Which Half Of The Schedule Is Most Critical?

[Steelerkillers]

Not to disregard or disrespect the other teams we're scheduled to play, But the games i've listed are more pivital and crucial in my opinion. These games will define who we are as being great,good or just another average team. So, that's the purpose of this poll. But, I know that there are some concerns because these are extremely tuff opponents within an extremely tuff schedule. My concern is 1st Half. I feel that if we can first of all Beat the Chargers on the road, we will Definitely be on the right track. Then, beating the Beloved Tom Shady early in the season after almost every anaylyst picked them to win the superbowl would be huge. Of course, Finally beatin the Colts will be Sweet revenge. Last but not least, stopping Mr. Peterson in his tracks would restore us back to our #1 defensive glory. Winning all of these tuff games may be alot to hope for or sumwhat of a dream for most of us who are in doubt. But, this is just my opinion. I Hope we'll start 7-1. Thats a bold Hope. However, Not impossible. But, If we can start at atleats 6-2 with no devastating injuries, the 2nd half shouldn't be so tuff for us. I think 6-2 is more Realistic. But 7-1 wouldnt be bad either. What do you guys think???????????????????

[darklight1216]

Every game counts.

That said, if I had to pick one it would be the second half. We have alot of injury proned players who might be sidelined at that point, and it's going to be more stressful because the playoffs will be on the line.

But ultimately, every game matters.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='09 September 2009 - 11:43 PM' timestamp='1252554212' post='231500']
Every game counts.

That said, if I had to pick one it would be the second half. We have alot of injury proned players who might be sidelined at that point, and it's going to be more stressful because the playoffs will be on the line.

But ultimately, every game matters.
[/quote]
I agree! its obvious that every game counts. But, in reality, the chances of winning them all are next to none. Thats why we debate,assess and choose which games are more important than other. Not to disregard other games. But, some define us as a team and are very crucial. However, I agree with you.

[EdReedFTW]

Second half definitely. Two important divisional games plus it will be getting down to crunch time.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='EdReedFTW' date='10 September 2009 - 12:00 AM' timestamp='1252555258' post='231510']
Second half definitely. Two important divisional games plus it will be getting down to crunch time.
[/quote]
even though I chose the 1st half, i agree with you. I figured if we can enter the 2nd half with a 6-2 record and no devastating injuries,we would be fine. I know mostly everyone will pick 2nd, but i was just curious to see if anyone would pick 1st for any logical reason

[melvinmelon123]

I would say first, if we can start the season off well then I'm not too worried about the 2nd half. Yes, we have some tough games, but the end of the season is when we are at our best. We are very physical, we beat on everyone we can, I feel that we will simply out-tough the Colts and Packers. The Steelers are just as tough as us, so those games will be close no matter what.

[MagicianCamille]

Bengals and Vikings will be easy. I'm going with the second half.

[smashmouth]

1st half is our easiest half for sure. Any half that has the Colts in it scares me the most to begin with, and add in the Steelers not once, but twice is rough. I expect to split with the Steelers and get our tails spanked by the Colts yet again.

[jfc13]

Another poll that asks a different question than the topic heading!

Which half bothers me more is a different question than which one is more crucial. It may be more crucial to get a good win/loss record in the first half [beating the teams we [i]should[/i] beat] to be able to afford losing a close game in the second half, but the second half of the schedule definitely bothers me more.

Pittsburgh twice and the Colts, who seem to have our number, definitely bother me the most and all of those games are in the second half of the schedule.

I responded to the poll before I realized the question was different than the topic heading.

[Moderator 3]

Title updated to reflect the actual subject.

[dethdude420]

The half that wins the division is the most important half. And since we play the steelers twice in the second half I say that has to be the most important half.

[PuRock]

This year, I'm going with the first half.

I think it's important for us to get off to a great start. Hopefully come the half way mark of the season we can be leading the division and our fate will be up to us.

We'll be fine the second half. We are a power rushing team, and come the cold months, we will be in a great position. Rushing and Defense. Plus we have a week 10 bye that will help rejuvenate us.

We really need a great start to build that momentum. No more catch-up this year, since last year we failed (catching up the Steelers).

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='PuRock' date='10 September 2009 - 09:46 AM' timestamp='1252590370' post='231614']
This year, I'm going with the first half.

I think it's important for us to get off to a great start. Hopefully come the half way mark of the season we can be leading the division and our fate will be up to us.

We'll be fine the second half. We are a power rushing team, and come the cold months, we will be in a great position. Rushing and Defense. Plus we have a week 10 bye that will help rejuvenate us.

We really need a great start to build that momentum. No more catch-up this year, since last year we failed (catching up the Steelers).
[/quote]
This is exactly my point about the 1st half. I think its always important to get off to a great start. Especially to get ahead of your division rival or atleast keep up with them. If we start off 4-4 or 5-3, I think we will be bitting our finger nails entering the second half. Especially if the Steelers are off to a 5-3 or 6-2 start. If we can atleast stay ahead of the Steelers goin into the 2nd, we will be okay. Starting 4-4 wil simply mean we will have to go undefeated the 2nd half to make the playoffs. That will be tuff and alot to ask for. Starting off well is whats best for us.

[Purple Nurple]

You excel at making lop-sided polls. Well done!

[PuRock]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' date='10 September 2009 - 11:20 AM' timestamp='1252596024' post='231644']
You excel at making lop-sided polls. Well done!
[/quote]

I think it's a very good poll. I voted first half. I think people see the names in the second half and automatically assume its the 2nd half.

I'd much rather have a divisional lead going into the tough second half. Than have to ace the second half to crawl into the playoffs. Especially since our second half is tough.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='PuRock' date='10 September 2009 - 11:23 AM' timestamp='1252596225' post='231645']
I think it's a very good poll. I voted first half. I think people see the names in the second half and automatically assume its the 2nd half.

I'd much rather have a divisional lead going into the tough second half. Than have to ace the second half to crawl into the playoffs. Especially since our second half is tough.
[/quote]

I read that.

[theFRANCHISE]

1st half is more important because 7 of the first 8 games are against AFC opponents, with 3 of them being divisional games. Those games will have more of an impact on the Ravens' playoff chances than the 2nd half, where there are 5 of 8 games against AFC opponents with another 3 against divisional rivals. Sweeping the Bengals and splitting with the Steelers and/or Browns is traditionally good enough for at least a Wild Card berth, provided that the Ravens also do well against the AFC West and the NFC North for common opponent purposes.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' date='10 September 2009 - 11:20 AM' timestamp='1252596024' post='231644']
You excel at making lop-sided polls. Well done!
[/quote]
Thanks! Its a growing process. As you can see, Im a Rookie. Im gonna get better. Be patient with me

[K-Dog]

critical is an intersting choice of words.

ALL are critical.

that said. First half...