The Smoke Behind Poe

We’re all aware of the value that Patrick Mekari’s versatility provides the Ravens offense. There aren’t many players in the NFL who can competently play across the face of the offensive front. Mekari is one of them.

Against the Bills, Mekari started at left guard in place of the injured Andrew Vorhees. Judging from this week’s injury report, he may be asked to do it again in Cincinnati. That said, if Vorhees is ready to go, where might Mekari play? The team seems committed to Daniel Faalele at right guard while Roger Rosengarten is developing nicely at right tackle. Assuming Faalele and Rosengarten continue their youthful ascent, it leaves Mekari rather position-less. And in the grand scheme of things, that’s a good problem to have.

In the video clip below, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger illustrates Mekari’s versatility. And let’s not forget, “Baldy” played 143 games in the league, starting in 47. He also knows a thing or two about versatility. During his 12-year career, Baldinger played all 3 offensive line positions. It’s not hard to understand his appreciation of Patrick Mekari.

.@ravens @patrickmekari97 is the most versatile offensive lineman in the NFL and whereever he plays; he plays well. Such a luxury. The 2 Patrick’s ….. Ricard & Mekari. Versatile & Selfless. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/CPnfEU8toT

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 3, 2024

Like a Fine Wine

Kyle Van Noy has played in the NFL since 2014, a 2nd-round pick of the Detroit Lions. Prior to arriving in Baltimore, Van Noy’s most productive season in terms of sacks, was in 2019 as a member of the New England Patriots when he took down opposing QB’s 6 ½ times. He was then 28 years old. As a 32-year-old player in 2023, KVN registered 9 sacks during his first campaign in Baltimore and so far, this season, he has 6 sacks in four games. He also leads the NFL in tackles-for-loss with seven.

Van Noy is a student of the game. The former BYU Cougar brings a savvy veteran element to his game that keeps him one step ahead, which in turn, helps him keep the wrath of Father Time at bay. Preparation, anticipation and recognition place KVN in positions to succeed.

During training camp, linebackers coach Chuck Smith shed some additional light on why at his advanced age in the NFL, Van Noy has had such a dramatic bump in production:

“[Kyle Van Noy] wants to be a great pass rusher. I think what’s really special is that after all these years – he’s been with multiple teams – now he says, ‘Man, I’ve never had a chance to just focus on all pass rush.’ I mean he’s a nickel rusher, and in all the other places, he was off the ball, [and] he was on the ball, so the thing that’s cool is he really understands how the games work inside, because he’s done those kinds of things, and he just loves it. And we talk about pass rush all the time. When he comes off the field, [and] when we [are] walking by each other, we talk about pass rush. In the offseason, he’ll send me some videos, because he put in a lot of work this offseason, as well as last offseason, and he really just loves pass rush. It’s pretty awesome when you get a guy at this stage that says, ‘You know what, I’m cool to basically come off the bench,’ so to speak – not as a starter, not traditionally. Benched sounds kind of harsh, but you know what I mean.” (Laughter) “To come off and accept [his] role and thrive at it …”

Thriving as he has, hasn’t gone unnoticed outside of Baltimore.

Van Noy also shared his thoughts this summer on his statistical advancement in the all-important sack category:

“I haven’t played on the ball like this for very long. Out of my 11 years, now this will be year three out of my 11 that I’ve solely haven’t had to worry about playing middle linebacker with the green dot, and I still kind of tell people what to do every once in a while. But it’s not as much communication, [and I] just focus in on my task and opportunity to win a one on one, and just getting better and grinding at it.”

What it’s all about!! https://t.co/iXF0dEryWC

— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03) October 1, 2024

The King

As I watch Derrick Henry steamroll defenders while wearing Ravens colors, I can’t help but to think back to last season when GM Eric DeCosta tried to acquire The King prior to the trade deadline. Word is the trade would have happened if not for an intervention from the Titans’ ownership. Might the AFC Championship Game have played out differently?

Water under the bridge for sure, but it’s hard not to imagine a different outcome for the Ravens last season if that trade had gone down.

This season, Henry is off to a fast start in Baltimore. There are no signs of the 30-year-old back slowing down. And I wonder what Titans fans are thinking. I recall watching Ed Reed wear the colors of the Texans and Jets in 2013. It was a sad conclusion to a Hall of Fame career.

Fortunately for Henry and the Ravens, The King’s career hasn’t hit the same wall that Ed’s did. This week Henry will eclipse the 10,000-yard mark in his career. And now I’m wondering if he’ll hit 11,000 this season also.

#Ravens Derrick Henry breaks down his 87-yard TD vs the Bills

“All I seen was green grass and the rest was history” #Rearview pic.twitter.com/2POyHRlLP5

— G.O.A.T. Farm Sports (@GOATfarmmedia) October 3, 2024

Davante The Troll

Is Davante Adams trolling Ravens fans while posting cryptic messages on social media featuring Edgar Allen Poe? Might he be trying to leverage social media to help improve the Raiders bargaining position so that they may feel more committed to trading the 6-time Pro Bowl receiver who has suddenly become a malcontent in Las Vegas?

We have ANOTHER Edgar Allan Poe post from Davante Adams #PMSLive https://t.co/ttbosGi6n5 pic.twitter.com/CPHXdIVUlm

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 4, 2024

I have no insight into the possibilities of Adams to the Ravens. Like you, I can only speculate. With the help of Brian McFarland, I did present the case that the Ravens can in fact afford to acquire Adams. Count me among those who would love to see it happen. Lamar, The King and Adams on the same field together?

These opportunities don’t come around often. Not only would such a deal make the Ravens better, but it would also prevent other contenders seeking a WR from improving. And, EDC could structure the deal in a way that it would not hurt the Ravens down the road.

DeCosta made a splash last season when he signed Odell Beckham to a 1-year deal that could have been worth up to $18M. And OBJ, relatively speaking, was washed, due to injuries, when compared to Adams.

What would you do?

Drive My Car

Two key members of the Ravens were involved in auto accidents this summer – Mark Andrews and Nate Wiggins. The team denies it, but Andrews does seem to have been affected by the accident. Maybe it was coincidence that the accident and Andrews’ statistical plummet have occurred around the same time. Maybe not.

This summer while watching Ravens practices, Andrews was dominant. He worked like a beast and chances are if there was a big body diving for a catch, when the dust settled, there was No. 89, picking himself up off the turf.

And then the accident.

And then there was Wiggins fender bender.

Photos show Ravens first-round rookie Nate Wiggins’ crashed Lamborghini after close call on I-95: https://t.co/Pvo2lsbhxf pic.twitter.com/Bzy1WVjnP1

— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) October 4, 2024

Fortunately, neither player was seriously hurt during their respective accidents.

Here’s to their success on the field tomorrow.

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