Plain And Simple Reason Why We Lost

[Raven07]

and seeing how Troy Recieved ALL snaps in practice with the first team offense....i would think that Troy would start, but we'll see come game-day. and see how he does with the First team throughout the course of the game.

[T-Sizzle55]

It's just a game, and just because we think we know better, doesn't mean we do.

Just a game?? I don't even know what the HELL that means because I have never used those same words before. It's not just a game. If the game isn't going their way the players can't turn off the TV or change the channel. They have to suffer through it and then be ridiculed and mocked by the entire country afterwards. These people don't shake hands, go home, wash up, and prepare to go to work or back to school. People get fired, traded or are forced to retire for these kinds of mistakes. This is all they have ever known and feel it is their only purpose. Why do you see Bubba Smith selling cars and insurance, while wearin his jersey and pads?

Football=Life

[nevermore621]

I am a huge supporter of Troy (OSU guy-he's the whole reason I'm now following the Ravens) and I love what I have seen from him so far. The problem with starting him now is that the last two games are against tough teams. I don't want Troy to feel like he has to win a game on his own and force himself into bad decisions. He definately cares about his team and would do whatever it takes to snap the losing streak to bring something back to the team, but its much more important at this point in the season to not ruin Troy Smith. Let Boller take the hit to his ego, since he sucks. Play Troy, but I'm still wary of him starting in these circumstances.

The injuries are the major problem on defense. I'm sure the defense will perk up when the guys get healthy and the younger guys get a little bit more experience under their belt (next year).

The one spot on defense that sounds like it could use a lot of improvement is the line. I didn't get to watch the game (no coverage here) but I've heard a lot of people mention that the other teams are having all day to throw. Picking up a top lineman on both sides of the ball in the draft may not be a bad idea. I would focus on the O line more though. Mcgahee has the potential to be a great running back and with a better O line the run game could really step it up a notch and make the QB not have to run for his life all the time. I haven't watched enough this year to know about the WR position or TE but it seems like a big play guy in one of those positions would help a lot as well.

Billick is not my favorite, and I would say go for it with Troy on the fourth down. He gives you so many options. Stuff it straight up on a sneak, or let him take the ball back and look for a pass or run it in. McGahee isn't a bad shot either at making that. So many good choices, but I understand the safe bet to take it into overtime. The thing that I do like about bringing Troy in right now is that he has the support of the team. Troy won't be leading any mutiny on the team since hes fighting for the respect to get a starting job and if he has everyone else following him that could bring the team back together.

The real test to see if Billick has what it takes to bring the Ravens back for next year will be in the draft. If the Ravens get some smart picks that work out they have a lot of potential.

I think Troy will handle the pressure. He is a proven champion. And Billick has said they are not going to try to do too much, but stay within Troy's abilities. Yeah he has to guard against trying to win the game all by himself, and force a pass at the wrong time and place. Even Brett Favre struggled last season when he tried to do that, so he needs to guard against being too aggressive, perhaps.

As to the D line, Ryan will just have to be creative, with Trevor Pryce gone. And McAllister is out on IR, so we have another crucial spot to fill in the secondary. I hope Samari will be back and Gaston steps up.

As to the draft Ozzie and staff always get great talent, so we can be sure the Ravens will improve themselves. How quickly players develop will have alot to do with coaching so I hope we build on foundations already laid.

[Raven07]

not only handle the pressure..but handle it well.....his teammates saw his composure on the field when he was out there out over the past 2 games at the end and Thats the kind of thing that players take in and feed off of....and rally (overall) around....

One must remember this......

"To Be Truly Great....one must first Commit the mistakes and Learn from them and go back and do it again...therefore Becoming a better player/person and moving forward"