Excellent Article From The Sun

[bce086]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-sp.ravens23aug23,0,2510100.story?track=rss

Article touches on basically... everything.

Some of my favorite parts include:

Flacco playfully jabbing back at Reed and Lewis, which they love. It's awesome to see the team more unified, and not offense v. defense (you know what I mean). Ray says, "From a defensive standpoint, that's what we're talking about. We want them to come back at us."

It made me laugh when the coaches wanted Reed to wear a Red Jersey in practice, yet Reed says, "(his)neck is still sore, (but he) prefers to wear the white one so Flacco can't spot him and throw in the other direction".



There's so much more in this article, take a read and share some of your thoughts.

[PIG 20]

I enjoyed it. I don't mind Jamison Hensley that much. He's one of the few bright spots that is still lingering around the Baltimore Sun these days.

Good read!

[PuRock]

Favorite Part:
First-round pick Michael Oher should clear paths in the running game as the starting right tackle. [b]He just has to learn how to open gashes on defenders, not himself. [/b]

Strap a helmet on tight big fellow!

But as mentioned, you definitely feel like we have an identity this year. It's something nice to feel. And the depth we added will go a long way.

[YYZ66]

[quote name='bce086' date='26 August 2009 - 11:05 AM' timestamp='1251295558' post='224794']
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-sp.ravens23aug23,0,2510100.story?track=rss

Article touches on basically... everything.

Some of my favorite parts include:

Flacco playfully jabbing back at Reed and Lewis, which they love. It's awesome to see the team more unified, and not offense v. defense (you know what I mean). Ray says, "From a defensive standpoint, that's what we're talking about. We want them to come back at us."

It made me laugh when the coaches wanted Reed to wear a Red Jersey in practice, yet Reed says, "the neck is still sore, prefers to wear the white one so Flacco can't spot him and throw in the other direction".



There's so much more in this article, take a read and share some of your thoughts.
[/quote]

Nice read. Thanks for the link!

[bce086]

[quote name='PuRock' date='26 August 2009 - 10:27 AM' timestamp='1251296839' post='224800']
Favorite Part:
First-round pick Michael Oher should clear paths in the running game as the starting right tackle. [b]He just has to learn how to open gashes on defenders, not himself. [/b]

Strap a helmet on tight big fellow!

But as mentioned, you definitely feel like we have an identity this year. It's something nice to feel. And the depth we added will go a long way.
[/quote]


Haha yea, Oher's helmit was flying off left and right in that first preseason game. I'm not sure if he wasn't buckling the chin strap, or if it was just too loose. I didn't notice it flying around in the Jet's game though, so hopefully this has been resolved.

[jfc13]

My favorite part was Joe talking trash to Ed Reed and Ray Lewis - mostly because I can't even imagine it. Joe seems so laid back. Sounds like a fun time [while working hard].

Thanks for the link!

[BloodRaven]

Joe doesnt suit swagg

[neepo13]

I've been watching Flacco closely this offseason and I am begining to think he's not the humble guy that the Baltimore media has made him out to be. I dont know if its his natural personality coming out now that he's more confident or if its the team and this city rubbing off on him but he's different. He's got this, "bump you, bring it" type of demeanor now.

[Alexir]

[quote name='neepo13' date='27 August 2009 - 12:31 AM' timestamp='1251347462' post='225292']
I've been watching Flacco closely this offseason and I am begining to think he's not the humble guy that the Baltimore media has made him out to be. I dont know if its his natural personality coming out now that he's more confident or if its the team and this city rubbing off on him but he's different. He's got this, "bump you, bring it" type of demeanor now.
[/quote]

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='bce086' date='27 August 2009 - 03:05 AM' timestamp='1251295558' post='224794']
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-sp.ravens23aug23,0,2510100.story?track=rss

Article touches on basically... everything.

Some of my favorite parts include:

Flacco playfully jabbing back at Reed and Lewis, which they love. It's awesome to see the team more unified, and not offense v. defense (you know what I mean). Ray says, "From a defensive standpoint, that's what we're talking about. We want them to come back at us."

It made me laugh when the coaches wanted Reed to wear a Red Jersey in practice, yet Reed says, "(his)neck is still sore, (but he) [b]prefers to wear the white one so Flacco can't spot him and throw in the other direction". [/b]



There's so much more in this article, take a read and share some of your thoughts.
[/quote]
Ahaha that's brilliant! Ed sneaking around back there trying to not stand out. It's cool to see rivalry has been invigorated between the two sides of the ball - it must be good for both parties to feel complete confidence in the offensive side of the ball. And obviously, playing hard against our great defense can only help the offense come on in leaps and bounds

[PIG 20]

[quote name='neepo13' date='27 August 2009 - 12:31 AM' timestamp='1251347462' post='225292']
I've been watching Flacco closely this offseason and I am begining to think he's not the humble guy that the Baltimore media has made him out to be. I dont know if its his natural personality coming out now that he's more confident or if its the team and this city rubbing off on him but he's different. He's got this, "bump you, bring it" type of demeanor now.
[/quote]

I kinda see that as well. I think what we saw as "Joe Cool" last season was just a rookie QB coming into his own. There is a swagger that Joe has this season that he didn't have last year. You are starting to see his emotions come out more on the field and during interviews.

As cool as Joe was last season, the great QB's are leaders. And leaders aren't always "calm and collected". A leader also needs to light a fire under someone elses "behind" every once in a while.

[bce086]

[quote name='PIG 20' date='27 August 2009 - 07:51 AM' timestamp='1251373873' post='225358']
I kinda see that as well. I think what we saw as "Joe Cool" last season was just a rookie QB coming into his own. There is a swagger that Joe has this season that he didn't have last year. You are starting to see his emotions come out more on the field and during interviews.

As cool as Joe was last season, the great QB's are leaders. And leaders aren't always "calm and collected". A leader also needs to light a fire under someone elses "behind" every once in a while.
[/quote]

If he's got the confidence to joke with Ray and Reed, than he sure as hell has the confidence to take charge of that offense. This is exactly what we have been waiting for. A QB who takes charge AND the players respect.

Also, Reed sneaking around in the back really brings that competitive drive to practice. Flacco practicing against our D that is actually trying to pick him off every pass has got to be excellent experience for the young guy.

I think we're in for a real treat, both from Joe, and our defense (as always).

[MagicianCamille]

Didn't agree with the Kelley Washington comment(I think he looks terrific), but aside from that a good read. Big thing is hoping everyone STAYS HEALTHY. I felt like we could have won it all last year if we stayed healthy. We were very much banged up going into the playoffs, and even getting to the AFC title game was miraculous with the amount of starters we had injured.

This year I think we're improved across the board except kicker, IMO get Stover back because Gano is bad and Hauschka isn't impressive either), so I'm looking forward to another great season.