Ravens SB Champs - lessons learned ?

LondonBengal

With our division rival Ravens winning it all in New Orleans yesterday, was there one overriding factor that signified their road to their championship ?

I personallly thought they were 'destined' to win it after that 4th & 29 run in San Diego, but the one single factor I took from their win was the re-shuffled MCKINNIE-OSIMELE-BIRK-YANDA-OHER O-line-up and their dominating play; an o-line that is comparable to ours.

Flacco, Jones, Smith and Boldin got the headlines, but that o-line was huge yesterday in giving Flacco time and protection for the most part against that ferocious SF rush.

Having an o-line that just means you can run it well enough to keep the thing, and good enough to keep your QB clean under pressure is just so important. What do we have to do to get that WHITWORTH-BOLING-COOK-ZEITLER-SMITH line-up improved just a couple of notches ?

1. Kyle Cook v Matt Birk ? Replace Kyle Cook by draftting a Barrett Jones, shifting Clint Boling to OC, or see if Robinson develops ?
2. Make Andre Smiths' re-signing the #1 priority ?
3. Go after a Chance Warmack, with the #21 pick and/or a trade-up ?
4. Go after a top vet FA, or see how Travelle Wharton shakes out ?

What do you guys out there think ? Should our o-line become #1 priority, over LB, S, DE etc ?
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THE DUKE · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 14346 Location: Centerville, OH

I think an intimidator at MLB, a competent SS, improving our interior oline, a complementary RB to BJGE, and a sizable possession WR for the outside were our needs before and after watching the superbowl.
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johndeere1707 · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 5296

If we can't nail B. Jones in the draft, I say we slide Clint Boling to C, and see what Wharton does at LG.
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ark23 · Joined: 04 Dec 2012 Posts: 1401 Location: Columbus, Ohio

I'm not sure how effective Jones would be at center for us. Good, yes but he's more of a technician than a mauler, doesn't have great strength and he is average at the POA.

I think Trevor Robinson should get a shot a C next year.

sparky151 · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 1283 Location: Columbus, OH

Aldon Smith disappeared down the stretch for the 49ers. If he'd played the last 6 games like he was playing earlier in the year it might have made a difference last night. The Ravens will probably have some roster turnover with their cap and free agent situation. I'm not afraid of them.

LondonBengal · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 6:38 pm Post subject:

ark23 · Joined: 04 Dec 2012 Posts: 1401 Location: Columbus, Ohio

johndeere1707 · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 5296

BengalsEra · Joined: 31 Dec 2012 Posts: 350

Robinson played well when he was in. If we are going to draft an o linemen, we should look at warford or pugh

theJ · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 15963

Beck Bristow · Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 5950

I learned that I hate the Ravens less than the Steelers.
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INbengalfan · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 4683 Location: Richmond, IN

LondonBengal · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 5:00 am Post subject:

LondonBengal · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 5:01 am Post subject:

sparky151 · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 1283 Location: Columbus, OH