The Yet Un-Sung

Last year Ravens and 49ers fans alike had barely known names burned into their minds.  For Niners’ fans it was Kyle Williams (twice).  For Birds’ fans it was Billy Cundiff and Lee Evans (or was it Sterling Moore’s timely strip?).  We spent months trying to exorcise these images.

Hope springs eternal.  Fourth down against the Chargers, any time Jacoby Jones touched the ball, the downfield passing game, and Colin Kaepernick brought feverish hope to its highest pitch.  By now we ‘ve heard too much about the biggest names in the NFL: intriguing players like Vernon Davis, Ray Lewis, Navorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Ed Reed, Dashon Goldson, Justin Smith, Ray Rice, Joe Staley, Terrell Suggs, Randy Moss, Anquan Boldin, and Torrey Smith.

Let’s be honest: this game will be decided by which team wins in the trenches and which team corrects its first-half mistakes better.  One team walks away hoisting the Lombardi trophy whilst the other retreats as quickly as possible from the confetti avalanche which will ensue around either Lewis or Kaepernick (plus one Harbaugh).  I ‘m more interested in who will make the key play to decide the game, and conversely who will become the goat.

No, I don’t mean even the names all fans will know.  Not Ahmad Brooks, not the game of Michael Crabtree’s life; not Delanie Walker or even Alex Smith; or Akers.  No, not Paul Kruger; or Dannell Ellerbe, or Haloti Ngata.  Not even Bernard Pollard or Corey Graham or Dennis Pitta.

No, we’re talking Tavares Gooden (former Raven special teamer who the Ravens tried to groom to replace Lewis), or former Reno Mahe-type Chad Hall.  Or Scott Tolzien.

For the Niners, I’m going with Gooden.  The key play that turns or seals the game for the younger Harbaugh will come from another Miami linebacker.

OR…

On the other side we’re looking at doghouse resident David Reed, Pernell McPhee/Art Jones III don’t quite fit the mold but Ma’ake Kemoeatu does (and it may be the only mold he can fit into at this point in his career).  For most of NFLdom rookie slasher Bernard Pierce (or on the other side Anthony Dixon) would suffice, but I’m talking former Gator speedster Deonte Thompson.

My choice: rookie safety Omar Brown.  Not only is there considerable poetry to go with a player named ‘Omar’ taking the other team’s lunch, but it will elicit an unstoppable barrage of Wire-related references for we the fans true.  Recalling former Ravens special team great O.J. Brigance (part of the last Ravens’ trip to the Super Bowl) and Keith Washington/Anthony Mitchell’s contribution to the playoff run, I’m calling for the play of the game to come from the rookie from Marshall.

Breakdown: predicting the final 53

It ‘s a wrap: final decisions for the 53-man roster (and practice squad) will be coming in shortly.  For armchair/Monday morning quarterbacks, this is when we all like to play GM and voice our pleasure/displeasure.  So, here ‘s one opinion; let ‘s hear yours.

Quarterbacks:

Joe Flacco #5, 5th; Tyrod Taylor #2, 2nd;

For my money Curtis Painter has n’t done enough to stay on as emergency QB.  I ‘m not comfortable with Taylor covering more than a two game stretch and would like to see a quality backup; but Painter is occupying a valuable spot.  Prediction: scan the veteran FA list for a pickup to bring to the practice squad

• We ‘ll be watching: to see how well Flacco executes the no-huddle throughout the season.  It ‘s had success in short stretches, but Flacco needs to recognize pressure early and continue honing his accuracy (the receivers have n’t done him much credit at points in the past few years ala T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Lee Evans)

Runningbacks:

Ray Rice #27, 5th; Vonta Leach #44, 9th; Bernard Pierce #30, R; Bobby Rainey #34, R;

Second year backs Damien Berry or Anthony Allen may latch onto the practice squad, but I can’t see releasing Rainey after his training camp and preseason showing.  Pierce knows how to lean for extra yards and Rainey is reminiscent of Rice when he gets the ball in space.  Neither is ready to carry the load long-term, but neither will let the defense rest when Rice is out either

• We ‘ll tune in: to see how Ray Rice pounds the rock after signing the contract and how often Leach comes in to execute his best impression of a sledgehammer (he ‘s been nice for an occasional dump-off pass when coverage rotates away as well).  Rice’s numbers might not hold steady this year, but the offense as a whole should move forward this year.

Wide receivers:

Anquan Boldin #81, 10th; Torrey Smith #82, 2nd; LaQuan Williams #15, 2nd; Jacoby Jones #12, 6th; Deonte Thompson #83, R; Tandon Doss #17, 2nd;

David Reed starts the season on the PUP and won’t make it out of the dog-house unless the team needs another returner [with Jacoby Jones, Deonte Thompson, and Asa Jackson this should n’t be a concern] due to injury.  Best of luck elsewhere, I had hoped he would develop in seasons past.  Logan Payne is another possession receiver on a team which generally struggles to get separation.  He might sneak onto the practice squad, unless Tommy Streeter (possible PUP candidate also) earns that spot.  There is n’t much upside for Payne at this point, so I can’t see them keeping a spot open

• We ‘ll have to note: the continued battle for the #3 spot and T. Smith’s improving route-running.  Both Smith and Thompson can blow the lid off a defense.  If Jones can hang onto the ball, there could be some nice highlights at the end of the year.  Doss gets one more year to develop but is buried at the year’s inception.

Tight Ends:

Dennis Pitta #88, 3rd; Ed Dickson #84, 3rd; Billy Bajema #86, 7th;

Dickson’s hands are less reliable than Pitta’s and we ‘ve seen a rapport growing with Joe.  Bajema should contribute near the goal line where the offensive line struggled to get a push in short yardage last year.

• We ‘re anticipating: another 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns between Pitta and Dickson.  This time it ‘ll balance out to 60-40 in favor of the BYU product.

Offensive Linemen:

Michael Oher (RT) #74, 4th; Marshal Yanda (RG) #73, 6th; Matt Birk (C) #77, 15th; Bobbie Williams (LG) #63, 12th; Bryant McKinnie (LT) #78, 11th; Kelechi Osemele #72, R; Gino Gradkowski #66, R; Jah Reid #73, 2nd;

Justin Boren may stay on the practice squad in case of injury to Birk (with Gradkowski the understudy); Ramon Harewood has n’t done enough; Tony Wragge is an insurance policy at best; Jack Cornell’s versatility and first-team reps may lead the team to stow him on the practice squad.  For now, I expect the team would rather have K.O. and Gradkowski fill in for any injured starters.

• We ‘ll be curious: to see how the line does against the better lines; Cincinnati in particular has given this team fits.  It ‘s been nice to see better performances against Pittsburgh of late.  In the long term, it seems McKinnie is nearing the end of his tenure unless his play picks up and Bobbie Williams can’t be expected to be a long term solution.  However, in the short term I like the move.  Kelechi will see the field this year, but in the long term I ‘d prefer to see Reid and K.O. get a chance to man the tackle spots (or Oher improve his consistency and power).

Defensive linemen:

Haloti Ngata (DT – ‘1 technique’) #92, 7th; Ma’ake Kemoeatu (NT) #96, 10th; Art Jones III (DE – ‘5 technique’) #97, 3rd; Pernell McPhee (‘5 technique’) #90, 2nd; Terrence Cody (NT) #62, 3rd; Bryan Hall (‘3 technique’) #95, 1st, Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (NT) #67, R;

Ryan McBean is on the IR, opening the way for the rookie from Kent State, Kitchen, to join the rotation.  DeAngelo Tyson collected a fumble in the last preseason game and a sack the game before, but I ‘m not sure the team lets him see the field this year.

[for those interested, check out ProFootballFocus’ ‘defensive prototypes: defensive linemen’ if you want to disagree with how I understand the roles these players fill; I may misunderstand but this was the basis for my judgments]

• We ‘ll be curious: to see how Kemo integrates back into his old team (at his new weight); how Ngata holds up at a heavier weight; and how the eldest Jones brother rotates with McPhee.  Gotta love Pernell’s hustle, but there will be more effort required: last year there were stretches where Suggs and Suggs alone could reach the quarterback.  That trend has to change.  One further concern is how the line holds up against the no-huddle.  It did n’t look so good against the Pats last year in the playoffs.

Linebackers:

Paul Kruger (Strongside) #99, 4th; Ray Lewis (Mike) #52, 17th; Jameel McClain (Strongside Mike) #53, 5th; Albert McClellan (Will/’6-7 technique’) #50, 2nd; Terrell Suggs* ([PUP] Will/’6-7 technique’) #55, 10th; Brendon Ayanbadejo (Mike) #51, 10th; Courtney Upshaw (‘6-7 technique’) #91, R; Sergio Kindle (Strongside) #94, 2nd; Nigel Carr (Mike) [#42], R;

I have Ellerbe missing the final cut.  Ayanbadejo is too valuable to special teams to go elsewhere; McClellan earns the majority of snaps at Suggs’ spot but Upshaw will see plenty of the field.  The team needs a pass rush too much to let Kindle walk.  Nigel Carr has more upside for me than Ellerbe (who was caught out of position too often against the Pats).

• Wondering if: Jameel takes a step forward; McClellan performs at his more natural position; how Upshaw’s strength shows on the field and if he can diagnose plays quickly; if Kruger will ameliorate the loss of Jarret Johnson (true he set the edge at an elite level, but he was a liability against elite passers — especially Manning)

Defensive backs:

Lardarius Webb (CB – ‘Cover 1’) #21, 4th; Jimmy Smith (CB) #22, 2nd; Ed Reed (FS – ‘Cover 1’) #20, 11th; Bernard Pollard (SS – ‘Cover 1’) #31, 7th; Corey Graham (CB) #24, 6th; Cary Williams (CB) #29, 5th; Danny Gorrer (CB) #36, 3rd; Asa Jackson (CB) #25, R; Omar Brown (S) #45, R; Sean Considine (S) #37, 8th;

I ‘m expecting the team to stow Christian Thompson on the practice squad.  He has n’t showed, to my knowledge, anything for another team to be overly interested.  Cyhl Quarles also has n’t done enough.  Omar Brown, on the other hand, has consistently made plays and may have a future with this team or another.  Here’s hoping Considine does n’t have to see anything outside of special teams responsibilities.

For the corners, I was rooting for Chykie Brown to make the cut but it looks like Asa gets the nod as the rookie.  Our depth this year is excellent, or so it seems.

• Interested to see: the second year of Reed/Pollard teamed with Webb/Smith/Williams/Gorrer.  Stability is a good thing and Graham should add something in covering the slot.  I believe Williams has fallen behind the special teams ace because he struggles to find the ball.  Still, having two big corners (in Smith and Cary) is a luxury; which becomes a necessity against San Diego.
• Year two of Smith’s development will have growing pains, but he seems to give a big play and take one back.  Webb’s ball skills and Pollard’s toughness are beautiful to watch.

Specialists:

Justin Tucker (K) #6, R; Sam Koch (P) #4, 7th; Morgan Cox (LS) #46, 3rd

The big move has already gone through: Tucker unseated Cundiff (who now kicks a bit further south).  There ‘s not much to say, but let ‘s hope the Matt Stover comparison holds.

• Koch is an elite, though overshadowed, punter and Cox displayed his toughness in his rookie year.  Tucker exudes the confidence we never saw from Cundiff: even when he was successful there was an ominous feeling that things ‘didn’t go wrong this time’ instead of that sense we had when #3 was trotting out to tie the game or seal the victory.

Overall:

I ‘ve filled in 52 of 53 available roster spots.  I ‘m pulling for a veteran 3rd quarterback who can actually manage a six game stretch.  If not, that spot is likely going to another linemen or so as to keep either Chavis Williams or Dannell Ellerbe.  We ‘ll see who gets released; Newsome and co. often add one key player at this time.

Ravens’ Season Outlook

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).

Not Just Another Mock Draft 2012

Why you ask?  Because Arabic numerals are overrated (Arabic speakers use Hindi numerals anyway).

I.  COLTS – Andrew Luck, quarterback, Stanford

II.  REDSKINS – Robert Griffin III, quarterback, Baylor

As much as I dislike the other team on the beltway, the right move is to select a player who might have the career Mike Vick was supposed to have.  Luck walks onto the scene as Houston’s ascent begins in earnest and RG III will have to acclimate to working through his progression with the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha and DRC downfield one week, to Justin Tuck and Pierre-Paul draped over him another.

III.  VIKINGS – Matt Kalil, left offensive tackle, USC

I honestly believe Minnesota is actively seeking to trade this pick and should be.  There are too many needs for this team to address only one need.  If they stay, it’s Kalil; but I expect they trade down and still nab Justin Blackmon or Michael Floyd in order to provide a target for Christian Ponder.

IV.  BROWNS – Morris Claiborne, cornerback, LSU

Joe Haden is emerging and now the other boundary is protected by a quality corner who I expect to become another shutdown corner.  Until further notice Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and A.J. Green are in your division.

Again, I think it makes better sense to trade out of this pick, but I expect if Minnesota can’t manage Cleveland will have to send in the card.  The scenario which changes this game requires that a team trades up to take Blackmon before the Rams can pick him.

Trent Richardson is a popular option here, and would sell tickets, but drafting a runningback this early is far too risky.  You can find a quality runningback later in this draft but the other cornerbacks all have question marks attached.

V.  BUCCANEERS – Quinton Coples, defensive end, UNC

Grabbing Justin Blackmon is less enticing with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams lining up on the outside.  LeGarrette Blount is serviceable for now and that offensive line needs serious upgrades.  It’s too early to reach for Reiff or DeCastro, so ‘Q’ is given the chance to pair with Adrian Clayborn whose 7.5 sacks last year paced the team.  If Gerald McCoy is able to shake off injuries and step up, a tepid pass rush becomes frightening ala the Panthers of the early 2000’s with Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, and Kris Jenkins.  The O-line is addressed on day two.

VI.  RAMS – Justin Blackmon, wide receiver, Oklahoma State

If he’s still available, Sam Bradford has his security blanket for years.

VII.  JAGUARS – Michael Floyd, wide receiver, Notre Dame

Necessitated by the Blaine Gabbert selection and the Bucs taking Coples off the board earlier than pundits expect.  Reaching for Fletcher Cox here or plugging in Trent Richardson seems off.  While I like Melvin Ingram, I expect the Jaguars aren’t as sold on him as I am.

VIII.  DOLPHINS – Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Texas A&M

The right move is trading down for this team.  The Fins have far too many needs to fill in the first three rounds.  If they trade down, they may still stay in position to pick up Osweiler, a corner, a pass rusher, and a receiver.  If they stay, they have to take a quarterback for their fan base’s sake after losing out both on Manning and RG III.

IX.  PANTHERS – Fletcher Cox, defensive tackle, Mississippi State

After a study of Brian Baldinger’s mock, it makes a world of sense to me.  I like Michael Brockers’ upside, but he isn’t going out this early for many.

X.  BILLS – Riley Reiff, left offensive tackle, Iowa

This is where I really am starting to question matters.  The Bills have had a tendency to overreach on prospects.  The prime example for my mind is Donte Whitner.  Reiff has made sense for weeks, but until that card is turned in I’ll be waiting for Buffalo to do something crazy.  They’ve added two pass rushers in Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, so I don’t see a reach for Melvin Ingram.  Michael Brockers is a possibility.  Trent Richardson is tempting for a team that always seems to add a runningback off schedule.  My take: if they reach, it’s for a wide receiver or corner.  I’m not ready to pencil in Kendall Wright here when offensive tackle is such a glaring need.  Maybe they will though.

XI.  CHIEFS – Trent Richardson, runningback, Alabama

Jamaal Charles and Richardson in the same backfield sets up an absurd thunder and lightning option.  The Chiefs have a stockpile of young talent where injuries cut them down last year.  Richardson can produce right away and the tandem situation is the best thing for his career.

XII.  SEAHAWKS – Luke Kuechly, inside linebacker, Boston College

This underrated defense adds one more impressive piece.

XIII.  CARDINALS – David DeCastro, left offensive guard, Stanford

Unable to nab Michael Floyd at this position, the team adds a player who will upgrade the running game and keep Kolb’s jersey a little cleaner, at least until they take it from him.

XIV.  COWBOYS – Mark Barron, strong safety, Alabama

Safety has been a position of need for a long time.  Darren Woodson is the last legitimate cover safety option I recall and that was toward the end of his career.  Roy Williams flashed in the pan, even managed to have a rule named after him, but it seems it’s time that the ‘Boys finally address a glaring need.

XV.  EAGLES – Michael Brockers, defensive tackle, LSU

On back to back picks I agree with Baldinger.  Kuechly didn’t fall far enough and the Iggles added DeMeco Ryans to shore up an appalling linebacking core.  Reid prioritizes linemen always and it isn’t worth reaching for Jonathan Martin here when it’s not a position of need.

XVI.  JETS – Melvin Ingram, pass rusher, South Carolina

I’m catching a hunch that the Jets just might grab a wide receiver here, but I’m not going to deviate from Baldy here.  I like Ingram’s versatility and production far too much.  In short, this is the pick I’d make for my team here, so I won’t begrudge Ryan.  That’s an open invitation – pick someone else at your peril.

XVII.  BENGALS – Kendall Wright, wide receiver, Baylor

I doubt he’ll be available when next they have the chance to send in the card, so Dalton’s second option comes off the board at seventeen.  They could draft Cordy Glenn here, but I expect the offensive skill positions to be addressed twice.

XVIII.  CHARGERS – Stephon Gilmore, cornerback, South Carolina

A once proud defense has vastly diminished in the past several seasons.  Shoring up the boundary position is one less worry.

XIX.  BEARS – Cordy Glenn, offensive tackle/offensive guard, Georgia

Brandon Marshall’s reunion with Jay Cutler will be short-lived if this offensive line isn’t addressed.  Glenn’s versatility and experience playing everywhere but at center is a selling point for a team whose season essentially ended when Cutler’s season was cut short.

XX.  TITANS – Dre Kirkpatrick, cornerback, Alabama

XXI.  BENGALS – Lamar Miller, runningback, Miami

Bernard Scott and Benjarvus Green-Ellis won’t be able to pick up the slack in this running game apart from an addition.  Miller is a home run hitter.  Honestly, I expect the Bengals should be in prime position to trade up and really knock out one need.  However, Dalton gets the ball out of his hand very quickly and that’s ideal for players who work in space the way Wright and Miller can.

XXII.  BROWNS – Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver, South Carolina

Cleveland can’t afford to take a chance on a player who is still raw in Stephen Hill.  Trading back and finding Osweiler won’t work because the wide receivers still drop far too many passes.

XXIII.  LIONS – Nick Perry, defensive end, USC

I’d rather have Perry here than Mercilus.  That front four should exert its dominance even more with an upgrade who can consistently power through blockers.

XXIV.  STEELERS – Dont’a Hightower, inside linebacker, Alabama

I’m agreeing far too much with Baldy, but still this makes sense.  Farrior’s departure needs remedied.  Hightower is a big linebacker who diagnoses plays well and fits into an AFC North 3-4 splendidly.

XXV.  BRONCOS – Janoris Jenkins, cornerback, North Alabama

This pass defense was horrific last year, which was once the team’s strength.  If the Manning to Thomas connection is going to put up points, the defense will need to keep getting stops.  Jenkins’ talent is undeniable and he’s worth the risk here.

XXVI.  TEXANS – Whitney Mercilus, pass rusher, Illinois

Wade Phillips’ defense is a large reason for the emergence of this team at last.  Even without Matt Schaub, T.J. Yates was able to win games because this defense is built to attack.  Mercilus continues that trend after the loss of Mario Williams.

XXVII. PATRIOTS – Shea McClellin, defensive end/linebacker, Boise State

Belichick gets another player he can plug at multiple positions.  With Mark Anderson’s departure this is a met need.

XXVIII.  PACKERS – Harrison Smith, free safety, Notre Dame

With Nick Collins’ injury I expect the need pick will come into play here.

XXIX.  RAVENS – Courtney Upshaw, outside linebacker, Alabama

After losing fellow ‘Bama product Jarret Johnson to the Chargers, the Ravens can use Upshaw’s talents to wreak havoc opposite Terrell Suggs in passing situations without giving up Johnson’s true specialty: setting the edge.

XXX.  FORTY-NINERS – Stephen Hill, wide receiver, Georgia Tech

Dontari Poe is a possibility, but Hill’s ability to get deep and win matchups will be too much to ignore.

XXXI.  PATRIOTS – Jerel Worthy, defensive tackle, Michigan State

  Vince Wilfork almost single-handedly dominated the Ravens’ offensive line in the playoffs.  That wasn’t enough against the G-men, but the additions of Worthy and McClellin will mask a secondary which still needs addressed.

XXXII.  GIANTS – Coby Fleener, tight end, Stanford

Fleener upgrades the Giant’s already dangerous aerial attack.  David Wilson is also an option here to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw.

Good signs

LarDarius Webb stepped up big this past week with many key tackles and collected half of a sack on Roethlisberger. Cary Williams typically played well – the Ravens corners allowed the fleeter footed Steeler receivers their space but harassed Hines Ward and all cleaned up in the tackling dep’t.

Haloti Ngata had an absolute monster of a game and his impact bottled up the Steelers’ run game and led to chances…chances Ed Reed capitalized upon.

Ray Lewis may be a few steps slower…but he still finds the ball, engages blockers, and can overwhelm at the point of attack.

Great to see Pernell McPhee not only get a good push against a bullying offensive line, but also run down the field and fall on the ball.

Even greater to see Hines Ward’s cheap shot against Pollard fail…and receiving a little love from Jarret Johnson.

Incredible to see Terrell Suggs collect 3 sacks and generally harass Roethlisberger.

Oh, and Flacco had a calm-looking day taking advantage of an offensive line which sprung Ray Rice for 100 yards.