Dear Ozzie,

[flynismo]

Let's cut the crap and get right down to it.

First off, thanks for the off season we just had. You heard us cry out for Boldin, and you went out and got him. You heard us cry out about our substandard pass rush, and attempted to fix that by getting us Kindle and beefing up our line with Cody. You heard us cry out about the lack of weapons that Flacco has to go without, so you begged Mason to come back, and signed TJ and Stallworth.

But I look at this team, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned for it's future. Ray and Ed will both be gone within the next two years. We knew that was inevitable. Yet, we are still not prepared for those losses.
In fact, not only are we not prepared, we are beginning to decline even though they are still here with us. Since when do guys like Cedric Benson and Peyton Hillis beat us at our own game and run on us at will? Since when do people like RYAN FITZPATRICK go deep on us as if we were a college girl trapped in a bathroom stall with Ben? Since when did we become a team that did not strike fear into the hearts of even the greatest quarterbacks with our fearsome pass rush? Since when did we become a team that didn't jump routes and high five after yet another routine pick six?

Don't forget where we came from. Don't forget what made us the proud franchise we are today. Don't forget what made so many of us fall in love with our Ravens. Because frankly, it makes me sick to hear people talk about the JETS and STEELERS when the topic of the league's best defenses arise. It makes me sick to hear the condescending tone of commentators during our games when they say, "The Ravens defense may not be what they used to be, but they're still pretty good." You know why those things make me sick, Oz? Because when I put the purple pompoms down, I know that those things are true.
What a slap in the face to guys like Goose, Boulware, McAlister, McCrary, Rolle, Pryce, Scott and the other warriors who built the reputation that we are currently hiding under the guise of now.

I don't give a damn what it takes. Fix this. Pay Ngata whatever he wants. Get rid of Gaither. He's not worth the money he is demanding. His money should be spent on a defensive lineman who can give us the things that retreads like Gregg, Redding and McKinney cant, or on a cornerback who can play man on man. If TJ wants too much money, let him go next year. If we feel confident in Dickson or Pitta, maybe it's time for Heap to restructure that bloated salary so that we can bring in more TALENT and not retreads/projects. If he wont take a pay cut, we can trade him for whatever he is worth. Why are we paying Matt Birk? I assumed it was to play football, but we all know what happens when you ***-U-ME. Time for him to go.

I could go on and on, but my point is, we have our work cut out for us at the end of the season. It is going to take another heroic off season to keep the future of this franchise sailing in the right direction. I know it, you know it.
While you are making the appropriate plans, I am simply asking that you not forget who we are. Fix this defense, Ozzie.

Sincerely,

Me

[Purple Nurple]

We're 5-2, Very closely 7-0. The Ben/Bathroom thing was cute , though.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288249636' post='522696']
Let's cut the crap and get right down to it.

First off, thanks for the off season we just had. You heard us cry out for Boldin, and you went out and got him. You heard us cry out about our substandard pass rush, and attempted to fix that by getting us Kindle and beefing up our line with Cody. You heard us cry out about the lack of weapons that Flacco has to go without, so you begged Mason to come back, and signed TJ and Stallworth.

But I look at this team, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned for it's future. Ray and Ed will both be gone within the next two years. We knew that was inevitable. Yet, we are still not prepared for those losses.
In fact, not only are we not prepared, we are beginning to decline even though they are still here with us. Since when do guys like Cedric Benson and Peyton Hillis beat us at our own game and run on us at will? Since when do people like RYAN FITZPATRICK go deep on us as if we were a college girl trapped in a bathroom stall with Ben? Since when did we become a team that did not strike fear into the hearts of even the greatest quarterbacks with our fearsome pass rush? Since when did we become a team that didn't jump routes and high five after yet another routine pick six?

Don't forget where we came from. Don't forget what made us the proud franchise we are today. Don't forget what made so many of us fall in love with our Ravens. Because frankly, it makes me sick to hear people talk about the JETS and STEELERS when the topic of the league's best defenses arise. It makes me sick to hear the condescending tone of commentators during our games when they say, "The Ravens defense may not be what they used to be, but they're still pretty good." You know why those things make me sick, Oz? Because when I put the purple pompoms down, I know that those things are true.
What a slap in the face to guys like Goose, Boulware, McAlister, McCrary, Rolle, Pryce, Scott and the other warriors who built the reputation that we are currently hiding under the guise of now.

I don't give a damn what it takes. Fix this. Pay Ngata whatever he wants. Get rid of Gaither. He's not worth the money he is demanding. His money should be spent on a defensive lineman who can give us the things that retreads like Gregg, Redding and McKinney cant, or on a cornerback who can play man on man. If TJ wants too much money, let him go next year. If we feel confident in Dickson or Pitta, maybe it's time for Heap to restructure that bloated salary so that we can bring in more TALENT and not retreads/projects. If he wont take a pay cut, we can trade him for whatever he is worth. Why are we paying Matt Birk? I assumed it was to play football, but we all know what happens when you ***-U-ME. Time for him to go.

I could go on and on, but my point is, we have our work cut out for us at the end of the season. It is going to take another heroic off season to keep the future of this franchise sailing in the right direction. I know it, you know it.
While you are making the appropriate plans, I am simply asking that you not forget who we are. Fix this defense, Ozzie.

Sincerely,

Me
[/quote]

This is why Ravens official should never take fan's advice. Thank God for Ozzie. He might not be superman, but he does a few good things when it comes to him.

[AwakenTheDemon]

It's not like Peyton Hillis and Cedric Benson are shabby running backs...

[flynismo]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1288249937' post='522699']<br />We're 5-2, Very closely 7-0. The Ben/Bathroom thing was cute , though.<br />[/quote]

We're just as closely 2-5 as we are to 7-0. Dont know if you remember, but those NYJ, PITS and BUF games were awfully close.

At any rate, this isn't about this season, it's about our future as a whole. If any one who has been a Ravens fan for more than the last two years are happy with this defense, they are lying to themselves.

[flynismo]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1288250588' post='522703']<br />It's not like Peyton Hillis and Cedric Benson are shabby running backs...<br />[/quote]

No they aren't. But they are guys that we normally send back home sucking their thumbs in a fetal position. It is just another reminder to me of how our defense has regressed.

[rlh445]

I agree with the sentiment. I don't agree that he 'heard us' and made the changes we wanted; rather I believe the team wanted the changes made and did what they could to make it happen. How can a team ever be prepared for its two definite HOFers leaving the team on a short clock? Name me ONE team that has been prepared for and dealt with this, I am truly curious..if there is such a team I hope Ozzie and crew can follow their lead. Benson is a good back, and Hillis genuinely caught the team by surprise, although we contained him in the second half. Fitzpatrick is a good QB, but I will agree that our secondary was making him look downright legendary that day. I don't think that teams aren't 'scared' of the Ravens, because we're still putting good hits on guys and Demaryius Thomas surely won't want to return another kick to us for awhile. Our tackling sure needs work though.

We became a team that didn't jump routes when we became a team that didn't have the personnel to do so (minus Reed)..I don't think it gets any simpler than that. I know you've been around fly, so you KNOW that even during our 2000 SB run, pundits were talking about other good defenses around the league while ours was an afterthought and all anyone could talk about was how inept our offense was. I wish we had Goose, I wish we had Adams, I wish we had McCrary, I wish we had Boulware or Rolle or (in his prime) McCallister..but we don't. To say that this team pales in comparison is both an understatement and a slap in the face to these players, because the 2000 team was something special and you can't honestly want to hold up current and recently departed Ravens defenses to these ridiculous standards.

I do think our front office has its work cut out for them, and that it's going to take some major smarts and wheeling and dealing to keep us (and hopefully get us above) the level we're playing at now. But isn't that the hopes of every team around the league? I don't want to lambast the current team because they're not the defense of 2000. It's just not realistic to think we're ever going to have such an assembly of talent on one side of the ball ever again. I feel you fly, and I want the same things, I just don't want to sell the current team we have short because they're not all wordly.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288250678' post='522705']
We're just as closely 2-5 as we are to 7-0. Dont know if you remember, but those NYJ, PITS and BUF games were awfully close.

At any rate, this isn't about this season, it's about our future as a whole. If any one who has been a Ravens fan for more than the last two years are happy with this defense, they are lying to themselves.
[/quote]

Fair enough, and correct me if I'm drunk, but aren't you a card carrying member of the "wait until the seasons overs before you judge" camp?

[flynismo]

I wasn't refering to the 2000 defense specifically, just the defenses that we put on the field for the first 6 years of the decade. Those were the teams that made us who we were, and yes, definitely spoiled the crap out of us. I certainly dont want to sell our current guys short, god only knows I spend way too much time shielding them from the gloom and doomers...but while I dont want to sell them short, I dont want to 'settle' either.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1288251543' post='522710']<br />Fair enough, and correct me if I'm drunk, but aren't you a card carrying member of the  &quot;wait until the seasons overs before you judge&quot; camp?<br />[/quote]

Depends on what you are refering too...the defense as a whole, or certain members within it?

[Jabara]

Dude.
I understand yet don't fully agree, and I think you just need to chill for a bit.
Take your own bye week.
It ain't all that bad.
I don't want to respond point for point, because I mainly disagree while respect where you are coming from.
I'll just say, really, it's gonna take decades, probably longer to replace Ray Lewis.
That being said, I know you understand the ins and outs of the NFL and a football team plus how difficult it is to build a successful one.
I think you left out one important person that is getting pretty antsy for a Championship, and that's Bisciotti.

[rlh445]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288251650' post='522711']
I wasn't refering to the 2000 defense specifically, just the defenses that we put on the field for the first 6 years of the decade. Those were the teams that made us who we were, and yes, definitely spoiled the crap out of us. I certainly dont want to sell our current guys short, god only knows I spend way too much time shielding them from the gloom and doomers...but while I dont want to sell them short, I dont want to 'settle' either.
[/quote]


Ahh. Okay. I don't want to settle either. I want our defense to have the same confidence, the same intensity, the same 'swagger' (ugh, i hate using that word) that our defense has had in the past, not just 2000 like you said. I guess I'm with you..I hope Ozzie pulls a few rabbits out of hats and we get our defense back to the form it used to be.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1288251932' post='522714']
I'll just say, really, it's gonna take decades, probably longer to replace Ray Lewis.
[/quote]

This, or never. My vote says never. The Ravens will live on, though.

[rlh445]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1288252177' post='522716']
This, or never. My vote says never. The Ravens will live on, though.
[/quote]

Yea..there's never gonna be another Ray Lewis..he's so special it hurts to think about him retiring.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1288252539' post='522717']
Yea..there's never gonna be another Ray Lewis..he's so special it hurts to think about him retiring.
[/quote]

I will mourn for 365 days. Then its back to business.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1288251932' post='522714']<br />Dude. <br />I understand yet don't fully agree, and I think you just need to chill for a bit.<br />Take your own bye week. <br />It ain't all that bad. <br />I don't want to respond point for point, because I mainly disagree while respect where you are coming from. <br />I'll just say, really, it's gonna take decades, probably longer to replace Ray Lewis. <br />That being said, I know you understand the ins and outs of the NFL and a football team plus how difficult it is to build a successful one. <br />I think you left out one important person that is getting pretty antsy for a Championship, and that's Bisciotti.<br />[/quote]

Maybe 'replace' was a poor choice of words. I dont mean replace, in the sense of filling Ray's shoes. That will never happen. I hope no one is foolish enough to expect it to happen again anytime soon. I mean replace, as in someone we can count on to play at a high level, week after week. While they show some glimpses of potential, would you rest easy knowing that McClain and Ellerbe are the current heirs to Ray's throne?

And before anyone gets the wrong impression, I am in no way saying that our defense sucks. But, I am saying that it is a shell of it's former self. I think we have an awful lot of work ahead of us in order to fix the fundamental problems that our defense is experiencing, a lot more work than I like admitting, but a lot of work nevertheless.

[flynismo]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1288251185' post='522709']<br />I agree with the sentiment.  I don't agree that he 'heard us' and made the changes we wanted; rather I believe the team wanted the changes made and did what they could to make it happen.  How can a team ever be prepared for its two definite HOFers leaving the team on a short clock?  Name me ONE team that has been prepared for and dealt with this, I am truly curious..if there is such a team I hope Ozzie and crew can follow their lead.[/quote]

HOFers leave their team/retire all the time. Steve Young couldn't wait for Joe to bolt town. Aaron Rodgers probably jumped for joy when Favre left. Heck, within our own organization, Jared Gaither did a wonderful job filling in for Ogden until this season happened, and Rice and McGahee have been admirable in claiming the torch Jamal passed to them. Ngata continues the tradition that Goose and Sam Adams set forth. Peter Boulware probably looks at Suggs like a proud father looks at his son. I mean, it's not like we didn't know that Ray is on the wrong side of 30 for the past five years...I'm curious why we haven't already planned for him leaving yet. Especially considering how often we run a 3-4, we could always use the extra talent at ILB.

[-Truth-]

I understand the frustration, considering both of our losses can be attributed to lack of pressure, and miscues in both run support and coverage. But both Cedric and Peyton are on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards. Should that serve as an excuse for our average Rush Defense? No. But they definitely aren't your lowly, incapable RBs. And Cedric was held in check this Season to a pedestrian 3.4 YPC. The only loss where our Defense could be held liable was the Patriots game. Baltimore has been recently known for winning more often down the stretch, so we haven't exactly had the expectations the Colts do for September and November. This is probably the most flak I've ever seen our team catch after a 5-2 record.

Did we lose the Browns and Bills games? No. The majority of this board was questioning the stability of our secondary before game 1, so we should be patient since it was one bad game. Besides, Ryan Fitzpatrick had 5 TDs and no INTs in the last 2 contests before our game, so he was obviously doing something right. This isn't the 2000 or 2006 Defense, but we're the 8th best Pass Defense with a #1 CB who would've been cut last year if any of us had a say in it. I'd say with our given situation, we're doing just fine. The trade deadline is past, and the only player on the free agent marker who could possibly help our team is Shawne Merriman, and he isn't even available until he heals. Just let the Season play out. We can judge our performance then.

[Jabara]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288252967' post='522720']
Maybe 'replace' was a poor choice of words. I dont mean replace, in the sense of filling Ray's shoes. That will never happen. I hope no one is foolish enough to expect it to happen again anytime soon. I mean replace, as in someone we can count on to play at a high level, week after week. While they show some glimpses of potential, would you rest easy knowing that McClain and Ellerbe are the current heirs to Ray's throne?

And before anyone gets the wrong impression, I am in no way saying that our defense sucks. But, I am saying that it is a shell of it's former self. I think we have an awful lot of work ahead of us in order to fix the fundamental problems that our defense is experiencing, a lot more work than I like admitting, but a lot of work nevertheless.
[/quote]
Like I said, I'm there with what you are saying, but just anyone leaving, some will be entering. It's highly unlikely a team from now on will win the Super Bowl forever, or at least for the rest of the leagues existence.
Tomorrow night, or technically tonight (although I don't buy the idea of it being tomorrow yet), we'll see Ray Lewis already ranked within the to 20 NFL players to have ever played the game. (as far as the NLFNW is concerned)
Some, such as Nurple, etc have said he'll never be replaced, while I alluded to it being possible, it's unlikely.
Given the way offense has been such a focus lately a lot of good defenses are being scrutinized.
The game fluctuates as those playing it, and I would not blame Ozzie, for our current state, of only winning one Super Bowl in our short existence, in the way the game has changed.
In fact, our 2000 team helped change that.
If I remember correctly, you mentioned Ed Reed, well good luck finding anyone that can be such a game changer and remain healthy, while expecting that to be addressed in next years draft, that could grow into such an amazingly gifted athlete.
We've been spoiled in the past with defense, and currently it appears we are with offense once it totally clicks.
It's not yet midway season, and we are getting our bye week finally.
Look at the other teams and when their bye weeks were.
If we can get healthy, and truthfully critique ourselves, we'll be in great shape.
Something we haven't seen here in Bmore as far as balance.

[CustomUserName]

Meh, the OP is probably prophetic. Gaither probably will go. I mean, unless we tender him, he's not gonna get the money he wants after this season's injury, so he'll have to seek it elsewhere. Ngata is not going anywhere, you can take this to the bank.

As for the state of the franchise, I couldn't disagree more. How often have we heard Shannon Sharp on playbook say "Ray Lewis may be getting old, but he hasn't lost a step?" Reed is just rusty, I mean getting hip surgery that required about 6 months recovery time is a good excuse. So cut them some slack. Defense has some problems, but they'll get worked out, and are largely due to our pass rush (which we banked on Kindle curing, but sadly he got injured).

And on the state of the draft, this year's draft is an anomaly. We traded out of the 1st round to get quantity and depth, so we don't have a Michael Oher, Joe Flacco, Suggs, Ngata, or Heap kind of immediate impact player. Kindle was supposed to be that, but he got injured, and because of his one year contract I think he could sign with any team next year which would suck. Cody has been hampered by knee problems, but does tend to look good when he plays. Dickson had a few good catches (I'm very optimistic about him). But if Kindle comes back, and Cody develops, pass rush is cured, and our defense's biggest problem is cured.

Also, I thought the most important stat on the season was the w-l record, and I thought 5-2 was pretty good (seeing as how we are in the thick of the playoff race).

[flynismo]

Okay, but here's my question to you. Are you happy with the defense the way it is? I mean, we are never truly satisfied, there is always room to improve, so if you want to look at it like that, then the answer will always be 'no'. But, what I mean is, are you comfortable with the defense as it is now? Take everything into consideration, such as we have no clear cut replacements for Ray and Ed (yes I understand how hard it is to fill their shoes, and no, I am not asking to find Ray and Ed clones to replace them with--but the bottom line is, once they are gone, and that day is coming very soon, are you satisfied with the guys we have right now to replace them with?). Our defensive line is, on it's best day, is average as a unit. Our pass rush is non-existent, in large part due to the offensive line. Average running backs have success against us. We dont create turnovers anywhere near what we used to. If you consider all of those things, are you still in disagreement that the front office needs to swing for the fences this off season? Because I see a whole lot of things that need to be addressed.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Oz man is always there watching and analysing. He knows what has gone a bit wrog for the beginning of the season and will support Harbs to get things better. Let's see how the season developes and get worried around December if we still struggle.

[ravensdfan]

Week 2 against the Bengals, the offense had its abysmal game. They have since rebounded. This past week against the Bills the defense had its abysmal game. Now they have a bye week. Let's see what they do out of the bye.

Yes, they gave up yards to Hillis but they did not game plan for him. If you remember the Browns' had just lost their #1 RB guy prior to that game. No one knew Hillis' name. They adjusted in the second half though. Our run defense is #17 overall. I know to us Ravens' fans that is like being #32. I am willing to be patient right now though and see what adjustments they've made over the bye week.


Though I'd love it, I doubt we will ever see another defense like the 2000 Ravens. Not just from our Ravens but from any team.

As for Ray Lewis' retirement, I am sincerely hoping that the FO uses its head and gives him a defensive coaching position. How long before little Ray Ray can hit the draft? 7 years or something? lol

It is possible that we may have to adjust our thinking just a hair. We may sacrifice a bit of our defensive swagger for a more balanced team. We beefed up our offense this off season. All those years we had a suffocating defense, we had a below average offense remember. There are only so many draft picks I guess is my point. And the law of averages says that not all of them are going to work out.

I am not ready to give up on this defense. Prior to the Bills' game they were #3 against the pass. You know that these players don't like our #17 rank on the run either. It is something they will be looking to improve upon.

I'm taking the bye week to root against all our AFC foes and keeping a hopeful attitude. I think the Bills' game came with some lessons. Thankfully we got the win so those lessons weren't so costly.

Edit: I also might point out that even with that horrible outing against the Bills, our pass defense still sits in the top 10 at #8. Plus, we are #6 for scoring. So yeah, we are at #17 against the run but #6 for scoring ain't all that shabby.

[bmorefan444]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288250678' post='522705']
We're just as closely 2-5 as we are to 7-0. Dont know if you remember, but those NYJ, PITS and BUF games were awfully close.

At any rate, this isn't about this season, it's about our future as a whole. If any one who has been a Ravens fan for more than the last two years are happy with this defense, they are lying to themselves.
[/quote]

Most games in the NFL are decided within a few points. They good teams find a way to win.

[flynismo]

,[quote name='bmorefan444' timestamp='1288268603' post='522755']<br />Most games in the NFL are decided within a few points.  [/quote]

which is all the more reason I want to see us fix the problems our defense is having. Two weeks in a row they blew 10 point leads in the fourth quarter. When has our defense EVER done that before? Someone else found an interesting stat...before this season, we were 84-7 when we had a 10 point lead heading into the fourth.,,,,

[Ravens549]

Fly, I have to agree 100%.
I am extremely impressed by the aggressiveness OZZIE took in the off-season to improve our offense.
But, it appears to me we have neglected our defense for too long. Our secondary especially. Man, how many threads for the past couple years have I seen about our secondary needing help?
I am a Ravens fan 100% and LOVE the fact we are 5-2. But that performance last week was an embarrassment. Just Ray's look on his face summed up the first half performance- he was in a state of disgust.
Granted, we are getting by. But our defense is definitely not what it used to be. And quite frankly I am a bit concerned we will not even be a top 10 defense this year.

We can make all kinds of excuses, but the game the Bills had against us draws a lot of concerns amongst our defense.

It was only one game...lets see how we do against Miami. THAT will show what we've got.

[JayDaRavensFan]

I think this unit has potential to be very good but I dont expect them to be. Webb is the only CB we have playing that we actually drafted so I dont expect our secondary to be great especially with last years No 1 CB Foxworth out(not sayin he would be the answer either but he did play well down the stretch last year). Im pretty sure we only picked up Carr to be a return man and hes starting and Fabian was a disappointing 1st rounder by Oakland I believe and hes coming back from an injury and hes the other starter. Really? While Webb does have potential hes still young and also coming back from an injury. I would maybe like to see Josh Wilson play more. At LB im not impressed with McClain, Ellerbe or Gooden and JJ hasnt been stellar either. None of them can get to the QB and they all have been shaky tacklers thus far. All the pressure has come from Suggs and Ray Ray. All the linemen are average with the exception of Ngata. Ngata may have been the best player on the field in most games. The safety play has also been average except for Reeds unless you wanna consider two picks average for him. Landry and Zibby were letting receivers get behind them. Landry is more of a box safety and even his tackling has struggled at times along with Zibbys. Zibby is a solid player but not a playmaker. I expect Landry to pick his play up with Reed back as they play well together though. But my biggest gripe is probably the scheme. I dont know how we expect to play coverage with corners that arent great in man coverage and a weak pass rush. The one time Fitzpatrick got hit he threw a pick. That means hit the QB.....duh! I wouldnt mind some of the big plays if we were sendin the house consistently but we're not and still gettin ran and passed on. I wish we would blitz all the time and see what happens. This team was built to be a pressure defense. Time to start bringin the pressure Mattison.

[grape drank]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1288252539' post='522717']
Yea..there's never gonna be another Ray Lewis..he's so special it hurts to think about him retiring.
[/quote]
we'll have to settle for an equivalent to Patrick Willis....THE HORROR!!!!

[BloodRaven]

Ozzie has put together the most talented team in the NFL. Underperforming on both sides of the ball is on the coaches and players.

[Ed_Reed20]

Ozzie and the rest of the FO will definitely be looking to upgrade the D in the future. The foundations for a solid offense, with the potential to be an explosive one have been laid. A center, tackle and impact complementary WR are the only positions the offense appears to need at the moment.

Defensively, things aren't as bleak as they appear. You have building blocks in Ngata, Suggs and Webb, still-developing young talents in Kruger, Cody, Divens, Ellerbe and McClain and unproven but potential-filled players in Jones and Kindle. I'm optimistic most of those guys can develop but even if all of them don't, Ozzie has shown he isn't afraid to draft talented competition.