by BaltimoreRavens.com
Feb 27, 2010, 5:42PMOn Ed Reed’s status: Ed Reed’s playing, as far as I know. I’ve said it before, Ed’s one of the greatest competitors in football. You talk about guys that play like a Raven who loves football and everything about football, that’s Ed Reed. I think Ed’s going to play because I think Ed’s going to do everything he can to play, and if he’s physically able to play, he’ll play. Right now, my assumption is that he will be able to do that. But, if that changes or Ed changes his mind, obviously that’s his prerogative. We’ll go on the assumption that he’s going to play.
On if Reed has talked to the team: He hasn’t told the team that he’s not going to play, and medically, we don’t have any reason to believe that he’s not going to right now.
On the Terrell Owens rumors: I’ve always said that I have a lot of respect for T.O., and I know Ozzie does, too. He had a good year. We watched him on tape, and he was very effective last year.
Cont’d: We’re interested in T.O. We’re interested in all the guys that can make our team better. When we were coming back from Iraq last year with John Gruden, Jeff Fisher and Tom Coughlin, we were sitting in the airport and a waiter came over and said, ‘Hey, Terrell Owens is sitting over there at Burger King.’ We were laughing about it, but he was really over there. We ran over like fans [laughs]. I can guarantee that we didn’t ask for his autographs, but we did say hi. We rekindled the relationship. He’s a good guy and a good player.
On his relationship with Owens: I was coaching special teams and he was a receiver, so he was on the hands team. We had a good relationship. He was respectful to the coaches, he worked hard. I think everybody had a good relationship with him.
On Troy Smith: Troy Smith is a Raven. He’s still with the team. I happened to be in Ohio when my father inducted into the Crawford County Hall of Fame, along with Mike Gottfried and Gates Brown. I was flipping channels and I saw Troy. They were interviewing him in Columbus, and he said it best. He said, ‘I’m a Raven.’ I think he’s really a good quarterback. I think he can play quarterback in this league as a starter. That’s why we like him as our backup, because at some point in time, we’re going to need a guy to come in and win two, three, four games for us if Joe gets hurt. Although at some point in time, I think we understand Troy’s desire to be a starter. So, if something were to work out and is beneficial to the Ravens first, from our perspective, and gives him a chance to do that down the road somewhere, we’re interested in doing that. But Troy is our backup quarterback at this point, and I don’t think we’re going to change that unless it benefits our football team.
On the trade possibilities due to more RFAs on the market: We’re going to explore every avenue for every position. It will be interesting how this plays out, because I don’t think anybody really knows. There aren’t as many unrestricted free agents, there are more restricted free agents. What are the tenders going to be? Who is going to be tendered what? Is there going to be more trade dialogue than we’ve had in other years? We’ve had lengthy discussions at the highest levels, with me, Dick, Ozzie. Everybody is involved in that. I think we’ve got our ducks lined up as far as what we can get accomplished.
On if the unbalanced line makes scouting offensive linemen different: With our guys playing on the right and left side is what you’re alluding to. Michael Oher, it is a big deal that he played right tackle and moved over to left tackle, but the truth of the matter is that he played on the left side all through training camp because of the unbalanced stuff. We probably do want guys that are athletic and can line up on both sides. I guess if you’re an offensive lineman, you want to be in Baltimore because we play six, seven or eight of them at one time.
On the percentage of unbalanced line: We try to be unpredictable and not give anything away. One of Cam Cameron’s real strengths as an offensive coach is that he thinks that way. You might see all offensive linemen out there one day or you might see no offensive linemen out there at some point.
On if he noticed Cincinnati using the unbalanced attack: We did notice that. [laughs] We were wondering where they got that idea from.
On the potential to draft a kicker in light of missing out on Ryan Succop last year: I wouldn’t rule it out. I think there are some draft-eligible kickers out there. If we would have had a seventh-round pick, we would have drafted him last year, but we didn’t. We were in conversation about signing him as a free agent, but then he was Mr. Irrelevant. So, right then, he broke our hearts, or the Chiefs broke our hearts. But, Billy Cundiff did a nice job. He’s been around and one of those guys that’s been through it before. That’s an advantage. It’s tough to be a rookie kicker and make it in this league. Guys have done it, but Billy more experienced. We’ll start with Billy, and then we’ll bring in some competition for Billy as we go.
On if the Ravens have to balance out their running in a pass-happy league: At the end of the day, do you want to be 50/50, 55/45, 50/40? Where do you want to be? It probably depends on your players. It probably depends who you’re playing. If you look early in the year, we were really throwing the ball. We were really pass-happy, and some of our fans weren’t too happy about that and thought we should be running the ball more. To me, one week to the next, you do what you have to based on who’s healthy, what the skills of your players are and who you’re playing to be successful. We want to be somewhere 45/55 either way. You say, ‘Well, what does that mean? ‘ We want to do both well. We’re not going to be one of those teams that throws it 65 percent of the time. I don’t think anyone can run it 65 percent of the time and be successful.
On the benefit of having Suggs in offseason program: I think Terrell is really excited to be in Baltimore. I think he’s looking forward to it. He’s already working out in Arizona. He works hard. We hired Ted Monachino to work with him directly. He worked with him at Arizona State when [Suggs] was so successful. I think those two have a trust and a confidence level together that will help us. We’re dedicated a lot of our offseason program to pass rush. And, it’s not just him. It’s going to be all our guys. We want our linebackers to be able to rush the passer. We want to train our defensive backs to rush the passer. In our blitz system, they need to be able to do it. A big emphasis to what we do in the offseason is on pass rush, and he’s going to be here for us. I’m excited about that.
On Willis McGahee’s status: I think McGahee will be on our team next year. From last year to this year, the way he’s trained, through the whole knee situation – and everybody knows he has a knee in college, and he’s played well in the NFL so far – but for him to play the way he did at the end of the year and to be in the kind of shape that he was in, I’m just impressed with the guy. He’s a leader on our football team and one of the most fun guys to be around every day.
On if McGahee has accepted a backup role: He doesn’t say he’s accepted a backup role. I’ve never said that Ray Rice is the starting running back. I know other people have said that. Maybe even other coaches have said that. But to me, the starting running back and the guy that is going to start next week is the guy that’s playing the best. I’ve told Willis, ‘If you want to start in the game, go be the best running back that week.’ Ray knows that. Ray’s got Willis there, and Le’Ron McClain, Jalen Parmele and Matt Lawrence and whoever else we bring in, those guys are all going to be fighting for playing time. That’s what a coach wants – competition. Willis McGahee could gain 1,500 yards next year. That could easily happen, and I’m not ruling it out.
On wanting to re-sign Dwan Edwards: I’ve said it before, we want Dwan back, and I’ve got my fingers crossed. I think Dwan wants to be a Raven, too, so we’ll see what happens.
On the NFL reducing the amount of offseason practices because of head injury concerns: Practice is a loose term if you look at development. Look at every sport. I’ve got two nephews who are Division II swimmers. They swim 28 hours a week, and we limit football exposure to 20 hours a week in college. I think it’s important to be well-round and everything, but we’re talking about pro football players who want to get better, guys who are fighting to make a team. It’s different for a Ray Lewis. It’s different for guys that have been around – Ed Reed. Those guys don’t need that practice time. But as coaches, what we do is limit their exposure and don’t ask them to be there for the whole offseason, necessarily. We don’t put them through those practices. But those young rookies that are trying to make the team, now we’re going to say, ‘Oh no, you can’t be at the building, you can’t be at practice.’ What are we really saying? That we’re not available to help you be the best player you can be. As a coach, we want to coach. We want to help these guys be the best player they can be, because we’re looking to have as good a team as we can. Now, helmets on, banging heads and all that kind of stuff, yeah, we can get away from that. And I don’t think we do much of that in the offseason as it is – a lot less than people think we do. But why should we take away opportunities for guys to become the best they can be and work to earn a living as a football player in our league.
On Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington’s status: We’ve got a few guys with ACLs. Brendon Ayanbadejo has a knee situation. Marcus Smith is another guy who had an ACL. I don’t think it’s too optimistic because of the way those guys are training. Right now, we expect those guys to be practicing the first day of training camp because nowadays those ACLs get back fast, but I don’t think you can count on it. I’m sure we’ll have a contingency plan.
On if there are any advantages of being a rookie coach with a rookie QB: I don’t know. We never really considered the advantages because we had no choice. I think it’s a plus, obviously, because we get a chance to grow together, me as a coach and him as a quarterback. Maybe we’ll make some of the same mistakes together and share in the experiences. Joe’s a good guy. He’s really a tough kid and he wants to be great. I can’t wait to go to work. March 15, we’re ready.
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The Master Spin Doctor at work…He answered every question without answering any of them. Nice work Harbs!
I can't believe some outlets are running the this headline. "Ravens are interested in TO".
These morons haven't caught on to the fact that Harbaugh answers questions about potential players with the same canned answer every time?
I don't Harbs would have an issue bringing in TO. I think it is Ozzie who would have the larger issue.
I haven't made up my mind about Owens. He's never had any off field issues, showed himself to be a warrior when with Philly, puts up the numbers, but his me, me, me attitude is a a huge drawback.
I think there is zero chance TO comes here.
I'm starting to think more and more that Hardballs should run for political office. I don't disagree with what you two have just stated on him. Where I differ is we should go after T.O. for a one or two year deal. This current team has one, maybe two more years before Lewis is gone. I say pull out all the stops and try to win it next year. STG can tell you I can't stand T.O. but if he can be a siginifcant factor to them winning a championship, I'll keep my mouth shut for the short term. We already have Donte so the genie is out of the bottle, why not get one more talented malcontent with talent. Make it happen baby, make it happen.
Pole,
That's sorta where I'm at with TO. Again, I generally don't have issue with taking a flyer on a guy who has produced some pretty decent numbers in the NFL, particularly if it's a short term deal. I'm less inclined to take risks with guys who issues and have never done anything in the league, even if it's cheap.
Who says Stallworth is a malcontent?
Just a figure of speach Mark, nothing fact based. Four teams in four years does make you wonder though. Are you related to Stallworth in some fashion, you have gone to battle for this guy on numerous occasions like I would for my own brother. "I can pick on him but no one else better go after him."
No Pole.
I just stick to facts.
The guy has baggage but has NEVER been labeled a malcontent.
So when someone says something that's never been reported or even insinuated, I ask a question.
If asking a question means defending him like he's my brother, then I'm guilty as charged.
How is what you said "a figure of speech"? TO's years as a malcontent and locker room destroyer is well documented. Do you have one thing to document that Stallworth is?
Mark,
You stick to the facts?!?! I present you a litany of documentation from sources like the Baltimore Business Journal, Nielsen ratings and Forbes Magazine and you tell me they don't know what they're talking about. It's not as if I quoted Mad Magazine or Cracked. You stick to the facts when they support your stand and stick to "I know better" when they don't support your stance. But that's OK, we all do it.
How do you know what they offered Texeira? Did you learn that from the SportsCenter guys who voted on the Gold Glove Award? Or we're you in on the negotiations?
Yes STG, I go around saying I know things that I don't on blogs to impress people that I've never met.
Sportscenter? What's that? Oh yea, that's the tabloid show disguised as a sports show. Nope, didn't learn it from them.
But I have worked in sports television in two major markets and the lack of knowledge I witnessed was so off the charts you wouldn't believe it.
You still haven't addressed how the Orioles could've had a payroll of over 93 million in 2007 and now have one that's roughly 65% of that. They have the money.
See my response below. You stand steadfast in your beliefs, as do I. I can give you my explanation on the Orioles drop in payroll, but quite honestly you're not going to buy what I'm selling anyway, so I wont bother.
If you're sales pitch involves believing that they don't have the money to spend then you are correct in that I won't buy it.
If it's something else, I'm all ears.
BTW, I didn't compare KC and Pittsburgh, that was a direct quote from the BBJ.
Look, here's my point and I promise I will shut up about it forever, unless seriously provoked.
MASN has the POTENTIAL to put the Orioles into the top 10 in the league in terms of revenue. I believe it is not there yet. Given the ratings the two teams are producing, given the information reported by Forbes listed the Orioles as 17th in terms of their current value, I wholeheartedly believe that their is a misconception that when MASN opened for business, the team started printing money. Again, I do not question that the potential is there and if the teams start producing on the field, the viewers will come and then so will the advertisers.
All of this falls on the mismanagement of the team, all of it.
The Orioles had money BEFORE MASN.
Do you think they have less now?
Their payroll was 93 million 3 seasons ago and it is now 67 million.
Maybe I'm misreading your whole point. Do you believe that the 67 million is somehow in line with their revenue and that they don't have the money/resources to spend more?
That's where I completely lose you if that is indeed your contention.
The Orioles had money BEFORE MASN.
If and when the economy turns around, I think the Orioles have set themselves up nicely to make a money that will allow them to be in the top 10 in revenues. Are they suffering now? No. Could they be spending more than they are? Yes. Is it prudent at this point? In my opinion, no. Why? This team had and still has so many holes both in terms of organizationally as well as the on-field product that it would be like putting a 85" Mitsubishi LED TV in a falling down trailer, or whatever analogy you want to use…mags (am I showing my age) on a Chevette, whatever. I think they need(ed) to focus on building a core of young players and look to supplement with some free agents down the road. I view them much like an expansion team at this point. I think over the last two years they have accomplished much, but have a helluva way to go. The minor league system is now ranked in the top 10, whereas before they were ranked dead last. They look to have some solid possibilities to build around in terms of young talent. They have a Spring Training home for goodness sakes – that was the most embarrassing thing. I'm giving them a pass, FOR NOW, on the lack of spending. Especially given the fact that they did pay Roberts, they did pay Markakis, they did go after and pay a Boros client, Wieters. I know a lot of fans are feed up and want to win now after 12 years of losing, but I think they were so fundamentally flawed that they had to tear it down and start over and that takes time. What's MY timetable for expecting a winner? I don't know, I guess it depends on what happens this year. I love this team and I'm hoping against hope that "the plan" will work. If it doesn't then I don't know which way they'll turn. Maybe it's misguided, maybe I'm a sucker, but that's how I feel. Some things confuse me, like why Trembley?
Chevette!!!!!
Before I go on, let me apologize for probably bordering on being an asshole with regards to this topic and the Orioles in general. The last 12 years have been been so disasterous and horrible that I sometimes lose my cool when I think about it. I enjoy talking Baltimore Sports hope this blog is a place that we can all do that for a long time. In the future I will try to express my opinions without coming off like an asshole. I can self evaluate!!!
STG
Your thoughts are well thought out and I believe have some merit. The difference between you and I is that I truly believe that this team won't be able to see more Ws than losses without an infusion of talent from free agency. Many will say that they have trimmed the payroll for some magical offseason where they will acquire the missing pieces to become a contender. My point is that I believe it's better to mix in some of those free agents now, while the team is growing, in order to prevent another "lost" year. And I honestly think that's where we are heading. The Orioles are in a very tough spot with regards to the the division they play in. The top 3 teams in the division could quite possibly be the best 3 teams in the whole AL seeing as the Angels took some major hits this offseason. I believe that NY/BOS/TB would win both the central and the west.
The spring training fiasco was so appalling that I don't want to write about it. But it's stuff like that that tells me that Angelos is still stubborn as a mule. And that is one of the main reasons that I cannot buy into "the plan". I flat out don't trust Angelos. His track record of meddling and screwing good things up is too long and too documented for me to just believe that he will ever preside over a successful and winning organization. I know that MacPhail was given complete autonomy etc….. and that the idea was that if Angelos ever stepped on MacPahils toes that he would leave immediately. As I see it, MacPhail has done exactly what Angelso wanted him too. He's built the farm system up while trimming payroll significantly all the while placating the fans with the idea that everything is fine and that "the plan" is in place.
We are at the point now where there are two camps. The camp which believes that MacPhail truly has a plan in place and will be able to execute that plan and turn this franchise around. Then there is the camp (which I'm obviously in) that believes that "the plan" is more rhetoric than anything else. The deck is stacked against the O's. And I am in complete agreement with you about Trembley. I gave up trying to figure that out as well. I was convinced that he was kept around last year as a bridge manager until they could hire a legit manager to try to lead this team back from the dead.
I'm still hoping that's the case. But again, I question why that move to bring in someone else wasn't made during this offseason. We all know that no manager was gonna win with last year's team. But what we fans saw was beyond unacceptable.
I guess I've been scorned one too many times by this organization. I still get fired up on a Wednesday night when we are playing the Rangers and it's a tie game in the 9th.
I too am hoping that "the plan" works even though I'm not sure exactly what the plan is. The plan is to win. We can all agree on that. I guess this year will be a big indicator as to the future of this team but then again, I thought last year was.
Mark,
I don't ever think you were a asshole, just a passionate fan. If you didn't care, you wouldn't be here.
I too, can be stubborn, opinionated, well, an asshole. I've even debated with people and took a side I didn't even believe just for the sake of the debate.
I look forward to talking sports with you and the other guys (and ladies) on the forum I used to write to Roch and Schmuck, but quite honestly this little forum is a lot more fun as the feedback is instant, in most cases.
I tried to bring in Bruz, Will-o, Pole, Ravens2488, Winky, as they are my boys from work and we probably spent way too much time doing this at work than we should have. I use this as my forum now and hope we can continue to grow it.
Keep posting…
Mark,
Don't go soft on us now! Part of the fun is to take a poke at one another and have some fun with it. I think the last three of four posts I put on there were just to get you pissed to see what you would say. Keep the posts coming….
STG
I know for a fact that the Orioles make a pretty penny by owning MASN. If you don't want to believe me, that's fine.
I'm gonna let you go back and read what I wrote. I NEVER said they didn't know what they are talking about. Not once. What I said was that those ratings don't mean the Orioles don't make money with MASN. I know what both the O's and Nationals ratings are. I've repeated that Angelos owns the network. That is not the case for many teams. The offered Texeira 150 million bucks. Their payroll was
To be honest, I probably should've not even gotten into a debate once you decided to compare KC and Pittsburgh with the Orioles.
The Orioles payroll was over 93 million for the 2007. Last year it was 67 million. Where do you think that 36 million went? Their revenue stream certainly didn't drop by 33%
The attendance dropped by about 12% in those 2 years.
To argue that the Orioles don't have money to spend is head scratching to me.
Even the most ardent supporters of "the plan" would say that they absolutely have the money. They will also say that either now isn't the time to spend it or that nobody will come here even if we offer it.
Wow.
Some thick skinned people!
I love it.
Cool with me.
Mark, don't freaking apologize to STG the moron! Every year at this time he gets on the Orioles wagon, rides it for awhile, then about June he breaks his leg jumping off… His other name is "Flip" as in "FlipFlop"….
Until these fans realize that they are putting their money into a worthless product such as the O's then its futile to talk to them. They are the one's that will vote for Obama again.
The only reason they signed a Boros client (Wieters) is because they let their 1st round pick (Wade Townsend) year before to walk without signing him and they knew they couldn't do that again.
Its funny reading these blogs because all these clowns think the O's minor leaguers are the greatest. The O's are masters of overhyping their players. And don't give me thhe publications have rated the O's prospects high either "Zach"…
I already got emails from STG about Josh Bell jacking a dinger in the first "PRACTICE" game. Heck, I, a 48 year old piece of garbage could jack a dinger or two in the first game!
The O's will be under .500 for the next 3 years….
Whoa hey, No politics here.
And if you wanna talk O's go hit up some of the Orioles threads!
Don't tell me where to write my stuff or what to write about… I'll run amuck on here….
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