Our Super Bowl To Lose...?

[DrMoonTooth]

I know it is still the offseason and pre-draft, but does any one feel the Ravens are Super Bowl favorites this year? I'm asking because a Squeeler's fan said to me, "Hey man...it's the Ravens' Super Bowl to lose this year. I'd be shocked if it went down any other way." This is from a die-hard Steeler's fan, too.

The schedule isn't out yet, we still have several areas of major need (CB, DL/DE, etc.), and we don't know who will be healthy come playoff time. I also know this will be a much easier topic to answer once the draft is over and the aforementioned positions of need are filled (hopefully). I'm just anxious to hear what fellow Ravens' fans think, because I couldn't decide for myself what the answer is.

[McBurks]

We have a legitimate shot at going deep in the playoffs this year but I can't say we're super bowl favorites as long as Brady and Manning are playing us.

[Romo Ravens]

I love this topic because it's true. It is our SB to lose. We might not be the favorites this year only because the Saints didn't really lose anything, so they'll probably be the favorites, but the additions we've made on offense helps us so much. We've finally shot down the critics, not that I cared, but it got annoying constantly hearing how our WR corps was maybe the worst in the league. Ever heard of Mason? But anyway, yes it is ours to lose. I was absolutely in shock when I found out that Santonio was traded to the Jets. We only have to cover Ward now, are you kidding me? We pretty much have the division. The Browns will do slightly better, but we'll sweep them. The Bengals are the Bengals. Need I say more. So all we really have to worry about are the Saints, Jets and the Patriots. That's it. We have this without a doubt. I would be in shock if we at least didn't make it to the SB. Go ahead, blast me, but I'm that confident about our team this year. With a couple tweaks on defense, it'll be a 13-3 season.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Simba' date='12 April 2010 - 12:16 AM' timestamp='1271045794' post='389709']
I can't say we're super bowl favorites as long as Brady and Manning are playing us.
[/quote]

I can say that, and feel confident about doing so.
The main thing that has kept us from pummeling those two over the years is the lack of offensive firepower; WR specifically. This year, there is a chance that our offense will rank above one or both of those teams, all the while having the usual Ravens defense, led by a great coaching staff and FO.

I remember all those losses, and as they say, karma is a you-know-what.

I'm really pleased with what we have done over the past three years. Now we will be reaping the rewards of all that great planning and hard work by the organization.

What a great time to be a Ravens fan!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='12 April 2010 - 12:17 AM' timestamp='1271045823' post='389710']
I love this topic because it's true. It is our SB to lose. We might not be the favorites this year only because the Saints didn't really lose anything, so they'll probably be the favorites, but the additions we've made on offense helps us so much. We've finally shot down the critics, not that I cared, but it got annoying constantly hearing how our WR corps was maybe the worst in the league. Ever heard of Mason? But anyway, yes it is ours to lose. I was absolutely in shock when I found out that Santonio was traded to the Jets. [b]We only have to cover Ward now, are you kidding me? We pretty much have the division. The Browns will do slightly better, but we'll sweep them. The Bengals are the Bengals.[/b] Need I say more. So all we really have to worry about are the Saints, Jets and the Patriots. That's it. We have this without a doubt. I would be in shock if we at least didn't make it to the SB. Go ahead, blast me, but I'm that confident about our team this year. With a couple tweaks on defense, it'll be a 13-3 season.
[/quote]

Have to disagree with you again.

Mike Wallace is a playmaker in the mold of Holmes and is one of the reasons the Steelers were willing to trade Santonio.

One would assume we'll sweep the Browns but we thought the Ravens would sweep them before the 2007 season and look what happened.

As for the Bengals, do you realize they own the Ravens most years and did so twice last year? Unless they implode, I'm not going to underestimate them again.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='11 April 2010 - 08:41 PM' timestamp='1271047292' post='389723']
Have to disagree with you again.

Mike Wallace is a playmaker in the mold of Holmes and is one of the reasons the Steelers were willing to trade Santonio.

One would assume we'll sweep the Browns but we thought the Ravens would sweep them before the 2007 season and look what happened.

As for the Bengals, do you realize they own the Ravens most years and did so twice last year? Unless they implode, I'm not going to underestimate them again.
[/quote]

Yea, but what did Mike Wallace do last year against us.. twice. Nothing. So who's to say we can't contain him again?

The Browns had Braylon Edwards when he decided to be good. Now who do they have.. Jerome Harrison? Uhhhhh..

I'll agree with you about the Bengals, but I think we own them this year.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='12 April 2010 - 12:49 AM' timestamp='1271047742' post='389725']
Yea, but what did Mike Wallace do last year against us.. twice. Nothing. So who's to say we can't contain him again?

The Browns had Braylon Edwards when he decided to be good. Now who do they have.. Jerome Harrison? Uhhhhh..

I'll agree with you about the Bengals, but I think we own them this year.
[/quote]

Wallace burnt Webb and almost scored a TD in the 1st game and caught a bomb that set up a Steelers TD in the 2nd game. Regardless, he's likely going to improve as a player so assuming the Ravens will contain him isn't wise.

Like I said before, I'm not going to assume we'll crush the Browns. No one saw them as a potential play-off team before the '07 season started.

I'm confident the Ravens will beat them twice but you just don't know.

Any number of things could happen which is why I don't see the value in talking Super Bowl in April.

[organizedchaos007]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='11 April 2010 - 11:41 PM' timestamp='1271047292' post='389723']
Have to disagree with you again.

Mike Wallace is a playmaker in the mold of Holmes and is one of the reasons the Steelers were willing to trade Santonio.

One would assume we'll sweep the Browns but we thought the Ravens would sweep them before the 2007 season and look what happened.

As for the Bengals, do you realize they own the Ravens most years and did so twice last year? Unless they implode, I'm not going to underestimate them again.
[/quote]


have to agree with Reed20 on this one. Wallace turned out to be an amazing pick for the steelers, he will step into the starting role and without a doubt, we will have to account for him. And yes we still have Ward and miller to worry about. I still think we sweep the steelers tho... As for the bengals, im like reed20, im not gonna sleep on them, they beat us.... often, i think this year will be alittle different, cause we can actually keep up with their offense now. So i think we split with them. I actually have a feeling we walk over the saints... i mean, (washington) another good defense, and you saw what they did to the saints last year, (except for the 4th quarter).. only difference, our offense is better than washingtons. The jets.... are making alot of moves... they dont give a d*mn who they get, as long as they can contribute, sad but.... they are building a good team.

[MKdave]

Being the favourite and having something to lose are two totally different things. No one gets first dibs on the superbowl. Especially given the tumultuous nature of the NFL.
That said, I would say that we are a leading contender for the superbowl, along with the perennials NE and Indy. Plus, you have to respect the Champion Saints.

[organizedchaos007]

Oh another thing to add about the steelers, after trading holmes, their draft board most likely changed slightly, and could possibly go for a WR in the first, doubtful... but possible.

On a side note, I agree with dave, we are prob gonna be one of the top 3 favorites in the AFC to be superbowl contenders, but i think its a reach to say its ours to lose.

I actually see us hearing about Jets...... all year long, which will be annoying, cause i have a feeling sanchez is gonna have a huge sophomore slump. Then you always have the colts, pats, and chargers right there in the hunt.

We will see, ill be rooting for our ravens all year, and have all the confidence in the world they "can" be the top team in the afc, and possibly the NFL.

[sporaven]

If you are saying who has the best shot to go to the super bowl I think you have to start with the Jets. Look at their damn lineup. Even before the trade for Holmes they had the most talent on their roster in the league.

[Ravnet]

Just in the AFC alone, the Jets look just as good as we do, and the Colts are always a major threat.

The Super Bowl isn't anyone's to lose.

[Raven07]

i wouldnt go as far as to say that its Supebowl or bust or this team, for me personally im taking Coach Harbaugh's approach from last year when he kept referring to any speculation or indication about the season... he said "one game at a time, its a one game season, and were taking it that way" or something like that. Id have to say that its a very smart move for the team to have its focus on.

yea we've made a splash this off-season in Trading for Boldin and signing Stallworth or almost nothing, in which has gotten all us fans talking "super bowl!... we got bolin!....superbowl"


But in order to acheieve that tough feat.... ALL aspects must come together, the blocking upfront on the O-Line must due its job and protect Joe and give him the proper time to deliver the football to Boldin or Stallworth, OR Mason, or whoever. The running game must keep the defense off balanced and take pressure off the Passing game, which will get ample attention more so than previous years due to recent WR additions. Which in turn will (hopefully open up holes) for our recievers to break free and get those yards, get those scores, and really elevate our passing attack from moderate to high profile advanced. In turn, it will also give our running game, holes to run through and pick up those big gains.

On defense, our secondary need to keep getting better (after the promising outlook after the last 4 games of the season) i expect it to roll over into this season and see a real shut down or cover corners. D-Line needs to get through the offensive line and get the QB out of the pocket, and moving, out of his comfort zone, thus increasing the chance of creating a mistake (sack and fumble, INT, Sack) whatever.

Special teams, is vital to our field position and we all know that depending on where you start on the field, often depicts whether a drive goes well and complete or falls short and it also depicts, if the players will get tired faster due to the poor field position, or remain up beat and thriving well into the game. We all know a Healthier team is a deadlier team.

[Jamal]

Not even close. Like I've said before, we're barely in the top 10 in terms of teams with superbowl pressure.

[PuRock]

I'm pretty sure it's the Saints Superbowl to lose, since they were the last one to win it. Other than that, nobody should be talking about the Superbowl.

Is it within our grasp? Sure.

(Cliche time) There is a reason why we play the games. Too many things happen in a season. Surprise players, injuries and missed opportunities.

Just like EdReed stated. In 2007 we thought we were going to be an unstoppable team after our 13-3 2006 season. That wasn't the case.

Let's start watching the games first before we start hyping up as the preseason superbowl champs.

[XxSizzleXx]

It's the Saints superbowl to lose, It's OUR Superbowl to win.

[cursona pirate]

we will be in the top 3 best teams in the afc
maybe the top 5 team in the nfl!

[codizzle]

heck no its not ours to lose.. not even close

i prefer to ride under the radar anyway its better

[PuRock]

Hey you guys remember when we were "Week 4 Power Ranking" Champs?

Nobody could stop us, and they should've awarded us the Superbowl trophy then!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 April 2010 - 05:26 PM' timestamp='1271107606' post='389996']
Hey you guys remember when we were "Week 4 Power Ranking" Champs?

Nobody could stop us, and they should've awarded us the Superbowl trophy then!
[/quote]

Speaking of power rankings, I can't wait to see all the magazines and "experts" crown the Jets SB champions in their season previews.

[gilgamesh]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='12 April 2010 - 04:33 PM' timestamp='1271108014' post='389999']
Speaking of power rankings, I can't wait to see all the magazines and "experts" crown the Jets SB champions in their season previews.
[/quote]
"They are who we though they were! Now if you wannna crown them, then crown their ***!"

[RavensAllTheWay]

Even with the Steelers trading their top wideout, I will believe that this division is better than the NFC East and all the others.

We have almost all the pieces in place to make a serious run, which is why I think we're the best in the division, but the Bengals are a hardnosed football team with a renewed confidence. What I'm hoping happens is that they enter this season over excited and cocky based on last year's success. But until then, they're a threat to us. The Browns have been very active adding talented veterans, while somehow maintaing 10 picks this year, so they look to be in the right direction. And last but not least, as much as I hate the Pittsburgh Steelers, they're just about as resilient a team as you'll find in the nfl. Ben's been through various concussions and devastating hits, they overcame a pathetic 5 game losing streak last year to win 3 hard fought ball games and just barely miss the playoffs. Even with all these off the field distractions and the parting of their top WR, they still should and will be taken very seriously.

Even with all this, I think the Ravens are best suited and most well prepared to win the division and possibly the SB.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='12 April 2010 - 05:33 PM' timestamp='1271108014' post='389999']
Speaking of power rankings, I can't wait to see all the magazines and "experts" crown the Jets SB champions in their season previews.
[/quote]

Haha I can see it now: ESPN predicts Jets vs. Redskins. Count it.

We should wager on how many times ESPN waffles before preseason starts. I'm gona set the over under at 10 different decisions.

[marek0393]

I don't know if its our bowl to lose, but we should be near the top of most experts lists. Idealy it would be nice to fly under the radar and come up towards the end of the season. But I will say it is our superbowl to win.

Go ravens!

[WACKO4FLACC0]

Personally I think that Jets on paper are the BEST TEAM IN THE NFL...I know people are going to say to me 'how can you say that, why dont you think the Ravens are the best?' im not negative, im not saying we have a bad team, but im being realistic

Jets are basically solid at every position except DE and maybe a huge WR, although they do have Edwards, Holmes, and Cotchery, which are an above average group of WRs (not to mention Keller at TE)

[K-Dog]

lets talk about this in the fall...

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='WACKO4FLACC0' date='12 April 2010 - 08:36 PM' timestamp='1271119005' post='390079']
Personally I think that Jets on paper are the BEST TEAM IN THE NFL...I know people are going to say to me 'how can you say that, why dont you think the Ravens are the best?' im not negative, im not saying we have a bad team, but im being realistic

Jets are basically solid at every position except DE and maybe a huge WR, although they do have Edwards, Holmes, and Cotchery, which are an above average group of WRs (not to mention Keller at TE)
[/quote]

The Jets have a lot of big names on their team but even on paper, I'd take Indy, NO, SD and the Ravens over them.

[ROH522155]

[quote name='sporaven' date='12 April 2010 - 09:42 AM' timestamp='1271079744' post='389780']
If you are saying who has the best shot to go to the super bowl I think you have to start with the Jets. Look at their damn lineup. Even before the trade for Holmes they had the most talent on their roster in the league.
[/quote]

Im still not buying into the Jets hype

[RavensAllTheWay]

Like I said about the Bengals, the Jets (especially with coach Ryan) having just come off a surprise run to the conference title game may go into next season with a cocky mindset that gets them from behind. It's one thing to be good one year. But to be an inexperienced HC and keep your team level-headed enough to get back to the postseason the next year is another story altogether. (Harbaugh did a great job at this) Like the 08 Cowboys proved, talent and team hype don't translate into success on the field without the proper amount of team chemistry and focus. Not saying the Jets are going to crash and burn this year, but don't be surprised if they do.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' date='12 April 2010 - 10:31 PM' timestamp='1271125918' post='390133']
Like I said about the Bengals, the Jets (especially with coach Ryan) having just come off a surprise run to the conference title game may go into next season with a cocky mindset that gets them from behind. It's one thing to be good one year. But to be an inexperienced HC and keep your team level-headed enough to get back to the postseason the next year is another story altogether. (Harbaugh did a great job at this) Like the 08 Cowboys proved, talent and team hype don't translate into success on the field without the proper amount of team chemistry and focus. [b]Not saying the Jets are going to crash and burn this year, but don't be surprised if they do. [/b]
[/quote]

One player whose almost guaranteed to crash and burn is Cromartie. I've read he excels in press man-to-man coverage. Regardless, teams likely won't be testing Revis much meaning a ton of balls will go Cromartie's way. He may get his hands on some INTs but he isn't great in coverage and certainly wants no part of tackling. It's going to be fun to watch.