Year after year, Ravens fans witness the greatness and intelligence of Baltimore’s general manager, Ozzie Newsome. There is little doubt that he is one of the best general manager’s of all-time.
Ozzie, or as many call him, “The Wizard of Oz” has always found a way to improve the Ravens’ organization with his gutsy decision making. and Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams is all the proof you need to conclude that Oz is one of the best at what he does.
The Ravens dominated on both sides of the ball and showed the league that their week 1 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers wasn’t a fluke. Former Cowboys center, Andre Gurode was added to the roster earlier that week and got his first start at left guard against the Rams. Might I say, I couldn’t even tell that the 5 year veteran, Ben Grubbs wasn’t on the field. Gurode and the rest of the Ravens offensive line helped Joe Flacco torch the Rams by air. Flacco threw for 389 yards & 3 touchdowns (all caught by rookie Torrey Smith).
Now is it just me or does Ozzie always seem to find players who can execute when needed?
Now many football viewers scoff it off as luck. Others may say, “It’s the Rams, what did you expect?”But no matter what team you’re going against; for a rookie to step in and start his first NFL game and record 3 touchdowns off his first 3 receptions is pretty impressive.
On the defensive side of the ball, it’s hard not to be impressed with rookie defensive end, Pernell McPhee who recorded his first career sack.
New faces are always welcome in Baltimore. Ozzie brought in some talented vets who have been bringing some success in the weekly game plan. After three games, Ricky Williams has been averaging 5 yards per carry. Vonta Leach has successfully been helping the offensive line create gaps for Ray Rice, who currently averages 5.7 yards per carry. Safety Bernard Pollard has delivered some big hits. And although he’s currently injured, we’ve already witnessed during the pre-season that Lee Evans can be a huge part of the Ravens offense.
Ozzie has also been doing great job with bringing youth into the organization. We all know that famous saying, “Out with the old, in with the new”. Ozzie must’ve been keeping that in mind because now that Derrick Mason, Kelly Gregg and Todd Heap are gone, we’ve all been able to see the potential of the young players. Young starters such as Joe Flacco, Jameel McClain, Lardarius Webb, Haloti Ngata and Ray Rice will continue to have an impact on the team, while the rest of the Ravens youth movement still has something to prove.
Change can be good in most situations. And while some fans may still miss those favorite vets who are now gone, as fans we have to believe.
Just remember, Ozzie is a “Wizard”.
It’s probably best that we sit back, exercise a little blind faith and watch him work his magic.
