5Th Down Blog Ranks Ravens...

[Ed_Reed20]

Here's more useless fodder; this time provided by the Fifth Down blog that I stumbled upon a while ago. I'll be looking to see if Q makes honorable mention for the WRs. Rice is a lock to make the RB list.

[i]Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Needs to become a little more refined in the pocket. Dont worry, he will.[/i]

Full list: http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/03/best-quarterbacks-in-the-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/

[i]3. Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens
Quick off the edge, and what most people dont realize is that hes also the best playside run defender in football.[/i]

Full list: http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/28/best-outside-linebackers-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/

[i]4. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
Intelligence makes up for mild decline in athleticism.[/i]

Full list:
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/best-inside-linebackers-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/

Quick note: Urlacher ahead of Ray? Seriously?

[i]5. Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens
Devastating strength no matter where he lines up.[/i]

Full list:
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/29/best-defensive-tackles-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/

[flynismo]

Kevin Williams and MAYBE Shaun Rogers are the only two guys who are even worth debating putting above Ngata. Ratliff and Haynesworth ranking ahead of him (in case anyone didn't notice, the dude is in love with Dallas' defense. Waiting to see if Newman makes the top 5 DB's as further proof) is bs.

Good read though.

[Ed_Reed20]

I can't wait for the CB list.

I hope Suggs can go back to rushing the QB like he did early in his career this season. I'm very happy he's a monster against the run but sacking/stripping or just plain body-rocking QBs affects games in a bigger way.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='04 May 2010 - 01:51 AM' timestamp='1272952274' post='404261']
I can't wait for the CB list.

I hope Suggs can go back to rushing the QB like he did early in his career this season. [b]I'm very happy he's a monster against the run but sacking/stripping or just plain body-rocking QBs affects games in a bigger way[/b].
[/quote]

True but Suggs also needs help from the other side. It becomes much more devastating when you can't run to his side but you've got pressure coming off the edge on the other side. Then your only options are to not double Suggs or possibly max protect and then you limit your options downfield or risk having Suggs "body-rock" the QB as you say lol. I think Kruger, Kindle, and Ngata (as a DE instead of NT) are going to help Suggs tremendously this season.

[FlaccoFlicker]

I hope with the defensive improvements Suggs won't be double teamed as much this year so peeps can stop saying we overpaid for him.Think about it he gets double teamed an Jarrett Johnson has his best season.

[Ed_Reed20]

The Top 10 RBs have been released:

[i]4. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Has a little of Emmitt Smith in him, only with more speed and quickness. Is also a major weapon in the passing game.[/i]


http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/best-running-backs-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/#more-43563

I'm taking McGahee over Grant and Mendenhall any day.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='04 May 2010 - 08:00 AM' timestamp='1272988831' post='404372']
The Top 10 RBs have been released:

[i]4. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Has a little of Emmitt Smith in him, only with more speed and quickness. Is also a major weapon in the passing game.[/i]


http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/best-running-backs-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/#more-43563

I'm taking McGahee over Grant and Mendenhall any day.
[/quote]

Wow, that's just wow. I guess that pretty much settles the other thread we had about the top RB's in the NFL. Ray Rice at number 4? That's so awesome. Ahead of MJD? Even better. I've always said that they compared in terms of stature and running ability, but I guess Ray's catching ability in the flats gives him the edge. I still cannot believe we got him in the 2nd. That's unbelievable. From last year's highlights, he looks more like a top 10 talent. It also doesn't hurt that we have Willis behind him! I hope Ray can keep it up for years to come.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='flynismo' date='03 May 2010 - 11:01 PM' timestamp='1272949267' post='404237']
Kevin Williams and MAYBE Shaun Rogers are the only two guys who are even worth debating putting above Ngata. Ratliff and Haynesworth ranking ahead of him (in case anyone didn't notice, the dude is in love with Dallas' defense. Waiting to see if Newman makes the top 5 DB's as further proof) is bs.

Good read though.
[/quote]
Ratliff is a total beast man, theres no NT in the NFL that can do what he does in pass rushing and the ability to drop in coverage and spy a HB. Haynesworth I agree is not as good as Ngata, however in a contract year is devastating and the best in the league lol.

[MiselisM]

Andy Benoit is a great NFL mind. Certainly knows what he's talking about. He also ranked Michael Oher as the second best right tackle, according to his site NFLTouchdown.com.

[Bltravens]

Hey ER20, I wonder if people will listen to us now when we tried to tell them all last year that Suggs was the best run stopping 3-4 OLB for the past 2 years.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' date='04 May 2010 - 08:25 PM' timestamp='1273019109' post='404716']
Hey ER20, I wonder if people will listen to us now when we tried to tell them all last year that Suggs was the best run stopping 3-4 OLB for the past 2 years.
[/quote]

It's about time.

People don't give Suggs enough credit for becoming the complete player he is. And the scary thing is, he can STILL get better; the team will need him to after Ray retires.

[Ed_Reed20]

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/05/best-receivers-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/#more-43625

No love for Q...

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='05 May 2010 - 04:12 PM' timestamp='1273090326' post='405205']
http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/05/best-receivers-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/#more-43625

No love for Q...
[/quote]

Can't really take anyone off that list though... however, I would take Jennings over Ochocinco at this point in their respective careers.

[AwakenTheDemon]

With Boldin as the number one on a team (aKa not having to compete with the Fitz), I don't think people are going to be able to ignore him as much when it comes to lists such as these.

[Romo Ravens]

I still have respect for this article, but after I saw where Ray Lewis was placed and where Q wasn't placed, I kind of scratched my head. I've always felt that Q was in the top 7, maybe even top 5. This was even before he was in Baltimore. Oh well. I guess without Larry opposite of him, he'll shine a bit more in our offense. Maybe three Pro Bowls and a few years of over 1,000 yards of catching the ball doesn't cut it now. Huh?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='05 May 2010 - 04:43 PM' timestamp='1273092206' post='405231']
Can't really take anyone off that list though... however, I would take Jennings over Ochocinco at this point in their respective careers.
[/quote]

Agreed.

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='05 May 2010 - 04:46 PM' timestamp='1273092392' post='405236']
With Boldin as the number one on a team (aKa not having to compete with the Fitz), I don't think people are going to be able to ignore him as much when it comes to lists such as these.
[/quote]

Yep. Q's not only gunning for the Steelers and another Super Bowl but he's probably a little steamed people forgot how good he was before Fitzgerald got to Arizona. Time to remind them...

[flynismo]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='05 May 2010 - 03:53 PM' timestamp='1273092824' post='405245']
I still have respect for this article, but after I saw where Ray Lewis was placed and where Q wasn't placed, I kind of scratched my head. I've always felt that Q was in the top 7, maybe even top 5. This was even before he was in Baltimore. Oh well. I guess without Larry opposite of him, he'll shine a bit more in our offense. Maybe three Pro Bowls and a few years of over 1,000 yards of catching the ball doesn't cut it now. Huh?

[/quote]


Anyone who has listened to me whine over the years about how we should trade for Q already knows my opinion on him. I rank him top 5, and thought he was at least as good, probbly alittle better than Fitz over in AZ.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='flynismo' date='05 May 2010 - 01:16 PM' timestamp='1273094205' post='405268']
Anyone who has listened to me whine over the years about how we should trade for Q already knows my opinion on him. I rank him top 5, and thought he was at least as good, probbly alittle better than Fitz over in AZ.
[/quote]

I'm a couple months new to actually having a screen name on these Forums, but I've followed it for about three years now, and I actually remember you and IQ talking about who we should trade for..

I can remember all of the topics and posts by you guys stating how we should trade for Q, and everybody else saying no. I wanted to make a name so bad to back you guys up, but I just always got distracted lol. I'm very happy that someone, maybe Ozzie, listen your opinions haha.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' date='05 May 2010 - 04:54 PM' timestamp='1273096460' post='405296']
I'm a couple months new to actually having a screen name on these Forums, but I've followed it for about three years now, and I actually remember you and IQ talking about who we should trade for..

I can remember all of the topics and posts by you guys stating how we should trade for Q, and everybody else saying no. I wanted to make a name so bad to back you guys up, but I just always got distracted lol. I'm very happy that someone, maybe Ozzie, listen your opinions haha.
[/quote]


oh man, if anyone was more convinced on the Q trade than I was, it was IQ! He was on here all the time, coming up with new schemes to trade for him. Miss having him here; agree with him or not, he was entertaining.

In all fairness, people's main objection at the time was that we assumed that we would have to give up a first to trade for Q. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could steal him for a 3rd and 4th, and then STILL GET A DRAFT PICK THROWN IN IN RETURN!

Thanks Oz!!

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='flynismo' date='05 May 2010 - 02:57 PM' timestamp='1273100241' post='405320']
oh man, if anyone was more convinced on the Q trade than I was, it was IQ! He was on here all the time, coming up with new schemes to trade for him. Miss having him here; agree with him or not, he was entertaining.

In all fairness, people's main objection at the time was that we assumed that we would have to give up a first to trade for Q. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we could steal him for a 3rd and 4th, and then STILL GET A DRAFT PICK THROWN IN IN RETURN!

Thanks Oz!!
[/quote]

Haha it was awesome reading the stuff that you guys posted. It's like you both knew what I was thinking. Like I said, I wanted Boldin so bad, and I loved what you guys were saying. Even though IQ's idea's were "out there", he still made a lot of sense. What ever happened to him? I haven't seen him posting around here lately. In fact, it's been about two months since I last read something from him.

That's when Boldin could be had for a 1st and 3rd. I remember that. Thanks to Jerry Jones. Shoot, the way Williams got sold, Boldin could have gone for a 1, 2, 3 and a 4 haha! I'm also glad we got him for a 3rd and a 4th. One of my favorite players of all time on my all time favorite team.

[Bosanac]

i think yall missed this one

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/best-tight-ends-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bosanac' date='06 May 2010 - 05:33 AM' timestamp='1273138380' post='405485']
i think yall missed this one

http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/01/best-tight-ends-in-n-f-l-the-top-10-list/
[/quote]

I checked it out but decided not to post it because Heap wasn't mentioned.

[AwakenTheDemon]

It's not even the fact that Heap isn't mentioned at all to me. It's that they mention Olsen, Keller, and Celek, but have all negative comments for them, and ignore Heap.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='06 May 2010 - 12:27 PM' timestamp='1273163239' post='405571']
It's not even the fact that Heap isn't mentioned at all to me. It's that they mention Olsen, Keller, and Celek, but have all negative comments for them, and ignore Heap.
[/quote]

Good point. Heap has lost several steps but the fact he gutted out last season warrants some love in my opinion; if not over Keller than definitely over Olsen.

[AwakenTheDemon]

At least for Keller and Celek, they said they were passable receivers. Olsen makes "too many mistakes" and "you'll soon forget about him". No redeeming qualities, yet he makes the list. Heap's been one of the most productive tight ends, and he doesn't even get honorable mention.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='06 May 2010 - 12:41 PM' timestamp='1273164066' post='405585']
At least for Keller and Celek, they said they were passable receivers. Olsen makes "too many mistakes" and "you'll soon forget about him". No redeeming qualities, yet he makes the list. Heap's been one of the most productive tight ends, and he doesn't even get honorable mention.
[/quote]

I was wondering what he does do well to be made an honorable mention. Oh well...like Cam said a little while ago on the radio, Heap will be able to rest on first and second down at times next season and should have a solid 2010 campaign.

[Brendan Ayres]

I think these lists were immediately dsicredited when he placed Ray behind Brian Urlacher. Urlacher is easily one of the most overrated players in the NFL (just look at that game film against the Colts in the Super Bowl a few years back). Plus, the guy says that these rankings were made based on game film from last year, only to immediately point out that Urlacher didn't play last year.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Urlacher used to be a fantastic middle linebacker (probably the best 4-3 middle linebacker), however he hasn't aged well.

[Brendan Ayres]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='06 May 2010 - 02:07 PM' timestamp='1273165665' post='405613']
Urlacher used to be a fantastic middle linebacker (probably the best 4-3 middle linebacker), however he hasn't aged well.
[/quote]

Urlacher used to be a pretty good middle linebacker, as his lack of INTs and fumble recoveries (especially relative to Ray's stats) would attest. He gets credited for making tackles; that's it. And his performance against Indy, when he was getting torched by the almighty Dominic Rhodes, was embarassing. I'll go ahead and say that he is the most overrated player in the NFL.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Brendan Ayres' date='06 May 2010 - 01:16 PM' timestamp='1273166211' post='405620']
Urlacher used to be a pretty good middle linebacker, as his lack of INTs and fumble recoveries (especially relative to Ray's stats) would attest. He gets credited for making tackles; that's it. And his performance against Indy, when he was getting torched by the almighty [b]Dominic Rhodes[/b], was embarassing. I'll go ahead and say that he is the most overrated player in the NFL.
[/quote]

To be fair, the Ravens made Rhodes look like Jim Brown back in 2008 with Ray missing a tackle on the play too.

Urlacher's performance in the Super Bowl was pretty embarrassing though.