A Coming To Terms

[BmoreInBmore]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1332469773' post='1031783']

Well Joe did his part..maybe if Ray Rice could have a big game...or the WRs could make the CATCH

Joe made the throws 2 years in a row to win the game and both years he has had it dropped/stripped on him
[/quote]

Yeah Joe played well but we were lifeless in the first quarter, when we should have come out aggressively and challenged their weak D like we did the other 3 quarters .

[BmoreInBmore]

[quote name='atlravensfan' timestamp='1332469683' post='1031780']
And I go back to my previous statement above. The Oline is WORSE this year going into this season lol. How do you get better by subtraction on your Oline. It isnt LB or Wr. I don't understand how people can with a straight face say we will be fine with the Oline we have now.
[/quote]

I completely agree, Mckinnie and Birk are on the decline and we lost a Pro Bowler there is no way this Oline unit will be as good as last season.

[berad]

[quote name='BMOREHAWAII' timestamp='1332470618' post='1031792']
Although we lost a lot of good players years prior, i still dont believe they made an impact as much as the ones we have lost this past season. Also the ones that were lost before had acceptable back ups.
Mason and Heap came up huge for years, they wouldn't have been in the future.
McGahee wanted a starting role, and it wouldn't have came while in Baltimore.
I dont see how any of them were "better", besides the fact that they were more loved by the fans..
[/quote]

Who was Mason's back-up when he was released? An unproven Torrey Smith and we burned a draft pick to bring in Lee Evans as a last resort.

Josh Wilson's? Lucky for us Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb came to form, no one would have guessed that in March 2011.

Landry? Pollard fell to us for a bargain, signed in August.

Who would play LT after Oher shifted back to RT? McKinnie in the 11th hour.

We're not losing much in Johnson, Redding, Nakamura, or Zbikowski. Those players can be replaced. Grubbs is another situation but it's March... plenty of time.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1332471344' post='1031812']

Who was Mason's back-up when he was released? An unproven Torrey Smith and we burned a draft pick to bring in Lee Evans as a last resort.

Josh Wilson's? Lucky for us Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb came to form, no one would have guessed that in March 2011.

Landry? Pollard fell to us for a bargain, signed in August.

Who would play LT after Oher shifted back to RT? McKinnie in the 11th hour.

We're not losing much in [b]Johnson, Redding, Nakamura, or Zbikowski.[/b] Those players can be replaced. Grubbs is another situation but it's March... plenty of time.
[/quote]

I feel like we have Johnson's and Kruger's replacements in Kruger and McPhee (and kindle if he gets on the field). Pollard already replaced Nakamura and Zbikowski this season - Zibby has only started 16 games in his career, I don't get the notion that he was somehow irreplaceable, and Ruki was a good ST player but that's it. I still think the exodus after 2008 when we lost Brown (starting center), Leonhard (starter), Scott (starter), Rolle (starter), Anderson (starter) was a bigger deal than this.

[BmoreInBmore]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1332468428' post='1031762']

We lost more, better players last year and were none the worse for it...
[/quote]

I completely disagree, Heap was often injuryed and it showed all last season with the Cardinals, Gregg was a shell of his former self on the Dline and did nothing for the chiefs; Mason was 36, and as we all saw after we released him did absoulutely nothing for the Jets or Texans. Mcgahee was the only one who really had anything left in the tank, and we were able to easily replace him with Ricky.

Other than that Laundry was terrible, a joke in pass and run defense. McClain was good but we were able to upgrade his position by signing arguably the best fullback in the game.

And the difference your not recignizing is that we had A LOT more cap space last offseason to fill those gaps, with guys like Ricky, Mckinne, Evans, Vonta, and Pollard. This offseason we have basiclly enough to sign our draft picks and nothing else.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='atlravensfan' timestamp='1332468862' post='1031768']

Yeah but we lost people past their prime and had guys behind them to replace them. Tell me who replaces grubbs, birk(old just old), and oher becoming one of the worse RTs in fb with BM still being overweight?

All the "well we will be fine fans" STILL have no reply for this comment. Because in the back of their minds(in their football minds not their fan minds)
its different. I agree for as delusional as people can be, it's just different this year BECAUSE the schedule is so brutal and the line is a year older.
[/quote]

The only difference between this year and last year was that the draft already took place. You say we had players to replace the people we lost last year, I say no one knee that until those young players stepped up. What's stopping the young guys we have now from doing the same?

We cut Mason and were left with 3 rookies and 2nd year WR who together combined for 0 catches. Explain how that is having someone to replace Mason.

We cut Heap and was left with two 2nd year TEs, who combined for 12 total catches. I'm sure this time last year you were just raving about how Pitta's 1 catch his rookie year, would be a quality replacement for Heap.

We cut Gregg and turned to a 2nd year player who had weight and injury concerns his rookie year. Please tell me how that is having someone in place to play well enough to make losing Buddy Lee an non issue.

We allowed Landry to walk in FA and replaced him with BP, did you see that coming doing the lockout?

We replaced Willis with Ricky. I'm sure when we cut Willis you saw that happening.

My point is and will continue to be, that the roster isn't set yet. Chill.

As for your question. In case you haven't heard, Big Mac has been busting his butt this offseason and has last weight since last year. Mckinnie wasn't cut because of talent, it was because of his weight which he seems to have a handle on and since that seems to be your major concern with him, what's the problem not that he's in shape?

Yea we lost Grubbs and that's a hit, but its not the end of the world. Just like you were so positive we had players to replace the guys last year, whose to say Boren or Reid won't step up and take that spot. Maybe we'll draft a guy who can start his first year like Yanda? We just don't know.

As for Birk and Oher, I would personal love to upgrade both positions, but much like everything else, timing is everything. The right players have to be added. You can't just make change for the sake of making change, because you wind up with an even worse option the you had and now your stuck.

Patience is a power tool to have.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

1. Im not worried much. I do think the ravens expected to have flaccos deal done by now and likewise expected a bit more cap space than what is available at this point but with the crazy deals being thrown at role players and journeyman vets I doubt we would have done anything with it regardless.

2. I love jj but as has been said before both he and redding are run specialists and have young pass rushers behind them. Do u trade maybe giving up 20 more rushing yards per game for maybe an additional 10 sacks and maybe 6 turnovers? Yes. Of course it's just in theory but I trust that the ravens are comfortable with that trade considering how little fight they put up to keep them.

3. And I'm honestly not worried about Grubbs. Wasn't Grubbs injured a good part of the season? And while the lines performance did noticeably drop in his absence, it was improving before he came back as Gurode was adjusting to guard. When Grubbs came back he didn't look quite the same anymore. Not the same push off the line. And wasn't the injury a toe injury? The ravens know a thing or two about pro bowl lineman an toe injuries. Maybe they know something we don't - if perhaps the best LT of all time was never the same after his toe injury, maybe the ravens saw something similar in Grubbs. Let someone else pay him. I'll take my chances in the draft.

4. The ravens are just adjusting to the league and how you win in it. You sustain winning by adding contributors in key positions in the middle rounds of the draft. We have our stars, we just need role players around them. The line needs work but I don't want konz in the first. LG in mid rounds bc it's the only real spot of NEED, and I stress the word need. McKinnie and birk have a good year left in them and I liked Gurode a lot and can be insurance for birk and lg. I'd also inquire about the LG the cowboys let go the other day but he may be signed by now. Also can we give harewood, and Reid at least one full preseason and training camp before writing them off. We may already have a dominant bookend duo of the future already on the roster and not even know it. Both are physical specimen with a ton of upside. Besides having a QB that can now keep us in games with his arm will keep opposing defenses wayyyyy more honest when it comes to getting pressure on joe, which naturally helps the line. Leach and rice help a bit too

5. If we add a legit, big bodied, athletic receiving weapon for joe in the draft (Stephen hill anyone? Kids a beast and I think hes going to be the pick of the entire draft I he falls below 25th) I think even a pieced together line is gonna look good.

All in all I don't know why anyone is worried. I think last year was step 1 in a transformation. I think we'd all agree step 1 then was a success. This is merely step 2 of that same transformation. The amazing thing is to me is that if there was going to be a drop off I really thought it would have been last year bc now I'm confident both sides of the ball are capable of carrying us. Rest easy defense, you don't have to do all the carrying anymore.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='BmoreInBmore' timestamp='1332471850' post='1031821']

And the difference your not recignizing is that we had A LOT more cap space last offseason to fill those gaps, with guys like Ricky, Mckinne, Evans, Vonta, and Pollard. This offseason we have basiclly enough to sign our draft picks and nothing else.[/quote]

Which Ravens team did you follow last year? Because the Baltimore Ravens were practically the situation against the cap last year as this.

Last year the Ravens had to cut players just to free up enough money to re-sign Yanda. It wasn't until we locked Ngata up long term, did we have a little more room.

This year we cut players in hopes of re-signing Grubbs. Once extend Flacco and/or Rice well have more money to play.

The Ravens offer Grubbs big money, so their hands aren't too tied. The Ravens could have matched any other thd guys we lost got, including Grubbs. However there is a difference between want to and the ability to. The Ravens didn't want to.

[Greatness]

I was in the boat of the window closing. I still think the 2010 Ravens was the best team we've fielded since 2000. 2011 was the best opportunity Ravens ever had. No Roethelisberger to kneel at the end of the game making us soak in our fraudulence. No Rivers, no Manning and a SUPER FRAUDED Patriots defense. Maybe it's me still being hurt (Just watched "The Drop" again btw) but I just don't see how we'll be able to do it. When have all the heavy-hitters coming this year. Thank God most of them is at home, but it's hard for me to be optimistic. None the less, once I see Flacco Ironman'ing on people, I'll be fine.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Greatness' timestamp='1332487033' post='1031907']I was in the boat of the window closing. I still think the 2010 Ravens was the best team we've fielded since 2000. 2011 was the best opportunity Ravens ever had. No Roethelisberger to kneel at the end of the game making us soak in our fraudulence. No Rivers, no Manning and a SUPER FRAUDED Patriots defense. Maybe it's me still being hurt (Just watched "The Drop" again btw) but I just don't see how we'll be able to do it. When have all the heavy-hitters coming this year. Thank God most of them is at home, but it's hard for me to be optimistic. None the less, once I
see Flacco Ironman'ing on people, I'll be fine.[/quote]

This post right here is probably the poster for the problem I have with most Raven fans. Why is the mind of some many Raven fan just fragile? You guys act like we are bottom feeding team who needs breaks or other teams to be at their worse to win. Why? We aren't the Bengals who make the playoffs every 7 years.

We aren't Chargers who despite being one of the most talent teams in the NFL, often miss the playoffs.

We are the Baltimore Ravens. The only team in the to win at least one playoff game the last 4 years. The only team to make it to at least the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship twice. We are the only team who can make that claim, yet we constantly fear other teams.

The Ravens have had this type of success while having an above average Oline and WR Corp. The last 2 playoff losses we clearly outplayed our opponents, we just weren't able to make that 1 championship play.

Instead of most fans looking at the youthful talent and looking forward, you'd rather live I'm fear of other teams.

Oh the Bengals are getting better, they will be tough this year. So what, they are tough every year.

Oh last year was the year because there was no Manning and every other AFC powerhouse was weak. We couldn't get it done last year, it'll be impossible this year. That's plain BS.

Their was nothing different about the Steelers last year, then other years. The difference was that the Ravens were finally able to play up to potential for 60 mins. We were finally able to consistently attack their weaknesses. In case you guys haven't noticed, the Ravens have been the better team the last 3 years, its been self inflicted reasons why we didn't win. Missed block here, dropped pass, TD called back for a questionable penalty. The Steelers run of winning the North every year is over.

The same thing can be said about us and the Pats. We've battled over the last 3 year and that Patriots team was no more beat-able last year then in years past.

The Ravens have been one of the top teams in the NFL. With the combo of the young core and Ozzie continuing to add talent, the Ravens will continue to be one of the best.

The Ravens over the last 4 years are 27-5 at home and those 5 losses came by a total of 16 points. Teams don't want to come to the Bank, yet as fans we look at the schedule and fear good teams coming to play us.

Last year was a great opportunity and we missed it, big deal. We'll be right back in position to get there again.

Our schedule will be tough but so will the Steelers. We play the same teams, except we get the Pats and Texans, they get Tebow and the titans.

I just don't get the mindset behind fearing other teams.

[POE]

I think this topic should be merged with the other Free Agency topic, like mine was. I am still mad with you moderators!

[jazz1988]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1332438227' post='1031118']
I've come to terms that as long as Cam Cameron will run this offense, we will never win a championship.
[/quote]

If Cam is the reason why Wideouts or Tight ends keep dropping critcial passes that most likely put the ravens in a better postion to win th championship games then I cant wait until he leaves

[POE]

[quote name='jazz1988' timestamp='1332512002' post='1032050']

If Cam is the reason why Wideouts or Tight ends keep dropping critcial passes that most likely put the ravens in a better postion to win th championship games then I cant wait until he leaves
[/quote]
Well played.

[BirdWatcher]

[quote name='POE' timestamp='1332511788' post='1032044']
I think this topic should be merged with the other Free Agency topic, like mine was. I am still mad with you moderators! [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/wink.png[/img]
[/quote]

Well, this didn't start off being about Free Agency. After it 'switched over' and got to 3 pages it was a bit late to merge it.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1332454064' post='1031470']
Man watching Kindle in the preseason last year, he just looked so much bigger and faster then everyone else. He looked like an enforcer. Man his potential is so massive and he showed flashes of it in the preseason.

I viewed Kindle as a wide eyed rookie just happy to even be on the team last year. After overcoming what he did, making the team was just the first step.

Now Kindle has to approach this season like a professional and work harder then ever. I believe I read reports that Kindle and Pees really hit it off last season, so that should help him greatly.

If Kindle can put that size/speed combo together with a few pass rush moves look out. The Ravens allowed JJ to walk for a reason and I think Kindle had a lot to do with it.
[/quote]

I remember going to M & T last season and watching Kindle warm up. From my uncle's seats (section 226), I can see the Ravens players pretty well with my binoculars. Kindle looks big and fast, but his hearing loss and concussion may be too much to overcome. Everyone in my family says, "pietoso" or "malato fatale" when they talk about him. This means "pitiful" or "ill-fated," which is how we refer to someone that has bad luck in life. To think, if he didn't have the accident he would be starting next to Suggs and we wouldn't even think about signing or drafting a pass rusher.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='POE' timestamp='1332511788' post='1032044']
I think this topic should be merged with the other Free Agency topic, like mine was. I am still mad with you moderators! [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/wink.png[/img]
[/quote]

Many of the moderators are my friends. I never get mad that them. [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/th_shemademe-2.gif[/img]

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Greatness' timestamp='1332487033' post='1031907']
I was in the boat of the window closing. I still think the 2010 Ravens was the best team we've fielded since 2000. 2011 was the best opportunity Ravens ever had. No Roethelisberger to kneel at the end of the game making us soak in our fraudulence. No Rivers, no Manning and a SUPER FRAUDED Patriots defense. Maybe it's me still being hurt (Just watched "The Drop" again btw) but I just don't see how we'll be able to do it. When have all the heavy-hitters coming this year. Thank God most of them is at home, but it's hard for me to be optimistic. None the less, once I see Flacco Ironman'ing on people, I'll be fine.
[/quote]
We all feel your pain, my friend.

[tctony]

Our situation looks grim, thats for sure. All of the sudden, we have no cap room and are losing guys everywhere. I'm not worried about the guys we lost per se, but they were quality depth which we have to refill.

We need to ink something with Rice to give us a little breathing room. We should sign Ed to a new deal, because his salary is hurting us - unless they believe he is going to retire next year.

If somebody makes a play for Webb we're not going to be able to retaliate. That worries me.

I agree with OP's concern about the line. Yanda is now the only quality player on that line.

[berad]

[quote name='BmoreInBmore' timestamp='1332471850' post='1031821']
I completely disagree, Heap was often injuryed and it showed all last season with the Cardinals, Gregg was a shell of his former self on the Dline and did nothing for the chiefs; Mason was 36, and as we all saw after we released him did absoulutely nothing for the Jets or Texans. Mcgahee was the only one who really had anything left in the tank, and we were able to easily replace him with Ricky.

Other than that Laundry was terrible, a joke in pass and run defense. McClain was good but we were able to upgrade his position by signing arguably the best fullback in the game.

And the difference your not recignizing is that we had A LOT more cap space last offseason to fill those gaps, with guys like Ricky, Mckinne, Evans, Vonta, and Pollard. This offseason we have basiclly enough to sign our draft picks and nothing else.
[/quote]

Yes. Older player who had to go (Johnson + Redding) and younger players that the Ravens decided to let leave (Nakamura + Zbikowski). Again, the only significant loss is Grubbs. And, while not ideal, the Ravens have overcome bigger things than losing a good guard to free agency.

We didn't have more space in 2011, why do you think all of those players were cut? The players you named signed relatively cheapy, outside of Leach, and were bargains. I don't see why people feel this year will be different? We'll sign more bargains as the offseason progresses.

And you put too much stock into what the cap number is now. It's not static. If the Ravens restructure a deal or two, make some more cuts, etc then that number can change drastically. Obviously it's not hand-cuffing them too badly, they just signed a ST player and re-signed Ayanbadejo - both "bargains".

Edit: also signed McClain and Considine

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1332513792' post='1032090']

I remember going to M & T last season and watching Kindle warm up. From my uncle's seats (section 226), I can see the Ravens players pretty well with my binoculars. Kindle looks big and fast, but his hearing loss and concussion may be too much to overcome. Everyone in my family says, "pietoso" or "malato fatale" when they talk about him. This means "pitiful" or "ill-fated," which is how we refer to someone that has bad luck in life. To think, if he didn't have the accident he would be starting next to Suggs and we wouldn't even think about signing or drafting a pass rusher.[/quote]

Yea I can understand where you're coming from with Kindle, but life is able people overcoming bad situations. That's why I said he'll have to work harder then ever. He isn't completely deaf and with hand signals he should be able to communication with his teams on field.

Who knows the hearing issue might make Kindle better at anticipating the snap, which would make him a better pass rusher. Maybe this situation makes Kindle apperciate football more, I don't know bit the potential is definitely there

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1332513792' post='1032090']

I remember going to M & T last season and watching Kindle warm up. From my uncle's seats (section 226), I can see the Ravens players pretty well with my binoculars. Kindle looks big and fast, but his hearing loss and concussion may be too much to overcome. Everyone in my family says, "pietoso" or "malato fatale" when they talk about him. This means "pitiful" or "ill-fated," which is how we refer to someone that has bad luck in life. To think, if he didn't have the accident he would be starting next to Suggs and we wouldn't even think about signing or drafting a pass rusher.
[/quote]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1332513792' post='1032090']

I remember going to M & T last season and watching Kindle warm up. From my uncle's seats (section 226), I can see the Ravens players pretty well with my binoculars. Kindle looks big and fast, but his hearing loss and concussion may be too much to overcome. Everyone in my family says, "pietoso" or "malato fatale" when they talk about him. This means "pitiful" or "ill-fated," which is how we refer to someone that has bad luck in life. To think, if he didn't have the accident he would be starting next to Suggs and we wouldn't even think about signing or drafting a pass rusher.
[/quote]
I wouldn't worry about it, Kruger was buried in depth and then broke out.

[CapoRocky]

I think we all like Kindle. I'd love to see him overcome his adversity and become a star. Truly, it takes a few years for a rookie to break through in the NFL. Of course, there are rare exceptions that start right away.

[Greatness]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1332511242' post='1032037']
This post right here is probably the poster for the problem I have with most Raven fans. Why is the mind of some many Raven fan just fragile? You guys act like we are bottom feeding team who needs breaks or other teams to be at their worse to win. Why? We aren't the Bengals who make the playoffs every 7 years.

We aren't Chargers who despite being one of the most talent teams in the NFL, often miss the playoffs.

We are the Baltimore Ravens. The only team in the to win at least one playoff game the last 4 years. The only team to make it to at least the Divisional Round and the AFC Championship twice. We are the only team who can make that claim, yet we constantly fear other teams.

The Ravens have had this type of success while having an above average Oline and WR Corp. The last 2 playoff losses we clearly outplayed our opponents, we just weren't able to make that 1 championship play.

Instead of most fans looking at the youthful talent and looking forward, you'd rather live I'm fear of other teams.

Oh the Bengals are getting better, they will be tough this year. So what, they are tough every year.

Oh last year was the year because there was no Manning and every other AFC powerhouse was weak. We couldn't get it done last year, it'll be impossible this year. That's plain BS.

Their was nothing different about the Steelers last year, then other years. The difference was that the Ravens were finally able to play up to potential for 60 mins. We were finally able to consistently attack their weaknesses. In case you guys haven't noticed, the Ravens have been the better team the last 3 years, its been self inflicted reasons why we didn't win. Missed block here, dropped pass, TD called back for a questionable penalty. The Steelers run of winning the North every year is over.

The same thing can be said about us and the Pats. We've battled over the last 3 year and that Patriots team was no more beat-able last year then in years past.

The Ravens have been one of the top teams in the NFL. With the combo of the young core and Ozzie continuing to add talent, the Ravens will continue to be one of the best.

The Ravens over the last 4 years are 27-5 at home and those 5 losses came by a total of 16 points. Teams don't want to come to the Bank, yet as fans we look at the schedule and fear good teams coming to play us.

Last year was a great opportunity and we missed it, big deal. We'll be right back in position to get there again.

Our schedule will be tough but so will the Steelers. We play the same teams, except we get the Pats and Texans, they get Tebow and the titans.

I just don't get the mindset behind fearing other teams.
[/quote]

Before we get wreckless, its a proven fact that I'm not the run of the mill 'Raven fans' I personally despise. I just said the Ravens blew a golden opportunity to win it all last year. While we've won games the last fours years, what has it amount to? Nothing. Maybe its a coincidence, maybe not, but when it counts the most we're always losing to these Top tier QB's sans Brees since we own his soul. (And Romo because he's a fraud. lol)

I didn't say it would be impossible. Nothing is especially since the Giants won it all again. I just said it would be tall hill to climb since last year was probably the easiest road you'd ever get to the Superbowl coming out of the AFC. I'm more worried about our Non-Clutchness and shotty Coaching staff more so than the talent on the field. The talent is here. It's just a really hard schedule on paper is all I'm saying. It's too early to access anything since we haven't even drafted yet. I just was going on based on today and the last game I saw of the Ravens. As of right now, it's a tough pill to swallow. Doesn't mean that doesn't change come September.

[BMOREHAWAII]

[quote name='Greatness' timestamp='1332552085' post='1032945']

Before we get wreckless, its a proven fact that I'm not the run of the mill 'Raven fans' I personally despise. I just said the Ravens blew a golden opportunity to win it all last year. While we've won games the last fours years, what has it amount to? Nothing. Maybe its a coincidence, maybe not, but when it counts the most we're always losing to these Top tier QB's sans Brees since we own his soul. (And Romo because he's a fraud. lol)

I didn't say it would be impossible. Nothing is especially since the Giants won it all again. I just said it would be tall hill to climb since last year was probably the easiest road you'd ever get to the Superbowl coming out of the AFC. I'm more worried about our Non-Clutchness and shotty Coaching staff more so than the talent on the field. The talent is here. It's just a really hard schedule on paper is all I'm saying. It's too early to access anything since we haven't even drafted yet. I just was going on based on today and the last game I saw of the Ravens. As of right now, it's a tough pill to swallow. Doesn't mean that doesn't change come September.
[/quote]
As much as I hate what you have to say about this, we cant hide from the fact that it's true. Although theres nothing we can do about it now, we're just that team that is always one play away from the big dance.
Sure we have accomplished a lot, won some games and made some impressions. But the fact is that we haven't won a title since 2000.
I dont think we blew our only chance or anything, because we still have a bright future ahead of us in talent and opportunity.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Greatness' timestamp='1332552085' post='1032945']

Before we get wreckless, its a proven fact that I'm not the run of the mill 'Raven fans' I personally despise. I just said the Ravens blew a golden opportunity to win it all last year. While we've won games the last fours years, what has it amount to? Nothing. Maybe its a coincidence, maybe not, but when it counts the most we're always losing to these Top tier QB's sans Brees since we own his soul. (And Romo because he's a fraud. lol)

I didn't say it would be impossible. Nothing is especially since the Giants won it all again. I just said it would be tall hill to climb since last year was probably the easiest road you'd ever get to the Superbowl coming out of the AFC. I'm more worried about our Non-Clutchness and shotty Coaching staff more so than the talent on the field. The talent is he
re. It's just a really hard schedule on paper is all I'm saying. It's too early to access anything since we haven't even drafted yet. I just was going on based on today and the last game I saw of the Ravens. As of right now, it's a tough pill to swallow. Doesn't mean that doesn't change come September.[/quote]

Oh I feel you and I probably jumped out the window a bit labeling you post as the poster of the mindset I dislike.

However I definitely feel where your coming from. I just watched the entire game over and its still tough.

However my point is, every year there is only 1 champion crowned and 11 teams feel just like we do, close but not quite. Go through the process of shaping your team and let's battle for it again next year. That's just the way it is for me.

Maybe its just my competitive nature, that refuses to concede or even think someone is better then me.

I guess some might call me a homer but I'd put the Ravens up against any team in the NFL and have the confidence they'll win.

As a fanbase we go through the same thing every year this time. Oh look who we loss look who got better, how can we compete, its not looking good. Then Ozzie does his thing, we field a good team and compete for the Playoffs. Then playoff time comes and its, boy I sure hope we don't play tje Steelers. I hope we don't run into Peyton. Please don't let it be NE. I guess this year it will be the Texans we hope to avoid.

We can and have beaten all those teams and most have been flat out lucky to beat us.

It doesn't matter who we face in the playoffs, if we make the same mistakes we did 2 years ago against Pit, we'll lose. If Grubbs and Birk allow the DTs to dominate them we'll lose. If Boldin and Evans drop potential game winning TDs we'll lose.

I understand your frustration of not winning the Big One. However I feel our success or failures are a result of the Ravens and one else. We aren't s team that has to bank on a soft schedule to succeed.

The Ravens are an elite franchise. I just don't think our fanbase matches that all the times.

I personally think the only thing we've missed out on, is the chance to be a Dynasty. Because I went we were one or two plays way from the SuperBowl 3 of the past 4 years
(08,10,11).

But on the other hand, that frustration turns to optimism, knowing that this team isn't nearly as good as it will be. Yet we've still had great success.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='BMOREHAWAII' timestamp='1332553909' post='1032967']
As much as I hate what you have to say about this, we cant hide from the fact that it's true. Although theres nothing we can do about it now, we're just that team that is always one play away from the big dance.
Sure we have accomplished a lot, won some games and made some impressions. But the fact is that we haven't won a title since 2000.
I dont think we blew our only chance or anything, because we still have a bright future ahead of us in talent and opportunity.[/quote]

You are right, but that's also us being spoiled as fans and that's a great thing.

We're a 15 year old franchise and we are unhappy about being 11 years removed from a title. Look at the Steelers. They won their last title in the 70s, before winning in 05'. That's also 30 years between titles. Winning it all aint easy.

The year we won it all was special. That comes along once in a lifetime. If we are being honest, 2010 was probably the first team that was championship caliber and built to last. Truthfully we just haven't been ready to break through. We still got work to do.

[jaege]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1332470442' post='1031788']


Final rosters don't have to be turned in until one week before the first game. Its kind of pointless to size up the roster right now because its not complete.

Allow Ozzie and company to work the process, you don't become the only team to win at least 1 playoff game in the last 4 years because you don't know how to build and maintain a roster.
[/quote]



This is why we "it will be okay" fans exist. Because there are several months until the season starts, and there is the draft and there will be good players that end up cut that we can snap up. There is time for the FO to fill any holes left by our FA losses. That is why it will be okay. If, come early September, we have not filled these holes, then there will be room for concern. Right now, no one knows what our roster is going to look like. I can only guarantee you, it will be very different from today. Is it a bummer that we lost Grubbs and Redding and JJ? Hell yes. But I think the team is/will be good enough to survive those losses. Obviously, some "fans" do not.

[Greatness]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1332557184' post='1033007']
Oh I feel you and I probably jumped out the window a bit labeling you post as the poster of the mindset I dislike.

However I definitely feel where your coming from. I just watched the entire game over and its still tough.

However my point is, every year there is only 1 champion crowned and 11 teams feel just like we do, close but not quite. Go through the process of shaping your team and let's battle for it again next year. That's just the way it is for me.

Maybe its just my competitive nature, that refuses to concede or even think someone is better then me.

I guess some might call me a homer but I'd put the Ravens up against any team in the NFL and have the confidence they'll win.

As a fanbase we go through the same thing every year this time. Oh look who we loss look who got better, how can we compete, its not looking good. Then Ozzie does his thing, we field a good team and compete for the Playoffs. Then playoff time comes and its, boy I sure hope we don't play tje Steelers. I hope we don't run into Peyton. Please don't let it be NE. I guess this year it will be the Texans we hope to avoid.

We can and have beaten all those teams and most have been flat out lucky to beat us.

It doesn't matter who we face in the playoffs, if we make the same mistakes we did 2 years ago against Pit, we'll lose. If Grubbs and Birk allow the DTs to dominate them we'll lose. If Boldin and Evans drop potential game winning TDs we'll lose.

I understand your frustration of not winning the Big One. However I feel our success or failures are a result of the Ravens and one else. We aren't s team that has to bank on a soft schedule to succeed.

The Ravens are an elite franchise. I just don't think our fanbase matches that all the times.

I personally think the only thing we've missed out on, is the chance to be a Dynasty. Because I went we were one or two plays way from the SuperBowl 3 of the past 4 years
(08,10,11).

But on the other hand, that frustration turns to optimism, knowing that this team isn't nearly as good as it will be. Yet we've still had great success.
[/quote]

Well said. I agree and understand.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='BmoreInBmore' timestamp='1332470962' post='1031800']

Worst in yards allowed, and fifteen in points allowed, your proving how terrible they are.
[/quote]

Fifteen in points is [b]middle of the league [/b]last time I checked, 15/32. They were[b] NOT[/b] a terrible scoring defense. They were an average scoring defense. Given all of the yards they allowed, t[b]hey only gave up more than 30 points 1 time the whole season[/b]. In contrast, the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, the worst scoring defense, gave up 30+ points 8 times this season. Even the Ravens gave up 34 points one time this season. The Patriots were an AVERAGE defense, so your assertion that it should have been easy to ring 30 on them makes no sense. And you said "statistically" - well statistically they held their opponents to an average of 22 points a game, and the Ravens scored 21 that SHOULD have been 28 if not for Lee Evans failing to hold off Sterling Moore. And that's largely considering that for the first and 4th quarters we were totally shut out - if we had been able to move the ball earlier, if Flacco had been able to roll out and by more time earlier like he did starting late in the first half, we probably would have scored more. We did exactly what we were supposed to do against that defense, and could have added more. Constantly claiming that the window is shut and it's all over is your belief, but trying to bolster that point by claiming we SHOULD have rung up the Patriots doesn't make sense. You want a culprit? Blame the fact that the running game when from averaging 4.5 yards a carry in the regular season to 3 in the postseason, against "the worst defense in the NFL". I don't know about you, but 67 yards on 21 carries (3.1 YPA) by Ray Rice doesn't cut it for me, especially when Ricky Williams is averaging 3.7 yards a carry against that same defense, and Joe freaking Flacco averaged almost 7 yards per rush against them.

But through ALL of that, we came within one dropped pass of the Superbowl. We have a lot of young talent on this team - 2 young ILBs with potential to add more, a good young guards, good young QB and RB, 3 good young corners, several good young pass-rushers, a good young strong safety, a couple of monster DTs and NTs, an elite pass rusher who is still in his prime. And we can still add more. We just swept the division for the first time since 2006. This regime has beaten the Bengals twice and the Steelers twice for the first time ever in the same season. This team just reached the AFCCG, has made the playoffs and won at least 9 games every year for the last 4, after winning just 4 games in 2007. The window is opening, and getting wider every day. Just because we may lose Ray Lewis and Ed Reed next year doesn't mean the window is closed.

[scrock]

[quote name='BmoreInBmore' timestamp='1332471194' post='1031809']

Yeah Joe played well but we were lifeless in the first quarter, when we should have come out aggressively and challenged their weak D like we did the other 3 quarters .
[/quote]

well thats not Joe's fault put that on Cam and his horrible and predictable playcalling

Cam really needs to stay aggressive, use the two TEs more, remember to keep the run game involved, etc etc...call more than 2 plays in a game