Calm Down, All Is Not Lost, etc...

[black blood purple passion]

If Ngata can say it's disgusting then I can say its disgusting! I don't expect anyone to actually get bent out of shape over anything as it is at the end of the day "just a game"; however, fi you're satisfied with our play and hip hip hooraying at being 5-1 ( realistically should be 4-2, should have lost to the chiefs, and cowgirls but won against the eagles.) then I'm very jealous, because I haven't been able to enjoy watching one of our games since week 1. Our defence has been pathetic, no pass rush, no run D....aren't we perenially top 5 in every aspect? How did we fall off the wagon by losing an "old washed up veteran" in Jarret, and a 3rd string D tackle in McKinney, and an "unproductive" 3-4 DE in redding? Truth is they were better than we gave them credit for! And we're really paying for it.

[redrum52]

RIP Ravens defense. I wonder where our picks will be used next year. All I know is Ozzie better not be afraid to trade up for top talent if it only involves picks. I would assume we resign Reed this off season with Ray likely done and Webb recovering. WE NEED A PASS RUSH AND NOW.

[Tank 92]

Here's an interesting Hensley quote from today's Sarah Ellison column;

[i]ESPN’s Jamison Hensley is calling the Ravens the league’s [url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/56790/ravens-are-best-in-the-nfl-in-winning-ugly"]“ultimate survivors”[/url] and even if they win lucky, or ugly or in an inconsistent style, they shouldn’t apologize for it.[/i]
[i]“[url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/56790/ravens-are-best-in-the-nfl-in-winning-ugly"]There's no style points in the NFL these days[/url],” Hensley wrote. “With the unpredictability of this league, it's about survival and there's no better team at doing that than the Ravens. …[/i]
[i]“These Ravens are far from a perfect team. They aren't a dominant team. No one on the Ravens would even suggest this. So, what are the Ravens? They're winners, plain and simple.”[/i]

Enough said.

[PuRock]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1350312221' post='1190939']
Here's an interesting Hensley quote from today's Sarah Ellison column;

[i]ESPN’s Jamison Hensley is calling the Ravens the league’s [url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/56790/ravens-are-best-in-the-nfl-in-winning-ugly"]“ultimate survivors”[/url] and even if they win lucky, or ugly or in an inconsistent style, they shouldn’t apologize for it.[/i]
[i]“[url="http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/56790/ravens-are-best-in-the-nfl-in-winning-ugly"]There's no style points in the NFL these days[/url],” Hensley wrote. “With the unpredictability of this league, it's about survival and there's no better team at doing that than the Ravens. …[/i]
[i]“These Ravens are far from a perfect team. They aren't a dominant team. No one on the Ravens would even suggest this. So, what are the Ravens? They're winners, plain and simple.”[/i]

Enough said.
[/quote]

That's the thing, this isn't anything new. The Ravens have never been a dominant team. Every year, every game is hard fought. The only difference is in the past we had a defense more than an offense. This year (and some of last year) its the other way around.

But they always make ENOUGH plays to win a game.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1350312767' post='1190951']
That's the thing, this isn't anything new. The Ravens have never been a dominant team. Every year, every game is hard fought. The only difference is in the past we had a defense more than an offense. This year (and some of last year) its the other way around.

But they always make ENOUGH plays to win a game.
[/quote]

Maybe not new for us, but unlike years passed, this year there is no real dominant team in the AFC. I'm not saying we don't need to improve greatly to get to the prize, but if we can survive through the regular season things could come together at the right time.

[dirtybird10]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1350312767' post='1190951']
That's the thing, this isn't anything new. The Ravens have never been a dominant team. Every year, every game is hard fought. The only difference is in the past we had a defense more than an offense. This year (and some of last year) its the other way around.

But they always make ENOUGH plays to win a game.
[/quote]
Most successful teams to win some ugly games. The Steelers have done it for years. How many times have we sat back after a loss to them and thought "we won that game"? I can think of tons of instances over the years where I thought the Steelers were going to lose games and some how things just fell their way. That is what is happening this year for the Ravens for the most part. We are playing tough but sloppy football, but things are falling our way. Maybe it will continue, maybe it won't. Maybe our team will start to gel and we won't need lady luck as much. Regardless of what happens, going into our bye with the schedule we have had and being either 6-1 or 5-2 is a very, very good place to be.

[dirtybird10]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1350313210' post='1190962']
Maybe not new for us, but unlike years passed, this year there is no real dominant team in the AFC. I'm not saying we don't need to improve greatly to get to the prize, but if we can survive through the regular season things could come together at the right time.
[/quote]

There is no dominant team period! Falcons have not lost yet, but they have been very fortunate, and hell the Ravens are 1 point in Philly away from having the same record.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='dirtybird10' timestamp='1350313702' post='1190973']
There is no dominant team period! Falcons have not lost yet, but they have been very fortunate, and hell the Ravens are 1 point in Philly away from having the same record.
[/quote]

Prezactly!

Injuries, misfortunes and such happen to all teams every year. What the Ravens have in their back pocket is a very strong and positive locker room; A sometimes forgotten intangible that is not often attributed to the Harbaugh influence.

Fortune could be on our side this year and with perseverance we become a post season monster!

[good_n_purple]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1350314329' post='1190984']
Prezactly!

Injuries, misfortunes and such happen to all teams every year. What the Ravens have in their back pocket is a very strong and positive locker room; A sometimes forgotten intangible that is not often attributed to the Harbaugh influence.

Fortune could be on our side this year and with perseverance we become a post season monster!
[/quote]
This could be. There is no 'quit" in this team that I can see, and Karma was being kind to us until Sunday. Pees is supposed to be "cerebral". Lets hope he is cerebral enough to think of some ways to stop the run, and develop a pass-rush outta the what he has. Even when Sizzle gets back he is going to have to play his way into shape...could take a while.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='KillaBirdTJ' timestamp='1350297068' post='1190758']
We have issues on our team. I am not happy about these issues, nor am i saying you should be. Does this mean we should give up all hope? Check yourself Raven Nation. This is Baltimore.
[/quote]

Before we wreck ourselves?

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1350316769' post='1191053']


Before we wreck ourselves?
[/quote]
Wouldnt want that.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1350316833' post='1191055']

Wouldnt want that.
[/quote]

Well, I did get stupid drunk after the game. Does that count?

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1350317245' post='1191065']


Well, I did get stupid drunk after the game. Does that count?
[/quote]
Oh i think so...maybe wrecking yourself doesnt have to be a bad thing.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1350317452' post='1191068']

Oh i think so...maybe wrecking yourself doesnt have to be a bad thing.
[/quote]

Oh thank God, because I clearly didn't check myself first. Thanks for walking me through this.

[KillaBirdTJ]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1350317646' post='1191069']
Oh thank God, because I clearly didn't check myself first. Thanks for walking me through this.
[/quote]

Check yourself could be interpreted many different ways. Im using it as a way of saying to get a grip, put things into perspective. We need to believe in our team's resiliancy to overcome these set-backs. These are times when stars emerge out of nowhere who may not have had an opportunity before. Its possible! Either way lets show some backbone.We all know how our team thrives off of being counted out so let them count us out!

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1350317646' post='1191069']


Oh thank God, because I clearly didn't check myself first. Thanks for walking me through this.
[/quote]
I think we can definitively say...Ravens fans, it's OK if you dont check yourself.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1350305358' post='1190828']
I had a massive nose bleed this morning! Coincidence? I think not...
[/quote]

Did you "run into" Vonta in a dream?

[reediddy]

[quote name='ravens2daplayoffs' timestamp='1350253764' post='1189492']
I'm not trying to be condescending. This will be my last post as I really don't want a fight. I just try to look at the positives. Yes we have many issues and are flawed and are not in Superbowl mode, but we have been in this position before. In 2008 we were 2-3, ended up 11-5 in the AFCG. In 2009 we had a three game losing steak and fell to 3-3, and still got to the divisional round. 2010 we were inconsistent, almost lost to a Bills team at home, and still got to 12-4. 2011 we lost to a bad Jaguars team, and struggled against the Cards. Everyone wrote us off for the Steelers game, and we won.

The point I'm trying to make is that every year we have these struggles where our team could easily self-implode and fall apart, but we don't. We get together, and make a push. I have no doubt this year will be the same. I'm not calling any of you bad fans, I just wanted to be positive. If I came across as anything rude I am sorry.
[/quote]

This. Imagine the scrutiny a team like the Giants went through a year back, yet you watch them stick together and pull out the W's when they mattered. Sure our defense is horrible right now but berating them doesn't solve anything. If you can't tell from postgame interviews, the players themselves are "disgusted" with how bad their defense is playing. The fact that we lost Webb and Lewis will be more reason for the players to rally up and solve the problem.

By now most of us should be used to the emotional roller coaster that is the Ravens. We rarely come out with our A game every week and it's definitely concerning/annoying/maddening, whatever you want to call it. But the fact of the matter is we find ways to win and find ways to deal with injuries. That's what makes us a perennial contender. So have faith that the FO will either sign or promote the next great ILB/CB from within. We have a hell of a matchup next Sunday but I think we will be fine over the course of the season.

[KillaBirdTJ]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1350318757' post='1191108']
I think we can definitively say...Ravens fans, it's OK if you dont check yourself.
[/quote]

No need to be smug sir, of course everyone has the freedom to make their own choice. If you choose to lose faith when the going gets tough then go right ahead knock yourself out.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='KillaBirdTJ' timestamp='1350319329' post='1191122']


No need to be smug sir, of course everyone has the freedom to make their own choice. If you choose to lose faith when the going gets tough then go right ahead knock yourself out.
[/quote]

I'm just having a little fun...no offense intended. Although I am the opposite of the "sky is falling" types. I have faith we will be there in the end when it matters. I would like to see our defense improve, but right now our O is getting it done and that is good enough for me.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='KillaBirdTJ' timestamp='1350319329' post='1191122']
No need to be smug sir, of course everyone has the freedom to make their own choice. If you choose to lose faith when the going gets tough then go right ahead knock yourself out.
[/quote]

Theres also no need to go through and neg each of our posts when we were clearly just having a bit of fun and trying to add just a bit of levity to such a depressing day. Check YOURSELF, sir.

Gab, I went back and fixed yours......

[KillaBirdTJ]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1350319769' post='1191132']
I'm just having a little fun...no offense intended. Although I am the opposite of the "sky is falling" types. I have faith we will be there in the end when it matters. I would like to see our defense improve, but right now our O is getting it done and that is good enough for me.
[/quote]

Amen! Im kind of excited to see how we respond to this adversity. I think we will surprise alot of people!

[ravenwildman]

It is what it is...remember last year the Texans lost two QBs and still made the divisional round, Giants were 9-7 and won the Superbowl, I for one remain hopeful that the Ravens can over come these huge obsticals and keep on track. So, having said that, this week in Houston will say a lot about who the Ravens are.

GO RAVENS!

[BlkBleedingPurple]

Bottom line is we lost a lot of players on that front line
Suggs (injured), Jarret(Chargers), Redding, and i believe one more. All guys who played major roles and had major impact, so it is no surprise that the defense is having some issues, but for years the Offense had issues and the Defense was flawless, so now the role has changed a lil bit, Ok fine..., but im more worried about Webb and Ray , because you remove 2 more players from this Defense and it get's a bit scary. Hopefully like last year if Ray is going to be out and if Webb is done for the year that Ellerbe can step it up like he has, and our DB's turn it up a notch and we will be just fine. Giants won the superbowl last year with a so so team on both sides of the ball, i think they were like last or close to in many categories, same with the Patriots their D was terrible. Not time to throw in the white flag at all, but we do have tough games ahead, and we will have to weather the storm HOUSTON, PITTSBURG, CHARGERS and GIANTS...plus our in division games, and the Browns and or Bengals are not push overs....work cut out for the birds, but i think we can be some what optimistic atleast for now haha. Plus with the way things are shapeing up not to many other AFC teams are looking very good record wise, a lot of craziness in the NFL this year

[KillaBirdTJ]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1350320056' post='1191140']
Theres also no need to go through and neg each of our posts when we were clearly just having a bit of fun and trying to add just a bit of levity to such a depressing day. Check YOURSELF, sir.

Gab, I went back and fixed yours......
[/quote]

Lol. Wow, I see there is alot of uneccesary fighting amongst us... No offense Mr Purple Nurple, I just love my team.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='KillaBirdTJ' timestamp='1350320521' post='1191159']
Lol. Wow, I see there is alot of uneccesary fighting amongst us... No offense Mr Purple Nurple, I just love my team.
[/quote]

lol. Jesus. I was kidding.

Im out!

[BirdWatcher]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1350305358' post='1190828']
I had a massive nose bleed this morning! Coincidence? I think not...
[/quote]

I had a massive allergy attack last night that resulted in a nose bleed. Coincidence? I think not...

I think it was our defense. I'm allergic to that sort of performance.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='rlh445' timestamp='1350254393' post='1189526']
I give up. Next week I expect it will be the same story and that win or lose we'll be dealing with the same problems on D and nobody will care and the people that do will obviously be 'over-blowing' it. Cool! What is with the, 'you all' anyway? Mostly everyone on the board is fully on board with the whole win/loss record being the only stat that matters mantra and only a few people that I've seen are arguing against it. I think it's hyperbolic to say that we all want the team to go 19-0, although it would nice. I'd like the team to put in a solid performance all around without having to ask why we're heaving it on third and two or why we're tackling with the gusto of a seven year old girl, but hey why question anything? I'll just take the blue pills guys.

No, see that's what I don't understand. We're one running play and a spiked ball away from 4-2, and a tipped ball away from 3-3 . See what I did there? People are okay with doing just enough to win and lucking out a victory? Why? How is medioc....ah, forget it.
[/quote]

Look, I don't think it is a case that everyone is okay with a mediocre defense. What do you propose? We storm The Castle and demand they perform better? We light our torches and march demanding Pees head? What exactly?

I hate it. I am a big fan of big defense. I like hard, legal hits and forced turnovers. I love when we sack the opposing QB so much they flinch every time they drop back. It just is what it is right now. We are lucky though. The offense has stepped up enough to get us wins despite the poor defensive play. I think that is what people are pointing out.

Look around the league and see how many teams are not so lucky. I'll take 5-1 and I will be happy with it because, no matter our issues, at the end, it IS the win/loss column that gets you into the post season and a chance at the big show. Period.

[rlh445]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1350320948' post='1191171']
Look, I don't think it is a case that everyone is okay with a mediocre defense. What do you propose? We storm The Castle and demand they perform better? We light our torches and march demanding Pees head? What exactly?

I hate it. I am a big fan of big defense. I like hard, legal hits and forced turnovers. I love when we sack the opposing QB so much they flinch every time they drop back. It just is what it is right now. We are lucky though. The offense has stepped up enough to get us wins despite the poor defensive play. I think that is what people are pointing out.

Look around the league and see how many teams are not so lucky. I'll take 5-1 and I will be happy with it because, no matter our issues, at the end, it IS the win/loss column that gets you into the post season and a chance at the big show. Period.
[/quote]

Uh yes, I want us to storm the Castle RIGHT NOW! I will bring hot cocoa and muffins, and you bring your specialty dish and everyone else bring their picket signs! We're doing this!

Haha seriously though: I get that we're lucky. That's the whole point. Right now, our offense is doing 'just enough' for us to win and our defense is scraping by and that was BEFORE we lost Ray and Webby and Ngata got all dinged up. Luck isn't gonna get us through the playoffs. At this point, getting to the playoffs is like a normalcy. We'll most likely get there. What happens once we do? I'd be ecstatic if we just continued with our horse shoe, but in reality I would hope that it's much more likely that our offense would just be able to carry the load the entire way even though the defense is obviously not going to be much of a factor from this point forward. People can point to the Midgets, or the Texans last year..heck I heard people today on the radio pointing to the 2000 Ravens and how they didn't score a TD for 5 games so everything's okay. Hey, miracles? Miracles are awesome. If this is where the Ravens' miracles start, sweet! We're not the Giants though, and we're definitely not the 2000 Ravens, so I'm just not buying it. We've gotten into the post season a lot, and last year we were the closest we've been for a long while......and yet we STILL didn't get it done. So, color me a pessimist, just make sure the color crayon you use is purple okay?

[K-Dog]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1350305358' post='1190828']
I had a massive nose bleed this morning! Coincidence? I think not...
[/quote]
Is it Cams fault or Pees?