A bit of luck & a stretch, EDC - mvp?

[tsylvester]

I like John's columns, and to some extent I agree, he has done a very good job so far; key words-so far.

 

Yes, the recent free agent pick ups & the steal for Peters look fabulous right now. How ever, how much different would this article be if the Jags had accepted the proposed trade for Ramsey? All of those high draft picks, plus even more of the cap eaten.

 

I know this is the bye week, halfway point of the season free talk, but it is still very early in how well Fort, Bynes Ferguson & company will pan out for the rest, they may just get exposed against better competition, soon. Not that this league is playing well this year; yuk.

 

We also should wait, John E, to see if EDC does any more moves worthy of MVP status; Vick Beasely for. 4th rounder perhaps?

 

 

 

The defense that won in Seattle included three starters who werent even on the roster for the Cleveland game -- cornerback Marcus Peters and inside linebackers Josh Bynes and L.J. Fort as well as lineman Jihad Ward, who logged more than half of the snaps.

 

Combined, theyve brought energy, stability and playmaking to a unit sorely in need of those qualities. The Ravens season might have gone off the rails, yes, even with Jackson, if DeCosta hadnt brought in reinforcements on that side of the ball. The on-the-fly defense (thats what Im calling it) isnt as dominant as last years and remains a work in progress, but its a lot sounder than it was a month ago.

 

Best of all, DeCosta added those players without giving up a first-day or second-day draft pick. Bynes, Fort and Ward were free agents. Peters came from the Los Angeles Rams for a reported fifth-round pick and a player who had fallen out of favor.

 

Its hard to successfully fortify a struggling unit in the middle of a season, especially at bargain prices. DeCosta has pulled it off. The locker room owes him a tip of the cap.

 

++++++

 

While were on the subject, it wouldnt surprise me if DeCosta makes another move to bolster the defense before the leagues trading deadline next Tuesday at 4 pm.

 

The pass rush could use a boost, as the Ravens have recorded just 12 sacks in seven games. Yes, they lead the league in quarterback hits, so there are positives. And the rush was a difference-maker in Seattle, suggesting that players such as Tyus Bowser and Jaylon Ferguson might be growing into their roles.

 

Still, with Pernell McPhee out for the season, the rush could use some help. The names of numerous potential trade targets have been mentioned, but given how DeCosta has operated so far, Id zero in on those who wouldnt force the Ravens to part with anything resembling a high draft pick.

 

 

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/eisenberg-a-behind-the-scenes-mvp-so-far