Merged....."Go Find Another Team To Cheer For"

[rvngirl]

Sorry if this has been posted. I have no issue with his comments.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2010/12/go_find_another_team_to_cheer_for.html

[berad]

I'll post the same thing I did in the blogs, defending John from some of the more, um, misguided posters we have here...

Those fans disrespected him and this team. I'm all for it. John Harbaugh is tremendously proud of this team and so am I. Some fans aren't, though, and Harbaugh called them out, saying, "if you're not with us, you're against us". And I agree. Frankly, he doesn't need people threatening to desert the team or questioning the entire system because they lost a closely contested football game to a good team. It's ridiculous and I loved his response. Go Harbaugh! Go Ravens!

Also, not all fans are "loyal". They should sit through 5-11 and 6-10 and see how much they have to complain about. Harbaugh's success bought interest in a lot of fans and now, after one bump in the road, the bandwagon falls off? So be it. Real fans support the team through thick and thin.

You'll find that the majority of fans stand behind John Harbaugh because he knows how to win and has been tremendously successful, here. Those who oppose him and this team either do not understand professional football or are disillusioned. Most Baltimore fans are loyal but some are not.

Get 'em, John.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

I can see his point. We are a respectable organisation. If we fail to win a single game in the playoffs though, on the back of a pitiful offensive performance, he needs to at the very least review Cameron's position. That's the only problem I have with the entire franchise.

[SaVaGe]

He is doing his job and protecting his team in the spotlight, but if he isn't chewing out Cam in private then he is being foolish. The offense is clearly not playing well when it matters and that is a major issue.

[TXRaven]

Non what so ever. I am glad he said it. The Ravens busted thier butts all season. The results have not always been the best,but no one can say that the effort and heart and desire is not there. I am proudd of this team and stand behind them. That will never change. The real fans will have no problem with this. The fans that do are most likely bandwagon fans. Way to stand up for your team Harbs. I applaud you. A True Ravens fan born and raise in Baltimore living in Texas.

[heapitup247]

I have no problems. If you don't like our team, you don't have to root for them. Sometimes fans play Monday Morning QB and that would frustrate me as a coach too.

[Twistidfunk]

No problem here either.

Bottom line is the Ravens are a good team and make playoffs under harbaugh.

Once you get to the playoffs, anything is possible.

[theFRANCHISE]

It's not so much that Harbaugh's saying, "If you're not with us, you're against us." Rather, he's calling out fans who over-criticize the team. Essentially, the fans who want to nitpick about every little thing and forget that the team is still 8-4 and can still mathematically win the division and is still in a great position to make the playoffs. They're the fans that love the team when it's excelling, but then still find that [i]one[/i] little blemish that they think needs to be rectified, that the coaches [i]already[/i] know needs to be rectified.

Harbaugh's comments prior to that statement also seem to reflect that he's open to criticism and welcomes fans getting emotional, but he's tired of the knee-jerk reactions and the over-analysis of things that the coaches are already harping over in private. He also is sick of hearing fans question the team's heart and question the amount of work the entire organization puts in, because this is their livelihood and we are merely spectators.

I love it when Harbaugh makes comments like this to give people a dose of reality.

[loveravensfootball]

It was also said after someone questioned why our DL coach hadn't been fired yet. Harbaugh responded by defending his coaches and team. I see no problem with that.

[Rob H]

What specifically did the fans do? I'm very critical of the Ravens, its in my nature. If anything, I'm much MORE critical of the Ravens b/c of how much I care. I don't think being critical warrants this response... although it depends on the level of respect in which the criticism was delivered.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Rob H' timestamp='1291844551' post='567402']
What specifically did the fans do? I'm very critical of the Ravens, its in my nature. If anything, I'm much MORE critical of the Ravens b/c of how much I care. I don't think being critical warrants this response... although it depends on the level of respect in which the criticism was delivered.
[/quote]
I didn't hear the soundbyte of the fan's question, I only heard Harbaugh, but from what I've read, the fan was being aggressive and a little callous and Harbaugh got defensive. Also, I can understand why Harbaugh would get mad in being asked if a coach is to be fired: this is a co-worker of his and a man who also has a family to look after, so for someone to ask him to make a public comment on a decision that would affect another man's livelihood, that's just asking to deliver a public flogging that is unnecessary and unwarranted. It's like a random guy asking your boss if he'll be firing you anytime soon in front of other co-workers.

[AwakenTheDemon]

There's going to be those who jump to their conclusions that Harbs is disrespecting fans, but Berad hit the nail on the head. It was a tough loss, but if you've been a fan of Baltimore for more than two seasons, let's face it, you've grown accustomed to tough losses. However, ever since Harbaugh and Flacco came to Baltimore, the team has improved more and more, and became much more successful. Going 8-4 and being first in the division for the majority of the season this far, as well as being on the cusp of our third consecutive trip to the post season, there's very little to [i]not[/i] be proud of on this team.

As much as the team's themselves struggle, I think fans of every team can learn a lesson from the fans of teams like the Browns, Bills, and Lions. Even despite losing season after losing season, and not finding much (if any) success, their fans stand by their team. They might not always be happy with their team, the decisions they make, and their performance in games, but they always stand by their team. That's loyalty.

[heapitup247]

[quote name='Rob H' timestamp='1291844551' post='567402']
What specifically did the fans do? I'm very critical of the Ravens, its in my nature. If anything, I'm much MORE critical of the Ravens b/c of how much I care. I don't think being critical warrants this response... although it depends on the level of respect in which the criticism was delivered.
[/quote]

So Harbaugh just has to take it? Why? He works hard, he doesn't deserve unfair criticism from fans when he has done nothing but win since he got here.

[Ravenmore74]

I'm pretty happy with this team most of the time. The only issue I have, is that if steelers have a gazillion people on the line( defense). They were obviously ready to Blitz, someone should have picked up on that. Having a couple extra blockers would of helped. It's not like we haven't done this in the past to defend against the Blitz..

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Ravenmore74' timestamp='1291845079' post='567414']
I'm pretty happy with this team most of the time. The only issue I have, is that if steelers have a gazillion people on the line( defense). They were obviously ready to Blitz, someone should have picked up on that. Having a couple extra blockers would of helped. It's not like we haven't done this in the past to defend against the Blitz..
[/quote]
No, it's never always so obvious; you should know better as a Ravens fan that defenses disguise all-out blitzes all the time by crowding the line...

[Rob H]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1291844785' post='567407']
I didn't hear the soundbyte of the fan's question, I only heard Harbaugh, but from what I've read, the fan was being aggressive and a little callous and Harbaugh got defensive. Also, I can understand why Harbaugh would get mad in being asked if a coach is to be fired: this is a co-worker of his and a man who also has a family to look after, so for someone to ask him to make a public comment on a decision that would affect another man's livelihood, that's just asking to deliver a public flogging that is unnecessary and unwarranted. It's like a random guy asking your boss if he'll be firing you anytime soon in front of other co-workers.
[/quote]

Ah. That makes sense - and I totally agree. While sometimes I get frustrated by the Ravens, I probably get more frustrated by the fans finger-pointing and demanding that some sort of scapegoat be publicly crucified after every loss.

Either way you slice it, I like Harbaugh's reaction. It's not his job to make the fans feel warm and fuzzy every minute of every day. It's his job to keep the trust and unity of his team (which I think he does incredibly well). The vigor with which he stands up for all the players and coaches on his team shows how much he cares, and is not a small part of why the Ravens play like, well, the Ravens.

And when the Ravens make a playoff run, everybody will feel warm and fuzzy anyway... then who cares.

[Rob H]

[quote name='heapitup247' timestamp='1291845013' post='567413']
So Harbaugh just has to take it? Why? He works hard, he doesn't deserve unfair criticism from fans when he has done nothing but win since he got here.
[/quote]

I never said he had to take it, I was just trying to understand the context of the situation better. Thanks for the question.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='Rob H' timestamp='1291845256' post='567418']
Ah. That makes sense - and I totally agree. While sometimes I get frustrated by the Ravens, I probably get more frustrated by the fans finger-pointing and demanding that some sort of scapegoat be publicly crucified after every loss.

Either way you slice it, I like Harbaugh's reaction. It's not his job to make the fans feel warm and fuzzy every minute of every day. It's his job to keep the trust and unity of his team (which I think he does incredibly well). The vigor with which he stands up for all the players and coaches on his team shows how much he cares, and is not a small part of why the Ravens play like, well, the Ravens.
[b]
And when the Ravens make a playoff run, everybody will feel warm and fuzzy anyway... then who cares.[/b]
[/quote]

And it'll all come out again if the Ravens don't make the Super Bowl.

[plesiosaur]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1291844785' post='567407']
I didn't hear the soundbyte of the fan's question, I only heard Harbaugh, but from what I've read, the fan was being aggressive and a little callous and Harbaugh got defensive. Also, I can understand why Harbaugh would get mad in being asked if a coach is to be fired: this is a co-worker of his [b]and a man who also has a family to look after[/b], so for someone to ask him to make a public comment on a decision that would affect another man's livelihood, that's just asking to deliver a public flogging that is unnecessary and unwarranted. It's like a random guy asking your boss if he'll be firing you anytime soon in front of other co-workers.
[/quote]

Yeah, he has kids!

Good for Harbaugh sticking up for the team.

[bpytnjr58]

I do not think fans are "jumping ship".Baltimore is very fortunate to have a team back and it is a class organization but fans are entitled to an opinion, after all the fans buy the tickets and the merchandise. A lot of fans are unhappy with the offense and now the players a voicing their concern. Harbaugh is taking up for his team as he should.

[UMDan]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1291844179' post='567391']
I'll post the same thing I did in the blogs, defending John from some of the more, um, misguided posters we have here...

Those fans disrespected him and this team. I'm all for it. John Harbaugh is tremendously proud of this team and so am I. Some fans aren't, though, and Harbaugh called them out, saying, "if you're not with us, you're against us". And I agree. Frankly, he doesn't need people threatening to desert the team or questioning the entire system because they lost a closely contested football game to a good team. It's ridiculous and I loved his response. Go Harbaugh! Go Ravens!

Also, not all fans are "loyal". They should sit through 5-11 and 6-10 and see how much they have to complain about. Harbaugh's success bought interest in a lot of fans and now, after one bump in the road, the bandwagon falls off? So be it. Real fans support the team through thick and thin.

You'll find that the majority of fans stand behind John Harbaugh because he knows how to win and has been tremendously successful, here. Those who oppose him and this team either do not understand professional football or are disillusioned. Most Baltimore fans are loyal but some are not.

Get 'em, John.
[/quote]

Well said.

I really like Harbaugh and it's quite an accomplishment for a head coach to take a team to a playoffs his first two years, with a rookie QB, I might add. We still have a terrific shot and I believe it would be a franchise record to go to three playoffs in a row, which is certainly looking likely considering the position we are in.

I agree with everything John has to say. I do not question his decisions because ultimately he is qualified to make them. I hope he continues to coach this team for many years, I have no doubt he can take us to a Superbowl, and win it.

[Alexir]

My problem with this is that he got too defensive and is probably going to avoid the problems that fans are concerned about. Yeah we have a winning record and have been to the playoffs under both years he has been coach, but he needs to realize something: It's a business and you have to keep the fans happy. This doesn't necessarily mean catering to their wants and getting Randy Moss or Josh McDainels or whatever else they think the team needs, it means to stop being a smart@## and act like a child. I've seen this several times on his show and during press conferences. A simple "Yeah, that's something we are working on" goes a lot more than "if you aren't proud of this team, go root for someone else".

I find it kind of arrogant. Our fans want the best for our team and out of the 3 losses, we had huge chances to win them all had our offense (pittsburgh and Cinci) stepped up and Defense stepped up (N. England). No one is saying we should of been undefeated through those games but we would have a better shot if Harbaugh knew how to make adjustments whether its during a game or through personnel changes.

I don't appreciate John saying "go root for another team" when I've been a fan since the arrival of this team back when he was an eagles coach. The team is just as important to me, a fan, as it is to him. Don't have a radio show if you don't wanna talk to fans! And if you don't wanna get rid of your "spotlight" time , than maybe you should make adjustments like the other Elite coaches out there.

EDIT: Also, If anything, everyone is proud of our team. I know I am. Most of my posts are actually about the coaching staff. So yeah, Im not proud of my coaching staff, the players I support just fine.

[JO_75]

I agree with Harbs. He has been the right choice for Head Coach since day 1, which we can thank Andy Reid for recommending John as HC to us and he has had nothing but success. Plus the fans who criticize this team don't realize that it's a rarity in Steelers/Ravens games that Sweeps occur. In 2006, we did it and the Steelers swept us in 2008. The way both teams are in getting better each year, 2008 might be the last sweep in the Ravens/Steelers rivalry for a long time. The best we can hope for along with Steelers fans is a split, Steelers win in Pittsburgh, Ravens win in Baltimore, or in this case Ravens win in Pittsburgh, Steelers win in Baltimore. I don't expect to sweep the Steelers every year, in fact every time the schedule comes out I automatically give us 1 loss to Pittsburgh with a split between both games.

Plus we have made the Playoffs each year under Harbs... and with us pretty much a dead lock for a wild card spot this year can any other Ravens Head Coach say they took their team to the playoffs 3 years in a row? No only Harbs can. That's pretty much all we can ask for, is a shot to go to the Super Bowl. We may not make it to the Super Bowl, but at least we can say we had a shot at doing so. If those disgruntled "fans" want a team who has a shot at the playoffs every year, go jump on the Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys and any other teams band wagon we won't miss you.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1291846425' post='567453']
My problem with this is that he got too defensive and is probably going to avoid the problems that fans are concerned about. Yeah we have a winning record and have been to the playoffs under both years he has been coach, but he needs to realize something: It's a business and you have to keep the fans happy. This doesn't necessarily mean catering to their wants and getting Randy Moss or Josh McDainels or whatever else they think the team needs, it means to stop being a smart@## and act like a child. I've seen this several times on his show and during press conferences. A simple "Yeah, that's something we are working on" goes a lot more than "if you aren't proud of this team, go root for someone else".

I find it kind of arrogant. Our fans want the best for our team and out of the 3 losses, we had huge chances to win them all had our offense (pittsburgh and Cinci) stepped up and Defense stepped up (N. England). No one is saying we should of been undefeated through those games but we would have a better shot if Harbaugh knew how to make adjustments whether its during a game or through personnel changes.

I don't appreciate John saying "go root for another team" when I've been a fan since the arrival of this team back when he was an eagles coach. The team is just as important to me, a fan, as it is to him. Don't have a radio show if you don't wanna talk to fans! And if you don't wanna get rid of your "spotlight" time , than maybe you should make adjustments like the other Elite coaches out there.

EDIT: Also, If anything, everyone is proud of our team. I know I am. Most of my posts are actually about the coaching staff. So yeah, Im not proud of my coaching staff, the players I support just fine.
[/quote]
John Harbaugh's job is to coach and put the team in the best position to win; his job isn't to make the fans happy, that's the players' job, and they fulfill it by performing. Also, Harbaugh's bluntness in making those comments was something that fans have wanted from him for awhile; he's already done plenty of interviews with safe, filler answers.

As for his radio show, that's a contractual obligation by the team's partnership with 98Rock and WBAL; same goes for other coaches' shows and most players' shows, as each team usually has an agreement that they must provide a certain number of hours worth of exclusive content per week, and a player/coach-hosted talk show helps meet that quota.

Harbaugh is not attacking the entire fanbase, he is attacking the fans that nitpick about every single thing.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1291846864' post='567467']
I agree with Harbs. He has been the right choice for Head Coach since day 1, which we can thank Andy Reid for recommending John as HC to us and he has had nothing but success.
[/quote]
Don't forget, Bill Belichick made an unsolicited recommendation via telephone to Steve Bisciotti, as well. For a coach of Belichick's stature (a coach on another team, no less) to give his endorsement without even being prompted, that speaks to the level of respect that Harbaugh had garnered in league circles prior to his hiring.

[Raven146]

I don't care who the person was that he was responding to, he directed the comment to all the fans, those of us that have been filling that stadium since before he was even considered as a coach.
He was wrong in his statement, As a professional, as a man who makes his living off those fans, he was wrong.
To tell us the fans to go find another team to cheer for, I have a news flash for him , it was our TEAM before he was ever a part of it. The big difference is we pay for the opportunity and he is paid for it.

If the man worked for me he would be looking for another job before his head hit the pillow tonight , contract or not.

[PROV1220]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1291844179' post='567391']
I'll post the same thing I did in the blogs, defending John from some of the more, um, misguided posters we have here...

Those fans disrespected him and this team. I'm all for it. John Harbaugh is tremendously proud of this team and so am I. Some fans aren't, though, and Harbaugh called them out, saying, "if you're not with us, you're against us". And I agree. Frankly, he doesn't need people threatening to desert the team or questioning the entire system because they lost a closely contested football game to a good team. It's ridiculous and I loved his response. Go Harbaugh! Go Ravens!

Also, not all fans are "loyal". They should sit through 5-11 and 6-10 and see how much they have to complain about. Harbaugh's success bought interest in a lot of fans and now, after one bump in the road, the bandwagon falls off? So be it. Real fans support the team through thick and thin.

You'll find that the majority of fans stand behind John Harbaugh because he knows how to win and has been tremendously successful, here. Those who oppose him and this team either do not understand professional football or are disillusioned. Most Baltimore fans are loyal but some are not.

Get 'em, John.
[/quote]

No problems here... I've always loved our coaching staff, Been a Ravens Fan my whole life speaking as how I grew up in Baltimore (I'm only 18 so when I was growing up it was really the only team I watched every sunday/monday) and even through the bad seasons and bad games I will always love the Ravens.... Anyone who can't stick through the Bad times do not deserve to be here during the Good ones.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Raven146' timestamp='1291847822' post='567496']
I don't care who the person was that he was responding to, he directed the comment to all the fans, those of us that have been filling that stadium since before he was even considered as a coach.
He was wrong in his statement, As a professional, as a man who makes his living off those fans, he was wrong.
To tell us the fans to go find another team to cheer for, I have a news flash for him , it was our TEAM before he was ever a part of it. The big difference is we pay for the opportunity and he is paid for it.

If the man worked for me he would be looking for another job before his head hit the pillow tonight , contract or not.
[/quote]
How did he direct the comment to all the fans if it was in direct response to the ones who gave the team pointed criticism prior to his making the statement?

[True]

I disagree with the "I'm proud of this offense" when they're averaging less points than last year. I would rather hear him say "We're going to improve and work harder on offense"

Otherwise, I don't really care about this or his press conferences. Bill Belichick is as boring as watching paint dry when it comes to his press conferences. Just make the adjustments and win.

[ravensgirl20]

Good for him!! I'm sorry, but we were in control of a lot of the last game. I wish we would have put some more points up and yeah I'm sad it ended the way it did. However, we didn't pull a jets! I would have understood a reaction to a loss like that. This is a team that is playoff bound again. We have a team that plays its heart and soul out week after week. I'm proud this is my team.