Ravens Rainey destined for practice squad?

[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

[JAB1985]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[wickedsolo]

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?

I don't know. I think Berry looks faster, more decisive, and cuts better than Anthony Allen has.

Berry, IMO, should be a legitimate contender for the final 53.

[leachisabeast]

And don't forget that Berry is a bigger back now, he's got up to 225 lbs, and is around 5'11.

[Carey]

I don't know. I think Berry looks faster, more decisive, and cuts better than Anthony Allen has.

Berry, IMO, should be a legitimate contender for the final 53.

I agree, i think Berry has been one of the more impressive players on our team in pre-season. He has the size and speed and his decisiveness has stood out. He's routinely getting the yards that are their to get but he also has the ability to do a little more when possible. He also has caught the ball well.

[Jayc00]

You don't take a chance and put a guy like Rainey on the pratice squad unless you're willing to lose him. Some team that needs a running back will scoop him up faster than you can say Good Luck.

[leachisabeast]

I would rather carry four RB's, than give a waisted roster spot to other players who aren't performing like Considine, just because the team has historically carried more depth in a certain position than another.

I do think this could maybe be a slightly different year, because it's really the first time in Rice's career that he hasn't had a vet RB backing him up.

[Hammerhead]

You don't take a chance and put a guy like Rainey on the pratice squad unless you're willing to lose him. Some team that needs a running back will scoop him up faster than you can say Good Luck.

Exactly! Folks seem to think that we can put whoever we want on the PS -- but they forget that they have to clear waivers first. If I am a team needing an RB (if MJD holds out until the regular season, think Jacksonville), I would jump on Rainey. I think folks like Streeter, Tucker, Omar Brown are more likely PS candidates.

[JAB1985]

I would rather carry four RB's, than give a waisted roster spot to other players who aren't performing like Considine, just because the team has historically carried more depth in a certain position than another.

I do think this could maybe be a slightly different year, because it's really the first time in Rice's career that he hasn't had a vet RB backing him up.

if youre saying would i rather have Considine over Berry or Rainey, the answer is a definitive no, but going into the season with just Thompson as depth im not sure id be ok with either. I think id like to carry 4 RBs but im still not sure thats Berry and Rainey vs one of them and a vet. its going to be really interesting because we have excess depth at RB, WR, OL and DB...talented players are going to get cut this year, even more than previous years, imo.

[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!

[lobachevsky]

Rainey right now is one of the main candidates (along with Streeter/Thompson and Chykie/Gorrer/OBrown/Considine) to come down with the dreaded IJSETI* virus.

The thing with Rainey is that much as we love the kid's play, he doesn't offer much in the way of versatility (that isn't already covered) or change of pace. He's exactly the kind of guy you want on the PS as the standby replacement part for #27, but he's not likely to function all that well outside of Cam's offensive scheme, & we know there are damn few teams that run that scheme right now.

My guess is they IR him if at all justified; failing that, try & sneak him onto the PS; failing that, grit their teeth & flip a coin.

-------
* injury-just-severe-enough-to-IR

[The Excellector]

Mr. Rainey has Darren Sproles written all over him. He ain't clearin' waivers.

[leachisabeast]

Comon now, two pre season games, lets not try and compare him to Darren Sproles just yet.

If it was up to me I'd probably carry 4 RB's...

1. Ray Rice
2. Bernard Pierce (Stretch and zone runs, some short distance stuff)
3. Damien Berry (Power back, for short yardage)
4. Bobby Rainy (Can add depth as a KR/PR, as well as adding another dimension next to Rice as a receiving back)

Anthony Allen, I'd give him another chance on the PS.

I'd carry 4 safeties, and this should allow us to keep our usual depth else where. I'd cut Considine, and carry Thompson, and Omar Brown, and put Cook on the PS.

[DeputyDawg]

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....