FlocksGottaFeed

Agreed on some levels, but without Kaep's initial peaceful protest would there have been the Seahawks protest? There must be credit given to at least that and many police, veterans, fans and players have. Now, why not our active Ravens? Is there some measure in place that doesn't permit it or is there a plan in place that will reveal a different 'peaceful protest' strategy to address the 'real' problem?

It's not reported as much as the other narrative (' This is a attack on patriotism...!!!), but they're out there everyday in interview after interview articulately that same "positive change and/or reform" message over-and-over again. http://www.motherjones.com/media/2016/09/nfl-players-join-kaepernick-solidarity-protest Our Ravens should as well. I really think they will be (and their own way) soon.

That's the beauty of it...it has people talking. Now, it's not about the messenger, but the message. Although it's out there (and a bit uncomfortable) most people don't want to have those much needed conversations. They revert back to the messenger not the message. I appreciate that you gave a real good example of how it can be delivered differently, but I'm still wondering how our Ravens will deliver and/or join the national football conversation.

Loved it!!!

Absolutely agree with this. In addition, I'm a veteran and have personal (sorrows and triumphs) directly connected to the 9-11 tragedy like so many others who still would support and fight for an individual to express his/her rights peacefully (and have) no matter when those rights are exercised. I've stopped at makeshift memorials posting American flags honoring veterans, historic notables and everyday unheralded people just to honor them and country. These times were never prompted or staged. Keenan Reynolds is a member of the Ravens’ practice squad who played quarterback for four seasons at Navy. “We fight to protect your freedom to do that, regardless of how I feel about it. How I feel about it is irrelevant. The flag gives you the right to do that,” Reynolds said Saturday. - By Rick Maese – Washington Post That said, I believe that the forced 'ceremonial' and/or the 'staged' aspect of showing 'patriotism' on-demand has no place at sporting events. If it was truly about the flag then anyone at anytime can pay homage whenever they felt like it (flags fly the entire game, on the way to the game, at every corner, etc.). I think the more obvious reason this expression of individual rights had a platform is the 'National Anthem' combined with 'on-cue' audience participation. Now, when that's all put into action - there's your opportunity for exercising your rights to or not. Considering the lyrics of the Anthem: And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a Country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. (The parts where you don't get to yell "O"! Can we blame them? That's a perfect time to express individual rights peacefully. Most people I've seen not partaking in the Anthem at the game are hitting the stalls, texting, posting social media or everything else except expressing freely their rights to move the idea of 'justice for all...' forward. (I wonder if those are the vocal about it.) Maybe a few of our Ravens will take this time to (in any form) to express that same resolve or at the very least just join the conversation.

Some have said this is not a Ravens thread, it's not a football thread and maybe it has nothing to do with the team and it's leadership. Really? It only began from an 2016 NFL sideline, was commented-on by several ex-Ravens, coaches and the entire sports nation daily. It's all of that. We are revisiting the 'new real-time' importance of never taking our freedoms for granted and never confusing patriotism with the individual rights for others to be free to challenge what they feel is an injustice whether you agree with the tactics or not. Very few championed and welcome 'change' at first. It's uncomfortable for most, but change is necessary. When our country ceases to evolve and better this republic - our country ceases. Our team and this sport along with so many other sports, businesses, everyday individuals, etc. have had more impact on that progress than any political party and/or think-tank. If our team decides to sit this one out (Don't think they will...) when it's all said in done someone is going to ask: Why? That said, they should join the conversation now or answer later.

That's the thing. West is a good choice, but I think something like this goes beyond 'minority, direct affects and local'. It would take the kind of player who has a more optimistic approach to change. Ravens running back Terrance West after police shootings: "Nothing don't change but the names of the victims." The Baltimore Sun Maybe based on recent events and seeing other players around the league growing in support - he'll have a different outlook. That said, it's possible that simply knowing that you (West) are playing a role in a possible positive change of something that hurts you deeply will even improve every other aspect in your life. When you feel like you're working towards good - you normally have more bounce in your step.

Agreed. It's been more unifying than anything else. Team play has shown no affects, but I can't remember when even opponent teams players have been so connected after games. It's bigger than football, but every player to the man has shown game-time professional and focus during the actual games. Still waiting on my Ravens to chime in.

Two more ex-Raven teammates see this movement through a different lens - Shannon and Trent (SB Champions) Still looking for current Ravens to express opinion on this. Baltimore and the rest of the country needs it.

It has very little or nothing at all to do with toughness. It's contractual. NBA it's CBA driven, not in current NFL CBA and most likely will never be.

1st thing 1st: In order to really see the reality of this subject Kaep's name isn't the focus point. Once that's removed and we ask "How did we get here?" we'll find that we have some serious work to do...period. Once that work is done we all benefit from that progress regardless of race, creed and/or economic standing. The main issue is that an injustice needs to be addressed without distraction. Who do you think the 1st Raven to add to the conversation will be and why?

I thought any fight for justice, humanity, our freedoms - is for the betterment for everyone. Not them and they, but we and us. No matter what narrative anyone may agreed or disagreed with the evolution of our country will continue to play a role in all of our lives. There's no argument there. I'm proud of our forum (the Best in the NFL) and the way we've been communicating on this particular issue. I'm still ready for more Raven players to add more to the conversation. Baltimore needs it.

John Harbaugh's thoughts on this is all over. He supports this form of free speech. http://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/29523/ravens-john-harbaugh-goes-voltaire-on-colin-kaepernicks-anthem-protest http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/29/john-harbaugh-on-kaepernick-you-cant-deny-someone-the-right-to-speak-out/ It's because of the general history surrounding this movement so directly center on Baltimore (Where the anthem was written, where a major protest took place that addressed the very issues protested, the general support of the Ravens organization, etc., I think the question is "...it's not 'if' there will be active Ravens playing a role in this form of freedom of speech, "...but when?"

Agreed. Tyrod has been nothing but '1st class' as a Raven and 1st class since he left. Some of the biggest 'Tyrod huggers' were his ex-Raven teammates after the game. Only wishing him great success like every other ex-Raven playing, but again...not against us.

Mallet beat him last season without half the talent that Joe has this season. I'm not that concern. Plus, McCown was truly beat-out by RG3 according to pre-season reports coming out of Cleveland. There's got to be a reason for that. Maybe they thought that he didn't give them the best chance to be competitive. Not saying it's a done deal, but his (McCown) being there doesn't change the scenario too much for me. This is a 'Must Win' that we should win if we prepare, play and coach to our full potential.

I know it's only game 2 in a long season, but this is a 'Must Win' and despite what the "sports analysis" might be saying - the Browns aren't a guaranteed win by any stretch of the imagination. The last time we've actually 'blown-out' this team was 2009 (10+ points). No matter what their roster looks like...they've always been a play or 2 away. We've normally found ways to get wins, but never taking these games for granted. Why a 'Must Win'? We need to sweep the Browns this season (best case scenario) in order to go at least 4-2 in AFCN. When it's all said and done - allowing the Browns to steal this one by underestimating them will really be felt later in the season.

This recent game against the Bills spoke volumes about Weddle's leadership: Albert McClellan said communication on defense was as good as it's been since Super Bowl year when they had Lewis, Reed making adjustments — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) September 11, 2016 Emotional Leadership can take-on a lot forms. It's not always outwardly aggressive (just one form). Sometimes it's a confidence that's translated through a leader's situational IQ that is shared to elevate the play. Weddle definitely fits the role. It's great to see that players, coaches and fans - get it. Looking forward to seeing him get more recognition for his leadership abilities going forward.

The WW2 (Weddle/Webb) = 2D2B are going to be special.

The WW2 (Weddle/Webb) = 2D2B are going to be special.

Outstanding thread K-Dog! Now let's bring it! GO Ravens!!!

soooooo true.

I'd go with Perriman. 1st 'real' season for the 1st round draft pick in 51st Super Bowl season...2nd Ravens 1st round pick at 26th 2016 (Ray Lewis 26th 1st round pick 1996)...shall I go on? 2000 and 2012 ...focus on '1' and remove the 2s and zero's you get '1'. 11 (one and one) is his original choice of number, but Aiken already had it. Number '18' simply refers to 9 years (1+8) of Raven playoff appearances...adding the 1st playoff year (2000) = 1 ok. Perriman all day! GO Ravens.

Absolutely correct!

Wouldn't dare. This is a duplicate subject. The mods will handle it.

Though very skilled and promising (I like the guy) but, let's not get ahead of ourselves. http://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/10-greatest-nfl-tight-ends-of-all­-time.html/?a=viewall 10 of the 'Greatest' TE's ever include 2 who have played for the Ravens (Sharpe and Coates), 1 who played for Baltimore Colts (Mackey) and the 'Oz'. Longevity is key. Just saying. Gronk's injuries have really made that climb to the top a little steeper (no matter whose throwing the ball to him).