Plus Why The Ravens Never Considered Asante Samuel
When you think of Ricky Williams what’s the first thing you think of?
His dreads?
His affinity for marijuana?
Probably not his 10,009 career rushing yards, right?
During his final season in the NFL as a Raven in 2011, Williams was a very good complementary back to Ray Rice and was well liked in Baltimore and more importantly by his teammates where he rushed for 444 yards on 108 carries. He was welcomed back and initially wanted to return to the Ravens, inspired by the team’s resolve following a bitter defeat in the AFC Championship Game to the Patriots.
That all changed when Ricky exchanged text messages with his former coach and mentor of sorts, Bill Parcells.
This video explains why.
//
I doubt that Ricky is bothered by never having won a Super Bowl but it’s somewhat safe to say that Parcells’ influence cost him a ring.
Ever notice that every time Kyle Juszczyk touches the football something good happens? Ever wonder why he doesn’t touch the football more?
So far this season Juice has 10 catches for 128 yards and 1 touchdown. Five of his catches have resulted in first downs. You think maybe he could run the ball 1 yard on third and 1?
Through 9 games in 2014 Marlon Brown has 8 catches for 75 yards and has yet to reach the end zone. In 2013, not even a full year removed from ACL surgery, Brown had 25 catches for 307 yards and 5 TD’s through 9 games. Not a fit for Gary Kubiak’s offense?
Of the 83 safeties graded by Pro Football Focus, Matt Elam ranks 83rd. The safety often tied to Elam as it relates to 2013 NFL Draft talk is Jacksonville’s John Cyprien. Currently the Jaguars’ safety grades out at No. 69. Interesting to note for Ravens fans Dawan Landry (Jets) James Ihedigbo (Lions) and Bernard Pollard (Titans) grade out at 18, 20 and 27 respectively. Darian Stewart comes in at No. 35.
The Ravens parted ways with two corners on Tuesday, Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks. Replacing the pair will be Tramain Jacobs who has been promoted from the practice squad and former Raven Danny Gorrer recently released by the Detroit Lions.
I asked around The Castle about Asante Samuel and why he wasn’t given some consideration. After the laughter I was told that Samuel is old, can’t run, doesn’t play man and he can’t tackle.
Except for the old part, sounds a bit like Chykie Brown, right?
I’ve been critical for some time of the team’s reluctance to add quality depth to the secondary. Ozzie Newsome has been quoted often saying that a team can never have enough good corners. Maybe he skipped over the “good” part this season. And really he only has himself to blame.
The Ravens highest draft pick at the position since 2012 has been 5th round pick (169th overall) Asa Jackson. Prior to that there was Jimmy Smith in Round 1 in 2011 and Brown in Round 5 of 2011.
Lastly, remember 2013 4th round draft pick LB John Simon? He was a player the team’s scouts were unanimously jazzed about yet he took only 3 snaps during his career as a Raven. THREE!
In 4 games as a member of the Houston Texans, Simon has 8 tackles and 2 sacks while handling 77 total snaps. Below are his grades per Pro Football Focus.
Yet the Ravens keep giving Terrence Cody chance after chance after chance.
I guess you can’t have enough defensive tackles.
