Getting to Know the Baltimore Ravens
By Ernie Padaon
Once a week, I try to get in contact with a Blogger from the opposing team in order to get a little more insight into our matchup. This week, I was able to get in touch with Riley over at Ebony Bird, and he was able to give us a little more insight on our new offensive lineman and a possible coaching candidate for us. Enjoy:
1. What is your scouting report on Jared Gaither?
Jared Gaither is a very talented player. However, there’s been a lot of speculation surrounding his work ethic. He’s also had some trouble with injuries but could be one of the leagues best tackles when healthy. He was very successful with the Ravens for the past few years until he injured his back and slowly went down hill. I haven’t seen him in action a whole lot since than so I couldn’t speak about his future but he is a great player when healthy.
2. What are your thoughts on Chuck Pagano as a possible head coaching candidate?
I would prefer to have Chuck stay as the defensive coordinator of the Ravens given how good of a job he has done. All of the players love him and he has done a great job with the Ravens’ D this year. I’d be surprised if he becomes a head coach in the very near future but it’s definitely a possibility a few years down the road.
3. I have always compared Joe Flacco to Mark Sanchez, who would you compare him to?
Before the draft, a lot of people compared him to Ben Roethlisberger and I think that still holds true to a point. Flacco does not have as good of a pocket presence that Ben does nor is he as hard to tackle but they are both huge quarterback with big arms. Flacco has finally started to feel comfortable in the Ravens’ system and I believe he will start to manage games more in the future.
4. How do you beat the Baltimore Ravens?
Strike first and fast. If you get the Ravens to start playing catchup then they’ll air it out and abandon their best weapon in Ray Rice. I could see Rivers getting a couple of quick scores on the Ravens causing them to throw away their original gameplan. If this happens, the offense becomes one dimensional and is thus very easy to defend.
5. When will Ray Lewis retire?
He really wants another Super Bowl and if he accomplishes that, he’ll definitely retire. I’d like to think he will continue playing until he gets that ring but time is running short. He said in an interview that he can’t imagine playing past 37 but he just may do that if he can get another ring. If I had to guess, I’d say two more years unless he wins a Super Bowl.