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Balt Homers - Mark Clayton (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Pigskins
- Start date
cobalt_27
Footballguy
Other than when he couldn't play due to injury, when was Clayton not #2 on the depth chart?He was always #2 on Depth chart...on paper. But D. Williams has been starting right? That's why I'm confused. The depth charts on all the sites put him as #2. But he has been playing as #3. I'm just wondering when will the depth charts finally match with the actual game.Other than when he couldn't play due to injury, when was Clayton not #2 on the depth chart?
MCguidance
Footballguy
I took this guy with high hopes. He has been nothing but awful. He is number two but McNair cant do anything, I think his stock may improve a bit.He was always #2 on Depth chart...on paper. But D. Williams has been starting right? That's why I'm confused. The depth charts on all the sites put him as #2. But he has been playing as #3. I'm just wondering when will the depth charts finally match with the actual game.Other than when he couldn't play due to injury, when was Clayton not #2 on the depth chart?
Ketamine Dreams
Footballguy
Do people still have this guy on their rosters? Just curious. I didn't draft him in any league and am surprised people are even talking about him....
MCguidance
Footballguy
I do. I cant stomach giving him up yet, dont know why.
Rev
Footballguy
I traded Tony Gonzalas for Clayton straight up in a dynasty league before the season. I think he has a far higher ceiling that many, but I'm very dissappointed in him currently. Last season, he seemed to step ahead of Mason as the #1, but he's taken the back seat once again.I do. I cant stomach giving him up yet, dont know why.
Lombardi's Orphan Son
Footballguy
i'm still very hopeful. i have him in a dynasty and haven't even thought of dropping him. he's been injured, plus that passing game has pretty much stunk it up as far as consistency. i don't think this year is going to be a good one for Clayton, but i do believe he has the skillz to be an elite wr.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
From watching the games this year, it appears that Clayton is being used situationally with D. Williams. Both are used in 3-WR sets, of course, but Billick seems to use them on an "as needed" basis, play by play. They have slightly different strengths and, since QB accuracy is an ongoing issue with the Ratbirds, Williams gets a lot of targets in their patented "throw it up in the air and hope our tall guy gets it" offensive scheme.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
According to the local beat writer today, nagging injuries have slowed him all season but he is reportedly the healthiest he has been since it began.abrecher said:
From the news blogger - Clayton talks about his disappointing start to the season A good read for Clayton owners/fans.
Clayton playing catch-up
But wide receiver, slowed by injuries, values team success more than stats
By Don Markus | Sun Reporter
October 13, 2007
Mark Clayton is not looking to make excuses, only to find solutions. The Ravens wide receiver doesn't memorize the statistics sheet, but he knows his own numbers. He isn't the only member of the offense whose production is lacking this season, but his dip is the most precipitous.
Going into tomorrow's game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium, the third-year player has caught just 10 passes for 81 yards. Even Quinn Sypniewski, the team's third-string tight end, has two more receptions than Clayton.
"I wouldn't say the stats reflect your role on the team," Clayton said this week after a practice in Owings Mills. "You would like to have the numbers; that would be great. Right now, our offense isn't slinging it down the field all the time."
Slowed by injuries since the preseason and hampered by a pass offense that doesn't take advantage of any deep-threat potential, Clayton acknowledges that his personal struggle is overshadowed by the team's goal.
"For me, it's about winning championships and what can I do to help my team win a championship," Clayton said. "It's just be still and move when asked. When the coaches need something, 'Mark we need this play' or whatever, stand up and make that play."
To move toward that goal, the Ravens will have to improve offensively, and they will need a way to find Clayton. Since being drafted in the first round out of Oklahoma with the 22nd overall pick in 2005, Clayton has been the team's most consistent downfield threat.
In the final five games of his rookie season, Clayton caught 24 passes for 324 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown at the Denver Broncos and a 47-yard touchdown two weeks later at home against the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the season with 44 catches for 471 yards.
A year ago, Clayton caught 67 passes for a team-high 939 yards and five touchdowns, including a 62-yarder against the Carolina Panthers, a 65-yarder at the Tennessee Titans and an 87-yarder at the Kansas City Chiefs. He was the only offensive bright spot in a season-ending playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, with six catches for 73 yards.
Then came this season's injuries.
Clayton sprained his ankle in a preseason game against the New York Giants blocking for Mike Anderson. Clayton suffered turf toe in the season-opening loss at the Cincinnati Bengals. He strained an Achilles' tendon in a road loss to the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago. He hasn't missed a game, but he has yet to be a factor.
"That's your base, that's your foundation," Clayton said of the leg and foot injuries. "Any position on the field, you can't do too much with your feet not being right. It's frustrating and tough. I just thank God that I'm making progress and feeling better and just taking steps."
It wasn't just the physical problems that affected Clayton.
"Mentally, it was really tough dealing with that, going into this year with the momentum and the expectations that we had as a team. It's frustrating because you want to make plays and do everything that you can to help," he said.
"At the same time, it's OK because I've been able to learn through my injuries, sitting and watching, seeing how the game's played, different defenses, how things open up. When I go back in, I can remember that and make the plays."
Clayton, who said he is about "85 percent" recovered, has also been stymied by a stagnant offense.
"Our thing is: 'First, win the ballgame.' The game dictates what we do as a team," Clayton said. "We've been efficient. We've moved the ball. We just haven't scored like we know we should. Everybody can have their opinions, but we'll get it done. It's not always pretty; Ravens football hasn't always been pretty. If we don't dial them up [go long], so be it."
Ravens receiver Derrick Mason can understand if Clayton is frustrated. Toward the end of last season, Mason saw his production drop drastically, to the point where he voiced his displeasure after the 15-6 playoff loss to the Colts.
Mason, whose NFL-leading 44 catches this season have produced only 372 yards, said Clayton's contributions go beyond the stat sheet.
"You've got to be able to block. You've got to be able to set up your other guys. You've got to be willing to say: 'This play isn't for me, but I've got to run my route just as hard on the other side,'" Mason said. "That's what Mark has. For Mark, the numbers will come."
Offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel said Clayton's latest injury isn't the only problem. All the receivers, including Mason and Demetrius Williams, as well as tight ends Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox, have been limited in practice at times this season.
"When you don't have everybody at full speed for practice, it is difficult to expect it to be all synchronized on Sunday," Neuheisel said Thursday. "It's further compounded by the quarterback [steve McNair] not being totally healthy. All those things play into it."
Clayton playing catch-up
But wide receiver, slowed by injuries, values team success more than stats
By Don Markus | Sun Reporter
October 13, 2007
Mark Clayton is not looking to make excuses, only to find solutions. The Ravens wide receiver doesn't memorize the statistics sheet, but he knows his own numbers. He isn't the only member of the offense whose production is lacking this season, but his dip is the most precipitous.
Going into tomorrow's game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium, the third-year player has caught just 10 passes for 81 yards. Even Quinn Sypniewski, the team's third-string tight end, has two more receptions than Clayton.
"I wouldn't say the stats reflect your role on the team," Clayton said this week after a practice in Owings Mills. "You would like to have the numbers; that would be great. Right now, our offense isn't slinging it down the field all the time."
Slowed by injuries since the preseason and hampered by a pass offense that doesn't take advantage of any deep-threat potential, Clayton acknowledges that his personal struggle is overshadowed by the team's goal.
"For me, it's about winning championships and what can I do to help my team win a championship," Clayton said. "It's just be still and move when asked. When the coaches need something, 'Mark we need this play' or whatever, stand up and make that play."
To move toward that goal, the Ravens will have to improve offensively, and they will need a way to find Clayton. Since being drafted in the first round out of Oklahoma with the 22nd overall pick in 2005, Clayton has been the team's most consistent downfield threat.
In the final five games of his rookie season, Clayton caught 24 passes for 324 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown at the Denver Broncos and a 47-yard touchdown two weeks later at home against the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the season with 44 catches for 471 yards.
A year ago, Clayton caught 67 passes for a team-high 939 yards and five touchdowns, including a 62-yarder against the Carolina Panthers, a 65-yarder at the Tennessee Titans and an 87-yarder at the Kansas City Chiefs. He was the only offensive bright spot in a season-ending playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts, with six catches for 73 yards.
Then came this season's injuries.
Clayton sprained his ankle in a preseason game against the New York Giants blocking for Mike Anderson. Clayton suffered turf toe in the season-opening loss at the Cincinnati Bengals. He strained an Achilles' tendon in a road loss to the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago. He hasn't missed a game, but he has yet to be a factor.
"That's your base, that's your foundation," Clayton said of the leg and foot injuries. "Any position on the field, you can't do too much with your feet not being right. It's frustrating and tough. I just thank God that I'm making progress and feeling better and just taking steps."
It wasn't just the physical problems that affected Clayton.
"Mentally, it was really tough dealing with that, going into this year with the momentum and the expectations that we had as a team. It's frustrating because you want to make plays and do everything that you can to help," he said.
"At the same time, it's OK because I've been able to learn through my injuries, sitting and watching, seeing how the game's played, different defenses, how things open up. When I go back in, I can remember that and make the plays."
Clayton, who said he is about "85 percent" recovered, has also been stymied by a stagnant offense.
"Our thing is: 'First, win the ballgame.' The game dictates what we do as a team," Clayton said. "We've been efficient. We've moved the ball. We just haven't scored like we know we should. Everybody can have their opinions, but we'll get it done. It's not always pretty; Ravens football hasn't always been pretty. If we don't dial them up [go long], so be it."
Ravens receiver Derrick Mason can understand if Clayton is frustrated. Toward the end of last season, Mason saw his production drop drastically, to the point where he voiced his displeasure after the 15-6 playoff loss to the Colts.
Mason, whose NFL-leading 44 catches this season have produced only 372 yards, said Clayton's contributions go beyond the stat sheet.
"You've got to be able to block. You've got to be able to set up your other guys. You've got to be willing to say: 'This play isn't for me, but I've got to run my route just as hard on the other side,'" Mason said. "That's what Mark has. For Mark, the numbers will come."
Offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel said Clayton's latest injury isn't the only problem. All the receivers, including Mason and Demetrius Williams, as well as tight ends Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox, have been limited in practice at times this season.
"When you don't have everybody at full speed for practice, it is difficult to expect it to be all synchronized on Sunday," Neuheisel said Thursday. "It's further compounded by the quarterback [steve McNair] not being totally healthy. All those things play into it."
MCguidance
Footballguy
i have to start him with jennings on bye 
valhallan
Footballguy
I believe something similar has been posted in past weeks... so not sure how much stock we should put in it.
valhallan
Footballguy
It was posted in week 3 and he caught 5 for 34 yards. I've seen most of the Baltimore games this year and he's been on the field plenty but they don't throw to him.
Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
If Billick didn't have a hard on for McNair, i'd get more excited about clayton.
pyite76
Footballguy
I think this might be a breakout week for Demetrius Williams. From what I have seen, he looks to have more talent than Clayton. He seems to play with a passion out there, sort of like a young Steve Smith. Boller has a big arm and I think he might get open deep once for a big play this week against that BUF secondary.
MCguidance
Footballguy
Not to be a jerk, but DW looks to have more talent because he was healthy. An injured or banged up player will generally not look as crisp as a healthy one, obviously. And that directly transfers to how a player seems to have more passion. If a guy can't accelerate, turn, juke, etc. how is he going to look? And again not to be a jerk but to compare DW to Steve Smith??Look at their attributes (ESPN) : SS - Height: 5-9 Weight: 185 lbs; DW: Height: 6-2 Weight: 197 lbs.
Not only do their physical statures not match up, but neither do their playing styles. One is a big, tall guy, who is able to get jump balls, and the other is a guy who excels in YAC, making people miss.
Just my opinion
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Craig_MiamiFL
Footballguy
I think both Williams & Clayton have solid futures. When healthy, I think the latter has very little downside. It's apparent the guy has not been healthy and it's hard to perform when you've had injury after injury to your lower half. Maybe it won't be until 2008 until he comes back.Mason will be gone sooner or later as well (If McNair weren't there, I'd argue he'd already been gone this past offseason when he was crying about wanting out). Until then, PPR leaguers can enjoy what he offers.
The sooner McNair leaves, the sooner this offense will perform.
pyite76
Footballguy
I meant the general nasty attitude he plays with and mainly how he attacks the ball in the air and catches it with his hands. I meant nothing at all about his size/height. Sorry if you read it that way.
Cecil Collins should be eligible for parole soon.I do. I cant stomach giving him up yet, dont know why.
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