I read your Practice Notes and after doing so I’m a bit concerned about the position of backup QB. You weren’t particularly kind to Tyrod Taylor. Is there any chance that Mark Bulger remains in Baltimore as the No. 2 behind Joe Flacco? Larry in Fallston
The rumors that once swirled about Mark Bulger’s inevitable departure seemed to have calmed a bit. Now that could be attributed to the labor situation and the focus upon it. But I’ve heard that Bulger may not be Arizona’s first choice as their 2011 signal caller. Many have assumed that because Bulger, like Kurt Warner, flourished in Mike Martz’ offensive system in St. Louis. Consequently they conclude that he could be nearly as effective in Arizona as Warner once was. But those who share that opinion overlook the fact that Bulger isn’t as physically tough as Warner and Arizona doesn’t exactly protect the QB very well – second to last in the league with 50 sacks allowed.
The guess here is that the Cardinals will set their sights elsewhere, perhaps even towards Philadelphia where the Eagles’ Kevin Kolb is said to be on the trading block. And such a move could keep Bulger here in Baltimore as a backup – something that may be best for Bulger’s career.
In a recent blog The Sun’s Mike Preston suggested that the Baltimore Ravens will have interest in Nnamdi Asomugha. Do you agree? James from Woodlawn
What team wouldn’t have interest in Nnamdi Asomugha? He is arguably the best cover corner in the game and he could single-handedly boost the Ravens to the top of the league’s defensive rankings. This really boils down to economics not desire. The Ravens have a couple of guys sitting on the contract negotiations’ sideline waiting on new deals – and they won’t be cheap. Haloti Ngata, currently the team’s franchise player and Joe Flacco are likely to land big time contracts with ample signing bonuses.
When I asked one Ravens’ source if the team had genuine interest in Asomugha I was told the team loves the guy but added that I (Tony Lombardi) have a better chance of being Assistant GM than Asomugha has of becoming a Raven.
So, who else do you want me to go after as Assistant GM? 😉
Most believe that Willis McGahee will not be a Raven in 2011. Say it ain’t so! ~ Rob in Fells Point
McGahee’s agent Drew Rosenhaus has said that his client is not willing to accept a pay cut and McGahee is set to make $6 million plus under the terms of his existing contract and that’s a grossly unrealistic number to pay a back up RB who had only 100 carries in 2010.
If McGahee and Rosenhaus don’t significantly come off their number, he’ll be jettisoned. The team will then turn the backup chores over to Jalen Parmele, Curtis Steele, rookie Anthony Allen or they could add a less expensive veteran free agent such as Ricky Williams, Cadillac Williams or Ronnie Brown to name a few. If they go the free agent route, I’d expect a runner who could help the team’s rather anemic short yardage offense.
I understand that the Ravens want to get younger at the wide receiver position but don’t you think that Plaxico Burress would provide an inexpensive boost to the receiving corps, particularly in the red zone? Tom from Perry Hall
In my opinion Plaxico Burress who is now out of prison after serving nearly 2 years for a handgun violation, was a sacrificial lamb – the regrettable and involuntary poster child for New York City’s crack down on gun control. He lost millions and 2 seasons from the game.
Before entering the pokey, Burress showed signs of peaking and perhaps even descending down the back slope of his career. During his last 3 seasons covering 41 games, Burress averaged 4.1 catches per game for 60.2 yards and 0.63 TD’s (26 Total). TJ Houshmandzadeh during his 3 seasons and 47 games prior to coming to Baltimore averaged 6 catches for 62.9 yards and 0.4 TD’s (19 Total). Burress is 45 days older than Houshmandzadeh and turns 34 on August 12, 2011.
Similar numbers, right?
Is there reason to believe that Burress will be any better than Houshmandzadeh as a Raven – as part of an offense that struggles to satisfy the appetites of ball hungry pass catchers?
I would pass on Plax (even if he does come on the cheap) primarily because he won’t have the prerequisite time to familiarize himself with Joe Flacco and the playbook thus diminishing his effectiveness. Plus, his need to develop timing and rapport with Flacco will take valuable reps away from the team’s younger receivers and even reclamation project James Hardy who is only 25 years old.
I heard you on the Coach’s Buzz last week say that Sergio Kindle has been medically cleared to play. Please tell me that this is true! ~ Chuck in Mount Washington
A very reliable source once said to me when inquiring about Kindle that he looks great but he could burst out of a phone booth looking like Superman and it wouldn’t matter to the Ravens unless he gained medical clearance from doctors. I’ve been told that clearance has in fact been granted.
Any thoughts on who might be breakout players for the Ravens in 2011? Mike, Sterling, VA
I’m encouraged by the reported developments in labor talks and a new CBA. When do you think this lockout will end and do you think there’s a chance McDaniel College will not host the Ravens’ training camp? Jerry in Sykesville
I have likened this entire labor negotiating process to a flow chart, one for each side. The lawyers helped guide their respective clients (owners & players) through the process and until all the cards of the chart were played, nothing meaningful would be accomplished.
Now it appears all cards have been played as the lawyers have been dismissed. Not until one side had leverage would someone blink. The owners appear to have it now and discussions with substance seem to be taking place.
My guess is a July settlement, no camp at McDaniel and perhaps a shortened preseason. But somehow, since it means money, the sides might find a way to play the entire preseason as well. I also think fans will get a chance to see training camp a few times down at M&T Bank Stadium.
