vmax Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 He wants us to take a "Leap of Faith". “He is the guy, no question,” said Birk, who was back in Baltimore Thursday to promote his new book, “All-Pro Wisdom: The 7 Choices That Lead to Greatness.”“It’s a process. It’s a journey. I think the best thing Gino has going for him is his attitude and his character. That comes through when you’re playing football. As a Ravens fan myself, I don’t worry about Gino.” It took Birk three years to become a starter in the NFL. Once he did, in 2000, he went to the Pro Bowl. He credited that in part to having excellent linemen around him. Gradkowski had an injured left guard (Kelechi Osemele) next to him and turnover at left tackle. “Gino played well. He battled his butt off, which I knew he would,” Birk said.“He prepares the right way and does everything the right way. Those are the kinds of things you want. There’s no substitute for game experience in the NFL and I’m sure Gino learned a lot. He’ll pick up right where he left off and be better this year.” http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Matt-Birk-Gino-Gradkowski-Is-The-Guy/37e3c9d5-0125-4aa7-a521-bccb909a9710 Birk knows a thousand times more than I about playing center in the NFL. I hope the Ravens bring in strong competition...then we'll know for sure if it was Gino struggling with the mental aspect of the game and the shortage of talent around him or if he's a bust. Quote
cravnravn Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Tapes don't lie, Gino got man handled on occasions as well as everyone else on the line Quote
vmax Posted March 3, 2014 Author Posted March 3, 2014 You can't win without solid O line play and this line was a shambles last year.Now it's up in the air if Monroe comes back.Will Osemele come back 100% strong and recovered?Will Yanda be 100%.Will Oher be back? This whole line is a huge question mark and this years season depends on it.Birk talks about chemistry.They can't establish any chemistry with this huge amount of possible turnover and injury questions. It will be basically a new unit. Quote
Robjr83 Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 It probably didn't help Gino that he had Sh!tley next to him. OZ is going out to get some big nasty road graders...you watch Quote
cravnravn Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Jeff SaturdayR Retired, besides we had him already and cut him Quote
ravinmaniac52 Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 R Retired, besides we had him already and cut himnow why would the Ravens cut Jeff Saturday? Quote
RavenMad Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Birk's High would have been a more appropriate title. Quote
RavenousBG Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Birk's High would have been a more appropriate title.RavenMad, did you used to be Raven Madman on ESPN? Quote
oldno82 Posted March 3, 2014 Posted March 3, 2014 Birk may be high on him but I'm not. As much as I want us to grab a playmaking receiver in the first round, we're gonna have to take an OT if Monroe leaves. Quote
cravnravn Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 now why would the Ravens cut Jeff Saturday?Same reasons we cut that jackoff that played for the Stealers.whatshisname Quote
RavenMad Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 RavenMad, did you used to be Raven Madman on ESPN? No, I rarely visited that board and didn't post under that name when I did. Quote
papasmurfbell Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 now why would the Ravens cut Jeff Saturday?Ask Billick. Quote
Money Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 I still have high hopes for Gino. I have always compared him to Mike Flynn and I won't back away from that. This being said, they cannot go into next year with Gino/Jensen as our plan for the center position. There are some very good FA centers out there and I'm hoping we pounce on one. Quote
ravinmaniac52 Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 Ask Billick.That was Uncle Teddy in 98. Jim Schwartz was a defensive asst. and Ken Whisenhunt was the TE coach. Quote
papasmurfbell Posted March 4, 2014 Posted March 4, 2014 Oh I thought that was under Billicks time. Quote
vmax Posted March 4, 2014 Author Posted March 4, 2014 Birk's High would have been a more appropriate title.Nice one RavenMad!I feel like a Browns fan when I watch him...you know....hoping and waiting for him to develop into a Stud...then waiting...and waiting... Quote
OutsideRzAcE Posted March 7, 2014 Posted March 7, 2014 Gradkowski drove me nuts last year but it was just one year. I don't think he deserves to go into next year as the undisputed starter but he should have a chance to compete for the spot. Picking up where he left off is not good enough, he's gotta show some major improvement. Quote
cravnravn Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 Gradkowski drove me nuts last year but it was just one year. I don't think he deserves to go into next year as the undisputed starter but he should have a chance to compete for the spot. Picking up where he left off is not good enough, he's gotta show some major improvement. Then I hope he puts some serious weight on, he was tossed around last year. Quote
oldno82 Posted March 8, 2014 Posted March 8, 2014 Then I hope he puts some serious weight on, he was tossed around last year.I don't think he's got the frame for it. He's short and squat. Quote
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