Sudden Bloomers Could Help Us Make It

[PurpleRulz]

Three weeks ago, other playoff bound teams probably figured that they could just defend against Heap and Jamal and double team Mason, and the Ravens would be beatable. Now, they must deal with three brand new and unexpected- to an extent-weapons: Demetrius Williams, Mark Clayton, and Ovie Mughelli.

1. Mark Clayton: Although he may have been on other teams radars, Clayton seems to have taken that step towards elitism amongst WRs within the past 3 weeks/games. While opponents are defending Mason and Heap, Clayton is left alone and becoming a monster deep threat. As we enter the postseason, Clayton has emerged as a major concern.

2. Demetrius Williams: Playoff opponents are probably asking, "Where in the hell did this kid come from?" DWill is the speedy field stretcher and deep threat (along with Clayton) that we have not had a ages. Because he did not play much earlier in the season, DWill is suffering no rookie wall and opponents will now have to account for him Clayton, and Mason. There are only 11 defenders. Can't double team everyone.

3. Ovie Mughelli: Again, opponents are probably asking, "I thought he only played on special teams." Ovie has now become an offensive weapon to catch out of the backfield as well as run the ball. Mughelli is also opening up holes for Jamal.

Who said our offense is predictable? There are now many weapons on offense that defenders must account for. Let these guys stack the box with 8 defenders aganst Jamal. It will just lead to big games for DWill, Clayton, along with Mason, Ovie, and Heap.

[festivus]

This was a statement game for a bunch of other relatively new kids on the block, too. Ngata, Landry, Ivey and old timer Samari Rolle all impacted the game dramatically, in ways they hadn't yet.

Also Sam Koch, not so much a late bloomer because he's been solid all year, had maybe his best game as a Raven as far as I can recall. Punting out of bounds inside the 5 yard line, that was unbelievable.

[Filmstudy]

Ovie has been the huge bloomer, IMO. Coming into this year, his career totals were 0 rushes and 3 catches for 13 yards with no TD's.

He was not the starting fullback as the year began (Green). Since his first reception in week 9 (his first carry did not come until week 12) vs. the Bengals, he has caught 16 passes (at least 1 each game), had his first 2 TD's, and rushed 10 times for 46 yards.

He still is rarely the primary, but has been a significant offensive contributor in the Billick OC era.

Demetrius is averaging an amazing 35.6 YPC in December (5 catches for 178, 2 TD). Anyone out there remember Roger Carr's 1976 season? Prior to December, he was still a very respectable 13.5 YPC.

[festivus]

Filmstudy you are 100% right. Ovie may be the biggest surprise of the bunch.

[duffybr]

More importantly Ovie has become a much better blocker and is instrumental in Jamal's improved second half

[BlackSunday]

3. Ovie Mughelli: Again, opponents are probably asking, "I thought he only played on special teams."

And, in that role, was good for at least one block in the back penalty a game.

BS

[Losac]

And, in that role, was good for at least one block in the back penalty a game.

BS
That job seems to be taken over by Dennis Haley. Seems every special teams penalty called for block in the back is on #58.

[highwater]

I would hesitate to call Mughelli an offensive weapon that teams are going to worry about, but I totally agree about Clayton and Williams. Opposing defenses have to account for them, instead of just focusing on Mason and Heap.

And to think it was only a couple of years ago when our go-to WRs were Kevin Johnson and Travis Taylor. I'd say the receiving corps has improved a little bit since then, doncha think?

[PurpleRulz]

I would hesitate to call Mughelli an offensive weapon that teams are going to worry about, but I totally agree about Clayton and Williams. Opposing defenses have to account for them, instead of just focusing on Mason and Heap.

And to think it was only a couple of years ago when our go-to WRs were Kevin Johnson and Travis Taylor. I'd say the receiving corps has improved a little bit since then, doncha think?

Let me add that I thought our future at WR was Devard Darling and Clarence Moore. Shows you how much I know. :eek:

[sailorsam]

looks like our O's biggest worry is not having enough passes to go around. Derrick Mason is big-time but since he gets the primary coverage we're going to Clayton etc. I think Ovie turned it around in the Saints game where he caught the td, bouncing off the defenders. big time play. maybe Ovie isn't a 'weapon', but he sure is a nice option.
big agree with Rulz and Highwater; we've hugely upgraded at receiver. we may never know how good Devard and CMoore could have been, but Clayton and Deme are too good to sit.

[RavensDomination]

The only difference between Clayton now and Clayton 3 months ago is that he is getting the opportunities.

[PurpleRulz]

The great thing about the emergence of Clayton and Williams is that we won't have to worry about their contracts for another 3 years, after the 2008 mini-purge.