We Haven't Seen Our Best Football.

[rlh445]

You know guys, I may get no responses to this post, but that's alright. I just wanted to say that I have this great feeling about the Ravens. I feel a great deal of hope and expectations. Honestly, I haven't felt like this since June 08, 2006, when Steve McNair came here. And it wasn't just that we finally had a proven quarterback..it was that it felt like maybe the team was actually serious for once. But, McNair just couldn't get it done. He will always be one of the greats, and I appreciate what he tried to do for the team. But now..I honestly feel as if we are going places. We finally have a franchise quarterback in Flacco. Say what you will, he not only has the right stuff, but he's USING it, unlike so many quarterbacks before him that played for this team. We have an ENORMOUSLY talented backfield. McGahee is struggling..but then we knew that when we picked him up. But nobody can question his heart..he was out there playing with one banged up knee and an eye he could barely see out of. He is the man, as far as I'm concerned. McClain? Pfft. He's also something special, and as much as he claims to not want to really 'be that guy', obviously when he's handed the rock, he pounds it in for us, as many times as we need him to. Rice is something of an anomaly, looks awesome at times, and at other times seems to be aloof. Perhaps the Boller of tailbacks? I hope not..but with three other backs to learn with and from, I think he's going to be fine. And what else can be said of Lorenzo Neal? He's done it all, seen it all, and continues to run over defenders with ease. Loved him in SD, and love him more here. Our defense is just too talented to mention name by name. All I can say is that with each new year, some smarmy sports writer claims Ray is on his last leg, and each year Ray proves him wrong - BIG TIME. Ray hasn't lost a step..he's procured and nurtured a defense around him, and in my eyes already has a Hall of Fame spot with his name on it..no question about it. When we lose Ray Lewis we lose the very heart and soul of this team. I personally hope he sticks around..as a coach, as anything..but he's the kind of player that just makes you want to hoop and holler every time he steps on the field. Special just doesn't do him justice. And not to mention our young offensive line. How spectacular have they been?? They're ONLY going to get better, and it's almost scary to think about what they're going to accomplish in this league. Damn, but they're good.

Pretty much what I'm trying to say is this. This team is destined for greatness. Every one I tell this to just scoffs in my face. 'The Ravens? Pftt...what've they done since 2000?' All of that stuff that I'm sure fellow Ravens fans are used to. The Ravens have put up consistent defensive numbers, year after year, playing their ever-loving asses off, trying to be the best they could. And now, finally, it seems as if the clouds are receding and Baltimore may just have the beginnings of a dominant team. With a determined and smart coach, a dependable and crafty staff around him, and the heart and soul of the team still beating proudly, this team is going to shake the very foundation of the NFL. Maybe not this year, maybe not even next year..but the Ravens are going to kick some serious tail in the near future. I hope everyone sticks around for it..please, don't be like the disgraceful Steelers fans. Magic is in the air my good Ravens fans. Magic. If you actually read this far, thanks. I hope you don't regard this as homerism propoganda, because it's so much more then that. It's real, palpable, actual hope. And I haven't had it in a long time for this team. Go Ravens!!

[TXRaven]

I am with you

[ravensgirlx88]

I hear ya!!! I feel VERY good about this season. Even with the loss on MNF... Honestly, Im over it. Steelers fans will be pressed on it forever but I'm sure they are forgetting we meet agian and this time its @ OUR house.. On to the Titans!!! They are another team that if we beat maybe we'd get some recognition.. Titans are 4-0 right now

[T-Sizzle55]

Joe Flacco has better stats than every QB he has played against and 3 out of 3 have been to at least 1 Pro-Bowl. According to Heap we have only used a few plays out of our extensive playbook. Plus, we haven't had a lot of plays that have used Heap or Clayton, which I'm sure we will soon. Now that we know how well Flacco can pass the rock, I think we will spread the ball to more of our weapons. Not to mention, we had 4 players out, many playing with injuries, and we still put a hurting on the Steelers for the majority of the game in their house.

I heard on the radio they might be looking at Cedric Benson, Tatum Bell, or Shawn Alexander to replace their RBs.

[Rinbee]

You know, I could not look at any sports websites on Tuesday. I was really bummed until it hit me -- Flacco made some mistakes (one big one, but who can blame him when he's getting creamed), but he showed more poise than many experienced QB's in one of the most hostile stadiums against the second(?) rated defense in the league. We lost a close one, so what? There are plenty of 10-6, 9-7 teams that get into the playoffs. OK, we got beat, but we didn't get the whooping everyone thought we would get and Flacco grew a little more. Got his first TD pass (should have been 2), led a sustained game-tying drive, and stood tough the whole way. Yeah, the "D" is gellin' again. All we need to do is get Heap more involved and we will kick some serious butt. I'm looking forward to the Titans.

[bkirha1]

If I could dye myself purple I would!

[CARavensFan]

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[nevermore621]

I agree with your thread and post above.

Except I would say this is perhaps our best team since 2000-2001, though much younger and quicker, which is why the 2006 team didn't get it done, in spite of all their hard work. And this year's depth with guys like a healthy Troy Smith, Leron McClain, Daniel Wilcox, Fabian Washington, Justin Bannan, Antwan Barnes, and the list goes on and on, as you suggested above, leaves us in good shape if the injury bug hits us.

As this team grows and matures as a TEAM, I see great things in our future, just like you.