How long can we trust Ozzie?

We have a motto here in Baltimore: “In Ozzie We Trust”.  It means that even though situations may seem dire, we believe, Ozzie will find a way to fix things and everything will be ok in the end.  So I, like most fans, went into this offseason thinking that the Ravens would be at least somewhat active by resigning guys and bringing in some key free agents.  It turns out they were quite the opposite.  They allowed key players such as Jarrett Johnson, Cory Redding, and Ben Grubbs to walk away from the team.  Even role players such as Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura skipped town for paydays elsewhere.  This started to trouble me until last Friday when they finally resigned Jameel McClain and Brendon Ayanbadejo and brought in Sean Considine and Corey Graham.  However this news only eased my weariness for about a day.

Over the course of free agency the Ravens have continually said things along the lines of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.  The problem with this is that it IS broken.  Last year special teams was a clear weak spot for the team, so they brought in Considine and Graham who are special teams “aficionados” (for what it’s worth).  Great, we are improving something we sucked at last year but we still aren’t addressing the glaring needs on the team (Offensive Line, Linebacker, Defensive Line).  I get it, last year we were a catch away from the Super Bowl but we have also lost key pieces to that team that still need replacing.  While we are sitting here trying “not to fix” things other teams are out there improving.  I still don’t believe that Jah Reid can step in and take Grubbs’ place.  I don’t believe Kruger is an every down player yet.  And I don’t believe that there is anyone currently on the roster who can replace Cory Redding.

Ozzie better get a move on before we are picking up scraps that no one wants.  And he sure as hell better draft like Nostradamus (well, maybe not Nostradamus but you catch my drift) if the Ravens are going to still be a competitive team next year.  I know that cap is somewhat of an issue but there are still quality guys out there who we could bring in on the cheap who are better than a Considine or a Graham.  I still trust Ozzie but my trust is wearing thin.  They say they have “a plan” but I sure hope it doesn’t include more ‘Moneyball’ pickups like the ones so far.  But, as always…..

In Ozzie We Trust