Jonathan Ogden Retires, and Offensive Line Crumbles in Baltimore

A huge hit to the 5-11 Ravens team will take place tomorrow June 12, when Canton-bound Jonathan Ogden is expected to announce his retirement.

by Robert Zendzian (Scribe)

2

252 reads

Sports

June 11, 2008

NFL, AFC North, Baltimore Ravens

Following a dismal 5-11 finish to last season, the Baltimore Ravens should expect to lose their 11 time Pro-Bowl offensive tackle tomorrow. Baltimore's local paper the Baltimore Sun reports they have received word from Johnathan Ogden that he will hang up the helmet and pads after 12 seasons in the NFL. 

This will come as no surprise to fans and the franchise since a toe injury that has been bothering Ogden lately and he has expressed he was pondering the idea of retirement. 

No surprise does not mean no worries, however, as Baltimore's coaching staff will have plenty to figure out when answering to last seasons 39 sacks, which is 2.4 sacks allowed a game. The line also allowed for only a mediocre 16th best running game in the NFL. 

Take into consideration that performance was with their All-Pro offensive tackle on hand for ten games. Without Ogden, sacks and poor rushing performances could plague the Ravens in 2008. 

Let us not forget the most important question: Where do they find leadership in the offensive line? 

The Ravens need answers to this fast. Right now, the best the Ravens are looking at is moving forward with second year player Jared Gaither. 

However, Gaitheris not Ogden, and if the coaching staff expects him to be, they have another thing coming.  The locker room presence that Ogden brought will not be match by anyone next year. 

Management will need to figure this one out over the next few years, because replacing a 12-year veteran who has seen all his seasons with your franchise is impossible.

Bottom Line: Great career Johnathan Ogden and good luck to the Baltimore Ravens with replacing him with someone half as good.

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comments (2) write a comment »

  1. reply to comment by steve
    3 months ago

    Your title was pretty harsh for an article that did not support it very well at all.

    1. by Robert
      from 3 months ago

      interesting you say that....idk something about giving up 39 sacks and only 16 in the running game kinda support it...and nice article you have written..oh wait. and that was not the original title either someone edited it

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