Why The Ravens Won't Make The Playoffs In 2008

[theFRANCHISE]

Since optimism obviously isn't in short supply on a Ravens message board, I feel as if some fans need to be brought back down to earth.

Let's face it: we love our team. We all bleed purple and black, and we always want to believe that the Ravens can win every single game. However, the reality is, outside of the 2007 Patriots and the 1972 Dolphins, the odds of going undefeated in the regular season and reaching the Super Bowl are lower than winning the lottery.

And unless February 3rd, 2008 rolls around and New England is celebrating its fourth Super Bowl title, then the '72 Dolphins will stand as the only undefeated Super Bowl Champions in NFL history.

With that said, the mortality of the Ravens is evident in the fall from 13-3 to 5-11. We want to believe the team is invincible, but an injury to one star player, let alone more than a handful, is often the difference between a playoff run or a losing effort.

Because of the increased optimism around these parts with the hiring of John Harbaugh as the new head coach, Cam Cameron as the offensive coordinator, and the potential re-signing of Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator, there has been a frenzy of dream scenarios, including a Super Bowl run.

Hold your horses, folks. Let's not get out of hand quite yet.

Although I share in your optimism, I also have to remind everyone of the dangers of getting your hopes too high.

Which brings me to this topic:

Why The Ravens Won't Make The Playoffs in 2008.

Keep in mind, I am not against Coach Harbaugh performing a miraculous turnaround next season. However, the key phrase there is "miraculous." It would, indeed, take a miracle for a rookie head coach with no experience as the head man or a coordinator in this league to turn a 5-11 team into a legitimate playoff contender. And here's why:

-- Inexperienced offensive line. Although the line has shown flashes of brilliance when starters have been hurt, their lack of chemistry has also hampered them, as well. This was especially visible with the injuries to Steve McNair and Kyle Boller, as well as their respective performances when pressured early and often. Should Jonathan Ogden and Mike Flynn retire, the elder statesmen will be fourth-year guard Jason Brown and fourth-year tackle Adam Terry. Although that's not a knock on their abilities, that's a scary thought.

-- QB controversy, and not like the one in Cleveland. For once, the Ravens envy the Browns in that they may have two starter-quality QB's on their roster come opening day, should they retain both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn as expected. Meanwhile, Baltimore has three former starters in veterans Steve McNair and Kyle Boller, and second-year QB Troy Smith. Smith may be the fans' pick to start, but Cam Cameron has made it clear that all three will be evaluated and the best man for the job (not necessarily the most talented) will start. Should McNair somehow return to form in 2008 after battling injuries all last season, that leaves Boller's future in even more doubt as Smith is still slated to helm the offense in the future. In addition, if the coaching staff chooses to pursue a QB in the draft or free agency, any one of the three QB's could be the odd man out.

-- Aging roster. Although there is a young nucleus that could be developed, only 5 of 11 projected returning starters on defense (not including free agent Terrell Suggs) are under the age of 30, with Ed Reed slated to turn 30 shortly after the start of the season. With age comes a higher risk of injury, as Chris McAlister and Trevor Pryce showed.

-- Tough division. The AFC North has long been billed as one of the most physical divisions in the NFL, and every divisional game has been difficult to predict mainly because of the history between teams. In addition, parity has been the operative word in the AFC North, as the Steelers returned to the playoffs in 2007 after struggling immensely the season before. The Browns have become competitive, posting a 10-6 mark and narrowly missing the playoffs, which adds fuel to the fire. And the Bengals always have an explosive offense that keeps them in games.

-- Growing pains. Every rookie head coach experiences growing pains with his team, and the Ravens will be no exception. The new offensive system put in place by Cam Cameron (and agreed upon by Coach Harbaugh) will take time to learn. Execution comes after preparation, and there's a decent chance that, given the inexperience of the younger players on offense, the playbook may take a while to digest. In addition, there is bound to be friction between players and coaches, and a comfort level will take time.

Then, of course, there's always the variables: injuries, parity (there's that word again), strength of schedule, etc.

Ladies & gents, the odds are against a playoff bid in 2008. Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Feburary 1, 2009 seems out of reach.

Or is it? Stranger things have happened, and it would be a dream come true if the Ravens were to win their second NFL championship at the site of their first one. And frankly, if there was ever a time for me to be wrong about anything, I would hope that next season would be it.

[thecitythatreeds]

Lets take it one step at a time. I aggree the odds are against up making the playoffs next year, but it would be a step in the right direction if we had at least a winning season. I think this is more plausable then a playoff burth. I predict we will go 10-6 next year. That would be a huge morale boost for the team and may lead to the playoffs in 2010 or maybe a superbowl? Just like Billick did back in 2000.

[theFRANCHISE]

Lets take it one step at a time.

That's exactly my point, though.

I couldn't tell you how many posts I read that said the team could make a playoff run as early as next season.

Cautious optimism, I feel, is the best approach here. We can't see in the future, and we shouldn't be so arrogant as to proclaim next season as "our year."

Arrogance is a folly that I'm all too familiar with. Trust me.

[justifythegame]

I agree with most of what you said to some degree. I also believe if our team was 100% healthy in 2008, and our HC was still billick (who said he was going to bring in a high caliber OC anyway), we could've made a SB run or deep into the playoffs. The 2007 season was all because of the injuries. Even if the Ravens offense was at the bottom of the league, as long as the defense is healthy, they could make plays and put us in a position to win. We had a good veteran in Steve McNair - who if given PROTECTION, will give us just enough offense to win. But this all never happened in the 07 season thanks to injuries and horrible play by the Oline. Also in case no one has noticed, up until this year: billick once lead a record setting offense, and record setting defense. He also had one of the higest winning %s.

As long as Billick and Ogden returned in 08 and the team remained healthy, we could still be a competitive team. But with the hiring of Harbaurgh, the Ravens have ideas of rebuilding this team instead. The HC will have to learn to be a new HC in the nfl and the team will have to adjust to that. But aside from all the factors, the Ravens could still turn out to be competitive, you never know if Harbaugh becomes an excellent coach starting from game 1. But whats stopping all this is problem: the offensive line. It was already horrible last season, without ogden, it will probably get worse. It would not be shocking at all to watch a few QBs go on IR like last year. Add to the fact the McGahee is injury prone and could get injured again this year while trying to help block or getting tackled behind the line of scrimmage because of the lack of holes.

An excellent offensive line can make average players look like pro bowl players, but the ravens seem to have decided to draft poorly at OL, release key vets, and believe their other talent on offense will make up for it. Unless we can somehow grab Jake Long, we are still in for a similar season. But at least with a new coaching staff, i believe the OL will actually be held responsible instead of Billick saying "they showed character".

[rayismyhero]

We have to be ready for a rebuilding period. When a team gets as old as the Ravens, change is inevitable. I somewhat disagree with some of the statements of poor line play. Yes, our line wasn't as good as in years past but our rookies showed skill and talent. I look for them to build on that in the future. The playoffs could be a couple of years away. Look at the Titans. They were dominant and then got old and had to start all over again. They made the playoffs this year after a four year drought. I think we have more talent then they do so maybe it won't take that long.

[Guest Birdfan]

I can live with the thought of not making the playoffs. I just want to know that every week when our team takes the field, they'll be competitive. I can handle losing as long as the team doesn't look like pure poop doing it. We had too many pure poop games last year. I don't expect that this year.

[MKdave]

Here is my retort to franchise's Why The Ravens Won't Make The Playoffs In 2008 topic.

--the law of averages. Last year, as we all know, we were crippled by injury after injury after injury. you rarely see such a seson back-to-back for the same team, and it would be very surprising to see the decimation happen to the same position(DB, one of the most crucial). Also, a new coach is going to put his stamp on a team immediately, a good way of doing this is conditioning, this should lower the chance of injuries. we saw a similar thing from Mike Tomlin last year. they were in pads from the first day of camp, and it made them tougher, which in no doubt contributed to their impressive season.

--Bonafide Offensive coordinator

Granted, Cam Cameron didn't do wonders with Miami last year. But maybe he's just not head coach material, like brian billick. As a coordiantor, he can concentrate solely on the offense, and not have the pressure that comes with a head coaching job. in his stint with the san diego chargers(I say stint, It was a four-year tenure) his offence recorded the third highest points total in team history.

If none of that does it for you, the man got Gus Frerotte to the pro bowl. I'm sure you remember him, he threw 5 picks against us....good times.

--ratio of veteran decline to younger player growth should be favorable With the exception of steve McNair, and possibly Jonathon Ogden(despite making the pro bowl) none of our key players are in that Evander hollyfield stage, where they've Just become an emmbarrasment, and it's kind of sad they've yet to retire. What I'm saying is, none of our Veterans should have a major drop off in production. The younger players should, however, continue to improve rapidly, and certainly at a greater pace than that of our veterans' decline. We will continue to get better, despite our 'age issue'

also, the number of veterans that could have an age related drop off in play is smaller than the amount of player that would be expected to improve. Players like Landry, Grubbs, and Smith will step into leadership roles, ensuring the proggression of other young players around them.

--The sheer disgrace of last season We have a very passionate team, and none of them will want to take beatings they received last year lying down. If the new coach is any good at all, he will be able to channel the anger from last years dissapointment into constuctive aggression. this will mean bigger hits from the 'D', and more determination from the Offense.

--high draft pick we can use this years High draft pick not only to add quality to the roster, but to motivate the squad.

--low cap room I know this sounds like a weird one, but hear me out. With our limited cap room, we simply cannot afford to go out and spend big on a superstar type player in the free agency. this can undoubtedly seem like a bad thing. But it can also be seen as a blessing in disguise. If we were to go out and fork over a fortune for a big name player, then that player would more likely demand more than his fair share of Passes/ carries / catches / playing time. this means a veteran would lose one of those things. So basically we would have an unsatisfied white elephant, or a veteran who has lost faith in the organisation because of their submission to a man that has been there for no time at all. needless to say, this will upset team chemistry

Other teams DO have the cap to go and make such acquisitions. all we can do about that is sit here and hope they go bad. And I'd bet a few of them will.

--Sophmore slump for Tomlin? OK, not a cliche overused on coaches, but still, the same principles apply. he had an impressive rookie year,but the pressure and expectation may take it's toll on Tomlin. And with steelers out of the picture, the AFC north would be wide open.

That about does it for me, tell me what you think.(I admit, I was scratching the bottom of the barrel a bit with that tomlin thing...)

[nevermore621]

I see your points, and understand fully that we have a tough schedule next year, with our own division, the AFC South, etc. but if we dont't raise our expectations, and shoot for the top prize, we may well fall much shorter than we ought.

I look to the San Diego Chargers for some encouragement here. They made the playoffs last year and fell in the first round themselves, just like we did. They made the tough decision to make the changes right then, and fired Marty Schottenheimer and hired Norv Turner to turn the ship around. They lost some early games, but when they got determined to win, they turned things around, even with a totally new system in place, and made it all the way to the AFC Championship game. All I can say here is that if they could do it, SO CAN WE!!! I think the difference for them was the determination to win in the end, and if we as an organization and team have the same determination we can be a team just like them that returns to the top of its game.

So, I respectfully disagree. We are not an OLD team, we are an EXPERIENCED team, with proven talent -- I mean honestly, is the glass half empty, or half full??? (ex. -- Are the Patriots OLD or do they have the decided advantage of proven veteran talent, for instance???) The difference in life is often one of perspective, what one believes one can do, if one only sets their mind to it. I personally have achieved some great things in life, simply because I had the faith and determination to do what seemed impossible. When I have done things that I thought were beyond my capabilities, and just pushed ahead with the sheer determination to succeed I have had some great victories, personally. It is a battle to do so, and there are often roadblocks and setbacks along the way, but in the end if you keep striving toward a goal, a great reward is often at the end of that path.

So I say SOAR HIGH RAVENS, and refuse to accept defeat and mediocrity!!!

[theFRANCHISE]

Don't y'all love the healthy debate I've stirred up? LOL

And, of course, there's this response topic, as well.

Who said things would be boring in the offseason?

[neepo13]

Since optimism obviously isn't in short supply on a Ravens message board, I feel as if some fans need to be brought back down to earth.

Let's face it: we love our team. We all bleed purple and black, and we always want to believe that the Ravens can win every single game. However, the reality is, outside of the 2007 Patriots and the 1972 Dolphins, the odds of going undefeated in the regular season and reaching the Super Bowl are lower than winning the lottery.

And unless February 3rd, 2008 rolls around and New England is celebrating its fourth Super Bowl title, then the '72 Dolphins will stand as the only undefeated Super Bowl Champions in NFL history.

With that said, the mortality of the Ravens is evident in the fall from 13-3 to 5-11. We want to believe the team is invincible, but an injury to one star player, let alone more than a handful, is often the difference between a playoff run or a losing effort.

Because of the increased optimism around these parts with the hiring of John Harbaugh as the new head coach, Cam Cameron as the offensive coordinator, and the potential re-signing of Rex Ryan as defensive coordinator, there has been a frenzy of dream scenarios, including a Super Bowl run.

Hold your horses, folks. Let's not get out of hand quite yet.

Although I share in your optimism, I also have to remind everyone of the dangers of getting your hopes too high.

Which brings me to this topic:

Why The Ravens Won't Make The Playoffs in 2008.

Keep in mind, I am not against Coach Harbaugh performing a miraculous turnaround next season. However, the key phrase there is "miraculous." It would, indeed, take a miracle for a rookie head coach with no experience as the head man or a coordinator in this league to turn a 5-11 team into a legitimate playoff contender. And here's why:

-- Inexperienced offensive line. Although the line has shown flashes of brilliance when starters have been hurt, their lack of chemistry has also hampered them, as well. This was especially visible with the injuries to Steve McNair and Kyle Boller, as well as their respective performances when pressured early and often. Should Jonathan Ogden and Mike Flynn retire, the elder statesmen will be fourth-year guard Jason Brown and fourth-year tackle Adam Terry. Although that's not a knock on their abilities, that's a scary thought.

-- QB controversy, and not like the one in Cleveland. For once, the Ravens envy the Browns in that they may have two starter-quality QB's on their roster come opening day, should they retain both Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn as expected. Meanwhile, Baltimore has three former starters in veterans Steve McNair and Kyle Boller, and second-year QB Troy Smith. Smith may be the fans' pick to start, but Cam Cameron has made it clear that all three will be evaluated and the best man for the job (not necessarily the most talented) will start. Should McNair somehow return to form in 2008 after battling injuries all last season, that leaves Boller's future in even more doubt as Smith is still slated to helm the offense in the future. In addition, if the coaching staff chooses to pursue a QB in the draft or free agency, any one of the three QB's could be the odd man out.

-- Aging roster. Although there is a young nucleus that could be developed, only 5 of 11 projected returning starters on defense (not including free agent Terrell Suggs) are under the age of 30, with Ed Reed slated to turn 30 shortly after the start of the season. With age comes a higher risk of injury, as Chris McAlister and Trevor Pryce showed.

-- Tough division. The AFC North has long been billed as one of the most physical divisions in the NFL, and every divisional game has been difficult to predict mainly because of the history between teams. In addition, parity has been the operative word in the AFC North, as the Steelers returned to the playoffs in 2007 after struggling immensely the season before. The Browns have become competitive, posting a 10-6 mark and narrowly missing the playoffs, which adds fuel to the fire. And the Bengals always have an explosive offense that keeps them in games.

-- Growing pains. Every rookie head coach experiences growing pains with his team, and the Ravens will be no exception. The new offensive system put in place by Cam Cameron (and agreed upon by Coach Harbaugh) will take time to learn. Execution comes after preparation, and there's a decent chance that, given the inexperience of the younger players on offense, the playbook may take a while to digest. In addition, there is bound to be friction between players and coaches, and a comfort level will take time.

Then, of course, there's always the variables: injuries, parity (there's that word again), strength of schedule, etc.

Ladies & gents, the odds are against a playoff bid in 2008. Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL on Feburary 1, 2009 seems out of reach.

Or is it? Stranger things have happened, and it would be a dream come true if the Ravens were to win their second NFL championship at the site of their first one. And frankly, if there was ever a time for me to be wrong about anything, I would hope that next season would be it.

Come on, stop it! Who are you to tell people they cant dream big. People would have given those exact same reasons of why we wouldnt win a Superbowl in 2001 but we did it anyway didnt we? If you expect the worst thats what you are going to get. To me all the "reasons" you listed are nothing more then excuses and I am sick of hearing them.

[nevermore621]

That's exactly my point, though.

I couldn't tell you how many posts I read that said the team could make a playoff run as early as next season.

Cautious optimism, I feel, is the best approach here. We can't see in the future, and we shouldn't be so arrogant as to proclaim next season as "our year."

Arrogance is a folly that I'm all too familiar with. Trust me.

Is it arrogance to believe in one's self, and strive for the best??? I think not!!!

I want to stress that this same team went 13-3 just two years ago. I think what they lacked this last year was direction, and determination -- that and all the unfortunate injuries did us in I think. JMHO.

[neepo13]

Is it arrogance to believe in one's self, and strive for the best??? I think not!!!

I want to stress that this same team went 13-3 just two years ago. I think what they lacked this last year was direction, and determination -- that and all the unfortunate injuries did us in I think. JMHO.

With that, the one thing people are forgetting is that this team only lost 3 starters. All 3 have, in my opinion, been successfully replaced. Johnson replaced Thomas he's alot cheaper and a lot younger. He's already good and I expect him to get a lot better with time. McClain replace Mugahelli, I dont think anyone is mad about that at all. Yanda replaced Pashos, this one may not be true just yet buts its well on its way. If the team stays healthy, they could make a run at it. Most of their loses from last year, were winnable games in the 4th quarter, and were due to mistakes by inexperienced players, who now have a year under their belts, or stupid coaching decisions. Both of which could be fixed this season.

[Jamal]

I don't think anybody on this forum thinks we can go to the Superbowl. People are just happy, that the owner is actually trying to make the team better.

[nevermore621]

This is more like it!!!!!

Lets think of all the reasons we SHOULD succeed, not the reasons we SHOULDN'T. A team with all the talent that this one has, the nucleus of a playoff team from last season, with new coaches of proven talent and motivation, should not EXPECT anything but success. If we somehow fall short and don't make the playoffs, so be it, bit for heaven's sake let's don't go into this thing expecting to lose!!! That is not the attitude of a champion!!!

[Jamal]

Its not like Tomlin did anything spectacular anyways. They had the 3rd easiest schedule in the NFL, and they made the playoffs by 1 game.

[theFRANCHISE]

Come on, stop it! Who are you to tell people they cant dream big. People would have given those exact same reasons of why we wouldnt win a Superbowl in 2001 but we did it anyway didnt we? If you expect the worst thats what you are going to get. To me all the "reasons" you listed are nothing more then excuses and I am sick of hearing them.

Whoaaaaa...shhh...calm dooooown...juuust trying to spark a healthy debate (which, judging from the emotion of the responses, was a success).

Honestly, I DO want the Ravens to make it to the Super Bowl in 2008, and I DO want to be "proven wrong" about everything I listed above.

The other point of this topic, though, was to also make people understand that not everything has a fairy-tale ending. Dreaming big DOES have its fallbacks, and I'd rather not have bandwagon jumpers who can't take the good with the bad, y'know? It's better that our fanbase has a thick skin, than to have more in-fighting and emotional arguments between fans, like throughout this 5-11 season.

Is it arrogance to believe in one's self, and strive for the best??? I think not!!!

I want to stress that this same team went 13-3 just two years ago. I think what they lacked this last year was direction, and determination -- that and all the unfortunate injuries did us in I think. JMHO.

Well, it's one thing to believe that the team can do well next season despite the odds.

It's another thing for an immature fan to say "OMG, the Ravens are the best team EVER! OMG, the Ravens will DOMINATE EVERYONE and has the best players in the league and blah blah blah blah, Steelers are poop, Bengals are poop, Browns are poop, and no team in the NFL can beat us!"

And, as you well know, we've seen our fair share of those comments here on this message board from one-time posters. *shudder*

[nevermore621]

Hey, we all know that the Patriots, Indy, and San Diego are all tough teams that will have to be gotten past to go to a Super Bowl. And we know that teams like the Jags and Titans are on their way up. That is to say nothing of our own division which is only going to get better. That is being realistic -- we can't take any of these teams for granted.

What I am saying is we need to work hard and have the determination to be better that they are!!! If we fall short, so be it, but let's not go down without a fight!!!

For instance, we narrowly lost to the Patriots in that game with them this year. We went in EXPECTING to give it our all and go for a win, wven though the odds were seriously stacked against us. We lost in the last 45 seconds of that game, against what may go down as the greatest team ever to play. I was extremely proud of the way we played that game, for the most part. With a couple better decisions as a coaching staff (which we have now addressed), and without rookie mistakes in the defensive secondary, that game could have been the spoiler of all time!!!

All I'm saying I guess is look how close we are to being an elite team when we have the determination to win???!!!

[neepo13]

The other point of this topic, though, was to also make people understand that not everything has a fairy-tale ending. Dreaming big DOES have its fallbacks, and I'd rather not have bandwagon jumpers who can't take the good with the bad, y'know? It's better that our fanbase has a thick skin, than to have more in-fighting and emotional arguments between fans, like throughout this 5-11 season.

To me a fairy tale season would be a team starting out 0-5 and then going undefeated the rest of the season to win the superbowl. I think we have all been following the NFL long enough to know that ANYTHING can happen. You have to suck majorly to not be considered a Superbowl contender and to have back to back horrible seasons. Only a select few have managed to do that over and over again. I dont think the Ravens suck that bad. Most teams bounce back and have a better season then the year before. To say that the team wont or will make the playoffs based on the year before, in my opinion, is silly. I know we all can run down the numerous examples of why that is, so I wont do it here. I guess my point is, if this were the NBA or MLB, I could understand that logic but how many teams have been in the playoffs every year for the last 5 years? Only 3 come to mind. I am willing to bet good money that 8 of the 12 teams that made the playoffs this past season will not make the playoffs next season. And that at least 2 of the teams that are picking in the top 10 (exclude New England) will get in next season. Thats how the NFL works.

[nevermore621]

Don't y'all love the healthy debate I've stirred up? LOL

And, of course, there's this response topic, as well.

Who said things would be boring in the offseason?

Yeah, a little healthy controversy/debate makes things more interesting here. Getting my blood to boil over in optimism was a good thing. Makes me think of how I view things in my own life, which is definitely a good thing.

[MKdave]

I am willing to bet good money that 8 of the 12 teams that made the playoffs this past season will not make the playoffs next season.

I'll take some of that!

I would be surprised if more than half of them didnt make it back.

That said, I completely agree with you, I dont know why the 'Experts' even bother picking playoff contenders prior to the season, they're always wrong.

[nevermore621]

I think a moderator killed the response topic -- I was disappointed with that decision. A little healthy dissension/controversy sometimes drives the debate and makes us think harder about where this team stands, and where we stand about it.

As they say..."It's all good."

[MKdave]

I think a moderator killed the response topic -- I was disappointed with that decision. A little healthy dissension/controversy sometimes drives the debate and makes us think harder about where this team stands, and where we stand about it.

As they say..."It's all good."

They merged them.

I'd have prefered them to stay seperate but whatever...

[theFRANCHISE]

I think a moderator killed the response topic -- I was disappointed with that decision. A little healthy dissension/controversy sometimes drives the debate and makes us think harder about where this team stands, and where we stand about it.

As they say..."It's all good."

I guess maybe a mod thought that the other topic was repetitive? I dunno.

I kinda wanted to fire back at some of those points just for the sake of debate, but oh well.

But you hit the nail on the head though with the purpose of the debate I wanted to start. As fans, we tend to be a little too optimistic sometimes, and that's where we get disappointed, and then angry with one another for being too realistic or not being realistic enough.

I feel that being a good fan means learning to take the good with the bad and understanding both sides of the coin.

That's also why I never overreacted in the heat of the moment this past season. A part of growing up, I've learned, is never to take things too seriously that are out of your control. None of us suit up and play on Sundays, therefore, we have nothing to do with the outcome, other than the support we show in the stands. It's one thing to be emotional and passionate, but it's another thing to let that emotion make you think and act irrationally. In other words, "control your emotions; don't let your emotions control you." And there's quite a few fans, even older than me, that need to understand that.

[MKdave]

I kinda wanted to fire back at some of those points just for the sake of debate, but oh well.

Go ahead, check the first page of this thread. It's all there.

My arguments are faultless, and you know it!

[cowboy fan]

The ravens will make the playoffs this year if healthy & that is a fact.

[LilyRaven]

I feel as if some fans need to be brought back down to earth.

Why?

I understand and appreciate cautious optimism in some circumstances - financial matters, medical procedures, and such. However this isn't any of those. This is fun, fanatical fun yes, but simple fun nonetheless. I don't see any harm in daring to dream. As for the bandwagon-jumpers - ignore them. A losing season is going to hurt either way, enjoy the euphoria for now.

Just don't make any bets based on it.

[theFRANCHISE]

Why?

I understand and appreciate cautious optimism in some circumstances - financial matters, medical procedures, and such. However this isn't any of those. This is fun, fanatical fun yes, but simple fun nonetheless. I don't see any harm in daring to dream. As for the bandwagon-jumpers - ignore them. A losing season is going to hurt either way, enjoy the euphoria for now.

Just don't make any bets based on it.

All for the sake of healthy debate, m'dear.

Which I think I accomplished, judging from these responses.

[Numero Uno Ravens Fan]

what is wrong with you guys?!?!?!?!? we have to believe that we will make the playoffs next season or it wont happen. Im not saying that making the playoffs next season isnt realistic but "great fans should never be realistic."- me................ and you can quote me on the quote unquote.

[Numero Uno Ravens Fan]

As fans, we tend to be a little too optimistic sometimes

fans can never be too optimistic i dont believe in that. we should go into every season thinking super bowl just like the players. its no different.

[Jamal]

If anything, it gets too negative at times.