The Ravens remain solid in the front seven, even if the defense is getting accustomed to new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison. Both safeties are strong too, with All-Pro Ed Reed supported by Dawan Landry. The corners though....oh the corners.
The Ravens rely on Dominique Foxworth and Fabian Washington (formerly of the Broncos and Raiders respectively) as their starting cornerbacks. Samari Rolle is still on the PUP list, presumably still trying to find the right mix on his epilepsy medication. Chris McAllister is persona non grata in Baltimore, for reasons known only to the staff and team.
It's Week 6, and the Ravens have a problem. They aren't accustomed to giving up points, but with these cornerbacks, that could be an issue. One fix would be to send riskier blitz packages, but that obviously would leave them open to big strikes. Plus, the new quarterback protection rules add many opportunities to pick up 15-yard penalties through no fault of the pass rusher.
But there is a man formerly known as Pacman.
Adam Jones was last seen with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, but they cut ties with him last month after he made comments referring to the league as the United Football League. He also was vocal about his desire to skip out on the CFL as soon as an NFL team called.
Yeah, he has some problems. Lots and lots and lots of problems. He doesn't seem very bright, and he doesn't seem like he has fully learned his lessons. He should be humbled by his fall, but as recently as last month, he was still putting his foot in his mouth.
But, he can play. He can probably play now, and he is probably better than what the Ravens have. Is he worth the headache? Who knows? Michael Vick certainly didn't cause the uproar that was predicted. Some others have settled in and fallen back under the radar. If Ray Lewis and Ed Reed can hold Jones in check, maybe he is the answer.