Like most fans, I’ve spent the off season this far reviewing the Ravens 2008 season, analyzing where we could improve, waiting for free agency, and surfing the various mock drafts on the web.  Here’s my fan list of newsworthy items that have transpired over the past two months:

News Item:  In a move that was widely expected and, for some fans, long anticipated, Chris McAlister was released by the Ravens.  C-Mac stated that the move was a “blind shot to me” and he said that “I can’t imagine this happened.  I never thought it would happen.”

A Fan’s Take:  You got to be me kidding me.  Even yours truly, who never picks the Ravens score accurately and has blinders on when it comes to most roster moves, saw this one coming from across the Bay Bridge.  C-Mac bushwhacked?  That’s either great P.R. or a terrific sense of entitlement.

Bonus Take:  Anita Marks is still accepting mourners at 105.7 The Fan. 

News Item:  Ray Lewis’ stated at the end of the season that, regarding his contract situation, “That’s between me and God.”  Sounded pretty ominous, didn’t it?

A Fan’s Take:  I presume Ray meant that he prayed over it.  No doubt he did.  But given Lewis’ contractual demands over the course of his career, I knew his prayers would be answered by the team that offered him the most money.  It wasn’t the Jets (Rex knows better) or the Cowboys (Jerry is a little cash strapped).  To no one’s surprise, it was the Ravens.

Bonus Take:  Baltimore rejoices!  Hallelujah!  Start making plans for a statue of Ray outside the Purple Vault! 

But wait a minute.

I have no illusions about Lewis and neither should you.  Look at his contract history.  With Ray it’s money first, money second, and money always.  If some idiot club owner (you can fill in the blank) had thrown a contract at Lewis that exceeded or even matched what Ozzie offered him, he’d be long gone.  Instead, we’d be burning # 52 jerseys in effigy.

News Item:  Jerry Jones finally stopped listening to the voices in his head and cut Terrell Owens.  Now some local sports talk shows are discussing the pros and cons of the Ravens signing TO.

A Fan’s Take:  I know the Ravens need a slam dunk wide out, but don’t even think of picking this cancer up.  He threw two fine quarterbacks under the bus in Frisco and Philly, and was well on his way to ruining a third in Dallas.  The Ravens finally, finally, have a young, talented QB with a ton of upside.  Need I say more?

News Item:  The Ravens let Jim Leonard test free agency and he signed a nice contract with Rex Ryan and the Jets.  Many fans are upset that the Ravens let a fan favorite walk out the door without even offering Leonard a courtesy contract.

A Fan’s Take:  This doesn’t worry me in the least.  Leonard had an undistinguished career with Buffalo and he was picked up by the Ravens last year as special teams fodder.  He struck lightning in a bottle when Dawan Landry went down and was lucky to have a defensive coordinator that maximized his abilities.  Even Leonard admitted to the New York Press that his job was to let “Ed Reed be Ed Reed.”  With Landry coming back and presumably healthy, and two second-year safeties ready to contribute beyond special teams, this is a signing the Ravens didn’t have to make.

News Item:  After a fairly quiet signing period the Ravens (and, by inference, Ozzie Newsome) were criticized on some blogs as being one of the “losers” in free agency. Then the club struck fast by resigning Ray Lewis and inking Vikings center Matt Birk, both to 3 year contracts, both on the same day.

A Fan’s Take:  I cannot understand why Ozzie doesn’t receive more attention for management awards such as NFL Executive of the Year.  Over his tenure we’ve had several productive drafts with many more hits than misses.  Our last 2 drafts have been particularly outstanding.  It seems that this year he had the entire off season choreographed.  He played the Ray Lewis situation like a concert violinist.  To wit:

·         Cut talented but All-Pro head case corner Chris McAlister.  Sign free agent CB Domonique Foxworth, a younger, healthier, local guy who leaped at the chance to play for his hometown team.  Check.

·         Three starting linebackers hit free agency at the same time. Ozzie tags Suggs, resigns Ray, and lets Bart Scott walk for a contract the Ravens could hardly afford anyway.  In the wings; Brendan Ayanbadejo, Antwan Barnes, Jameel McClain and Tavares Gooden.  Check.

·         Jason Brown leaves for huge money.  Create a hole in the o-line?  Hardly.  Sign perennial Pro Bowler Matt Birk to a three year contract worth a fraction of Brown’s deal.  Check.

·         Jim Leonard parlays a huge year in 2008 into a 3 year deal with the Jets.  Ozzie would never have let Leonard walk if there was a real danger Dwan Landry couldn’t play in 09.  Plus there’s Tom Zbikowksi and Haruki Nakamura waiting in the wings.  Check.

Free agency continues and the draft is still 7 weeks away! 

It might be a stretch to argue “In Ozzie We Trust,” but we will rue the day he retires or takes the A.D. job in Alabama.  Let’s enjoy his mastery while we can.