oldno82

He's an impressive back but as you say backs are now pretty much plug and play. There's usually good ones available still around in round 3. That said, if he's indeed fully healthy, and this season will show if he is or isn't, I'd prefer to keep him around if Harbs and he can patch up their differences; in public, at least.

Not exactly a resounding vote of confidence in J.K. I think Harbs may be pissed at him for when he voiced his displeasure when the coach had his presser at the owners' meeting. JK embarrassed him for sure then.

I'm kind of dumbfounded by this. As you said, 'why him'?

I'm old enough to have heard of the dance but can't say I ever did it. And I am old.

He turns 31 in June and with that injury history I think we best avoid him. Monken's offense will still be effective without him, I believe.

Yeah, I can't see where they have the cap space now for Hopkins after they committed to OBJ. Kinda of a shame since I think Hopkins would have been my choice as opposed to Beckham. Oh well, at the time we sure couldn't have made a trade that the Cards wouldn't have asked a lot for. Frankly, I'm surprised they just let him walk. Makes me a bit suspicious that there may be some physical issue with him?

The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with now-former offensive coordinator Greg Roman following the 2022 season in hopes of finding more consistent success on that side of the ball. They hired Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken to take over, and so far the move is already paying dividends. Following his first practice at Baltimore’s voluntary organized team activities, Jackson was asked about how active and talkative Monken has been while teaching and installing the new offense. Jackson said that Monken is like that even in the meeting rooms, and that he’s talkative and because of that “you’re enjoying it”. “Not even just practice, I want to say, I’ll say, even in the meeting rooms, Coach [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] is very active. He’s talkative and you’re enjoying it – the learning process of what he’s saying [when he’s] teaching us the new offense. It’s fun.” https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/2023/05/28/ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-enjoying-new-oc-todd-monken/

I'm putting my money on Monken.

Another small but positive sign about Lamar: https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/2023/05/26/ravens-qb-lamar-jackson-ready-to-be-more-of-a-vocal-leader/

Good catch. Well...we'll see, I guess. I know Marquise Brown said he couldn't run as fast until they came out. Hopefully, this'll get sorted in the OTA's so that if they do have to come out he can still be ready by training camp in July.

I have my concerns about Bateman. Those damned LIsfranc injuries can take 2 years to recover. I wish him well and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Is he playing with a plate and screws in his foot or were they able to remove them for the upcoming season?

With Monken running the offense, I'm ready to get excited again.

...a lot of money.

Good move for a guy who was a true Raven.

Some more upbeat news: https://theathletic.com/4551138/2023/05/25/baltimore-ravens-organized-team-activities/

Agree with all that. Maybe Lamar is growing up as he gets a bit older and under Monken's tutelage.

Well all of that is music to my ears. Looks like things are getting off to a good foundation.

I guess better a day late than not at all. I wonder if any of his teammates got after him.

Very unhappy about Lamar not being there. No way to learn a new offense and be a leader.

Lamar better show up for this one if he really cares about showing he's a team leader and a winner.

Yes...Roquan is the real deal. And so is McDonald. I'm glad we have both of them. And Monken too.

He was the greatest back I've ever seen play. Relentless as he ran over and through defenses with guys hanging off him. Fast too. I'll never forget the match-ups he had with another great, Sam Huff.

Well, they are hungry so if they stay healthy with the guys they have, the rest of the league better take notice.

That is really good news. I'm very impressed with McDonald too. And also with Monken and the whole concept of 'football school'.

Not too worried about him physically...just some concern about making the mental adjustment to being football ready this year. By mid-season he should be there I hope.