4 Options To Upgrade Backup QB
With the Ravens reportedly talking to Brandon Weeden before he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, there's speculation that the team might want to upgrade their backup quarterback position.
"W]hich is exactly what the Ravens [should be doing," wrote ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "[T]he team has been lucky that Joe Flacco has never missed a start in his six-year NFL career."
Tyrod Taylor has been the No. 2 quarterback since he was drafted in 2011, and Hensley isn't convinced that Taylor could carry the team should Flacco get hurt for an extended period.
The Virginia Tech Hokie hasn't gotten much action because of Flacco's durability, but in his most extensive regular-season action in the 2012 season finale versus the Cincinnati Bengals, Taylor went 15-of-25 for 149 yards, three sacks, a pick-six and no touchdowns. He did rush for one score. Hensley points out Taylor has completed less than 60 percent of his passes during preseason action.
"The Ravens' season would [if Flacco went down] be over because Taylor isn't an accurate passer," Hensley wrote. "The Ravens shouldn't just bring in someone who will compete against Taylor this year. They should bring in someone who can actually win the job."
So who is left on the market that could provide competition? Of those remaining, Hensley thinks Ryan Fitzpatrick would make a good fit.
Fitzpatrick was recently cut by the Tennessee Titans, and has extensive work as a starter with at least eight starts in each season over the past six years. Throughout his 10-year career, he notched a 59.8 completion percentage and has thrown for 16,790 yards, 106 touchdowns and 93 interceptions.
At one point, he was considered the long-term answer at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
"Fitzpatrick is streaky and interception prone, but he is the most serviceable backup left in free agency," Hensley wrote.
There are three other remaining potential backups Hensley names, but he isn't completely sold on any:
Michael Vick (ESPN Free Agency Grade = C-plus)
Matt Flynn (C)
Rex Grossman (D)
Whichever route the Ravens choose to take, Hensley reiterates how important a move would be.
"Flacco endured more hard hits last season than any of his previous seasons, and the Ravens had to re-evaluate their backup quarterback situation toward the end of last season when Flacco took that shot to his knee in Detroit," he wrote. "The Ravens can't expect Flacco to be there every week.
"That's a luxury, not a reality."
TE Eric Ebron To Visit Ravens
Draft prospect Eric Ebron will visit the Ravens in April, the tight end told ProFootballTalk.com. He will also visit the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills.
The Ravens, like all teams, are allotted 30 official visits with prospects.
When Ebron meets with the Ravens, it will mark his second meeting with the team. They already met at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. The North Carolina product was an All-American selection last season after catching 62 passes for 973 yards and three touchdowns.
"Every team wants a complete tight end, an all-purpose tight end, not just one who can just run down the seam and catch passes," Ebron said at the NFL scouting combine. "They want a guy who can block, too. I tell them I've been working hard at it. I'm not bad at it like everyone thinks. What makes me different is who I am, my style of play. I play fast. I'm a little bit faster than most."
Ebron has been linked to the Ravens' No. 17 overall pick in several mock drafts, but his stock has been rising and he may not make it that far.
"Ebron is a possible top-10 pick now. Don't see any chance of him falling to Ravens," wrote Hensley.
Former Raven Chris Carr Announces Retirement
Here's a guy that I miss, and wish him the best as he starts a new chapter in his life.
Former Ravens cornerback Chris Carr announced on Twitter Wednesday that he is retiring from the NFL.
"I'm official retiring from football this week. It's been a great ride!" he wrote. "When I think of my career, I consider myself a Raven first and foremost. My three years in Bmore are my fondest football memories!"
During his nine year-career, Carr played for six different teams. He was signed by the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Boise State. Carr was mainly a return specialist, but got a crack at playing defense with the Ravens and excelled. He even became a starting corner in 2010 with the Ravens, logging 61 tackles, eight passes defensed and two interceptions.
"The Raven organization is incredible and the fans are second to none!! Thank you Baltimore...," he wrote.
For an undrafted player, Carr finished with a solid career that lasted nearly a decade. He was a great guy to have around the facility, and our own Ryan Mink has fond memories.
"Big @triplcarr fan. He drove a busted old Toyota (which he gave to a #Ravens employee in need when he left) and gave me a sweet raincoat," Mink tweeted.
March Madness To Fuel Ravens Trash Talk?
March madness falls upon us this evening, and some matchups tonight could fuel the Ravens’ locker room trash talk, says CSNBaltimore.com's Clifton Brown.
Tonight's games put these Ravens in head-to-head matchups:
- Haloti Ngata (Oregon) vs. Dennis Pitta (BYU)
- Terrell Suggs (Arizona St.) vs. Justin Tucker/Chykie Brown (Texas)
"The outcome of March Madness will definitely impact bragging rights in the Ravens' locker room," Brown wrote.
Quick Hits
- Some fans expressed their surprise by the Ravens reportedly making an offer to tight end Ed Dickson, but Hensey* *says it's not the worst idea. "Ed Dickson wouldn't have been high on my list. But the Ravens could do worse for a backup tight end. Dickson is a solid blocker and may improve as a receiver if he regains his confidence. He's only 26, so you can't write him off completely. He did show in 2011 that he can be productive. That being said, I would obviously prefer Owen Daniels over him." [ESPN]
- Tandon Doss is eager to start over in Jacksonville. "This] just seemed like a place where I could [compete for a spot and show what I can do," he said. [Florida-Times Union]
- Steve Smith, Sr. named one of the over-30-players who will have the biggest impact on his new team. [SI.com]
- @Ravens: M&T Bank Stadium wins Wintergreen Award for Excellence in Green Building. [Twitter]
- Free agent tackle Eric Winston was elected as the new NFLPA president, taking over for former Raven Domonique Foxworth. [CBSSports.com]
- Former Raven Jamal Lewis is scouting youth football players for Xpert Eval. [Press Box]
- The Ravens will host a draft party on Thursday, May 8 at M&T Bank Stadium. [The Baltimore Sun]
- @ryanmink: Saw @RayRice27 at the facility yesterday. The reports are true. He looks very fit, definitely lost some bulk. [Twitter]
- @89SteveSmtih: On #GMA with gavin [Twitter]
- @89SteveSmtih: 1st one with SR... #stevesmithSR #ravennation [Twitter]
