BigUgly

Teams that start 0-2 have about a 10% chance to make the playoffs. Of course, that factors in teams that actually had home games in that span. The Ravens still have a shot if they can miraculously manage to win 7 of their home games and half of their remaining road games. After yesterday, though, my optimism is waning.

At some point, when the 3 man pass rush fails to do anything and the overloaded secondary still gets shredded, its time to adjust. No sacks, no QB pressures to speak of. Make an adjustment! The D looked gassed by the 2nd quarter. This scheme looked like a "Milquetoast Mathis" at its best.

Wow. Hugely disappointing effort, especially on defense. No pass rush, poor coverage, and I really think the Raiders could've moved the ball more on the ground had they chosen too. They made Carr look like old-school Peyton Manning, back when he had a neck and working arm. And the offense? Couldn't or wouldn't commit to the run, and Flacco frustratingly still under throwing wide open receivers when he has time and throwing off of his back foot in pressure situations and sailing passes. Not pretty.

Pats are still shady. Nothing new. Have to beat them, literally and figuratively, on the field. Smack them in the mouth, and they will start to crumple. The Stillers D of old would have done that last night, but the new crew doesn't have it in them. I feel confident that won't be a problem for the Ravens.

This will be a tough stretch the first 5 games, with 4 on the road. Ravens will be VERY fortunate to go 3-2 over that span, and 2-3 is more likely.

Brown could be a nice addition eventually if given time to adjust to NFL speed. Seems to run excellent routes and has good hands. Maybe a Stokely-like guy (only 6 inches taller).

Ball didn't fit well with the zone blocking scheme in Denver, which is why he's available not. Not sure he's the best option for Baltimore.

Losing Myers, aka "Quadzilla", raises some eyebrows. Were he a 7th rounder or UDFA, no big deal, but the Ravens thought enough of him to take him in the 5th. Hope this is an indication of significant depth on the OL, because there is an injury history there (Monroe, KO, Wagner) and, looking ahead, question marks as to whether Yanda or KO will be re-signed.

I hope Trestman has taken some notes from our pre-season performance so far. Really need the running game to help all of the WRs not named Steve Smith get open.

As much as it would be nice to carry 7 receivers, I think the team will end up keeping a guy like Perry over one of the bubble WRs (Butler or Waller, this week) if he can contribute on special teams.

If Hurst can play left, he can play right. His biggest downgrade at RT over Wagner would be his run blocking ability, especially one-on-one (rarer in a zone blocking scheme, thank goodness, but still happens on outside runs and short yardage).

This could be the best draft class the Ravens have ever had, top to bottom. Scary! Even without Perriman and Quadzilla, the rooks stepped up

I love this team and the first-class organization behind it. Really appreciate the enhancements. Could only ask for one more:

Large flat screens in the restrooms so we can keep up with the game action as we stand in line.

Top ILB is worth more than a projected Guard, all things being equal (like health).

This is unlink Ozzie, to be in a position to have to plug so many holes via trade and losing draft picks in the process. This is indicative of some poor drafts over the last several years, and the Zuttah signing is the most glaring case in point. We are replacing a very poor center who was drafted too high for a merely below-average center, and have to lose a pick in the process. Hope some folks are being held accountable in the scouting department for getting the team in this predicament.