A Heap of Trouble

Todd Heap has a reputation for being soft.  He has missed quite a few games over the past several seasons due to various ailments.  But with the absence of big Quinn Sypniewski for the upcoming season, the Ravens need Heap to stay healthy and produce.  A healthy Heap gives the quarterback another option and prevents the opposing defense from blanketing the receivers on obvious passing downs.

In other words, a healthy Heap gives Cam Cameron's offense the chance to be more aggressive and creative.

An injured Heap, however, could spell trouble.  If Heap can't go and with Sypniewski on the shelf, then either Daniel Wilcox or Lee Vickers would have to play TE.  I don't know about you, but neither one of those is an awe-inspiring choice to me.  Oh sure, I'd go with Wilcox over Vickers, but the drop-off in talent is huge when compared to Heap.

In addition, the absence of production from the TE position will highlight the hole in the O-line left by JO.  A healthy Heap would be a nice safety valve for a pressured quarterback--be it Boller, Smith, or Flacco.  I don't think Wilcox or Vickers can be a valuable, consistent receiver for the Ravens.

So I hope Heap is working out, stretching, resting and getting himself ready for the rigors of another season.  Maybe this will be the season he'll go all 16 games and shake that reputation for being soft.  I hope so.
Topics: Todd Heap