Ed Reed is making headlines once again because he will not be ready for the start of training camp or the start of the season. This means he will probably start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
The six-time pro bowl safety nabbed three interceptions and forced three fumbles despite playing through injuries last season. Reed will be missed but the Ravens have worked to establish quality depth behind their all-pro starter. The battle between Tom Zbikowski and Ken Hamlin we will see in the 2010 Training Camp has instantly become the 'competition to watch'. Between the two, Hamlin clearly has more experience at the NFL level starting all but two games and being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007. He has been praised for his big-hit plays but disappoints in the turnover factor. Hamlin has only recorded nine interceptions in the last five seasons. That total is equal to the number of interceptions Ed Reed had in the 2008 season alone. Hamlin possesses neither the ballhawking nor return skills Reed naturally has but displays considerable coverage range when defending the intermediate pass and shows decent tackling skills against the run.
Zbikowski has the upper hand with his knowledge of the defensive playbook and is probably coming into camp as the starter. He started four games last season in the Greg Mattison system and filled in nicely for Reed recording two interceptions in four games. His versatility proves that he is not lacking in the athletic department, as he has demonstrated the ability to return kicks and make plays in the defensive backfield. If he performs well in training camp, it is likely that he is the starter week one versus the New York Jets.
Reed will be missed but not as much as many think. He will probably be back after week six ready to play even if he isn't at 100% and while he is gone two capable starters will be present on the roster to keep the safety position secure. Besides, the work Zbikowski and Hamlin put in during Training camp can only be for the better of both competitors and the team as a whole.
Update: According to Baltimoreravens.com, one of Reed's advisors spoke to NFL network reporter Jason La Canfora and said that Reed could return before or after the first six weeks and the PUP story is not necessarily true.
ReplyDeleteThe ambiguous message Ed Reed is sending through the media has left us unsure when he is coming back but I'll keep an eye on this situation.