We all know the score Ravens fans; we haven’t had a high-octane aerial attack since Vinny Intercept-a-verde was throwing go routes to Derrick Alexander and Michael Jackson. Whether by divine intervention or just dumb luck we have the first franchise QB in Baltimore since Bert Jones. Now that we have our signal caller of the future attention has shifted to keeping his jersey clean and finding a stable of thoroughbreds for him to throw to each Sunday.
Gone are the days of the Ravens peddling out a goof troop consisting of Travis Taylor, Clarence Moore, Randy Hymes, with a little Devard Darling sprinkled on top to accentuate the futility. The Ravens have since upgraded the top of their receiving corp., but are still looking for an adequate third and fourth option to help spread defenses and showcase Flacco’s bazooka of an arm. Mason is the model of consistency turning in 80 catch, 1,000 yard seasons like clockwork. Clayton has had his ups and downs, but came on strong last season and looks to be a high-end number two with Flacco throwing to him. Beyond those two the picture gets a little murky. Can Demetrius Williams bring the 18 yard-per-catch potential from his rookie year into fruition? Can Marcus Smith turn strong practice performances into production on an NFL field? Are the sparks shown by retread Kelley Washington for real, or just an illusion? You tell us Baltimore.
Your brother in the Nest,
Pat Cary
Filed under: Ravens
Kelley Washington has always been one of those guys with a solid upside. As a number 3 receiver with very little expectations, I think he could have a pretty solid year. Remember, his first 2 years in the league, when he was really a number 4 on the Bengals, he had 22 receptions and the 31 receptions. Not too shabby back then with an offense who really wasn’t looking his way too much. A 30-40 catch season out of him isn’t out of the question.
I think the biggest key in opening up the receiving game for the Ravens is the production you guys get out of the Tight End position. Getting L.J. Smith was a good move in the off-season but, much like Heap, he’s often injured.
If either of those guys can produce even remotely close to 50 catches, that can open things up big time for a Marcus Smith or Williams or Washington to step in and have a solid year.
I heard Heap might be on the PUP list though after an ingrown hair at laser removal the other day.
Moore showed us a few things his rookie year and then went immediately into the can. Some of the a-holes we’ve started in the past are laughable.
Tim – I think you’re mistaken about Heap’s injury; it’s a hangnail not an ingrown hair.
The reports from OTAs and minicamps on Washington, Williams, and Marcus Smith have generally been very good, I can only hope one of them steps it up when September rolls around. I agree that production from the TE position is critical, especially in Cam’s system. I have a feeling that Cam will utilize packages that feature both L.J. Smith and Heap on the field at the same time.
I definitely agree w/the dual tight end packages you’ll see from Cam if those guys are healthy. If they are, I think Ravens fans will be pleasantly surprise with the productivity out of the #3 Receiver spot, not to mention how that can help Clayton’s game continue to grow…