Bryan Mattison

**EdReed4HOF** · 08-26-2011, 05:12 PM

Man, this guy has looked like a beast all pre-season. I honestly would be ok with him as the starting C week 1 if Birk isn't ready. For all we know Mattison might be an upgrade over Birk at this point in his career. This might be a blessing in disguise.

**Tspot-D-Ravenator** · 08-26-2011, 05:16 PM

did you watch the replay in slow motion? He didn't play badly, but I am not comfortable with him all year. just sayin'

**EdReed4HOF** · 08-26-2011, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Tspot-D-Ravenator

did you watch the replay in slow motion? He didn't play badly, but I am not comfortable with him all year. just sayin'

He might be an upgrade over Birk at this point, that's what I'm trying to say. There's no guarantee that Birk will be any better than Mattison if/when he comes back. He's old and has been dealing with knee issues over the past year and a half.

**Tspot-D-Ravenator** · 08-26-2011, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by EdReed4HOF

He might be an upgrade over Birk at this point, that's what I'm trying to say. There's no guarantee that Birk will be any better than Mattison if/when he comes back. He's old and has been dealing with knee issues over the past year and a half.

I totally understand what you're sayin...wasn't trying to bust your chops, brah...I just saw a lot of push up the middle as I watch the game. He was also the reason the whole O-line was called offsides.

**GOTA** · 08-26-2011, 05:40 PM

His run blocking is very solid. He pass blocking was kind of mixed. He did a nice job when he got a guy just trying to push through him. He didn't look so good when the rusher didn't come straight. Check the hold in the 4th quarter of this last game as an example.

**Ravenswintitle** · 08-26-2011, 05:42 PM

I have to go back and look but as I recall it was a bit of a jailbreak on that hold. the whole line collapsed. planning to scan it again tonight

**psuasskicker** · 08-26-2011, 06:42 PM

He's raw, but should be a pretty solid center in another year or two when we're ready to let Birk go.

- C -

**wickedsolo** · 08-26-2011, 07:07 PM

I think he'll be a fine back up C/G.

I thought Boren looked good out there too. Wouldn't be surprised to see him on the final 53.

**Stone** · 08-26-2011, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by psuasskicker

He's raw, but should be a pretty solid center in another year or two when we're ready to let Birk go.

- C -

I really don't see Birk going another year or two. I just hope he can play/last most of this season. Matty Jr has a ways to go.

**psuasskicker** · 08-27-2011, 12:14 AM

Another year = this season

I think he's probably gone after that but I could potentially see one more season.'

- C -

**psuraven** · 08-27-2011, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by psuasskicker

Another year = this season

I think he's probably gone after that but I could potentially see one more season.'

- C -

I agree. Birk is finished after this season. Mattison or Boren or someone else will be our center.

**GOTA** · 08-27-2011, 07:35 AM

It doesn't sound like Birk even wants to play after this year. Right after the season he came close to retiring. Once your knees start going it's tough to play that position.

**Teavo** · 08-27-2011, 09:23 AM

I'm starting to wonder about whether Birk can even make it through this season with that bad knee. We may see more of Mattison, and sooner, than expected.

Which may not be so awful. I think he's done a decent job and will get better.

**B-more Ravor** · 08-27-2011, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by EdReed4HOF

Man, this guy has looked like a beast all pre-season.

OK, "beast" is a bit strong, but he has played far better than I ever expected that he would.

I still think they sign Rabach (or someone else before the season starts). Can't say I'm sold on the idea of Mattison as a fill-in starter.

**esmd** · 08-27-2011, 10:18 AM

I'm with Ravor, "Beast" is overdoing it by quite a bit. I'd go with adequate.

**wickedsolo** · 08-27-2011, 10:20 AM

I think between Yanda and Grubbs we could see some good things from Mattison.

BTW - they listed him as 310lbs during the Redskins game even though the Ravens' roster has him at around 275lbs.

**Rxdoxx** · 08-27-2011, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by EdReed4HOF

He might be an upgrade over Birk at this point, that's what I'm trying to say. There's no guarantee that Birk will be any better than Mattison if/when he comes back.

Understand what you are saying and can agree with it on the surface.
The fly in the ointment is line calls/blocking changes.
Unless JoeCool wants that also heavy on him, I think Birk and his experience make it a wash.
Mattison have a physical edge, but no way he has the seasoning to read all the multiple nuances/keys of a D.
Flynn lasted so long because he was a master at knowing what was coming.
Birk looks the same mentally.
Mattison may surprise me, but I'm afraid of open gap shooters coming free that Birk would have smelled and adjusted for.

But yes, he probably is physically better than Birk at this point in their NFL careers.

**Lime in the Coconut** · 08-27-2011, 11:32 AM

I think Mattison makes the team but he needs another year for proper development IMO. He wouldn't be bad to fill in here and there, but overall we need Birk in there.

**Carey** · 08-27-2011, 11:56 AM

I think he's a great story, tough competitor but anything more then a backup down the line may be a little farfetched imo.

**PurpleRulz** · 08-27-2011, 09:50 PM

I think MATTISON as a backup is a plus. Not a starter to me. Curious about Justin Boren as a future prospect. Is Jason Brown a UFA after this season? He should have never gotten away.