2009 Afc North Forecast: Partly Cloudy, With A Chance Of (Purple) Reign

[thewarden86]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='04 September 2009 - 03:26 PM' timestamp='1252092394' post='229238']
I'm tired of predictions and prognostications... let's just play football already!
[/quote]


Agreed. But I didn't type all that (flawlessly spelled) crap up for nothing so read it and offer an opinion! [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif[/img]

[Bltravens]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 01:17 PM' timestamp='1252091876' post='229236']


What I don't get is how you guys lose your DC, Bart Scott and Jim Leonard and then say WE haven't done enough to improve our #1 ranked D. You also tell me that we're hanging on to what we accomplished with the 11 guys last year (of which 10 are back) but then go back and reference the 2006 Ravens?
You seem to questioning the impact of our offense. Well, I'm "curious" to see how effective your defense is (for the first time in a decade) after the losses and new DC.
[/quote]

We lost 1 starter this last offseason as well as the steelers in the exact same position ironically. Leonhard was a backup, im suprised really that you didnt know or forgot that, as well Justin Bannan played NT/DE in place of Kelly Gregg, Bannan is also a backup. In all reality we lost the same amount of starting players on defense and replaced both Foote and Scott with young cats with loads of potential. As for the DC position we've gone through DC changes before and the transition hasnt been much problem, as long as the same players are there i cant see a fall off of epic proportions.

[Ravenite]

I got the Bengals being a better team that they were last year.

Nevertheless, the divison is between the Steelers and Ravens but we shall see.

Anything can happen in the NFL.

Cardinals in the superbowl? I would of never guessed.

[plesiosaur]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 03:32 PM' timestamp='1252092745' post='229242']
Agreed. But I didn't type all that [b](flawlessly spelled)[/b] crap up for nothing
[/quote]

ex: Jim [b]Leonhard[/b]

[thewarden86]

[quote name='plesiosaur' date='04 September 2009 - 04:01 PM' timestamp='1252094480' post='229258']
ex: Jim [b]Leonhard[/b]
[/quote]


GAAAAAAAaaaaaaa!!!!

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Bltravens' date='04 September 2009 - 03:36 PM' timestamp='1252093008' post='229244']
We lost 1 starter this last offseason as well as the steelers in the exact same position ironically. Leonhard was a backup, im suprised really that you didnt know or forgot that, as well Justin Bannan played NT/DE in place of Kelly Gregg, Bannan is also a backup. In all reality we lost the same amount of starting players on defense and replaced both Foote and Scott with young cats with loads of potential. As for the DC position we've gone through DC changes before and the transition hasnt been much problem, as long as the same players are there [b]i cant see a fall off of [u]epic proportions[/u].
[/b][/quote]


I wasn't implynig that.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 03:32 PM' timestamp='1252092745' post='229242']
Agreed. But I didn't type all that (flawlessly spelled) crap up for nothing so read it and offer an opinion! [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif[/img]
[/quote]

rofl

My opinion is that there is a two-team race for the AFC North division crown and that Pittsburgh is a tad overrated and the Ravens are fairly underrated..

[Bltravens]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 02:24 PM' timestamp='1252095843' post='229269']
I wasn't implynig that.
[/quote]

Well for both our defenses a fall out of the top 5 is epic proportions because everyone would be asking what in the heck happened to them.

[bennyb357]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 04:22 PM' timestamp='1252095757' post='229267']
GAAAAAAAaaaaaaa!!!!
[/quote]

lmao.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 03:17 PM' timestamp='1252091876' post='229236']
What I don't get is how you guys lose your DC, Bart Scott and Jim Leonard and then say WE haven't done enough to improve our #1 ranked D. You also tell me that we're hanging on to what we accomplished with the 11 guys last year (of which 10 are back) but then go back and reference the 2006 Ravens?

You seem to questioning the impact of our offense. Well, I'm "curious" to see how effective your defense is (for the first time in a decade) after the losses and new DC.
[/quote]

I have no doubt that you guys will still be a great defense. Your defense doesn't need much upgrade if at all, however I can't see how you guys can be satisfied with your offense. I take nothing away from what you guys did last year, but you have to admit that you guys caught some good breaks last year. Can you really expect the ball to bounce your way as much this year? I don't know, but like I said, you've watch the Steelers Offense more then I have. It's been said that you can't win in the NFL the same way in back to back years. We'll see.

As for Holmes and Miller, yes I do think they are above average. Most of their plays comes from Ben getting out of the pocket and the defense breaking coverage. Now this seems to work very well for you guys and that's great, but again, can you bank on that to be successful again these year? I'm not sure

The main reason why we don't buy into all the talking about our defense losing too much is because we have been through it many times before. The biggest thing that many people outside of Baltimore fail to realize is that, we didn't really lose those guys, as much as we allowed them to walk because we felt they were replaceable. If the Ravens felt we couldn't manage without Rex, then he would be our Head Coach right now. However the Ravens did everything but hand deliver Rex Ryan to the NY Jets, in order to help him land that job. Rex Ryan didn't build this defense, he just took a great thing and didn't mess it up. Over those last 10 years you mentioned, we have lost 2 DCs and produced 4 head coaches from our defensive staffs. As a result the Ravens have never dropped below the #6 defense in the league. So we tend to think we will be alright when it comes to losing Rex. But we'll see.

As for Scott and Leonhard. Again they are replaceable. The Ravens could have kept Scott, but felt as though Lewis and Suggs were more important. If we felt we would struggle without him, then he would have been here over one of those guys. But the Ravens feel real good about the young LB we have, and we have been know for developing good young LBs.

I know you don't follow the Ravens as close, but losing Scott is not different from losing a Thomas, Hartwell, Demps, Weaver, Kemo, Baxter, or even C-Mac last year. The Ravens replace defensive talent as well as anyone in the NFL. You know how that is because the Steelers replace defensive talent well too.

As for Leonhard, he was only given the chance to play last year because of Landry's injury. Now that Landry is back 100%, Leonhard wasn't needed. The Ravens didn't even offer him a contract, because we knew he would be nothing more then a backup Safety for us. So again, if we felt he was irreplaceable, we would have brought him back. So those losses aren't as big as the Media makes it out to be. Were those guys good for us? Yes, but let's not make it out like they were the heart and soul of this defense.

The thing with your oline, yes building that cohesion is important. However the process of building that oline up is tough. The Ravens have spent years trying to build up our oline to the potential we have now. However we got a bit luck to be able to come away with 3 good starters from the 2006 draft, a starter from the 2009 draft and a quality veteran to bring it all together. Now I can't say the Ravens have the best oline in the NFL, but the potential to be, is there. Can anybody, look at the Steelers oline and honestly look at them as a strength for you guys?

Now like you said, nobody knows how ur oline will play. But how long can you guys expect Ben to hold up to all the hits and running around to make plays. Eventually all of those small injuries that he overcomes, will mount up to big injuries. So my point is, can you guys win this way again? I don't think so, but like I said you guys are the Champs until we can prove other wise.

As for me brining up the 2006 season, I wasn't saying that now because we have a decent offense we will blow you guys out. It was just made to be a reference point as to the last time we could actually compete with you guys on the offensive side of the ball. I can't sit here and say we will beat you guys by a combined score of 56-7, because we have a decent offense, because we are both 2 different teams.

However my point was, when watching the Ravens play the Steelers it's painfully obvious that if we'd have a offense that could compete, things would be much different. Now does that mean we beat you hands down? No. But if you really look back to the 2 regular season games last year, the final results of the games had as much to do with our inexperienced offense, as your defensive dominance. I would be willing to go deeper into my reasoning behind this, but this post is long enough ha ha.

I just can't see you guys winning with dominant defense and just enough offense again this year. I could be wrong and you could probably point out 10 reasons why your offense will be much better. But right now I don't see it, that's why I wanted your opinion as a Steelers fan.

[thewarden86]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']
I have no doubt that you guys will still be a great defense. Your defense doesn't need much upgrade if at all, however I can't see how you guys can be satisfied with your offense. I take nothing away from what you guys did last year, but you have to admit that [b]you guys caught some good breaks last year.[/b] Can you really expect the ball to bounce your way as much this year? I don't know, but like I said, you've watch the Steelers Offense more then I have. [b]It's been said that you can't win in the NFL the same way in back to back years.[/b] We'll see. [/quote]
Luck is a bigger part of the game than some like to admit and I've never heard that quote of yours before. What I HAVE heard a lot of is "you dance with who brung ya."


[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']As for Holmes and Miller, yes I do think they are above average. [b]Most of their plays comes from Ben getting out of the pocket and the defense breaking coverage.[/b] Now this seems to work very well for you guys and that's great, but again, can you bank on that to be successful again these year? I'm not sure[/quote]

"Above average?" - I disagree to say the least. Rank Derrick Mason and Todd Heap for me.

And it's not accurate to say "most" their plays. Sure Ben may scramble more against the Ravens, but "most" of his throws (like the one that won the SB) was made in the pocket.

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']The main reason why we don't buy into all the talking about our defense losing too much is because we have been through it many times before. The biggest thing that many [b]people outside of Baltimore fail to realize is that, we didn't really lose those guys, as much as we allowed them to walk because we felt they were replaceable.[/b] If the Ravens felt we couldn't manage without Rex, then he would be our Head Coach right now. However the Ravens did everything but hand deliver Rex Ryan to the NY Jets, in order to help him land that job. Rex Ryan didn't build this defense, he just took a great thing and didn't mess it up. Over those last 10 years you mentioned, we have lost 2 DCs and produced 4 head coaches from our defensive staffs. As a result the Ravens have never dropped below the #6 defense in the league. So we tend to think we will be alright when it comes to losing Rex. But we'll see. [/quote]

Exactly! So why can't that work the other way??? Hence, if the Steelers front office is content with the majority of players they have then they won't bother to make roster changes. We caught some breaks but that alone doesn't equal 12-4 in the NFL. We demolished the Chargers and I would argue that the Ravens and Cardinals caught their fair share of breaks in our meetings too. Neither of those games were as close (or should have been) as the score indicates. BUT, that's the way the cookie crumbles. The Steelers found a way to win 15 games last year. Ya can't argue with the results of the system.



[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']I know you don't follow the Ravens as close, but losing Scott is not different from losing a Thomas, Hartwell, Demps, Weaver, Kemo, Baxter, or even C-Mac last year. The Ravens replace defensive talent as well as anyone in the NFL. You know how that is because the Steelers replace defensive talent well too. [/quote]

Again, I agree. In fact I always thought he was overrated. But he does seem to be tearing it up in New York. Anyway...


[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']The thing with your oline, yes building that cohesion is important. However the process of building that oline up is tough. The Ravens have spent years trying to build up our oline to the potential we have now. However we got a bit luck to be able to come away with 3 good starters from the 2006 draft, a starter from the 2009 draft and a quality veteran to bring it all together. Now I can't say the Ravens have the best oline in the NFL, but the potential to be, is there. Can anybody, look at the Steelers oline and honestly look at them as a strength for you guys? [/quote]

Nope. No one is denying that they are the weak link, but they know that too. I can't make much of an arguement there as I said previously. We won with them, but I still would like to see Ben get more protection. We really need to see though, how far they may have come since last year. We've already had a season ending injury at RG.

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']Now like you said, nobody knows how ur oline will play. [b]But how long can you guys expect Ben to hold up to all the hits and running around to make plays.[/b] Eventually all of those small injuries that he overcomes, will mount up to big injuries. So my point is, can you guys win this way again? I don't think so, but like I said you guys are the Champs until we can prove other wise. [/quote]

Fran Tarkenton made a career out of it. Difference, he never won a SB. That's Bens game. It's how he plays: "Back yard FB."

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']As for me brining up the 2006 season, I wasn't saying that now because we have a decent offense we will blow you guys out. It was just made to be a reference point as to the last time we could actually compete with you guys on the offensive side of the ball. I can't sit here and say we will beat you guys by a combined score of 56-7, because we have a decent offense, because we are both 2 different teams. [/quote]

Maybe we should look at matchups here. Your offensive postion players against our defensive players and visa versa. Just because your O got better doesn't mean our D can't stop them. I like the odds here in fact. I'm sure you do too from the Ravens defensive perspective. Now ask yourself, could Flacco escape our rush as often as Ben escapes yours? Just something to consider. I still think we'll split.

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276']However my point was, when watching the Ravens play the Steelers it's painfully obvious that if we'd have a offense that could compete, things would be much different. Now does that mean we beat you hands down? No. But if you really look back to the 2 regular season games last year, the final results of the games had as much to do with our inexperienced offense, as your defensive dominance. I would be willing to go deeper into my reasoning behind this, but this post is long enough ha ha. [/quote]

Not sure how to respond to this. Your're offensive performance (if I'm not mistaken) fell a little bit each time we played last year. So, how do you measure what you need to do or who you add to get better performance?

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='04 September 2009 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1252097575' post='229276'][b]I just can't see you guys winning with dominant defense and just enough offense again this year.[/b] I could be wrong and you could probably point out 10 reasons why your offense will be much better. But right now I don't see it, that's why I wanted your opinion as a Steelers fan.
[/quote]

Oh I can. And I think that's exactly how a lot of our games will be won.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='J-man' date='04 September 2009 - 01:38 PM' timestamp='1252085899' post='229174']
13-3? I little too greedy. I'd say 11-5 or 12-4
[/quote]

I see your 11-5 and raise you a 16-0!

[thewarden86]

All I have to say is thank goodness for the "ignore user" option on this forum.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote][quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM' timestamp='1252099452' post='229292']
Luck is a bigger part of the game than some like to admit and I've never heard that quote of yours before. [b]What I HAVE heard a lot of is "you dance with who brung ya[/b]."[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Yes luck is a big part of the game, however that is exactly why you can't just rest on what you did last year. If luck is a bigger part of the game, and the guys that took you to the dance last year where more lucky then talent, what will happen if your luck runs out this year? They say it's sometimes better to be lucky then good, but to be able to repeat, you have to be good.[/color]



[quote] thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
"Above average?" - I disagree to say the least. Rank Derrick Mason and Todd Heap for me.

And it's not accurate to say "most" their plays. Sure Ben may scramble more against the Ravens, but "most" of his throws (like the one that won the SB) was made in the pocket.[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Ok i'll give you the fact that Ben makes plays while staying in the pocket. And i'll also give you the fact that Heath Miller is a very good TE, and Holmes is a good WR. Saying they were above average was a bit much, but let's not act like the Steelers offense is a thing of beauty. Your offense as a whole is average at best. I'm sure you would disagree, but i can't see how.[/color]


[quote] thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Exactly! So why can't that work the other way??? Hence, if the Steelers front office is content with the majority of players they have then they won't bother to make roster changes. We caught some breaks but that alone doesn't equal 12-4 in the NFL. We demolished the Chargers and I would argue that the Ravens and Cardinals caught their fair share of breaks in our meetings too. [b]Neither of those games were as close (or should have been) as the score indicates[/b]. BUT, that's the way the cookie crumbles. The Steelers found a way to win 15 games last year. Ya can't argue with the results of the system.[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]If you are talking about both Ravens/Steelers games then you are correct, we should not have allowed you guys to hang around. We gave you the opportunity to win and you did, congrats.


As for the difference between us allowing guys to walk as oppose to you guys. Well if it were defensive players i wouldn't have a problem, however it is your Oline mainly. We allowed products of our system to walk, wish them good luck and move on. But you guys, put together a poor Oline, you allow the best player on that Oline to walk 2 years ago, and now you are stuck to live with that decision. You say stick with the guys that took you there, well it can be aruged that the "guys that took you there" were just along for the ride as well. You guys need an upgrade to your Oline period.

Those 15 wins last year were great, but i'm only concern with 2 of those games this year and i like our chances[/color]


[quote]thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Again, I agree. In fact I always thought he was overrated. But he does seem to be tearing it up in New York. Anyway...[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Well he was a product of the system and was blessed enough to follow a similar system to NY. As for him tearing it up, i wouldn't go that far. I've watched 3 of their preseason games and i've seen better. [/color]


[quote]thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Nope. No one is denying that they are the weak link, but they know that too. I can't make much of an arguement there as I said previously. We won with them, but I still would like to see Ben get more protection. We really need to see though, how far they may have come since last year. We've already had a season ending injury at RG.[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Not much needs to be said here. [/color]

[quote]thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Fran Tarkenton made a career out of it. Difference, he never won a SB. That's Bens game. It's how he plays: "Back yard FB."[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Yea but is that Ben's game because he wants it to be or because of a poor Oline it has to be. There is a chance he could have a great career, but the chances are he won't last.[/color]

[quote]thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Maybe we should look at matchups here. Your offensive postion players against our defensive players and visa versa. Just because your O got better doesn't mean our D can't stop them. I like the odds here in fact. I'm sure you do too from the Ravens defensive perspective.[b] Now ask yourself, could Flacco escape our rush as often as Ben escapes yours[/b]? Just something to consider. I still think we'll split.[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]That's just the point, Flacco hasn't had to escape your rush as much as Ben because we have quality Olinemen protecting him. Now last year we were young up front and you guys took advantage of that. However this year us appearing to be stronger up front allows us to matchup better with your pressure. Does it mean we automaticaly win? No. Ben does a great job of escaping pressure, but how long will he be able to do that? Yes our Offense has gotten better and still unproven, but i never said your defense wouldn't stop us. These Bal/Pit games will always be tight. My point to it all was that, in year's past we haven't had a offense that could compete with you guys. Even last year we didn't but Flacco's production pretty much mirrored Ben's. This year, with more experience Flacco and the Ravens young offense is getting better, what has the Steelers' offense done to improve? That's my whole point. Does that mean that we will blow you guys out now, no. Looking for a split between these too teams sounds good.[/color]

[quote]thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Not sure how to respond to this. Your're offensive performance (if I'm not mistaken) fell a little bit each time we played last year. So, how do you measure what you need to do or who you add to get better performance? [/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Yes our offense performance did seem to fall a little bit each time, however, last year you were dealing with a very young offensive team that were learning how to win against a very good Steelers' team. We almost had more and more injuries mount up for us as the season worn on. Playing 13 and 18 striaght weeks without a bye, and then going into what is probably the hardest hitting matchup in the NFL would be tough for anyteam. This team was running on pure passion and will when we met in the AFC Championship game. However we make no excuses, we'll line up and battle you guys again this year. I just think that last year we had a good chance of coming away with wins in all 3 games against you guys, and now with what seems like a much improved offense, i love our chances to complete the game on the winning side. [/color]

[quote]thewarden86, on 04 September 2009 - 05:24 PM, said:
Oh I can. And I think that's exactly how a lot of our games will be won.
[/quote]

[color="#4B0082"]Well that is how you feel and we will see this year.[/color]

Ok so you mention that the 2 regular season games shouldn't have been close and now i'm going to show you why i agree with you 100%.


Ok so, last year we had a rookie quarterback starting for us in his first MNF game on the road in your house and by halftime your entire stadium was booing your team. At the time the score was 13-0 Ravens, but given the fact that the refs missed a Mason TD and you guys did a good job of not showing the replay, the score could have and should have been 20-3 going into the half. How different of a game would that have been. The 2nd half starts off much the same, you guys not being able to do anything against us offensively. However we commit a boneheaded penalty that gives you guys 15 yards and a first down, then you score. Nice job. Then after that our rookie made a rookie mistake that allowed you guys to even get back in the game. On the Harrison sack/Fumble, Woodley TD, Flacco backpaddled into the pressure and held the ball instead of stepping up into the pocket and getting rid of it. Harrison was getting pushed past the pocket, but Flacco didn't have good field awareness and he backed right into the sack. Of course it looked like you guys forced us into a mistake but it was really just a rookie being a rookie. Even after that game changing play, Flacco drove us down the field and tied the game with a TD. Add the fact that we were really protecting our rookie QB in his first big game and the penalty on the open kickoff of overtime that moved us back to the 15 yardline, instead of the 50 yardline, i don't feel that that game should have been close.

Game two was again a hard fought battle. The Score was 13-9. We moved the ball into Steelers' territory 4 out of our 5 first half possessions. However a young inexpreienced offense couldn't do much with it and came away with 2FGs. We got down to your 10 yardline, 8 yardline, and your 9 yardline, in that game and could only come away with FGs each time. Now would it be safe to say, that had the Ravens, not been such a young inexperience bunch, that we would have come away with atleast 1 TD out of 3 chances. How different would that game have been? Now the moment that really showed how young of an offense we were was the drive just before your game winning drive. The Ravens started 1st and 10 at our 25 yardline, we moved the ball all the way down the field and had it, 3rd and 8 at your 27 yardline. Now at that point even without a first down we are in FG range. A young inexperience Flacco takes a 7 yard sack, and fumbles, the ball ends up at the 41 yardline and we are out of FG range. In that situation a QB and Oline that has been around for a bit knows that you can't take a sack in that situation, but a young Flacco held the ball. Had we been able to captialize on those opportunities just slightly better, you could be looking a a 16-6 game, or even a 20-6 game at the point of your game winning TD drive. So yes i agree i don't think either one of those games should have been that close.

Does it matter now? no because that was last year and it has nothing to do with this year. However knowing that we have a much improved offense and we are a bit more experience gives me a bit more confidence going into those 2 late season Steelers games. We'll see how it all plays out.

[Alexir]

^^^

/agreed. Good post. Hopefully Mendenhall will text rice again lmao

[flynismo]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 03:32 PM' timestamp='1252092745' post='229242']
Agreed. But I didn't type all that (flawlessly spelled) crap up for nothing so read it and offer an opinion! [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/mad.gif[/img] [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif[/img]
[/quote]

Yes, your grammar has been quite excellent thus far!
But your Steelers are going down quicker than a waitress making a late night visit to Big Ben's hotel room!

[JoeFlax]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='04 September 2009 - 03:26 PM' timestamp='1252092394' post='229238']
I'm tired of predictions and prognostications... let's just play football already!
[/quote]
same.. I'm tired of the national media, I'm tired of predicting, I'm tired of debating which won't affect the outcome for the team but only our minds. But I know for a fact come by February time, we will be recognized nationally as one of the league powers and we won't be underrated so much anymore.

[ROH522155]

[quote name='Alexir' date='04 September 2009 - 09:05 PM' timestamp='1252112740' post='229345']
^^^

/agreed. Good post. Hopefully Mendenhall will text rice again lmao
[/quote]


haha maybe this year he'll get REALLY brave and text Ray LEWIS. Haha that would be the stupidest thing anyone could ever do.

[flynismo]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='04 September 2009 - 11:20 AM' timestamp='1252077626' post='229118']
Could you elaborate and perhaps provide some supportive material? Thanks.
[/quote]

Well, earlier today I had a lengthy (and witty, if I do say so myself!) retort to your questions, before my computer decided to go AWOL on me. But no way I'm typing all that over again.
[i]
/* Off topic- Windows 7 is amazing, but still a bit buggy. Somehow it managed to corrupt my Linux installations in the process of BSOD'ing the pooh out of me. You've been warned. */[/i]

I will say though that one my big concerns are that a lot of your key players are on the wrong side of 30 (Hampton is 32, Townsend and Farrior are 34, Smith is 33, Kiesel is 31). That D is getting awfully long in the tooth, especially considering the way we play football in our division. And at those ages, fresh off a SB victory....I dunno guys, I certainly don't think a repeat of last year is in the cards.
I do still think that your defense will rank in the top 5 as long as your front seven holds it together, and possibly even remain in the top 3 if Timmons beasts it up.

On offense, I don't think your line will repeat either (thankfully for you guys), but seems like ever since Faneca left, the line hasn't been nearly as fearsome as it used to be. Which isnt good for 'ol Pretty Quick Willie Parker or Mendenhall...
I dont see your offense improving or falling off to any significant degree, but the way I look at it is if you take last year's offense and combine it with a little bit less effective defense, you probably don't squeak by with last minute wins over us.

[Pitts200]

Hello everyone. First time poster...As you can guess from my screen name, I'm a Steelers supporter so I'll wait a few seconds before posting my thoughts for those of you who want to just skip over my opinion:-P

This is in response to Flynismo, just addressing the subject of age for the Steelers D. I am surprised that a Ravens fan would bring up this as a weakness considering the heart of your D is 34. For one team, a slightly older team is deemed, "Battle Tested and Experienced" but when using it for the opposing team they are considered, "Old and Battered"


As for who is going to win the AFCN, I am not blind enough to think that the Steelers are so far ahead of the Ravens that it's not even worth discussing. I can see why you guys are so up on Flacco and Co. but just because he has a year under his belt and he's a cool customer during the game and had a awesome preseason, that doesn't translate into regular season wins.

Just like the Steelers returning almost all their starters from both side of the ball does not guarantee that they have another AFCN crown wrapped up. If either fan base assumes winning the North will be easy this year, then they might be up for a rude awakening.

Wouldn't it be hilarious if the Brownies won the division after all this talk.

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='05 September 2009 - 08:54 AM' timestamp='1252155275' post='229421']

Wouldn't it be hilarious if the Brownies won the division after all this talk.
[/quote]


No, that wouldn't be funny at all.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 02:52 PM' timestamp='1252090379' post='229222']
great, here comes the "we should pick up Jamal" threads.
[/quote]
LOL i thought the same thing Fly.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='flynismo' date='04 September 2009 - 02:52 PM' timestamp='1252090379' post='229222']
great, here comes the "we should pick up Jamal" threads.
[/quote]
Let's hope not...

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='05 September 2009 - 09:49 AM' timestamp='1252158547' post='229438']
Let's hope not...
[/quote]
or mr.mod will have to merge them all then he'll have to Franchise all your behinds(can't say actual quote now it loses a lil of the edge)

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='05 September 2009 - 09:52 AM' timestamp='1252158736' post='229441']
or mr.mod will have to merge them all then he'll have to Franchise all your behinds(can't say actual quote now it loses a lil of the edge)
[/quote]
Exactly.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='05 September 2009 - 09:41 AM' timestamp='1252158070' post='229434']
No, that wouldn't be funny at all.
[/quote]

You beat me to it, lol...

[flynismo]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='05 September 2009 - 08:54 AM' timestamp='1252155275' post='229421']
Hello everyone. First time poster...As you can guess from my screen name, I'm a Steelers supporter so I'll wait a few seconds before posting my thoughts for those of you who want to just skip over my opinion:-P

This is in response to Flynismo, just addressing the subject of age for the Steelers D. I am surprised that a Ravens fan would bring up this as a weakness considering the heart of your D is 34. For one team, a slightly older team is deemed, "Battle Tested and Experienced" but when using it for the opposing team they are considered, "Old and Battered"


As for who is going to win the AFCN, I am not blind enough to think that the Steelers are so far ahead of the Ravens that it's not even worth discussing. I can see why you guys are so up on Flacco and Co. but just because he has a year under his belt and he's a cool customer during the game and had a awesome preseason, that doesn't translate into regular season wins.

Just like the Steelers returning almost all their starters from both side of the ball does not guarantee that they have another AFCN crown wrapped up. If either fan base assumes winning the North will be easy this year, then they might be up for a rude awakening.

Wouldn't it be hilarious if the Brownies won the division after all this talk.
[/quote]

Yes, Ray is 34, but our defense as a whole is fairly young; the only other guy on our defense who age is a concern for me is Trevor Pryce, who is also 34. Not only that, but I think we have much more depth across the board.
I'm not saying it's going to be a walk in the park by any means; but to me it looks like the Ravens are a team on the rise, while Pittsburgh is likely to suffer from "Nowhere-to-go-from-here-but-down" Syndrome. Considering how evenly matched we were last year; I think that the difference.

[Pitts200]

I won't deny the Steelers are thin when it comes to depth this year. But everyone knows their own team better than the opposing team unless you're an avid football fan. Don't assume the Steelers aren't addressing their depth issues in the draft by taking Ziggy Hood (DE) and other players who are being molded to play in 2 years when some of those older players do start to decline.

That's what the Ravens and Steelers do so well, their older players become mentors for the younger players and the rookies aren't thrown into the mix in their first year. (Most of the time they're not, sometimes it happens like Flacco and Big Ben) Teams wonder how a technical "No Name" player comes out of nowhere within the organization and there is no drop off from the player being replaced. It's because they were bred for success by players like Ray and Reed or Troy and Farrior.

So just because it seems like the Steelers have no depth, that may be slightly true for this year, but don't assume the barn won't be replenished for upcoming years.

[ravenwildman]

Wow! you really believe Cleveland will win 4 games huh? lol

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='05 September 2009 - 08:54 AM' timestamp='1252155275' post='229421']
Hello everyone. First time poster...As you can guess from my screen name, I'm a Steelers supporter so I'll wait a few seconds before posting my thoughts for those of you who want to just skip over my opinion:-P

This is in response to Flynismo, just addressing the subject of age for the Steelers D. I am surprised that a Ravens fan would bring up this as a weakness considering the heart of your D is 34. For one team, a slightly older team is deemed, "Battle Tested and Experienced" but when using it for the opposing team they are considered, "Old and Battered"


As for who is going to win the AFCN, I am not blind enough to think that the Steelers are so far ahead of the Ravens that it's not even worth discussing. I can see why you guys are so up on Flacco and Co. but just because he has a year under his belt and he's a cool customer during the game and had a awesome preseason, that doesn't translate into regular season wins.

Just like the Steelers returning almost all their starters from both side of the ball does not guarantee that they have another AFCN crown wrapped up. If either fan base assumes winning the North will be easy this year, then they might be up for a rude awakening.

Wouldn't it be hilarious if the Brownies won the division after all this talk.
[/quote]

I actually agree with you about the age thing. We have been hearing about our Defense getting old for years and it hasn't stopped us from being top 5. So I don't see it being a problem for the Steelers.

I think for the Ravens standpoint, when people mention our age they are moreso thinking about Ray Lewis. However those people don't take the time to see the young talent we have on the defense. Guys under the age of 27 like Landry, McClain, Suggs, Ngata, Gooden, Washington, Foxworth. That is 7 out of 11 starters on defense. Then we have a long list of young backup guys who will see a lot of time for us. Guys like Nakamura, Zibby, Martin, Webb, McKinney, Barnes, Carr, Walker, Edwards, Burgess, that is 10 backup guys that are age 27 or younger. So that is 17 guys out of the possible 24 defensive guy that are young and will see time doing the season. So when people say we are old on defense, it really kind of bugs us because it's not true.

Now, I'm sure you can tell me about all the young guys you have on defense. However I don't think you guys use as much depth on defense as we do, so those young backups might not be as ready to take over when some of your big contracts are up next year. I don't know, you would be able to judge that situation better then me.

As for the divison, I don't think anyone around here thinks we will runaway with the AFCN crown. However when we see how closely we played you guys last year, then we see the fact that we actually let you off the hook in 2 out of 3 games, we don't see that 0-3 record as big problem like the National media makes it seem.

People outside of Baltimore think we should look at the Steelers as a big monkey on our backs. But we don't! You guys got the best of us last year, ok now this year is a new battle and we feel as confident as ever about winning the AFC North.