Admin Steve
09-28-2006, 02:59 PM
Another great chat. We do these every Wednesday 9PM. There is no reason for you not to be part of it. Just click on the 'Chat' link in the nav bar.
Here you go. Silly bits removed.
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Aaron Wilson: We can start with questions whenever you guys are ready.
deuce: What is Suggs status?
Aaron Wilson: Terrell Suggs (hamstring) didn't practice or dress out. He was at practice, but didn't do much. Dan Cody is optimistic about at least playing special teams Sunday in what would mark his NFL debut. We didn't talk to Suggs today.
I'm sure he'll try to be ready by gametime, but it will be close. Watch for Jarret Johnson as the probable starter with Gary Stills and Dan Cody rotating into the defense.
Dont Know: For the game against the Browns the Ravens, for the first time this season, had only 3 receivers active. When this was mentioned in the CBS broadcast it was attributed to injuries. Was that true? If so, what are the injury problems of Moore and Darling?
Aaron Wilson: They aren't on the injury report, so I wouldn't put much stock in the CBS broadcast which featured Gus Johnson's chicken salad comment and his Browns are punching the Ravens in the mouth comment and acting like Samari Rolle had been toasted by several yards.
Honestly, I think it's merely because of performance.
They have been completely outplayed by rookie Demetrius Williams.
TL24x7: Aaron, there's been a lot of criticism directed towards the offense for it unimaginative play calling which in my opinion makes it even more difficult for the O-Line to be effective. Do you expect that to change this week?
Aaron Wilson: I don't think it will hearken back to Don Coryell or anything revolutionary. I expect some of the three wide receiver, one-back looks that were effective a week ago. Keep in mind you don't want to throw as much this week because you don't want to expose Steve McNair to potentially violent shots from linebacker Shawne Merriman.
That said, the play-calling has left a lot to be desired. It's fairly vanilla to say the least. I don't expect Jim Fassel and Brian Billick to shake up the world or reinvent the wheel anytime soon. It's not in their general makeup.
deuce: How are O-line backups Brown, Terry & especially Chester developing in your opinion?
Aaron Wilson: I think Jason Brown is the closest to usurping any of the starters, although no move is imminent as long as the team is winning. Right guard Keydrick Vincent is the most vulnerable to being replaced, but I doubt they rock the boat.
Adam Terry is basically only equipped to play left tackle, meaning he's not going to play right tackle or play at all as long as Jonathan Ogden is available.
Chris Chester lacks the ideal bulk and strength to play guard. That means he has an outside chance at playing center, and you know they don't want to switch centers because Steve McNair is accustomed to Mike Flynn.
Dont Know: Why don’t the Ravens run more to the outside with Jamal? Versus the Browns I think they tried that 3 times in the second half, 2 successfully and once for a small gain.
Aaron Wilson: Jamal Lewis really hasn't demonstrated a lot of burst and explosiveness in my opinion, and he often goes down on first contact. His stiff arm isn't as effective either.
He should have finished off that 21-yard run. I think they'll use him more when they have a lead or the game is close.
A 14-3 deficit precluded using him more often.
TL24x7: Might Musa Smith then be a bigger part of the game plan this week? What about Mike Anderson and his somewhat mysterious absence from the game on Sunday?
Aaron Wilson: The tenor of the game prevented the Ravens from working in Musa Smith more often or playing Mike Anderson at all. It's not a conspiracy. It's solely about falling behind and cutting down the workload.
I don't think either runner has really done that much to inspire major confidence lately, other than Anderson's touchdown run.
TL24x7: Ed Reed's involvement in the defense seems to have diminished, assuming his role as centerfielder. Playmakers need to be more involved. Your thoughts on Reed's seemingly diminished role?
Aaron Wilson: I agree with you, but let's consider these facts: 1. They are getting a pass rush without blitzing Ed Reed. 2. Dawan Landry has been getting the job done in run support. 3. Adalius Thomas is capable of covering the tight end, as is Landry.
That means the Ravens should allow Reed to roam more for interceptions.
I think Charlie Frye did an excellent job of throwing where Reed wasn't and finding the seams in the Baltimore zone.
That said, they need to utilize Reed better in order to hit full stride as a defense.
TL24x7: I worry about him not being able to develop a rhythm.
I think you're correct, Tony, but keep in mind that offensive coordinators will do all they can to avoid Reed.
He's a victim of his own success really.
MediaGuy: Who is Kiel's replacement and any info?
Aaron Wilson: One scenario initially bandied about by San Diego media was playing Bhawoe Jue and Marlon McCree.
However, Jue has been ruled out with a knee injury.
It will likely be Hart.
:
Marty Schottenheimer didn't elaborate during the conference call in any enlightening way.
TL24x7: It was hard to tell from the angles provided by CBS chicken salad crew...how was Landry in coverage on Sunday and how often was he responsible for Winslow in your opinion?
Aaron Wilson: It looked like he had primary coverage on Winslow a bit more often than he should have. He was close, but didn't seem to match Winslow's athleticism quite enough to compete for pass break-ups.
He needs to cover better, but Winslow is a very good tight end. Just ask him.
TL24x7: lol....your thoughts on the play calling on fourth and 2 and then again during the last few offensive plays
Aaron Wilson: It was predictable and overly confident.
On the failed 4th-and-2 where Jamal Lewis got stuffed by Matt Stewart.
Plus, they should have ran the ball and managed the clock better on the decisive drive to end the game. Can't argue with the final outcome or drama, though.
MediaGuy: I know we can shut down Tomlinson, but what about Gates?
Aaron Wilson: You are confident, aren't you? As Trevor Pryce said to me today, you don't shut down Tomlinson. You hope he gets food poisoning the night before.
I think the Ravens are cognizant of Gates' presence.
Samari Rolle and Bart Scott called him the best tight end in the league.
His presence means you can't just crowd the line of scrimmage to contain L.T.
You have to play honest, straight-up football.
And hope for the best.
Dont Know: Is there a concern for the amount and severity of the hits Steve McNair is taking? And are they trying to address the issue in any way for the game against SD?
Aaron Wilson: I don't think they're unduly concerned about it, but Steve McNair alluded to potentially chip-blocking Shawne Merriman. He sounds concerned in a healthy way. You have to account for Merriman's unique blend of speed and strength.
TL24x7: Aaron are you surprised that the Chargers opened as a 2 1/2 point favorite?
Aaron Wilson: Not really. They have the marquee players and I think Las Vegas has really good numbers on undefeated teams' performance following an early-season bye.
There's a perception, too, that Baltimore, although the same can be said about San Diego, hasn't beaten anyone good.
Could it be Las Vegas with a West Coast bias?
Maybe. I don't know any oddsmakers.
Let's call up Ace Rothstein. You know, he's still alive. He lives in Florida.
He has a ton of great stories.
Aaron Wilson says to (01:23):
Next question, please.
TL24x7: Looking at Cincinnati, your thoughts on their off the field issues and do you think that Chris Henry will go the distance before he implodes?
Aaron Wilson: I think the Bengals were prepared for Odell Thurman's transgressions and were already making plans for getting by without him. Marvin Lewis really loves Chris Henry's ability, and is probably relieved that at least Henry wasn't driving.
He was regurgitating, which is embarrassing, but not against the law in most states. lol.
TL24x7: tick, tick, tick, tick
Aaron Wilson: I think Henry will eventually screw up again if not serve jail time in the offseason with all of his legal issues.
You can only beat so many cases. He's not the Teflon Don like John Gotti Jr.
Another mistrial today. Can you say jury intimidation?
TL24x7: No jokes about Uncle John, ok?
MediaGuy: Can we rattle Phillip Rivers and throw him off his game?
Aaron Wilson: I think so, but keep in mind that he's not an ungifted player. Philip Rivers has an unorthodox throwing motion, but has done a nice job of managing the game and avoiding turnovers. I don't think Marty Schottenheimer will expose him to as much danger as Cleveland did with Charlie Frye last week.
It's about how Baltimore does against L.T. and Gates as much as anything else.
MediaGuy: Well as for Gotti, 3 strikes and your out! lol
Part 2 in next message...
Here you go. Silly bits removed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aaron Wilson: We can start with questions whenever you guys are ready.
deuce: What is Suggs status?
Aaron Wilson: Terrell Suggs (hamstring) didn't practice or dress out. He was at practice, but didn't do much. Dan Cody is optimistic about at least playing special teams Sunday in what would mark his NFL debut. We didn't talk to Suggs today.
I'm sure he'll try to be ready by gametime, but it will be close. Watch for Jarret Johnson as the probable starter with Gary Stills and Dan Cody rotating into the defense.
Dont Know: For the game against the Browns the Ravens, for the first time this season, had only 3 receivers active. When this was mentioned in the CBS broadcast it was attributed to injuries. Was that true? If so, what are the injury problems of Moore and Darling?
Aaron Wilson: They aren't on the injury report, so I wouldn't put much stock in the CBS broadcast which featured Gus Johnson's chicken salad comment and his Browns are punching the Ravens in the mouth comment and acting like Samari Rolle had been toasted by several yards.
Honestly, I think it's merely because of performance.
They have been completely outplayed by rookie Demetrius Williams.
TL24x7: Aaron, there's been a lot of criticism directed towards the offense for it unimaginative play calling which in my opinion makes it even more difficult for the O-Line to be effective. Do you expect that to change this week?
Aaron Wilson: I don't think it will hearken back to Don Coryell or anything revolutionary. I expect some of the three wide receiver, one-back looks that were effective a week ago. Keep in mind you don't want to throw as much this week because you don't want to expose Steve McNair to potentially violent shots from linebacker Shawne Merriman.
That said, the play-calling has left a lot to be desired. It's fairly vanilla to say the least. I don't expect Jim Fassel and Brian Billick to shake up the world or reinvent the wheel anytime soon. It's not in their general makeup.
deuce: How are O-line backups Brown, Terry & especially Chester developing in your opinion?
Aaron Wilson: I think Jason Brown is the closest to usurping any of the starters, although no move is imminent as long as the team is winning. Right guard Keydrick Vincent is the most vulnerable to being replaced, but I doubt they rock the boat.
Adam Terry is basically only equipped to play left tackle, meaning he's not going to play right tackle or play at all as long as Jonathan Ogden is available.
Chris Chester lacks the ideal bulk and strength to play guard. That means he has an outside chance at playing center, and you know they don't want to switch centers because Steve McNair is accustomed to Mike Flynn.
Dont Know: Why don’t the Ravens run more to the outside with Jamal? Versus the Browns I think they tried that 3 times in the second half, 2 successfully and once for a small gain.
Aaron Wilson: Jamal Lewis really hasn't demonstrated a lot of burst and explosiveness in my opinion, and he often goes down on first contact. His stiff arm isn't as effective either.
He should have finished off that 21-yard run. I think they'll use him more when they have a lead or the game is close.
A 14-3 deficit precluded using him more often.
TL24x7: Might Musa Smith then be a bigger part of the game plan this week? What about Mike Anderson and his somewhat mysterious absence from the game on Sunday?
Aaron Wilson: The tenor of the game prevented the Ravens from working in Musa Smith more often or playing Mike Anderson at all. It's not a conspiracy. It's solely about falling behind and cutting down the workload.
I don't think either runner has really done that much to inspire major confidence lately, other than Anderson's touchdown run.
TL24x7: Ed Reed's involvement in the defense seems to have diminished, assuming his role as centerfielder. Playmakers need to be more involved. Your thoughts on Reed's seemingly diminished role?
Aaron Wilson: I agree with you, but let's consider these facts: 1. They are getting a pass rush without blitzing Ed Reed. 2. Dawan Landry has been getting the job done in run support. 3. Adalius Thomas is capable of covering the tight end, as is Landry.
That means the Ravens should allow Reed to roam more for interceptions.
I think Charlie Frye did an excellent job of throwing where Reed wasn't and finding the seams in the Baltimore zone.
That said, they need to utilize Reed better in order to hit full stride as a defense.
TL24x7: I worry about him not being able to develop a rhythm.
I think you're correct, Tony, but keep in mind that offensive coordinators will do all they can to avoid Reed.
He's a victim of his own success really.
MediaGuy: Who is Kiel's replacement and any info?
Aaron Wilson: One scenario initially bandied about by San Diego media was playing Bhawoe Jue and Marlon McCree.
However, Jue has been ruled out with a knee injury.
It will likely be Hart.
:
Marty Schottenheimer didn't elaborate during the conference call in any enlightening way.
TL24x7: It was hard to tell from the angles provided by CBS chicken salad crew...how was Landry in coverage on Sunday and how often was he responsible for Winslow in your opinion?
Aaron Wilson: It looked like he had primary coverage on Winslow a bit more often than he should have. He was close, but didn't seem to match Winslow's athleticism quite enough to compete for pass break-ups.
He needs to cover better, but Winslow is a very good tight end. Just ask him.
TL24x7: lol....your thoughts on the play calling on fourth and 2 and then again during the last few offensive plays
Aaron Wilson: It was predictable and overly confident.
On the failed 4th-and-2 where Jamal Lewis got stuffed by Matt Stewart.
Plus, they should have ran the ball and managed the clock better on the decisive drive to end the game. Can't argue with the final outcome or drama, though.
MediaGuy: I know we can shut down Tomlinson, but what about Gates?
Aaron Wilson: You are confident, aren't you? As Trevor Pryce said to me today, you don't shut down Tomlinson. You hope he gets food poisoning the night before.
I think the Ravens are cognizant of Gates' presence.
Samari Rolle and Bart Scott called him the best tight end in the league.
His presence means you can't just crowd the line of scrimmage to contain L.T.
You have to play honest, straight-up football.
And hope for the best.
Dont Know: Is there a concern for the amount and severity of the hits Steve McNair is taking? And are they trying to address the issue in any way for the game against SD?
Aaron Wilson: I don't think they're unduly concerned about it, but Steve McNair alluded to potentially chip-blocking Shawne Merriman. He sounds concerned in a healthy way. You have to account for Merriman's unique blend of speed and strength.
TL24x7: Aaron are you surprised that the Chargers opened as a 2 1/2 point favorite?
Aaron Wilson: Not really. They have the marquee players and I think Las Vegas has really good numbers on undefeated teams' performance following an early-season bye.
There's a perception, too, that Baltimore, although the same can be said about San Diego, hasn't beaten anyone good.
Could it be Las Vegas with a West Coast bias?
Maybe. I don't know any oddsmakers.
Let's call up Ace Rothstein. You know, he's still alive. He lives in Florida.
He has a ton of great stories.
Aaron Wilson says to (01:23):
Next question, please.
TL24x7: Looking at Cincinnati, your thoughts on their off the field issues and do you think that Chris Henry will go the distance before he implodes?
Aaron Wilson: I think the Bengals were prepared for Odell Thurman's transgressions and were already making plans for getting by without him. Marvin Lewis really loves Chris Henry's ability, and is probably relieved that at least Henry wasn't driving.
He was regurgitating, which is embarrassing, but not against the law in most states. lol.
TL24x7: tick, tick, tick, tick
Aaron Wilson: I think Henry will eventually screw up again if not serve jail time in the offseason with all of his legal issues.
You can only beat so many cases. He's not the Teflon Don like John Gotti Jr.
Another mistrial today. Can you say jury intimidation?
TL24x7: No jokes about Uncle John, ok?
MediaGuy: Can we rattle Phillip Rivers and throw him off his game?
Aaron Wilson: I think so, but keep in mind that he's not an ungifted player. Philip Rivers has an unorthodox throwing motion, but has done a nice job of managing the game and avoiding turnovers. I don't think Marty Schottenheimer will expose him to as much danger as Cleveland did with Charlie Frye last week.
It's about how Baltimore does against L.T. and Gates as much as anything else.
MediaGuy: Well as for Gotti, 3 strikes and your out! lol
Part 2 in next message...