Looking Ahead At The AFC North

[ratedr]

I'm not terribly optimistic about next year with retaining Cam (but there are numerous other threads discussing this so I won't go into detail here) and a seemingly difficult schedule. However, the rest of the division has that same difficult schedule (and we actually got a bit lucky that one of our "away" games is actually just 40 minutes away), and what matters before anything else is winning the division.

What are our chances to win the division next year?

I actually think they're still pretty good. You can never sleep on Pitt, but their cap situation is very tricky, and they're older on defense than we are despite what the media says. Steelers fans hated Arians, but Ben actually liked him, and I actually thought they had a pretty good passing attack - they just lacked a good OL. I honestly think we could sweep them again, because the way our team is built now matches up very well against them.

The Browns aren't going to be a huge threat, but they have a decent defense. And with Childress as the OC, they'll likely improve on the other side of the ball. We're 8-0 against them in the Flacco era, but no streak lasts forever. That said, I think it'll continue next year.

The Bengals are the biggest wildcard. The defense kind of unraveled towards the end of the season, but they'll likely improve next year, especially with those draft picks they got for the Palmer trade. Despite the hype I'm actually not completely sold on Andy Dalton - I think AJ Green is a bigger factor (a huge part of the reason they lost vs. Houston was because Dalton just kept forcing balls to Green all day). But they have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to be a threat.

I don't think we sweep the division again, but I honestly don't see us going any worse than 4-2 (my prediction is 5-1, with a loss @Cincinnati). I think 10-6 will be enough to win the division this year with the schedule, and I think we can do that.

[Alexir]

We will have to fight hard to win the division next year.

Cinci and Cleveland could be legit contenders, especially Cinci. If Jay works with Dalton and gets AJ and Gresham going full speed, they could be a huge threat. Steelers are always a threat. Browns will be if they get RG3. Let's hope the Skins trade up for him because I don't like the idea of the Browns getting him and picking again in the 20's. Stupid Falcons...also stupid Raiders for giving Bengals extra 1st rounder this year. If they have a good draft, we could be in trouble.

But it will be a nice competitive division next year. As Much as I love beating the Browns, I would like to have some well fought battles in the division.

[ratedr]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1327788033' post='978073']
We will have to fight hard to win the division next year.

Cinci and Cleveland could be legit contenders, especially Cinci. If Jay works with Dalton and gets AJ and Gresham going full speed, they could be a huge threat. Steelers are always a threat. Browns will be if they get RG3. Let's hope the Skins trade up for him because I don't like the idea of the Browns getting him and picking again in the 20's. Stupid Falcons...also stupid Raiders for giving Bengals extra 1st rounder this year. If they have a good draft, we could be in trouble.

But it will be a nice competitive division next year. As Much as I love beating the Browns, I would like to have some well fought battles in the division.
[/quote]Oh yeah, I forgot about that horrible trade for Julio Jones. I do not think the Browns will contend because they don't have a QB (I think Washington will get RG3), but they could steal a win from us if we're not careful.

[Jamal]

Pretty irrelevant to have this discussion right now.

We still have the draft and FA before we even get a clue about how these teams will look next year.

[Gordo52]

Depending on who drafts who and who resigns with who will influence alot.
But I put trust in Ozzie that we'll remain a playoff team for a loooonnggg time.
Whether its division or wild card.

[PeRK82]

We are screwed next yr, straight up. Its the truth.


Look at what the STEALERS are doing, they are rebuilding. So maybe they wont be a threat next season but they will be after that. Who know they might be deadly this season. They got smart and got rid of their O.C

Now for the BENGALS = What can i say, they are going to be a monster next yr. Look at what they did this passed season.

EVEN the BROWNS= They got smart and picked up BRAD CHILDRESS , Which im fuming from because i thought we were going to get him.

This was our YR to win the SB, EVERYTHING, i mean EVERYTHING was lined up for us to go and win. I really do believe that window is closed. Especially when we are not doing anything on the offensive side to correct the crap we did this passed season, let alone the seasons before that.

I HAVE NO , I MEAN NOT AN OUNCE OF EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS TEAM NEXT YR.

That doesnt mean im not going to root for them but im going to try and not get mad if our Team loses, (TRY is the key word). Because i know its the RAVENS org., the Onwers, the Coaches fault.

And not at all the FANS, we know what is wrong with this team. Heck we put this team under a mircoscope.

[sliceanddic3]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1327788941' post='978093']
We are screwed next yr, straight up. Its the truth.


Look at what the STEALERS are doing, they are rebuilding. So maybe they wont be a threat next season but they will be after that. Who know they might be deadly this season. They got smart and got rid of their O.C

Now for the BENGALS = What can i say, they are going to be a monster next yr. Look at what they did this passed season.

EVEN the BROWNS= They got smart and picked up BRAD CHILDRESS , Which im fuming from because i thought we were going to get him.

This was our YR to win the SB, EVERYTHING, i mean EVERYTHING was lined up for us to go and win. I really do believe that window is closed. Especially when we are not doing anything on the offensive side to correct the crap we did this passed season, let alone the seasons before that.

I HAVE NO , I MEAN NOT AN OUNCE OF EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS TEAM NEXT YR.

That doesnt mean im not going to root for them but im going to try and not get mad if our Team loses, (TRY is the key word). Because i know its the RAVENS org., the Onwers, the Coaches fault.

And not at all the FANS, we know what is wrong with this team. Heck we put this team under a mircoscope.
[/quote]
Hey, i thought this year was going to be a failure (two rookies at wr, D getting older, etc.) i was wrong. This teams always a contender, i can guarentee you we will be in the thick of the AFCs best again next year.

[D-Rey]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1327788941' post='978093']
We are screwed next yr, straight up. Its the truth.


Look at what the STEALERS are doing, they are rebuilding. So maybe they wont be a threat next season but they will be after that. Who know they might be deadly this season. They got smart and got rid of their O.C

Now for the BENGALS = What can i say, they are going to be a monster next yr. Look at what they did this passed season.

EVEN the BROWNS= They got smart and picked up BRAD CHILDRESS , Which im fuming from because i thought we were going to get him.

This was our YR to win the SB, EVERYTHING, i mean EVERYTHING was lined up for us to go and win. I really do believe that window is closed. Especially when we are not doing anything on the offensive side to correct the crap we did this passed season, let alone the seasons before that.

I HAVE NO , I MEAN NOT AN OUNCE OF EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS TEAM NEXT YR.

That doesnt mean im not going to root for them but im going to try and not get mad if our Team loses, (TRY is the key word). Because i know its the RAVENS org., the Onwers, the Coaches fault.

And not at all the FANS, we know what is wrong with this team. Heck we put this team under a mircoscope.
[/quote]
Your in the minority I'm sure.

[strngplyr]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1327788941' post='978093']
We are screwed next yr, straight up. Its the truth.


Look at what the STEALERS are doing, they are rebuilding. So maybe they wont be a threat next season but they will be after that. Who know they might be deadly this season. They got smart and got rid of their O.C

Now for the BENGALS = What can i say, they are going to be a monster next yr. Look at what they did this passed season.

EVEN the BROWNS= They got smart and picked up BRAD CHILDRESS , Which im fuming from because i thought we were going to get him.

This was our YR to win the SB, EVERYTHING, i mean EVERYTHING was lined up for us to go and win. I really do believe that window is closed. Especially when we are not doing anything on the offensive side to correct the crap we did this passed season, let alone the seasons before that.

I HAVE NO , I MEAN NOT AN OUNCE OF EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS TEAM NEXT YR.

That doesnt mean im not going to root for them but im going to try and not get mad if our Team loses, (TRY is the key word). Because i know its the RAVENS org., the Onwers, the Coaches fault.

And not at all the FANS, we know what is wrong with this team. Heck we put this team under a mircoscope.
[/quote]

You guys aren't the Jets, you were a broken up pass away from playing in the SB. The Ravens, at least not from what I've heard, have a locker room that is unraveling at the seems. You're in a decent cap situation and you have a chance to get more starters out of the coming draft. If you have a smart GM and HC you can rebuild on the fly.

Cincy went 6-0 in the AFCN, had a "rebuilding season", and came back strong as one of the younger teams in the NFL and went to the playoffs again.

NE went from 10-6 one season, rebuilt on the fly the next season (completely revamped their offense mid season) and finished 14-2.

Just because you're "getting old" doesn't mean your window is closed. You can pick up great young FA's or a veteran stop gap and add through the draft. The 2010 Bucs are another example, I believe they were the youngest team in the NFL in 2010 and had a very good season, not sure what happened in 2011 but that's not really the point.

The Ravens are in a good place. You don't go from the AFCCG to irrelevant over one season without being nicknamed the "Jests".

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='D-Rey' timestamp='1327789733' post='978109']
Your in the minority I'm sure.
[/quote]

Maybe but I'm there too.

I honestly do not see us doing better than 10-6 which MIGHT win our division but I don't see us going past the first round of the playoffs if we make it at all.

We are doing nothing to fix the ills of this team. We are leaving our D out there high and dry to continue to carry the load and this season they will be breaking in a new DC whose history suggests he prefers zone coverage and 3/4 man rushes. Um..yeah. Not seeing it.

It doesn't mean I won't root for them or that I'm finding a new team or I'm not a real fan. But I'm a realist. Four years of Cam bs is enough. I don't think we have the pieces in place to rise above his ineptitude next year. And sadly, it will be our long time veterans paying for it by missing out on another SB.

[Alexir]

Comparing schedules from this year to next, man we really squandered an opportunity to go to the big dance. It's going to be very tough to get back there especially when we don't know where Peyton will end up (please don't be a jet...)

[PeRK82]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1327795627' post='978195']

Maybe but I'm there too.

I honestly do not see us doing better than 10-6 which MIGHT win our division but I don't see us going past the first round of the playoffs if we make it at all.

We are doing nothing to fix the ills of this team. We are leaving our D out there high and dry to continue to carry the load and this season they will be breaking in a new DC whose history suggests he prefers zone coverage and 3/4 man rushes. Um..yeah. Not seeing it.

It doesn't mean I won't root for them or that I'm finding a new team or I'm not a real fan. But I'm a realist. Four years of Cam bs is enough. I don't think we have the pieces in place to rise above his ineptitude next year. And sadly, it will be our long time veterans paying for it by missing out on another SB.
[/quote]


Agreed, this ORG. owes it to the FANS and to the RAVEN PLAYERS to give us the best possible chance of Winning. And EVERYONE knows that they arent. point blank.

And on Harbs. being So Loyal, ummm. No, i see it as a GIANT EGO. His way or the highway. Its Billick all over again but worse, Cause Harb. cant call an Offensive play to save his life, I say that because look at who he is letting call the plays.


And another thing with Loyalty , Does anyone think Cam would be here out of Loyalty if he was offered a H.C position. Heck No. So that B.S excuse of Loyalty goes out the window along with our Season,lol. I've said this Before, i think Harbs. is scared to run this Team on his own or Harbs is a back seat Coach for CAM CAMERON. That or he wants Cam to be here to keep the heat off of himself with all the shortcomings.

But what i really think it all comes down to is, Harbs EGO. He Refuses to say anything bad about this team, its unreal. To say Cam has did a great job this season makes me lose ALL RESPECT for him and i call B.S on all of his Statements he has said because of that 1 statement. I want a Coach that wants to win at all cost and if that means firing a guy that gave you a job 20 yrs ago, then so be it. You dont owe Cam Jack, you repaid that debt of him giving you a job along time ago. Before he was hired to be the O.C, what did he show ANYONE that was impressive the yr proir. Oh nada dam thing except for a 1 n 15 season. (would have been 0 n 16 except for us losing to the sorry a. dolphins)

All you had to do was check the FORUMS of the Team Cam was H. Coaching or O.C for and they all say the same dam thing.

And it really sounds like Deja vu, They complained about Cam not using his Players to their Strengths, that complained about Cam doing the same plays over and over again and when a Play would work, you wouldnt see it for the rest of the season.

Who would want that for a O.C, who would be DUMB enough to hire someone like that. BINGO, thanks John Harb., Rex is looking better and better everyday. I know for a Fact if REX was to get a phone call to be the HC of the RAVENS. He would quit the jets in a Heartbeat. That is loyalty. Oh and here is the Kicker, they were smart enough to get rid of their O.C and he wasn't half as bad. The real problem with their offense was their QB. They have all the Talent in the world, great WR , A good O line, A great Center. A good running game. Except for their QB.


Im trying to get over the Cam thing but the more i think about it, the more i want Harbs. gone. We all know thats why Cam is still here. You cant blame a guy (Cameron) for still being here when he isn't fired. Would you turn down a job being the O.C of the RAVENS, i wouldn't.
Man the more i think about it, the more i WANT REX TO BE THE RAVENS COACH, i dont care what he says in the public and how stupid he may sound sometimes but i love how he feels about football and all he wants to do is WIN, not just be happy with a good record and making it to the play offs like some Coaches around here, hmmm, guess your wondering who i may be talking about, you guys will never guess.

How are you going to have a SP. TEAMS coach be the H.C and his your S.Teams not just Sucks, it causes you to lose GAMES. SEATTLE and PATRIOTS stand out the most.

[ratedr]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1327795778' post='978199']
Comparing schedules from this year to next, man we really squandered an opportunity to go to the big dance. It's going to be very tough to get back there especially when we don't know where Peyton will end up (please don't be a jet...)
[/quote]
I think Peyton will go to an NFC team, I think he's too smart to join the Jets mess. I'm thinking Arizona or Seattle.

But yeah next year will be far tougher.

[JO_75]

[quote name='Jamal' timestamp='1327788524' post='978081']
Pretty irrelevant to have this discussion right now.

We still have the draft and FA before we even get a clue about how these teams will look next year.
[/quote]

Very True. Right now the only thing that is worrying me is that the Bengals and Browns have 9 picks in the 2012 Draft, with 4 picks combined in the first round alone(thanks alot Atlanta and Oakland!). Now of course depending on how they use those picks is another thing.

[ratedr]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1327800269' post='978256']

Very True. Right now the only thing that is worrying me is that the Bengals and Browns have 9 picks in the 2012 Draft, with 4 picks combined in the first round alone(thanks alot Atlanta and Oakland!). Now of course depending on how they use those picks is another thing.
[/quote]
The Bengals scare me the most, they've been having good drafts lately. I can't concern myself with the Browns until I see who they have a QB.

[Bazooka Joe]

The Bengals: Andy Dalton's mystique was his poise "for a rookie." I didn't see anything out of him that screams a long term threat. He just surprised teams. With an offseason, we will have him figured out. I predict we sweep them.

The Browns. Pending their offseason, I think we sweep them as well.

Steelers are old but are still the Steelers. We split with them.

That's 5-1in the division.

Add wins against the Raiders, Broncos, Patriots, Cowboys, Chiefs.

I think we are no worse than 10-6.

[Ravenslifer]

I really think adding Torrey was the difference maker. Getting him and Lee finally allowed Joe to beat the Cover 2 defense. Yes all three of our opponents have good defenses, but the problem up until now has always been that Joe couldn't beat Cinci and he couldn't beat the Steelers with Ben under center. He took care of both this season, and that to me makes a big difference. People keep talking about Dalton, but let's see if he can survive his sophomore slump first. I'm really not that concerned - teams will get better, but so will we.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='Jamal' timestamp='1327788524' post='978081']Pretty irrelevant to have this discussion right now.

We still have the draft and FA before we even get a clue about how these teams will look next year.[/quote]
Agreed they haven't even played the SB. But I think we can get really good in FA and the draft. I think we will be 5-1 with a loss to Cinci

[Sizzlebshu]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1327787804' post='978066']
I'm not terribly optimistic about next year with retaining Cam (but there are numerous other threads discussing this so I won't go into detail here) and a seemingly difficult schedule. However, the rest of the division has that same difficult schedule (and we actually got a bit lucky that one of our "away" games is actually just 40 minutes away), and what matters before anything else is winning the division.

What are our chances to win the division next year?

I actually think they're still pretty good. You can never sleep on Pitt, but their cap situation is very tricky, and they're older on defense than we are despite what the media says. Steelers fans hated Arians, but Ben actually liked him, and I actually thought they had a pretty good passing attack - they just lacked a good OL. I honestly think we could sweep them again, because the way our team is built now matches up very well against them.

The Browns aren't going to be a huge threat, but they have a decent defense. And with Childress as the OC, they'll likely improve on the other side of the ball. We're 8-0 against them in the Flacco era, but no streak lasts forever. That said, I think it'll continue next year.

The Bengals are the biggest wildcard. The defense kind of unraveled towards the end of the season, but they'll likely improve next year, especially with those draft picks they got for the Palmer trade. Despite the hype I'm actually not completely sold on Andy Dalton - I think AJ Green is a bigger factor (a huge part of the reason they lost vs. Houston was because Dalton just kept forcing balls to Green all day). But they have enough weapons on both sides of the ball to be a threat.

I don't think we sweep the division again, but I honestly don't see us going any worse than 4-2 (my prediction is 5-1, with a loss @Cincinnati). I think 10-6 will be enough to win the division this year with the schedule, and I think we can do that.
[/quote]
Don't count the Browns out just yet. Remember they have a high pick this year, and the atlanta falcon's first and fourth. They may pull a Bengals.

I mean they have
2 1st rounders
1 2nd
1 3rd
2 fourth
1 fifth
1 sixth
1 7th

Thats a lot of opportunity to bring talent to your team at the top of the draft. I have a feeling they are going to set one side of their team with that either the offense or the defense. + peyton manning is likely to be a FA who they could possibly sign. Even the Browns can do a lot with all of talent so don't count them out just yet.

I mean what if they draft trent richardson. Used their remaining draft to improve the o line and fix the rush D, and then signed Peyton Manning. That seems scary to me

[DMH_in_WA]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1327795627' post='978195']

Maybe but I'm there too.

I honestly do not see us doing better than 10-6 which MIGHT win our division but I don't see us going past the first round of the playoffs if we make it at all.

We are doing nothing to fix the ills of this team. We are leaving our D out there high and dry to continue to carry the load and this season they will be breaking in a new DC whose history suggests he prefers zone coverage and 3/4 man rushes. Um..yeah. Not seeing it.

It doesn't mean I won't root for them or that I'm finding a new team or I'm not a real fan. But I'm a realist. Four years of Cam bs is enough. I don't think we have the pieces in place to rise above his ineptitude next year. And sadly, it will be our long time veterans paying for it by missing out on another SB.
[/quote]

I'm right there with you. People keep talking like our going to the playoffs is a foregone conclusion. The AFC North is getting mighty tight and other AFC teams are picking up making the Wild Card that much harder to achieve. Teams like Houston are for real. We need to stop talking like we have all the time in the world to tweak this offense. Yes, they made some gains, but it also has a LOT of the same weaknesses. And we also need to stop talking like all the other teams are just going to stand still while we make these adjustments. They are moving to improve themselves too and if you look at a lot of the offenses we are coming up against, they appear to be making faster strides than Cameron.

For instance, look at the AFC North this year:

(Team - Yards/game - Points/game)

Steelers - 372.3 - 20.3
Ravens - 338.7 - 23.6
Bengals - 319.9 - 21.5
Browns - 288.8 - 13.6

And once more we got just far enough to not win it all and screw ourselves for draft and free agency while the Browns and Bengals both get two 1st round picks (Browns: #4 and #22 / Bengals: #17 and #21) all ahead of us. And the later rounds don't get much better, especially now we're talking about releasing Lee Evans, which means the 4th Round Draft pick we gave for him would be a complete throw away.

[jaege]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1327800269' post='978256']

Very True. Right now the only thing that is worrying me is that the Bengals and Browns have 9 picks in the 2012 Draft, with 4 picks combined in the first round alone(thanks alot Atlanta and Oakland!). Now of course depending on how they use those picks is another thing.
[/quote]

First, the Bengals and the Browns tend to pick foolishly. They do not have Oz. Second, the Browns do not have much of a contending team anyway, so a bunch of rookies, even good rookies, added to their mix is not going to do much for them. The Bengals are another matter. They have a pretty good team already, and all those good rookies will help them, but we already have a better team and we will be adding some new pieces as well, so we should stay enough ahead of them to keep on top, at least this season. The Steelers, I think, will not be too much of an issue. They need to do some serious rebuilding. We have an excellent chance of taking the division again.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1327845750' post='978464']

First, the Bengals and the Browns tend to pick foolishly. They do not have Oz. Second, the Browns do not have much of a contending team anyway, so a bunch of rookies, even good rookies, added to their mix is not going to do much for them. The Bengals are another matter. They have a pretty good team already, and all those good rookies will help them, but we already have a better team and we will be adding some new pieces as well, so we should stay enough ahead of them to keep on top, at least this season. The Steelers, I think, will not be too much of an issue. They need to do some serious rebuilding. We have an excellent chance of taking the division again.
[/quote]

Browns: Have a decent defense. Need a QB (they have the draft picks to possibly trade up to get RGIII). Have already picked up Childress. Need a WR or 2. I'd look for them to improve themselves in the draft on offense. They played both us and the Steelers tough. Not like we owned them.

Bengals: Already have a good solid young team. Played us extremely tough. Add to that the draft picks Oakland gifted them for Palmer and they will contend for this division title.

Steelers: Dropped their useless OC. Have serious cap issues. But, they are the Steelers. The D and the O line will be their issues going into next season but Ben's played with that poor O line for quite a while now and they've been successful. Look for them to try to improve their aging defense.

Ravens: Kept our useless OC. Lost our DC. Not as serious cap situation as the Steelers but a lot of FAs that need signing. I'm looking for a couple to head to Indy with Pagano. Possibly Brooks as well since we passed him over for the DC gig. I don't look for Flacco to sign any kind of extension with Cam still here so there could be tension worse than usual there.

Yeah, all in all I don't see us coming anywhere near sweeping our division next season. In fact, the only team we might possibly sweep would be the Browns IMO. We have a very tough schedule outside our division as well. Look for 10-6 best case scenario. Possibly 9-7 or 8-8.

[jaege]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1327846413' post='978468']

Browns: Have a decent defense. Need a QB (they have the draft picks to possibly trade up to get RGIII). Have already picked up Childress. Need a WR or 2. I'd look for them to improve themselves in the draft on offense. They played both us and the Steelers tough. Not like we owned them.

Bengals: Already have a good solid young team. Played us extremely tough. Add to that the draft picks Oakland gifted them for Palmer and they will contend for this division title.

Steelers: Dropped their useless OC. Have serious cap issues. But, they are the Steelers. The D and the O line will be their issues going into next season but Ben's played with that poor O line for quite a while now and they've been successful. Look for them to try to improve their aging defense.

Ravens: Kept our useless OC. Lost our DC. Not as serious cap situation as the Steelers but a lot of FAs that need signing. I'm looking for a couple to head to Indy with Pagano. Possibly Brooks as well since we passed him over for the DC gig. I don't look for Flacco to sign any kind of extension with Cam still here so there could be tension worse than usual there.

Yeah, all in all I don't see us coming anywhere near sweeping our division next season. In fact, the only team we might possibly sweep would be the Browns IMO. We have a very tough schedule outside our division as well. Look for 10-6 best case scenario. Possibly 9-7 or 8-8.
[/quote]

You are right. Those teams will improve via the draft and FA, and coaching changes. Too true. But so will we. At least through draft picks and FA. And we have Oz, they do not. Most of our picks will wind up with more productive players than theirs. I am not ready to make a decision on Pees until he runs a few plays. He may be good for the team. Pagano was good, but hardly irreplaceable. And I am a "fire Cam" advocate too, but we haven't done badly with the idiot at the helm (in spite of the idiot at the helm). We can only hope that he also (even though he is obviously learning disabled) will improve a little over this off season too.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='jaege' timestamp='1327847344' post='978477']

You are right. Those teams will improve via the draft and FA, and coaching changes. Too true. But so will we. At least through draft picks and FA. And we have Oz, they do not. Most of our picks will wind up with more productive players than theirs. I am not ready to make a decision on Pees until he runs a few plays. He may be good for the team. Pagano was good, but hardly irreplaceable. And I am a "fire Cam" advocate too, but we haven't done badly with the idiot at the helm (in spite of the idiot at the helm). We can only hope that he also (even though he is obviously learning disabled) will improve a little over this off season too.
[/quote]

Honestly I'm waiting to see what kind of extension we gave to Cam. If it's another 4 years, although I love me some Rice, Cam's twisted version of the AC scheme does not require a beast back like him. A Ricky Williams grinding out 3-4 yds a carry would suffice. If that's the case, our cap money would be better spent elsewhere. If we are going to keep our idiot play caller around then we'd be better served to start picking up the pieces necessary for it to be successful.

As for Pees, we'll see. It could have been a personnel thing but he tends towards 3/4 man rushes and zone coverage. We do not excel in zone coverage. I think we would have been better served to give the nod to Brooks, who most likely will make a trip to Indy with Pagano at this point. If I had to make a judgement call right now, I'd say we're looking at Mattison 2.0 with Pees. It won't be enough to compensate for Cam's shortcomings. I don't care who we draft or pick up in FA.

[PurpleDrink]

[quote name='D-Rey' timestamp='1327789733' post='978109']

Your in the minority I'm sure.
[/quote]
No he's not.

[Ravens Fan in Ontario]

The whole AFCN is in the top half of the rankings in Strength of Schedule for 2012. I know this is based on 2011 records etc, but optomistically looking at the schedules I think the best team coming out of the AFCN plays a WC game, and we'll only have 1 team make the playoffs from this division.

The irritating part is while the Steelers and Bengals are playing good Defense, they are also trying to improve their offense. Getting more involved in the passing game, not sitting back hoping they can hold on to a lead.

Not trying to turn this into another Cam bashing thread...but I think all is lost for next year. A losing season could really be the biggest salvation for our Ravens team, it would force them to rethink their Cameron position.
Fired from Miami, run out of San Diego like he was Frankenstein....bah..lets keep the pathetic excuse for an OC around a bit longer.

[cobrajet]

Cincy is good young team and with those high picks they got for Palmer from Oakland, they will be a force to reckon with. The Browns need work, but with the right quarterback could be dangerous. The Steelers are aging but with a healthy Ben and those great receivers in Wallace, Sanders, and Brown are always going to be a tough challange. This is just a tough division that likes to beat the hell out of each other.

[BloodRaven]

Stockpiling picks don't make a championship team, you can have all the individual talent in the world but they're not going to do anything without working together under the right coach. Even if RG3 finds Cam Newton type success on the Browns they're still going 6-10.

[jaege]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1327848200' post='978481']

Honestly I'm waiting to see what kind of extension we gave to Cam. If it's another 4 years, although I love me some Rice, Cam's twisted version of the AC scheme does not require a beast back like him. A Ricky Williams grinding out 3-4 yds a carry would suffice. If that's the case, our cap money would be better spent elsewhere. If we are going to keep our idiot play caller around then we'd be better served to start picking up the pieces necessary for it to be successful.

As for Pees, we'll see. It could have been a personnel thing but he tends towards 3/4 man rushes and zone coverage. We do not excel in zone coverage. I think we would have been better served to give the nod to Brooks, who most likely will make a trip to Indy with Pagano at this point. If I had to make a judgement call right now, I'd say we're looking at Mattison 2.0 with Pees. It won't be enough to compensate for Cam's shortcomings. I don't care who we draft or pick up in FA.
[/quote]


I hope you are wrong about Pees. Another Mattison we do not need. As far as the zone coverage, who does excel at it? Does any team do well with zone?

[Ravens4Real]

Sorry guys, but I do not see the Steelers team falling off at all. Everyone keeps saying about their old defense but they were still the #1 D in football. With them more than likely getting rid of Hampton and Farrior, they all of the sudden get young on D. Their offense is very young with the WR's RB's and OLine. If they get a couple of good picks on their O line, I can't see them doing anything but improving.