Zay Flowers was seen in a walking boot and word is that it’s a precautionary measure to support Flowers’ sprained foot. The Ravens I’m told are not outwardly concerned, but history inspires the exact opposite feeling given the way the team has reported and dealt with past injuries. I’ll be worried until I see Zay is a full participant during practice this week.
Houston to B’more Part III?
Justin Houston was released by the Carolina Panthers yesterday and since the release occurred after the trade deadline, he will have to clear waivers if the Ravens have any interest in the veteran edge defender who spent 2021 and 2022 in Baltimore where he registered a total of 14 sacks in 23 games. So far this season, Houston has just a ½ sack in 7 games.
Worth upsetting the current 53? Keep in mind that the Ravens get a $250K cap credit each week Bowser sits. https://t.co/1Tz07qELhh
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) December 19, 2023
Given the way that Kyle Van Noy and Jadeveon Clowney appear to be fading, taking an inexpensive flyer on Houston might be worth it. But there could be an alternative already in-house.
Malik Hamm looked great during training camp and flashed in the preseason. He’s rested, young and could be a situational player for DC Mike Macdonald. The Ravens moved on from vets like Houston and Marcus Peters for a reason. But then again, the way David Ojabo looked during OTA’s and training camp, that may have inspired the pass on Houston from the Ravens personnel group.
Overrated?
Not sure if you’ll agree, but the Ravens defense is a bit overrated. Sure, they’ve given up the fewest points and they are second in the league in yards allowed. But when the game is on the line or an opponent runs their 2-minute offense like Jacksonville did during the closing moments of the first half on Sunday night, there’s cause for concern. I also have some unsettling vibes about the team’s run defense. They give up too much on first down too often.
BK, Have it Your Way
Justin Madubuike, aka BK, has put together quite a season. His career arc is trending in a very positive direction; he’s an understudy and workout partner of one of the game’s greats, Aaron Donald and he’s a free agent in 2024.
The upcoming offseason is going to be arguably Eric DeCosta’s most challenging with several difficult roster decisions to make. BK isn’t one of them. He’s a diligent worker, great locker room guy and has the makings of a quiet leader. Finding interior pass rushers like BK is a challenge and when you have one, you do all that you can to keep him.
Players know players and I will always remember the glowing praise heaped upon BK by future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell. DeCosta will have to find a way to keep Madubuike at all costs. Letting him walk will be a monumental mistake.
The SB XLVII Season
We all look back on the 2012 season fondly because it ended with the Ravens hoisting their second Lombardi Trophy. But that campaign wasn’t all candy canes and sugar plums (in keeping with The Season). Towards the back end of the regular season, there were serious doubts about the Ravens even making the playoffs after Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos came into town and waxed the Ravens at The Bank. But they dusted off after the 34-17 rout which wasn’t even as close as the score, collected themselves and then rode the hot hand of Joe Flacco through the playoffs, to New Orleans and into the championship shower of confetti.
Keep that in mind as the balance of the 2023 season plays out. There are still bumps in the road ahead, one of which likely awaits in Santa Clara when the Ravens face the league darlings, the San Francisco 49ers.
Feeling Funky?
Yesterday the Ravens signed Jake Funk to their practice squad. The 25-year-old Funk was the Rams 7th-round pick in 2021, the 233rd overall. The former Maryland Terrapin and Gaithersburg, MD native is now playing for his 5th NFL team in 2 years. His 4.4 40-yard speed will open eyes and draw you in. Perhaps the Ravens see some of the same qualities in Funk that they saw in Keaton Mitchell.
How many of you were aware of Mitchell before training camp?
Sometimes a player only needs the right fit.
Maybe he’ll find that in Todd Monken’s offense.
9 Responses
Totally agree @ Houston. He was effective last year in part because he was fresh when he returned. He isn’t now. And he’s a year older. Can’t help feeling annoyed about Bowser. They certainly could have used him, expecting that Clowney and Van Noy would fade a bit. I kept hoping we’d see him show up at practice but now it’s too late, regardless. It would take him too long to get into football shape. So give Hamm a shot. Also, might be better to rest Flowers if he’s not 100 percent. I’d rather get him right for last one-two games and playoffs.
Agree completely
Safe to say that Jake Funk hasn’t seen holes like the ones in his highlight video since he got to the NFL. Betting the Ravens keep him around for Special Teams this off season, but doubt he sees the field this year.
Love the Epmd
Your talking about SB 47 but you have XXXV in heading. That’s 35 for you non Roman’s. XLVII is what you’re looking for.
You are a friend to mankind. I considered firing the person who edited this piece and opted not to since I would then be unemployed.
Thanks again and Happy Holidays to you and yours…
On the D being overrated, I agree to a point. The run defense at the beginning of games gives me concern but McDonald makes the adjustments and it becomes less concern, The 4th quarter D has always given me concern and with great Defenses you know they can close the game out . I just don’t have that confidence with this Defense. The Jax game , Jacksonville had too many unforced errors that helped us out. I guess we will see if the D is exposed against the 49ers.
Every defense gives up something. This Ravens defense only plays 2 down lineman most often, because that allows them to mix and match with Hamilton. Easier to run against than with 3 DL. I think they also rely on Clowney’s effectiveness against the run as well, but as the article says, he’s faded some.
Flowers wearing a boot is a serious issue.