October 04, 2011
Mike Preston: It's hard for tackles to win the award because they aren't sack specialists and don't make a lot of game-changing plays. They aren't pretty boys who high step into the end zone. But if the so-called experts have watched Ngata play, they would know he has had one or two game-changing plays a game. He dominates the interior and the Ravens do a good job of moving him around. Plus, he still keeps opposing offensive linemen off Ray Lewis. He's the best in the business right now.
Elliot: I know Sergio Kindle is "not good enough" right now, but given the influx of youth, he seems to have an incredibly high ceiling. Should we be seeing that talent on display?
Mike Preston: No, not yet. Kindle has to learn to work hard on and off the field. After missing last season, this year is more of a learning year for Kindle, and one thing that has to improve is his work ethic.
EB: It's clear to me that Ray Rice is a top-five player in the NFL, including quarterbacks. Franchising him would be a mistake, but paying him $10 million/season may also be a mistake. What do the Ravens do here?
Mike Preston: Back up the same Brinks truck they used for Ngata, and this time deposit the money for Rice.
Dave: Why does there never seem to be any urgency with the offense? It seems they are happy to sit-back and let the D do its thing. This will not work against the really good teams we should expect in the playoffs.
Mike Preston: The offense has a sense of urgency. The group just didn't play well against the Jets. We knew it was going to take time to build the offense, and they've only played four games, producing well in two.
It's way too early to write this offense off, even though some of the things the Ravens do are very questionable.
mike.preston@baltsun.com
