NFL Cancels Remaining OTAs for Ravens
Kristian Wiles
June 8, 2010
Posted under Baltimore Ravens
At the risk of being fined by NBA Commissioner David Stern for upstaging the Finals, let’s talk football (I should be OK as long I don’t reference a certain high profile free agent from the Cavs).
Reacting to a complaint filed by the Player’s Association against the Ravens, today the NFL canceled the last week of Baltimore’s organized team activities (OTAs), scheduled for the week of June 14. In their ruling the league cited drill intensity and tempo as well as the length of time players spent at the team facility.
This is a minor offense from the team’s standpoint but likely won’t play as well in the locker room. Despite a week off with pay, veteran players looking to gel with new additions from the draft and free agency will miss time and final reps before training camp starts. The whistle blower(s) better hope Ray Lewis doesn’t find out who turned the team in.
This year Ray Ray and other defensive vets have reason to be excited. The Ravens look stronger following a successful 2009 season mainly because of improvements made on offense. Adding Anquan Boldin and Donte’ Stallworth to the receiving core will provide 3rd year QB Joe Flacco the targets he needs to have Baltimore back in the playoffs come January.
Even so, OTAs are just OTAs and should have little effect on the rest of the preseason.
So, now someone is complaining of too much work? Okay…