Category:
Baltimore Ravens
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Derrick Mason
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NFL
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Ozzie Newsome
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retires
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The NFL Chick
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...
Once again, in Ozzie we trust...but I'm feeling a little less trusting on this one. Man, I have no idea why he would retire now...unless it's all about his buddy McNair's death.
Like you, I'm not feeling too confident in the receivers currently on the roster in Mason's absence. I don't see any leading receiver candidates there. Maybe one of them will show me something...or Ozzie can work a miracle just before training camp or the season.
Ugh...I don't like it one bit.
I think that Demetrius might step up for ya'll. Clayton isn't too bad and maybe now, like you said, he will step up.
Heck even Yamon Figurs, with all that speed might make the field to give Joe some downfield spread.
You know every year a great vet like Mason departs from some team and somehow the lost sheep that the 'unproductive players' beneath somehow manages to produce a replacement.
This will be no different to me. I won't be over there saying 'They have no receivers so we aren't worried about them.." That's for sure. Ray Ray and them will light a fire under that offense some kinda way and it will produce if Mason decides to leave.
As to why, I gotta say that it was Steve's passing. I just think about the finality in his voice (with respect to the fact that he was hurting) when he spoke of football in regards to Steve. You could see the fire was gone at that moment. Maybe it comes back though. He has not filed papers yet so you never know.
Ummmm, I'm sorry for your loss. Probably the most underappreciated WR since Jimmy Smith. Great wideout, maybe now you all will make a serious run at Anquan, Braylon, Brandon, or Plax...
-Ed.
minpinball.. I'm really trying to hang in there, but my trust is weening fast.
carolinaware... In order for us to compete with you guys, we have to have WRs that can get open. That is why we didn't win the AFCC game, because mason was the only one getting open.
Ed, you know Cle isn't sending Stone Hands to their division opponent LOL. I will even take Plax right now, this sucks
I'm with you NFL Chick! This is pretty mind-blowing.
Add to the fact that T-Sizzle is going to come down to the wire, not liking it one bit!
UgH!!!!!!!!
Let's practice our breathing exercises.
Its time for the young receivers to get with it!!!