With the Ravens off on Thursday and back on the gridiron today, what better time for some more reflections & rants from yours truly?
This will be one of shorter rants, and I genuinely wish I didn’t need to talk about this. However, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t.
So, let’s get into another ridiculous take from the “worldwide leader in sports.”
Who the hell is “Joe Fortenbaugh” https://t.co/jHR4WFjLHp
— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) July 25, 2024
I wish I could just ignore this slop and go about my day. I wish I could ignore this garbage spat by a guy who should only focus on betting on sports (his real job at that awful takes factory) rather than talking about them. Those of you with no problem ignoring it: more power to you, and I envy you, but I simply can’t.
It is such an awful take to say that Lamar Jackson will never win a Super Bowl. We bring this up constantly, but look up what Peyton Manning did during his first six years in the NFL. The NFL has this weird thing where they feel like if you don’t win a ring, you stink. Lamar is currently the poster boy for this due to his two NFL MVP awards combined with a lack of postseason success.
Of course, if we follow the rules set by these people, then that would mean every quarterback stinks. Why is no one attacking Josh Allen when his team has lost to Patrick Mahomes more times than Lamar? Where is the criticism for Justin Herbert, who hasn’t won a playoff game yet, or Trevor Lawrence, who didn’t even make the playoffs last year? I am not calling these guys bad, but following the logic put forth by ESPN “analysts” has us arrive there. Once again, the inevitable conclusion is it’s all just a way to get people to talk about their show. Lamar criticisms sells, and unfortunately, ESPN knows this and uses it to get clicks and views.
It sucks, but these dudes will always pretend to hate Lamar because it makes their company money.
Moving on from whatever that take was, some lists have come out ranking position groups, and the Ravens are pretty low in one category:
I could be wrong but I find it hard to believe there are 5 teams with better secondaries than the Baltimore Ravens. https://t.co/w5Tv3NfOlN
— RAMEY (@HoodieRamey) July 25, 2024
The Ravens have a top-two secondary when healthy. They have the depth now with the Eddie Jackson signing and have a potentially elite cornerback room. Also, factor in Kyle Hamilton, a healthy Marcus Williams, and more corner depth than ever. Yeah, this is a top secondary. Everyone has a role in this secondary. Hamilton can play all over, Jackson and Willimas are the deep safety playmakers, and Wiggins and Stephens are the shutdown corners, with Marlo playing the slot. Check out Tanner’s piece from yesterday to get even more excited about E. Jackson.
In addition, some of the secondaries higher than Baltimore on that list are boosted by elite individual pass rushers, something the Ravens clearly lack at the moment. That said, they showed last year they know how to get pressure, leading the league in sacks. The Ravens put on a clinic on how to build a great back end, and having them sixth is nonsense, Warren.
But what about the middle of the defense? Well, the coach has high praise for one player.
The Ravens' defense is looking to have multiple players step up in 2024 in the absence of departed free agents pic.twitter.com/mD6zrl1ufO
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) July 25, 2024
It is no secret that the Ravens are banking a bit more on youth this year more than in some recent seasons. But my closet take is that Trenton Simpson will have a monster year. After getting the deluxe treatment for rookie LBs, sitting and learning while playing special teams, the coaches are impressed with Simpson and feel confident giving him that second linebacker spot.
The Ravens are back on the field today, and hopefully Lamar looks better. We finally heard from Adam Schefter that it’s a stomach virus causing the QB to miss time.
After missing the past few days of practice due to a stomach virus, Lamar Jackson returned today.
📹 @Ravens pic.twitter.com/rLlxMphC9w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2024
Stay tuned to RSR for our camp notes later today.
One Response
True it’s all about clicks and controversy. Just more bulletin board material.
How many of these experts come out and admit when they are wrong? Enough said.