Ravens - Thank You For An Amazing Season

[stormie]

[size=5][font=comic sans ms,cursive]I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of all of you and how much I loved this season. There are so many moments that will forever be in my mind.[/font][/size]

[size=5][font=comic sans ms,cursive]And I WANT you to know that I am proud of you and can't wait for next season![/font][/size]

[arnoldravens]

I will second that- thanks Ravens, you guys were fun to watch this year.

It's easy to get lost in the details- stripped pass, missed kick, bla bla bla. But looking at the big picture, it's hard to ignore the impact the Ravens have around Maryland. One can hardly go anywhere around the state without seeing some sort of Ravens symbol somewhere. I was at my son's basketball tournament a couple weeks ago, and more than half of the teams (including my son's) have purple as their colors, and Ravens coats/hats/etc. were everywhere. Even Ravens basketballs- now that's a good trick(not so good for the Wizards).

The Ravens are a great positive point for the greater Maryland community to rally around. The tone that Biscotti and Harbaugh set for the team is one of respect and consideration that carries to the fans, especially the younger ones. It is good to see. I remember going to Colts games with my brother, father, and grandfather, and being proud to watch. But more importantly coming together with my family as a kid just to cheer and have fun has lasting impact in ways that are hard to quantify. And getting to repeat this with my kids and father together as fans is a real luxury. Just wanted to take a moment to say thanks to the Ravens for this- your positive influence reaches further than often is readily apparent.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='stormie' timestamp='1327325476' post='968205']
[size=5][font=comic sans ms,cursive]I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of all of you and how much I loved this season. There are so many moments that will forever be in my mind.[/font][/size]

[size=5][font=comic sans ms,cursive]And I WANT you to know that I am proud of you and can't wait for next season![/font][/size]
[/quote]


I'm proud and thankful as well, but feel empty and emotionally spent, and I'm sure the entire organization feels the same way.

I don't buy into the window closing with OUR squad, but our division will be much tougher next year. Another sweep may be a pipe dream.

[Rivera]

Thanks Baltimore Ravens, I'll always be proud to be a Raven because no one in this team get away from a fight

[TDubbs]

Excellent Season, I enjoyed every moment of it through the highs and lows. We swept the Steelers and shut all their fans up. We won the Thanksgiving Harbowl in a classic throwback game. Our rookies all look promising. We have finally drafted a stud receiver who is only going to get better. Jimmy Smith once he started to get playing time showed his shutdown big play potential. Hey, we lost to one of the best QBs of all time in the AFC Championship, there is nothing to be ashamed of in that. SIZZLE FOR DPOY!!

[Sizzlebshu]

I can't tell you how much of a pleasure it has been to watch this team grow this season. You started the season out by giving the fans something they were dying to see, a crushing victory over the Steelers. Honestly, I thought that would be the best win of the season, but as the season went on you continued to prove me wrong. The win over the cardinals was a great comeback victory. It showed that you can never count us out.

The game that was the most special this season to me though was the second victory over the Steelers. This team showed that it had grown in every aspect for the better. You guys went into the lion's den and were tried by fire and your support in each other brought you through and caused you to grow as players and take it to the next level.

What can i say about you Flacco? When everyone said you couldn't, you did. When pitt scored that touchdown, I didn't give up hope that you would bring us back, but I will admit I was worried and that I did not want the game to come down to you driving the whole field in 2 mins. That would be hard for any qb to do, let alone at pitt. There is no qb I would have bet to do that, not peyton, not brady, not brees, not rodgers, not tebow, not eli, no one. But you did it. You took this team 92 yards into the end zone to win the game. You silenced a stadium with that drive. You have no idea how much the meant to us fans. Honestly, idc if people disagree with me, but that was the single greatest game in the history of our franchise. It wasn't the best offensive game I have ever seen from you though, because you continued to improve, and so did Cam's playcalling, and showed it in that last game against the pats. If you do that more, I have no doubt you will become one of this league's best qbs and will be right up their with Brees, and Rodgers. I don't think I have ever been more emotionally invested in a game, than that game against the Steelers. You showed how much trust and faith you had in your teammates especially Torrey, who you went back to even when he dropped an easy catch that would of won us the game before hand. You went back to him and trusted him, and I was glad to see that your faith in him was rewarded. Make no mistake though, faith like that should always be rewarded. You were reminiscent of Aaron Rodgers in the Superbowl last year. You trusted your receiver even when he let you down, and he didn't let you down again. That is a quality of an elite qb and what will make you one eventually. I know you take a lot criticism at the head of idiots for no other reason than you play for this team, and I'm sorry for that. I apologize for the fans who wanted you gone and didnt hold faith in you. Just know that doesn't represent all of us, and that the rest of us hope you stay because you are a Raven, and we want you to stay one for the rest of your career.

Torrey Smith - Man what a rookie season you've had. I can't believe this is the same Torrey Smith that everyone said was garbage in pre-season. The one that easy passes and many claimed we should cut and start doss/williams over. The same Torrey, that was thrown into starting in the nfl quickly because a vet went down to injury. Well Torrey, I'm glad to say no one is thinking or saying that about you now. I think you've found that many fans in Baltimore are used to success and our rookies contributing right out of the gate and are fickle and shallow when they don't succeed immediately. I've watched you grow since we drafted you. From the drops in preseason, to the game winning catch against Pittsburgh. Torrey when you made that catch, you lifted a fan base from the pure despair of defeat to celebrations of victory. No one could believe it. No one could believe that the same person who dropped an easy catch for the win, was the same one that made the game winner a few plays later on a harder catch. You have no idea how much that catch meant to us and what a pleasure it was to watch you grow up this season. Ever since you made that catch, you've never looked back. You grew into full nfl ready receiver and I am glad you are a Raven. We have been waiting forever for a guy like you and you are only going to get better. Keep growing and thank you for trusting in yourself because if you hadn't, I don't think you would have made that catch. Thank for believing in yourself and I hope that this off-season gives you time to develop into a threat and force to be reckoned with when a team plays baltimore's offense.

Cundiff- Forget these idiots here blaming you guys for the loss. Cundiff you played like a Raven all season. When we signed you we knew that you weren't accurate from beyond 50, and while I hope you fix that, these idiots who complained about it all season should probably jump off a bridge since they weren't complaining about it when you made the Pro-bowl last year. Yes you shanked a very important kick. I can't imagine how you must feel or the pressure you were under. It shouldn't have been that way. However, I know normally you make that kick every time, and I know in the future you wont let it happen again. One bad kick shouldn't define a kicker, because you have made some clutch ones for us like that 51 yarder in the second game against Pitt that eventually was the difference in the game causing us to win. Its funny how easily people forget about that, but I didn't. I know you'll return to Pro-bowl form next year, because this team means something to you. I know you won't let it happen again and come back stronger and more accurate next year.

Evans- Man Lee, you have no idea how excited I was to get you in the off season. When we got you I said, "This is gonna be the guy that makes a difference in our offense. He will give us a dimension in the offense we never had before." And you know what, I was right. that first game against Pittsburgh, when you were able to stretch the D and keep it honest we dominated. Unfortunately, then you got hurt. You didn't come back strong either until that last game against the pats. It took that long for you to get back in shape and to develop chemistry with Flacco. I mean you were the guy moving the chains for us. I thought to myself during the game, this is the Lee Evans I have been waiting for. He is finally making the impact I thought he would. Boy was I happy to see that the guy that everyone thought was a mistake when you got injured was finally proving himself and showing " Hey, I'm still here. I can, want, and am going to make difference on this team." That made me very happy to see because I supported you even in buffalo. I was happy to see a guy with so much talent finally using it and helping the team get to the Superbowl. And then, that happened. The catch in the endzone was ruled incomplete. Lee, let me tell you something, you made that catch. It wasn't pretty or textbook, but it was a catch. They took it away from you and the team by not reviewing it. However that being said, if you had held on or went to the grown they would not have been able to take it from you. I'm sorry that they did though. I'm sorry that you are taking heat for it, but I hope you stick around and restructure your contract. I hope you get another shot to show these guys that you are an elite talent who can benefit this team tremendously.

This team was special this year, and I am so proud of them and what they had done. Not just because of how far they went, but because of how well they played, and grew together as a team. The 2011-2012 Ravens were a special team. Don't let anyone take that from you. Not those idiots on Espn, Not Bayless, not anyone. I hate that this team never gets any respect in the media. Its not fair and it hurts to watch that. Its not fair that even some of the fans here give some of you no respect. I hope you ignore every message on these boards, because opinions here on anything about this team change from week to week, and that isn't fair to you guys. I know how it feels to have talent succeed and not get respect, and then mess up one time, just one time and everyone uses it to vindicate their shallow opinions. It hurts, and I know this loss hurts now, but you know as well as I do that it is going to make you guys stronger. I know that not everyone is gonna be there next year, and that makes me sad, but no one can take away how well you guys played and how special this team was.I am sure that whoever leaves will be signed immediately and perform on a high level wherever they go. Please know that while you may not have the respect of the world, but you have mine and others who have stood by you guys throughout the season. Thank You for such a spectacular season, and I know that next season you will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

[dirtybird10]

Agreed! Excellent season, just a foot away from the super bowl! Not many teams can say that. Plus we have alot to look forward to in years to come. A lot of young talent that will continue to grow, Flacco to Smith, Dickson, and Pitta's growing relationship. Lots to look to next year for. Here is to an even better season next year.

[flynismo]

I hope that the site admin can somehow relay this thread to the team, so that they can see that we give them so much hell only because we know exactly who they are and expect so much from them. And through the highs and lows, we love them no matter what.

We failed to reach our goal, but playing the way we did in front of the nation when nobody gave us a chance makes me incredibly PROUD of every one of these guys. We showed the heart that only a Raven could. If these men were alive in another era, they would be in an arena, spilling blood, because that is what warriors did then.

We can hold our heads high knowing that we are the best of the best, and no scoreboard will ever convince me otherwise.

[Militant X 1]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1327592273' post='974550']
[u][b]I hope that the site admin can somehow relay this thread to the team, so that they can see that we give them so much hell only because we know exactly who they are and expect so much from them. And through the highs and lows, we love them no matter what.[/b][/u]

We failed to reach our goal, but playing the way we did in front of the nation when nobody gave us a chance makes me incredibly PROUD of every one of these guys. We showed the heart that only a Raven could. If these men were alive in another era, they would be in an arena, spilling blood, because that is what warriors did then.

We can hold our heads high knowing that we are the best of the best, and no scoreboard will ever convince me otherwise.
[/quote]

i agree!

our Ravens have done me proud this season. even in the midst of all of the ups and downs and a few disappointing losses and poor-peerformances...the Ravens are my team! we win together and we lose together! have a wonderful offseason guys. rest and heal up...enjoy your families and come back next season ready to actually "make" and "win" the Super Bowl. we have unfinished business to take care of. so, Ravens on 3....1, 2, 3....

RAVENSSSSSSSSS!!!!

~Mili

[gotekiraven]

Considering that there are a lot of teams in the NFL that hasn't been to the playoffs in the five years or longer, I am thankful for the organization we have. Hell, we have a baseball team that hasn't even played .500 baseball in 15 years. Yeah the loss hurts, but the Ravens was a superbowl quality team. Hopefully next season will be the year to make it.

[PurpleDrink]

........Dont think you all understand with Chuck leaveing,maybe some good defensive players as well and Cam staying that if the Defence falls off just a little we could become a 9-7 team. The truth is our Offence is a poor low scoreing OF and with Cam we all know what where going to get with this guy....just doesnt look good, but if you people want to thank them for not fixing the offensive problems they know they been haveing for the last 4years because the HC and OC are buddys...be my guest.

[Moderator 2]

I passed this on to Admin 1 and it is refreshing to read. This past season was a nail biting blast for this fan,

[Moderator 3]

Winning every home game was an absolute thrill for me. Anyone who's ever been there for an ugly home loss can tell you how miserable it is. Putting up with visiting fans celebrating (and taunting) in your own house is just horrible. Sweeping the division was pretty darn awesome, too.

[berad]

Those two Steeler games were about as good as it gets as a Ravens fan - so much emotion in those games, such epic wins.

[RavenAllDay]

Thank you Ravens for an AMAZING season. Stay hungry and let's go all the way next season

[ravensdfan]

I was so proud of these guys after that Pats game. They played their hearts out on that field. No one gave them a chance and they showed why they are the cream of the AFC crop, year after year.

We'll get our shot next season. Our youngsters will have another year under their belt and that playoff taste still lingering. We will be ready.

[Jamal]

As long as Cam is still here, I'm going to have trouble saying thank you.

But I'll thank the players nonetheless.

[Grapple Raven]

I can't quite put a finger on it, but there was something uniquely special about this team this year, a spirit that just captured your soul, drew you in and dared you to follow. You couldn't bear to look away because you knew if you did you would miss something spectacular.

Whether it was passing out turkeys and feeding the needy, a war veteran's empassioned tale to the team, spending karoke time with veteran's, the fly-over as the flag unfurled on 9-11, the "O's", playing Santa, squeeling kids at a Play 60 event, an amazing young football player sharing a moment with his hero, Purple Friday pride, interceptions, comeback games, the 12th man roar on a touchdown, a flooded practice field, an undefeated home record, an undefeated AFC North Championship, a 12-4 season winning record, Gatorade baths, stunning and silencing an entire Steeler stadium, the Harbagh Bowl, the ringing of the Seven Nation Army chant in your ears, the Seattle trick play and a Brown's offsides draw to win, fireworks, pressers, a game ball to the fans, and the proverbial "the hay's in the barn"...you just couldn't bear not to watch every moment...I watched, and I am the better for it.

One heart, one mind, one spirit! Congratulations on an amazing, "historic" season. Thank you, I couldn't be more proud to be a Baltimore Ravens fan. [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/minioiseau1.gif[/img]

[Alexir]

While I appreciate going to the playoffs, I can't call this an amazing season. We were inconsistent, we choked at times, we didn't show up at times. No one is getting fired it seems and we will be returning pretty much the same team.

It was amazing sweeping the division, it hurt losing to under .500 teams on the road, it hurt blowing the number 1 seed and it hurts we arent playing the Giants next week.

Individually we saw guys like torrey smith, lardarius webb, pernell mcphee, paul kruger, dennis pitta and jimmy smith flash their talent, and it was great to watch them play and it excites me for next season, but this was far from an amazing season with the teams we played and opportunities we blew.

[IMissMattStover]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1327670232' post='975534']While I appreciate going to the playoffs, I can't call this an amazing season. We were inconsistent, we choked at times, we didn't show up at times. No one is getting fired it seems and we will be returning pretty much the same team. It was amazing sweeping the division, it hurt losing to under .500 teams on the road, it hurt blowing the number 1 seed and it hurts we arent playing the Giants next week. Individually we saw guys like torrey smith, lardarius webb, pernell mcphee, paul kruger, dennis pitta and jimmy smith flash their talent, and it was great to watch them play and it excites me for next season, but this was far from an amazing season with the teams we played and opportunities we blew.[/quote]

Is nothing good enough for you? All you do is bash the team regardless of successes. I have a feeling that even an SB win wouldnt be enough for you. Then it would be, "well, we should have won 2 years in a row."

[Alexir]

[quote name='IMissMattStover' timestamp='1327674459' post='975562']

Is nothing good enough for you? All you do is bash the team regardless of successes. I have a feeling that even an SB win wouldnt be enough for you. Then it would be, "well, we should have won 2 years in a row."
[/quote]
When have I bashed this team? Who are you again? I don't even know who you are.....

[arnoldravens]

The un-ending critics.
Lordy, count your blessings. One game away from the big dance, with the fine edge of skill that is required to win some of these razor close games. We are talking about fractions of an inch, reaction times of tenths or hundredths of a second that make the difference between a win and a loss.

How can a real fan not respect the dedication, development of skill, and talent that is required to subsist in a field of endeavor that requires such un-ending pursuit of excellence?

Some folks can't see the forest from the trees. To the critics who can't step back and honor what the fellas acheived this year, a hearty <[i]to heck with[/i]> you.

[Alexir]

[quote name='arnoldravens' timestamp='1327675203' post='975581']
The un-ending critics.
Lordy, count your blessings. One game away from the big dance, with the fine edge of skill that is required to win some of these razor close games. We are talking about fractions of an inch, reaction times of tenths or hundredths of a second that make the difference between a win and a loss.

How can a real fan not respect the dedication, development of skill, and talent that is required to subsist in a field of endeavor that requires such un-ending pursuit of excellence?

Some folks can't see the forest from the trees. To the critics who can't step back and honor what the fellas acheived this year, a hearty "piss off" to you.
[/quote]
Not a good way to start off your membership to the forums...

[arnoldravens]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1327675490' post='975584']
Not a good way to start off your membership to the forums...
[/quote]

oh bugger off.

[Alexir]

With the expectations we had going into this season, I cannot say it was amazing.

We did accomplish come amazing things however, such as winning division, sweeping division, getting a first round bye, 8-0 in playoffs and seeing a duo of young cornerbacks become one of the best tandems in the league.

We also saw the same inconsistency on offense, losing 4 road games to sub .500 teams, and throwing a game away against the Patriots when their best player left injured and we have a +2 turnover ratio and controlling the clock.

It was a good season, not amazing. With Cam coming back, I just don't see us getting better on that side of the ball and it will be the same song about the Defense carrying this team...

[Ravenslifer]

Ravens, thanks for a great season, getting a bye week and reaching another AFCCG.

Cam, you're lucky you and Harbs are so close. That's all I can say. Anyone else would have fired you by now.

[IMissMattStover]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1327674785' post='975569']
When have I bashed this team? Who are you again? I don't even know who you are.....
[/quote]

Why does who I am matter. You are grasping for straws to try to make sense out of your rediculous comments.

[Moderator 2]

Guys take it to PMs please or agree to disagree. Thanks

[Alexir]

[quote name='Moderator 2' timestamp='1327788240' post='978076']
Guys take it to PMs please or agree to disagree. Thanks
[/quote]
Got it. Sorry about that.

Just don't know where the allegations are coming from. Criticism and Bashing are two different things.

[Militant X 1]

i still love my Ravens!

thanks guys for the [i]great nail-biting, side-splitting, teeth-grinding, head-aching, voice-losing, hair-pulling, foot-stomping, hi-fiving, chest-bumping[/i], surprisingly amazing season that you gave we-your fans! ummm...let's do it again next season BUT this time....finish the deal!

gooooo Ravens!!!

~Mili