It’s way too early. Rookie mini-camps and other OTAs (Organized Team Activities if you’re unfamiliar) will take place in the coming weeks leading up to training camp when the stories become much bigger leading into the season. One moment during the pre-season we’ll think we catch a glimpse of the team that should’ve sealed a Super Bowl berth and the next we’ll see disconcerting evidence that this is the year it all crumbles, the year Ray and Reed realize they should’ve hung them up (or that we become convinced of this).
Honestly, this team reminds me in some ways of the year Suggs was introduced in Purple and Black. While I don’t expect his likely successor Courtney Upshaw (in most packages) to reach or surpass the Ravens rookie record for sacks set by Suggs in that year or even to provide the intimidating presence Suggs was this past year as he earned Defensive MVP honors, Upshaw provides a physical presence as his strength puts him into position to make plays against both the run and the pass. I don’t believe Upshaw is the next coming of Suggs, but he reminds me of ‘Sizzle’s physicality. I’m not worried about him getting pushed up field or out of the play.
So, can he step in for Suggs? I don’t think so if we expect the same level of production, but I still expect to see him setting up others to clean up the play. He’ll get the chance to learn the game the only way it can really be learned – at full speed under the tutelage of Ray.
This also provides another chance for Kindle where it seemed he was about to run out. As a rotational piece with Kruger, Kindle might yet get a chance to shine. More importantly, two edge rushers/setters get a chance to hone their skills with valuable playing time against Cincy, Philly, the Pats and Cowboys all leading to the most physical part of their schedule: Houston, Oakland, Pittsburgh, San Diego, the Giants and Bengals. If they want a shot at the playoffs, this team has to pull out some tough wins.
Next on the docket has to be the offensive line concerns. I was glad to see Osemele added and I’m growing to like the selection of Bruce Gradkowski’s younger brother. We’ll have to wait and see if McKinnie comes into camp with the will to dominate or if he’s content just to have a jersey.
For that matter, Oher is going to need to improve on his discipline if he’s going to keep Jah Reid out of the conversation at right tackle. In the short term, Osemele, Reid, and Gradkowski may be vying for one spot at guard but in the near future Reid might well battle with Oher for the right to man the left side, and the Ravens brass might toy with Osemele at right unless Oher can solidify his position.
So…calling it way too early, I’m going to say McKinnie starts the year at LT only to lose his job to Reid before mid-season, Reid starts at LG before moving to LT when he is replaced by Kelechi, Birk continues as the stalwart help-lineman (meaning…he’s good at double teams but not much one on one) for as long as his back holds up, Yanda continues to be the best linemen for the Ravens and Oher keeps a spot so the team can evaluate his future long term.
The defense and offense are just good enough to keep the Ravens in the conversation, and the Steelers stumble enough to show who the better team is, but the better team doesn’t always make the playoffs. Cincy wins the division [if I’m answering right now], the Ravens and Steelers show a little too much age but plenty of talent and Brandon Weeden is rudely welcomed to the AFC North (as is Richardson).
Sports Thinklings 