Offseason Upgrades Finally Puts Ravens' Offense In Spotlight

[XxSizzleXx]

Came across a great article on NFL.com which talks about our improved offense. Like many of us hear Bucky Brooks thinks the new additions along with our feared defense make our team Superbowl contender worthy. I was a bit surprised as he thinks that Mason will get to work against the nickel corners a lot because teams will match up their second corner with Stallworth. This was the only part of the article that I disagreed with as I think Mason should be on the field as much as possible because he is Flacco's security blanket. I also did not realize that little Ray Rice averaged 5.3 yards per carry through the season, that is beastly. This is the year that we have the weapons on offense but are still star studded on defense, we need to make a good run this year. No one can complain that we don't get the love anymore because we are now and people are talking about us. Cheers to the upcoming season, let's hope everyone stays healthy!

Here is the last paragraph:

[i]The Ravens have deservedly earned the reputation for being one of the league's most feared teams due to their ferocious defense, but this season could see Baltimore make a championship run behind its suddenly explosive offense.[/i]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d819019a2/article/offseason-upgrades-finally-put-ravens-offense-in-spotlight

[Shadowalker]

good article

[BloodRaven]

Nice writeup but I still think it's better to be underrated.

[Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan]

I think what Bucky was implying is that when all 3, Boldin, Mason, and Stallworth are on the field at the same time, you can expect Stallworth to be covered by the number 2 corner due to his speed. This would leave the nickle covering Mason in which he should have a field day with just about anyone covering him. Barring any injuries this season should truly be one of the most exciting offensive explosions to come out of Baltimore.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan' date='10 July 2010 - 12:19 AM' timestamp='1278735564' post='431207']
I think what Bucky was implying is that when all 3, Boldin, Mason, and Stallworth are on the field at the same time, you can expect Stallworth to be covered by the number 2 corner due to his speed. This would leave the nickle covering Mason in which he should have a field day with just about anyone covering him. Barring any injuries this season should truly be one of the most exciting offensive explosions to come out of Baltimore.
[/quote]
Correct, Bucky was not inferring that Mason wouldn't see the field as much as Stalls, just that in most formations (by default) the number 2 corner will be matched up on Stalls due to his routes. Mason should/could explode this year just for that reason alone. Just imagine him against nickel CB's and TWO healthy arms/shoulders!!

[Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan]

[quote name='1/28/01' date='10 July 2010 - 12:28 AM' timestamp='1278736085' post='431213']
Correct, Bucky was not inferring that Mason wouldn't see the field as much as Stalls, just that in most formations (by default) the number 2 corner will be matched up on Stalls due to his routes. Mason should/could explode this year just for that reason alone. Just imagine him against nickel CB's and TWO healthy arms/shoulders!!
[/quote]

Exactly, I see Mason blowing it up this year! All his hard work and dedication to this team over the past few years should pay off this season. He deserves it and I think he will be pleased with his decision to return for another season. The final piece to a great career, the payoff is coming.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='BloodRaven' date='10 July 2010 - 12:13 AM' timestamp='1278735223' post='431203']
[b]Nice writeup but I still think it's better to be underrated[/b].
[/quote]
Sadly for the fans that like being under the radar, or like to play the lack of respect card, those days seem to be over.

[Rav'n Maniac]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='10 July 2010 - 12:46 AM' timestamp='1278740778' post='431231']
Sadly for the fans that like being under the radar, or like to play the lack of respect card, those days seem to be over.
[/quote]
Exactly right! We can't keep making the post season and remain off the radar for long, at least with some of the media. Although, we may never truly earn the respect of the NFL and our competition because we are a blue collar team from a blue collar town, in a small market area. We don't possess the glitter of the NY teams, nor do we have the flamboyance of a Jerry Jones.

[ceebee1408]

[quote name='Rav'n Maniac' date='10 July 2010 - 10:15 AM' timestamp='1278771333' post='431293']
Exactly right! We can't keep making the post season and remain off the radar for long, at least with some of the media. Although, we may never truly earn the respect of the NFL and our competition because we are a blue collar team from a blue collar town, in a small market area. We don't possess the glitter of the NY teams, nor do we have the flamboyance of a Jerry Jones.
[/quote]

Personnaly I don't like flamboyance or Jerry Jones

[XxSizzleXx]

It's really funny how so many fans like to play that lack of respect card but in the end the Ravens have been one of the feared teams to play in the last 10 years or so mainly because of the defense that they bring to the table.

Mason against the #3 CB is going to be a joy to watch, he will be breaking ankles out there like D-Wade against these fools.

[XxSizzleXx]

Not that it mentions it in the article but I think something we will see an improvement on this year is scoring defense. If we can get create more of a pass rush than I expect us to return to a little more 2008 standard.

[Rav'n Maniac]

[quote name='ceebee1408' date='10 July 2010 - 11:43 AM' timestamp='1278780188' post='431319']
Personnaly I don't like flamboyance or Jerry Jones
[/quote]
I'm with you on your opinion but, it seems the NFL and the media welcome it. I'm proud of who we are and wouldn't want to change for anything!

[Halden52]

All I gotta say is it's about time! We really have a complete team for really the first time. Last time we won the Superbowl it was really our D that carried us their. We had outstanding running game no doubt, with Priest Holmes and Jamal Lewis both taking carries. But our passing game wasn't at all that good. Now we have the Defense, the amazing running game, and now for the first time really, a terrific passing game. Flacco has already set the records for the best single season at QB for the Ravens, and now he has even better weapons than before. We're almost always in the playoffs, but this we were certainly going to take the Lombardi Trophy home to Baltimore.

[Runnin Raven]

Every year brings hope to every team, but I have to say this is the most excited I've EVER been leading up to the regular season. That's saying a lot, cause I get excited every year. It all started with Anquan. Its getting really tough to wait.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='Runnin Raven' date='12 July 2010 - 09:31 AM' timestamp='1278948680' post='431830']
Every year brings hope to every team, but I have to say this is the most excited I've EVER been leading up to the regular season. That's saying a lot, cause I get excited every year. It all started with Anquan. Its getting really tough to wait.
[/quote]

Exact same feeling I'm getting into this year as well, can't wait to see Q rip it up.

[1/28/01]

Not really sure what topic to put this in, but I just got an email from an ex business partner of mine where we're kind of on decent terms, but by no means are we where we once were....just setting the tone to show the true magnitude of what transpired. He is a HUGE Pats fan (born in Boston orignally) and has always given me a hard time (3 rings and all wll do that to ya).

Well, here is an email from him:

[I]yeah man, def an out of division rivarly.  You guys are a beast team. Will get your opinion tomorrow on your boy ed reed and saying he will retire at any moment and isn't playing half the year.  he is my fav non patriot player...[/I]

LOVE IT!!!

[BuckWilds]

I agree it is better to be underrated. The only love that matters in the NFL is the love that emanates from the chewy center of the Lombardi Trophy.

[Purple Nurple]

I was getting used to being the underdog and still kicking teams asses.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' date='15 July 2010 - 03:22 AM' timestamp='1279178576' post='433084']
I was getting used to being the underdog and still kicking teams asses.
[/quote]
Yeah, we've all been playing the hand that we were dealt, in that the media gave us no love, and enjoying it (because we had to and there was no other choice).

But lets be honest, most on here would love to be regarded as the "Colts" or the "Pats" of the league....come on now