Derrick Mason returns to Rats

[PSU_dropout43]

Our own Aaron Wilson, whose primary gig consists of covering the Ravens for the Carroll County Times, has passed along a statement from Ravens receiver Derrick Mason, who rejoined the team today after a brief retirement.

"It was a tough decision, but I think it was a good decision for me to come back," Mason said in comments provided by the team. "I needed to evaluate my life, football and my career. The last several weeks thinking about it and talking with my family was an important time for me and them.

"I still have an intense fire inside me, and I want to play. My family and I wanted to finish it out the right way. I felt like I had left something undone, and I wanted to finish it. I believe this is a good example for my son and my daughter on how to be thoughtful and also follow through."

Frankly, his son and daughter likely also will appreciate the fact that dad will be making $3 million this year in football salary -- and that he won't have to raid their eventual trust funds for $1.4 million in signing bonus money that the Ravens could have forced Mason to repay if he had retired.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

Yup. He's doing his best Brett Favre impression.

[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp09/news/story?id=4371282[/url]

Updated: August 1, 2009, 2:24 PM ET
Ravens' Mason to end short retirement
By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Baltimore Ravens receiver Derrick Mason has shown up to training camp at McDaniels College in Westmister, Md., and is going to end his retirement.

Mason retired less than a week after the murder of close friend Steve McNair.

The loss of his friend, family pressure and the team's unwillingness to adjust his $3 million salary combined to lead to a surprise retirement announcement July 13.

Mason, who met with coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome on Saturday to discuss the matter, was expected to send a letter to the NFL stating his intentions to rejoin the team.

He called Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on Saturday morning, expressing his decision to return.

He was taking a physical Saturday afternoon and was set for a conditioning test afterward with hopes on joining practice Sunday.

Harbaugh talked to Mason after the announcement and said he was optimistic Mason would return. Camp started without Mason, but Harbaugh left the door open for Mason's arrival.

The 35-year-old played a key role in helping Baltimore reach the AFC Championship last season. He started all 16 games and led the Ravens in receptions (80) and yards receiving (1,037). He then added 12 catches for 190 yards and a touchdown in three playoff games.

The Ravens had been in the market prior to Mason's retirement to try to get another veteran receiver. His retirement put them in the need of two receivers.

Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams were the only receivers on the roster with catches last season with Mason gone. Clayton and Williams combined for 55 catches last season.

John Clayton is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Starlifter]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

yawn.............

with mason gone they were looking for 2 quality WR's. Now they still need to find one. between the league figuring out how to defense unibrow and the doubleteams mason will face - well, it will take some very creative plays to have consistent success.

[Jooser]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

What a hose hound. Well, it was fun while it lasted.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

What a hose hound. Well, it was fun while it lasted.

No way, eh! This is a hose hound. Gotta love "Strange Brew" and the McKenzie Brothers. Take off, you knob!

[Jooser]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

You KNOB!!

[Oviedo]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

No real surprise. Won't make a difference when the Steelers win the AFC North...again!!!!

[Flasteel]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

Fear not the Rats, for they are gutter dwelling vermin of the lowest order. Yea though they may bring back the Mason, he cannot himself deliver unto the wretched city of Crackmore a second Lombardi. Neither he, nor Jazzhands, nor Bert of Sesame Street combined possess the necessary power to dethrone the true and righteous champions forged from steel. They shall falter still.

[Chachi]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

yawn.............

with mason gone they were looking for 2 quality WR's. Now they still need to find one. between the league figuring out how to defense unibrow and the doubleteams mason will face - well, it will take some very creative plays to have consistent success.

No, they still need to find 2.

If you have to be talked back out of retirement.....you're just not into it as you should be.

Expect Mason to have a very pedestrian season and re-retire at the end of the year.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

With Derrick Mason flip-flopping between retirement or not, Baltimore was hoping for Mark Clayton to step up as a possible #1 target for Flacco. Well, now he is out for 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury.



[url]http://bleacherreport.com/articles/231227-mark-clayton-out-demetrius-williams-in-for-ravens[/url]

Mark Clayton Out Demetrius Williams In for Ravens

August 06, 2009

This week the Ravens have had a case of good news/ bad news when it comes to their starting wide receivers. First the team got great news when veteran Derrick Mason decided to come back to the team (retired last month) and play one more year.

Then today Mark Clayton injured his hamstring and now is projected to be out for the next four to six weeks as he recovers.

For all the ups and downs that have come between this two starting receivers, third man Demetrius Williams has been stuck right in the middle. Last month it looked like he was going to be in line to start opposite Clayton in the offense, when Mason retired. Then Derrick came back and Williams was pushed down to the third spot again.

Finally today he now has the opportunity to receive the starting reps and could even start the first few games of the season.

It Been a Long Time Since Rock and Roll

Williams career has been one of disappointment and injury so far in his first three years with the Ravens. He has only suited up for five games as a starter in his career and had zero starts last season. In fact Demetrius only suited up for 7 games last year as he just could not stay healthy.

But now he is in good shape and has a chance to show what he can do in the starting role.

This talented receiver showed his promise back with the Oregon Ducks, when he and then quarterback Kellen Clemens light the score boards up.

No doubt Williams is a player that has the skills to make the big play as in his career he has a 15.7 yards per catch average. Out of the three touchdowns he has, two of them are from 70 yards plus!

While Derrick Mason is the true No.1 receiver on this team he is more of a possession player at this point of his career. This means that while Clayton is down with his injury, Williams will be the deep threat for this team.

If you are in a fantasy football league that gives bigger points for long distance touchdowns then Williams has added value in your league.

Fantasy Football Information for Demetrius Williams

Right now I wouldn't recommend drafting Williams at your fantasy football draft. We all need to see if he can preform up to his potential on the field and how long Clayton will be down with his hammy.

Hamstring injury's can last a long time if they are bad and no doubt Mark as suffered a bad one as he will be down for an extended period. If this injury should linger and Williams shows his skills early in the season, I would recommend you give this guy a look as a waiver pickup.

In the end the Ravens are primed to be a dominant running team and Mason will take away the top corner on every team that Baltimore faces. With a strong running game the opponents defense will be forced to move their safety's up to help stop the run.

When that happens it will leave Demetrius with one on one opportunity's with the defenses No.2 corner. In that scenario Williams could make some teams pay and in a big way for the Ravens and for your fantasy team in 2009.

[Jooser]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats



Lovin' it!

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

and that he won't have to raid their eventual trust funds for $1.4 million in signing bonus money that the Ravens could have forced Mason to repay if he had retired.

At least we know the source of this "burning desire" to return.

[Doogie36]

Re: Derrick Mason returns to Rats

Im glad he came back.

1. He's not VERY HARD TO COVER.
2. He's a class act and he respects the steelers.

He's the guy who is seen talking with Mike Tomlin after the AFC Championship wishing the team luck in the SUPERBOWL. True class act if you ask me. Glad to have him return.