1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Ngata thriving under the radar for Ravens

Discussion in 'Other NFL' started by joeydolfan, Dec 4, 2008.

  1. joeydolfan

    joeydolfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    5,312
    2,894
    113
    Apr 26, 2008
    Ft. Worth
    ESPN - Haloti Ngata's lack of acclaim may leave him out of the Pro Bowl

    Nice piece on Ngata and would be an immense shame if he was passed over for the Pro Bowl this year. I would give up my left testicle if he was a FA next year and we went after him to man our NT spot.
     
  2. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

    11,881
    4,834
    113
    Nov 26, 2007
    Detroit Metro Area MI
    He has been having a very very good year, quietly turning into one of the best NTs out there. I agree, if he was a FA I would love for us to go after him. Am thinking toward the draft and how awesome it would be if we could pull a guy like that out of it. I know people are salivating over LBs at the moment such as Sintim, Hardy, Brown etc, and rightfully so. But if there is a franchise NT at our spot somehow, I think we have to bite.
     
  3. alen1

    alen1 New Member

    52,811
    20,365
    0
    Dec 16, 2007
    Haloti Ngata has been great this year, no doubt. He plays the run very well as mentioned in the article and he's spent time in coverage. The article says that he dropped back into coverage to intercept Sage Rosenfels. They forgot to mention his interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. He was playing the middle in the UFO defense when he intercepted that pass. I believe one of the knocks on Ngata coming out was that he took plays off but that doesn't seem to be the case in Baltimore. Furthermore, the article says he's a defensive tackle and while he is listed at that, I've seen him play defensive end. The middle is occupied by another guy who hasn't been discussed by any of these 'experts' and that's Justin Bannan. Bannan has played the Nose since Kelly Gregg (whose a good, underrated player as well) went on IR. Bannan has been exceptional for the Ravens and nobody is talking about him.
     
  4. alen1

    alen1 New Member

    52,811
    20,365
    0
    Dec 16, 2007
    I think we all agree that we need a young Nose via draft and/or free agency but I have to wonder, do we have that guy on the roster already? Is Phil Merling that guy? I know he's been packing on weight and he has spent time on the interior this year. I wonder if he can occupy that spot in the future. He continues to go to those ineffective spin moves and he sometimes loses track of the play because of those spins but I do wonder if he can tie up blockers. Its something that I hope to remember to catch when watching the game. I'm still for him at Linebacker but if he can play the Nose, I rather get him there and draft a guy like Larry English (my personal favorite), Clint Sintim or Greg Hardy to rush the passer outside.
     
  5. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

    11,881
    4,834
    113
    Nov 26, 2007
    Detroit Metro Area MI
    An interesting thought. What is his size compared to Jay Ratliffe the Cowboys nose? I know he was mentioned as being undersized, but has been playing at a high level. I wouldnt be upset with that at all.
    Whoever plays there needs to be a player that ties up 2 blockers on every play, can penetrate or push into the backfield and be a major disruptor. Having a guy in the middle that can routinely get into the backfield and tie up 2 blockers is invaluable.
     
  6. alen1

    alen1 New Member

    52,811
    20,365
    0
    Dec 16, 2007
    Ratliff has about 12 pounds on Merling.

    Absolutely, problem is that I can't recall if Merling did a good job of occupying blockers. I'll have to watch for that on Sunday.
     
  7. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    Bannan is listed at 6'3'', 310 - the same size as Jason Ferguson. ;) He's 29 so he's flown under the radar for quite some time.
     
  8. alen1

    alen1 New Member

    52,811
    20,365
    0
    Dec 16, 2007
    My point is that he's playing at a very high level this year and I haven't heard any 'expert' say anything on him. In the past, he was a rotational player with Kelly Gregg.
     
  9. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    You can't always trust the experts :)

    And I got what you were saying before :yes: I just had to throw my own point in there. May as well use the research.
     
  10. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

    11,881
    4,834
    113
    Nov 26, 2007
    Detroit Metro Area MI
    Merling I think definately has to bulk up some. Ratliff is considered to be small for a Parcells type 3-4 NT. But if he can add 10-20lbs at least he might have enough bulk to be a force.
     
  11. alen1

    alen1 New Member

    52,811
    20,365
    0
    Dec 16, 2007
    He's listed at 290 but I think he looks a bit heavier than that. He could be say around 295 right now and I would ask him to put about seven to ten lbs. more.
     

Share This Page