October 02, 2012
Mike Preston: Actually, he had some success with it in the preseason and earlier in the regular season. But, it’s back to being a stinker again. Cameron might need to put it on the shelf for possibly two or three weeks.
Calvin in Tucson: Enjoy your writing. Why do you think the Ravens’ front office passed on drafting Peter Konz from Wisconsin and Ben Jones from the University of Georgia? Birk probably won't make it through the season and Gino Gradkowski is too small. I just can't figure out why we passed on these guys knowing we could need immediate help.
Mike Preston: It’s very easy to figure out Calvin. Apparently, the Ravens didn’t think they were worth taking or valuable enough. With Konz, there were some who said he wasn’t’ strong enough to play right away, but I probably would have taken him. You are correct, Birk is getting pushed around at times and Gradkowski isn’t big enough yet to be a consistent starter. Down the road, though, Gradkowski is going to do well. He is smart and has quick feet which allows him to work into the second level. As for Birk, I have my concerns about him as well but he is a gamer. He is going to play hard until the final whistle, even though that might not be enough at this point of his career.
Sugarbear: Is it too early to start asking about Terrell Suggs’ progress on his Achilles? Seriously, any word on if it’s realistic to get him back?
Mike Preston: Suggs has said he will return this season and I assume he will. I’ve known him a long time and he has never gone back on his word to me. It will take him some time to get back into playing shape, but he is going to be a dominant force again. It might ow happen this year, but definitely next season.
Sean Dunn: My question is can Ravens fans ever expect any type of meaningful contribution from Sergio Kindle? Thanks.
Mike Preston: Maybe he fools me, and I’m hoping that he does, but he doesn’t play like he did when he came out of Texas. He is too regimented, too stiff at times. He’ll be interesting to watch for the rest of the season, but I think this could be his last season in Baltimore.
JJ in Colonial Beach: Thanks for all of your great coverage of the Ravens over the years, Mr. Preston, when will you join the Ring of Honor? In all seriousness, Jamal Lewis finished his career with impressive numbers and one of the best single seasons in NFL history. Does Jamal belong in the Hall of Fame?
Mike Preston: Jamal was a great back in Baltimore, but not in the class of an Earl Campbell, Jim Brown Barry Sanders or Walter Peyton. Those are some of the names I immediately think of when I hear about Hall of Fame running backs.
As for me joining the Ring of Honor, I’ll be next right after former Ravens head coach Brian Billick. Actually, we’ll go in as a pair.
