Talk Me Down

[Jabara]

Apparently we built this team to beat the Steelers.
I waited a while to get on this site, because I am so upset about losing, I can't begin to explain.
We won the game for 57 or so minutes and end up losing.
We just lost the division.
We lost home field advantage in the playoffs, we even lost a sure fire chance of making the playoffs, it's up in the air now, we've got the Texans away next Monday, the Saints at home, and then two divisional games with the Browns and Bengals.
4-0. hopeful, but doubtful.
We just showed that we can't close out games against playoff teams.
If we don't get that fixed this week, we won't be in the playoffs.
Did anyone watch the pressers after the game?
The players were sad, and you never want to see that.
I had a sick feeling in my stomach just watching another football game, as in the MNF game.
I'm still in shock that we lost, and I can't understand why we lost, I don't think it's the players or coaches, but it's clear one isn't helping us win.
I can't explain it, can anyone explain it, without saying fire this coach or fire that coach, and why we can't play for 60 minutes?
What is going on?
If we just gave up on this game, how can we expect to play in the playoffs?
I'm at a loss, this is just not a solid team.
And if Ray doesn't get a ring this season, he might have to try next year with a possible 18 game season, which nobody wants.
I could go on and on, but it's not worth it, and I just don't understand why we aren't the proficient team we should be.
Anyone know what's going on, or can talk me down?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291706741' post='565573']
Apparently we built this team to beat the Steelers.
I waited a while to get on this site, because I am so upset about losing, I can't begin to explain.
We won the game for 57 or so minutes and end up losing.
We just lost the division.
We lost home field advantage in the playoffs, we even lost a sure fire chance of making the playoffs, it's up in the air now, we've got the Texans away next Monday, the Saints at home, and then to divisional games with the Browns and Bengals.
4-0. hopeful, but doubtful.
We just showed that we can't close out games against playoff teams.
If we don't get that fixed this week, we won't be in the playoffs.
Did anyone watch the pressers after the game?
The players were sad, and you never want to see that.
I had a sick feeling in my stomach just watching another football game, as in the MNF game.
I'm still in shock that we lost, and I can't understand why we lost, [b]I don't think it's the players or coaches, but it's clear one isn't helping us win.[/b]
I can't explain it, can anyone explain it, without saying fire this coach or fire that coach, and why we can't play for 60 minutes?
What is going on?
[b]If we just gave up on this game, how can we expect to play in the playoffs?[/b]
I'm at a loss, this is just not a solid team.
And if Ray doesn't get a ring this season, he might have to try next year with a possible 18 game season, which nobody wants.
I could go on and on, but it's not worth it, and I just don't understand why we are the proficient team we should be.
Anyone know what's going on, or can talk me down?
[/quote]

I don't really follow you here. You don't think it's the player or the coaches but know one isn't helping the team? Can you elaborate.

The tam didn't "just give up" on the game. Execution was poor at times, the play-calling was very questionable in a number of situation but to say the the players gave up to me is completely false.

[FazerOnStun]

It'll be alright, last year we were 9-7 and made the playoffs, this year we'll likely be 11-5 and make the playoffs, and were a much better team, theres still time to get it together. But so far we've been winning based off talent, not actually playing well. with this loss its become really clear that were just NOT playing well, and while i dont think anyone (Cam Cameron) will be getting fired he'll def have a fire under his arse (can i say arse?) to kick it up a notch... My prediction is that we obliterate the texans next week, get some momentum and ride it into the p-p-playoffs

[Jabara]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291707093' post='565577']
I don't really follow you here. You don't think it's the player or the coaches but know one isn't helping the team? Can you elaborate.

The tam didn't "just give up" on the game. Execution was poor at times, the play-calling was very questionable in a number of situation but to say the the players gave up to me is completely false.
[/quote]
Well, that's what Im saying, I can't put the blame on anyone, yet I don't think we are bad enough to have lost the games we lost.
Is it the personnel or is it the coaches?
Maybe a bit of both, but it's hard to distinguish with either, but we aren't getting the job done.
I think, we have not won a game, hands done, not clearly enough, so how do you evaluate that?
Is anyone to blame, is it just a good team yet inconsistent on both sides of the ball?


[quote name='FazerOnStun' timestamp='1291707313' post='565578']
It'll be alright, last year we were 9-7 and made the playoffs, this year we'll likely be 11-5 and make the playoffs, and were a much better team, theres still time to get it together. But so far we've been winning based off talent, not actually playing well. with this loss its become really clear that were just NOT playing well, and while i dont think anyone (Cam Cameron) will be getting fired he'll def have a fire under his arse (can i say arse?) to kick it up a notch... My prediction is that we obliterate the texans next week, get some momentum and ride it into the p-p-playoffs
[/quote]
9-7 won't cut it this year, not in our conference.
As you say, how many fires can be lit under his you know what, in order to get him making the right, aggressive calls?
We might beat the Texans but it is MNF and the Texans are at home, and then we have the Saints, which have woken up, and are playing better, even in the cold, and then two divisional teams, the Browns away, which will be tough, and the Bengals at home, which always beat us.
There is no gimme anymore...

[SuRihtanil]

Most of us die hard with strong emotions really feel your pain. That was a devastating loss and a loss we shouldn't have had. I am still feeling it, plus it was a loss to the Steelers... We all wanted to show them we could beat them with Big Ben as starting QB. I really don't know we just lost plain and simple. Troy is the best SS in the NFL and very smart at half time I am sure Tomlin told him to get them the ball back and he did BIG TIME.

We have loss this season to big time teams, we've loss to the Pats, Falcons and Healthy Steelers team. The only playoff sound team we beat this season was Tampa Bay. We have weaknesses and when they're exploited it can bring down the house. The Browns are playing good now, Saints and Texasn are also, and we have been having trouble beating the Bengals lately so our last 4 games aren't going to be simple. If we do head to the play offs we will have to beat the Steelers and Pats. So we really need to get things together and quickly because their isn't much time left to figure out our issues and correct them.

[Jabara]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1291708759' post='565586']
Most of us die hard with strong emotions really feel your pain. That was a devastating loss and a loss we shouldn't have had. I am still feeling it, plus it was a loss to the Steelers... We all wanted to show them we could beat them with Big Ben as starting QB. I really don't know we just lost plain and simple. Troy is the best SS in the NFL and very smart at half time I am sure Tomlin told him to get them the ball back and he did BIG TIME.

We have loss this season to big time teams, we've loss to the Pats, Falcons and Healthy Steelers team. The only playoff sound team we beat this season was Tampa Bay. We have weaknesses and when they're exploited it can bring down the house. The Browns are playing good now, Saints and Texasn are also, and we have been having trouble beating the Bengals lately so our last 4 games aren't going to be simple. If we do head to the play offs we will have to beat the Steelers and Pats. So we really need to get things together and quickly because their isn't much time left to figure out our issues and correct them.
[/quote]
You can add the Jets to that.

If we can't change whatever it was that we did, at home losing to the Steelers, we can't change anything.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291708397' post='565584']
Well, that's what Im saying, I can't put the blame on anyone, yet I don't think we are bad enough to have lost the games we lost.
[b]Is it the personnel or is it the coaches?[/b]
Maybe a bit of both, but it's hard to distinguish with either, but we aren't getting the job done.
I think, we have not won a game, hands done, not clearly enough, so how do you evaluate that?
Is anyone to blame, is it just a good team yet inconsistent on both sides of the ball?
[/quote]

It's a combination.

On offense, to me, the team is fine at the skill positions. However, the o-line's inconsistent play in both run blocking and pass protection has hurt the team numerous times. However, we've also seen Cam call questionable plays on many occasions this season and seemingly take his foot off the gas pedal late, even when the team didn't have an insurmountable lead.

Defensively, Mattison has been too passive at times as well(preferring to send only three against the Pats when Brady had clearly got into a groove being an example). But on the flip-side, the tackling(which has been an issue all season), inconsistent pass rush and poor coverage from the LBs, CBs and safeties have also hurt the D.

[SuRihtanil]

I thought it was pretty scary to see a rookie TE who is a back up lining up to block James Harrison....

[jj2020]

I feel the pain Yesterday I was in disbelief, kind of shock. All we had to do was kill time we needed a running game we had none? Where was Ray Rice? I still hold fast with Flacco I still know he has it in him. I know he got sacked he lost the ball but I can not forget the pain of watching Pittsburg Nr 33 spin right through our D, how did that happen five guys around him know one could take him down that would made it fourth down then they would either have to kick field goal (9 - 10) and get the ball back with two minutes left or go for it all and who knows. Or maybe if Heap did not get hurt we could of put up more points. Any how now why ask why it is what it is we should get in as a wild card Maybe we can do it on the road? I wanted the division I am tired of the wild card. But if the impossible happens and the Jets beat the Steelers in Pittsburg LOL and maybe we hurt Steelers just enough to where they drop one to the Bungles or Cleveland maybe it might happen I can hope but it is hard to see us even next week in Houston or even Cleveland this sucks!

[SuRihtanil]

[quote name='jj2020' timestamp='1291710143' post='565599']
I feel the pain Yesterday I was in disbelief, kind of shock. All we had to do was kill time we needed a running game we had none? Where was Ray Rice? I still hold fast with Flacco I still know he has it in him. I know he got sacked he lost the ball but I can not forget the pain of watching Pittsburg Nr 33 spin right through our D, how did that happen five guys around him know one could take him down that would made it fourth down then they would either have to kick field goal (9 - 10) and get the ball back with two minutes left or go for it all and who knows. Or maybe if Heap did not get hurt we could of put up more points. Any how now why ask why it is what it is we should get in as a wild card Maybe we can do it on the road? I wanted the division I am tired of the wild card. But if the impossible happens and the Jets beat the Steelers in Pittsburg LOL and maybe we hurt Steelers just enough to where they drop one to the Bungles or Cleveland maybe it might happen I can hope but it is hard to see us even next week in Houston or even Cleveland this sucks!
[/quote]


Heaps going out hurt us I feel like he would have scored a TD against the Steelers he has always put his heart into Steelers games.

[Jabara]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1291710047' post='565598']
I thought it was pretty scary to see a rookie TE who is a back up lining up to block James Harrison....
[/quote]
Yeah, that was a huge issue, in a game we should have won, but literally, dropped the ball.

[quote name='jj2020' timestamp='1291710143' post='565599']
I feel the pain Yesterday I was in disbelief, kind of shock. All we had to do was kill time we needed a running game we had none? Where was Ray Rice? I still hold fast with Flacco I still know he has it in him. I know he got sacked he lost the ball but I can not forget the pain of watching Pittsburg Nr 33 spin right through our D, how did that happen five guys around him know one could take him down that would made it fourth down then they would either have to kick field goal (9 - 10) and get the ball back with two minutes left or go for it all and who knows. Or maybe if Heap did not get hurt we could of put up more points. Any how now why ask why it is what it is we should get in as a wild card Maybe we can do it on the road? I wanted the division I am tired of the wild card. But if the impossible happens and the Jets beat the Steelers in Pittsburg LOL and maybe we hurt Steelers just enough to where they drop one to the Bungles or Cleveland maybe it might happen I can hope but it is hard to see us even next week in Houston or even Cleveland this sucks!
[/quote]
Now we have to win out every game, and hope for the Steelers to lose a game.
It breaks my heart to think Ray might not get another ring, nor Reed or Heap, even Mason.
Reed, Mason and Ray are getting too old, and Reed is playing with a serious injury.
Heap has had his career cut short by Boller...
It's a real shame.
Will Housh even want to come back next year and play for us?
We need him, I'd even say we need him more than Mason, given Mason is older and has been more aggressive towards Flacco.
Imagine just Boldin, Housh ans Stallworth.
I know it's crazy to think of not having Mason, and I don't want to see him go, but I think we'd be more productive without him.

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1291710587' post='565604']
Heaps going out hurt us I feel like he would have scored a TD against the Steelers he has always put his heart into Steelers games.
[/quote]
And how long is he out for, we don't know...
Hamstrings can take a few weeks, and we have to rely on our rookies against the Texans, and most likely against the Saints.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291791092' post='566916']
Will Housh even want to come back next year and play for us?
[/quote]

He's publicly stated he'd be open to return if the team promised him a larger role in the offense next year.

[Jabara]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291791679' post='566919']
He's publicly stated he'd be open to return if the team promised him a larger role in the offense next year.
[/quote]
I know he said that, or his agent made him say that, but would that really be the case given the limited role, hence limited pay check he'd be getting?
He clearly has big play making ability, but he's not being used to his potential, nor is Boldin.
When you have these two playmakers, you make them play football, and beat those around them that are also being asked to play football.
It sounds simple, and stupid, but it works when you have those types of players, so maybe I'm just angry right now, but I kinda think Mason needs to chill out with Joe, and retire this season, so we can keep Housh, which tends to be a bigger playmaker than Mason.
Yes I love Mason, but if his leaving gives us and edge, I'll take it, 1,000 times over.

And the Ravens keep saying that they have run the ball more this season, already, than last year, well, it's not working.
Maybe it's the play calling, maybe more teams are stacking the box, which should open up our receivers, maybe it's because Gaither pussed out this season...

I'm tired of us not playing up to our expectations, and not playing 60 minutes of football.
Will we even be able to keep some of our playmakers.
Will Housh stay? will Stallworth stay?
We know what Housh can do, yet we don't use him, and we are finally seeing what Stallworth can do, yet it could be too late.

It's just a tragic situation.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291792444' post='566927']
I know he said that, or his agent made him say that, but would that really be the case given the limited role, hence limited pay check he'd be getting?
He clearly has big play making ability, but he's not being used to his potential, nor is Boldin.
When you have these two playmakers, you make them play football, and beat those around them that are also being asked to play football.
It sounds simple, and stupid, but it works when you have those types of players, so maybe I'm just angry right now, but I kinda think Mason needs to chill out with Joe, and retire this season, so we can keep Housh, which tends to be a bigger playmaker than Mason.
Yes I love Mason, but if his leaving gives us and edge, I'll take it, 1,000 times over.

And the Ravens keep saying that they have run the ball more this season, already, than last year, well, it's not working.
Maybe it's the play calling, maybe more teams are stacking the box, which should open up our receivers, maybe it's because Gaither pussed out this season...

I'm tired of us not playing up to our expectations, and not playing 60 minutes of football.
Will we even be able to keep some of our playmakers.
Will Housh stay? will Stallworth stay?
We know what Housh can do, yet we don't use him, and we are finally seeing what Stallworth can do, yet it could be too late.

It's just a tragic situation.
[/quote]

I agree that Houshmandzadeh and Q should get more opportunities. However, to what you said about Mason, he got into a scuffle with Joe once and his comments after the game were directed at Cam more than anyone else.

Also, it's not too late for Stallworth to help this team immensely. There are four games left so maybe Cam grows a brain between now and Monday and starts making efforts to get Stallworth the ball on plays other than a reverse and deep balls.

[rlh445]

First, I'm not sure where you get that we 'built this team to beat the Steelers'. I don't remember that being in any presser I've seen stretching back to '96. We're trying to build a team to beat every team we face in a given season. We certainly didn't 'win the game' for 57 minutes, but we did lead the Steelers. You don't win a game until the clock strikes 0:00 in the fourth quarter. But I understand where you're coming from, it's very frustrating that we gave up a 57 minute lead.

I don't agree that we lost a spot in the playoffs. I feel ya, a friend (who is a Cowboys fan) asked me why the Ravens just can't put in a complete game. I had no real answer. It isn't just the talent, it isn't just the coaches, and I don't think that even they have the answers. I wish I could believe they did, but I don't think so. We can only hope they get it together. Who knows why man? Our team is at that point in the season where they either pull each other up and stick together, or fall apart and the rest of their (and our) season is doomed. I have faith that the players, coaches, admins, Biscuit, and whomever else will rise up, be men, and complete this season the way all of us Ravens fans know they can.

[Jabara]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291792826' post='566932']
I agree that Houshmandzadeh and Q should get more opportunities. However, to what you said about Mason, he got into a scuffle with Joe once and his comments after the game were directed at Cam more than anyone else.

Also, it's not too late for Stallworth to help this team immensely. There are four games left so maybe Cam grows a brain between now and Monday and starts making efforts to get Stallworth the ball on plays other than a reverse and deep balls.
[/quote]
It's funny, we keep going between two threads and answering most questions asked in both threads.
And I think we agree on a lot of the situations going on.
I think we can agree this season isn't working out as it should and this Steelers lose was huge, and uncalled for given the talent we have.
It's a matter of circumstances, Joe being young, our great vets being old.
If this was Joe's 5th season, we'd be hands down the best team in the league, but we may not have the same amazing players we do now.
It's all a shame to me losing to the Steelers, and a weak team at that, is such a let down of how this season appeared.
Of course that goes for the Falcons and Pats game.
I could go on and on about this, but it's just sad.

[Jabara]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1291793258' post='566936']
First, I'm not sure where you get that we 'built this team to beat the Steelers'. I don't remember that being in any presser I've seen stretching back to '96. We're trying to build a team to beat every team we face in a given season. We certainly didn't 'win the game' for 57 minutes, but we did lead the Steelers. You don't win a game until the clock strikes 0:00 in the fourth quarter. But I understand where you're coming from, it's very frustrating that we gave up a 57 minute lead.

I don't agree that we lost a spot in the playoffs. I feel ya, a friend (who is a Cowboys fan) asked me why the Ravens just can't put in a complete game. I had no real answer. It isn't just the talent, it isn't just the coaches, and I don't think that even they have the answers. I wish I could believe they did, but I don't think so. We can only hope they get it together. Who knows why man? Our team is at that point in the season where they either pull each other up and stick together, or fall apart and the rest of their (and our) season is doomed. I have faith that the players, coaches, admins, Biscuit, and whomever else will rise up, be men, and complete this season the way all of us Ravens fans know they can.
[/quote]
I have heard that we are built to beat the Steelers.
Also, I'm not saying we don't have a shot to make the playoffs, but we do have to win pretty much every game we have left.
And don't you think that if we had beaten the Steelers we could be happy right now?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291793570' post='566938']
It's funny, we keep going between two threads and answering most questions asked in both threads.
And I think we agree on a lot of the situations going on.
I think we can agree this season isn't working out as it should and this Steelers lose was huge, and uncalled for given the talent we have.
It's a matter of circumstances, Joe being young, our great vets being old.
If this was Joe's 5th season, we'd be hands down the best team in the league, but we may not have the same amazing players we do now.
It's all a shame to me losing to the Steelers, and a weak team at that, is such a let down of how this season appeared.
Of course that goes for the Falcons and Pats game.
I could go on and on about this, but it's just sad.
[/quote]

It was gut-wrenching loss but you make it sound as if the team just lost the Super Bowl. Not that it's guaranteed to happen or even likely but if the Steelers lose two game and the Ravens win their remaining games, the Ravens would likely be the second seed. But even without that dream scenario, if the Ravens win at least three of their remaining games, no reason they shouldn't, they'll still be in the play-offs and anything can happen then.

No, the season hasn't gone the way people thought it would but at this point, dwelling on what could have been and what ifs is just useless, especially when there are still four games left in the season.

[rlh445]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291793949' post='566944']
I have heard that we are built to beat the Steelers.
Also, I'm not saying we don't have a shot to make the playoffs, but we do have to win pretty much every game we have left.
And don't you think that if we had beaten the Steelers we could be happy right now?
[/quote]

Sure duders, of course we'd be happier; a win is always better than a loss. I'm still happy that we're in the hunt. I guess it comes from having a bunch of friends who are fans of other teams that are just absolutely in the basement. My Dad's a big Broncos fan, he's bitter as Hell about football as a whole. I have a Lions fan who has no expectations at all about his team and is actually optimistic about where they're going, and a Bengal brother who can't stand his team.

The point is, I've been a fan since the beginning, and I've seen some horrible teams that the Ravens have fielded over the years. I'm sure you have as well, and that's what I'm getting at. Here we are, looking at a team that is on pace to reach the playoffs for a franchise first three years in a row. We've been going back and forth with the Steelers for all this time, and never have we been so similar with them in every aspect. Every win is ultra satisfying, and every loss is like a dagger to the heart. That's what it is to be a football fan, and especially when you're a Raven or Steeler fan. This rivalry is something you can't buy..it was earned over 15 years of hard hitting football, and it continued yesterday. We're close, real close. We win at least three of these games, and we're in. I know it hurts, and it probably hurts the players way worse. All we can hope is that they take that hurt, that anger, and turn it into something awesome, like running the table for the last four games and then hitting the road and winning until they find themselves in Dallas. What else can we do as fans?

[Jabara]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291794210' post='566945']
It was gut-wrenching loss but you make it sound as if the team just lost the Super Bowl. Not that it's guaranteed to happen or even likely but if the Steelers lose two game and the Ravens win their remaining games, the Ravens would likely be the second seed. But even without that dream scenario, if the Ravens win at least three of their remaining games, no reason they shouldn't, they'll still be in the play-offs and anything can happen then.

No, the season hasn't gone the way people thought it would but at this point, dwelling on what could have been and what ifs is just useless, especially when there are still four games left in the season.
[/quote]
We can't expect the Steelers to lose two games for us, when you look at the schedule, we have the hard road.
I'll address my attitude in the next post, but I'm their with you in hope.

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1291794342' post='566946']
Sure duders, of course we'd be happier; a win is always better than a loss. I'm still happy that we're in the hunt. I guess it comes from having a bunch of friends who are fans of other teams that are just absolutely in the basement. My Dad's a big Broncos fan, he's bitter as Hell about football as a whole. I have a Lions fan who has no expectations at all about his team and is actually optimistic about where they're going, and a Bengal brother who can't stand his team.

The point is, I've been a fan since the beginning, and I've seen some horrible teams that the Ravens have fielded over the years. I'm sure you have as well, and that's what I'm getting at. Here we are, looking at a team that is on pace to reach the playoffs for a franchise first three years in a row. We've been going back and forth with the Steelers for all this time, and never have we been so similar with them in every aspect. Every win is ultra satisfying, and every loss is like a dagger to the heart. That's what it is to be a football fan, and especially when you're a Raven or Steeler fan. This rivalry is something you can't buy..it was earned over 15 years of hard hitting football, and it continued yesterday. We're close, real close. We win at least three of these games, and we're in. I know it hurts, and it probably hurts the players way worse. All we can hope is that they take that hurt, that anger, and turn it into something awesome, like running the table for the last four games and then hitting the road and winning until they find themselves in Dallas. What else can we do as fans?
[/quote]
I'm there with you, but we really gave up the chance to own the division, and our fate.
I don't need to keep recalling our schedule to explain how difficult it will be for us, more difficult than the Steelers, but I have the hopes you do.
Can it be done, of course, will it be done, who knows.
I need to go to bed, I can't type anymore.

[rlh445]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291795685' post='566953']
We can't expect the Steelers to lose two games for us, when you look at the schedule, we have the hard road.
I'll address my attitude in the next post, but I'm their with you in hope.


I'm there with you, b[b]ut we really gave up the chance to own the division[/b], and our fate.
I don't need to keep recalling our schedule to explain how difficult it will be for us, more difficult than the Steelers, but I have the hopes you do.
Can it be done, of course, will it be done, who knows.
I need to go to bed, I can't type anymore.
[/quote]

We did give up the easy road of being number one in the division. That's life, that's football and it sucks a big one. I know man! Everything in the NFL is difficult. But our team has done it before, and we can do it again. I don't know what else you need to hear, hehe. Either the Ravens will play inspired, competent football from here on in or will collapse. Either way, nothing we feel is going to change that, so why not err on the side of being hopeful?

[reediddy]

[quote name='SuRihtanil' timestamp='1291710047' post='565598']
I thought it was pretty scary to see a rookie TE who is a back up lining up to block James Harrison....
[/quote]

For the love of mankind after I saw Harrison maul Dickson the first time I was certain adjustments would be made...

[PuRock]

[quote name='reediddy' timestamp='1291843394' post='567373']
For the love of mankind after I saw Harrison maul Dickson the first time I was certain adjustments would be made...
[/quote]

We were very limited in what we could've done. We lacked a FB in this game and our best blocking TE went out on the first play with a Hammy. Not to many adjustments could've been made to block the free rusher.

[Jabara]

I don't like having to go through the playoffs being a Wildcard team, but hey, we won the SB a decade ago as a Wildcard team.
We need to win 3 of the last four games and we'll be fine.
Not where we should be, but hey, who doesn't feel that way.

There is something that makes me feel like we are being held back and I can explain it.
I can't put my finger on it, coaches? Players?
Maybe it's just being a hardcore fan that holds you back.

I'm sure every fan is saying about there own teams, if it could all just come together, we'd be unstoppable.
What a weird season...

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291962889' post='568975']
I don't like having to go through the playoffs being a Wildcard team, but hey, we won the SB a decade ago as a Wildcard team.
We need to win 3 of the last four games and we'll be fine.
Not where we should be, but hey, who doesn't feel that way.

[b]There is something that makes me feel like we are being held back and I can explain it.
I can't put my finger on it, coaches? Players?[/b]
Maybe it's just being a hardcore fan that holds you back.

I'm sure every fan is saying about there own teams, if it could all just come together, we'd be unstoppable.
What a weird season...
[/quote]

Again, it's a combination.

However, in regards to the player, I came across these two article on the problems the Ravens have had in [url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ravens-pass-protection-faltering.html"][b]pass protection[/b][/url] and [url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ravens-running-game-stuck-in-neutral.html"][b]running the ball[/b][/url]. These parts of the article really stood out to me.

[quote]
The Baltimore Ravens’ pass protection has been substandard lately, allowing eight sacks over the past two games and 17 over the past five games.
[/quote]

[quote]
Only six teams have more carries than the Ravens.

Last year, Rice had runs of 83, 59, 50 and 33 yards.

This year, not so much with long runs of 30, 25 and 18 yards.
[/quote]

I've heard countless people on the radio and on this forum talk about the weapons this team boasts and while they certainly haven't been utilized properly numerous times, we've been painfully reminded that no team, regardless of the skill players, can overcome poor o-line play. And due to injuries to some, age, players playing in less effective positions and just a general lack of talent, this team's o-line hasn't played well this season.

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

Before we start worrying about Playoffs, we need to focus on the TEXANS. They have home field, and a scoring offense. I hope our secondary can hold up, because I am picturing 4-5 wides, and a no huddle all night from them. If we only score our 10-17, that may not be enough Monday.

[Jabara]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291963582' post='568979']
Again, it's a combination.

However, in regards to the player, I came across these two article on the problems the Ravens have had in [url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ravens-pass-protection-faltering.html"][b]pass protection[/b][/url] and [url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ravens-running-game-stuck-in-neutral.html"][b]running the ball[/b][/url]. These parts of the article really stood out to me.





I've heard countless people on the radio and on this forum talk about the weapons this team boasts and while they certainly haven't been utilized properly numerous times, we've been painfully reminded that no team, regardless of the skill players, can overcome poor o-line play. And due to injuries to some, age, players playing in less effective positions and just a general lack of talent, this team's o-line hasn't played well this season.
[/quote]
I heard something interesting today said by Scott Garceau on the Fan, he said he had thought that the Ravens WR's are overrated.
At first I thought, I was thinking he's out of his mind, but a few seconds later, it dawned on me, it's a fairly accurate statement.
We did our best in free agency, and that's all it is and looks like.
Boldin is great, I hope he retires a Raven.
Housh, while I like him, appears that he doesn't play like he used to play.
Maybe the business end caught up to him.
Stallworth, we've yet to really see what he's capable of, but he's been moved around a lot a basically only fills a role, and while he's been good, he's never been great.
And than Mason, which is one of the leagues most underrated players, is still battling age, and chronic injury.
He's still productive, they all are, but they aren't what they once were, they are still good players with moments of greatness left in them.
The exception may be with Boldin, he's great in my opinion, and a leader this team will need for years to come, if they do...(CBA)

But that's just the receivers, that's a small dent in the rest of the team's issues.

We'll just have to wait and see, enjoy the games, hopefully, make the playoffs and have to play 3 possible road games.
The thing that really bothered me is that we lost, to a division rival, and expected to make the playoffs, in our own house.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1291964885' post='568989']
[b]I heard something interesting today said by Scott Garceau on the Fan, he said he had thought that the Ravens WR's are overrated.
At first I thought, I was thinking he's out of his mind, but a few seconds later, it dawned on me, it's a fairly accurate statement.
We did our best in free agency, and that's all it is and looks like.
Boldin is great, I hope he retires a Raven.
Housh, while I like him, appears that he doesn't play like he used to play.
Maybe the business end caught up to him.
Stallworth, we've yet to really see what he's capable of, but he's been moved around a lot a basically only fills a role, and while he's been good, he's never been great.
And than Mason, which is one of the leagues most underrated players, is still battling age, and chronic injury.
He's still productive, they all are, but they aren't what they once were, they are still good players with moments of greatness left in them.
The exception may be with Boldin, he's great in my opinion, and a leader this team will need for years to come, if they do...(CBA) [/b]

But that's just the receivers, that's a small dent in the rest of the team's issues.

We'll just have to wait and see, enjoy the games, hopefully, make the playoffs and have to play 3 possible road games.
The thing that really bothered me is that we lost, to a division rival, and expected to make the playoffs, in our own house.
[/quote]

One could argue the WRs have been overrated by the fans in that people expected their presence would immediately equate to high-flying passing game. However, all four still have a lot of ability but I've routinely seen them being used in ways that don't take advantage of their strengths.

I've listed examples countless times now and don't feel like doing it again but it's pretty clear they aren't.

[codizzle]

Yea our wr's are not overrated

[Jabara]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1291965290' post='568990']
One could argue the WRs have been overrated by the fans in that people expected their presence would immediately equate to high-flying passing game. However, [b]all four still have a lot of ability but I've routinely seen them being used in ways that don't take advantage of their strengths.[/b]

I've listed examples countless times now and don't feel like doing it again but it's pretty clear they aren't.
[/quote]
I agree, and particularly with Boldin.
He can play the simple game of football better than any CB or safety you could match him up with, so throw him the ball, let him make a play, it's what he does.
The long pass to Stallworth was something we've wanted to see since he got back.
It's a new offense and it needs time to gel, even this far into the season, and not to beat a dead horse, but it still is Joe's third year.
We saw Boldin thrown to a lot, it seems, early in the season, and it dropped off.
Maybe he's being double teamed but if Joe had more experience he might be able to take more shots at that.

I blame Cam a lot, (no pun) but it's a relationship we just don't know.
What is Cam doing with Joe?
What does Ozzie think?
What does Harbs think, and how is his relationship with Cam?

It seems to be, we don't know the answers to those questions, we think we see it as fans, but who knows what's going on...