Alan Ricard released

[no1cowboysfan]

Sorry if this has been posted under some strange title ... didn't see it.

Anyways,

July 18, 2006 8:34 PM ET
Ravens: Ricard released
The News
The Baltimore Ravens released starting fullback Alan Ricard Tuesday. Ricard missed most of last year with injuries to both calves.
Our View
Jamal Lewis is the guy who this news will impact the most in the fantasy world. Ricard was given a lot of credit in helping Lewis reach 2000 yards in 2003. Was it a coincidence that Lewis had his worst season as a pro with Ricard stashed away on injured reserve last year? Ovie Mughelli and Justin Green are the leading internal candidates to replace Ricard as the team's starting fullback.

I can't see any reason why this would happen ... Ricard was one of the most underrated FBs in the league. There must have been lingering injuries. But still ... to not even make the camp roster?

Despite what Fanball says, does anyone think Mike Anderson reverts back to FB? I think it's a strong possibility. In my opinion, he's a natural fullback, and he could still fill-in as a 3rd down back or spell back.

[Popcynical]

I think this is bad news for Jamal Lewis. I had him last year in one of my leagues and I remember reading news about him saying that part of the reason he'd had a bad game was because Ricard wasn't playing, or watch out next week J-Lew owners, Ricard won't be playing again. I also remember reading about how close Ricard and Lewis were as friends..

Well.. we'll see whether or not Ricard was a scapegoat for Lewis' poor performance last year.

[onnestabe]

When I heard this report, whoever was brodacasting it acted like it was a sign of the Ravens changing offense. I don't really know much about it, but maybe they want to use more two back sets? My first impression was that it was good for Lewis, since this makes Anderson the top FB more than the 2nd RB, so you have to worry less about competition for carries from Anderson.

[The Lung]

Could Mike Anderson be a better fullback than starting fullback Alan Ricard? I doubt it. Even if this move makes you worry less about competition for carries from Anderson, I don't think it bodes well for Jamal, and this definitely leads me to downgrade Lewis in my rankings even more.

[Dadd]

If Lewis is more dependant on Ricard (or any FB) to be effective, and Anderson is more comfortable operating out of a single-back offense (since Denver ran that), I would be more worried that if Jamal struggles that Mike would get more carries.

[GreatestShowOnEarth]

this is defintely not good news for JLew owners. I dont understand cutting him at all. Hes one of the better fullbacks in the league. Maybe the Ravens liked one of the two other guys listed in the article and didnt want to deal with damaged goods? Any Ravens fans have some insight?

[PACKman1144]

yeah I posted it in the Ravens forum a few days ago...trying to give the team forums a boost...

The whole article is in there. His leg was bothering him, it was a wierd situation. This does hurt Jamal's status, not a lot, but a little. Jamal was very good running behind him but it won't make too much of a diff IMO.

But check the Ravens forum and read the article that thing has it all in there.

[biju]

Personally I think this move coupled with the likelihood of a two back system in Baltimore creates matchup problems for teams. They now need to bump up their LBs to protect against the run and will leave more man coverage in the secondary.

But if the Ravens use the pass to set up the run (a la Seattle) and force teams to play back this will allow more running room. It might mean less carries for Lewis but I see those carries being more effective.

Which RBs are you considering bumping him below on this news?

[Dadd]

Personally I think this move coupled with the likelihood of a two back system in Baltimore creates matchup problems for teams. They now need to bump up their LBs to protect against the run and will leave more man coverage in the secondary.

But if the Ravens use the pass to set up the run (a la Seattle) and force teams to play back this will allow more running room. It might mean less carries for Lewis but I see those carries being more effective.

Which RBs are you considering bumping him below on this news?

I would say, for myself, that Jamal was somewhere around #12-15 RB. If he is at that position, then I wouldn't drop him any further than that, based on this news.