Missed Playoffs Results in Roster Overhaul
By "Chirp Phillips"

Off-Season 2126 (Baltimore) - Despite previously appearing in twelve consecutive AFC Championships, Ravens management didn't take missing the playoffs well.

'I didn't think our roster was capable of challenging at the highest level anymore,' stated a concerned GM Mark Thul. 'Action had to be taken, and the rookie draft pool looked very appealing to me.'

It must have, as Thul proceeded to trade until he had acquired 18 selections, a full quarter of the draft picks. Few of his players were off-limits.

Gone is top LB Tim Stacey, stud OL Shawn Logan, defensive line mainstay Lionel Pitts, starting halfback George Braxton, and excellent youngsters DB Randy Millen and OL Bill Shipp.

Asked about sending so much talent out the door, Thul stated, 'Well, you don't acquire the types of picks we needed by giving up crap. We're confident that our trades both helped ourselves and our trading partners.'

Through all of the dealings, the Ravens ended up with the number one overall draft selection which was used on highly-touted linebacker Alvin Glenn.

'Well, our trades gutted our linebacking corp pretty badly, but we have drafted some young backers that should be able to contribute immediately and in a big way.'

Indeed, Alvin Glenn is a rare talent, but almost as impressive is linebacker Alfred Moore, whom Baltimore acquired with the ninth pick. According to an insider, the Ravens landed eleven players they considered blue-chippers, noting that the depth of the draft made that easier.

Asked if there are any regrets about the moves, Thul sighed. 'The timing on the moves is perfect in all respects but one. I wish quarterback Donnell Belfatto wasn't ending his career while we rebuild. Hopefully we've put enough pieces in place to be competitive, because he's among the best quarterbacks in the league's history.'

With a fourth place schedule, Baltimore is hoping to approach .500 this season.