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Loss of games is the number one reason we are not in the playoffs.

Frankly, he's just 1) bummed out that people all calling him out for playing so badly in the playoffs and 2) "hurt" from getting beat so badly Sunday. He wants sympathy and people to beg him to come back. As many others have said: drama queen.

He is WALKING away from the game. I would suggest he is amazingly over the top lucky.

Why not have Perriman watch all of Julio Jones' games and Flacco watch all of Brady's games too then??

It's gotta be Dixon for me. Watching him progress as the year went along, watching him consistently breaking tackles and almost never going down on first contact, gets me pretty pumped to see what he can do with his rookie season under his belt. If we beef up the Oline and perhaps get a decent center in here after watching Zuttah regress, he can have a stellar year next season. I truly don't understand the buzz for another running back. If Dixon and West aren't consistently being hit in the back field I do believe they'd break more long runs. I think we need to focus this offseason on other needs.

Prior to now, Ryan has been no different than Dalton, all about the regular season.

Worth every penny. This guy is a beast. http://sports.yahoo.com/news/watch-justin-tucker-hit-a-75-yard-field-goal-at-a-pro-bowl-practice-234822363.html Question is, how long can a kickers leg do this ?

I hear that Larry Fitzgerald guy ran a 4.7

I'm excited to see what Marty M and Greg Roman will be able to build around Joe Flacco.

Orr was one of the few people playing well against the Pats. He did great, and it wasn't because of others around him.

Upshaw may not have been great as pass rusher but he was a good player in my opinion. He set the edge quite well and did other things well that most fans don't wow over

That group of Stanley, Lewis, Yanda & Wagner was only together for 4 games (the 1st 3 games and the 1st Pit game) last year. Not surprisingly, we won all 4 of those games. That's where our struggles were. Wagner is a FA and probably gone, Yanda is going to undergo his umpteenth shoulder surgery. So, yes we need to build our O-line. What skills has Flacco improved? The ability to win games in the 4th quarter. He led the offense on game winning drives in the final minutes against Jax, Oak, NYG, Was, Pit. It's your misguided perception that he should somehow evolve into Tom Brady. He's not going to and probably never will. Phillip Rivers has been in the league 12 years and still can't win in the clutch despite having some of the game's best play-makers on his team. You think he should get better after 12 years, I say he's the same player he always was. Did Russell Wilson get better this year? Did Ryan Tannehill? Did Cam Newton? Did Eli Manning? Did Blake Bortles? Did Andrew Luck? Did Andy Dalton? Did Jamies Winston? Did Drew Brees? It's taken Matt Ryan 9 years to even get to the SB despite having some of the best offensive players in the league in their prime - Roddy White, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, DeVonte Freeman, Michael Turner, etc. In the previous 8 years, he's won 1 play-off game. Bottom line: Flacco can win games. In today's NFL that's all you need at QB. And a QB that can win games when the game is on the line in the 4th quarter is not your problem.

I think everyone is a little off base where Joe Flacco is concerned. The problem is with the term "elite". We, as Ravens fans, need to drop the term completely from our vocabulary. He's not elite. Neither are the QB's for most NFL teams. What we need to consider; where Joe ranks in terms of current QB's in the league, compare his career path, and weigh the pros and cons. -Joe Flacco is the only QB in the AFC to start (and win) in a Superbowl in the last 14 years that wasn't either Tom Brady, Big Ben or Peyton Manning. Considering Peyton did it with 2 teams, that leaves 11 AFC teams that haven't hoisted the Lombardi trophy in that span. Oddly enough, the last AFC team to do it prior to Brady, Ben and Manning was...the Ravens...in 2001. Get this; you have to go back to 1984 to find an AFC team that won the Superbowl that wasn't the Patriots, Steelers, Broncos, Colts or Ravens. 32 freaking years since the LA Raiders won!!! Joe Flacco has a proven record in the playoffs. He also managed a crucial drive this year, in Pittsburgh, that realistically should have won the game (and possibly division) if the defense had not Crap the bed. -With Peyton Manning retired, Big Ben considering retirement (and honestly, Flacco is kind of owning Big Ben recently), that leaves Tom Brady as the QB to beat in the AFC. And Joe has beaten Brady twice in the playoffs IN Foxboro. We have owned the Steelers recently (6 of 9 since 2013 with a playoff win in there). With the rag-tag crew of receivers we had this year, he beat Ben once, was within a score of Brady, and lost to Ben by an outstretched arm. To me, you can't put a price tag on composure, which Flacco has against these guys. If Tom Brady were to win this year, and then retire along with Big Ben, who would be the Ravens main competition in the AFC? -Ravens fans are used to making the playoffs, and we've gotten spoiled. How consistent is Dalton in the Playoffs? The Texans? The Chiefs? Not a whole lot of winning in that group. Flacco has had an inconsistent support system around him, and the carousel of OC's has got to stop for him to develop into the passer he has the potential to be. I think what a lot of fans fail to realize, is that Joe has put our team in the position to win a lot of games, and our defense has let us down. Granted, more consistent play from Joe could potentially negate our less-than-stellar secondary, but if your QB scores a go-ahead TD with less than a couple minutes to play...and you can't stop their team from scoring...that's hardly the QB's fault. You can argue all you want that Joe makes too much money, that he's not consistent enough, etc. But when it comes down to brass tacks, there's only a handful of consistent QB's in the league, and an even smaller class of QB's that are consistent when it matters...in the playoffs. Given the option, there's only 4 or 5 QB's in the league I'd consider over Flacco. Brady, Rodgers, Brees and (possibly) Derek Carr or Matt Ryan. Other than that, every team is struggling with inconsistency at QB...and have no hardware to show for it. Andrew Luck? Andy Dalton? Ryan Tannehill? Tyrod Taylor? Come on guys, our position is a lot more solid than 80 to 90% of the league. We are a couple key guys away from being back on top while it looks like the Bengals unraveled this year, and it looks like the Steelers are headed that way. Take a deep breath my friends. The AFC north is ripe for the taking, and we are poised to be that team. Peace.

He turned 27 in November so he doesn't quite need the cane yet. Can never tell with kickers, their confidence and form sit on a razor's edge. Tucker has the benefit of having a great (and consistent) support team, which he credits all of the time. He also has a good personality for it, in my opinion. I'm just going to enjoy it

Wait... Matt Ryan is carrying the Falcons?? Hes got Julio Jones, a good OL (Mack has made all the difference in the world), the best 1-2 punch at RB in the league, and a much improved defense with Beasley one of the best young pass rushers in the league, Neal a playmaking safety, a legit CB1, etc... I fathom Joe could "carry" Julio Jones, those RBs and a stout OL too...

Ko was almost certain to get us a 3rd on contract alone, pro bowl nod and all pro status should seal the deal

I'd be very surprised if KO isn't a 3rd at this point. He signed a big contract, played 15/16 games, earned a Pro Bowl nod, and earned an All-Pro nod. There's no limit to the number of picks given out per round. KO should officially be in that upper realm.

That it might be time to stop writing off QBs before they either totally self-destruct or finish their careers? That ranting to trade Flacco or draft his replacement might be premature?

Zutah and Dalton made the pro bowl, complete joke.

As much as people hate on Upshaw, I'm sure a large majority of us would take him back now after watching Za'Darius try to set the edge.

KO in 12, Torrey in 11. Also had Kruger in 09 and Rice in 08 in the Harbaugh era. Plus I think most would agree that Jernigan has largely liven up to his 2nd round grade at this point, so he was a 14 pick.

What's your initial thoughts on Kamalei Correa being active but not seeing a single snap on defense? That's pretty disheartening for a 2nd round pick.

1. Incentive based contracts typically only work on players when the team actually have leverage. This is typically for players like Pitta, who are coming off devastating injuries, or aging veterans who can't get quality guaranteed contracts in FA. Prime players like Williams don't have to take incentive-laden contracts, because they have plenty of suitors that will offer a deal with better guarantees and less incentives. If I were him, I'd say the same thing everybody else at his age and production says, "I played great for you while making peanuts the last 4 years. You've got 4 years off compensation that you have to make up for, and if that means you "overpay" me, so be it". And it works for most players like him. 2. The way most contracts are structured, the players almost always get a lot of the money up front. The contracts are typically structured so that the player gets more up front, and the team takes more of the hit on the back end. Ngata's contract was no different. He signed a 5 year, $61M deal back in 2011. He made $40M of that in the first two years. That's the things fan get confused. The cap hit that the Ravens take on isn't what the player is actually making. A lot of the bonuses are paid up front and in one lump sum, and they are spread out over the contract for cap impact. So when Ngata had like a $16M cap hit in his final year, he wasn't making anything close to that. In fact, he was making about half of that, which was $8.5M

The guys they had behind him certainly didn't help, but lets not forget that for the first half of the season, this was a secondary that was ranked in the top 5 statistically, I think at their peak they were #3 statistically speaking. Shareece Wright was having bad games even with Jimmy in the line up, most notably Oakland and Jacksonville, he was benched after and the team still put a secondary that can be argued as a top 5 secondary overall. The fact that the Ravens didn't have good play at all at #2 and were still holding it down against the passing game speaks for Jimmy's worth. Credit to Weddle and Webb for fantastic play in the backfield but they couldn't save this secondary when Jimmy went out. As far as a complimentary guy goes to step up in Jimmy's absence, that's fine but if you're the Ravens then I think you hope that Jimmy can play a full season for you. He's too good of a player and talent that you have to rely upon him. I posted some statistics up above of what the Ravens had with Jimmy in the line up and it just shows what the guy can do for you. As I said, taking the cap number I have into account and what we lost with him, I can honestly say that cap number that we're taking from him is worth it if that's his value. I like Tavon as well, he was a guy who played bigger than his size in College but against guys like Dez Bryant and Branden LaFell, he wasn't really beaten by extraordinary route running or burnt in any manner, he was beaten by being physically taken to school. I think Young has to prove that he can match up with bigger receivers in the future. He might have to put on more weight. Chris Harris Jr(And I'm only comparing them in terms of size) is not the biggest CB out there but he's pretty damn strong at 200 LBs and allows opposing receivers to beat him by height. Harbaugh said this and I agree, the Ravens need two things at CB, Jimmy Smith to be healthy and another CB.

2016: Drove his team down the field in Pittsburgh and scored the go-ahead touchdown that our defense crapped on the next Steelers possession, that possibly cost us a playoff spot and the division. Threw for over 4000 yards (for the first time in his career) and kept his team in a position to win games with one of the worst ground games in the NFL (ranked 28th). Had the highest completion percentage of his career (64.9%). Finished the season with an 8-8 record after coming back from reconstructive knee surgery, changing OC's mid-season, and having his (aged) number one wide receiver out for a good part of the season. Based on his completion percentage alone, which has been creeping up each year...you can argue he's getting better. Granted, we had to throw it a lot because our ground game sucked. I guess I'm just not ready to close the door on Joe just yet. I think he is a talented QB that could/will win the team another ring. We can come back to this conversation in a few years and you can rub it in my face if he just implodes over the next few seasons, but I'm optimistic.

i'm excited we will be tied for 1st place entering the season.

I guess the only player that deserves an extension/restructure would be Yanda, but then again how many years are left for him? He's got 3 yrs left on this contract and I don't know if he plays beyond that. As for Jimmy, you are basically asking him to take a pay cut with the possibility of earning it back right? Good idea for the Ravens, but not necessarily for Jimmy when you think about it. I would like Flacco to take a pay cut and earn all of his money back through incentives too, but it ain't happening! If it did and he played like he did the past couple of seasons, we would save a bundle of incentive money!

Usually after their first non-rookie contract. For many of them, the first non-rookie contract is their best chance to cash in.

Well I was most excited about ORR . I truly believe he was right on the verge of taking that next step into stardom. You just can't get anymore unlucky than that. I think I'm most excited about seeing what Kenneth Dixon becomes. I think he has a breakout year and becomes our bellcow. I also have a strange feeling ozzie might take Dalvin Cook if he makes it to 16. Mixed feelings about that but if we bolster the line and get back to a run first mentality it could do us wonders. I also think Ozzie uncharacteristically makes a splash in FA for a big name FA receiver such as Jeffrey or Marshall.

Great Scott!

Coaches/Player votes must've put him over. Pretty sure fan voting didn't even have him in the top 10.

As for a serious answer. Honestly, if we improve the oline. The offense. I think ever since Ray Lewis made that comment that Flacco has had a fire lit under his butt. He played pretty good for most of the second half of the season. Sure, Marty being back is a cause for concern, but I think the addition of Roman will aid in us developing a better rushing attack. We have 3 guys from the 2015 draft that I am truly excited about. Maxx, Perriman, and Boyle. I am expecting that Maxx overtakes the starting spot at TE, as I believe that he's far and away the most talented TE on the roster. Had we not decided to shut him down early on the year(even though doctors said he could have played) I guarantee you Marty would have used him in some capacity. I think Pitta is gone(and it's a good thing too) and that the team will start to use two TE sets with Boyle and Maxx, both in which are good receivers and blockers. Maxx looked good his rookie year, and looked like he significantly improved as a blocker before we shut him down. I think he's the guy. As for Perriman, we all saw what the man is capable of. If he hits the juggs machines and has a full offseason, we're talking about a guy who could be a potential #1 WR at the NFL level. If we improve the line, expect a lot more deep shots, and most CBs aren't going to be able to keep up with Perriman. I do agree we could use another receiving option, so I fully expect a Garcon to come here, or a Robert Woods, or for us to draft an underneath option. But I also fully expect us to keep Mike Wallace, who forces defenses to respect his speed anyway. I know Marty abandoned the run a lot, but I expect that to change with Roman here. I think Dixon is the man going forward, but say if Dalvin Cook fell to us I wouldn't be surprised if we picked him. Regardless, I think Dixon's ability to make the first man miss makes him a very dangerous player going forward if we can get a new center, and possibly another guard. Imagine him going four yards untouched before having to deal with a defender. Likewise, I fully expect Yanda to remain the same while Stanley and Lewis(whom I'm banking on being our new RT) elevate their game to becoming above average players. Likewise I think that with Roman here we not only find a way to get West involved more as a compliment, but use Buck Allen as well who people forget is a very capable receiving back in his own right. As for the defense, I fully expect us to retain Brandon Williams and Lawerence Guy, both in which are integral parts. But we need to do three things on the defensive end. Find another pass rusher, inside linebacker, and lastly add more cornerback depth. People like to think that Jimmy Smith going down = doom because Dean Pees sucks. That's not true at all. We don't have depth behind him, and Ozzie has continually ignored it. I doubt he continues to do so since his job is honestly on the line. But the biggest problem, and the thing that is sort of a catalyst for us suffering in the fourth quarter, at least this season, was a lack of edge rushing. On the interior, we have Jernigan, who's very good but teams can catch on and double team him. He's a good player, but I've said this since the beggining, he's more of a tertiary guy as a pass rusher. I don't think we are as bad off as most think, as I think Judon is a good piece to have going forward and can be a guy who gets 6-8 sacks a season with a lot of pressure. I think he can man the other side going forward. I think Doom is gone, and I think we keep Suggs on to mentor our inevitable draft pick(I can smell a smokescreen from a mile away ). Likewise, we have given Willie Henry and Kaufausi(not by choice here) a year to develop. I think both can become part of a sick dline rotation. If we add another edge rusher, we're talking about a very talented unit. Inside LB is a curious case. CJ is the man there, and there should be no doubts. He's a top 5 player at that position and a top ten overall LB according to PFF. The people who said he's overrated honestly.... No. He made strides in coverage, and is still a great run defender. I've been adamant in saying that Orr was undeserving of the all pro he received, and likewise was the most overrated player on the team in 2016. However, I will acknowledge the fact that he was a good player for us. Correa: It's your time to shine, but I doubt you will. But if there's any position I trust you at going forward, it's ILB. You could be pretty good there. I think we draft one. People say the secondary is a problem. I think finding a nickel corner is neccessary. I am fully confident in Jimmy's and Tavon's ability to man the outside. Of course, acquring another outside CB and having Tavon switch back to the nickel the whole time would also be a good idea, but I wouldn't be surprised if we go find a slot CB in FA, and then afterwards draft an outside guy as depth in the mid rounds. Likewise, Weddle is a beast, and Webb improved as the season went on at the FS position.

and so many people say Ozzie cant draft anymore.

Arthur Brown, Kindle, Correa, Dan Cody. Whomever is in charge of drafting linebackers in the second round needs to be shown the door.

I'm being over the top intentionally . In any case, your notion he wouldn't get snaps to me would be an indictment of staff. Kid is a pass rusher. He came off the edge at Ohio, he came off the edge at Eastern Kentucky and he's a handful coming off the edge in the NFL. Easy to see on tape and anyone who doesn't see it struggles with the obvious.

Exactly. Great point. He'd have at least eleven on this team.

Why he is NOT as good as some people seam to think overpay this guy and set the team back 4 or 5 years

The money given to Hester has very little effect on our cap space. 1.1 dead money THIS year. None next year. That money would have gone to another returner if not Devin, so it wouldn't even have been carried over. So we didn't waste any cap. Watson only has 1mil dead cap next year. Neither of those players have anything to do with cap money deeded for Williams. In fact I would try to keep Watson and cut Pitta. Have Williams be the 2nd receiving TE and we'll not only save money by cutting Pitta, but also teach Flacco to see his entire suite of available receiving resources and not lock in on one. Well given that the cost of cutting Pitta is effectively the same as the cost of cutting Watson, you would just be better off keeping the guy you think is the better player and who will be more valuable. While Pitta has his own history of injuries certainly, it would seem keeping the 31 year old (who your QB obviously loves and trusts) coming off a healthy, pretty successful season would be smarter than keeping the 36 year old TE who never played a snap for you and is coming off a devastating injury. Especially when the price is essentially the same from a cap perspective.

I hope Williams resigns with us but fear someone will vastly overpay to get him. I would be fine with a deal in line with Harrisons as long as it wasnt backloaded

The article is discussing the best Super Bowl performances by quarterbacks. So we are supposed to just ignore what Joe did because it was the past? Ridiculous.

He nailed a field goal during pregame against Denver in 2013 from the Ravens 35 yard line. Best kicker to play the game. That kick also could've probably went an extra 5 yards. I think the biggest thing with Tucker is having continuity between Cox and Koch. I'm not sure how long he can kick field goals from that far but I don't care. No team is going to attempt a 75 yard field goal during a game. The only way I could see that happening is in the right conditions and the team leading by at least 2 scores late in the game. Even then I think the Ravens would punt the ball. It sucks because he may never get a chance to beat the 64 yard field goal record because he may never be given the chance.

Like top wide outs they don't grow on trees. Would rather draft a cb and trade for a wr.

1997?

Teams that draft for need (QB is always the exception) end up watching the playoffs whereas teams that draft BPA are participating in it. You can't be desperately trying to use the draft to plug the needs because you will never keep up and since you will only hit on 50% of picks and far less as rookies you are going to have these massive holes every year.

Stanley's going to be tired with that lineup lol I'm surprised the Ravens didn't try Lewis at RT when Wagner got hurt. Maybe he was still recovering or maybe it would be unfair to expect that but it seemed like a good chance to see if he could do it.

Correa is a bad pick. He cant even sniff the field. Taking him that early was no question a mistake. I knew he would have to sit a few years to develop a AFC north frame. He might not ever get there though.

If the Ravens only plan on drafting guys without any off the field issues then we will slowly decline. I know Lewis had issues, don't remember what they were. But ignoring guys like Spence to take a guy like KC will show on the field, already is.

He was very underrated.

And both are proving to be talented pass rushers. There are three edge rushers drafted in the first three rounds without at least one sack, and we drafted two of them. Ok so maybe it's not Kaufusi's fault that he's injury prone, but we knew that and drafted him anyway so thats on us.