Bengals Or Ravens?

[AZravensfan]

I decided to make this topic because there are an awful lot of people around here that seem to be riding on this Bengal train to hard (at least for my liking). So just wanted to get the general opinion on who we think is better??( I know try to leave your biasness(word? lol) aside when answering this!)

I honestly believe the Ravens are the better team and have made the better offseason moves. Our draft has been solid, granted they had a good draft to.

I would rate our offseason moves about a 9 (on a scale of 1-10 of course). Will be a 10 if we land one of the CBs i like tommorow in the draft.

I really think that we have the best team in the division, if you disagree post here why and we can have a little debate! Yea I am bored so someone disagree

[samic]

Right now I think our organization from top to bottom is very strong. Our team will be very competitive this year. I love the moves we've made so far. I would feel a lot more comfortable if we signed some of our RFA long term.

The Bengals have done nothing but make themselves stronger this offseason. The are going to be tough competitors this year. I know we were high on Gresham, but the additions of Dunlap, Shipley and Ghee were also solid draft picks, excellent value at those slots. The Bengals are making smarter decisions and just made our division a lot harder to win. their only weakness right now, I would say, is that O-line. I think we can get to Carson and hit him well a few times.

I think between the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals, we'll see some really good football within our division. I feel sorry for Colt McCoy. He doesn't know what he is getting himself into. He is gonna get lit up if he plays.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='samic' date='24 April 2010 - 03:52 AM' timestamp='1272106377' post='397875']
Right now I think our organization from top to bottom is very strong. Our team will be very competitive this year. I love the moves we've made so far. I would feel a lot more comfortable if we signed some of our RFA long term.

The Bengals have done nothing but make themselves stronger this offseason. The are going to be tough competitors this year. I know we were high on Gresham, but the additions of Dunlap, Shipley and Ghee were also solid draft picks, excellent value at those slots. The Bengals are making smarter decisions and just made our division a lot harder to win. their only weakness right now, I would say, is that O-line. I think we can get to Carson and hit him well a few times.

I think between the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals, we'll see some really good football within our division. I feel sorry for Colt McCoy. He doesn't know what he is getting himself into. He is gonna get lit up if he plays.
[/quote]

Oh yea for sure. We always have tough games but I think we will split the season series with the Bengals 1-1 and in general I think our team is better than theres so we should take the division.

They have had a solid draft and a decent offseason I still believe ours was the ebtter offseason though .

[Fred Sanford]

The Bengals beat us primarily with their corners, Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, and Cedric Benson last year.

I doubt Benson will go for a hundred yards twice again, or at all. Cody, Ngata, and Ray should see to that.

Boldin, Stallworth, and another year of Flacco's development should allow our offense to have better games. Both those corners played some of the best games of their careers, too, that shouldn't happen again.

The Bengals are clearly a good team these days, but I like our chances.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='Fred Sanford' date='24 April 2010 - 05:12 AM' timestamp='1272111121' post='397895']
The Bengals beat us primarily with their corners, Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, and Cedric Benson last year.

I doubt Benson will go for a hundred yards twice again, or at all. Cody, Ngata, and Ray should see to that.

Boldin, Stallworth, and another year of Flacco's development should allow our offense to have better games. Both those corners played some of the best games of their careers, too, that shouldn't happen again.

The Bengals are clearly a good team these days, but I like our chances.
[/quote]

Yea there CBs are awesome, no denying that. I do believe that we made all the right moves this offseason so barring injury we should win the division and go deep into the playoffs. Hopefully superbowl but I am not predicting anything like that before the year starts lol

[steelydan]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 06:35 AM' timestamp='1272105334' post='397868']

I really think that we have the best team in the division, if you disagree post here why and we can have a little debate! Yea I am bored so someone disagree
[/quote]


I'd love to help out with the need for a good debate but unfortunately I agree with you!

I think that the Ravens will be one of the leagues most complete teams this year. I don't believe that Flacco and the offense will do anything less than dominate. We have a trio of solid backs, a now fully stocked receiving corp, a good pass catching TE to complement Heap, and a franchise QB that will continue to improve.

Defensively we added anther situational pass rusher in Sergio Kindle as well as a dominate 1st/2nd down run stuffer to line up next to Ngata in Cody. Our secondary remains our only question mark- but I have confidence this will be addressed. Also, improving the pass rush makes every CB look better.

Our special teams remain solid. Obviously, we no longer have "Mr. automatic" in Stover but Cundham actually has better range. Many of Cundham's misses were on kicks that we wouldn't even have attempted with Stover. He is not going to cost us any games I think. Carr did not turn out to be the returner we had hoped for but he may rebound.

That is (imo) the state of the ravens - and we still have four solid picks left!

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='steelydan' date='24 April 2010 - 05:23 AM' timestamp='1272111803' post='397902']
I'd love to help out with the need for a good debate but unfortunately I agree with you!

I think that the Ravens will be one of the leagues most complete teams this year. I don't believe that Flacco and the offense will do anything less than dominate. We have a trio of solid backs, a now fully stocked receiving corp, a good pass catching TE to complement Heap, and a franchise QB that will continue to improve.

Defensively we added anther situational pass rusher in Sergio Kindle as well as a dominate 1st/2nd down run stuffer to line up next to Ngata in Cody. Our secondary remains our only question mark- but I have confidence this will be addressed. Also, improving the pass rush makes every CB look better.

Our special teams remain solid. Obviously, we no longer have "Mr. automatic" in Stover but Cundham actually has better range. Many of Cundham's misses were on kicks that we wouldn't even have attempted with Stover. He is not going to cost us any games I think. Carr did not turn out to be the returner we had hoped for but he may rebound.

That is (imo) the state of the ravens - and we still have four solid picks left!
[/quote]


haha yea I know most will agree there are just so many people (well it seemed so anyways) jumping on the Bengals are better than us bandwagon.

Its Cundiff by the way but I know what you mean

[steelydan]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 08:28 AM' timestamp='1272112132' post='397907']

Its Cundiff by the way but I know what you mean
[/quote]


You have to give me some time to adjust- I am not used to having to learn any other kicker's name besides Stover

[poedacrow]

You won't hear many complaints about "bias" on this forum, I would imagine!

I think the offseason moves and the draft have made all four teams stronger in our division, even the lowly Browns. I expect the AFC north will be the hard hitting, ultra competitive division it always is and, yes, I think we are the best team in it.

Of course the reigning division champion Bengals will have something to say about that and I'll echo what samic said about their "solid draft picks": a good team just got better.

We now have an offense that, on paper, should be racking up yards and putting a lot of points on the board. We will definitely need to get pressure on Carson and stop their running game but I think we've got the right people and scheme to get it done.

I cannot wait for this season to start!

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='poedacrow' date='24 April 2010 - 05:34 AM' timestamp='1272112456' post='397910']
You won't hear many complaints about "bias" on this forum, I would imagine!

I think the offseason moves and the draft have made all four teams stronger in our division, even the lowly Browns. I expect the AFC north will be the hard hitting, ultra competitive division it always is and, yes, I think we are the best team in it.

Of course the reigning division champion Bengals will have something to say about that and I'll echo what samic said about their "solid draft picks": a good team just got better.

We now have an offense that, on paper, should be racking up yards and putting a lot of points on the board. We will definitely need to get pressure on Carson and stop their running game but I think we've got the right people and scheme to get it done.

I cannot wait for this season to start!


[/quote]

Yea I am so excited for the season to start!!! Cant wait for that monday night game against the Jets. All of the teams definitely got better. We all have drafted smart, imo. Our FA pickups though have been the best I believe.

[poedacrow]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 08:36 AM' timestamp='1272112602' post='397912']
Yea I am so excited for the season to start!!! Cant wait for that monday night game against the Jets. All of the teams definitely got better. We all have drafted smart, imo. Our FA pickups though have been the best I believe.
[/quote]

Yeah..That Monday Night Season opener should be something!

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='poedacrow' date='24 April 2010 - 05:40 AM' timestamp='1272112830' post='397915']
Yeah..That Monday Night Season opener should be something!
[/quote]

Also really looking forward to the first Cincy battle to . Should be a really good game.

I think Boldin will be fairly effective, even with Revis covering him! Not trying to take anything away from Revis but with a few WR screens and short routes Boldin is going to be hard for Revis to tackle 1v1 imo

[poedacrow]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 08:45 AM' timestamp='1272113105' post='397917']
Also really looking forward to the first Cincy battle to . Should be a really good game.

I think Boldin will be fairly effective, even with Revis covering him! Not trying to take anything away from Revis but with a few WR screens and short routes Boldin is going to be hard for Revis to tackle 1v1 imo
[/quote]
That first game should be a litmus test for us...and the follwoing weeks, Cincy, Cleveland and Pittsburgh! By week four we should who's who in the AFC north!

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='poedacrow' date='24 April 2010 - 05:57 AM' timestamp='1272113841' post='397928']
That first game should be a litmus test for us...and the follwoing weeks, Cincy, Cleveland and Pittsburgh! By week four we should who's who in the AFC north!
[/quote]

Oh yea for sure. If we go 3-1 in that stretch I will be happy. Obviously 4-0 would be better but there are always upsets .

[JEEPercreepermd]

The Bengals beat us last year because they figured out (finally) how to shut Mason down. Not happening again, they aren't shutting down Mason AND Boldin. Also, it seemed Carson played his two best games last season against us, I remember watching a few of their other games and he didn't look nearly like the Carson Palmer of a few years ago. Meanwhile, our Quarterback is improving.

If we can solidify the CB's until Washington and Webb get back, I say we are definitely the best team in the division.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='24 April 2010 - 07:10 AM' timestamp='1272118200' post='397996']
The Bengals beat us last year because they figured out (finally) how to shut Mason down. Not happening again, they aren't shutting down Mason AND Boldin. Also, it seemed Carson played his two best games last season against us, I remember watching a few of their other games and he didn't look nearly like the Carson Palmer of a few years ago. Meanwhile, our Quarterback is improving.

If we can solidify the CB's until Washington and Webb get back, I say we are definitely the best team in the division.
[/quote]

We will find out shortly about the CBs...hopefully some fall to us in the 4th . I agree with everything else.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 06:35 AM' timestamp='1272105334' post='397868']
I decided to make this topic because there are an awful lot of people around here that seem to be riding on this Bengal train to hard (at least for my liking). So just wanted to get the general opinion on who we think is better??( I know try to leave your biasness(word? lol) aside when answering this!)

I honestly believe the Ravens are the better team and have made the better offseason moves. Our draft has been solid, granted they had a good draft to.

I would rate our offseason moves about a 9 (on a scale of 1-10 of course). Will be a 10 if we land one of the CBs i like tommorow in the draft.

I really think that we have the best team in the division, if you disagree post here why and we can have a little debate! Yea I am bored so someone disagree
[/quote]

I think the Bengals do more with what they have. Ravens might have more talent, but they don't use it nearly as well as I think the talent could be used.

And I've stated before that I think the Bengals will win the division this year. But injuries usually have a big part of what happens in the NFL from season to season, which is why they have to play the games.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='24 April 2010 - 09:43 AM' timestamp='1272127394' post='398537']
I think the Bengals do more with what they have. Ravens might have more talent, but they don't use it nearly as well as I think the talent could be used.

And I've stated before that I think the Bengals will win the division this year. But injuries usually have a big part of what happens in the NFL from season to season, which is why they have to play the games.
[/quote]

True we have to play the games, but I disagree big time. We use most of our talent well and make deep runs into the playoffs. I cant wait to say told you so when the ravens take the division.

Don't worry in the slight chance the Bengals win it then you can say it to

[Ravnet]

How could anyone possibly rate the Bengals higher than the Ravens?

Not only did we advance further than they did last year, but we've been an undoubtedly superior franchise since our inception, which isn't that tough considering that Cincy hasn't won a playoff contest in over 20 years, and finally Baltimore has improved perhaps more than any other team in the league this offseason by shoring up their weakest position and registering another successful draft.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='24 April 2010 - 10:49 AM' timestamp='1272131374' post='398854']
How could anyone possibly rate the Bengals higher than the Ravens?

Not only did we advance further than they did last year, but we've been an undoubtedly superior franchise since our inception, which isn't that tough considering that Cincy hasn't won a playoff contest in over 20 years, and finally Baltimore has improved perhaps more than any other team in the league this offseason by shoring up their weakest position and registering another successful draft.
[/quote]

I know what you mean but it happens and it happens around these boards quite often.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 01:52 PM' timestamp='1272131532' post='398863']
I know what you mean but it happens and it happens around these boards quite often.
[/quote]

The Bengals may have a decent record against us head-to-head relative to their overall ineptitude, but the fact that they haven't done anything in 20 years means something.

[Raveman]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='24 April 2010 - 01:57 PM' timestamp='1272131839' post='398878']
The Bengals may have a decent record against us head-to-head relative to their overall ineptitude, but the fact that they haven't done anything in 20 years means something.
[/quote]

Don't underestimate the Steelers. Please!!!!!!

[flynismo]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' date='24 April 2010 - 10:10 AM' timestamp='1272118200' post='397996']
The Bengals beat us last year because they figured out (finally) how to shut Mason down. Not happening again, they aren't shutting down Mason AND Boldin. Also, it seemed Carson played his two best games last season against us, I remember watching a few of their other games and he didn't look nearly like the Carson Palmer of a few years ago. Meanwhile, our Quarterback is improving.

If we can solidify the CB's until Washington and Webb get back, I say we are definitely the best team in the division.
[/quote]



yep. As we all complained al last year long, our recieving corps cost us several games. That has been addressed quite nicely.

And not many of us realize it, but our very own Joe Flacco posted better numbers that that over-rated horse's patootey QB over n Cincy.

We have:

A better QB -- who is still improving!!
better running backs -- we have two guys who would start for them
better wide recievers
better tight ends
better offensive line
better defensive line
better linebackers
just as good CBs if Webb plays all year
better safeties
better looking and smarter fans

[CincyBengals1418]

Well, this is my first post here but I'll be honest and I hope everyone respects my opinion. I know the Bengals have a really tough schedule this year but this is where the Bengals can prove to everyone in the NFL they can compete with the best teams. The Baltimore Ravens have made a lot of moves that are positive in my eyes and they truly will be a very difficult team to beat this year. But, like it goes every year, the Ravens or Steelers are predicted to win the division like last year and sometimes don't. The Bengals have a history of doing good one season and coming back the next and end up falling on their faces but I have to admit, this is the most confident I think I've ever been in recent years as far as the Bengals chances. Last year near the end of the year our defense fell apart but a lot of that had to do with several injuries in my eyes. We swept the division without a passing game, this year I feel like the Bengals have made the right moves to get the passing game going again and I have all the confidence in the world in Carson Palmer (Wouldn't want anyone else but him as our QB) to bounce back strong and prove the doubters wrong. I like the Bengals chances just as much as the Ravens without being bias but it will be tough. But, for people that think the Bengals have no chance will just have to wait and see I guess. If the defense returns back to how it was last year, maybe a little bit better with the passing game getting back to how it use to be I don't see why the Bengals can't win the division. The AFC North continues to get tougher and tougher every year, with all four teams. Anyways, glad to be here and I hope it's a great season for both of our teams!

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='CincyBengals_9' date='24 April 2010 - 07:38 PM' timestamp='1272152305' post='399363']
Well, this is my first post here but I'll be honest and I hope everyone respects my opinion.
[/quote]

Welcome to BaltimoreRavens.com. We have another regular poster who is a Bengals fan. Fans of all teams are welcome here as long as they follow our rules and remember that this is a "no smack" board.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='CincyBengals_9' date='24 April 2010 - 04:38 PM' timestamp='1272152305' post='399363']
Well, this is my first post here but I'll be honest and I hope everyone respects my opinion. I know the Bengals have a really tough schedule this year but this is where the Bengals can prove to everyone in the NFL they can compete with the best teams. The Baltimore Ravens have made a lot of moves that are positive in my eyes and they truly will be a very difficult team to beat this year. But, like it goes every year, the Ravens or Steelers are predicted to win the division like last year and sometimes don't. The Bengals have a history of doing good one season and coming back the next and end up falling on their faces but I have to admit, this is the most confident I think I've ever been in recent years as far as the Bengals chances. Last year near the end of the year our defense fell apart but a lot of that had to do with several injuries in my eyes. We swept the division without a passing game, this year I feel like the Bengals have made the right moves to get the passing game going again and I have all the confidence in the world in Carson Palmer (Wouldn't want anyone else but him as our QB) to bounce back strong and prove the doubters wrong. I like the Bengals chances just as much as the Ravens without being bias but it will be tough. But, for people that think the Bengals have no chance will just have to wait and see I guess. If the defense returns back to how it was last year, maybe a little bit better with the passing game getting back to how it use to be I don't see why the Bengals can't win the division. The AFC North continues to get tougher and tougher every year, with all four teams. Anyways, glad to be here and I hope it's a great season for both of our teams!
[/quote]

Welcome to the boards! I think we will split the season series with you. AFC North is always tough and the games are always hard fought. With that said I think we are just flat out more talented than you all are. I see the Bengals as better than the Steelers right now, to be honest (never cant out those squeelers though!).

I am glad you have faith in Palmer but I don't believe he is anywhere near as good as he used to be. Seems like every year for quite some time was supposed to be his "bounce back year". You guys played really well during the season last year and sweeping the division was amazing but its not going to happen for any team in our division this year (imo of course). Sweeping the AFC North is just too tough to do. So like I said I think we split the season series and I honestly think we have the more talented team so we will do better with the non division matchups than you (obviously opinion of course ).

[CincyBengals1418]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 06:54 PM' timestamp='1272153246' post='399378']
Welcome to the boards! I think we will split the season series with you. AFC North is always tough and the games are always hard fought. With that said I think we are just flat out more talented than you all are. I see the Bengals as better than the Steelers right now, to be honest (never cant out those squeelers though!).

I am glad you have faith in Palmer but I don't believe he is anywhere near as good as he used to be. Seems like every year for quite some time was supposed to be his "bounce back year". You guys played really well during the season last year and sweeping the division was amazing but its not going to happen for any team in our division this year (imo of course). Sweeping the AFC North is just too tough to do. So like I said I think we split the season series and I honestly think we have the more talented team so we will do better with the non division matchups than you (obviously opinion of course ).
[/quote]
He's also been injured a lot which isn't his fault. Last year he didn't have the pieces around him to be successful and I honestly don't think something was right. He just had elbow problems the season before and opted not to have surgery so I wonder a little bit but I think he will be strong this year, I hope at least. I think most Ravens fans feel the same way you do about your chances and so do Bengals fans.

[AZravensfan]

[quote name='CincyBengals_9' date='24 April 2010 - 06:22 PM' timestamp='1272158554' post='399458']
He's also been injured a lot which isn't his fault. Last year he didn't have the pieces around him to be successful and I honestly don't think something was right. He just had elbow problems the season before and opted not to have surgery so I wonder a little bit but I think he will be strong this year, I hope at least. I think most Ravens fans feel the same way you do about your chances and so do Bengals fans.
[/quote]

Of course thats why we are fans of our respective teams . Carson (cant believe I am saying this, but I used to like him) just seems extremely injury prone but maybe this will be his year to come back all the way. Only time will tell but stick around here during the season so we can talk about it!

[CincyBengals1418]

[quote name='AZravensfan' date='24 April 2010 - 08:27 PM' timestamp='1272158853' post='399462']
Of course thats why we are fans of our respective teams . Carson (cant believe I am saying this, but I used to like him) just seems extremely injury prone but maybe this will be his year to come back all the way. Only time will tell but stick around here during the season so we can talk about it!
[/quote]
I'll definitely be around as the season progresses but I'm sure most QB's would be injured if they had the Bengals offensive line the last few years. Last year wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. Ran the ball most of the time anyways.

[Malkavian Raven]

I promised myself I'd return to the forums after the draft, and here I am.

Being a Ravens' fan it is easy to see we made all the right moves this off-season and I can't wait for the preseason to get underway to see how our four new aerial weapons (Boldin, Pitta, Art & Dickson) fit into our schemes.

Like most, I want to see if the CB issue gets addressed in the upcoming weeks.

Furthermore, I am dually impressed with all the Prime Time spots we've acquired for this year. Our boys in purple finally getting the national recognition they deserve.

So, here is to looking forward to another great season of Ravens' football.

~ Malkavian Raven

PS: It's great to be back as well.