HoldingCall

Joe is not off to a good start this year but that doesn't mean that I would can him. Note: Last year's top QB is off to a bad start too (Cam Newton: 6 TDs 5 Ints, 80.2 rating) but don't use Cam as an excuse. It's just an FYI.Beginning with Joe.'s stats then 5 QBs with a better year (some do it year-after-year). Joe Flacco: 5 TDs 4 Ints, 80.1 rating. (bad start) Tom Brady: 3 TDs 0 Int, 127.7 rating (one game). Ben Roethlisberger: 15 TDs, 4 Ints, 106.6 rating. Matt Ryan: 12 TDs 2 Ints, 121.6 rating. Derek Carr: 11 TDs, 3 Int, 102.3 rating. Aaron Rodgers: 9 TDs 3 Ints, Rating 87.7 Russell Wilson: 5 TDs, 1 Int, 99.3 rating. honorable mention: Carson Wentz 7 TDs, 1 Int, rating 103.5 (cheap rookie contract) Honorable mention 2: Tyrod Tarlor, (I know, I know!) 6 TDs, 2 Ints, 88.9 rating. His avg run of 6.5 VS Joe's 1.7 would come in handy with the OL problems this team is having, like it or not.

What's wrong with Marc Trestman: Generally, bad play choices. Doesn't seem to understand the need to establish and maintain a strong run game. Gets away from it too easliy and stays away. The players are are fault too but maybe because the OC play calling keeps them somewhat off balance.

Well, we all know Maurice Canady won't play this week he's on IR and Ravens signed a new FS.

Just a reminder! Although Aiken had a solid year last season, he didn't take off until the backup QB took over. Nothing special happened between he and Joe but he became a favorite target to the backup.

Yeah! And it now appears there will be no true LT on the OL. This can mean double trouble if the offense has a bad run game, day. Not taking anything away from Flacco or SSS (who could have a breakout day) but, special teams or the defense could need a turnovers or two if the Ravens can't run and/or slow the pass rush.

I expect another close game! It's just too difficult to use stats established from past games as an indication of how the next game goes. This point in the season, teams improve week-by-week in general.

The offensive struggles will continue until a reliable run game is established. Last week showed a small improvement but still short of the need. Considering the OL problem with opening holes, West should probably get more carrys than Forsett since he is more powerful, although less agile. A fresh Forsette may have better results late in the game if West and the OL runs well and often enough to create wear on the DL.

Justin is looking for holes that aren't there; West will try to make one if none exist. Justin just isn't large or powerful enough to run that way; he need holes.

Good: the win, no major injuries, overall defense, Tucker, Special team coverage. Bad: Run game, penalties, interceptions. Ugly: Run blocking, dropped balls, the win

This game shows it's not good to look beyond any team, especially based on previous week results.

Good: No serious injuries. The will to win. Bad: The defense and offense in the first quarter. The interceptions. Ugly: Run game. Run game blocking. The ugly win.

Two questions I have: 1. Will the OL improve protection this week? 2. Will a serious run game show up? Neither were of the quality needed to make a run to challenge for AFC North title. Last week was the first game so there is time but I will be watching those areas. Included is effective Run Game blocking and TE blocking for both run and passing.

After watching the Jet and Bills game, one should be concerned for Joe's protection. The Bills got very little pressure on the Jets QB but had at least four sacks against the Ravens. It may mean something or maybe not, but it's worth a concern. If the OL is weak this year, the offense will sputter.

The Good: Buffalo drew a lot of penalties. Buffalo scored just 7 pts. Jernigan, Wright, Weddle, etc. No major injures. The Bad: Team only scored 13 pts. Weaker than expected run game. Too many sacks and pressure on Joe.

I give credit to Buffalo for a strong defense that made Ravens' offensive look sluggish and I give credit to Ravens' defense for making Buffalo's offense look more sluggish. Dominant defensive play on both sides.

Yeah, it's a curious move. I didn't expect this since the secondary played better late in the season after player position adjustments. Someone back there clearly doesn't have the vote of confidence from the GM and/or coaches.

When the secondary made the adjustment, it became much better. Webb can no longer match against tall, speedy WRs.

I agree with this! Defense should be the top priority if they plan to return as a top tier team. However, Trestman could use a quick, shifty slot receiver that can remain healthy. One other problem were the penalties and turnovers that impacted last season.

This is terrible and almost too weird to happen again before he returns to the field because of a previous suspension. Where did he get this stuff?

I think that's a pretty good assessment. If/when KO leaves, who's the likely successor at starting LG of those on the team? Also we can assume that due to Monroe's injury history, a LT with potential to become the starter is likely high on the list of priorities through draft or other means.

KO is an interesting conversation. Maybe there is no money but how is the depth at G and Tackle? We saw what happened when Suggs went down after McPhee had to go elsewhere. So, what happens in the case KO's replacement or Monroe goes down? Is the team deep enough at LG and LT to protect Joe; the team's most expensive player? Second rate protection is the quickest way to shorten a QB's season or career. I watched Tom Brady get beat up by some teams, taking a lot of hits, are we ready to see the same with Joe? Which coach gets the blame if pockets collapse against the better teams next season? No one wants to see the team use insurance of a "Smart Car" (if KO's replacement goes down or Monroe goes down) to cover the BMW.

I think the FO would need to believe 1. Forte adds something that is needed; 2. He adds something the other RBs cannot. Not saying the FO will see it my way but, I'm not convinced he fills a need far enough beyond what's already here.

I think, CB, OLB, LT (not necessarily in that order) is likely up toward the top of the list. But the team also needs to solve this past season's minus (-)14 in turnovers and giving opponents 42 first downs by penalty VS 23. And what's up with 8 rushing TDs VS 21 Passing (the most unbalanced I can remember)? Is there a red-zone rushing weakness or was it just play calling?

The pay can get confusing this coming season. Example: what happens if he is used as a CB in certain packages or if someone get injured and he returns to CB to fill in? I do agree that Webb has made out like a bandit. On the flip side, his flexibility has to be worth something. The question is, how much of a cut? How much is he worth?

The best teams usually make it to the super Bowl. Panthers went 15-1 this season behind their OLine so I hope you are not calling them subpar. It only became subpar under the pressure of the super dominate DL and edge rushers of the Broncos. That said, we should expect the Panthers to attempt to strengthen that area further this off season. I actually believe the stage of the Super Bowl got to the Panthers and Cam nearly as much as the Denver defense.