Of course everybody is going to be rusty on the first day of training camp. That's a natural occurrence.
I admire your enthusiasm about your team, Body88. You are definitely a true fan in every sense of the word, bro.
Ravens camp opened today. First the rookies, then the Vets came out an hour later. I am so glad they signed 1st round pick Ben Grubbs out of Auburn to a contract last Thursday. The kid now can have a full training camp with the o-line and learn from one of the best of all time, future hall of famer, Jonathan Ogden. Grubbs is a good natured, laid back, southern boy.
Ray Lewis appeared to be in incredible shape. At 32, he knows that his football mortality is creeping up on him. He will not be as good as past seasons, but he'll still be able to carry the defense at times this season. Ed Reed will cement his status as the best safety in the game, provided he stays healthy. Reed has had some durability issues but few safeties can dominate a game like Reed can.
Willis Mcgahee looked fluid and crisp this morning catching everything out of the back field during drills with Steve Mcnair. Big things are expected from Willis this year. Toughness and attitude have been question marks for Mcgahee but with the likes of Lewis, Reed, Ogden, Mcnair and company....don't expect the Ravens starting tailback to be a whiny bitch this year. He adds another dimension to the offense with his versatility. he does not require a lead back, which allows offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel to incorporate different looks to the offense with added skill players on both passing and running downs.
There is one player on the Ravens roster than is going to have a huge impact for the Ravens' offense this season. I can bet no one outside of Baltimore knows who he is.
I'm talking about 2nd year pro Demetrius Williams, who will absolutely challenge for a starting position behind veteran Derrick Mason and vastly improving third year pro, Mark Clayton[/b]. [/b] I predict a breakout year for Williams because he has all the tools to be a starting wideout in the NFL.
The Ravens appear close to offering a contract extension to Terrell Suggs sometime in early August. Both sides appear to be slightly apart in numbers but there is no question in my mind that the front office will hammer a new deal before week one. For those people who think the Ravens will let Suggs walk after this season better think again. The Ravens' front office have a tremendous track record in securing franchise players to long term extensions before they are free agents. T-Sizzle(as he's known in B-more) will be no exception. After all, that's why they let Adalius Thomas walk in order to sign Suggs.
More to report after day one....