FlocksGottaFeed

Is Harb not feeling it? http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17376287/joe-flacco-baltimore-ravens-set-play-first-knee-injury

I'm leaning more to the thinking of 'not this game'. I already know Joe can take a hit, but I think for now the O-line could really use a flawless, clean pocket quarter or 2 to build confidence for themselves and Joe. The sacks and hits can come later.

I think we'll see a lot of the 'quick/short slot and TE' passing game to avoid possible injuries. That said, I'd still like to see a couple of 1st down (unexpected) deep throws from Joe to test, loosen-up and stretch the field. Highly recommended for receiver/quarterback continuity going into the season.

Agreed. Would really like for Stanley to hold it down (pass and run block) this game. The Lions were embarrassed defensively last game. They'll ball-out Sat. to challenge their resolve. This is a very good test not only for Stanley, but the continuity of entire O-line. Can't wait to see how we gel.

I'm most interested in seeing how well our offense performs against the Lions defense in comparison to the Bengals defense vs Lions last week. It will serve as a good indicator of where we are right now.

Joe's in according to latest espn report for Sat.

Agreed. There will likely be several packages that will utilize all these weapons and SSS will be 'technically' a starter unless he hasn't completely returned from injury. Knowing Steve's thought process in making the decision not to retire and the team's ardent, proactive encouragement for his return 'non-starter' wasn't in the equation then or now.

Agreed. Seasons are becoming more and more of a 'roll of the dice' when injuries, bad officiating, etc rule the day. After last year I'm officially out of the record prediction business. That said, I'm still comfortable saying (regardless of final record) we'll see better overall team play this season.

With our history of comeback seasons I think it's a pretty reasonable ranking. I didn't see any teams ranked lower that 'strongly' challenged that possibility. I'm good.

...and so it begins!

SSS healthy is starter anywhere in the league. Without a doubt.

The return of the Sizzle is eminent.

The Good: This forum. Even with this season being what it was (a train wreak accompanied by a perfect storm heartbreak) and the rare lack of a post-season hope for us - fans stayed engaged and the team showed character through-out. Like it was for this game, we loss but we showed that we're not beaten. This is why I've already forgotten about this aberration of a season and know that this team will be 'that' team that every other team knows will 'go hard' every game and rule in 2016. Mark your brand new calendars.

I think we get this one and closeout this season on a high note. If we play with that 'nothing to lose' and 'everything to prove' Ravens Swag that we played with last week, the Bengals more or less go into 'Reserve yourself' mode for the playoffs. It should still be a close game at the end. We were able to slow down one most prolific offenses in the league last week with their top playmakers in full effect. The Bengals have a little less talent available although they also have one of the most prolific offenses, as well. Oddly enough, this gives the Ravens a slight edge and real chance to be spoilers today. Ravens by 3 to finish the season with a little luck, all-out reckless abandonment and playoff intensive play. GO Ravens!!! 1st win in 2016!

There are 3 types of responses I'm seeing: Those that appear to discredit Mallet somewhat to defend Joe from those who discredit himThose who elevate the debate to discredit Mallet or Joe because there aren't many other subjects here this 'sexy'Those who try to add levity to the other 2 groups that may appear to discredit bothFor me, I fall into the 3rd group. I don't think anyone can reasonably make an argument either way with such a small Ravens sample size (1-2 games), not knowing Joe's current recovery, not knowing where Mallet's career goes from here or what the draft and FA off-season will bring. Isn't it really both a mute point and oddly tempting conversation at this time at best?

The defense and offense have an inseparable relationship. Long drives from the offense allows better outcomes from the defense. 3 and outs from the defense allows better field position for the offense in better outcomes. Our defense doesn't need a complete makeover. It needs better outcomes. It's hard to know what will bring those outcomes. It could be more play-makers on offense and defense, different coaching schemes, continuity and/or adjusting/raising the aptitude of team overall. Continuity has been proven to be the most important ingredient to that success. imo - We don't need a 'new' defense right now. We just need to shake the 'Curse of 2015' where everything that could have happened - happened for the worst. After which, maybe we can get a truer assessment of the state of the Ravens overall.

I really want a victory against the Bengals and know that it will take a total team effort to make that happen. If we get the win ('we' as the Team) than hopefully Mallet's played a role in the victory, but just a role. There aren't any 'No Hitters' in football where you could give an overwelming share of the victory to a single individual like in baseball. If the Ravens win it doesn't mean that Mallet has proven himself to be a leader, gained maturity or is even a starter, yet. It simply means that the Ravens won. Trying to create any other scenario beyond that is beyond reason. That said, I want this game and I want the entire team to play like Ravens - the 'entire' team. Next season, I hope that he can be a great backup to Joe or just have general career success on his 2nd chance. Many never get 3rd chances. GO Ravens!!! Time to end 'The Life of Pi' 2016.

Just can't believe how fast this season was. Oh, well. Happy New Year.

Well said and then some. Thanks.

Steve Smith is the truth and the truth sets it's own terms (period). I thought this was what this thread was about.

It really looks that way. He appears to be a Bilicheat-type with less discretion. Look out for a 'ChipGate' in the future if he stays in the league.

Didn't sit well with me either. There's a reason why this guy has been shopped around so much. Maturity. He's got the talent, but doesn't have the cache to appear to be arrogant, yet. I wish the best for him and generally like confidence in a player, but speak with your play 'only' until you learn humility and discretion. If he did that more the rest of the league will respect his play more. Just saying...a little more discretion could eventually get him alot more salary as he continues to earn franchise QB-like respect in the league.

It's kind of weird how none of his current players are saying anything on his behalf. Quiet as mice. Maybe he is a slave-driver and an ego driven tyrant. Just sayng.

The Bullies? Really? They curl-up like little kittens everytime they get in the playoffs. Yeah, they've been a torn in our side for a few years now, but more like an annoying little brother with a four-leaf clover in his back pocket. So many lucky bounces and tickie-tack calls in the last 2 years to win games. Bullies? I hate bullies anyway. They're traditional plagued with insecurity, low-self esteem and fear of failure (...and can't win a playoff game). To help them from this mental state; like all posers, you have to smack them back to reality or cuddle them like kittens. A good old school Raven butt-whooping now might just help them to win a playoff game in the future. GO Ravens!!! Help them back to reality.

Just made New Years a little newer for me. Just glad to see him back!