Impartiality is a bit of a mirage.
We all like to believe we can cast aside predispositions and take a cold, analytical look at what’s in front of us before making calculated decisions. You know the expression: Facts don’t have feelings.
Well, that gets a little muddled when you’re a passionate sports fan, doesn’t it?
Regardless, and quite possibly through the lens of a fan, I’ve long believed the Ravens have one of the best digital and social media teams in the NFL. I enjoy their little clips letting fans know the rookies better, and “The Lounge” with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing is don’t-miss for me. They also do a top-shelf job with schedule releases and other endeavors.
But, man, I love Wired the most.
It’s almost like a mini-Hard Knocks where we get a little glance behind the proverbial curtain. When I started seeing little clips on Twitter earlier this week, I could feel my pulse rate change immediately.
The first team meeting of the year…
Wired ➡️ https://t.co/BobeZNWg04 pic.twitter.com/Vi0tUB9yyY
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 29, 2023
See what I mean? The teasers make me want to jump right in.
"No, you do not!"
"Only from him." 💀😂😂 pic.twitter.com/JRDjkfGY4C
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 29, 2023
All good stuff. And last night, the entire episode became live on YouTube. I won’t bother “selling it to you.” Just take about 20 minutes when you have a chance and get a good Ravens fix during the slow season for the NFL.
If there is another can’t-miss offering — that doesn’t originate from Russell Street, obviously — it’s just about everything Jeff Zrebiec pens for The Athletic. His latest offering is on 10 free agents the Ravens might consider adding to the roster before the season starts.
From mid-July through the first couple of weeks of training camp last yr, the Ravens added four vet FAs to bolster roster depth. There is plenty available this yr for the Ravens to attack areas of need.
($1 per month deal for new subscribers still avail.” https://t.co/LNmFGrnD4o— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) June 29, 2023
DeAndre Hopkins obviously was mentioned, as were former Ravens Marcus Peters and Justin Houston. Cornerback Bryce Callahan is a player I’ve been kind of banging the table for, as he is a solid, if not very good, slot corner when healthy.
The one that got my attention most was quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The Ravens do appear to have some options in place for that backup role, including Tyler Huntley and Josh Johnson.
However, even if you are in either or both’s camp, it’s hard to ignore that the Ravens have done a face-flop the past two seasons when star signal-caller Lamar Jackson has gone down with injuries. A steady hand like Bridgewater, if the price is right, could be a sound addition that could come in handy in an “in-case-of-emergency-break-glass” situation.
[Related Article: Remembering Ryan Mallett]
ESPN recently put up a list of the 50 best draft picks from the past 10 years, and the Ravens were pretty well-represented.
Stacking the 50 best draft picks from the past 10 NFL drafts: We picked the biggest steals https://t.co/Yz04O0wTn9
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) June 28, 2023
Mark Andrews was ranked as the 28th best value as a fourth-round pick who has out-performed that position by a significant amount. Matthew Judon was 31st as a fifth-round pick who has become a Pro Bowler, and Orlando Brown Jr. was recognized at number 40 for his value. Just missing the cut was former Ravens center Ryan Jensen.
For those wanting to see Jackson workout with first-round pick Zay Flowers this offseason, well, here you go.
Watching @Lj_era8 ➡️ @ZayFlowers on repeat until Training Camp 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fJOWkVdFbR
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 28, 2023
