Az-Zahir Hakim

**PARavensJeff** · 12-14-2006, 12:06 PM

I just read on the San Diego Union Tribune website the Chargers are going to be signing Az-Zahir Hakim due to an injury to Malcom Floyd. While I am not hitting any panic buttons about our return teams, why didn't we look at this guy to return punts & kickoffs? He's still fairly young, 29, & would be a good emergency receiver. He was a good return man when he was with the Rams & made the Pro Bowl in 2000 as a special teamer. We have let a player go to a team we will be competing for the AFC championship with. Corey Ross did look a little shaky last week. I hope he is past his jitters after the 1st game & can show us what we saw in preseason. Just a topic for discussion.

**ravenjoe** · 12-14-2006, 01:17 PM

I, too, would be interested in why we did not pursue this guy. The loss of BJ could be ultra-critical in our playoff run. Anyone out there answer why we were not interested in Hakim?

**Sephy** · 12-14-2006, 01:26 PM

I believe he suffered from severe fumblitis at a point. We can't have that right now. We need hands more than dynamics.

**camdenyard** · 12-14-2006, 03:11 PM

We need to find SOMEONE reliable to handle punts. Ross just isn't there yet and I don't want to risk Clayton.

**jbecks307** · 12-14-2006, 03:33 PM

If the Carolina Panthers can "risk" Steve Smith for a few returns here and there I am thinking we can do the same with Clayton...

**Losac** · 12-14-2006, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by jbecks307

If the Carolina Panthers can "risk" Steve Smith for a few returns here and there I am thinking we can do the same with Clayton...

Exactly. Clayton is a weapon. Use him.

**Sports Steve** · 12-14-2006, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by jbecks307

If the Carolina Panthers can "risk" Steve Smith for a few returns here and there I am thinking we can do the same with Clayton...

Clayton would be a great weapon us him.

**RAVENOUS52** · 12-14-2006, 06:27 PM

Az Hakim is world renown for his fumbling problems (I had the horror of living in St. Louis and watching him cost the Rams a return to the NFC title game when he fumbled numerous times against the Saints in 2001).

Jamal Lewis is more than enough of a fumbler for the Ravens, we don't need to add another butterfingers to this team.

**PARavensJeff** · 12-14-2006, 07:26 PM

OK, just wanted to open the conversation. There is no denying the guy has real speed & broke a lot of TD's. I remember his fumble issues, but thought he overcame them. I just don't have the confidence in Corey Ross, & special teams will play a major part in our success or failure this postseason. There has to be someone out there who can get us the field position we need in the return game. Our #1 competition just picked him up, so maybe they know more than us.

**21xxxv** · 12-14-2006, 08:10 PM

Good point. But, I will side with Ozzie and George when it comes to NFL available talent. This late in the year, Cory Ross will be capable on kick-offs. I wouldn't be surprised if Clayton or others return some punts

**Brandon** · 12-14-2006, 08:33 PM

Why don't we wait a couple games before we bitch about Cory Ross? He isn't a B.J. Sams, but they must see something in him to keep him around on the team.

Right now, I would much rather have someone who has been practicing on our special teams for the whole season than some retread who doesn't know a lot about our special teams play, it's players, or organization in general at this point of the season

**skaybaltimore** · 12-14-2006, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by PARavensJeff

Our #1 competition just picked him up, so maybe they know more than us.

And maybe it's yet another reason why Marty has such a lousy track record in post season -- ill-advised pickups that might actually end up COSTING him games, rather than WINNING him games.

GO RAVENS!!!

**RavensNTerps** · 12-14-2006, 10:11 PM

clayton has moves but absolutely no vision.

**sailorsam** · 12-15-2006, 05:36 AM

I agree with Brandon. once he gets his feet wet I'm sure he'll do fine, and it's better to have someone already here and familiar. imports are iffy this late.

**highwater** · 12-15-2006, 12:13 PM

This is the only reason that Cory Ross has been on the roster, to come into a situation like this. If the FO and/or coaches wanted to keep him around for this role, then why don't we give him a chance? If we gave Lamont Brightful as many chances as we did, surely we can give Ross a few games to prove himself.

**sailorsam** · 12-16-2006, 08:59 PM

at least he won't have to worry about the 'rookie wall'!

**MikeinGlennDale** · 12-16-2006, 10:29 PM

"at least he won't have to worry about the 'rookie wall'!"

That's hot.

Only thing about him I worry about is similiar to Kyle Boller. Every time he lines up I'll be thinking ... just don't turn it over. Feel exactly the same about him as Lamont Brightful.

BJ Sams was approaching Donte Hall status. Hated like hell to see him go down.