Where’s the Sizzle??

 

The Ravens 2008 camp opened this week with a glaring absence on the defensive side of the ball.  It’s not a surprise to anyone that Terrell Suggs is a no show in Westminster.  The team smacked the Franchise tag on him in the preseason which means a contract offer of $8.472 million this year.  Just agreeing on the number was a challenge due to Suggs filing a grievence against the team to determine what position his salary would be based on.  The solution was basically a new hybrid defensive end/linebacker designation that splits the salary difference between the two.  Suggs is said to be training on the West Coast but is missing valuable time in camp.  In 2007 he had a career low in sacks but a career high in tackles.  His absence is opening the door for a stable of young linebackers to strut their stuff.  Edgar Jones and Antwan Barnes have been splitting reps with vet Gary Stills.  My gut feeling is that Barnes will have a breakout year, especially if Suggs isn’t ready when he arrives.  Jones is a horse who was undrafted when the Ravens picked him up last year.  With the way that Rex Ryan loves to move players all over the field, all three could have huge years and do a ton of damage to opposing quarterbacks.  You could very well see any of them lining up outside or on the line which is a nice luxury for any defense.