Bob Haynie: The Ravens, Good And Lucky
Bob Haynie Sounds Off:
The Ravens: Good And Lucky
What an offseason it has been for the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.
With the fingerprints and lip marks still fresh on the Lombardi trophy, Baltimore was already looking ahead to the 2013 season and beyond by beginning to retool the roster.
Ray Lewis and Matt Birk retired. Because of their unfriendly cap situation, others had to leave because the Ravens just couldn't afford to keep them.
Many fans were frustrated because they hadn't had a chance to really enjoy the title, at least that's how they explained it to me. Even some national pundits, like Tedy Bruschi of ESPN, thought the Ravens were done and proclaimed the Cincinnati Bengals as the new team to beat in the AFC North.
Be patient, that's what I kept telling people. Things are not as dire as some had thought.
It's only March. Hell, we haven't even had the NFL Draft yet.
Unfortunately, people didn't want to hear that.
Then lo and behold, the Denver Broncos and star defensive end Elvis Dumervil had to part ways because the paperwork for Dumervil's restructured contract did not make it in under the NFL's deadline.
Bad luck for Denver and John Elway, no doubt. But good luck for Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens.
Baltimore went out and signed the three-time Pro Bowl defender to a five-year deal. A move that has eased the pain of the fans--somewhat--and made the Ravens a better defense.
By signing Chris Canty, Marcus Spears and Dumervil, the Ravens have improved a defensive line that had their share of problems in 2012.
Combining Dumervil with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Terrell Suggs, gives Baltimore a formidable pass rushing duo.
The Ravens still have some holes to fill; Safety, inside linebacker, receiver and left tackle still need to be addressed. With six months to go before the season starts, I'm assuming these needs will be met.
Let's wait for the process to take care of itself before we predict what the will Ravens will or won't do in 2013.
Getting Elvis Dumervil was a good move.
They were also lucky that he was there in the first place.
