FlocksGottaFeed

Just one of the absolutely most scientific articles explaining how the Patriots have been getting away with cheating for years. http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2015/01/ballghazi_the_new_england_patriots_lose_an_insanely_low_number_of_fumbles.html?wpsrc=sh_all_mob_em_top Since 2007, the Patriots have managed to out perform every team in NFL history in fumbles lost by an unexplainable amount. This was right after lobbying to change the 'bring your own footballs' rules. There's no doubt that they deserve an (*) from 2007 to now, but will the league just ignore the science and good-old common-sense?

My only hope right now is that other organizations (particularly youth organizations) don't take the Patriots approach to the game. I can only imagine what kind of game that future would hold. Football would probably go the way that boxing and baseball went. They were both 'America's Game' in the past like football has been in recent years. They lost their fan interest when they couldn't be trusted and revelvant anymore. They loss their way. I hope that never happens to the game I love.

Like almost every other team in the league with a franchise QB, we just have to go with what we have and go into crisis management if our franchise QB goes down. We would have to survive a few games. Meanwhile, shop the market for recently retire, cut, unsigned, possible even trade 2nd-3rd string vets, journeymen QB's and/or coach-up our replacement QB to manage games. With the way contracts and budgets work today you don't have many alternatives when you have a franchise QB. It is what it is. Hopefully Joe continues to stay healthy and whoever the back-up may be has a lot of professional pride and prepares as if he will be a starter someday.

Good stuff. Thanks for posting. We should fire Stokes a job, too.

Got it. I'd agree with that. Thanks.

Some interesting points, but I'm not sure what exactly you're saying in reference to my statement. Help me out.

I agree with most of what you said. Continuity is important as long as the scheme stays consistant. However just because a candidate is not in the 'vetted' coaching carosal doesn't mean they are sub-par and/or unable to be successful. They just haven't been found. Football's a simple game. There have been very few innovators so why get caught-up and limit our thinking to only a re-cycled selective few, because they coached with 'this' guy, is so-and-so's son, they use to back-up that other dude and/or they're in the 'good ole boys club'. Bold thinking gets bold results. I hope we find the perfect OC match, but continuity for Joe should take priority above so called 'top-notch'. Top-Notch in this league is sometimes just another word for 'hacks'.

Once again, I agree he's under-performed. However, I'm sure this will be addressed in the offseason. If there's still no improvement before the season or after the season begins then there will be no reason to 2nd guess. He'll officially be a 'Bust'. But if he makes the adjustments with veteran leadership, coaching and a stable group around him, the rewards could me priceless. One thing you can't teach is 'big play' ability. He had it in college and that's why we picked him up. He could end-up being an impact player, again. At this point we have nothing to lose with him and everything to gain for one more off-season. Relax. If he's a bust the Ravens organization will determine that. Who am I to say? Until that, have some trust. In Oz I still trust. Why not? The best GM in the game.

Definitely see your point, but you have to consider HOF DBs like Darryl Green and Troy Polamalu (future HOF) who are very similar in size. They didn't start-out 'lights-out'. They we're surrounded with defensive backfield vet-talent, leadership and continuity 1st. This allowed them to become the best that they could be. I'm not saying that Elam will ever achieve these 'heights' but size won't be his biggest challenge. Some of us just need to be honest and admit that the guy hasn't had any of the 3 'most haves' before any real assessment can take place. Bust? It's a little too early. The upside to this would be that I think next season we'll see his true development/adjustment. Until then - In Oz I trust. Important Edit - added: defensive backfield vet-talent, leadership and continuity

Good points, but never count a player out because of size. Many "too small" players are in the HOF and they had to go through similar NFL adjustment periods. Fundamentals can be and have been taught at the NFL level and it always takes a few seasons for some. That's why we have NFL coaches (unless you have no faith in our coaches). I'm sure many of the college transitional areas can and will be addressed. If there isn't any improvement next season with a healthy and stable defensive backfield, I believe this will be his last with us and you could officially call it a bust. That said - Until then trust in our coaches and organization to do what we know they can. Remember - Many said Jimmy Smith was a bust before he became Probowler-like Jimmy Smith. It took a few years. In Oz we trust.

Elam hasn't had the season I expected but I'm not convinced that he's a bust. He has a quality that can't be taught 'big play' capabilities; however, needs to adjust his mechanics for this level (tackling, positioning). Being dump into a Defensive backfield injury riddled with no continuity didn't help his cause. The good thing is the tackling and positioning can be addressed so there's still a chance he'll be able to up his game if he's surrounded with better talent for a full season.

True, but scheme had more to do with it. They didn't want to test our front 7 and preoccupied any support. He's still has shown a lot of potential and should be interesting doing training camp. He reminds me of a few of Seattle's DBs. He might just prove everybody wrong. He may make the cut and contribute during the season. That said: Our first draft should be the most intimidating/enforcer with high football iq coming out. We need a physical presence in the DB. Really missing that for a while.

Ras led all of the team with 11 tackles in freezing weather. A good job if you asked me. Lots of potential there.

Elam has never been a bust. Once Jimmy is back, along with newly seasoned DB - OMG. Just hold the faith. He's talented and big game legit. If the last game didn't silence the doubters - nothing will. Sometimes I think the banter is just an unappreciated back-hand to Oz, really (One of winning-est GMs in NFL History).That's hard to swallow for some. No problem. In Oz we still Trust. GO Ravens! Beat the all!!!

Lived in Charlotte for 5 years and got to watch Steve up-close. Was thinking then, "This dude makes me miss my Ravens home games." He truly played like a Raven. I couldn't be happier that he is now a Raven. He belongs here. My prediction: 1000+ receiving yds. & 75+ receptions. If he can do that with Delhomme - he can better that with us. Watch this space...

Agreed. Great assessment. The only thing I'd add is because of us being the 17th pick - all the remaining talent will be crystal clear.We will most likely take the 'best' offensive (OL) player available. There's way too much pressure on the FO not to. That being said, there are so many promising CBs and FSs that will be available in the later rounds that we shouldn't lose-out on talent. As you said, we will also most likely secure that veteran FS and/or CB before training camp begins. My wishlist: TJ Ward and/or Champ Bailey.

Agreed. They are both to be respected - true ballers'.

Anybody who's still on the fence about Smith by the 3rd game just remember this - "Ice up son".

Agreed! I've been wanting this guy to be a Raven for over 10 years now. Everything about him has always been Raven-like. The best thing about his game to add to what you've already mentioned is he is the NFL equivalent of a "gym rat". He is a true student of the game, football 24-7 and one of the most cerebral players in the league. Gotta' love it!

OUTSTANDING! We need this dude.

Wow! 4 for 4 this off-season so far. I predicted Suggs, Pitta, Monroe and Jacoby would work-out deals and BAM! Feeling real good about this upcoming season!

I'm feeling really good about right now. Not bragging or anything, but I'm 'taking names' and picking winners right now. Spot on predictions on Suggs and Pitta deals have got me so psyched I'm going for the trifecta! Monroe's resigning is an overrated fan/media-based self-inflicted crisis. Monroe performed well as the season progressed and has potential, but he's no Jonathan Ogden-type dominating HOF destined LT. As far as the FO is concerned they've got to be thinking "Haven't we been here before?". Remember McKinnie? That being said, if Monroe doesn't realizes that 'fast-money' is not everything and shows some sign of humble commitment and loyalty to build his potential legacy with the Ravens; contrary to popular belief, the Ravens FO will not commit to him. They will most likely test the market for available FA's like him that have similar potential, salary numbers and a little more humble commitment to the organization. Final prediction: Monroe works-out a lesser immediate payday with bonuses agreement with the thought of a potential big money payday agreement for the future. imo - Monroe stays a Raven.