Merged: The Rest of the Season

[neepo13]

No need to worry. We will win 10 of the last 10, win the division, and home field advantage, on our way to Flacco's first Superbowl victory. Book it.

[Ravens549]

[quote name='flynismo' date='26 October 2009 - 12:38 PM' timestamp='1256575115' post='266371']
All this negativity around here makes my head hurt. I love how people say we're going to lose to Indy and get swept by Pitts as if it's a fact.
Not saying this about you in particular, just a general observation...an awful lot of people confuse 'pessimism' with 'realism'.
[/quote]
No, I think a lot of us have been around long enough to identify our problems and know by now what usually results. We cannot all of a sudden develop a pass rush or suddenly have our secondary become faster and run better routes. We are stuck with the team we have for this season. We added no big free agents so we need to play with the hand we have been dealt.
To think we will suddenly, unexplicably turn things around with 3 tough games coming up is questionable at best. It is very plausible to be 4-6 going up against Pittsburgh.
We have spent so much time trying to build an offense our defense has slowly fallen apart.
And don't forget 2007...as we continue losing, our team tends to get chippy and cause even more mistakes.

[neepo13]

[quote name='Ravens549' date='27 October 2009 - 09:38 AM' timestamp='1256650694' post='266731']
No, I think a lot of us have been around long enough to identify our problems and know by now what usually results. We cannot all of a sudden develop a pass rush or suddenly have our secondary become faster and run better routes. We are stuck with the team we have for this season. We added no big free agents so we need to play with the hand we have been dealt.
To think we will suddenly, unexplicably turn things around with 3 tough games coming up is questionable at best. It is very plausible to be 4-6 going up against Pittsburgh.
We have spent so much time trying to build an offense our defense has slowly fallen apart.
And don't forget 2007...as we continue losing, our team tends to get chippy and cause even more mistakes.
[/quote]

They started 2-3 last season. Losing two close ones vs Pitt and Tenn, after the defense collapsed on late drives and then we went into Indy and got blown out by the Colts, in that game it looked like we needed to blow the team up and start over. But they went 9-2 to finish the season and made the playoffs because the coaching staff made the neccessary adjustments. Give them a chance before you give up.

Its not the end of the world. We are 3-3, not 0-6.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='neepo13' date='27 October 2009 - 09:44 AM' timestamp='1256651081' post='266733']
They started 2-3 last season. Losing two close ones vs Pitt and Tenn, after the defense collapsed on late drives and then we went into Indy and got blown out by the Colts, in that game it looked like we needed to blow the team up and start over. But they went 9-2 to finish the season and made the playoffs because the coaching staff made the neccessary adjustments. Give them a chance before you give up.

Its not the end of the world. We are 3-3, not 0-6.
[/quote]

This year's defense is leaps and bounds behind last year's version...

[flynismo]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='27 October 2009 - 11:24 AM' timestamp='1256657090' post='266771']
This year's defense is leaps and bounds behind last year's version...
[/quote]

And the offense is on another planet compared to last year's version....

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='flynismo' date='27 October 2009 - 11:48 AM' timestamp='1256658539' post='266783']
And the offense is on another planet compared to last year's version....
[/quote]

Indeed, but the old adage holds true: Offense gets all the glory, but Defense wins Championships.

[flynismo]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='27 October 2009 - 11:52 AM' timestamp='1256658774' post='266789']
Indeed, but the old adage holds true: Offense gets all the glory, but Defense wins Championships.
[/quote]


If there ever was any truth to that adage, it looks like it's going out the window this year.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='flynismo' date='27 October 2009 - 12:16 PM' timestamp='1256660168' post='266808']
If there ever was any truth to that adage, it looks like it's going out the window this year.
[/quote]
What do you mean? All three of the undefeated teams have excellent defenses.

[flynismo]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='27 October 2009 - 01:43 PM' timestamp='1256665415' post='266861']
What do you mean? All three of the undefeated teams have excellent defenses.
[/quote]

Don't have a lot of time to give you an in depth response, so I'll just give you the condensed version for now.

First, regarding the undefeated teams you mentioned...I think it's fair to say that 2 of those 3 teams' success is due to their offense, not their defense.
Also, I can't call Indy or NO defenses "excellent" when the Saints give up like 50 points a week, and Indy has yet to play against anything other practice squads (one of the practice squads they payed against humiliated their defense by maintaining the ball for 45 minutes)
And scoring seems to be shooting through the roof this year. Every week it seems like there's around ten teams putting up 30 or more
points. Even mediocre offenses like Miami are getting in on the act.
I want to look this up. Even with all the blowouts and shutouts we've seen already, I'm willing to bet that this year offenses are on pace with the 2004 and 2007 seasons.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='flynismo' date='27 October 2009 - 03:00 PM' timestamp='1256670052' post='266908']
Don't have a lot of time to give you an in depth response, so I'll just give you the condensed version for now.

First, regarding the undefeated teams you mentioned...I think it's fair to say that 2 of those 3 teams' success is due to their offense, not their defense.
Also, I can't call Indy or NO defenses "excellent" when the Saints give up like 50 points a week, and Indy has yet to play against anything other practice squads (one of the practice squads they payed against humiliated their defense by maintaining the ball for 45 minutes)[/quote]
I'd have to agree that a much of the teams success comes from their offenses, but Drew Brees and the Saints had an awe inspiring offense last year, and that got them nowhere until they had the nfl's leader in turnovers (and defensive touchdowns.) NO is also surrendering just 6.1 yrds per pass (1st in the league).I think the Saints are still number one in defensive passer rating (previously held by the Baltimore Ravens) but it could have changed...
The Colts may have struck gold in their schedule, but they have given up only 77 points (second in the nfl) regardless.

Besides, there are only a few teams (NE, Bal, and Houston)who are really going to give them a run for their money, so I expect that they will probably be a top defense from the beginning of the year until the ten.
[quote]
And scoring seems to be shooting through the roof this year. Every week it seems like there's around ten teams putting up 30 or more
points. Even mediocre offenses like Miami are getting in on the act.
I want to look this up. Even with all the blowouts and shutouts we've seen already, I'm willing to bet that this year offenses are on pace with the 2004 and 2007 seasons.
[/quote]
I found some interesting stats; give me a few minutes...

[darklight1216]

[quote name='flynismo' date='27 October 2009 - 03:00 PM' timestamp='1256670052' post='266908']
And scoring seems to be shooting through the roof this year. Every week it seems like there's around ten teams putting up 30 or more
points. Even mediocre offenses like Miami are getting in on the act.
I want to look this up. Even with all the blowouts and shutouts we've seen already, I'm willing to bet that this year offenses are on pace with the 2004 and 2007 seasons.
[/quote]
In 2009, NFL teams have completed 61.2 percent of their passes, with 249 TDs, just 163 INTs, and a cumulative paser rating of 84.85. (The season record is 83.2, set in 2008.)
(That stat is a little outdated, it might have been from week 5.)

Through the end of Sunday’s games, just 19 of 102 (18.6%) games this year have been decided by a field goal or less; just 43 of 102 games (42.2%) of games have been decided by 7 points or less. [i]The average margin of victory was 22.5 points last week.[/i]

Only once since 1978, have fewer than 42 percent of games been decided by seven points or less (1992, 39.3%).

You mentioned the 2007 season. That year, the New England Patriots scored 36.8 PPG with 589 points total. The New Orleans Saints are scoring 39.7 points per game which would put them on pace to score 635 points by the end of the season.

[i]In case anyone wants to know: the highest scoring nfl offense of all time belonged to the 1950 Rams who scored 38.8 points per game.[/i]

Basically, New Orleans is on pace to be the most prolific offense in pro-football history.

Go to Cold Hard Football Facts and/or NFL.com for more statistics.

[Smoke]

I welcome the challange with the upcoming schedule
In order to make the playoffs you have to beat the best
I have confidence that the Ravens will turn it around.
They will make the necessary adjustments
Will they be the dominating defense as in previous years? NO
But the will do enough to win games.
New era- our offense will carry us through. Remember the Colts in their Super Bowl season. Defense was horrible, but pulled together at end.
Don't lose faith in such a talented team. The have their weaknesses but they also have strengths we haven't had in alot of years
Prediction: Ravens 28 Broncos 24

[Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan]

It would be hard to swallow to think any Raven fan were to lose faith. To say that we have lost a little confidence would be more suiting. Without a doubt they have the talent to turn things around. There isnt one game left on the schedule that isnt a winnable game. Adjustments in the secondary and the pass rush are the key elements to achieving this. Not to mention limiting the recent breakdown in penalties and big plays allowed. Turnovers have never been an issue as sometimes they tend to come in bunches later in the schedule for the Ravens.

I do have faith that we can be a dominant force in the AFC. Winning the division is still a feasable outcome given they do the things that need to be corrected. Hoping for some help from other matchups does not hurt either. I pray for a healthy second half, simple changes, and continued determination from what has been a proud Ravens Organization.

[Ravens549]

First and foremost, we need to beat Denver. I know that is not exactly rocket science. lol
But, should we lose to Denver after a 2 week bye and after losing 3 games in a row prior...things could get pretty U G L Y in both the locker room and in the stadium.
I can see this game being the one that could be the straw that breaks the camel's back with the high expectations we all had after the Browns game.

[funky141]

[quote]I can see this game being the one that could be the straw that breaks the camel's back with the high expectations we all had after the Browns game. [/quote]

I couldn't agree more, this game is very important. It is almost a must win for the Ravens..

[JEEPercreepermd]

Beating Denver at home this week will be important. If the Ravens win, they stay 1 game back in the Division, with a chance to pass Cincy in week 9. If the Ravens can win 3 of the next 4 games they will be in very good shape.

[McBoller]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='28 October 2009 - 11:06 AM' timestamp='1256742411' post='267417']
Beating Denver at home this week will be important. If the Ravens win, they stay 1 game back in the Division, with a chance to pass Cincy in week 9. If the Ravens can win 3 of the next 4 games they will be in very good shape.
[/quote]
Actually I think if we beat cincy we'll be in a straight tie. Same record, same division record... Acutally i think technically we would be in 1st b/c Denver would be the tie-break since they lost to them.

[Ed_Reed20]

Taking the season one game at a time is the best way to go. I don't know if this is what happened but maybe the players were looking ahead to Minnesota and felt that they could trample Cincy the same way they did Cleveland.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='McBoller' date='28 October 2009 - 10:23 AM' timestamp='1256743387' post='267426']
Actually I think if we beat cincy we'll be in a straight tie. Same record, same division record... Acutally i think technically we would be in 1st b/c Denver would be the tie-break since they lost to them.
[/quote]
your right sorry about that, brain is under the desk today lol

[RavensAllTheWay]

Yeah we can do it I think. Remember this was the time of year last year where we got hot. I hate to refer to last year, but lets hope history repeats itself so we have a lot of momentum heading into December and probably January. I'm pretty confident in this team. We gotta beat the Bengals on week 9 though, or else winning the division will be virtually impossible. There are lots of good teams in the AFC, some of which are on our schedule. I don't see us getting swept by the Bengals or the Steelers. Yeah, we'll beat the Browns, Lions and Raiders for sure and we'll go from there.

[RavensAllTheWay]

[quote name='McBoller' date='28 October 2009 - 11:23 AM' timestamp='1256743387' post='267426']
Actually I think if we beat cincy we'll be in a straight tie. Same record, same division record... Acutally i think technically we would be in 1st b/c Denver would be the tie-break since they lost to them.
[/quote]
If we beat the Broncos and the Bengals, we'll be 5-3 along with the Bengals. However, THEY would still have the tiebreaker, cuz they're division would be 3-1 while ours would be only 2-1. Strange thing is, we play the Browns the week after (a win for us). So if we both win on week 10, we'll each be 6-3 and our division records would be the same. If that happens, idk which one of us gets the tiebreaker.

[McBoller]

oh yeah, I didnt know they already played the Browns...

[Chi_Town_Raven]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='28 October 2009 - 04:46 PM' timestamp='1256762788' post='267694']
If we beat the Broncos and the Bengals, we'll be 5-3 along with the Bengals. However, THEY would still have the tiebreaker, cuz they're division would be 3-1 while ours would be only 2-1. Strange thing is, we play the Browns the week after (a win for us). So if we both win on week 10, we'll each be 6-3 and our division records would be the same. If that happens, idk which one of us gets the tiebreaker.
[/quote]
Our losses: Bengals, Vikings, & Patriots= 1 NFC loss

Their losses: Ravens, Broncos, Texans= 0 NFC losses

Theoretically, if we were to keep the same record by winning every single game the rest of the year, we would get the tiebreaker because of more AFC wins.

[mhead66]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='28 October 2009 - 04:46 PM' timestamp='1256762788' post='267694']
If we beat the Broncos and the Bengals, we'll be 5-3 along with the Bengals. However, THEY would still have the tiebreaker, cuz they're division would be 3-1 while ours would be only 2-1. Strange thing is, we play the Browns the week after (a win for us). So if we both win on week 10, we'll each be 6-3 and our division records would be the same. If that happens, idk which one of us gets the tiebreaker.
[/quote]
Good website on NFL tiebreakers:

http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures

[flynismo]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='27 October 2009 - 05:21 PM' timestamp='1256678483' post='267071']
In 2009, NFL teams have completed 61.2 percent of their passes, with 249 TDs, just 163 INTs, and a cumulative paser rating of 84.85. (The season record is 83.2, set in 2008.)
(That stat is a little outdated, it might have been from week 5.)

Through the end of Sunday’s games, just 19 of 102 (18.6%) games this year have been decided by a field goal or less; just 43 of 102 games (42.2%) of games have been decided by 7 points or less. [i]The average margin of victory was 22.5 points last week.[/i]

Only once since 1978, have fewer than 42 percent of games been decided by seven points or less (1992, 39.3%).

You mentioned the 2007 season. That year, the New England Patriots scored 36.8 PPG with 589 points total. The New Orleans Saints are scoring 39.7 points per game which would put them on pace to score 635 points by the end of the season.

[i]In case anyone wants to know: the highest scoring nfl offense of all time belonged to the 1950 Rams who scored 38.8 points per game.[/i]

Basically, New Orleans is on pace to be the most prolific offense in pro-football history.

Go to Cold Hard Football Facts and/or NFL.com for more statistics.
[/quote]


Oh my....so we could be witnessing the most prolific offensive year in the history of the league.
Thanks for digging that up. I didn't even realize that NO is on a pace to eclipse the all time scoring record.

[BMOREHAWAII]

I just talked to a buddy of mine who knows a guy, that knows a guy, that knows a guys sister, thats dating Joe Flacco's uncles cousin, and said that were supposed to win the rest of our games this season because Tom Brady has been training Joe, and has talked to the ref's for us, for the rest of this season. Just an FYI..........................

[POE]

I think that the fact that during the next seven games we have 5 of them at home with the most notable being against the Denver, Bengals, Steelers and the Colts is a good thing for our Ravens. Us and the Pats have the best records at home throught the past few seasons so hopefully this can kickstart the second half of our season. The bad thing is that the two of the seven that are not at home are Monday night games against the Browns, which should most definetly be a win, and against the Packers at Lambeau. Through the past few years it just seems that we always come up short in prime time games, hopefully we can rebound and put those days behind us.

[kidrock]

How sweet is it that we get to play so many great teams the rest of the year. Worse comes to worse, we lose to some great teams. They should all be great games. As a football fan in general, the league is very competitive this year and the races should be great. If we dont get into the playoffs, dont you want to lose to great teams? Maybe I am being too positive here, but you have to at least be excited to go into Lambo, play the Steelers twice and Bengals again, get the Colts at home. We get to play undefeated Denver and most likely undefeated Indy.

[lgcs27288]

[quote name='kidrock' date='29 October 2009 - 02:11 PM' timestamp='1256839914' post='268009']
How sweet is it that we get to play so many great teams the rest of the year. Worse comes to worse, we lose to some great teams. They should all be great games. As a football fan in general, the league is very competitive this year and the races should be great. If we dont get into the playoffs, dont you want to lose to great teams? Maybe I am being too positive here, but you have to at least be excited to go into Lambo, play the Steelers twice and Bengals again, get the Colts at home. We get to play undefeated Denver and most likely undefeated Indy.
[/quote]

All of our games have been exciting to me so far, except for the Browns game. Though it was exciting in its own way to see what we were capable of. I mean we have played some awesome teams (Chargers, Patriots, and Vikings.)

[Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan]

There is nothing exciting about losing. Ever! But I do agree, it is exciting playing the consistantly good teams. Losing, never exciting. Winning, always exciting.LOL