Could The Curse Continue?

[lgcs27288]

[u]Year W-L[/u]
2008 11-5
2007 5-11
2006 13-3
2005 6-10
2004 9-7
2003 10-6
2002 7-9
2001 10-6 (First season after division adjustments)
2000 12-4 (Super Bowl year)
1999 8-8
1998 6-10
1997 6-9-1
1996 4-12 (Inaugural Season)

As you can see, since the division adjustments, the Ravens have had flip-flop seasons. Could Baltimore still be under this curse or do you think that we can break that this year? Thoughts?

[theFRANCHISE]

Too early to tell, but I'm optimistic we can break the curse of not putting together back-to-back playoff seasons.

[Gtown Purple]

I think it's still to early to tell as well. We have a bye week to make some adjustments and get healthy. The Denver game will be a good litmus test.

[JoeFlax]

first of all I don't think there are any curses

and before 2008 season, Billick was in charge and the way he ran things (and the inefficient play at QB) might have caused the flip flopping a bit.

This team is just way too good to be flip flopping year in and out in my opinion, maybe this year we might miss it just barely but from year on out I don't see us missing it.

[nextgen_RavensFan]

I never realized that pattern my friend. Great post. It is an eerie pattern that should have definately been broken this year. Rex Ryan as we all can see was the "Purple Chaos". Without him we seem almost content to not be physical against a receiver or make tackles. It seems we never see the first defender make the tackle and the only aggresiveness we see is from Ngata, Lewis and Reed.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='19 October 2009 - 06:17 PM' timestamp='1255990652' post='262770']
Too early to tell, but I'm optimistic we can break the curse of not putting together back-to-back playoff seasons.
[/quote]

[bce086]

No, because superstitions are for girls. We have the right personnel and have been in 3 nail biters. Stop writing off the season so early.

[darklight1216]

I don't think "curse" is the correct term. It just seems like mediocrity.

[nextgen_RavensFan]

I agree with ya JoeFlax. Start Paul and Webb now. They want to be around the ball and are hungry to prove they belong. Dunno what Walker and the others are doing even on the field.

[RavensAllTheWay]

we can break the curse if we stop killing ourselves every week. We find ways to beat ourselves and by the end of the year, it'll add up. I think this is the perfect week for a bye. It gives us a chance to regroup and hopefully fix our D.

[lgcs27288]

[quote name='bce086' date='19 October 2009 - 06:55 PM' timestamp='1255992926' post='262799']
No, because superstitions are for girls. We have the right personnel and have been in 3 nail biters. Stop writing off the season so early.
[/quote]

Im not writing off anything. We are several plays from being undefeated or being 2-4. But since we are in the predicament that we are in. I just wanted see what everyone thought and give others some insight on our past.

[neepo13]

[quote name='lgcs27288' date='19 October 2009 - 06:16 PM' timestamp='1255990598' post='262768']
[u]Year W-L[/u]
2008 11-5
2007 5-11
2006 13-3
2005 6-10
2004 9-7
2003 10-6
2002 7-9
2001 10-6 (First season after division adjustments)
2000 12-4 (Super Bowl year)
1999 8-8
1998 6-10
1997 6-9-1
1996 4-12 (Inaugural Season)

As you can see, since the division adjustments, the Ravens have had flip-flop seasons. Could Baltimore still be under this curse or do you think that we can break that this year? Thoughts?
[/quote]

There is another trend that goes with that and its opening day:
1996: Bal vs Oak- W
1997: Bal vs Jax- L
1998: Bal vs Pitt- L
1999: Bal vs Pitt- L
[b]2000:Bal vs Pitt- W[/b]
[b]2001: Bal vs Chi- W[/b]
2002: Bal vs Car- L
[b]2003: Bal vs Pitt-L[/b]
2004: Bal vs Cle- L
2005: Bal vs Indy- L
[b]2006: Bal vs TB- W[/b]
2007: Bal vs. Cinci- L
[b]2008: Bal vs. Cinci- W[/b]

1996, our inaugral season is the only time that we've ever missed the playoffs when we won the first game of the season. And 2003, is the only time we've ever made it without winning the first game of the season. For every other season a loss for the first game of the season means no playoffs. And a win, since 2000, means playoffs.

So, you see the games are just a formality, we've already punched our ticket.

[bce086]

[quote name='lgcs27288' date='19 October 2009 - 07:05 PM' timestamp='1255993528' post='262818']
Im not writing off anything. We are several plays from being undefeated or being 2-4. But since we are in the predicament that we are in. I just wanted see what everyone thought and give others some insight on our past.
[/quote]

Wasn't meant to be directed towards you, I just meant in general everyone has been criticizing and jumping to conclusions so fast. (Especially all the defense and Mattison topics)

[JHarris]

I've decided to keep themost positive of attitudes and my new favorite line is "You need 3 loses to go 13-3" I do think this year will break the cycle. We have things to work out but there's no reason to panic in my opinion.

[MagicianCamille]

XD Wow, we're competitive every other year and we call it a curse. About half of the teams in the NFL would kill to be competitive every other year.

[KelleyWashington#1]

We will be fine. We were 3-3 last year too and we turned it around. Oh and we may have a blessing in disguise for our bye week. All of our division teams have TOUGH games. Steelers vs Vikings, Browns vs. Packers, and Bengals vs. Bears. If Bengals AND Steelers lose, (which can easily happen given who the are playing) BOOM we all would have 3 losses and a level playing field again. Dont get too worked up just yet guys.

[lgcs27288]

[quote name='MagicianCamille' date='19 October 2009 - 07:45 PM' timestamp='1255995946' post='262855']
XD Wow, we're competitive every other year and we call it a curse. About half of the teams in the NFL would kill to be competitive every other year.
[/quote]

Sorry for the lack of a better word.

[ravenwildman]

I think that the offense finally arrive back from NE in the 3-4th quarter of the game last week. I am still waiting for the defense to come back.

We have had since day one of the regular season an...issue with the secondary. If we have any hope of making the playoffs this must be fixed quickly. How? I have no idea, if I did..I would be a coach..but it MUST be fixed.

As strong as the teams are in each division every game is critical.

The talent on the team is mind boggling. So really...why are we losing? I don't believe these other teams are [u]that[/u] good.

[b]Sun Tzu in the art of war was quoted: "battles are lost, or won in the mind before ever stepping on the battle field".[/b] In my opinion this is what is beating us, not what type of defense we are using, or any specific player, we are beating ourselves before we ever play. Shake it off guys, and go kick Denver's @#$! GO RAVENS!

[thewarden86]

[quote name='neepo13' date='19 October 2009 - 07:06 PM' timestamp='1255993583' post='262819']
There is another trend that goes with that and its opening day:
1996: Bal vs Oak- W
1997: Bal vs Jax- L
1998: Bal vs Pitt- L
1999: Bal vs Pitt- L
[b]2000:Bal vs Pitt- W[/b]
[b]2001: Bal vs Chi- W[/b]
2002: Bal vs Car- L
[b]2003: Bal vs Pitt-L[/b]
2004: Bal vs Cle- L
2005: Bal vs Indy- L
[b]2006: Bal vs TB- W[/b]
2007: Bal vs. Cinci- L
[b]2008: Bal vs. Cinci- W[/b]

1996, our inaugral season is the only time that we've ever missed the playoffs when we won the first game of the season. And 2003, is the only time we've ever made it without winning the first game of the season. For every other season a loss for the first game of the season means no playoffs. And a win, since 2000, means playoffs.

So, you see the games are just a formality, we've already punched our ticket. [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/happy.gif[/img] [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/06.gif[/img] [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/26.gif[/img]
[/quote]

Wow! Did you pick up on that or read it somewhere (and I'm being serious). That's some trend.

[EdReedFTW]

[quote name='thewarden86' date='20 October 2009 - 10:54 PM' timestamp='1256093642' post='263790']
Wow! Did you pick up on that or read it somewhere (and I'm being serious). That's some trend.
[/quote]
hey, its warden. Havent seen you around for a little while. How do you like that new Pittsburgh offense?

[CecilRavensFan]

2002 was when we had to cut every one too so whos to say we wouldn't have made it if we hadn't been in salry cap hell. Plus I think thats the year Ray got hurt and I think we replaced im with Bernardo Harris

[thewarden86]

[quote name='EdReedFTW' date='20 October 2009 - 11:10 PM' timestamp='1256094629' post='263798']
hey, its warden. Havent seen you around for a little while. [b]How do you like that new Pittsburgh offense?[/b]
[/quote]


OT: Mixed feelings: On one hand; we're winning. On the other; I prefer to pound it (or at least know that we can).

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='JHarris' date='19 October 2009 - 05:43 PM' timestamp='1255995804' post='262854']
my new favorite line is "You need 3 loses to go 13-3"
[/quote]
Ill buy into that!

[lgcs27288]

Now that the regular season is coming closer to an end and the wild card race is heating up, I figured Id bring this post back up and see what you guys think about our chances to repeat making the playoffs and getting rid of this "curse".

Personally, I am confident that we can make it work. Looking out our last 3 games versus the Broncos, Jags, Dolphins, and Jets, I think we have a great chance at making the playoffs.

What do you guys think?

[Child Of Humanity]

I really don't think the Ravens will miss the playoffs this year. I am very optimistic about your chances. The Ravens put together a solid trouncing of a team they should beat. Something my Bengals have not managed this year. Every game is close and of course it was certain the would lose today. Likely they will lose next week as well. I just don't see them getting past that offense in San Diego. But back to the Ravens, the remaining schedule is fairly easy for them and those ahead of them have a rough row to hoe. So keep the faith. It ain't over till the fat lady sings and she has not even got out of her seat yet!


[quote name='JoeFlax' date='19 October 2009 - 05:50 PM' timestamp='1255992639' post='262795']
first of all I don't think there are any curses

and before 2008 season, Billick was in charge and the way he ran things (and the inefficient play at QB) might have caused the flip flopping a bit.

This team is just way too good to be flip flopping year in and out in my opinion, maybe this year we might miss it just barely but from year on out I don't see us missing it.
[/quote]

[Child Of Humanity]

I should add that while I cheer for the Ravens, if they make the playoffs and end up facing the Bengals I will of course have to cheer for my own team. No offense to the Ravens fans. That is just the way it is! But aside from the Bengals and Ravens meeting up, I am cheering for the Ravens.

Should the Bengals get bounced early, and that is extremely likely, I would rather see the AFCN in the Superbowl than the Bolts or the Colts.

[quote name='Child Of Humanity' date='14 December 2009 - 12:29 AM' timestamp='1260768564' post='311778']
I really don't think the Ravens will miss the playoffs this year. I am very optimistic about your chances. The Ravens put together a solid trouncing of a team they should beat. Something my Bengals have not managed this year. Every game is close and of course it was certain the would lose today. Likely they will lose next week as well. I just don't see them getting past that offense in San Diego. But back to the Ravens, the remaining schedule is fairly easy for them and those ahead of them have a rough row to hoe. So keep the faith. It ain't over till the fat lady sings and she has not even got out of her seat yet!
[/quote]

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

[quote name='lgcs27288' date='13 December 2009 - 11:23 PM' timestamp='1260768231' post='311777']
Now that the regular season is coming closer to an end and the wild card race is heating up, I figured Id bring this post back up and see what you guys think about our chances to repeat making the playoffs and getting rid of this "curse".

Personally, I am confident that we can make it work. Looking out our last 3 games versus the Broncos, Jags, Dolphins, and Jets, I think we have a great chance at making the playoffs.

What do you guys think?
[/quote]
I like our chances.The Jags got a couple of big time obsticles in their way,the one thing that concerns me is the AFC east.Things are really gettin' messy in that division,and that could come back to bite us.We need to maintain the momentum of the Lions game,stay focused on a one game at a time mentality and the rest will be what it will be.

[funky141]

Just for thought or discusion....If the Ravens do make the final 6th seed for the playoffs you'll get to go to New England.

[jfc13]

[quote name='Child Of Humanity' date='14 December 2009 - 12:36 AM' timestamp='1260768977' post='311783']
I should add that while I cheer for the Ravens, if they make the playoffs and end up facing the Bengals I will of course have to cheer for my own team. No offense to the Ravens fans. That is just the way it is! But aside from the Bengals and Ravens meeting up, I am cheering for the Ravens.

Should the Bengals get bounced early, and that is extremely likely, I would rather see the AFCN in the Superbowl than the Bolts or the Colts.
[/quote]
I didn't really feel this way last year with the Steelers, mainly because some of their fans are so obnoxious with the whole "six rings" thing, but I wouldn't have a problem if the Bengals went all the way [if the Ravens can't]. I'd probably even be cheering for them. Of course, I realize that part of the reason is that the Bengal's fans haven't really had much to be obnoxious about recently and if this winning thing continues, they may become so, but they seem fine for now.

[neepo13]

[quote name='funky141' date='14 December 2009 - 07:36 AM' timestamp='1260794194' post='311843']
Just for thought or discusion....If the Ravens do make the final 6th seed for the playoffs you'll get to go to New England.
[/quote]
Its not a given that the Ravens will have to settle for the 6th seed. People keep saying the 6th seed is all thats up for grabs. Denver hasnt clinched anything yet. If we win out, which we have to do to get in, and Denver loses 1 more, which I think they will, we hold the tiebreaker over them and we'd take the 5th seed, which means we more than likely will be headed to Cinci round 1.