Ravens Talk Topics

Flacco's Foot

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:55:55 +0000

I noticed in today's Baltimore Sun that
Joe was listed with a foot and knee issue
but practiced.

Anyone else think that his foot that was
stepped on in the Vikings game has been
bothering him more than Joe or the Ravens
coaches are saying ?

Predict The Score Ravens Vs Colts.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:36:49 +0000

What do you think the score is going to be when we play the colts?Id say 30-27 Ravens.Btw im new lol.

Hit On Cribbs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:55:07 +0000

By now most of you probably know that Dwan Edwards was fined for the hit $5,000. But this article from NFL.com says Edwards was also called for unnecessary roughness on the play.

If that is indeed the case shouldn't the game have continued? I thought that a game cannot end on a defensive penalty. If they did indeed mess up then that is on top of the 4th timeout they gave Cleveland which allowed this play to occur in the first place.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81459d92&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Imagine If...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:20:19 +0000

This is a fun topic, so I do not intend for this to be a serious debate by any means, just something to think about in the midst of uncertainty.

Imagine if Jon Gruden were the Ravens head coach instead of Harbaugh. The guy is officially my favorite commentator for the NFL, he simply loves the game and wants to learn everything he can about it. In my opinion, he's already surpassed Jaws as a commentator, only because of the way he delivers his message; you can actually hear the passion in his voice! Now, whenever Jaws says something, I understand him but feel like there's something missing in the message. I actually enjoyed the Browns game, not because of the inefficiencies both teams showed, but for listening to all the commentators (The Monday Night crew are the best collective commentators, again, imo). Now, on to my point...

The way Gruden conducts himself really makes me believe he would have been an amazing head coach for the Ravens. Yahoo! Sports just had an article on him, and it really shows what I already thought about him. His passion for learning makes me feel that he would have asked Ed Reed and Ray how the old defensive scheme worked, not to mention he would have been with Rex for a season, picking his brains for some info. I also believe he has the intelligence to pick great personnel, therefore hiring Cam would have been a no brainer to him. Also, the downfall of the Bucs this year, as it states in the article, provides some evidence that he wasn't the real problem in Tampa.

Again, I'm not saying this should have or could have happened. Just like the title suggests, this is hypothetical. Thoughts?

Technique Is The Key

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:18:11 +0000

we havent been winning the battles up front on D and i think thats the reason why our corners sometimes are left out there with there heads chopped off. we need to win those 1 on 1 battles this next game if we want to be playoff contenders hands down. if we cant then look at a long day in baltimore. honestly i think our OLBs,suggs, would rather not have there hands touching the ground. they have more of a running start when they rush standing up and it closes the pocket faster when you see the OTs dropping back to protect the QB on pass plays. played football before and i always liked standing because you have more momentum and you can see where the offence is lined up. Agree????

Indy Resident In The Raven's Forum: Has Some Thoughts, Hear Me Out, Don't Run Me Out!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:44:01 +0000

Ravens fans:

Hear me out please, before you run me out . I'm a resident of Indy, and obviously a Colts fan (sorry about the past, the Colts moved here when I was in high school and it was a long time before we achieved success; a lot of it has to do with getting Manning); here are my thoughts:

Don't be so negative folks. The Ravens made the AFC title game last year. Most of us in Indy are extremely grateful for what we have and we respect all opponents.
I know we seem to have good success against you guys, but it will be a good game Sunday, believe me. Here in Indy, we don't disrespect the Ravens, as a matter of fact I like it when the Colts play there because it is difficult and noisy, and I admit because of bad blood from your residents who remember the Colts playing there, it makes it fun.
Hey, good luck guys on Sunday. No hard feelings. Can I be safe in saying we all hate the Steelers and the Patriots!!!

P.S.: But you all know who I'll be rooting for on Sunday.

'play Like A Raven'.....now's The Time!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:41:03 +0000

We've been waiting to see this years club to really step up and 'Play Like A Raven'. Here I'm primarily talking defense. The offense has been pretty exciting with some sputtering recently.

So....DEFENSE......how do they get it done???

Optimism

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:42:57 +0000

Hi! Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

I've been reading this board for a couple seasons. There are always high and low points, but it seems like lately, there's been so much overall pessimism about the Ravens that it's hard to believe we have a winning record.

So I wanted to start a thread that includes a few things I think we should be optimistic about--things that have possibly been overlooked in light of some recent disappointment.

1.) Since the bye, the Ravens defense has surrendered 8 points a game.

We can criticize the defense all we want, but the fact of the matter is, 8 points a game is damn good. Odds are we'll let up more than eight against the Colts, but the fact is, overall, we've seen excellent defense after the week off.

2.) Since the bye, the Ravens defense has surrendered no big plays.

Think about it. Isn't it true? There was one iffy pass interference call against the Bengals, but plays don't seem to be getting over our head anymore. This was the major criticism of our defense through the first several games, and rightly so, but it hasn't been an issue recently.

3.) The Ravens haven't allowed a touchdown in seven quarters. Nor a point in six.

A game and a half without letting up a single point. And while those first few possessions against the Bengals weren't pretty, when the Ravens defense figured out what the Bengals--who had two weeks to prepare--were up to, they brought the Bengals offense to a standstill.

4.) Maybe we can lay off Dominique Foxworth?

A number of weeks back, someone on this board posted a bunch of very specific statistics on our defense, including categories like QB rating against. Landry's number was not good. Nor was Washington's.

But Foxworth? Foxworth was second only to Ed Reed, and he wasn't far off.

Contrary to perceptions, Dominique Foxworth is playing pretty well.

5.) Ladarius Webb.

Actually, I don't have to go into great detail here. This is the one area of optimism I do continue to see. What enthusiasm this kid has.

6.) Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are only in their second year.

Is anyone else as excited by this as I am? These are players we're going to have around for a long time, and altogether, this points toward a very bright future for the Ravens offense.

7.) We came out two out of three against teams coming off the bye.

Odds are the whole "coming off the bye" thing is exaggerated, but the fact of the matter is, three different teams had two full weeks to prepare for us, and we won two. Not bad.

8.) Every team that has beaten us is a playoff team.

The Patriots. The Vikings. The Bengals twice. These are the teams that have beaten us. I know, we should be winning some of these if we're going to do great in the playoffs, but the teams who have beaten us are really, really good. Losing to them doesn't mean we're really, really bad.

9.) The Bengals swept the Steelers, too.

It was painful to lose twice to the Bengals, but let's face it--they're good this year. They're the best team in the AFC North. And the one difference between us and the Steelers right now is a missed field goal.

Altogether, some food for thought, I think!

-Harrison

Will We See David Tyree Or Kelley Washington A Little More

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:04:30 +0000

I was hoping to see a little more Kelley Washington on 1st or 2nd down plays vs. just 3rd down. Do you think this might happen this week ?

How about David Tyree, I know he is playing special teams, but the Giants did use him as a receiver.
Do you think the Ravens are giving any consideration on using him on offense ?

Lost Identity

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:44:06 +0000

Over the course of most of our seasons (prior to 2009), our identity was simple. Run the Ball. Play shut down defense.

But in 2009 it seems like we are confused about our identity. Some games we come out slinging the ball. Some games we want to establish the run. Some games we play great D, others we can't stop anyone.

What is our current identity? Playoff teams have identities. They aren't inconsistent about game plans every week.

If you look at the top teams in the league. You can easily spot what they do well. You look at the Ravens, its confusing. Defense? err, No. Running Game, Sometimes. Passing Game, Erratic. We never know what type of team we will be week to week.

Most of our prior success has come from the running game and defense. Should we continue down this path because its worked before? Or has this become such an offensive league (& QB league) that we should adapt to the times and change our prior identity, especially since we added Flacco and have a defense that's coming up short?

What are your thoughts? Old school or New School? Whatever it is, we need to stick to it.

Antwan Barnes

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:38:28 +0000

Does anyone have any insight as to why Antwan Barnes is a nonexistent factor on our defense? After watching Kruger on Monday night I understand that he is a rookie, but from my own personal opinion as a knowledgeable fan who's been watching the Ravens since 1996, Barnes has to be a better option. Anyone remember those back to back sacks on Brady on Monday night in 2007? What's the story?

Ravens Host Family Food & Funds Drive

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:36:39 +0000

LINK

If your are lucky enough to have tickets to the game, please remember to bring an non-perishable food item or donation.

Key Weapon Vs Manning

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:32:06 +0000

Well, theres a nasty nor'easter coming up the coast. This could really put a damper on our Tailgating parties, and Manning's aerial attack. Could be a very sloppy game. One good side is, no mud! Thoughts?

Mcalister Has Been Signed

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:53:34 +0000

C-mac got signed by the saints, i guess. If he comes out and plays well, i will eat my own words and cry for a good 2 hours over us not picking him up.
My link

Colts Due For A Loss?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:30:24 +0000

This is exactly what I said before the Broncos game. I said the Broncos were due for a bad game and sure enough, we not only beat them first but in doing so, we started their skid.

I'm not saying were definitely gonna beat Indy and start their skid or anything, but think about it, their last three games were all close wins where they were anything but dominating. Is it time for them to lose? We'll see what happens.