Savage out for Ravens Game
 

Well, at least now we're not in the heat of a division/playoff race and hoping for a Super Bowl run like the Cardinals are. Season lost QB-wise since we still have no clue as to what Mallett and Savage can do.

Such a bummer for both of these guys. Get an opportunity, and something goes goofy. After seeing the replay, I told my wife we'd be bringing QB4 to finish the season. Knees aren't supposed to bend that way.....

In all honesty, and as sad as this is going to sound, I wouldn't be surprised if we had the exact same QB room next year, so I'm not sure it was a lost season QB wise. We see a fraction of what BOB sees on a week in and week out basis. Offseason moves will tell the tale, especially since we won't have the top 2 guys within reach of the draft.

I think if we have the same QBs next year it is more likely we have another lost season next year rather than this year was not a lost one.

How much better can we reasonably be on defense and ST next year? We had a huge turnover difference this year and it got us to .500.

So if we come back with Mallett/Savage/Fitz next year where is the improvement coming from? How does a team QB'd by those 3 guys make the playoffs with a tougher schedule next year? How does that team ever win the superbowl? If it can't then any season with those QBs is a lost one while we wait to one day solve our problems.

Starting from my absolute uncertainty that Mallett is not capable of leading a team deep into the playoffs (he looked pretty damn good that one game he was healthy) I would be completely against reaching for a quarterback. If there's a guy available that the team loves, fine. But as clearly as I understand that excellent quarterback play is necessary in this league to do anything I also look at the team and realize that improvements can be made at every position group.

So, I guess my answer is that the defense can get a lot better. And the return teams are downright terrible so I would think that there is room for improvement there, too, but that is mostly a function of depth, of which there is very little.

I'm not arguing against drafting a quarterback, you understand. I just don't think the team is in a position where they need to rearrange everything to reach for one.

This is not shaping up to be a great QB draft, either. Assuming the Texans are way too far out to even consider Mariota, what QB in the draft is worth thinking he'll be better than Mallett in 2015? Not talking long-term, just doubt that a rookie QB will help this team win more than 8 games in 2015.

That's not to say I am opposed to even using a first round pick on a QB, but Mallett probably gives the team its best chance next season at least if he is re-signed. And Savage is under contract, so if he isn't cut, he'll be here too.

Not to turn this into a draft thread, but Connor Cook is someone I want to see more of if he turns out to be draft eligible. If there is not an early-round pick to be had, then Fitz is likely better than most options that will be available on the market this offseason. The Raiders seem to think McGloin is an afterthought. Might be worth a flier to this team next year.

I think a good slot WR will do wonders for this offense, as will a good TE and maybe a healthy and improved XSF. Can't get much worse on returns, right? Add another LB and maybe this can be a 10-win team next year.

But if you get all of the Defense and ST moves right and improved play on the OL, and you bring Foster back, and you are awesome again in turnover differential (a little fluky from year to year), then you are hoping to be a 10 or 11 win team against what will be a tougher schedule next year. The ceiling just isn't that high.

I would have fun watching it, but it doesn't change the fact that we are spinning our wheels until we get a QB. Maybe we can polish the car with the spinning wheels but it doesn't change the fact that the car isn't going anywhere.

The Ravens are hell on rookie QBs. I would not want to be Lewis or Keenum this Sunday. I will say, if Keenum does play at QB, at least he'll have Foster to hand off to this time.

It'll be reunion weekend, too. Kubiak. Daniels, Forsett, Jacoby Jones...

I think we have no choice but to re-sign Mallett now. I'd use Fitz's money to get it done. There is always going to be a Fitz/Orton/Sanchez/Etc/Etc out there to sign if need be. This team needs to figure out if one of these young guys can develop and move the team forward next year - even at the expense of a few early season W's. As for the draft, we're probably looking at a mid-RD QB, so basically, it's Savage Part II. I think I'd use the draft to upgrade DB, WR, OL, LB, and go with Mallett and Savage and maybe try to sign someone like Sanchez or Glennon hoping that maybe you find gold (even though neither has shown it so far). If the Eagles do something crazy and/or Foles falls out of favor, I'd trade for him in a heartbeat.

Ricky Stanzi added to the practice squad. Drafted by the Chiefs, 5th round 2011 when Crennel was in KC.

I recall being intrigued by his prospects as a rookie, but then later recall seeing him in action (preseason I suppose) and losing the intrigue.

QBs on 53 man roster

7 Keenum, Case QB 6-1 205 26 3 Houston
6 Lewis, Thad QB 6-2 219 27 4 Duke
3 Savage, Tom QB 6-4 228 24 0 Pittsburgh

QBs on IR
15 Mallett, Ryan QB 6-6 245 26 4 Arkansas
14 Fitzpatrick, Ryan QB 6-2 223 32 10 Harvard

QB on practice squad
12 Stanzi, Ricky QB 6-4 228 27 4 Iowa

So Thad Lewis coached by then QB coach at Duke, Bill O'Brien. And offseason threw practice to AJ in his hometown of Miami. was 2-2 during 4 games at Buffalo last year.

Ricky Stanzi at Jacksonville last year has not yet thrown a regular season pass in NFL.

Wonder who will start this upcoming Sunday?

And who around for off-season and next year?