The Random Thought Thread

[rossihunter2]

Don’t think there are a ton of replacement options out there if we don’t bring him back. I could see us letting him walk if we don’t retain Roman.


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i think that's the only scenario where he could feasibly not be back
would have to be an offensive scheme change and coordinator change

 

[Charm City]

Why does it matter if they're making huge impacts in the passing game? If Boyle were making huge impacts in the passing game, he'd be compensated on par with Mark Andrews. They're like $7-8M a year different.

It's like the argument that we paid Brandon Williams too much because he doesn't rush the passer. OK, if he did rush the passer, he'd be $5-10M a year more expensive.

I have zero problem allocating money to two players who are critical to our ability to run the ball, and the lack of a running game may have been the #1 reason why we didn't make the playoffs this year.

It matters because of the price of the replacement players and the 80/20 rule. If I can get a player that can block almost just as well as Boyle/Ricard for a fraction of their price why would I retain them at their market rate when I may be approaching a cap crunch in the near future. It's easier to replace a one dimensional player like Boyle/Ricard, especially when that dimension is blocking and we've already demonstrated that we can find a comparable player like Tomlinson.

 

[UPennChem]

It matters because of the price of the replacement players and the 80/20 rule. If I can get a player that can block almost just as well as Boyle/Ricard for a fraction of their price why would I retain them at their market rate when I may be approaching a cap crunch in the near future. It's easier to replace a one dimensional player like Boyle/Ricard, especially when that dimension is blocking and we've already demonstrated that we can find a comparable player like Tomlinson.

I think you're really underestimating Ricard and Boyle and overestimating Tomlinson

 

[Charm City]

I think you're really underestimating Ricard and Boyle and overestimating Tomlinson

Ricard and Boyle are probably the top run blocking players at their respective positions and I know how great they are at what they do and Tomlinson is probably a top 10 run blocking TE who offers very little in the passing game, maybe even less than Ricard does, but Ricard and Boyle might be luxuries at this point should we want to invest more in our offensive line or another positional group

 

[Michael M.]

Ricard and Boyle are probably the top run blocking players at their respective positions and I know how great they are at what they do and Tomlinson is probably a top 10 run blocking TE who offers very little in the passing game, maybe even less than Ricard does, but Ricard and Boyle might be luxuries at this point should we want to invest more in our offensive line or another positional group

I look at Ricard and Boyle as almost being a part of the O- Line. I notice a difference when they're not in there.

 

[UPennChem]

Ricard and Boyle are probably the top run blocking players at their respective positions and I know how great they are at what they do and Tomlinson is probably a top 10 run blocking TE who offers very little in the passing game, maybe even less than Ricard does, but Ricard and Boyle might be luxuries at this point should we want to invest more in our offensive line or another positional group

Your point is well taken. The part I have issue with is the assumption that Tomlinson is a top 10 blocking TE. Like is Tomlinson even good let alone top 10? I don't think he's anywhere near 80% as good as Boyle and certainly nowhere close to 80% as good as Ricard at FB.

But we'll see what others think!!

 

[rossihunter2]

Ricard and Boyle are probably the top run blocking players at their respective positions and I know how great they are at what they do and Tomlinson is probably a top 10 run blocking TE who offers very little in the passing game, maybe even less than Ricard does, but Ricard and Boyle might be luxuries at this point should we want to invest more in our offensive line or another positional group

i think you're being a bit too kind there to tomlinson
idk that he's anywhere near the conversation for top 10

 

[rmcjacket23]

It matters because of the price of the replacement players and the 80/20 rule. If I can get a player that can block almost just as well as Boyle/Ricard for a fraction of their price why would I retain them at their market rate when I may be approaching a cap crunch in the near future. It's easier to replace a one dimensional player like Boyle/Ricard, especially when that dimension is blocking and we've already demonstrated that we can find a comparable player like Tomlinson.

Cool. I think the fact that they do get paid what they do (or will) get paid means that the 80/20 rule doesn't work. Basically, they can't find said player who gives 80% for 20% of the pay.
I don't see this litany of fullbacks or exceptional blocking TEs in this league. And I certainly don't see them coming out of the draft either.

The 80/20 rule also isn't universal. It won't and can't be applied in all situations. You can make a case that pretty much anybody in the league would fall into the 80/20 rule. High quality players on rookie deals pretty much make that easy to achieve.

 

[Corvus Purpura]

It matters because of the price of the replacement players and the 80/20 rule. If I can get a player that can block almost just as well as Boyle/Ricard for a fraction of their price why would I retain them at their market rate when I may be approaching a cap crunch in the near future. It's easier to replace a one dimensional player like Boyle/Ricard, especially when that dimension is blocking and we've already demonstrated that we can find a comparable player like Tomlinson.

The 80/20 rule is likely why that fullback from Michigan was drafted. Worked out great!

 

[Michael M.]

Man I'd be sad as hell if we let go of Project Pat. Get him more involved in the passing game. He was a tank against the Vikings

They should get both Ricard and Boyle more involved, keep defenses guessing. The irony of the Raven's scheme is that it's complicated to learn, yet the plays themselves are so predictable that even Brown says the defense knows the play before we do.

 

[JAAM]

They should get both Ricard and Boyle more involved, keep defenses guessing. The irony of the Raven's scheme is that it's complicated to learn, yet the plays themselves are so predictable that even Brown says the defense knows the play before we do.

What a joke lol.. I've been praying for a schematic change. I'd love to see Lamar in a spread more often than not

 

[Michael M.]

What a joke lol.. I've been praying for a schematic change. I'd love to see Lamar in a spread more often than not

I'm not sure they truly know how to use Lamar or a lot of these guys. That's why the majority change teams and thrive. They insist on making Lamar a pocket passer. He seems to excel in play action.

 

[rossihunter2]

What a joke lol.. I've been praying for a schematic change. I'd love to see Lamar in a spread more often than not

that's 100% what i want in both the running game and passing game - spread teams out, stretch them horizontally, make blitz disguises harder (and blitzes in general more risky), create space for playmakers on the perimeter and make the defence defend the entire field, and also have the additional benefit of lighter personnel and lighter boxes to run against

obviously there's still a place for 2 back and 2 tight end type sets - not saying expunge them from the playbook but philosophically we should look to be spreading the defence out rather than trying to win a leverage battle in a phonebooth with heavy personnel in the tight-end box - with our OL that feels like a losing battle - obviously it doesnt help that boyle and ricard missed tons of games because they're key parts of that leverage battle

but each year we seem to get rid of 1 more player who's vital to that battle - in 2020 we traded away hurst and in 2021 we didn't retain snead - im not advocating for replacing them, im advocating to evolve the running game somewhat to take into account those losses

 

[rossihunter2]

I'm not sure they truly know how to use Lamar or a lot of these guys. That's why the majority change teams and thrive. They insist on making Lamar a pocket passer. He seems to excel in play action.

lamar is a pocket passer - he's always been a better thrower in the pocket than on the move

 

[JAAM]

I'm not sure they truly know how to use Lamar or a lot of these guys. That's why the majority change teams and thrive. They insist on making Lamar a pocket passer. He seems to excel in play action.

And hurry up.. I'd love to give him the chance to just sling it. It's not like he didn't come from a pro ready offense in college. It's so frustrating

 

[JAAM]

that's 100% what i want in both the running game and passing game - spread teams out, stretch them horizontally, make blitz disguises harder (and blitzes in general more risky), create space for playmakers on the perimeter and make the defence defend the entire field, and also have the additional benefit of lighter personnel and lighter boxes to run against

obviously there's still a place for 2 back and 2 tight end type sets - not saying expunge them from the playbook but philosophically we should look to be spreading the defence out rather than trying to win a leverage battle in a phonebooth with heavy personnel in the tight-end box - with our OL that feels like a losing battle - obviously it doesnt help that boyle and ricard missed tons of games because they're key parts of that leverage battle

but each year we seem to get rid of 1 more player who's vital to that battle - in 2020 we traded away hurst and in 2021 we didn't retain snead - im not advocating for replacing them, im advocating to evolve the running game somewhat to take into account those losses

Great points!! I want to get away from the heavier packages and stress the shit out of defenses horizontally like they do with the Rams. I can see three 1,000 yard pass catchers with Lamar. I just want someone that will be able to scheme Bate, Hollywood and Mark open. That'd be so amazing with our backs returning. This is why I want Roman gone. I want a fresh, new look and give Lamar complete control

 

[Michael M.]

And hurry up.. I'd love to give him the chance to just sling it. It's not like he didn't come from a pro ready offense in college. It's so frustrating

I agree, let him sling it! That's when he seems to get more in a rhythm and have fun

 

[Michael M.]

lamar is a pocket passer - he's always been a better thrower in the pocket than on the move

Idk, he doesn't look comfortable, but then again hard to judge because this year there was no pocket long enough for him to get set.

 

[ravenslord]

I want the Raiders to beat the living tar out of the cocky Bengals so bad.

 

[BoredMarine13]

I want the Raiders to beat the living tar out of the cocky Bengals so bad.

Can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m actually pulling for the Bengals to reach(not win) the Super Bowl. If it’s not the Ravens, I want some new blood in there. Pulling for the Bucs or Cards on the NFC Side


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