Tony Lombardi: The Ravens have struggled in the return game with Messrs. Parmele, Wilson, Zbikowski and Carr. Are there any other viable return candidates on the Ravens’ roster and do you expect special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg to use them?
Aaron Wilson: Yes, I think Donte’ Stallworth and David Reed on punts and kickoffs, respectively, could provide a boost. Reed was on the verge of being utilized when he bruised his thigh, but should be considered for future work on kickoffs. And Stallworth was contending for the punt return job when he broke his foot. I think the answer to the languishing return game is on the Ravens’ roster.
TL: TJ Houshmandzadeh has been somewhat vocal about his lack of opportunities in the Ravens passing game yet he has struggled with drops. Donte Stallworth will soon return from injury, perhaps as early as November 7 v. Miami. Will that limit Houshmandzadeh’s opportunities even more and how do you expect him to respond?
AW: The organization is privately unhappy with Houshmandzadeh’s comments and he has been told of that stance. I think that Houshmandzadeh will need to produce more and simmer down or he could be in danger of being replaced by Stallworth and even possibly losing his roster spot.
TL:Tavares Gooden is set to return and has flashed signs of great athleticism from time to time but can’t stay healthy. Do you think that he’ll ever be more than a special teams contributor in the NFL?
AW: In my opinion, Gooden has done nothing to erase concerns about his durability. Because of his ideal lack of size and his tendency to get hurt, he’s going to unfortunately not realize his vast potential.
TL: The Ravens have struggled to generate any kind of consistent pass rush and they did little to address that in the offseason. Do you think they expected more from Terrell Suggs and Jarret Johnson? How might they fix this glaring weakness now that the trade deadline has passed?
AW: Yes, they did expect more from both players. The problem is Suggs is being double-teamed and isn’t always beating one-on-one blocking. Johnson is still dealing with shoulder and back problems, limiting his ability to rush the passer. When rookie Sergio Kindle broke his skull in late July, it also caused a dent in the Ravens’ pass rush. The best pass rusher on the team this season has been defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who’s proving that he’s deserving of a lucrative long-term deal in the near future.
TL: If Shawne Merriman does become available, do you expect Ozzie Newsome to make a play for him?
AW:I wouldn’t be shocked if they kicked the tires even though most around the league believe that Merriman is done. I’ve heard the Ravens and other clubs wonder about his lack of durability and his past suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. If they did bring him in, it would be for a minor investment with no real money tied up in a contract.
TL: Antwan Barnes was cut recently by the Eagles and the Chargers swooped in and claimed him. Shortly thereafter he sacked Tom Brady twice. Why did the Ravens let Barnes go and why after all of the pass rushing struggles did they not try and bring him back?
AW: The Ravens traded Antwan Barnes because he was a one-dimensional player who’s undersized, doesn’t play the run and doesn’t love playing special teams. There was also a personality conflict with the coaches. He was essentially dumped by the team. They didn’t bring him back for the same reasons they traded him.
TL: The Ravens have received next to nothing in productivity from their rookies. Do you think that will change after the bye week?
AW: I think that tight end Ed Dickson could provide a boost, especially with veteran Todd Heap dealing with a painful right shoulder injury. Look for David Reed to get involved on special teams in the return game. I think Terrence Cody’s knee is still bothering him, and his conditioning levels still aren’t where they need to be.
TL: Ray Rice doesn’t look quite like the same player. He seems to be a step slower than in 2009. Is he healthy?
AW: Yes, he’s healthy. He just needs the ball more, and to be utilized in more creative ways. Cam Cameron has limited his impact even though that hasn’t obviously been his intention.
TL: Do you think the performance of the Ravens’ secondary against Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Buffalo Bills was an aberration or a sign of things to come?
AW: I think they can cover and tackle much better than they showed in that game.
TL: From what you can gather, has Marc Bulger been much of a mentor for Joe Flacco?
AW: They get along very well, and Bulger does provide good advice to Flacco. However, he doesn’t meddle.
TL: Look into your crystal ball and project Joe Flacco. Which player will he most closely resemble in the future: Peyton Manning; Philip Rivers or Kerry Collins?
AW: I think he’s closer to Philip Rivers, minus the fiery personality. He’s got a big arm and is capable of putting up big numbers. I wouldn’t put him in the Peyton Manning class at this point. He’s certainly on a better career track than Collins.
TL: Take us inside the Ravens locker room…Bart Scott said earlier in the season after the Jets claimed former Raven Trevor Pryce off waivers that he guarantees, “there’s at least 15 other players over [in the Ravens’ locker room] that’s praying to God that they get released for a half a day too, so they can come over here. They won’t admit it. But I guarantee you.” From what you can see, does Bart have a point? Are Ravens players disenchanted with John Harbaugh?
AW: Yes, some of the older players aren’t thrilled with Harbaugh’s taskmaster ways. He’s a demanding coach who doesn’t hesitate to get in guys’ faces. For the most part, Harbaugh has a good grip on the team. I think Bart is overstating things a tad. As the Ravens get younger and younger, there are more and more players who don’t tend to question whatever they’re asked to do.
TL: Back to that crystal ball, what do you expect from the Ravens after the bye and for the balance of the season?
AW: I expect them to contend for the AFC North title and win at least one or two playoff games. I’m not sold yet that this is a Super Bowl team, though.
