Derrick Mason has taken the lead role in organizing informal workouts for his fellow teammates during the lockout…at least that should answer the question of whether Mason plans to retire in 2011…
Derrick Mason and linebackers Ray Lewis and Jarret Johnson are combining efforts to get their teammates together for informal workouts at Towson University in a few weeks, according to various outlets, including the Carroll County Times and Sarah Ellison at BaltimoreRavens.com.
Additionally, quarterback Joe Flacco reached out to his two newest receivers, rookies Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss, to participate in the practice sessions, reports the Carroll County Times.
A total of 20 to 25 players are expected to attend.
Scheduled for May 24-26, workouts will begin with weightlifting from 8 to 9 a.m. and they will move to the field from 9 a.m. to noon for conditioning drills and throwing sessions.
Former Ravens head coach and FOX Sports analyst Brian Billick doesn’t see many tangible football benefits coming from players’ informal workouts.
“The current trend of players getting together on their own will inevitably wear out due to both a lack of funds and organization,” Billick wrote yesterday. “It is all well and good to show the pro-active ‘we are getting ready’ face to the world, but there is no way players will put themselves through the exhaustive process needed to sufficiently prepare themselves, either mentally and physically, to optimize their time in training camp.”
In addition to about 20 workout opportunities teams usually have during offseason organized team activities (OTAs), Billick explained teams will get in another 20 practices during training camp prior to their first preseason game.
It’d be tough for players to match those 40 workout/practice opportunities, and without coaches present, player workouts can only have a limited effect.
“Regardless of how active the players may have been individually or collectively, the coaches will be forced to start at square one should a labor agreement be reached in time to have a full training camp,” Billick added.
“You cannot rush the process.”
Yet another reason to hate the lockout…
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