If you are a Ravens fan like myself, your face right now either looks like this



or this




Fans are shocked of the news that WR Derrick Mason has abruptly decided to retire after 12 NFL Seasons.

Who knows why Mason decided to retire. It could be for a number of reasons. Derrick once publicly stated that he would like a new contract this offseason. So maybe money was the issue. Or it could be the sudden passing of longtime teammate and friend, QB Steve McNair. Who knows, really, what caused this sudden retirement.

While Mason has announced his retirement through his agent's website, jocklife.com, he hasn't officially filed retirement papers, leaving some fans to speculate if this is simply a knee jerk reaction and that Mason may renege on his decision later on. At any rate. This is a HUGE...... let me say this again.. HUGE loss for the Ravens.

This is a team that has already gone through it's share of changes this offseason. Rex Ryan to the Jets. He takes Bart Scott and Jim Leonhard with him. All 3 were key components to the Ravens roster. But the loss of Mason is worse than the 3 of those combined.



Everyone knows the Ravens are a running team, and I don't see that changing any time soon. But the loss of Mason will mean that WRs Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams, Kelly Washington and Marcus Smith will have to take over the team. Whoopty doodly doo!!!

Excuse me if I don't sound too excited.....

Clayton is inconsistent in getting open, Williams is inconsistent in being healthy, Washington is inconsistent in his ability to stay on a team and Smith is inconsistent because he doesn't even get much action thrown his way.

To make matters worse, the options available in free agency right now are slim to none. Marvin Harrison has health problems. Plaxico Burress has legal problems. Matt Jones has drug problems. Hell everybody has problems.

*Okay NFL Chick... breathe in.... breathe out...*

The Ravens can re visit the possible trade of Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall. But the Cardinals will almost certainly raise the trade value of Boldin now, because the Ravens could be desperate. Marshall is a PR nightmare,so I can't see the Ravens compromising the team integrity.

Which brings us to The Man... the one and only.... Ozzie Newsome. Now let the record show, I've defended Ozzie this past offseason, even after coming out of the NFL Draft without a WR. Ozzie believes in the best player available approach and I totally respect that. Even while fans were screaming mad that we didn't draft the likes of Robiskie, Nicks and Maclin, I said, "Don't worry. In Ozzie We Trust".



*SIGH*

Let's be real here. In order for the Ravens to beat the Steelers they need to have receivers that can make plays to be competitive and contend. But, I'm going to stick with that mantra. I think Ozzie Newsome is hands down one of the best GM's in the league, and I am sure that he can pull the Ravens out of a tight situation. While the lack of depth at WR is a big, glaring hole at this point, I will keep my trust in him. As hard as it is right now... I stay true to my word.

There is a cliche' that rings true. Whenever a door closes, a new one opens. I think the loss of Derrick Mason speaks volumes. But I also think his absence could bring out the best of Clayton, Williams and Washington. Also think that Ozzie will work around to clock to see that the Ravens find a player they can count on to step up and make the attempt to fill the void that Mason has left behind.

Derrick Mason, if you actually are retiring, thank you for the hard work and great plays you've made during your 4 seasons in Baltimore. If you do decide to change your mind, I welcome you back with open arms.

What will the Ravens do now?? Only time will tell...