Congrats on the win last night.

A  thread was started over on the Beatdown regarding some of comments on Mike and Mike discussing the need for the Baltimore Colts history to be distinguished from the Indy Colts.   I've never bothered to ask an Indy fan how they felt about this, so how about it? Do you really get off on claiming Baltimore history as your own or are you secure with your own legacy and feel same way we do? 


http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2009/9/22/1049134/greeny-unlike-golic-knows-what-hes

The Minnesota Vikings have released WR Bobby Wade to sign Greg Lewis.  Looking at last years numbers and by judging some of the Daily Norseman posts he could be a  worth a look as a stop-gap, if nothing else.   Not a burner or real deep threat, most reports have him as a hands guy and a good blocker.  He also volunteered to take a pay cut to stay on the team, so he probably won't be looking for a big contract, and could be a high character guy. On another note, he was the leader in receptions for the team last year (according to DN), but don't get too excited, his numbers were about on par with what Clayton put up last year.  Anyway, just my initial impression, would be interesting to hear what Matt Birk has to say about him.

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2009/9/10/1024234/wade-out-greg-lewis-in#comments

The burner, playmaker, #1 deep threat.  We need a WR that defenses need to account for.  Like most fans that was my number one issue with the Ravens roster. However,  the more I analyze the Raven’s receiver situation, the less I think we really need a Moss, Fitzgerald,  type player.  We all know the cap problems a big time WR will add, not to mention some have ego’s as large as their salaries.  We also know the issues that arise when a team depends too heavily on one star player.  So enough about what we know…I think a good place to start is what we don’t know. In particular what we did not know last year and the questions raised about the offensive line.

I think most would agree that the major concern last year was the O-line, no Ogden.., the uncertainty behind Gaither, the signing of Chad Slaughter etc.. The O-line was not really addressed in the draft with a major pick and although Willie Anderson was a welcome veteran presence, can anyone say that prior to the ‘08 season they were confident in the offensive line?  

This year the concern is WR.  Like last year on the O-line there are players that need to step up. The unknowns like Smith, Harper, and Wheelwright, the uncertainty behind D Williams.   A major difference is that unlike last year with JO leaving the O-line, we have Mason returning to the WR core.  We finally have a returning Offensive coordinator that is well….an actual Offensive coordinator.   There is also the apparent return of Todd Heap as a receiver.  With the upgraded O-line and Syp returning as the blocking TE, Heap should be able to go back to being…well.. Todd Heap.  L.J. Smith adds another dimension if Cam chooses to run a double TE set.  Finally, there is Mark Clayton, for all the bs people talk on this guy gets he had some real flashes of brilliance last season with a TD pass to boot.

I think a good way to look at the Ravens receiving core is not as lacking a true #1, but as the sum of it’s parts.  If I may geek out for a moment, remember the old Voltron cartoon, multiple robots that when they fit together created a kick ass monster robot that kicked all ass, everywhere..Well, no one knows for sure,  if the Ravens are going sign a true #1, it still could happen,  but I think we should take into consideration that regardless of what happens we still have multiple, talented, players and coaches that when they fit together may just be able to kick all ass, everywhere…