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I agree. I think that is why they just brought in that free agent o-lineman and are bringing in that free agent safety for workouts. Both Kendrick Lewis and James Hurst should be concerned. The main reason Hurst and Lewis are still here is that they know the Raven's system...It's hard to just throw any player into a different system right off the street, they need to adapt to various schemes, different signals, and digest a whole new playbook. Especially when the guys who are available out there are certainly not starting caliber, and in most cases not even viewed as reliable back-ups. Not to say a team can't get lucky and find that diamond in the rough that managed to slip through the cracks, but that is just odd luck, definately not the norm. So as bad as Hurst and Lewis are (and yes, they really ARE pretty horrendous), one would have to evaluate wether bringing in a new guy just for the sake of change is worth giving up a player who at least has experience with the team's system. Trust me when I say that I wish we had settled this during training camp, because I had an uneasy feeling about both these players being primary back-ups, but unless the front office can find someone they're positive can fill their role, I wouldn't get my hopes up that they'll be out the door anytime soon...

Not cut, asked for his release...saw the handwriting on the wall, and decided to leave on his own terms. Classy player, don't know how many teams will take a chance on him, but wish him the best... This does leave a roster spot open for Waller, however. With Maxx Williams sidelined for an unknown amount of time, nice timing to get another TE to step right in. If Williams is done for the year, I seriously hope the Ravens would take a look at bringing in someone to take over the back-up left tackle position. Hurst is not the answer. There were O-linemen and a safety reportedly brought in for tryouts. None remotely close to strating - or even quality backup - caliber, but if Maxx Williams has to go on IR, his spot may go to one of those... It was frightening to see how low quality our depth at O-line is... Well, Hurst and K. Lewis were two players that I was suspect of during training camp, and they both looked sloppy as you can play Sunday...I wouldn't expect there to be much out there as far as back-ups go, but are we losing much in any case getting rid of those two? I really think it would be worth looking at someone with little experience but possible potential over these two. The problem is they know our system and our playbook, where bringing in anyone new would require time to adjust to our system...I guess it will depend on just who we could sign that will help us overall, and not just make a change for change's sake. Be nice if we can find a workable solution, cause i'm starting to cringe just seeing Hurst or Lewis come out on the field...

Its not one game. We struggles just to beat the bills, browns, and jaguars. Three teams that are perennially rebuilding. Everyone needs to face the fact that this is who we are as a franchise now. The team has been steadily declining since the Superbowl and this is just who we are now. Everyone needs to face facts Yellow and black troll, or someone who has never watched a Raven's game until just this year? The team that Eisenberg describes is basically the same product that the team has put out since they moved to Baltimore, only with a slight more emphasis on passing and a decrease in rushing attempts, which is how the league overall is responding anyways.We've ALWAYS played down to supposedly inferior teams and ALWAYS played gritty football against supposedly superior teams. Since Modell brought them here and Ozzie has been in charge. Very rare when the Ravens are involved in a blow-out, win or lose. Give me some cold, hard statistics to back up your theory, not hot-flash opinions that any hater can scrape off the street...

Not cut, asked for his release...saw the handwriting on the wall, and decided to leave on his own terms. Classy player, don't know how many teams will take a chance on him, but wish him the best... This does leave a roster spot open for Waller, however. With Maxx Williams sidelined for an unknown amount of time, nice timing to get another TE to step right in. If Williams is done for the year, I seriously hope the Ravens would take a look at bringing in someone to take over the back-up left tackle position. Hurst is not the answer.

Classy player...wish him the best.

I blame stupid penalties as a major factor in this loss...everyone says we need to start out quicker, but two flags that negated first downs and backed us up to an unreasonable distance killed our opening drive...No excuse for special teams penalties when this is supposed to be a team strength...Veteran players should fully realize the zebra's are just waiting to throw flags for almost any kind of end zone celebration these days...I guess that I can't fault all the O-line holding penalties however, cause otherwise poor ole' Flacco would have been carried off the field in a stretcher, which it was really lucky that he wasn't anyways... Sorry, but it always frustrates me when we give up a game that we could have just as easily won...The team played well enough to eek out a win, it just wasn't meant to be. Hopefully this will serve to wake them up and get them motivated to play better football...

Well, it certainly is easy to blame everything on the coaching, and nothing on the actual players...Hell, there wasn't enough ice in my drink at the stadium, that must have been the coaches fault also, thanks, now I know who to blame for EVERY single thing that goes wrong...

Yeah, I was surprised he even made the roster. And I would add Hurst right along on that list. I know that they are both back-ups, but come on, these two end up hurting the team when ever they end up out on the field. And I tried to give Hurst the benefit of the doubt before yesterdays game, but man, he just stunk up the joint! You gotta love his quote "it wasn't very good", wow, no kidding...these two are supposed to be NFL caliber veterans, but they sure look like scrubs from this angle.

From what i've seen so far, yes, the Raven's are a superior defense. I have no real concerns about our front seven at all - good starters and above average back-ups and swing men. If Doom can get back to his usual dominance fairly quickly, I forsee even better plays at the line of scrimmage and in the back field. The addition of Weddle, and moving Webb to safety, has proven to be great moves. Corner is still a concern, but is not in as desperate a situation as it was last year. Smith and Wright are not gonna be mentioned as pro bowlers, but they ain't exactly chopped liver either. They are capable of playing good cover. The problem is more of consistency: sometimes they look dominating, other times they tend to disappear. And the latter trend is what gets them in trouble. Tavon Young is looking like a nice addition so far, but what's the deal with Davis? Is he in someone's doghouse, or the team just hasn't found a way to get him in games? In any case, I think the Raven's D can play well against whatever team is thrown at us. It's the Offense that needs to step up it's game.

Um, no...Monroe was pretty much ready to hang his cleats up in any case, so I don't see having a guy who is not 100% committed to football being an asset to your team. I'm by no means a big Hurst supporter, but I would take a guy that is dedicated to playing football over someone who seems to get more enjoyment talking about smokin' reefer...

Dixon is already on the roster. Yes, but who get's deactivated for game day is the question...do we go with three active RB's, then who sits that has been playing? Of course, injuries (thankfully none major) are starting to show up, so could be a moot question. The Waller decision is more problematic, unless there is a serious injury, or the team is just flat out done with Buck Allen (doubtful), I see Waller being put on waivers, then resigned to our PS.

I think we heard this about literally every single one of the players we cut in the preseason. I believe all of them cleared waivers... Remember, not only does a team have to claim him, but they have to claim him to their 53 man roster. Far, far, far from guaranteed that would happen. Eagles picked up Brooks, but I agree with your thought process about Waller...

Yea we were really close to beating Oakland last year and this year it should be a cake walk. Oakland is a terrible terrible terrible team. It really is selfish of KO to take the money. Players need to focus on winning Superbowls,not getting paid. If a guy has played in any pro sports leagues at any point in his life time, he set for life. And injuries are never a problem in the NFL. Even if KO does sustain a career ending injury on Sunday, he won't have to worry about is finances because all of the money in that Oakland contract is guaranteed. Well, I read later on that you were being sarcastic, which is cool, but I think one point you brought up may well be true: KO does have a super bowl ring, which may have accounted somewhat in his decision to test out free agency and sell himself to the highest bidder...and Oakland is not a scrub team, but one that's generally viewed as up-and-coming. There are a lot of players who stay in the league as long as possible, trying to win that championship. Guy's like KO and T. Smith already got their ring, so why not make as much coin as possible? Did Torrey really believe that he was going to a great team when he bolted to San Fran? Grab that cash and make a stash...and as long as you don't burn to many bridges, and maintain your health, you can possibly come back in your twilight years to chase another ring...

The Raven's and the Squealer's are mirror image teams...of course we don't like each other. And as much as I enjoy beating them on game day, I still respect the fact that they are worthy opponents...Hatred? No, but it's such a GREAT feeling when we knock the stuffing out of them...and I have a suspision that Mr. Wallace has already circled the dates when we play them.

Oakland is turning it around though. They have the pieces in place to be successful in the next couple of years. Here is the issue Oakland is going to have. They are giving out a lot of money in FA, which is okay when you have that money. But, they have guys that will want to be paid like the best at their position in Amari Cooper, Mack, and Carr. All 3 will deserve big pay days, and Cooper and Mack could easily ask to be the highest paid at their position. If you want to be a good football team, you can only make very few players the richest at their position, and I think they will have to many mouths to feed with a limited amount of cap space before to long. Its possible they work it out, because I think they will have a lot of cap space again next offseason, but those contracts will begin to add up in the next couple years. Very true, which is why I predict that the Raiders will ask KO to restructure his contract within the next couple of years or so...teams have a limited budget, everyone knows the Raven's would have loved to keep KO, and we even offered him Yanda-type money, but he went to the highest bidder (who I think overpaid for a guard). No team can keep all their players - however, it's the teams like the Ravens, Pats, and Squealers that know when to strategically let guys go, while making other teams over value players we cast off. The Raider's will have maybe another year before they have to make some tough choices that will decide if they are contenders or pretenders...

I'd rather field a competitive team than overpay a player...KO should remember that Baltimore was not only the team that gave him his chance to play in the league, but also allowed him to experience a super bowl victory...sorry to hear he has a grudge against the Raven's, but in the long run I have a feeling that he will look back with fondness about playing on a team that is dedicated to winning . As for now, he should enjoy the money that Oakland paid him, and be ready to restructure his deal in the next couple of years when his salary cap numbers get to high for the Raiders to afford...

I agree that this year's rookie class is really showing their worth. Add in that Perimman is also basically a first year player, and that Orr is finally getting his chance to start, and the level of talent these young guys posseses bodes well for the team's future. Ozzie and the front office may have had some questionable drafts in recent years, but this batch of players are coming up aces.

I don't know what's wrong with Zuttah, but he's the guy that would be on my hot seat...

And a big shout out to Timmy Jernigan, dude was in beast mode yesterday...really nice plays, hope he got a game ball...

A good OC puts his players in a position to excel. You don't make it to the NFL if your not a good player. The team is not a well oiled machine on offense. With all the talent we have, it should be. Plenty of other teams, with less talent are better. JAX has the 16th ranked defense and we looked horrible. yesterday: Perriman, 2 receptions for 22 yards Wallace, 3 for 34 years That's over 10 yards/reception. Yet the Ravens could only muster 5 catches between the 2 of them? Granted Smith and Pitta combined for 14/127 For an OC with a pass happy reputation, he sure doesn't impress me. Flacco 29/40 for 214. 2 INTs, no TDs PEDESTRIAN Gee guess we should give back those 3 wins because we don't have any talent. Give me a break. This is basically a new offense and it will take time to jell. So I'll take these ugly wins until we do jell. Thank you for the dose of reality...yes, the offence is struggling and our running game is virtually non-existent, however the D is not only keeping us in games, but great enough to win them for us. We need to accept that we have two rookies playing on our O-line, a QB coming off a terrible injury and several receivers still getting acclimated into the offence with Wallace, Perimman and Moore. It will take time to get cohesion as a unit, but in the meantime we are WINNING games that we would have lost last year, and the defense is really looking like the dominant force Raven's fans have come to expect from this team. So give the offence a little more time to come together before breaking out the tar and feathers. I will agree that the woes of our running game continue to frustrate all of us faithful, and definitely needs to be addressed post haste. At first I put most of the blame on the O-line, and the lack of emphasis Trestman places on running the ball, but I think the Jags game showed a difficulty with Forsett and West themselves. Hopefully Dixon's return may be the spark that ignites our rushing attack. Something needs to be done.

Nice to see you giving Forsett no respect, especially after how he helped the team out so they could keep Davis and Elam on the roster if needed later in the season. Sorry you can't give a guy credit for playing football AND being a nice guy who try's to help out regular people. Oh, and never mind about him being a locker room leader whose teammates look up to...between Trestman's running schemes (virtually non existent or totally bland) and the O-line's lack of cohesion so far, I really can't lay all the blame on the individual RB's for our lack of rushing yards, but I still have faith that Forsett and West will eventually get us on a better pace...

Last week Flacco had one of the best comp% against the blitz, i think it was 75%, One thing that needs to happen is they need to cut down on the stupid penalties. I think both guards, both tackles and Steve Smith got flagged for false starts. And then we had an early snap from the center. I agree the early snap from Zutta was unforgivable and as a veteran he should know better. the other penalties...well, it was the first game of the season, so i'll chalk that up to anxious players and the zebra's throwing flags that may not get thrown once the season settles in. Not to excuse stupid penalties, but they will only be a concern if they continue to generate them as we get deeper in the year. And mind you that we have two rookie starters on O-line, so penalties will occur until Stanley and Lewis learn what they can get away with and what they can't. There will be growing pains, but as long as they settle in i'll forgive them some mistakes.

We need Trestman to be more committed to the run, especially more than 15 carries over three quarters, than to have a definite featured back. And I don't understand Trestman's remark that "we need to see more of the backs" before deciding if one should get more playing time. Wasn't that why we had training camp and pre season games for? The second game into the season and you still haven't made up your mind? I know Forsett didn't play much, but West looked really sharp, and before the injury Dixon seemed like the real deal. Based on that, i'd let West carry the rock at least a dozen times in the first half, and put Forsett in as needed, wether to give West a breather if he's doing good, or subbing him out if he's not gaining decent yardage. Come on man, running the football isn't that complicated as they are making it seem...unless of course you really just want to be a pass happy offense, which Trestman seems to like.

Yeah, it will be interesting to see how Judon (and Correa) respond to extra playing time. Rookies will always make mistakes, but the really good ones also make great plays. Cleveland's O-line is not all that bad, and McCown plays us hard, so it will be a telling game to see how our young pass rushers responds to real game action. Hopefully come Monday we will be bragging about how great these guy's played...

Too big of a log jam at WR for Mason, Ward or Ocho making it on the first ballot (much as I hate to admit it, TO has MUCH better stats than any of those guys.)...Taylor, and maybe Thomlinson (again, there's a backlog of quality RB's on the list.) could go in on their first try, but I think Dawkins had a really great career and should be in the mix. However, with Lynch still not in, I think Lynch or even Atwater goes in first. Safety is a hard position to make the HOF anyways, at least until Ed Reed is on the ballot... I really don't like the way the NFL hall of fame is set up that only a limited number of players can go in...there is a really deep backlog of great players that probably deserve a place but keep getting pushed back due to the numbers game. I guess that you really do have to be "one of the best" to get in, however. But the fact that Art Modell isn't in the HOF is the real shame...