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More on the Zorn hiring

By Jeff Wolfson on February 5, 2010 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Friday, February 5:
Mike Preston writes on the Jim Zorn hiring: "The Ravens will be putting more pressure on quarterback Joe Flacco for next season, his third in the league. That's the way it should be, as Flacco was a first-round draft pick.

It might be a good thing that Jim Zorn has replaced Hue Jackson as quarterbacks coach. Jackson and Flacco had a great relationship, and Jackson could comfort Flacco when times got tough.

But Jackson never played the game, whereas Zorn, the former Washington Redskins head coach, played 11 seasons in the NFL, nine with the Seattle Seahawks. Zorn should be able to give Flacco more of a technical view in running an offense." [Baltimore Sun]

Aaron Wilson reports on the Ravens' coaching staff change: "Mark Carrier is no longer coaching the Baltimore Ravens' defensive backs.

That's because Carrier has reunited with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, signing on as the Jets' new defensive line coach.

Although Carrier has no prior experience coaching linemen, he took the position to diversify his resume and improve his job prospects. He's hoping that coaching a new position will eventually propel him into the defensive coordinator ranks.

He replaces Kerry Locklin, who was fired in November." [Carroll County Times]

James Walker ranks Ray Rice as the No. 7 player in the AFC North: "I cautioned to rank Rice this high after one year. But I'm convinced he's the real deal and will not be a one-hit wonder. Rice is a dynamic talent. Once he put on weight last offseason to increase durability and strength for running between the tackles, you'd be hard-pressed to find a weakness in his game. Rice can run inside and outside, go the distance, catch the football out of the backfield, and he doesn't fumble very often. If these rankings were based on just one season, he could make a strong case for the top spot. But I need to see Rice play at this level for more than one year before he's rated any higher." [ESPN.com]

Walker also puts Ray Lewis as the No. 6 player in the AFC North: "With the way Lewis, 34, thinks and sees the game, he may be able to play until he's 40 if he chooses. It's amazing to watch Lewis' smarts and film study keep him among the NFL's top linebackers at this stage of his career. There are younger and faster linebackers in the league. But they don't see the game the same way as Lewis, who has no false steps on the field. His quick reaction and recognition help him play faster than players 10 years younger. Also, Lewis' unquestioned leadership and love for the game add to his value." [ESPN.com]

Walker places Ed Reed as the No. 3 best player in the AFC North: "Reed, 31, is considering retirement. But if he returns, Reed is still one of the NFL's elite defenders, particularly in pass coverage. Tremendous athleticism and constant film study often allow him to stay one step ahead of quarterbacks. Reed has soft hands and is a threat to take it to the house every time he makes an interception. Various injuries to his groin, foot and neck limited him to 12 games this season. The nerve condition in his neck is the most serious of his ailments and has caused some limitations in Reed's game the past two seasons with tackling and run support." [ESPN.com]

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