clemson, earning third-team All-ACC honors this past season. Across 37 games (27 starts) for the Tigers, Simpson recorded 187 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Simpson ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, only confirming his on-field speed, and will enter the NFL with a defined skill set as a "run and hit linebacker (who's) very, very explosive," per DeCosta. But there was more to the evaluation. Earlier in Simpson's collegiate career, he played special teams; it presented Horton with the opportunity to see how the 21-year-old responded when he wasn't starting and would offer a look at whether he could make an impact in the game's third phase, where he'll likely see most of his snaps as a rookie. What Baltimore's fifth-year special teams coordinator saw was a player who flew around the field and showed plenty of translatable attributes that ultimately made him fall in love during the pre-draft process. That guy has the traits – those Raven traits – that we look for," Horton said. "He was tough, he was fast, he was physical. He loved playing football, and his energy was just off the chart. That's the kind of players we've had in this building, so I truly believe that guy's going to do some good things for us this year." Now, the ball is in Simpson's court to deliver - but Baltimore certainly feels as if it landed an impactful player who can prove exactly that as early as 2023, where a special teams opportunity awaits.

I am pretty sure he will be there for the OTA's, it is the responsible thing to do after all. I am sure he had previously set plans that could not be canceled as to why he skipped the voluntary camp...

Another good read on what we might expect The Baltimore Ravens moved on from offensive coordinator Greg Roman this offseason and hired Todd Monken to jump-start a stalled passing attack. By proxy, that means relying less on Lamar Jackson's legs to move the ball. Monken noted Wednesday that the upgraded weapons around Jackson will allow the quarterback to lessen the ground work. "I think the more talented you are around your quarterback, the less he has to burden -- take on that burden -- shoulder the load, because you're excited about getting others the football where they can utilize their skill set," Monken said, via the team's official website. That's not to say the Ravens will abandon the QB run. It would be silly to have a sportscar like Jackson and never take it out of the garage, but the offense won't revolve around the run as it has in the past. "As you get further into your career, as Lamar gets older -- as everybody does -- you want to take some of that off of the player as best you can," Monken said. "But he has a unique trait, a unique skillset. You can't take that completely out of his toolbox because that's a huge weapon for him and for us, is using his feet." Jackson didn't attend the Ravens' football school practice, a voluntary portion of the offseason. Monken isn't worried in the least about when the starting QB will attend workouts this spring -- Baltimore opens OTAs on May 22 -- nor should Ravens fans be. "Well, first off, we're excited about the guys who are here," Monken said. "I know Lamar is working hard. I know the guys that aren't here are working hard; they're pros. When they're here, they're here. We look forward to getting them here and getting up to speed to what we're doing offensively. I think that's probably the biggest challenge, but it's football. When they get here, they get here, and we'll get them up to speed." To help spearhead the next stage of Jackson's career after signing a record-setting contract, the Ravens added Odell Beckham Jr., first-round receiver Zay Flowers and veteran Nelson Agholor. "You're paid to move the football and score, and that's a lot easier with talented players," Monken said. "As I always say, 'Cookies taste better with sugar than they do with vinegar.' So, you surround yourself with sugar." Monken plans to bake his sugar cookies to a precise balance in his first campaign in Baltimore. A balance that includes the quarterback using more of his arm and less of his legs. https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-oc-todd-monken-looking-to-lighten-qb-lamar-jackson-s-burden-with-by-utili

Nice catch, that is or can be good

I like the 3 game home stand late, and the late bye, could be important. Not an easy schedule, but health, commitment, this team could win 12 games or as little as 6

Yikes, hate the across the pond game, the night games, but then, I am old.. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-2023-schedule-nfl-takeaways Week 1Sept. 10vs. Houston Texans1 p.m. (CBS) Week 2Sept. 17@ Cincinnati Bengals1 p.m. (CBS) Week 3Sept. 24vs. Indianapolis Colts1 p.m. (CBS) Week 4Oct. 1@ Cleveland Browns1 p.m. (CBS) Week 5Oct. 8@ Pittsburgh Steelers1 p.m. (CBS) Week 6Oct. 15vs. Tennessee Titans (London)9:30 a.m. (NFLN) Week 7Oct. 22vs. Detroit Lions1 p.m. (FOX) Week 8Oct. 29@ Arizona Cardinals4:25 p.m. (CBS) Week 9Nov. 5vs. Seattle Seahawks1 p.m. (CBS) Week 10Nov. 12vs. Cleveland Browns1 p.m. (FOX) Week 11Nov. 16 (Thu.)vs. Cincinnati Bengals8:15 p.m. (Prime Video) Week 12Nov. 26@ Los Angeles Chargers8:20 p.m. (NBC) Week 13BYE Week 14Dec. 10vs. Los Angeles Rams1 p.m. (FOX) Week 15Dec. 17@ Jacksonville Jaguars8:20 p.m. (NBC) Week 16Dec. 25@ San Francisco 49ers8:15 p.m. (ABC) Week 17Dec. 31vs. Miami Dolphins1 p.m. (CBS) Week 18TBDvs. Pittsburgh Steelers

I think the biggest difference we will see is in route combinations, routes used against certain defenses and, as we all have been starved for, in game adjustments.

Just talk right now, but ya gotta love the attitude https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-first-round-wr-zay-flowers-believes-he-can-do-it-all-in-baltimore The Baltimore Ravens held rookie minicamp over the weekend, allowing their first-year players to immerse themselves in the actual football schemes for the first time since draft day. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken's design received rave reviews from first-round wideout Zay Flowers, who sees it as a player-friendly system. "Oh, I love it," Flowers said Saturday. "It's kind of like some of the stuff I ran at B.C. [Boston College]. I love it. I think it fits my style perfectly. "Running, getting open, being able to create space, deep balls, short, intermediate -- do it all." Flowers' production at Boston College portends an immediate impact as a rookie, and he fits perfectly between star signee Odell Beckham Jr. and former 2021 first-rounder Rashod Bateman. The rookie's size (5-foot-10) projects as a slot receiver, and his route-running ability should allow him to win in space, particularly if defenses are concerned with OBJ and tight end Mark Andrews. "I feel like I'm a complete receiver. I can do it all," Flowers said. "You name it, I'll be able to do it. I honestly don't have a preference (on where I line up) because I feel like I can run every route on the outside, and I can run every route on the inside." When Lamar Jackson inked his new contract last week, he mentioned the Flowers draft pick as part of what makes him excited to play in the new offense, noting he wants to put up 6,000 passing yards. Asked about Jackson's goal, Flowers said he's up for anything his MVP quarterback wants to aim at. "I love that. Let's do it," Flowers said. "Whatever he wants to do, I'm with it".

Make that now 7 dead horses training for the Kentucky Derby...

Cap hits aren't too bad for the first 3 years, $22,$33,43, then double dose of $74 mil, ouch. No trade nor tag clause means an extension in year 4 or 5, if he plays well, if not, major dead Cap charge.

Interesting takes, 6,000 yards though? How about a balanced attack? 3,000 passing, 3,000 total team rushing? Better routes, not more passing, allowing for more first downs, backing the defense up so that running lanes are easier and, open. Not throwing 40+ times per game, but running 45 times, with 3 different backs, 30 passes that move chains, score from the Redzone, a place, hate to say it, even Gerogia struggled with at times, coach Monken.

That one was from CBS, this one from NBC In early March, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson asked to be traded. In late March, he made it public. By late April, he had a deal in place with the Ravens. During Thursday’s press conference regarding the deal, Lamar was asked to address what changed between asking to be traded and signing a new deal. He declined to elaborate. “Today, we’re gonna keep it about the future,” Jackson said. “I’m not really worried about what happened in the past. I’m gonna keep it about these next five years. And keep it about what’s going on today. You know, it’s a great day.” It’s clear that he was simply trying, when he asked to be traded, to get the best possible contract from the Ravens or from another team. At the end of the day, he got the best deal he could get.

Flanked by GM Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, Lamar Jackson held his first press conference after signing a new $260 million, five-year deal that makes him the NFL's highest-paid quarterback. The mega extension includes no-tag and no-trade clauses and will pay Jackson a record $80 million in 2023, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones The press conference took on a celebratory vibe that was primarily focused on the future. On that note, Jackson opted not to discuss his recent trade request after Baltimore had placed the non-exclusive tag on him earlier this offseason. "I didn't really care for other teams," Jackson said. "I just really wanted to get something here. Other teams are cool, but I wanted to be a Raven. I said something in 2018 … I meant that. I wanted to get this done. … I really wanted to finish my career here and win a Super Bowl here." Jackson said that he liked the language that existed in the offer that he ultimately signed. Despite the issues coming to terms on a new deal, Jackson stressed that he never wanted to play anywhere else. He said that he also appreciated the continued support of Harbaugh and DeCosta throughout the process. "It means a lot," Jackson said," just to have guys, your head coach and your GM, wanting you to be here and believe you can help your team achieve the ultimate goal in football." Jackson also wants to set more records. Already the owner of the NFL's top rushing season for a quarterback, the former league MVP has his sights set on obliterating Peyton Manning's 10-year-old single-season passing mark. I'm very eager," Jackson said of the Ravens' upcoming season. "I think I told someone, I want to throw for like 6,000 yards with the weapons we have. I'm not an individual, award type of guy. I just want to do that because no one's ever done that before, and we have the weapons to do that. ... Just can't wait to get rolling."

In case you want to see it https://www.baltimoreravens.com