1) This is the first time I think I have had any reason to criticize Juice for his blocking in the entire time he has been a Raven. He just got beat to his spot on the play. He was making a lot of nice catches in the game. I don't really think Juice is the issue.
2) They are passing so much because of the stupid penalties and inability to run block.
3) Not anymore they don't.
4) Weddle is an emotional leader. You can see him on the sidelines and after plays. He just has nobody else with him.
5) The play calling is an issue. Too predictable and then just too cute. They usually screw up the too cute plays because this is not who they are.
6) They have some dawgs, and I think that is part of the reason why Onwasuor (SP) was called up, but with the need to make roster moves, he might be sent back to the PS.
The O-Line: The Ravens used to be a smash mouth team built with a sledgehammer FB that could do nothing but block, big old beasties that could road grade and nothing else (other than Ogden). When they brought in Kubiak they made a conscious effort to remold this team into a single back, 3 WR set, zone running offense. It worked for the most part when Forsett broke out. Then the injury season, now this season after the new rule change about cut blocks that now make the zone run a lot more difficult to pull off with guys that aren't athletic enough.
IMO they need to get back to the power run scheme. Two tight end sets, I formation and inside runs.
8) I agree with you. The fear would come from a healthy Suggs and Dumervil. Other than that there is nobody on the field that makes me go, "We gotta gameplan for this guy!"
9) You're right. But a lot of them were drafted by this team.
10) I would also add stupid players make mistakes too. A long time ago former OT Tony Pashos said about Billick, "He has a great offense for us to run, the problem is, you can only run the plays your players understand. That's why our offense looks the way it does." This was after he left via free agency. That was a nice way of saying, "Our guys are too stupid to run a more complex offense."
The sky isn't falling yet, but to win three and then drop three straight that were winnable games due to shooting yourself in the foot most of the time is a hard pill to swallow. You have a hard enough time beating the other team, don't make it easier by making you beat yourself too.
I agree with most of what you wrote. Flacco is still by his knee. He can't plant his knee, that's why his passes sail, or thrown into the ground, they are mostly arm throws. We need to get back to smash mouth football, our full back is not physical enough, he don't break tackles, or catch the ball well, goes down too easily. We need a bruiser. I'm probably dating my, but, why don't we try the old Green Bay power sweep. Our RB's don't have enough speed to turn the corner or break tackles, they dance around, it's not working. Put a big TE in the back field to clear the way. Again lets get back the Ravens way, that we will eat your lunch.