tsylvester

Yes, I still think so. Go look at my post about the roster a page or two back, what positions they normally keep, numbers wise. Given the lack of depth in the secondary and the strong play from the entire defensive line crew, where they need depth to keepthat four man pressure up game out, plus the lack of depth at offensive line, I just do not see room for five or more receivers. He could be a late cut and we will call you back after the season starts type move. But not getting any reps with the one's, playing late into the game, pretty much tells the story going forward. Maybe they work out a trade, or as I said a late cut to take a chance of being able to sign him later. He just has not been consistant, is only good for deep routes IF he is up againsta lesser db who doesn't know how to re-route him.

That's just it, both have been catching the ball well, with their hands mind you, in traffic all camp long. However, when your play with the 2nd string quarterback most of the time, you don't get many thrown your way nor if they are, in the same stratosphere.

Did you notice his special teams play? At least one tackle, two other times he forced the returner back to the middle where he was tackled for little gain. He was the gunner last game and did very well. He is coming along very well, and yes, he will be the hammer.

Max, if you remember last year at this time, the Ravens mostly threw the ball during the pre season. My remarks then were of concern for the running game because you need reps against real defenses, game time reps to build a running game. We saw the result, no running game. This year, so far, they have made a real change to work on the running game and with pretty success. The stat is only meaningless if they fail to keep up the hard work in the season.

That's why one has to watch the tape and why more goes into being a receiver than just how many catches or drops. Aiken, and Butler to a lesser extent, were able to get off press coverage, get open and both did well blocking in the run game. Without receivers blocking, there are no long runs.

exactly, which is why I doubt the Ravens, if they plan on putting him on the ps, would "find and injury" for him........ And Crav, I am not down on Oz, my point was that there is no reason to worry about putting him on the ps based on your statement.....

now that is a good thing. If only they would change the defensive touching rule from an automatic first down to just a five yard penalty all will be well in the NFL.....

Gems yes, just not at wide receiver. Tell me, when have the RAVENS, here in Baltimore, ever developed a wide receiver? When has one ever been taken off the practice squad and gone on to do anything in the NFL? Of all the positions, Ozzie strikes out on receivers. Now this appears to have changed with the play of Smith and Brown, but they also had the teachings from the likes of Boldin and both attended the Cris Carter camps over the past few years, so some of that is not accredited to Ozzie's staff.

Im not sure I agree the team is thin at DE, several players have stepped up, he does point out McPhee, who I think is a special talent and really come along in his growth. With regular playing time I can see him get 8-10 sacks this year and he is very durable. The offensive line and secondary, including the linebackers, are thin and I don't see the rookie eveyone thinks is a stud making it through the season; so far I am far from impressed with his play.

Ir him, why? He, if not for the Ravens, would have gone undrafted, has not shown, in games, he is anything other than average at best. I don't see a team, baring a season ending injury to all of their slot receivers, taking him off the practice squad. I think some people are making too much of him, expecting too much of him.

They won't risk it, losing him, if they plan on putting him on the practice squad. When he has played, he rarely has shown anything close to what he supposedly does in practice.

If you rewatch the play, or watch in on NFL all 22, you see Elam had that side of the field, the defense was 1/2 in the middle, man outside with a cross blitz on up front. Elam had that half of the field and with only two receivers in routes, one on each side, I have no idea what he was doing so far away from the only reciever on his side.....

Maybe five, but 6? Last year they kept 5, which is their average save for a couple of seasons where they carried 4. They carried 8 offensive lineman last year, this year's crop is not worth 8 but you need depth, good or bad. Six on the defensive line, last year they carried 10 linebackers, not sure they keep that many this year, but they might. Two quarterbacks for sure, they carried five runningbacks last year, I think they just go with four this year, they are all playing very well. Three tight ends for sure... They had 11 in the secondary last year, should hold the same this year given the youth, injury history and lack of true quality. Throw enough at the wall, something will stick. 3 specialist, so that is 52, minimum, leaving 1 spots open team wide. So let us see, Smith, Smith, Jones, Brown and I think Aiken for sure. Aiken, as I said, has been very good blocking, routes and shown good hands. Next pre season game I expect him to get more reps with the first team to see how well he can do with a real quarterback throwing to him. So that last roster spot comes down to which position needs it more, with the safeties being subpar so far, the injuries at db and the lack luster play as well, this should be interesting.

Tough call for sure, how many receivers will they carry? Four, five maybe? Even with the big returns last night, he still struggles against the press coverage and with making catches in traffic. With the way Aiken, who not only runs great routes but blocks, very, very well, is playing, I just do not see room for Donte. Do the math for the team, now needing to keep several db's because of injury or sucky play, that may take up the last roster leaving no room to keep five or more wr's.

Well, all xrays were negative so that rules out a broen rib/punctured lung. I've never heard of any one spitting up blood from a concusion, had quite a few my self. Sturnum checked out too, so chances are it is nothing serious.

He is not the only one. Once again, Elam was out of position, resulting in a touchdown. We saw the proper safety play in that defensive scheme, when he got the int. Maybe elam can learn something from a future burger flipper...... Oh yes, and he still cannot cover.....

Thompson is trying too hard, he needs to just trust his hands. Sadly, some never truly get it, I doubt he makes the team, they just cannot afford any more project receivers, time is out.

Im surprised he lasted this long.

It is simply amazing how hard he worked to go from a pretty much average at best college qb to what he is now; one of the best ever.

torn achilles they are saying now....

Such a shame, he had a very good game, and can play two positions.... hope it turns out well.

He is not accurate, makes poor decisions and is slow to react, that is why he is bench material. They keep him around because he is good at running some of the other offenses on the scout team, namely, those of teams with true running quarterbacks.....

True, but a lot of that was the rookie, so quick to the hole and a road grader.....

I think the rookie will over take them both, especially late in games if the Ravens have the lead and in the redzone.

so much to take away, but let us not get carried away. First pre season game, many of those plays the texans ran and defenses picked up on; pick six style, anticipating the throws. Remember, it wasn't just one game, but one series; BIG DIFFERENCE. No depth, none, on the offensive line. sure, the first group looked great, imagine the big rookie back running behind them but that second unit, on the whole is horrible. One injury along the line and the team is dead in the water. The defensive line looks lik it has great depth, gonna be hard to cut some one from there.... receivers looks like a strength too, good routes, snatching balls from than air rather than catching them; finally..... That defense though, run right over until the front five got stout in the redzone. this new emphasis on hand checking is going to kill the defense, the corners all play that way and safety is still a big concern for me..... More games to see.....