Marc Bulger

[Jeremiah W]

http://www.nfl.com/players/marcbulger/profile?id=BUL162264

New QB of the Ravens.

Should give Troy Smith a real battle for the backup Qb job and be a good clipboard holder hopefully.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/23/expensive-insurance-ravens-sign-marc-bulger/

[xmradiodave]

Meh. Ok. Makes sense I suppose. Going into year three as a pro, I am not sure that Flacco needs that veteran presence, as he seems to be doing pretty well without. But this seems to be not so good news for Troy or Beck.

[HoustonRaven]

Battle?

You dont sign him to that money for a roster spot battle.

That money means he has a spot and Smith / Beck is on their way out.

[Jeremiah W]

Meh. Ok. Makes sense I suppose. Going into year three as a pro, I am not sure that Flacco needs that veteran presence, as he seems to be doing pretty well without. But this seems to be not so good news for Troy or Beck.

It is not good news for one of them, but I think he will help both younger Qbs that make the team a lot. He has a ton of info that even the QB coaches may not on opposing players and teams, and can show them by doing as well as just saying. If he has to play, I would not doubt that he has more left in the tank than Jake Dellhomme. He was getting beat up behind a bad line wiht no targets but he was pretty good not very long ago. This is right on par with the Hamlin and Redding signings.

[Jeremiah W]

Battle?

You dont sign him to that money for a roster spot battle.

That money means he has a spot and Smith / Beck is on their way out.

It is still likley Smith will be active and Bulger will be the emergency, unless Smith gets traded.

[HoustonRaven]

It is still likley Smith will be active and Bulger will be the emergency, unless Smith gets traded.

No, it's not.

[Jeremiah W]

:girlfight
No, it's not.

yes it is. at least have an opinion if you are going to dispute mine.

If Flacco gets hurt Bulger would most likley start, but if Flacco is fine, Smith would still most likley be the active QB and maybe even play some wild raven sizzle formation, your favorite play.

[HoustonRaven]

:girlfight

yes it is. at least have an opinion if you are going to dispute mine

There are 3.8 Million reasons why Bulger is not the emergency QB. I will assume you're smart enough to figure that one out.


If Flacco gets hurt Bulger would most likley start, but if Flacco is fine, Smith would still most likley be the active QB and maybe even play some wild raven sizzle formation, your favorite play.

If Flacco goes down, Bulger comes in thus making him the back up QB, not the emergency QB.

Thank you for making my argument for me.

[Jeremiah W]

There are 3.8 Million reasons why Bulger is not the emergency QB. I will assume you're smart enough to figure that one out.



If Flacco goes down, Bulger comes in thus making him the back up QB, not the emergency QB.

Thank you for making my argument for me.

Sage Rosenfells made more than that and never was active last year. There are other guys making money at QB. Who is active is not really a true indication of the depth chart anyway, as I said.:girlfight

[HoustonRaven]

Sage Rosenfells made more than that and never was active last year. There are other guys making money at QB. Who is active is not really a true indication of the depth chart anyway, as I said.:girlfight

:grbac:

[StingerNLG]

Yeah, I have to think Troy Smith is wondering whether or not Cleveland still has a spot open for him.

There is no way Bulger gets paid 3.8 million dollars to be the #3 QB on gameday.

Goodnight Troy.

[xmradiodave]

And when can we stop pretending that Troy Smith is better than a number three? Sure, he "knows the system", but how many starts does he have compared to Flacco and now Bulger? I have seen nothing from Troy Smith that proves he is worthy of a starting position in this league. He was fine as a number two for the past few season because hey, who the hell else did we have?

Troy Smith is not proven in the NFL. He has some wheels on him. I will give him that. But he couldn't even dethrone Kyle Boller as the starter. And before the argument is made that Billick was responsible for Boller being the starter, I am inclined to believe that if Smith lit it up in training camp, he would have been given the nod at starter. That is purely speculation on my part of course, but it just makes sense. Troy Smith is simply not that good, and is not good enough to lead a team should Flacco get hurt in what is supposed to be a strong superbowl contending season.

[Dont Know]

I have posted something similar in another QB thread, but I don't think it makes sense to have 3 QBs on the roster. Generally speaking, if your 3rd string QB is playing your season is probably screwed anyway. See Ravens of 2007 for an example.

It just makes more sense from a roster perspective to have 2 QBs and if you really need a 3rd for practice purposes, keep one on the PS.

[psuasskicker]

I have posted something similar in another QB thread, but I don't think it makes sense to have 3 QBs on the roster. Generally speaking, if your 3rd string QB is playing your season is probably screwed anyway.

Your season's even more screwed if you're relying on a punter or WR or someone else to come in and throw the ball if your top two go down.

There's literally no reason NOT to keep a third QB on the roster. The emergency QB doesn't count as one of the roster spots on game-day. They cost less than 1% of your total roster cost. No reason not to have one. None.

- C -

[elland]

:girlfight

yes it is. at least have an opinion if you are going to dispute mine.

If Flacco gets hurt Bulger would most likley start, but if Flacco is fine, Smith would still most likley be the active QB and maybe even play some wild raven sizzle formation, your favorite play.

I like Troy, but it never worked last season, Troy is on his way out and probably he should start asking him self why.

With all those former Rams coaches they know what they are doing. And first of all this is Joes offense, Not Suggs.

[Mista T]

Huge improvement! :beer1:

I would be surprised to see the Ravens carrying three QBs after this move. Clayton can fill in as emergency QB if both Flacco and Bulger were injured in the same game.

If they were to carry three, it would make more sense to keep Beck, who could have a future. But I think a rookie on the taxi squad would now make more sense than Beck.

[davver]

Troy trade announcement will probably come soon. Here's hoping for a depth CB.

[ravenwoman]

There is a plan and it is just starting to unfold. The Ravens are serious, really serious about a Super Bowl this year.

Obviously, quarterbacks do run the risk of getting hurt and lucky for us last year, Flacco played through the injuries that he sustained. But if he were to tear a ligament in his knee (God forbid), he would be out for the year.

The management has made a statement with this signing. The statement is "We do not trust either Troy Smith or John Beck enough to take us to the Super Bowl, period. One or both will be gone by the beginning of the season."

The Ravens will not carry 4 QB's on their roster. They may not even carry 3.

[RavensInBrazil]

I don't think we've ever had a better off-season. Having a former Pro-Bowler as a back-up makes me breathe a little easier :beer1:

[Mista T]

Just curious if anyone thinks there is an underlying issue and this signing is not solely for depth? Conspiracy theorist?

No. I see it as a serious commitment by Ravens management to go for all the marbles this season.

I've been antsy about our backup QB situation for awhile -- to fully appreciate this, you would have had to live through the experience of having Tom Matte as your team's QB with the plays written on a bandage on his wrist. When something leaked last winter about Ravens interest in Todd Collins, I suspected that the coaching staff was not sold on Beck (I suspected Smith as being finished based on what I had heard about his clubhouse attitude, then his publicity stunt re trade to Cleveland).

[Mike B]

It is still likley Smith will be active and Bulger will be the emergency, unless Smith gets traded.

Bulger is not coming in to be a 3rd string. He is a veteran back up that every good team needs. Smith has been here for 3 years and who knows if he can play. IMO troy is going somewhere for a late round draft pick.
A very shrewd pick up by Ozzie. Let's hope Joe fires 30 TD passes and plays every game but the Ravens are better than they were this time yesterday.

[ravens-maniac]

LOVE it!!! Oz is the man, a Pro bowl back up! wow Hopefully we hear some Troy trade news soon, if so, Lord only knows what Oz could pull off.
Really good to hear some Ravens news, hate this time of year.

[AirFlacco]

http://www.nfl.com/players/marcbulger/profile?id=BUL162264

New QB of the Ravens.

Should give Troy Smith a real battle for the backup Qb job and be a good clipboard holder hopefully.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/23/expensive-insurance-ravens-sign-marc-bulger/

Hell, man.

TS is outta here. He complained when Cody roughed him up on back to back
hits in first OTA. Rumor has it he casually talked to the union about it and they flew to
Goodell about it. This is in addition to the teams union reps filing complaints to the long
meets. Heap and Mason were the union reps. Troy allegedly acted on his own with the union.


That's why they brought Bulger in but for $3.8M?

We're in the wrong business.

:ww:

[psuasskicker]

Conspiracy theorist?

Yeah, think so. I would estimate the chances of Bulger getting any looks as the starter on this team with a healthy Joe Flacco as equal to or less than the odds of us getting Julius Peppers...

- C -

[Mike B]

Hell, man.

TS is outta here. He complained when Cody roughed him up on back to back
hits in first OTA. Rumor has it he casually talked to the union about it and they flew to
Goodell about it. This is in addition to the teams union reps filing complaints to the long
meets. Heap and Mason were the union reps. Troy allegedly acted on his own with the union.


That's why they brought Bulger in but for $3.8M?

We're in the wrong business.

:ww:

I think you are right about Smith being out but I think it is more because Bulger gives us a much better chance in case something happens to Joe. As for the blame for the cancelled OTA maybe Harbs should look in the mirror.

[CoverD]

I wonder when we'll hear a complaint from Smith's agent.

[Dragz]

A good signing by Ozzie. He's not betting the farm on Flacco being healthy all year, a good strategy when you wanna make a Super Bowl run. I also think that the bell tolls for Troy Smith. The whole thing about playing somewhere else cuz he thinks he's a starter, really didn't help him at all. Oh well, he's done around here. Welcome to Baltimore Mr. Bulger.

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

Yeah, I have to think Troy Smith is wondering whether or not Cleveland still has a spot open for him.

There is no way Bulger gets paid 3.8 million dollars to be the #3 QB on gameday.

Goodnight Troy.

:iagree: TOTALLY

[AirFlacco]

_____________________________________________
I think you are right about Smith being out but I think it is more because Bulger gives us a much better
chance in case something happens to Joe.
____________________________________________


Great point because Joe's injuries cost us in the POs. He practically
handed off on every play in NE and didn't throw too well in INDY.
He did make some nice throws to Mason on the FG drive but that was
it.

As I posted on the Flacco thread, Bulger hit 4300 yds in 06.

So long Troy, thanks for the memories with my fondest one of him, as a
rookie telling Billick we should go for it on the goal line in Miami and Billick
said I call the plays.:grbac:

Troy had balls on that one and not just footballs.

:laugh:

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

I don't think we've ever had a better off-season. Having a former Pro-Bowler as a back-up makes me breathe a little easier :beer1:

:celeryYou've taken the words right out of my mouth!

[AirFlacco]

And don't forget the Shayne Graham signing to compete with Billy Cundiff.

Last year this time we had a rookie and 2d yr guy competing. Now we have
2 VETs with Shayne being one of the most accurate in the history of the
game.

There was a rash of FG misses in the POs with Rex benefiting from 5 of them
vs SD and Cinci.


Great off-season.

We got our weapons.

It's whiskey for our men and beer for our horses.

:laugh:

[Dont Know]

Your season's even more screwed if you're relying on a punter or WR or someone else to come in and throw the ball if your top two go down.

There's literally no reason NOT to keep a third QB on the roster. The emergency QB doesn't count as one of the roster spots on game-day. They cost less than 1% of your total roster cost. No reason not to have one. None.


I am open to giving you a chance to prove me wrong. Why don't you go ahead and provide some examples of teams enjoying success in the playoffs using the QB listed 3rd on the depth chart at the start of the regular season.

There is ironically Marc Bulger as one example, but other than that, I can't find much.

My original point however has some support, Are third-string QBs going extinct? (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?id=2792882)

[highwater]

I just learned this news this morning and I'm really surprised. Surprised, but pleased, because there's nothing about this move not to like. Unless you're Troy Smith, of course. I'm not convinced that Smith will be hitting the road, because Beck is still a bit of an unknown to me, but Smith isn't going to be battling Bulger for the backup job. And it's not just because of the salary, it's because Bulger is just better than Smith.

Very nice signing, because it's a big upgrade.

[Captain Offense]

Never saw this one coming. It is just another example of the underlying plans that go on from the FO. Ozzie is not always right, but I respect the fact that he is working on plans that may never see the light of day. There is now more to come and it will keep us on the edge of our seats until the first preseason game. I feel that Smith is the piece in play right now or maybe even as training camp unfolds. Somebody may have an injury or need to test drive a new QB. Or Ozzie could just be one step from a new move. I love to watch the Conductor in action.

And to quote a famous TV series - "I love it when a plan comes together."

[Filmstudy]

It's certainly easy to make excuses for Bulger, but he was bad last year in limited duty. Now the excuses:
1. He had the Rams offensive line, which was one of the worst in football.
2. He looked good compared to Kyle Boller and Keith Null, the 2 QBs that replaced him when he was hurt. KB and KN combined for 7 TDs, 15 INTs, and a rating in the 50s.

Ozzie mentioned they might go after a vet QB at State of the Ravens. He mentioned that Joe could benefit from an older backup (apparently Zorn is not enough as a mentor) and that having 3 guys the same age didn't make sense. Since it's a 1-year deal with Bulger, they haven't addressed the problem for any term, but I suppose he could be resigned without any significant competition if he goes snapless the entire season.

They may already have a trading partner for Smith. In that case, the deal could be OK, but as it stands now I'm short of lukewarm on this signing.

[3RDRowRaven]

There is no way Bulger gets paid 3.8 million dollars to be the #3 QB on gameday.

You got that right! Troy Smith wants to be a starter in this league and he's tired of holding the clip board. I'm very happy with us signing Marc Bulger.

[Jeremiah W]

You got that right! Troy Smith wants to be a starter in this league and he's tired of holding the clip board. I'm very happy with us signing Marc Bulger.

Hopefully neither one of them play in the regular or post season.

I do not think anyone other than Joe has a role already defined on this offense. Bulger will have to prove he is still better than Smith, not just because he makes more money he gets the job. It is all about comp and depth. He should be able to win the #2 job, or he may not make the 53 and he only makes what they gave him up front.

[RavensNTerps]

Ugh...Marc Bulger? For 3.8 million?

The dude has not been even a serviceable QB for 3-4 years now. Last year, he was downright dreadful and at one point, even after injury, was benched in favor of Kyle friggin Boller....

Not a fan. Might as well have signed Marc Brunell or some other old scrub who's days are behind them.

[JimZipCode]

Ozzie mentioned that Kyle could benefit from an older backup (apparently Zorn is not enough as a mentor)
Joe?

[00Ravens]

Ugh...Marc Bulger? For 3.8 million?

The dude has not been even a serviceable QB for 3-4 years now. Last year, he was downright dreadful and at one point, even after injury, was benched in favor of Kyle friggin Boller....

Not a fan. Might as well have signed Marc Brunell or some other old scrub who's days are behind them.

Due to a porous O-Line. Spending 1/4 of your games on your back will do that to even a Pro-bowl QB.

[Dave Lap]

It is still likley Smith will be active and Bulger will be the emergency, unless Smith gets traded.

Nah Bulger will be the #2, I think.

[JimZipCode]

Does anyone think that John Beck could be the odd man out, instead of Troy Smith? Beck is not young, and may no longer have upside. He will turn 29 during training camp – remember he came out of BYU, and those guys run a couple years older than most rookies, because of the Mormon mission.

Smith by contrast turns 26 next month. And Smith still has a role on the team if he's not starting, because of the Suggs package. The Ravens could have Flacco & Smith active on game day, with Bulger inactive as the #3 and Smith running the Suggs package, and then bring Bulger in if Flacco gets hurt.

That option makes the most sense to me. Beck and Bulger have pretty much the same skill set as pocket passers, except Bulger >>>>>>> Beck. Smith brings something different to the party, with his athleticism, so it makes sense to keep him around for the change of pace. Unless the Ravens coaches and brass just want him out of Dodge.

[RavensNTerps]

Due to a porous O-Line. Spending 1/4 of your games on your back will do that to even a Pro-bowl QB.

I disagree. There's a difference between seeing your numbers decline and being downright dreadful. What you just listed were reasons he wasn't a probowler, not reasons he was a truly terrible QB.

He had a great year in 2006, and has been awful since. This is a Redskins like signing that makes little to no sense. If we have to rely on this guy to do anything, we are 100% toast.

[Dave Lap]

It IS a great move by the Ravens. If Flacco gets hurt, Bulger could save the season for us.

Great self scouting by the Ravens probably prompted this move.

[psuasskicker]

I am open to giving you a chance to prove me wrong. Why don't you go ahead and provide some examples of teams enjoying success in the playoffs using the QB listed 3rd on the depth chart at the start of the regular season.

There is ironically Marc Bulger as one example, but other than that, I can't find much.

My original point however has some support, Are third-string QBs going extinct? (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?id=2792882)

Good enough. I'm surprised since it doesn't cost anything other than the salary to keep a third stringer around as the emergency QB. Practice squad makes sense though...

- C -

[RavensNTerps]

It IS a great move by the Ravens. If Flacco gets hurt, Bulger could save the season for us.

Great self scouting by the Ravens probably prompted this move.

Typical Redskin fan mentality. Because a guy was good at one point in his career, he still must be good.

[RavensNTerps]

As for third stirng QBs, they're often developmental.

In the case of the Ravens, it wouldn't shock me at all if, as someone else said, on gameday Troy was the one who suited up, but if Joe were to miss time Marc would start.

Pretty obvious at this point Beck is the odd man out.

Still a head scratcher of a signing.

[festivus]

Major upgrade at backup QB. Now if Flacco has to sit down for a few snaps I won't be worried the guy warming up on the sideline will wet the bed when he's on the field.

I don't understand how anybody can see this move as anything *other* than a major upgrade at backup QB. Yes, we should have a 3d string QB, but regardless of whether the coaching/FO staff knows who it will be, I don't really care.

If we, as fans, are getting emotionally involved in who plays 3d string QB, then we must have a pretty good team.

edit: I smile when I read posts suggesting Troy Smith has some significant trade value. You guys are talking about someone who was outplayed by Kyle Boller in preseason and regular season games. If he's shown any kind of an upside at all, it's been behind closed doors where we fans could not see it. Remember, Steve @#$!ing McNair was traded for a 4th. Is Troy Smith worth that much?

[Dave Lap]

If they can trade Smith, I hope they are able to get something fairly decent for him. Maybe a late, late round pick or, even better, a veteran DB who may be on a team overloaded at that position.

[HoustonRaven]

Typical Redskin fan mentality. Because a guy was good at one point in his career, he still must be good.

:insane:

That's not what he is saying.

[Losac]

He had a great year in 2006, and has been awful since. This is a Redskins like signing that makes little to no sense. If we have to rely on this guy to do anything, we are 100% toast.

Dude, relax. He was signed to be a BACKUP QB, not a starter. Most teams would say if they have to rely on their backup QB for any extended period, then they are 100% toast.

If this team does make it to the Super Bowl, it'll be because of Joe Flacco, not Marc Bulger, Troy Smith or John Beck.

[TL24x7]

Ravens bigger, better with Bulger (http://www.profootball24x7.com/columns/Lombardis-Way/Ravens-bigger-better-with-Bulger)

[RavensNTerps]

Dude, relax. He was signed to be a BACKUP QB, not a starter. Most teams would say if they have to rely on their backup QB for any extended period, then they are 100% toast.

If this team does make it to the Super Bowl, it'll be because of Joe Flacco, not Marc Bulger, Troy Smith or John Beck.

I agree 100% with that statement. However, I'd still like to have someone ready to come in that has anything left in the tank or is eager to prove his worth.

Bulger, to me, is just finished. I understand he's our backup, but I don't like it. backup QB is the most important backup position. A guy like Jeff Garcia would have been perfect, IMO.

[festivus]

Ravens bigger, better with Bulger (http://www.profootball24x7.com/columns/Lombardis-Way/Ravens-bigger-better-with-Bulger)

Sometimes I think you overstate your case, TL. But not here. It really is that simple.

Good job. :thumbup:

[HoustonRaven]

backup QB is the most important backup position. A guy like Jeff Garcia would have been perfect, IMO.

If we are adding ONLY a backup, I'd agree with you.

But we're not. We are adding a backup AND a mentor.

[RavensNTerps]

If we are adding ONLY a backup, I'd agree with you.

But we're not. We are adding a backup AND a mentor.

Which is all fine and good, but not for $4 million.

Would have much rather had Jeff Garcia, even at 40, for much cheaper.

[Losac]

I agree 100% with that statement. However, I'd still like to have someone ready to come in that has anything left in the tank or is eager to prove his worth.

Bulger, to me, is just finished. I understand he's our backup, but I don't like it. backup QB is the most important backup position. A guy like Jeff Garcia would have been perfect, IMO.

The same Garcia who was cut by the Raiders last year? It's arguable at best to say he's a better option at backup than Bulger at this point. A lot of Bulger's problems in St. Louis the past few years are directly attributable to an awful O-line and no offensive weapons other than Steven Jackson.

[purplepoe]

Which is all fine and good, but not for $4 million.

Would have much rather had Jeff Garcia, even at 40, for much cheaper.

If there was a cap, I'd agree.

It's a one year deal in an uncapped year.

Why does that bother you?

PP

[Losac]

We are adding a backup AND a mentor.

I think this point is wearing a little thin. Flacco doesn't need a mentor at this point in his career. He'll be in his 3rd year, he should be the one leading and taking charge of the team, which all indications so far show he is doing.

[JimZipCode]

Would have much rather had Jeff Garcia, even at 40, for much cheaper.
Love Jeff Garcia. What a player, over his career.

But if we're talking about these guys' value as a "mentor", Bulger is a better fit, because Bulger played in the same system. (The Coryell-Gibbs-Saunders-Zampese-Norv-Martz passing system.) Garcia is a West Coast guy; not the offense we're running.

[RavensNTerps]

If there was a cap, I'd agree.

It's a one year deal in an uncapped year.

Why does that bother you?

PP

Because, even without a cap, there are better ways to spend that $4 million.

The main reason, is because I just don't think this guy can play anymore. I htink he got beaten up so badly by his lack of an OL that he lost anything he once had. This seems like a fuck you move to Troy Smith, and not a make the Ravens a better team move.

Bottom line is this, we'd be screwed either way, but I just hate signing washed up players whose careers are behind them. We never have luck with those types. Carnell Lake. Deion Sanders. Orlando Brown.

It's a matter of opinion. Obvously someone thinks Marc has something left in the tank. Unfortunately, it seems like something the Redskins would do.

[JimZipCode]

Ravens bigger, better with Bulger (http://www.profootball24x7.com/columns/Lombardis-Way/Ravens-bigger-better-with-Bulger)
Well stated.

[purplepoe]

Because, even without a cap, there are better ways to spend that $4 million.

The main reason, is because I just don't think this guy can play anymore. I htink he got beaten up so badly by his lack of an OL that he lost anything he once had. This seems like a fuck you move to Troy Smith, and not a make the Ravens a better team move.

Bottom line is this, we'd be screwed either way, but I just hate signing washed up players whose careers are behind them. We never have luck with those types. Carnell Lake. Deion Sanders. Orlando Brown.

It's a matter of opinion. Obvously someone thinks Marc has something left in the tank. Unfortunately, it seems like something the Redskins would do.

I knew there was a Troy Smith angle in there somewhere.

Do you really think they'd drop $4 million as a "fuck you" to a backup QB who hasn't proven anything in this league?

And the Redskins sign washed up vets to long term deals with a cap.

Not 1 year deals with no cap.

PP

[Mr. Mojo Rizon]

Would have much rather had Jeff Garcia, even at 40, for much cheaper.

I'd rather have Montana or Marino or Aikman than Garcia.

Just sayin'

:eyes:

[Losac]

Because, even without a cap, there are better ways to spend that $4 million.


It's not your money.

[RavensNTerps]

I knew there was a Troy Smith angle in there somewhere.

Do you really think they'd drop $4 million as a "fuck you" to a backup QB who hasn't proven anything in this league?

And the Redskins sign washed up vets to long term deals with a cap.

Not 1 year deals with no cap.

PP

Yeah, but I'm not defending Smith. As a player, I'd absolutely rather have him on the field than Bulger if it came to it. As a person, it's obvoius he burned all bridges with the organization. Which leads me to believe the Bulger signing was a big "Fuck You" to him, yes.

[Mista T]

Ravens bigger, better with Bulger (http://www.profootball24x7.com/columns/Lombardis-Way/Ravens-bigger-better-with-Bulger)

Tony: great article. One of the best I've seen here



Yeah, but I'm not defending Smith. As a player, I'd absolutely rather have him on the field than Bulger if it came to it. As a person, it's obvoius he burned all bridges with the organization. Which leads me to believe the Bulger signing was a big "Fuck You" to him, yes.

:rolling:

Sorry, R&T, while I often disagree with you but do respect your football knowledge, you are far off-base with that one. Outside of Troy Smith's mother, I doubt there are any other Ravens fans who would rather see him take the field over Bulger.

And "the big Fuck You" is a ridiculous statement - do you think that Ozzie would spend $3.8 million out of spite? Get real!

[RavensNTerps]

Tony: great article. One of the best I've seen here




:rolling:

Sorry, R&T, while I often disagree with you but do respect your football knowledge, you are far off-base with that one. Outside of Troy Smith's mother, I doubt there are any other Ravens fans who would rather see him take the field over Bulger.

And "the big Fuck You" is a ridiculous statement - do you think that Ozzie would spend $3.8 million out of spite? Get real!

No, and I'm also conviced he could have had bulger for 25% of that price.

And everyone's entitled to their opinion, but I'd feel much more comfortable with Smith out there than Bulger. I'd rather have someone who hasn't had a chacne to succeed of fail yet than someone who's career very much appears to be over.

Hopefuly its a non issue and Flacco dominates and stays healthy.

[Dena Raven]

Unfortunately, it seems like something the Redskins would do.

I think the difference here between the Redskins and Ravens is that the Redskins would sign the veteran to be their starter rather than their backup.

[demeyes1987]

first post on this site

If i remember correctly there is a rule about the third Qb on gameday. If he comes in before the 4th quarter the 2nd Qb cannot come in the game any more. they talked about it before a philly game (with the whole mike vick thing) I could be wrong though.

Bulger may be washed up but i remember them saying the same things a few years back when arizona signed kurt warner. you see what happened there. I dont think bulger is taking joe's spot but i think if joe goes down bulger with be a far better replacement than smith or beck.

[trailhiker85]

Interestingly, Bulger was born & raised in Pittsburgh.

While I consider $3.8 million a hefty price tag for a No. 2, I agree that the move makes sense for a team that considers itself a serious SB contender NOW. Bulger's best days are likely well behind him, but he does bring experience and is certainly an upgrade over Troy.

[ravenwoman]

With regard to money, the Ravens will cut Smith, Beck or both and recapture at least $1.5 million they would have to pay 2 QBs. So, what is the net increase? $2.3 million more. Seems reasonable to me.

[Rxdoxx]

Nice article Tony!

To me, the question now is who is the 3rd QB on the roster?
Joe is #1
Bulger is #2

I wonder #3 because I can see it affecting who is active on game day.
If Beck, then Marc is active.
But if Troy, then I can see #2 being emergency, and #3 being active because of "wildcat" issues.
Kinda weird to think that way but makes sense. If Joe goes down for any extended stretch, Marc is the starter, but we don't go into a game expecting him to go down, at least not early in the season before nagging things start accumulating.
So I can see Troy active as #3 and Marc emergency as the true #2.
But Troy's "active" is only because of packages and says nothing about position depth.

Only thing I'm sure of is Beck or Smith is gone.
I think another team may take a flyer on Troy, but Beck may be left sitting out there if we need to bring someone in mid-season, but that is just guessing, no idea how others view Beck.

[Greg]

This deal was done because of last year. When Flacco got hurt in Minny they kept him in there but it was obvious he was never the same again. If they had a QB they thought could play as well or better than a hurt Flacco they would have played him and let Flacco get healthy. Instead, Flacco hobbled through the rest of the season and never was the same.

I believe they think they cost themselves a further run in the playoffs because they never got Flacco healthy, but that they couldn't rest Flacco because we didn't have a credible QB to keep us in the playoff race with Flacco hurt.

As I see it, they don't think Smith or Beck are good enough backups, obviously. And I will be shocked if Smith stays given the clubhouse problems he brings.

[ravenmaniac]

R&T has got to be Troy Smith's cousin or something.

[HoustonRaven]

This deal was done because of last year. When Flacco got hurt in Minny they kept him in there but it was obvious he was never the same again. If they had a QB they thought could play as well or better than a hurt Flacco they would have played him and let Flacco get healthy. Instead, Flacco hobbled through the rest of the season and never was the same.

I believe they think they cost themselves a further run in the playoffs because they never got Flacco healthy, but that they couldn't rest Flacco because we didn't have a credible QB to keep us in the playoff race with Flacco hurt.

As I see it, they don't think Smith or Beck are good enough backups, obviously. And I will be shocked if Smith stays given the clubhouse problems he brings.

Logic. Hurts. Head.

[grayplay]

Just because Flacco has been a starter does not mean he can not learn anything from a veteran QB. It's ridiculous to think he can't benefit from a peer who has seen and done more at the same position.
Let's say this was a F you move towards Troy Smith....is it any less of the F you move of making it known you want out prior to the season being totally over? Blame the agent if you want- who employed the agent? The agent represents his client, he is the voice of the client.
I say we keep 4 QB's and both Kickers just to be safe.

[ravenmaniac]

Just because Flacco has been a starter does not mean he can not learn anything from a veteran QB. It's ridiculous to think he can't benefit from a peer who has seen and done more at the same position.
Let's say this was a F you move towards Troy Smith....is it any less of the F you move of making it known you want out prior to the season being totally over? Blame the agent if you want- who employed the agent? The agent represents his client, he is the voice of the client.
I say we keep 4 QB's and both Kickers just to be safe.

This organization is all about TEAM. You dont ask for a trade when you are trying to make a playoff run. How does that sound like a team player? Who wants Smith? Not one org looked into him for a 5th round pick. Somehow we are better served with him backing up Flacco than a proven QB?

[TheFlacco]

It is still likley Smith will be active and Bulger will be the emergency, unless Smith gets traded.

This may be the dumbest statement ever made on this board

[trailhiker85]

This may be the dumbest statement ever made on this board

Ouch. Tell us what you really think about it...

While I don't agree with JW's assessment, I'd hardly call it the dumbest statement ever made on this board. Not that I've done an intensive study or anything.

Anyway, as I see it there's no question that Bulger is No. 2 and Smith ...if he sticks around at all ... is No .3 at best. I think Greg may have nailed it on the head in his post when he said that during last year the Ravens felt a walking-wounded Flacco was better than a healthy Smith/Beck. With Bulger around, that changes.

[Losac]

This may be the dumbest statement ever made on this board

Most of JW's takes would be candidates for that prestigious award. Why I usually skip over everything he writes.

[HoustonRaven]

While I don't agree with JW's assessment, I'd hardly call it the dumbest statement ever made on this board. Not that I've done an intensive study or anything

Agreed.

It was his proclamation that Willis McGahee has more talent than Emmitt Smith that took the prize.

There is a reason he constantly gets mocked on the Baltimore radio stations.

[baltimore_hokie]

Bulger will make more money than Flacco this season. Weird.

[Mr. Mojo Rizon]

Something else to think about...it has been touched upon above. The salary for Smith & Beck combined is 2.2 million. Don't be shocked if both are cut to free up a roster spot. QBs of their ilk are a dime/dozen and if they need one they will be available later. That roster spot on a deep squad might be too valuable to be taken by a third QB...some flunky w practice squad player would happily take the role of scout QB.

And if they really had to go to such extreme measures to play someone like that then the season is probably lost anyway.

[trailhiker85]

Something else to think about...it has been touched upon above. The salary for Smith & Beck combined is 2.2 million. Don't be shocked if both are cut to free up a roster spot.

That's a possibility. Although it might leave us very thin at the clipboard holder spot.

[Mista T]

Bulger will make more money than Flacco this season. Weird.

Not really. :ref: Just shoddy reporting by the Sun. Shame on Jamison for using sensationalism instead of accuracy. The Sun story was based strictly on base salaries. According to USA Today (http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playersbyposition.aspx?pos=144), Flacco's total compensation in 2009 was $8.6 million (assumedly it doesn't drop by $4 million this year).

Using that same USA Today table, Bulger's base salary also exceeds the base salaries of many other NFL starters such as Aaron Rodgers, Jake Delhomme, Vince Young, Tony Romo, Jason Campbell, Matthew Stafford, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

I'm sure that B'More Ravor has better numbers, but I haven't seen him around much during this long & boring June.

[JimZipCode]

It is still likely Smith will be active and Bulger will be the emergency, unless Smith gets traded.
This may be the dumbest statement ever made on this board
Was it dumber there than when I said it at #43 in this thread?

[TL24x7]

Using that same USA Today table, Bulger's base salary also exceeds the base salaries of many other NFL starters such as Aaron Rodgers, Jake Delhomme, Vince Young, Tony Romo, Jason Campbell, Matthew Stafford, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.


Great point T :thumbup:

[UKRavenStockers]

Ideally, this signing is an utter irrelevance that can be talked up as a genius stroke for providing Flacco with a positive senior mentoring figure from a vet QB. It's if (touch wood it won't happen) Flacco gets hurt that this move is more of a gamble that I'd be more surprised if it paid off than not. Bulger was once a very good QB and still could be one but the beating he took in St Louis did him in physically but probably more importantly, mentally. Physical injuries can heal but the mental issues he developed behind that bad line won't necessarily just disappear playing behind as good an O-line as we've assembled. Those issues may disappear, but I'd expect there's a better chance they don't. Bulger's not been comfortable in the pocket for an awfully long time and if he has to come in cold in a game how does he react in the pocket? If he can put to one side his experiences in St Louis taking an absolute beating this is a master stroke, but when those issues are there (you just need to watch the Bulger of the last three years to see how beat up he is mentally & physically) I don't think they go away that quickly.

This move could be a stroke of genius, but at the same time if Bulger has to see the field we could be in no better a situation than with our current backups. That said, for an uncapped year, the potential upside and Flacco's durability behind a good O-line, I'd take the same risk to keep Smith off the field at all costs, he's not even a marginal talent and his attitude is dreadful. With or without the risks I can't help but like this move simply for getting Smith closer to the margins and potentially off of this team.

[psuasskicker]

The same Garcia who was cut by the Raiders last year?

Not taking a side on him being better than Bulger or not, but let's not judge his getting cut by the Raiders as any sort of indictment on his play. If anything it's the opposite. By all counts, Garcia was dramatically outplaying Russell in camp last year, and was cut to ensure there was no outcry from the fans, media or locker room for him to be the starter.


Most of JW's takes would be candidates for that prestigious award. Why I usually skip over everything he writes.

QFT


Physical injuries can heal but the mental issues he developed behind that bad line won't necessarily just disappear playing behind as good an O-line as we've assembled. Those issues may disappear, but I'd expect there's a better chance they don't.

I generally agree with the overall point, but have a less pessimistic attitude about it. I think this deserves more of a "wait and see" approach than anything else. Realistically we can't tell if he was damaged mentally behind that line or not, or how much he was. We have a good team with a solid line that can keep him protected. The Rams had nothing but a good RB who'd get hurt on occasion. It was rolling him out in front of the firing squad. Way too early to tell if this guy's an emotional shell of his former self, or if he can come back fairly easily.

- C -

[Dave Lap]

Ideally, this signing is an utter irrelevance that can be talked up as a genius stroke for providing Flacco with a positive senior mentoring figure from a vet QB. It's if (touch wood it won't happen) Flacco gets hurt that this move is more of a gamble that I'd be more surprised if it paid off than not. Bulger was once a very good QB and still could be one but the beating he took in St Louis did him in physically but probably more importantly, mentally. Physical injuries can heal but the mental issues he developed behind that bad line won't necessarily just disappear playing behind as good an O-line as we've assembled. Those issues may disappear, but I'd expect there's a better chance they don't. Bulger's not been comfortable in the pocket for an awfully long time and if he has to come in cold in a game how does he react in the pocket? If he can put to one side his experiences in St Louis taking an absolute beating this is a master stroke, but when those issues are there (you just need to watch the Bulger of the last three years to see how beat up he is mentally & physically) I don't think they go away that quickly.

This move could be a stroke of genius, but at the same time if Bulger has to see the field we could be in no better a situation than with our current backups. That said, for an uncapped year, the potential upside and Flacco's durability behind a good O-line, I'd take the same risk to keep Smith off the field at all costs, he's not even a marginal talent and his attitude is dreadful. With or without the risks I can't help but like this move simply for getting Smith closer to the margins and potentially off of this team.

So you're suggesting that he might stuggle with post traumatic stress syndrome from playing behind the ST Louis line? :eek:

I dunno, maybe at first, but he's been in the league for a long time and I think he'll regain his form in the pocket pretty quickly behind a decent line. Some of it will depend on how tough he is.

He's only 32 so, theoretically at least, he should still have enough physical ability to regain a good deal of his old form. That will depend on how much his injuries will affect him. Since he was cleared medically, I'm going on the assumption that he's pretty much OK in that regard.

An aside: Poor Kyle Bolller. He played here when the pass protectio was lousy and then got picked up by a team whose protection was even worse.

[UKRavenStockers]

I generally agree with the overall point, but have a less pessimistic attitude about it. I think this deserves more of a "wait and see" approach than anything else. Realistically we can't tell if he was damaged mentally behind that line or not, or how much he was. We have a good team with a solid line that can keep him protected. The Rams had nothing but a good RB who'd get hurt on occasion. It was rolling him out in front of the firing squad. Way too early to tell if this guy's an emotional shell of his former self, or if he can come back fairly easily.

- C -

Oh I completely agree PSU it's a case of wait & see and as I alluded to, I hope we don't have to see. The Rams line was hideous but showed improvements in the last season & a bit, still no great shakes but not close to as bad as it was its worst. Much like Carr in Houston, by the end he was making the line look worse than it was by at times watching the rush and at other times hurrying throws that didn't need to be hurried because he was anticipating pressure. Carr improved with time in New York behind a good line, our line is as good (possibly better depending upon the weighting of the importance of the LT) as the Giants so the precedence is there but it's a case of how much live playing time he gets as to whether we see improvement from him in that regard. Bulger's achieved a higher level than Carr ever has, but I think tracking Bulger against Carr's progress recovering from playing behind such a hideous O-line in terms of pass protection is an interesting yardstick.


So you're suggesting that he might stuggle with post traumatic stress syndrome from playing behind the ST Louis line? :eek:

I dunno, maybe at first, but he's been in the league for a long time and I think he'll regain his form in the pocket pretty quickly behind a decent line. Some of it will depend on how tough he is.

He's only 32 so, theoretically at least, he should still have enough physical ability to regain a good deal of his old form. That will depend on how much his injuries will affect him. Since he was cleared medically, I'm going on the assumption that he's pretty much OK in that regard.

An aside: Poor Kyle Bolller. He played here when the pass protectio was lousy and then got picked up by a team whose protection was even worse.

PTSD is a touch of stretch but recovering from what that can do to you mentally in terms of watching & anticipating pressure as I said above that's not necessarily a quick fix, as I said wait & see.

As for Boller, from our shoddy pass pro of years past, to an improved (but still average) Rams' line he now gets to sit behind the Raiders rather sub-standard pass protection! Some guys just can't buy a break!

[Mista T]

Florio, from Pro Football Talk (http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-06-25/nfl-depth-chart-analyzing-best-worst-backup-qbs) (for what his opinion is worth!), ranking the NFL's best backups:


The Best

1. Baltimore Ravens. With Bulger on board, the Ravens now have a solid two-deep depth chart at quarterback. If starter Joe Flacco gets injured, Bulger will enjoy something he didn't have for his last couple of years in St. Louis — an offensive line actually capable of blocking defenders on a consistent basis.

This latest transaction strengthens the Ravens' chances for 2010, putting them among the best teams in the AFC. And with several other teams in need of a quality backup, they may be able to give Troy Smith his wish and trade him to a new city.

Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-06-25/nfl-depth-chart-analyzing-best-worst-backup-qbs#ixzz0rt38d3G3

[Greg]

Bulger's not been comfortable in the pocket for an awfully long time and if he has to come in cold in a game how does he react in the pocket?

He probably won't do well coming in cold, especially against a good defense and pass rush.

But Flacco played through the Minny game pretty well, it was the 2-4 weeks after that when rest would have done him wonders that he had to continue through. Once he stopped playing and the adrenaline wore off he could feel that ankle. Bulger getting all the reps may not be the good Bulger with all those weapons and a good OL, but he is better than Smith or Beck. Having him step in as starter for a few weeks is a luxury to be considered should Flacco get hurt, I doubt Beck or Smith were given serious consideration.

[B-more Ravor]

Not really. :ref: Just shoddy reporting by the Sun. Shame on Jamison for using sensationalism instead of accuracy. The Sun story was based strictly on base salaries. According to USA Today (http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/playersbyposition.aspx?pos=144), Flacco's total compensation in 2009 was $8.6 million (assumedly it doesn't drop by $4 million this year).

Using that same USA Today table, Bulger's base salary also exceeds the base salaries of many other NFL starters such as Aaron Rodgers, Jake Delhomme, Vince Young, Tony Romo, Jason Campbell, Matthew Stafford, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

I'm sure that B'More Ravor has better numbers, but I haven't seen him around much during this long & boring June.


Not to mentioning being on OBX! :happy:

T's right on, using base salary only is silly, since on long term deals the base salary is usually pretty low early in the contract (especially on rookie deals).

Plus, Flacco's deal has incentives and escalators built in that will likely allow him to earn more this year (and in future years).