So here are just some of my takes on the ravens in general. For some reason, I seem to see things a little differently than others, but I love real discussion so tell me if you think I'm wrong and why.
Lamar Jackson looks a much improved player and I have extremely high hopes for him. I think he's got a chance to put up the same number of yards as Flacco next year. I'm including his rushing in that.
I think Pat Ricard is a lock.
I think Hayden Hurst will be underwhelming.
I think the Oline will be passable but leave a lot to be desired.
I am really excited about Jaleel Scott and very worried about Boykin. Here's where I know I'm going to get pushed back. These two guys have similar builds and speed. However, Scott has been given far less opportunity thus far but hasn't dropped catchable balls and has made a big impact. Boykin looks the lart has dropped the ball almost as much as he's caught it. I don't know why Jaleel hasn't been given more opportunity. Hollywood looks like he can catch literally everything. He will not be a perriman 2.0.
The defense as a whole looks pretty good. I think Peanut has really taken a step forward. Maurice Canaday is not a NFL quality corner. I keep hearing that people like Averett, however I think he's looked terrible against backups. Every receiver always has a step on him. Deshon Elliot looks extremely fast.
I do however have a lot of faith in this team and think we go 10-6 or 11-5.
This will sound wild to you and others, but I legit don't have any expectation for this team. But this isn't due to a lack of faith as it's the opposite tbh. We could be a 6-10 team just as much as we can be an 11-5 team. However, I'm hopeful that our playmakers can reach their potential, but I don't expect them to reach the full potential THIS year.
No reason why Project Pat won't be. He hasn't underwhelmed at all. If anything, he's picking up where he left off last season. Pertaining to the o-line, this has been the same issue for years now. If this o-line ever becomes as productive as it was in 2014, look tf out! As for Hurst, I still have hope in him though it's SLLLLLOOOOOWWWLLLYY fading.
I see Scott as no better than WR #5. I think Boykin will get there, but his drops are discouraging to see. Most of them are EASILY CATCHABLE. I hope Hollywood continues this because I was extremely pleased with him last night.
As for the defense, the pass-rush is still a WIP which is weird because despite having a top defense last season, our pass-rush wasn't amazing by all means. I do trust Wink in getting our young pass-rushers in the best positions possible. I think Averett barely makes the 53, but I think Canady is gone unless he plays like the second coming of Jimmy Smith.