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Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome ‘not happy’ with Matt Elam

By Matt Verderame

Aug 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Josh Bynes (56) and safety Matt Elam (26) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Josh Bynes (56) and safety Matt Elam (26) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s rare in professional sports when a front office executive will come out and publicly criticize any player, let alone his own. However, Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome did exactly that on Wednesday, saying that safety Matt Elam has been a disappointment over his first two seasons, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

"“I think it’s readily known that we have not been satisfied with the way he’s played thus far,” Newsome said during a conference call with season-ticket holders “And I don’t think Matt has been satisfied with the way he’s played thus far.”"

Elam was Baltimore’s first-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, a safety out of the University of Florida. Elam has come in and played in all 32 regular-season games, but only amassed 85 tackles and one interception. Last year, Elam led the Ravens with 18 missed tackles.

Baltimore struggled to shut down the pass last year, due in large part to the abysmal safety play of Elam and Darian Stewart. Stewart is now with the Denver Broncos, replaced by the free-agent signing of Kendrick Lewis, who comes over from the Houston Texans. Lewis was originally a 2010 draft choice of the Kansas City Chiefs.

For Elam’s part, he says he is ready to go, per Wilson.

"“I lost 5 percent body fat, I got myself stronger than I’ve ever been,” Elam said. “I’m just ready go go to and break out this season. The offseason went well. I’m ready to start the season. I’m ready to play ball again."

If Elam continues to slide in productivity, safety Will Hill will have a chance to overtake the starter spot. Hill is a talented player who was brought in from the New York Giants, after being released due to multiple NFL Drug policy violations. Still, Newsome believes Elam is readying to put forth a big season for the Ravens.

"“We’re all looking at 2015 as a different year,” Newsome said. “Just seeing him walk around the building, he’s carrying himself a little bit different, he’s carrying himself a little more confident. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do out on the field. We’ll let that determine his fate.”"

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