What To Be Optimistic About As A Ravens Fan?

[Pitts200]

I'll admit, I've watched more Ravens football this year than I ever have, but it baffles me how many people on here believe the season is over. (Obviously this is not the general opinion)

But I just wanted to give an outside opinion and tell you what other people think about the Ravens and why you guys should be optimistic as compared to prior Ravens teams.

1.) Your team is never ever out of the game, the Vikes game is a prime example. The art of the comeback is an acquired skill, Flacco is going to lead you guys to many comebacks that will be kept once this team gels with its new identity.

2.) TOP is a somewhat overrated stat and just because you guys don't get 35 minutes per game it doesn't mean you need to run the ball more. The Ravens have one play home run potential, when you have a 4 play drive that covers 80 yards that is going to negatively skew the TOP results. But 7 points on a 13 play 80 yard possession is the same amount of points as a 4 play TD drive.

3.) Age and your defense. People keep bringing up the age of your role players but what they don't realize is that despite their age, they are still playing MVP football. The mesh of seasoned veterans and young guys will pay dividends in the long run. Give your secondary some film time with Reed and watch his anticipation on the field, the young guys will begin using their minds and not just their physical abilities to cover the opposing team.

4.) Coaching. Has anyone noticed how successful Rex's defense has been the past 3 games? (Well partial Saints game) Not very successful, it takes more than a scheme to be a powerhouse defense and the reason he was so successful in Bmore was 95% players 5% Rex's scheme. So you remove that 5% that Ryan brought to the table and you still have the core Ravens defense.



Overall, Give it time, a new identity is being formed on offense.

Your veterans on Defense are teaching the young guys how to handle the life of knowing they are suppose to be a constant top 5 defense year in and year out.

You guys will be hitting on all cylinders soon, just give it time.

[BloodRaven]

There are far too many former bandwagoning idiots here writing us off, its like they've run through the stupid forrest and hit every tree.

Forget the women, and children lets just cut our losses, fire and sacrifice everyone to the sun Gods and abandon this burning sinking shipwreck am I right?

In 10 weeks I'm going to name and shame every single one of them.

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='21 October 2009 - 10:57 AM' timestamp='1256144248' post='264043']

In 10 weeks I'm going to name and shame every single one of them.
[/quote]

Good luck remembering all of them!

[Ed_Reed20]

Great post man. If only some Ravens "fans" on this forum could be as insightful as you.

[Runnin Raven]

I agree - its sometimes tough when you don't have the benefit of an "outsiders" view. I know the expectations were (are?) thru the roof this year after the success of last year. When you expected to be 5-1 at worst and instaed are .500 at the bye with a somewhat brutal schedule coming up and your formerly reliable D is your biggest weakness,,,its easy to lose perspective. I know for one I need to take a deep breath and step away from the ledge. There's a long way to go and who knows what will happen over the course of the season.

I do believe the foundation is in place for a great team, hopefully this year.

'Preciate the post.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='21 October 2009 - 12:47 PM' timestamp='1256143664' post='264038']
You guys will be hitting on all cylinders soon, just give it time.
[/quote]
Wow.

What does it say when a fan of our biggest rival is more optimistic about our team than half of us are?
Thanks for the dose of reality, it is sorely needed around here.

All I have to add is this....

Imagine if the season were reversed. What if we started out 0-3, and won our last three? I wonder how many doom n gloomers would be harping about how awful we are then.

Nothing's going to change. When the dust settles, the AFCN will be sending two teams to the playoffs. And the Bungles won't be one of them.

[Ravnet]

Counterpoint - we're 3-3, and will likely need to go 8-2 the rest of the way to just get a wildcard with a very tough schedule; even then, we'll have to win four games in a row on the road to win the Super Bowl, meaning that a 12 - 2 record the rest of the way is what Baltimore will need to not regress from last season.

I don't see that as impossible, but it's just some perspective in response to this "optimistic" post.

[McBoller]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='21 October 2009 - 02:23 PM' timestamp='1256149386' post='264100']
Counterpoint - we're 3-3, and will likely need to go 8-2 the rest of the way to just get a wildcard with a very tough schedule; even then, we'll have to win four games in a row on the road to win the Super Bowl, meaning that a 12 - 2 record the rest of the way is what Baltimore will need to not regress from last season.

I don't see that as impossible, but it's just some perspective in response to this "optimistic" post.
[/quote]
Thats what we did last year. Actually we went 9-2. But we had already lost to the Colts and one Pitt game.

I think we split with Pitt so that means we can lose ONE other game, either against the Colts or packers Im guessing.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='21 October 2009 - 02:23 PM' timestamp='1256149386' post='264100']
Counterpoint - we're 3-3, and will likely need to go 8-2 the rest of the way to just get a wildcard with a very tough schedule; even then, we'll have to win four games in a row on the road to win the Super Bowl, meaning that a 12 - 2 record the rest of the way is what Baltimore will need to not regress from last season.

I don't see that as impossible, but it's just some perspective in response to this "optimistic" post.
[/quote]


Last year we finished 9-2, so going 8-2 this year is entirely possible.

And IF the Bungholes are for real, and not the fluke I think they are, then 11 wins will likely win the division (probably will take a tiebreaker, and I think it will be us and Pitts who get the 11 wins).

We are one game back in our division with ten games left. It's really hard for me to put a negative spin on that when we have a team this talented.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='21 October 2009 - 03:23 PM' timestamp='1256149386' post='264100']
Counterpoint - we're 3-3, and will likely need to go 8-2 the rest of the way to just get a wildcard with a very tough schedule; even then, we'll have to win four games in a row on the road to win the Super Bowl, meaning that a 12 - 2 record the rest of the way is what Baltimore will need to not regress from last season.

I don't see that as impossible, but it's just some perspective in response to this "optimistic" post.
[/quote]

As a counterpoint to your counterpoint, so I guess its a counter-counterpoint.

Just like in poker, you don't just play your hand, you play the other players.

So when looking at wildcard prospects for your team, you can't just look at your own teams record. You need to look at the parity of the AFC this year and assume that many teams aren't going to get 11 wins. Many won't get 10.. Some years it might be possible that 11 wins might not get you a wild card birth, while other years 9 wins will get you into the playoffs

I can guarantee that 9-7 gets a wildcard spot this year. So I think you saying the Ravens having to go 12-2 to win the superbowl is somewhat of a harsh scenario.

To look at the other AFC Teams:

How many teams in the AFC have 1 lose???? None and only 3 teams have 2 loses. With the Ravens being at 3-3, it would be much more dire if the AFC wasn't so wide open like it is this year.

[SaVaGe]

People fail to realize teams are setting up the run through the pass on us. Our Run D is still elite but we don't generate [b]enough[/b] pressure (hear me out yes we generate pressure) to cover the faults of our CB's. So our LB's don't have the luxury anymore of being up at the line anymore on certain downs to stop the run because of how much easier it is to pass on us. This bye week I believe the CB depth chart should be completely scrapped and everyone of them should be fighting for a position instead.

[ravenz_fan]

I truely can't believe how many "fans" write them off we lost 3 games one by 6 points, one by 2 points against a 6-0 team and one by 3 points, how can one see that as bad yes a loss is a loss but come on these are close games against great teams

[theblackdog]

I am one of many who still has high hopes that Baltimore will make another playoff appearance. I know I was frustrated a few days ago with our loss to Minnesota, but I'm finally getting over that.

First of all, we actually get our bye week this time around, instead of slogging through a streak of 15 games. While we have had a few injuries this year, half of our squad hasn't been beaten up so badly that we're one injury away from a complete collapse of the offense or defense. Even most of those who are hurt will be returning to us shortly.

We do have a tough schedule ahead of us, with the Broncos, Steelers, and Colts. However, I have faith in our team that we can pull it together and get it done. We have always done our best when everyone else has written us off for the season. We surprised everyone last year with getting all the way to the AFC championships, and I see us slipping under the radar and coming up big at the end.

As Pitts correctly pointed out, the AFC is pretty wide open right now, it's still early enough that the season can completely change. I don't foresee a repeat of the 2007 Patriots by any of the teams this year. Admittedly I want the Steelers to beat the Broncos this weekend because if it shakes their confidence a bit to have that first L, we increase our chances of handing them their second.

We'll get it done, and no matter what happens, I'm not giving up on Baltimore, just like how they don't give up until that clock reads 0:00 at the end of the fourth quarter.

[RedFire]

afc north will probably send 3 teams.

aka double digits wins for the steelers, bengals, and ravens in no particular order.

other divsions have 1 dominate team thus far....we have 3 fighting for spots and the ravens
are competing with top notch teams.

jags are 3-3 by playing even worse teams and houston isn't consistent right now.

i think new york and san diego will run outta gas....

[Ravnet]

[quote name='McBoller' date='21 October 2009 - 02:28 PM' timestamp='1256149685' post='264108']
Thats what we did last year. Actually we went 9-2. But we had already lost to the Colts and one Pitt game.

[/quote]
[quote]
Last year we finished 9-2, so going 8-2 this year is entirely possible.[/quote]

I realize that we did the same thing last year, but the odds don't favor a repeat, and that complements my basic point that although our path is not completely blocked, we can only slip-up as many, or fewer, times in the next fourteen games as we already have in the first six games.

[quote]I can guarantee that 9-7 gets a wildcard spot this year. So I think you saying the Ravens having to go 12-2 to win the superbowl is somewhat of a harsh scenario.[/quote]

I can see 10 - 6 as a possibility, but guaranteeing a 9 - 7 playoff berth is a bit premature in my opinion.

Even if the Ravens did go 10 - 6, they would still need several tiebreakers, which are becoming increasingly elusive considering that Baltimore already has already lost two games in the AFC, with one of those defeats coming in the only meaningful divisional game which was even at home.

I could lay out every single team in contention, but again, I'm just noting that although we still control our own destiny, it will nonetheless be a huge feat to go 12 - 2 or 11 - 3 and win the Super Bowl.

While you all can point out that we were 2 - 3 last year and still made the playoffs, I can point to 2007 when we started off 4 - 2, after a 13 - 3 season no less, and finished on a 1 - 9 skid to end the season at 5 - 11

I'm really just playing the devil's advocate here, so no one needs to inform me that 2007 was injury plagued or anything of that sort.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='21 October 2009 - 10:47 AM' timestamp='1256143664' post='264038']
I'll admit, I've watched more Ravens football this year than I ever have, but it baffles me how many people on here believe the season is over. (Obviously this is not the general opinion)

But I just wanted to give an outside opinion and tell you what other people think about the Ravens and why you guys should be optimistic as compared to prior Ravens teams.

1.) Your team is never ever out of the game, the Vikes game is a prime example. The art of the comeback is an acquired skill, Flacco is going to lead you guys to many comebacks that will be kept once this team gels with its new identity.

2.) TOP is a somewhat overrated stat and just because you guys don't get 35 minutes per game it doesn't mean you need to run the ball more. The Ravens have one play home run potential, when you have a 4 play drive that covers 80 yards that is going to negatively skew the TOP results. But 7 points on a 13 play 80 yard possession is the same amount of points as a 4 play TD drive.

3.) Age and your defense. People keep bringing up the age of your role players but what they don't realize is that despite their age, they are still playing MVP football. The mesh of seasoned veterans and young guys will pay dividends in the long run. Give your secondary some film time with Reed and watch his anticipation on the field, the young guys will begin using their minds and not just their physical abilities to cover the opposing team.

4.) Coaching. Has anyone noticed how successful Rex's defense has been the past 3 games? (Well partial Saints game) Not very successful, it takes more than a scheme to be a powerhouse defense and the reason he was so successful in Bmore was 95% players 5% Rex's scheme. So you remove that 5% that Ryan brought to the table and you still have the core Ravens defense.



Overall, Give it time, a new identity is being formed on offense.

Your veterans on Defense are teaching the young guys how to handle the life of knowing they are suppose to be a constant top 5 defense year in and year out.

You guys will be hitting on all cylinders soon, just give it time.
[/quote]


Don't worry man, as soon as we beat Denver, we will be going back to the Super Bowl.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Mick0311' date='21 October 2009 - 05:44 PM' timestamp='1256157893' post='264232']
Don't worry man, as soon as we beat Denver, we will be going back to the Super Bowl.
[/quote]

I wouldn't go all that far, I'm a Steelers fan!!! Let the negative rep points flow... Lol

[PuRock]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='21 October 2009 - 04:47 PM' timestamp='1256158047' post='264235']
I wouldn't go all that far, I'm a Steelers fan!!! Let the negative rep points flow... Lol
[/quote]

I think he was being sarcastic. Saying that once we beat an undefeated teams, people on here will be talking about the superbowl instead of saying our season is over.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='PuRock' date='21 October 2009 - 06:06 PM' timestamp='1256159168' post='264252']
I think he was being sarcastic. Saying that once we beat an undefeated teams, people on here will be talking about the superbowl instead of saying our season is over.
[/quote]


I understand he was.

[FlaccoFlicker]

sadly yes after losses people go crazy yes i am upset when it happens but never had i said the season was over we hit a 3 game losing streak last year and the superbowl year.we were 12-4 and we lost our 4 games in the first nine games (we were 5-4) I usually go away from boards after a loss because their is to much negativity.We do have a young offense on some parts and we know what we have to address in the offseason.I still think we are a playoff contender but we have to get our act straight.our losses are 2-1 in the afc vs, nfc. So yeah hope anymore losses aren't caused by afc teams cuz that hurts on tiebreakers.We have a good team and if not this year I definitly see dominate times ahead.
Quote the Raven Nevermore

[Shawn`]

Remember last year was a rare year in which no 10-6 team made it to the wildcard, infact, one 11-5 didn't make it.

But usually it takes a solid 10-6 to make it in, I think we should be able to finish 10 and 6. One loss to Pitts, One to the Colts and maybe Green Bay, but if Cincy could beat them at Lambeau, why can't we?

[Pitts200]

Ok, I suppose that my guarantee that a wildcard team will have a 9-7 record may be a little bold. But break it down.

AFC E- NE winners.... Jets & Miami will be fighting for wins and don't look great. 12-4 will win the east
AFC W- Denver winners. SD kind of gets a pass getting to play Oak & KC so many times but being 2-3 isn't good.
AFC S- Colts winners.. Jags are flawed, Houston is inconsistent.
AFC N- Up in the air.. Two teams will def make the playoffs from this division. 11-5 will win the North

[Shawn`]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='22 October 2009 - 10:13 AM' timestamp='1256224425' post='264593']

AFC E- NE winners.... Jets & Miami will be fighting for wins and don't look great. 12-4 will win the east
AFC W- Denver winners. SD kind of gets a pass getting to play Oak & KC so many times but being 2-3 isn't good.
AFC S- Colts winners.. Jags are flawed, Houston is inconsistent.
AFC N- Up in the air.. Two teams will def make the playoffs from this division. 11-5 will win the North
[/quote]

Remember, the Jags are 3-3 and starting to get some rythm.

I think the Wildcard fight will be between an AFC South team, Jags or Texans vs an AFC North team, hopefully us.

[Jamal]

Flacco and Rice. Thats 2 players that every Raven fan should be optimistic about.

[Allan]

[size="4"][font="Times New Roman"] [color="#9932CC"]Hey, the Ravens are .500 going into November, anything is possible. The young guys in the secondary are learning as they play. Meaning they should be playing better as the season continues. They wouldn't be starting if the coaches didn't have some faith in them.

Actually, I like the idea of the Ravens playing an opposing team just before the Steelers do. The Ravens are showing the Steelers the way. Hey, the Ravens came all the way back last week to be in position to take the win from the Vikings. The Steelers will try to finish what the Ravens started. The Broncos haven't played anybody yet. This is great time to take a break. No doubt some Ravens players are nicked up and could use the rest before the big push. The Steelers and their fans DO NOT think the Ravens year is over by any means. [/color][/font][/size]


[size="6"] [font="Times New Roman"]GO STEELERS! [/font][/size]

[rlh445]

It's great to be optimistic, and I'm not one to try and rain on peoples' parades when it comes to football. The thing that makes me mad is when people start clamoring on about fans who don't automatically see the silver lining and instead try to explain the problems they see are automatically 'fans', not fans. This team has tons of work to do in terms of discipline, morale, and just plain playing better football. It's not even that we have one problem, it's that we have loads.

The defense is not stepping up when it needs to. The offense seems to get on a roll and then one or two mental mistakes cost us victory, or even a chance at victory. The special teams are probably one of the least special things about this season. On and on and on I could go. Why is it wrong to say those things? I'm a huge fan, and have been since the Ravens inception. That doesn't mean that I'm going to tell other fans that they're wrong for criticizing, or being optimistic. Yes, there are ten games left..but does anyone realize how few games that really is? Ten games we will have to play near to perfect.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='21 October 2009 - 02:38 PM' timestamp='1256150303' post='264113']


So when looking at wildcard prospects for your team, you can't just look at your own teams record. You need to look at the parity of the AFC this year and assume that many teams aren't going to get 11 wins. Many won't get 10.. Some years it might be possible that 11 wins might not get you a wild card birth, while other years 9 wins will get you into the playoffs

I can guarantee that 9-7 gets a wildcard spot this year. So I think you saying the Ravens having to go 12-2 to win the superbowl is somewhat of a harsh scenario.

To look at the other AFC Teams:

How many teams in the AFC have 1 lose???? None and only 3 teams have 2 loses. With the Ravens being at 3-3, it would be much more dire if the AFC wasn't so wide open like it is this year.
[/quote]


I must say people thought there wouldn't even be one 9-7 team this year to make the playoffs. Actually there will be two, pretty crazy compared to last year.

It shows that even if you feel the Ravens are down and out, that there is SO much parity across the league that ANY team can have a deep run to the playoffs even the Ravens.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Pitts200' date='22 October 2009 - 11:13 AM' timestamp='1256224425' post='264593']
Ok, I suppose that my guarantee that a wildcard team will have a 9-7 record may be a little bold. But break it down.

AFC E- NE winners.... Jets & Miami will be fighting for wins and don't look great. 12-4 will win the east
AFC W- Denver winners. SD kind of gets a pass getting to play Oak & KC so many times but being 2-3 isn't good.
AFC S- Colts winners.. Jags are flawed, Houston is inconsistent.
AFC N- Up in the air.. Two teams will def make the playoffs from this division. 11-5 will win the North
[/quote]


Eh, I was off about Denver. Damn