Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?

**TL24x7** · 08-22-2012, 11:08 AM

Bobby Rainey has captured the attention of coaches during training camp and the hearts of many fans after his performance in Atlanta against the Falcons. Most have quickly (and justifiably so) labeled him a poor man’s Ray Rice. Yet it’s that comparison and his similar stature and style to the Ravens’ Pro Bowl tailback that may keep Rainey off the 53-man squad.

Think about how the Ravens have used their No. 2 back in recent years. That back, whether it was Willis McGahee or Ricky Williams has been a more physical player and one who could be more productive in short yardage situations and one who was efficient in pass protection. Moreover their styles were different – a true change of pace.

But Rainey can’t be that because of the similarities to Rice. Not only that he is a very below average blocker in pass pro.

Adding to the uphill battle for Rainey is that other than being a return specialist (and the Ravens are fairly well spoken for in that department) the former Western Kentucky Hilltopper provides little value to special teams. Backup running backs, like tight ends, linebackers and members of the secondary are often looked upon to provide special teams competencies.

So where does this leave Rainey?

On the practice squad, developing and waiting for his chance.

LINK

**JAB1985** · 08-22-2012, 11:25 AM

good article. I think thats the way it plays out, only because i dont think the difference between Rainey and Berry is much different at the end of the day, but Berry will be more of an asset on ST if only for his size. He really didnt look to bad returning the kickoff either. if Rice would go down for an amount of time, we could always call him up at that point, as well. I dont think were in danger of losing any of the backs off our PS.

**CRZA938** · 08-22-2012, 11:33 AM

I thought the best players play? Just because he is too similar in stature to another great player on the team, I do not see why that in and of itself would keep him from making the team. The other thing is the last I checked we weren't that great in short yardage even with bigger backs.

**TurtlesNBirds** · 08-22-2012, 12:12 PM

It doesn't make sense that the team would knowingly bring in smaller RB's only to give them hardly any chance to make the roster because they are similar to Ray Rice. Either bring in bigger players who can fill the 3rd down role or just go with the most talented guy (which Rainey has appeared to be so far this preseason.) He runs well, has made some plays catching the ball out of the backfield, and can be a return man on special teams.

**leachisabeast** · 08-22-2012, 12:31 PM

It's actually arguable to who has actually been better between Damien Berry and Bobby Rainy, I think Berry has been slightly under looked in TC. He had a great game against the Lions.

**JAB1985** · 08-22-2012, 12:35 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

It's actually arguable to who has actually been better between Damien Berry and Bobby Rainy, I think Berry has been slightly under looked in TC. He had a great game against the Lions.

I agree and im kind of curious why that is though? whats off putting about him that people arent open to seeing or even discussing that? Just because he was on PS and AA, whos looked horrible, beat him out for the roster last year?

**wickedsolo** · 08-22-2012, 12:36 PM

The best players with make the squad.

IMO - and a lot of others - Rainey has outperformed practically every RB on the roster right now when given the opportunity.

There is also the possibility of them carrying 4 RB's...Rice, Pierce, Berry, Rainey.

**Carey** · 08-22-2012, 12:37 PM

I think its still up for debate but i'd slightly lean towards PS....i know everyone gets excited when they see guys making plays but every team in the league has promising young backs on their team, some teams have 4 or more NFL quality backs on their team so i dont think its a situation where he's destined not to clear waivers.

DeputyDawg · 08-22-2012, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by TL24x7

Bobby Rainey has captured the attention of coaches during training camp and the hearts of many fans after his performance in Atlanta against the Falcons. Most have quickly (and justifiably so) labeled him a poor man’s Ray Rice. Yet it’s that comparison and his similar stature and style to the Ravens’ Pro Bowl tailback that may keep Rainey off the 53-man squad.

Think about how the Ravens have used their No. 2 back in recent years. That back, whether it was Willis McGahee or Ricky Williams has been a more physical player and one who could be more productive in short yardage situations and one who was efficient in pass protection. Moreover their styles were different – a true change of pace.

But Rainey can’t be that because of the similarities to Rice. Not only that he is a very below average blocker in pass pro.

Adding to the uphill battle for Rainey is that other than being a return specialist (and the Ravens are fairly well spoken for in that department) the former Western Kentucky Hilltopper provides little value to special teams. Backup running backs, like tight ends, linebackers and members of the secondary are often looked upon to provide special teams competencies.

So where does this leave Rainey?

On the practice squad, developing and waiting for his chance.

LINK

I don't think so, we have Leach for that short yardage grunt, but could you imagine a double rb formation with Ray and Rainey.....The slightest lean one way or the other and one of them are gone....

**jimmypowder** · 08-23-2012, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

Its kind of funny because im not 100% sure thompson or streeter clear waivers but i do think our rbs can. More evidence that its a passing league and rbs just arent as valuable as they once were.

Neither Thompson or Streeter will ever make it to the practice squad if
we attempt it .

**B-more Ravor** · 08-23-2012, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by rharris1986

Rainey has ZERO (repeat ZERO) chance of making all the way through to the Raven's practice squad - just like TUCKER.

So they either make the 53 or they are gone forever. The Ravens are not that stupid!

This gets said every year about this player or that player (Nate Bolling, Eron Riley, Justin Harper, Danny Gorrer,Justin Boren, Josh Bynes)

Most of the time it proves to be unfounded. Every team has guys like this that they want to keep. I think we as fans are inclined to overvalue the performance of some of these guys and give too much weight to what they do in PS games against 2nd and 3rd (and 4th) stringers.

And, in the end, most of these "we can't risk this guy" guys never amount to anything anyway (like Derek Anderson and Gerome Sapp).

**The Excellector** · 08-23-2012, 07:09 AM

Brian Leonard? Seriously? Detroit and their plethora of constantly injured RBs? The New York Jets and their complete lack of explosion at the position? Bill Belichick might drop him, just as quick as he picks him up, but he will pick him up. Jacksonville seems to be dealing with a situation right now.

**Carey** · 08-23-2012, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

Brian Leonard? Seriously? Detroit and their plethora of constantly injured RBs? The New York Jets and their complete lack of explosion at the position? Bill Belichick might drop him, just as quick as he picks him up, but he will pick him up. Jacksonville seems to be dealing with a situation right now.

Sounds like your doing what Ravor was just talking about lol, dont discredit other peoples backs because you dont watch them. Brian Leonard has always been a good 3rd down back in this league, especially in pass pro and catching out of the backfield. Fact is all those teams you listed have at least 3 backs better then Rainey, at the very least the 3rd back is very comparable talent wise. The Sproles comparison is laughable, he doesnt have near the quickness or lateral agility. Rainey is a good back but honestly he's probably a power back trapped in scat backs body. Also as TL pointed out his pass pro needs work. I think he's gonna be a solid back that could have a decent career as a 3rd RB/KR and possibly a #2 back someday but every team has back's they are excited about, invested draft picks in etc. There will probably be a few backs cut that are better then Rainey and theres backs that havent been picked up that are better then Rainey.

**Captain Offense** · 08-23-2012, 07:13 AM

The other interesting piece to all of this is that teams will keep people on the 53 until after all rosters and PS are pretty settled, then sign a veteran after the first game for money purposes and send the 52nd or 53rd guy out anyway. What you see on the 53 at the start of the season does not mean it is the 53 in Week 2. And once people get cut, there is some scramble to fill holes or to do better than you had before.

It can cause a headache.

**blacknpurplepain** · 08-23-2012, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

Rainey has made this squad.

It speaks volumes that Rainey and Pierce were the only other 2 backs to get time with the first team. Allen and Berry haven't got any PT.

Rainey also seems to be the top backup for returner.

Yea Rainey will be on the team bc he has been out playing Allen and Berry. Rainey wouldn't make it thru waviers.

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