Left Guard battle

[tsylvester]

Interesting, just the left guard? Not both guards?

 

There aren't many starting jobs up for grabs on the Ravens roster, but left guard is at the top of the list.

Following Patrick Mekari's departure in free agency this offseason, Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland are competing to replace him, and Offensive Line Coach George Warhop wants to see a clear winner.

"I believe in a starter. I don't like playing two guys," Warhop said. "So, we [have] two veteran guys here with Andrew and Ben. Let them fight it out. If one of the young guys comes up, and they can add competition to that, we'll let that happen. But I prefer to have a starter and a backup. I don't like going in with combination guys."

In his first season following the ACL tear that cost him his rookie year, Vorhees won the starting job out of training camp last year. However, he suffered an ankle injury in Week 3 that sidelined him for two weeks. Mekari slid into the starting job and never gave it up.

Vorhees still kept working out of the public eye. He sharpened his game on the scout team and was proud of the way he played in the regular-season finale against the Browns when the Ravens rested starters.

Now, Vorhees has another crack at the starting gig, and he's been a regular at the Under Armour Performance Center this offseason, training to win the job.

"There's an open position out there for grabs," Vorhees said. "It's up to somebody. So why not me?"

Cleveland, who was re-signed to a one-year deal this offseason, has played well when called upon. In his first four years, the burly blocker made seven starts.

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/andrew-vorhees-ben-cleveland-left-guard-battle-ravens-roger-rosengarten-otas

[papasmurfbell]

Cleveland can’t do it.  It’s vorhees or a young guy.

[tsylvester]

Cleveland can, he proved it every time he got a chance to play. The problem was his practices that stunk and led to him getting few chances. 

We found out why he was struggling with practice, personal reasons. He seems to have moved on from those and is practicing very well. 

I would love to see him at right guard and Vorhees at left. 

In any event, Cleveland has shown that he can swing from either guard and center

[papasmurfbell]

Fahalele I think has rt locked down.  Cleveland better practice well or he won’t make cuts.

[oldno82]

I don't know what to make of Cleveland. He was almost cut probably more than once but has played OK in games. He deserves a chance to at least compete for both LG and RG positions. So right now I agree it's up for grabs.

[tsylvester]

10 hours ago, papasmurfbell said:

Fahalele I think has rt locked down.  Cleveland better practice well or he won’t make cuts.

Yeah, the team is set on Faalele at right guard, still, he needs improvement as well.

Even so, as well as this team ran the ball last year, it is hard to complain too much 

[papasmurfbell]

Inside keeping speed guys away makes him really hard to beat.  He is so damned wide.  Run blocking he is a killers and I think helps rose who has been a little light in the ass.  

[tsylvester]

Yeah, he works hard so I'm looking forward to see him grow this year. This offense should really take off this year, again, difficult to imagine considering they were at or near the top last year in pts, yards, passing & running. 

The key will be consistent play, turnovers, both for them and the defense. 

[papasmurfbell]

Except here is the issue I see.  Ronnie I expect will go down to injury.  It’s in his nature.  That means rose has to swing over to left and learn on the fly.  I think they would try various guys at rt before settling on jones to have the spot.  Then the ol has to all get on the same page.  All this would take at least 6 weeks.  The offense could have many fits in that span.

[tsylvester]

Don't forget about Noteboom, he is serviceable for a few games at either tackle spot..

[krf82]

Fahalele reported totally out of shape.

[papasmurfbell]

48 minutes ago, krf82 said:

Fahalele reported totally out of shape.

I heard Vinny say that the other day.  Apparently he suffers in the heat.  So wishing for fall temps early.

[tsylvester]

1 hour ago, krf82 said:

Fahalele reported totally out of shape.

That's not good