Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will reply followers’ questions all through the Ravens season. After Baltimore fell to the Cincinnati Bengals, 26-17, on Sunday, loads of questions stay earlier than a wild-card spherical playoff rematch with the Bengals.
Here’s Preston’s take:
(Editor’s notice: Questions have been edited for size and readability.)
Though he hasn’t been good, I like the best way Isaiah Likely performs. He normally will get open, catches the ball, and runs with it. Are the Ravens losing him as a backup tight finish? Would it’s higher to make use of him as a possession-type huge receiver, like Anquan Boldin?
— Alan Rosenthal
I wouldn’t name him a possession-type receiver. He strikes nicely and will get yards after the catch, so he’s a risk to interrupt one. I’d wish to see the Ravens use him on the skin. Because of his measurement — 6-feet, 4 inches and 241 kilos — he might create mismatches with smaller cornerbacks, and why not simply throw him some bounce balls? The Ravens don’t have another downfield threats.
Likely’s weak spot is he isn’t a lot of a blocker, however he can enhance in that space with a robust offseason within the weight room. But the Ravens have to get the rookie on the sector with beginning tight finish Mark Andrews and strengthen the passing sport.
We lastly had a Charlie Kolar and David Ojabo sighting on Sunday vs. Cincinnati, and … they each produced! Kolar had 4 catches for 49 yards and Ojabo had a strip sack. Given the Ravens’ want for affect cross catchers who can present mismatches and pace on the sting to get to the quarterback, do you anticipate to see each of them lively on sport day for the playoffs? Really really feel like Andrews, Likely and Kolar might give defenses matches if utilized correctly collectively. Thanks.
— Paul in Orlando
I used to be glad to see the Ravens get these guys on the sector towards Cincinnati, particularly since they must play the Bengals once more Sunday evening. I’ve already addressed the Likely scenario and Kolar is an enormous physique (6-6, 250 kilos) who might help the Ravens muscle up when wanted. Unfortunately, he’s one other participant that wants one other sturdy offseason within the weight room, and he has to enhance his palms so far as catching the ball. Ojabo, in time, goes to be participant. He has all of the bodily traits however simply wants extra follow time whereas recovering from the torn Achilles tendon.
Hi Mike, no Ravens huge receivers had a catch till roughly 3:08 left within the third quarter towards the Bengals. How do the Ravens repair this within the offseason? Thanks.
— Howard in Baltimore
I might say draft a receiver, however their historical past has been one in every of failure, although second-year wideout Rashod Bateman has potential. If you don’t have high quality receivers, then use the excess of tight ends, no less than for the remainder of the season. The scenario may enhance relying on what the Ravens do with offensive coordinator Greg Roman within the offseason. If they alter coordinators and system, they could be capable to entice some good free-agent receivers to come back right here, which they haven’t been capable of do prior to now as a result of they had been so run-oriented. Right now, this workforce is caught within the mud in terms of discovering the solutions. The resolution appears to be to draft one however they will’t appear to get that proper, which is akin to their quarterback failures till they lastly drafted Joe Flacco in 2008.
Given his harm historical past, his questionable passing capability (together with general quarterback IQ) and unreasonable contract calls for, is it time for the Ravens to maneuver on from Lamar? Also, given the general efficiency of Ravens administration and training since successful the Super Bowl, is it time for wholesale modifications? Everything from draft decide choice to on-field gameday teaching appears suspect.
— Carl Wright
Sometimes, I feel the Ravens are 7-10 as an alternative of 10-7. Fans want to point out some endurance, and let’s see how the remainder of this season unfolds. As of proper now, nobody actually is aware of in regards to the seriousness of Jackson’s knee harm or if he’s irritated with workforce officers about not getting a brand new contract. If Jackson nonetheless needs a completely assured contract, the Ravens ought to say no after which place the franchise tag on him. Regardless, they are going to draft a quarterback and work with No. 3 quarterback Anthony Brown. I feel we are able to all see the cumulative results of Jackson being a working quarterback, and the offense has taken a toll on him and even backup Tyler Huntley.
I assume the Ravens will usher in a brand new coordinator, so it’s going to be an fascinating offseason. But let’s see what occurs within the postseason first. Anything can occur within the NFL. Anything.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com