Ravens Bye Week - Rest and the Restless

by Gouch | 4 years ago | 0 Comments

Following the 39-36 win over the Saints, the Ravens get to look forward to a week of rest and relaxation. "We are mentally drained," said Quarterback Lamar Jackson. "I plan on utilizing my off time in the Caribbean."

Though the Caribbean sounds lovely this time of year, not everyone's mind is beach-centered. Some players, like Defensive Tackle, Brandon Williams, his future in Baltimore is uncertain. "In a contact year, it is difficult to think about anything other than your future," said Defensive Tackle Brandon Williams. "I cannot focus on the future, as this team is looking for me to solidify the interior of our D-Line." Williams is in the final year of his contract, while also expecting to turn 34 a the end of the season.

Brandon Williams is not the only player to have the unknown linger above him. Players such as CB Marcus Peters, DT Damon Harrison, WRs Vyncent Smith and Marcus Boykin and HB Mark Ingram may all be considered cap casualties following the season, due to what the market commanded for QB Lamar Jackson ($248 Mil). When asked about their situation, CB Marcus Peters just brushed it off with confidence. "This team knows what i am capable of and I've shown it week in and week out," said Peters. "I can only control my product on the field. Should that not be enough, my services will benefit another franchise in Season 60." Though Peters is turning 30, he has been the Ravens best defender over the past 3 seasons, totaling 16 interceptions, 107 tackles and 2 touchdowns. 

With these uncertainties looming, rumors are swirling of the Ravens inquiring about potential trades of these players. Though these rumors have been circulating for weeks, Coach Gouch downplayed the rumors, as business as usual. "We wouldn't be doing our due diligence as ownership, if we weren't always surveying the landscape of the trade market," said Coach Gouch. "It is business as usual, and i expect guys to conduct themselves as such."

Business will need to continue to move forward as expected, following the bye week, as the Ravens look to continue their brutal schedule against division rival Bengals.