The word alone conjures up thoughts of, well, the word itself.
‘Intrigue’ brings up thoughts of mystery, curiosity and interest. When I think of something intriguing, my mind races to those things that instantly provoke thought — be it good or be it bad.
The Baltimore Sun’s Childs Walker penned an article that ran this morning that looked at the most intriguing people in the organization as it embarks on a 2023 season the team hopes will end with purple and black confetti and Lamar Jackson discovering that he just won a car for being named MVP.
From breakout pass rusher David Ojabo to mercurial running back J.K. Dobbins, here are the 10 most intriguing people in the Ravens organization as the team begins its quest to win a Super Bowl in 2023. https://t.co/omvM9wRBoa
— Baltimore Sun Sports (@BaltSunSports) July 13, 2023
In typical Walker fashion, it’s a really good read, so I encourage soaking it in yourself, but a few highlights particularly stood out.
Rookie first-round receiver Zay Flowers is understandably on the list, as any first-rounder should be. He is expected to fully contribute this season, and will be one to watch closely.
Todd Monken, the new offensive coordinator brought in from two-time national champion Georgia, is the one expected to incorporate Flowers into the offense, and he understandably makes the list, as well. So much of the Ravens’ success this season, and hopefully the postseason, rests on his shoulders.
Rock Ya-Sin, the cornerback brought in to basically replace Marcus Peters across from Marlon Humphrey, truly offers some intrigue. Peters had a few hiccups in his return from injury last season, but he has historically been a ball-hawk who can turn the ball over on any play. That matters.
Chuck Smith, aka Dr. Rush, has been tasked with helping the Ravens’ young, unproven pass-rushers become, well, young, proven pass-rushers. Smith was a very good pass rusher in his time as a player, and has earned a terrific reputation as a private coach, working with players such as Aaron Donald and Carlos Dunlap.
The organization is putting a lot of faith in the likes of Tyus Bowser, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo (until a “veteran to be named later” is inevitably signed this summer). Hiring a specialist to work with them is a bright move.
Speaking of Ojabo, Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine wrote a piece on each team’s biggest bust for the 2023 season.
He cited our old friend Marquise brown in Arizona, which is interesting considering DeAndre Hopkins will most likely not be out there taking targets from him, and there’s a good chance they will be getting smoked every week before halftime, necessitating more volume for Brown than normal.
But what really jumped out to me was his stance on Ojabo being the Ravens’ most likely bust this season.
He cited Ojabo’s Achilles injury at his pro day and that, while he did tally a sack in his limited 21 snaps last season, it was an effort play as opposed to elite athleticism.
Ojabo was only a one-year starter for the Wolverines and was projected to need some time to develop into an NFL starter. Achilles injuries can be difficult to come back from and usually require extra time to get back to complete recovery.
“On paper, the Ravens are relying fairly heavily on Ojabo and Odafe Oweh to both have breakout seasons. It’s just probably a year too early to expect that for Ojabo.
Yeah, don’t know if I’m ready for that yet, boss. For starters, he will be much-further removed from his injury than he was during his late-season cameo in 2022. For another, um, effort sacks count, too. NFL players are really good, and effort often wins the day.
We’ll see, but I’m pretty bullish on Ojabo this season. I’d probably have the magnifying glass focused more on his counterpart Oweh at this juncture.
Also out there…
Since 2018, Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey has recorded the 7th most forced fumbles in the league, per @NFL_Stats. pic.twitter.com/yYY0inORWI
— Ravens Nation LIVE (@LIVERavenNation) July 12, 2023
Everyone getting Ravens training camp tickets.
Me: pic.twitter.com/BgHF7JGgAq
— Pedro H. Rhormes (@rhormes_) July 12, 2023
Join the #RavensFlock in the @NFLZoneOfficial, presented by @Visa!
Defend the city, breach the fortress, and become king of the castle in the Ravens team-inspired Fortnite map!
Island Code: 0962-0395-2292➡️: https://t.co/mAGUGs3CK2 pic.twitter.com/9gOwDpDpiY
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 12, 2023
GOAT is short for Justin Tucker 😏 https://t.co/5zVwivmcZL
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 12, 2023
One Response
Just so tired of the social media and experts expressing their views and opinions. Most of us have our own views and opinions. The difference is that these “experts” are often times paid for their views and opinions.
I think the most important parts of the puzzle for the Ravens is the coaching. I think Todd will do very well. We have good coordinators and I believe coaches. We have the talent. We just have to coach them up and keep them motivated. Most importantly though is the injury issue. If with the new S&C coach, we minimize the serious injuries, this will be a SB contender. No hype and biases, just the facts based on performance when we are healthy.
Justin Tucker-HOF’er. Ojabo will have a very good season and our rush/pressure will be better thanks to Chuck. Let’s go RAVENS!!!!