FlocksGottaFeed

Who is that dude behind the curtain? I've seen this movie before.

W for Super Bowl win? Perriman and every promising rookie draft pick for Super Bowl win.

Yes, the Browns. Unbelievable.

I know "Watchability" , but I can't see why not us higher. Just trying to be objective. Regardless of win-loss records - the Ravens have always had some of the highest rated games every season (when broadcasted nationally). Is it really the 'watchability' factor or selective 'brand' based broadcasting'? Small market teams beware. I think he wrote his article that way to simply point out the "watchability" vs "brand" based strategy. As the season continues, the NFL will decide or (more accurately) the fans will decide for them.

BLACKBOARD Material Courtesy of Gregg Rosenthal - Around The NFL Editor "Yet we never put anything past coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome. Harbaugh didn't suffer a single losing campaign in his first seven years on the job, making the playoffs six times. The Ravens rightly took pride in being a top-tier organization before last year's 5-11 flop. Will we still think of Baltimore that way after this season? The Ravens face a Bills team this week that is simply more talented." He's also Power Ranked us 24th with the Browns at 20th. Let's be sure to thank Gregg for the inspiration after we win this one.

Agreed. I'm thinking he'll get 2 or 3 somewhere as the season goes on just playing like a Raven. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/breaking/chi-devin-hester-touchdown-record-20140918-story.html From his interviews and past team performances, he seems to be committed to and driven-by the respect and dedication to a positive team culture (Family). The only times he hasn't been able to have successful campaigns (very few times) is when that culture doesn't exist. When it's right - Hester's right. He's in the right place - at the right time. Now...if we could only get Deion some tickets...

Ravens 11-5 (4-2 in division) (7-3 against other divisions) Bengals 10-6 (4-2 in division) (6-4 against other divisions) Steelers 9-7 (3-3 in division) (6-4 against other divisions) Browns 7-9 (2-4 in division) (5-5 against other divisions) Just based on the history of Conference Match-ups for the last decade (AFC North is the 'winning-est' division).

The Jimmy Smith and Sammy Watkins match-up should be really interesting this game. I think it could possibly set the tone and/or act as a barometer as to where our D Backfield and Pass Rush are currently.

Hester will bring crucial 'decision-making' that will be even more important than ever with the 'new' kick-off rules. There will be more aggressive tactics use by every kicker to gain field advantages and/or completely throw-off inexperienced returners. Because of this, I'm glad our FO had the wisdom to try ensure that at the 'very' least we have a guy that's been there and done that at a high level (the best in history). I'm not looking for Hester to run back kicks/punts for TDs this season (although that would be nice). I'm expecting that he doesn't make crucial mistakes and gives us reasonable field position. Everything else is...desert.

Very interesting... Ravens starters in Super Bowl XLVII was 28.9, the 10th oldest lineup to play in the Super Bowl. We're eerily close to the same team chemistry and make-up of our last Super Bowl team. I see it as a good sign.

Think I found the play, but there was no touch down (My bad...my brain just embellish the moment.). One of those Steelers O-line had just pancaked him just before that play. Video Time: Around 2:30 I'm not sure if he will ever be an emotion leader like the one we're accustomed to, but on certain levels he leads with emotion.

Agreed. I'm hoping that what C.J. meant by more vocal is calling-out other team plays as they called them real-time (like Ray was known for). The Ravens would play Peyton Manning’s version of the Colts before Ray Lewis retired. Manning said many times, “Ray Lewis was over there calling my plays at the same time I was.” That's the most important 'vocal' a clutch player can offer a team. As far as defining 'Emotional Leadership' goes - there are a lot of different emotions that a leader can use to lead others. His love and steadfast commitment to film study and preparation could be a effective form of emotional leader (and more useful). The Rah, Rah stuff can't compare to Ray's true leadership qualities and hopefully C.J. stays with his own qualities in order to be an effective leader - it's enough.

Thanks. Absolutely agree, but that's why I think that he is an emotional leader. Just the kind of leader that is very understated. When I think in terms of emotions I include every human emotion (anger, happiest, fear, sadness, etc.). Anyone of those emotions and/or combinations of those emotions applied consistently in productively to serve the teams goals usually serve as leadership. C.J. Mosley's most consistent emotional leadership qualities are his fearlessness, self-determination and confidence. My 3rd Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: C.J. Mosley “I think I have to be more of a vocal leader more this year, especially being at 'MIKE' now,” - C.J. Mosley, Ravens Forum I'm in complete agreement with others who say that he shouldn't focus on 'vocal' Ray Lewis-like leadership. It doesn't fit him. That type of leadership style for those kinds of results is so rare we may never see it again. I'm hoping that he commits to forming his own leadership style based on the emotional strengths that he brings. Confidence - Just the fact that he wants to lead gives a level of respect and commitment from your teammates. Self-Determination - His commitment to doing the work (study, workout, relationship building, etc.) sets the example and is respected by others Fearlessness - I've never seen this dude back-down to anyone. That emotional energy elevates those around you. I remember seeing C.J. pancaked on a play in his rookie season (nasty). It was so bad that the rest of his teammates just bowed their heads in condolence. That O-lineman tried to stare him down. He stared back unmoved. A couple of plays later he bodied-up that same lineman using speed and balance (making him look like he was wearing roller-skates on ice) , then C.J. completely pancaked the RB (nasty x 2) causing a fumble, picked it up and scored. Afterwards, the Ravens went on a tear to win the game and after that game most of us watching said, "I think we've found our next defensive leader...". It's time. I think he's ready if he can create and embrace his own leadership style.

I'm not playing games. I'm just giving an opinion supported in research. This is the 'Best' Ravens Receiving Unit "... we've had in place going into the season until proven otherwise (which is currently, overwhelmingly against the odds). " I read the question as relative to the 'Here and Now - Today - Currently'. When we don't do this It's too easy to think in hypotheticals and not present a direct opinion that gives more thought and/or commentary. For example: If there is another Ravens receiving core who was more deep, talented, achieved, effective with a QB and O-line to match and support all those qualities at this point of the season (with 1 more pre-season game remaining) why not just name them? I want to learn more on Ravens history. If I misread the post and it's not referring to the here and now then everything's off-the-table. There is no tangible conversation - just unsupported theory. Just like you, "I really like group that we have put together..." - my only difference is no ifs, ands or buts here until I have cause to think otherwise.

Honestly, I just finished checking out the list and I didn't see anything promising. We really need to wait.

This we know...this the best. Steve Smith Sr 961 receptions * 13,932 receiving yards * 76 tds * Top 15+ All-Time * Likely will be in the Top 5 All-Time by the end of this season Mike Wallace 414 receptions * 6,307 receiving yards * 49 tds * On pace to be in the Top 15 All-Time by the end of his career (with average yearly performance) Figure in Aiken 900+ yards last season, 1st round pick Perriman with proven reliable complimentary fill-in Butler, Camp and the rest (who have been steady). This is cut above simple 'potential' - this is the most promising unit we've ever had at this point of the roster year and the 'BEST' we've had in place going into the season until proven otherwise (which is currently, overwhelmingly against the odds).

Absolutely. It takes that kind of energy to elevate the energy around you.

Thanks. I like the list. Do you think CJ Mosley could be added for 2016 leadership? I was thinking about profiling him, too. My 3rd.

Agreed. If 2 of 3 doesn't happen - 2 of 4 will suffice. Meaning Aiken, Moore, etc. must equal-out the production of SSS and Perriman, Perriman and Wallace or SSS and Wallace. We are that deep.

Completely agree as vet myself. There are some appointed so-called leaders that can say "Let's go!" and nothing happens. And then there are the 'true' leaders.

The article reference at the very top of the post is just a reference. Everything else is my opinion. The main objective is to open conversation about our 'rich' history of Ravens leadership and fans identifying who are our 'emotional leaders' this season. Thoughts.

Agreed. You get no argument there. I would argue anyone that see's differently. As far as Ray Lewis goes I think he displayed several different forms leadership. When the team needed a play he didn't elevate his voice, he silently elevated his game even more trying to make that play. Not for anything except "that's what was needed". Joe is no different. He uses multiple 'emotional leadership' tools. Just because there's seemingly 'controlled' intensity doesn't mean you can't use it to elevate teammates. When we were down on energy during the 49ers SB comeback Joe looked like a stone-cold assassin at times. It has an affect (emotionally).

Tank I can definitely agreed with the Joe Flacco "emotional intelligence and situational awareness" leadership comparison. It comes in many forms. Joe's illustrates three things for me: Relationship Building - Through humor (even goof-ball at times) and openness to build trust Self-awareness - Being Comfortable enough in your own skin that your emotional control can help to balance the energy of teammates when needed. Situational Awareness - Because he's normally low-key when he does show a level/burst of 'intense', high energy outward emotion the team's energy elevates immediately. For me "emotional intelligence and situational awareness" is more about when and how to express them. Joe does it his way. Really similar to the Ngata way.

I believe there's a certain kind of emotional team leadership that fans recognize instinctively and is more powerful in football than any other team sport - "The Underdog Leader". There are players who just quietly command the roar of the fans just through unyielding competitiveness and basic human empathy. They usually have a great story (Rudy-like) and/or a certain relate-able, commonality. When they make plays...every fan and player celebrates it. My 2nd Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: Eric Weddle “All of your hopes and dreams start right now – to have a chance at the ultimate goal: winning a Super Bowl,” Weddle said. “Gosh, I can’t tell or express the excitement you have coming back.” IMO - Beyond his high football I.Q., I just know when this dude makes his 1st play Raven's Nation will explode (and his teammates).

I believe the emotional intelligence is the primary leadership quality that defines team play. Because of this key aspect a few current Ravens come to mind. My 1st Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: Steve Smith Sr. "For NFL players, emotional intelligence and situational awareness play a huge role in defining how well players respond under pressure." - Written by Gar Wang from Pro Player Insider "It's been great. He's all in," wide receivers coach Bobby Engram said. "Smitty is a worker. He's made a lot of plays in this league; he has not lost an edge. He's been a great addition for the receiving room and for our team as a whole. He's a leader." - wbaltv.com I feel that it's the most obvious fan pick to start with. To me it's that feeling you get when someone makes a play that's not always a 'spectacular' play in you can feel that everybody watching the game with you adrenaline just went-up and you immediately see all the Ravens on the field and sidelines are experiencing the same thing - an instant energy infusion. When competitive energy and commitment is lacking and we really need a play - when Steve delivers one - it's on!