letitgosometimes

Smith is a gamer, no doubt about it, his leadership (Ray Style) is more valuable off the field than his play on the field, at this juncture of his stellar career.

Speed and strength will determine if Doom is done.

John: The Ravens need defensive backs like no tomorrow. Yet, wisdom in the front office fails to see the picture. The Ravens will be 9-7 or 8-8 with playoff hopes, but they could have made a run for the division with high quality DBs. No new thought, no new result. Maybe in 2018, the Ravens pull it together for a deep run in the playoffs. The first eight games will bring promise to the Ravens. The second eight will bring the reality of not having solid DBs.

The Ravens did well in the draft, but missed the opportunity to significantly build a stronger defense. Expect the Ravens to go 5-3 in the first eight games and 4-4 in the second eight games, with an overall record of 9-7. That record may not win the division, but might be good enough to make the playoffs. With all of the changing players, 9-7 or 8-8 is respectable. Two more years of rebuilding and the Ravens will be ready to make a deep run in the 2018 playoffs.

Leadership with an action plan for building the future - like it!

The Ravens were eliminated when they lost to Cleveland at home earlier in the season. "Next Year" quickly emerged as team performance continuously declined. Hope for rebuilding the Ravens is now echoed by sports writers in two words: "The Draft". Expect changes in the coaching staff and player roster for 2016 season. It will take at least three years before the Ravens regain their bravado and championship form. The real question is "Where did fun football go in Baltimore?"

The Ravens have won the Super Bowl roughly 10% of the time (give a few months) since entering the league in 1996. Not too bad, but with that comes high expectations. This season was tease for the players and fans, they all know the Ravens can and will do better "next year". Speaking of next year, let's do a couple of things to prepare for next season for example: try different offensive sets, no huddle, trick plays, reverses on punt and kick-off returns, etc., anything that makes us go "Wow" for a change. Bring back that bravado that is signature for the Ravens. The defense must do whatever it takes to make QB sacks. The rest of this season is an audition for next season. Gone will be the players and the coaches that fail to rise. Happy Holidays to all!

Joe: best wishes for a quick and complete recovery. Would like to see you in the coaches' box upstairs with headphones helping with the offensive play calling when you're ready.

Boyle: you may have "Boy" in your name, but the NFL requires "Man" in your game (on and off the field). Learn the NFL rules, follow the NFL rules, have a long and healthy NFL career. Keep working out daily, and best wishes for a solid return.

It is simple: if you win, you lose. If you lose, you win.

One rule that does not change: The Ravens hit hard in Baltimore! Everyone in Maryland is hungry for a win and Thanksgiving dinner will taste so much better after a solid crushing victory against a defiant Rams team. There will be a war on Sunday - Ravens will dominate.

The sad part is the team had the potential to be great this season. The schedule showcased the Ravens on National TV more often than a normal. Yet, in the end the Ravens mirrored champagne losing its fizz. Use the remainder of the season for tryouts (players and staff) for next season.

P=Players, makes more sense.

Good teams find a way to win. Bad teams find a way to lose.

Elvis: Okay, donate your paycheck this week. That is responsibility, not talk.

John: Just one question, who put them on the field?

The Ravens are now officially in the rebuilding mode. There are several bright spots on the team. Time to focus on returning players, returning staff, and potential draft picks.

Joe was a receiver and passer and did both well. A fine win by all. Rest and start the season over next game.

The Ravens defense looks reactive and not authoritative. If your band stinks at least play loud. It is far past the time for the Ravens defense to make some noise! Hit somebody, cause a fumble, make an interception, do at least one good thing on defense - that is all that is needed for Joe and company to rally on offense. No delayed blitzes; go full out attack. Make something happen on defense or sit down.

If the Ravens play a complete game then they win. If the Ravens get brain cramps, they do not win. Simple question: are the Ravens ready to play a complete game of football on Sunday against the Chargers?

The Ravens are winners already - just look at the balance sheets of the organization, staff, and players. The Ravens make plenty of money, so they are indeed the winners. However, the resounding question is who are the "real" losers?

Ravens need to work on fundamentals. Still not seeing solid football on either side of the scrimmage line. Start by making little changes, then build on the successes.

Today's games gave a fresh perspective to the Raven's season. Maybe the Ravens are not as bad as originally thought? Houston takes over as the leading NFL disappointment. The Ravens now can go out and play football without dragging an anchor. Joe can now play loose and hit moving targets and the defense now can cause a few turnovers. Something very familiar will entail called: sustained momentum. Just a few game changing plays and the Ravens rule again. The Ravens might surprise everyone by flying faster and stronger than the Cardinals!

The new game strategy for the Ravens: stay calm and keep moving the feet. Good things happen on the field when you are active. Expect the Ravens to turn the corner over the next few games.

Joe is money in the bank. Expect a nice set of upcoming games from the Ravens, especially Joe. The team is about to get their vibe going again; it will be fun again for the players and fans.