Dear Ozzie,

[Alexir]

Instead of blaming the talent of players, how bout putting some blame on coaching staff? Why don't we go after better position coaches and better coordinators?

[AwakenTheDemon]

[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]

Who cares how [i]close[/i] we are to 2-5? Last I checked, what matters is a teams win-loss record, not how close those games we won were.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1288282013' post='522846']
Instead of blaming the talent of players, how bout putting some blame on coaching staff? Why don't we go after better position coaches and better coordinators?
[/quote]

While I think the coaches have failed the players at times this year, they don't play the game and make dumb fundamental mistakes we've seen at crucial moments seemingly every game this year.

[VA_Fan]

The solution to our Defense is simple. Don't let Mattison come back next year. I mean I like the guy but his defensive philosophy is just the opposite of what we have accomplished in the past decade. The players won't throw him under the bus but I am sure they are concerned as well. I don't even think that our Defense ranks anywhere in the top 5 on anything. (Correct me if I am wrong)

I noticed yesterday that we were 17th in stopping the run. Is that the highest we have ever been?

[codizzle]

I agree with you for the most part fly.. i dont know how to take it but i believe the organization is planning for the future.. face it, the way the nfl is trying to make it the league will basically be two hand touch in five years... who does that benefit? the offense... its widely accepted that the league is clearly becoming offense oriented more and more with each passing week

Also, this past week did hurt more than most seeing our defense struggle so badly but as someone did point out fitzpatrick has been playing amazing since gaining the starting gig..

We have a couple pieces in place in suggs, ngata, and a grooming webb.. We have great role players in landry, JJ, gregg, carr, redding, BA... We need to find a replacement for Ray immediately (or one of many young linebackers needs to step up and become that man)and we need to draft young talent to add depth..

all in all we'll be fine guys.. we have one of the best young QB talents and one of the best young RB's in the league.. a young Oline with the exception of birk, the best DT in the league and we still are blessed with two of the best defensive players to ever play the game. it could be worse a lot worse

[GTRavens]

You can't replace Ed Reed, a top 100 all timer according to NFL Network (ehhh). You definitely can't replace the GOAT middle linebacker. But you can still win. The defense isn't what it used to be, but the offense is making up for it. If Flacco is a legitimate franchise QB, our window won't be closing for a long time. If he isn't, adjustments need to be made. He has some weapons and a great o-line. And it's not like the defense is going to be terrible, either. If there's anyone I trust to build up a defense, it's Ozzie. And they'll still have a phenomenal impact player in Ngata.

[gabefergy]

This whining is silly, teams change. The Ravens wont always have the best defense. Of course I loved watching the Ravens of old McCrary, Boulware, Goose etc. However its not fair to expect that we can consistently have the same kind of playmakers.

That said, I like where our defense is now. We just got Reed back, so its way too early to make any proclamations about how the D is different. 1 game back and he already got 2 picks and forced a fumble.

We also have a lot of young players on D that have the chance to become big time players: Zibby, Kruger, Kindle (I hope he can come back and play), Webb, Cody, Gooden. They just need to get some experience and get over the injuries. Thankfully we have a lot of vets that we can rely on in the meantime.

And finally we have a legit offense! Definitely the best offense this team has ever had, and with a young O-line, Flacco, Rice, Boldin, Dickson and Pitta we have an offense that will be around for years to come.

[ravenanchors]

It is possible to teach mediocre personell to play great.
The Ravens players are better than mediocre. So the question is why are they not playing great.
Looking at the games with the Browns, Pats, Buffalo you can see the problems,
Poor tackling --
out of position --
not getting off the blocks --
not getting to the ball --

These are the basics of football and can be corrected during practice if the coach can recognize and get it done.

I don't blame the players so much for not getting to the quarterback.
The QB's are getting rid of the ball much faster than in previous years but the Ravens have not been blitzing as much as in the past and they are not running as many stunts. The coaches seem to be relying on players going man on man. Even Ngata won't win every battle.

[AsianRice]

That's why we need this bye week badly. Our players need some rest to rejuvinate and recuperate. Remember, the Jets and Cindy games were highly anticipated and defensively played tremendously well. After that, our defense seems to slow down due to mentally and physically wear down and coaching staffs started to play too safe.

With our bye week, coaches and players will watch the film closely to make some adjustment.

It seems like we will come out of the bye week and play very strong in the next couple games. Hopefully, we don't lose some close tough match because it seems to lower our morale just like the Pats game.

For the future of our organization, I will have to wait and see our records near the end of the season.

[Ravensfan23]

Ok here is where i stand on most of what you said.

The defense isn't what it used to be, and as far as the Jets and Steelers being mentioned as best defense and not the Ravens, my response would be. All those years the Ravens were viewed as the most dominate or feared defense, how many championships did it get us?

As for the Jets being considered the best, who cares? They are ranked 4th in points, 12th in yards allowed, 22nd in passing yards, and 7th in rushing yards.

While the Ravens are 6th in points, 8th in yards allowed, 8th in passing yards, and 17th in rushing yards.

So the Jets being considered the best is just opinions, the numbers don't back them up.

Replacing Ray and Ed will be tough to do. However, nobody thought Gaither would fill in well for JO but look how that turned out. Ozzie is one big draft away from filling those positions for the future. Why draft a play making safety early in the draft when you have Ed Reed already? Who's the say a young guy like a Patrick Willis wouldn't love to come to Baltimore as a free agent and replace the great Ray Lewis? I'm not saying all of this would happen, but regardless of how some people feel about him, Ozzie is proven.

Ozzie has be retooling this defense, but it takes time. Cody won't be great overnight. Hell with the way Ngata is playing, if Cody only reaches half his potential they will be a forceful duo for years to come. Webb has had one poor game all season, and the guy is coming off of major knee surgery. They say it takes a full year to truly recover from those ACL injuries, so who knows how well a young Webb will play as the season goes on and next year.

It's hard to field a top 5 offense and defense, in most cases money just won't allow it. The Ravens defense has be lights out with the exception of the past 5 quarters, the biggest reason we haven't blown teams out like many fans seem to want, is because the offense was still jelling and was forced to do so against so pretty darn good defenses and on the road.

As for being as close to being 2-5 as we are 5-2, that can be said about all the elite teams every year. The Ravens went 9-7 last year, and they lost all 7 games by a combined total of 39 points. Which mean they lost 7 games by an average of 5.4 points a game. A few plays here or there and we could have possibly been 13-3, or 14-2. That's just the way the NFL is every year.

Have the Ravens played great all season, or prefect? no but if you think any other NFL team has then you are fooling yourself. Ask yourself how many teams have had to play 4 road games in their first 6 games all against Super Bowl caliber teams and dominated them?

For the Ravens to be 5-2 and probably as far under the radar as we'll ever be this year, with the schedule we had it's great. Could it be better yes, but i can't see how anyone isn't happy about the record.

It's always much easier to complain or see the negative in a situation instead of the positive. But dare anyone one of us to ask ourselves this question.

Would you rather be 3-4 with dominate home wins and complaining about how the NFL screwed us by making the Ravens play so many early road games against really good teams?............or would you rather be 5-2 heading into your bye, getting Reed and Stallworth back, knowing that the Ravens have been battle tested more so then any other of the top AFC teams?

We can always find things to complain about, but what's the point. The positives of the future is so much greater then the negative right now. The Ravens are getting healthy, the offense is clicking, the schedule is nowhere near as tough, with most of our big games coming at home, we own tiebreakers in the AFC North and AFC overall, the 3 teams that are in front of us still have to battle each other, while we've already played and beaten 2 of them and still have the Steelers at home.

I really don't understand where all the panic is coming from. But you gotta love the passion of our fanbase.

[757RavensFan]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't 5-2 the best start in Ravens history?

[Bltravens]

We've been trying to address the defense the past couple of drafts with Kruger, Webb, Cody and Kindle. It just came a couple years late, but really how could Ozzie know we were going to lose Hartwell, AD, Scott, that Boulware would be done because of knee problems after an 8 year career. We'v been rebuilding on the fly lately and these young kids need to play to their potential. We desperately need Cody to beast out to help our rush D if we're not gonna drop Landry in the box.

[berad]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1288291435' post='522926']
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't 5-2 the best start in Ravens history?
[/quote]

It's tied for the best with the 2000 and 2006 seasons, after 7 games.

[flynismo]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1288283764' post='522862']<br />Who cares how <i>close</i> we are to 2-5? Last I checked, what matters is a teams win-loss record, not how close those games we won were.<br />[/quote]

I was responding to a person who said we were almost 7-0, as if we have nothing to worry about.

[-Truth-]

Ozzie brought in Sergio Kindle to help our pass rush and Josh Wilson to help our secondary. Kindle will be able to prove his worth next Season and Wilson is being eased into the lineup since he's likely still digesting the playbook. Ozzie [b]has[/b] addressed those issues. We've just been spoiled enough to expect that every move Ozzie makes will show up to the rescue within the first few weeks. But let me get this straight. Ed Reed bails out or secondary with 2 INTs and a FF in his first tackle. Ray Lewis seals the game for 2nd time in a mere 7 games. And we're supposed to be looking to replace them right now? A few months ago, Ed Reed said he feels like he's 25, and expects to play multiple years. I'll take his word for it. Should we have traded up for Earl Thomas and played 3 safeties with Reed and Landry?

[Bltravens]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1288293734' post='522951']
Ozzie brought in Sergio Kindle to help our pass rush and Josh Wilson to help our secondary. Kindle will be able to prove his worth next Season and Wilson is being eased into the lineup since he's likely still digesting the playbook. Ozzie [b]has[/b] addressed those issues. We've just been spoiled enough to expect that every move Ozzie makes will show up to the rescue within the first few weeks. But let me get this straight. Ed Reed bails out or secondary with 2 INTs and a FF in his first tackle. Ray Lewis seals the game for 2nd time in a mere 7 games. And we're supposed to be looking to replace them right now? A few months ago, Ed Reed said he feels like he's 25, and expects to play multiple years. I'll take his word for it. Should we have traded up for Earl Thomas and played 3 safeties with Reed and Landry?
[/quote]
Earl Thomas is a gangsta....so maybe lol. Nobody wants to replace Ed and Ray, people want security that we will have playmakers in their spots when they take one last bow for us. Right now Ellerbe, McClain and Gooden cant even beat each other out to be a 3 down LB, and while Tommy Z doesnt let stuff happen over his head, he isnt going to making any plays and teams certainly arent afraid to throw his way.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1288291525' post='522927']
We've been trying to address the defense the past couple of drafts with Kruger, Webb, Cody and Kindle. It just came a couple years late, but really how could Ozzie know we were going to lose Hartwell, AD, Scott, that Boulware would be done because of knee problems after an 8 year career. We'v been rebuilding on the fly lately and these young kids need to play to their potential. We desperately need Cody to beast out to help our rush D if we're not gonna drop Landry in the box.
[/quote]
To piggy back on what I said. How would Ozzie know that CMac would only have a 7 year career, that we'd lose Sharper to the idiotic expansion draft. That Baxter would jump at the chance to jump ships in the division for hardly more money to play on a worse team(still PO'ed about that one Gary). What I dont understand is why did so many of these players leave of their own accord? They were going to get more money elsewhere yes, but it would have been nice for one of them to remain for less money to be in Bmore.

[ravensdfan]

Look Ravens are 6th total defense (scoring) 4th in TDs allowed 8th against the pass (yards) 17th against the run (yds)and 8th in total defense (yards). It really is not as bad as it seemed on Sunday. It only is that bad if it becomes a trend and we will not know that until after the bye.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']Ok here is where i stand on most of what you said. The defense isn't what it used to be, and as far as the Jets and Steelers being mentioned as best defense and not the Ravens, my response would be. All those years the Ravens were viewed as the most dominate or feared defense, how many championships did it get us?[/quote]

It won us one. In our FOURTH year of existence. That's a pretty amazing accomplishment. How many championships has this sloppy run-defending, no pressure getting defense of last year and this year won us?


[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
Ozzie is one big draft away from filling those positions for the future. Why draft a play making safety early in the draft when you have Ed Reed already? Who's the say a young guy like a Patrick Willis wouldn't love to come to Baltimore as a free agent and replace the great Ray Lewis? I'm not saying all of this would happen, but regardless of how some people feel about him, Ozzie is proven.
[/quote]

When Ed Reed is one serious hit away from getting Bo Jackson surgery or aggravating his neck injury to the point retirement no longer becomes an option, that is a pretty silly question to have to ask. And last time I looked on the field, there are two safeties on the field. Why not draft an impact player like Jarius Byrd to play alongside Reed?


[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
As for being as close to being 2-5 as we are 5-2, that can be said about all the elite teams every year.
[/quote]

I realize that, which is the whole reason behind me saying that.

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
Have the Ravens played great all season, or prefect? no but if you think any other NFL team has then you are fooling yourself. Ask yourself how many teams have had to play 4 road games in their first 6 games all against Super Bowl caliber teams and dominated them?
[/quote]

Did I ask for perfection?
But I do think you are the one fooling yourself, not me, when you say "Ask yourself how many teams have had to play 4 road games in their first 6 games all against Super Bowl caliber teams and dominated them?" That made me chuckle. Where is this "domination" you are talking about?


[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
For the Ravens to be 5-2 and probably as far under the radar as we'll ever be this year, with the schedule we had it's great. Could it be better yes, but i can't see how anyone isn't happy about the record.
[/quote]

Guess I'll have to repeat once again, I'm talking about the near future of this team, not this season.

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
It's always much easier to complain or see the negative in a situation instead of the positive.
[/quote]

I've been on this forum for two years, I know that better than most. I'm not one of those Debbie Downers if that's what you are implying.


[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']
But dare anyone one of us to ask ourselves this question. Would you rather be 3-4 with dominate home wins and complaining about how the NFL screwed us by making the Ravens play so many early road games against really good teams?............or would you rather be 5-2 heading into your bye, getting Reed and Stallworth back, knowing that the Ravens have been battle tested more so then any other of the top AFC teams?
[/quote]

Or, we can stick to the discussion at hand, which is how our defense will be shaping up over the next couple years.


[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288290804' post='522921']

We can always find things to complain about, but what's the point. The positives of the future is so much greater then the negative right now. The Ravens are getting healthy, the offense is clicking, the schedule is nowhere near as tough, with most of our big games coming at home, we own tiebreakers in the AFC North and AFC overall, the 3 teams that are in front of us still have to battle each other, while we've already played and beaten 2 of them and still have the Steelers at home. <br /><br />I really don't understand where all the panic is coming from. But you gotta love the passion of our fanbase.<br />[/quote]


If you're okay with where this defense is at, more power to you. I'm a long time fan, I expect better. Why do I expect better? Because we did it year after year after year.. There's no reason it cannot continue.

[flynismo]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1288293734' post='522951']Ozzie brought in Sergio Kindle to help our pass rush and Josh Wilson to help our secondary. Kindle will be able to prove his worth next Season and Wilson is being eased into the lineup since he's likely still digesting the playbook. Ozzie <b>has</b> addressed those issues. We've just been spoiled enough to expect that every move Ozzie makes will show up to the rescue within the first few weeks. But let me get this straight. Ed Reed bails out or secondary with 2 INTs and a FF in his first tackle. Ray Lewis seals the game for 2nd time in a mere 7 games. And we're supposed to be looking to replace them right now? A few months ago, Ed Reed said he feels like he's 25, and expects to play multiple years. I'll take his word for it. Should we have traded up for Earl Thomas and played 3 safeties with Reed and Landry?[/quote]


Why do I have to keep repeating myself? :bangshead:

We have known for the past five years that Ray Lewis is on the wrong side of thirty. We still don't have a guy who can play at a high level to replace him.

And you're a sucker if you believe Ed when he says that. Did he look 25 to you on the field? I mean jeezus, what do you think he was going to say? And sure, why not draft a quality safety to groom and play alongside Reed? Is that a bad thing?

[XxSizzleXx]

Not many teams have an ILB that play at a consistent pro-bowl level no matter what age they are, let alone 2.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288295112' post='522970']
It won us one. In our FOURTH year of existence. That's a pretty amazing accomplishment. How many championships has this sloppy run-defending, no pressure getting defense of last year and this year won us?
[color="#FF0000"]
It hasn't won us any championships, and who knows if it will this year or not. However it has gotten us back to back playoff seasons and close to getting us in the playoffs for the 3rd straight season for the first time in team history. It has gotten us 3 road playoff wins over the last 2 seasons, which is as many as we've had in the last 10 years. And still with all that said, it will take our overall "TEAM" to win a championship this year, not just the #1 Defense.[/color]



When Ed Reed is one serious hit away from getting Bo Jackson surgery or aggravating his neck injury to the point retirement no longer becomes an option, that is a pretty silly question to have to ask. And last time I looked on the field, there are two safeties on the field. Why not draft an impact player like Jarius Byrd to play alongside Reed?

[color="#FF0000"]There are two safeties on the field because there are two different safety positions. Everybody on the field is one big hit away from an early retirement, it's the game they play. Byrd was drafted in 2009, there was no mention of a Reed retirement, both Zibby and Nakamura were looking like strong young safeties and still do. So i guess neither one of those guys won't be good enough to start huh?[/color]



I realize that, which is the whole reason behind me saying that.



Did I ask for perfection?
But I do think you are the one fooling yourself, not me, when you say "Ask yourself how many teams have had to play 4 road games in their first 6 games all against Super Bowl caliber teams and dominated them?" That made me chuckle. Where is this "domination" you are talking about?

[color="#FF0000"]The domination is nowhere to be seen, because no team would be able to dominate a schedule like ours. I never said the Ravens have dominated, I'm still trying to understand why most fans don't think that human beings should every struggle to win game against the greatest players in the world.[/color]




Guess I'll have to repeat once again, I'm talking about the near future of this team, not this season.

[color="#FF0000"]Who knows what the near future has to offer. Can you honestly tell me that in 2007 you knew that in the near future we would have a promising young oline and the possible replacement for JO? Can you tell me that in 2007 you knew the the very next year, our near future would have the likes of Flacco, and Rice in it? Those are 3 areas of this team that will be the foundation for the near future and years to come. The defense can be revamped just as quickly with a few pieces in the draft or thru free agency. Will guys like Webb, Ngata, Cody, Kindle, Suggs, and Nakumra be apart of the next wave of defensive studs? who knows, because nobody knows what the future will hold. [/color]



I've been on this forum for two years, I know that better than most. I'm not one of those Debbie Downers if that's what you are implying.




Or, we can stick to the discussion at hand, which is how our defense will be shaping up over the next couple years.

[color="#FF0000"]Who knows, and at this point who cares? Right now the Ravens are 5-2 and in the thick of things atop the AFC sloppy defense and all. I don't know how the defense will look next week vs the Dolphins let alone in the next couple of years. Who knows, maybe Marvin Lewis will get fired, we hire him back, and he puts Ngata and Cody in the middle like Sam and Goose. Allows Ellerbe to run like Ray did, turns Kindle into a Peter B, asks Suggs to be like Mike McCary, and Kurger to be like Burrnet. Sitting here wondering how the next couple of years will look is about as useful as trying to predict who will win the Super Bowl and why, or who will be the number 23rd overall draft people for the next couple of years. [/color]




If you're okay with where this defense is at, more power to you. I'm a long time fan, I expect better. Why do I expect better? Because we did it year after year after year.. There's no reason it cannot continue.
[/quote]

Yes we did it year after year after year, but we also had defenses that were loaded with pro bowl caliber talent year after year after year, and the offense suffered because of it. Right now this offense is by far the best we've had in Baltimore for some time, if ever. Am i okay with where the defense is? no i would love for us to shut everyone down. But guess what, it won't happen, and I'm smart enough to know that it's the NFL and sometimes you have to win ugly. Am I happy with the overall performance? no, am i satisfied, no. I look for this team to play at a high level game in and game out, because i know the potential is there, however i know it won't happen all the time.

Like i said to the Steelers fan in the other thread, this team had been on the road 5 out of the last 7 weeks before playing that game vs the Bills. That kind of traveling would even make a business man fatigued, let alone a football team who has to compete at a playoff type level against what appears to be elite teams.

Are the Ravens tired after having to traveling to STL to close out the preseason, going to play the NYJ in a physical game, going to Cincy to play a divisional rival, traveling to Pitt to battle our biggest rival, followed by a trip to NE, to play a fresh Pats team coming off their bye? I don't know and i don't wanna make excuses for these guys, but hell, they are only human.

Is there cause for concern about the next couple of years, maybe, but i think most people in and around the Baltimore area are focused on how the next 10-13 weeks will play out. If you choose to worry about how the next couple of years will play out, that's fine, hey you can do whatever makes you happy in life, but I'm willing to bet that neither you or I will accurately predict what will happen around here the next few years.

[XxSizzleXx]

Deep breathes here guys, we will be fine. The difference between this year and every other year is that we are winning the close games. The Ravens basically lost every close game last year, personally I think things are looking up for us because we don't normally win those games.

[flynismo]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' timestamp='1288300646' post='523053']<br />Deep breathes here guys, we will be fine. The difference between this year and every other year is that we are winning the close games. The Ravens basically lost every close game last year, personally I think things are looking up for us because we don't normally win those games.<br />[/quote]

I dont think anyone is in a tizzy, lol...sorry if my responses give that impression. My frustration is with the defense, not with the responses I am getting to my posts.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1288300512' post='523052']<br />Yes we did it year after year after year, but we also had defenses that were loaded with pro bowl caliber talent year after year after year, and the offense suffered because of it. Right now this offense is by far the best we've had in Baltimore for some time, if ever. Am i okay with where the defense is? no i would love for us to shut everyone down. But guess what, it won't happen, and I'm smart enough to know that it's the NFL and sometimes you have to win ugly. Am I happy with the overall performance? no, am i satisfied, no. I look for this team to play at a high level game in and game out, because i know the potential is there, however i know it won't happen all the time. <br /><br />Like i said to the Steelers fan in the other thread, this team had been on the road 5 out of the last 7 weeks before playing that game vs the Bills. That kind of traveling would even make a business man fatigued, let alone a football team who has to compete at a playoff type level against what appears to be elite teams. <br /><br />Are the Ravens tired after having to traveling to STL to close out the preseason, going to play the NYJ in a physical game, going to Cincy to play a divisional rival, traveling to Pitt to battle our biggest rival, followed by a trip to NE, to play a fresh Pats team coming off their bye? I don't know and i don't wanna make excuses for these guys, but hell, they are only human.  <br /><br />Is there cause for concern about the next couple of years, maybe, but i think most people in and around the Baltimore area are focused on how the next 10-13 weeks will play out. If you choose to worry about how the next couple of years will play out, that's fine, hey you can do whatever makes you happy in life, but I'm willing to bet that neither you or I will accurately predict what will happen around here the next few years.<br />[/quote]


I dont want to seem like I'm arguing just for the sake of it, so I'm just going to respond to the "at this point, who cares" comment.
We all should be concerned. In the next year or two, Ray will be gone, Ed will be gone, Fabian's status after this year is uncertain (although some here would argue that isnt necessarily a bad thing), our safeties without Reed as we have seen are just average, we have no clue if Kindle will ever be able to play, we cannot rely on Kruger to be healthy, our defensive line is very ordinary even with Ngata (I shudder to think what it would be like without him).
Those are a helluva lot of issues that we are going to need to address within the next 18 months. How can anyone not be concerned about that?

And I love Ozzie. More often than not, he comes through for us. But, he has also made many mistakes when it comes to our personnel, I'm sure I don't need to bring them up. He has a full plate sitting in front of him, and while I know he will do the best that he can do, it is anything but certain that these things will be fixed.

[reediddy]

As much as most of us will generally disagree with the initial post, the point being made is worth noting. What will be the state of the defense when Ray Lewis and Ed Reed retire (which could be after this season, who knows)? There's nothing that can be done immediately, but in the offseason (which, IMO, is too early to be talking about, but I'll continue for the sake of conversation), the moves that are made need to be with an underlying intention to improve our defense. Let's face it, the defense is not playing up to par, they are not playing like the Ravens we are used to. It's because of personnel, in my opinion. So, when contractual talks are occuring, I'd expect Ozzie to do things that would allow him to secure our most important defensive players to long term contracts, and I'd also expect the draft to have a defensive focus.

If you look at the last 3 drafts, there has definitely been a focus on improving the offense, and I know we as fans were CLAMORING for this to happen. Flacco, Ray Rice, Oher, etc. Our defensive selections have been in the 3rd-5th rounds (except last year, Kindle and Cody). The point is, we have been focusing on improving the offense, while nabbing talent at the 3rd-5th rounds, talent that has certainly contributed for the most part so far. However, we haven't yet drafted a HUGE IMPACT defensive player yet, someone like say Orakpo or Clay Matthews, who are top tier 2nd year defensive players. This is because you won't usually find these types of players in the later rounds (though I believe Lardarius will eventually escalate his play to that level).

Moral of the story: Our upcoming offseason certainly needs a defensive focus this season

Agree/disagree?

EDIT: Let me clarify that this is not in any way a criticism of Ozzie's draft strategy; his track record speaks for itself. However, I believe he will focus more on the defensive side this offseason, as evidenced by the points I presented above. There will always be a tradeoff every offseason; one year will focus on offense, one on defense, depending on the team needs.

[bmorerav20]

what do you mean, FIX the defen. ozzie. he built this d fense. one of the best d's that has ever played the game. when someone has to play the ravens, the first thing that strikes their minds IS OUR D. ozzie does a GREAT job in the draft. hes the perfect fit the ravens....

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1288301948' post='523073']
I dont want to seem like I'm arguing just for the sake of it, so I'm just going to respond to the "at this point, who cares" comment.
We all should be concerned. In the next year or two, Ray will be gone, Ed will be gone, Fabian's status after this year is uncertain (although some here would argue that isnt necessarily a bad thing), our safeties without Reed as we have seen are just average, we have no clue if Kindle will ever be able to play, we cannot rely on Kruger to be healthy, our defensive line is very ordinary even with Ngata (I shudder to think what it would be like without him).
Those are a helluva lot of issues that we are going to need to address within the next 18 months. How can anyone not be concerned about that?

And I love Ozzie. More often than not, he comes through for us. But, he has also made many mistakes when it comes to our personnel, I'm sure I don't need to bring them up. He has a full plate sitting in front of him, and while I know he will do the best that he can do, it is anything but certain that these things will be fixed.
[/quote]

I understand completely where you are coming from, and i worry about the future of your team as well. I would love to build that Dynasty that Harbs and Steve B talk about. However right now, in this moment, W.I.N What's Important Now, is the overall success of this season and reaching the goal of this season.

Yes we have a lot of questions right now, no doubt, however who's to say that the past 2 weeks, Fabain and Webb weren't just tired because their repaired knees needed to be rested. Like i said before, most players aren't truly 100% after major injuries like that until a full year later. So who's to say that Webb, Fabo, and Nakamura won't just continue to get better as the year goes on and become lights out?

Remember, before these past 5 quarters, those average safeties without Ed Reed were apart of the number 1 passing defense in the NFL, given up about 150 yards a game. Orton got a lot of garbage yards, and Brady only had 5 completions to a WR through 3 quarters of our game with the Pats.

Like i said before, in 2007, when we were set to lose JO and Mac 9, nobody knew what would take place at the QB and LT positions. Gaither was labeled as a lazy project, and Flacco was dubbed by many as the next Strong armed no talent QB of the Ravens. Now look where we are. If i were to ask you back in 2007 what was our biggest concern for the next 3-4 years, i'm willing to bet you would have listed a long list of offensive problems. Now as we chat, you don't even seem worried about the different the offense is headed in.

I'm not one of those guys who thinks that everything the Ravens and Ozzie does is right, but I am definitely one of those guys who believe that Ozzie is one of the best at what he does and i have no doubt that our defense will continue to be top 10.

[flynismo]

[quote name='reediddy' timestamp='1288301968' post='523074']<br />As much as most of us will generally disagree with the initial post, the point being made is worth noting. What will be the state of the defense when Ray Lewis and Ed Reed retire (which could be after this season, who knows)? There's nothing that can be done immediately, but in the offseason (which, IMO, is too early to be talking about, but I'll continue for the sake of conversation), the moves that are made need to be with an underlying intention to improve our defense. Let's face it, the defense is not playing up to par, they are not playing like the Ravens we are used to. It's because of personnel, in my opinion. So, when contractual talks are occuring, I'd expect Ozzie to do things that would allow him to secure our most important defensive players to long term contracts, and I'd also expect the draft to have a defensive focus.<br /><br />If you look at the last 3 drafts, there has definitely been a focus on improving the offense, and I know we as fans were CLAMORING for this to happen. Flacco, Ray Rice, Oher, etc. Our defensive selections have been in the 3rd-5th rounds (except last year, Kindle and Cody). The point is, we have been focusing on improving the offense, while nabbing talent at the 3rd-5th rounds, talent that has certainly contributed for the most part so far. However, we haven't yet drafted a HUGE IMPACT defensive player yet, someone like say Orakpo or Clay Matthews, who are top tier 2nd year defensive players. This is because you won't usually find these types of players in the later rounds (though I believe Lardarius will eventually escalate his play to that level).<br /><br />Moral of the story: Our upcoming offseason certainly needs a defensive focus this season<br /><br />Agree/disagree?<br />[/quote]


Thanks, glad that you can acknowledge the idea set forth, even if you do not agree.

I believe it needs not just a defensive focus, I think it needs a bit more drastic approach...just short of a complete overhaul.
Before anyone gets their panties wadded up over that observation, hear me out...

Subtract Ray and Ed from this defense. What does that leave us with? It leaves us with Suggs, Ngata, Foxworth and Webb. Suggs and Ngata are already superstars. Most of us can agree that Webb has Pro Bowl potential (whether he lives up to it remains to be seen, but I think he is a huge asset), and Foxy has that potential as well. That gives us some solid building blocks.
However, what else do we have after them? Almost nothing. Kruger has all the talent in the world, but cannot stay healthy. Cody has not impressed at all in his limited opportunities. Zibi and Landry are average players. Have I missed anyone worth mentioning? (other than Kindle, who at this point we have to assume we need to move on without him, as unfortunate as that is)

My point is that Suggs, Ngata, Foxy and Webb gives us something good to build upon. But they are not nearly enough by themselves. There's 11 spots on defense. We have four of the covered. I'm not asking for seven Ray Lewis' to fill in those remaining spots. But realistically, we need to add at least one impact player on the DL, at least one impact LB to complement Suggs, and starting either Zibi or Landry is fine if the other safety is an impact player.
If we do that, then we can simply cross our fingers and hope that one of the following occurs:

-Cody develops into a stud
-Kruger manages to stay healthy all year
-Kindle is able to play

There's a decent chance that one of those things will occur. Asking for two of them to happen is too big of a gamble to burden our defense with.

[purple.n.black]

[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]
I am happy. Sure I could be happier, but I can't expect them to be top 5 every year, although they just about are. The only reason why we have given up so many yards is poor tackling and one of our best CB's has recently come back from a season ending injury, and our #1 guy is out for the season. So we've had a guy who shouldn't be any thing other than a nickle playing against other team's go to guy.