15 replies to this topic

[nextgen_RavensFan]

I thought this would be the year we went back to the big game but now i am hoping just to make it into the play-offs somehow. I know we are 5 and 1 and that is great. I just do not see this defense stopping anyone. If we play a team that runs the ball we could fall victim very easily.

Have your views on this years outcome changed with the events of the last 2 weeks mixed with the play of the players still on the field ?

[jaege]

My view of the team has changed, obviously, as we are now, seemingly, a team with a greater offense than defense. I do not think we are going to win as many as I thought we were, but its too early to decide if we are or are not going to go all the way.

[awholelottahaloti]

My view of the defense has changed for the obvious reasons, and also because the D line has not performed as well as I thought they would. I knew losing JJ and Redding would produce some growing pains, but the replacements just have not performed well.

The O is performing as I thought they would. A lot of weapons, but still are developing the communications and familiarity pieces. The best is yet to come.

Special teams have improved, which had to happen.

I had us going 12-4 and I see no reason we can't still put up that record. The bye couldn't be coming at a better time and should provide for the needed adjustments for the D.

[K-Dog]

Let me answer this AFTER todays game.

I agree things have changed significantly, today we see how well our team compensates for these changes.

[HarleypsychRN]

While I'm encourgaed by the fact that they won couple games that could have gone the other way (with the exception of the Eagle's game) they don't look like a team that will go past the first round in the playoffs, if they make it that far. Last year was out year to go all the way but it didn't happen. They could easily be 3-3 right now rather than 5-1. I've never seen a defense go from very good-to-awful so quickly. I'm praying for a miracle though...

[nextgen_RavensFan]

I love the fact that we have an offense that can almost score from anywhere on the field as well. As long as we do not go back to the days of testaverde remember lol. Offensive yards 400 - but the defense gives away 430 yards- LOL.

I never knew what happened to Michael Jackson after that one or two year span that guy had some wheels.

Go get em Ravens !!

[nextgen_RavensFan]

My view of the defense has changed for the obvious reasons, and also because the D line has not performed as well as I thought they would. I knew losing JJ and Redding would produce some growing pains, but the replacements just have not performed well.

The O is performing as I thought they would. A lot of weapons, but still are developing the communications and familiarity pieces. The best is yet to come.

Special teams have improved, which had to happen.

I had us going 12-4 and I see no reason we can't still put up that record. The bye couldn't be coming at a better time and should provide for the needed adjustments for the D.

Can you imagine what we will look like with an entire year under their belts on offense, just scary good.

[TreTheRaven]

My views are completely different. Well, sort of. I didn't think the D would be this terrible, but did expect a bit of a drop off. Part of me believes it's some of the age, some of it is the people we let go, and the other part is cause Pagano is gone. This defense is quite a shock compared to the defense we've been used to over the last 10+ years, and it's disappointing.

I once saw them making the playoffs, and now I am not so quite sure. I am rather shocked at how they are 5 - 1 at this point. I think the 5 - 1 record is not cause the Ravens are winning games, but more so of the other teams just losing it some how. Had they had a defense they've generally had, I wouldn't be shocked. I think the rest of the schedule is when we learn that this team isn't meant for the playoffs.

The offense, I don't know. I am kind of surprised, but I'm not. I think we started to see Flaccos true form in New England last season in the playoffs. Torrey Smith is really better than I realized. He is just a beast. Love the kid. Little Ray doesn't surprise me after all these years. I think Q is one of the leaders as he shows up when this team needs someone to help them. I love the idenity the offense is taking, just hope they can keep balling like they have.

[awholelottahaloti]

Can you imagine what we will look like with an entire year under their belts on offense, just scary good.

Yes, scary good!

Hopefully we can keep this squad together for a few years, maybe with some tweaks on the line. Can only get better with time.

[PolishRifle]

We always had a great defense an running game, but after the 2000 season, what did we achieve playing like that? Were the Ravens the class of the AFC North? No, that's the Steelers. Did we win the AFC North often? No, that's the Steelers again. Did we win the AFCCG, since 2000 this way? No, the Steelers, Patriots and Colts mostly did that.
Making trips to the Playoffs often via Wildcard is nice, but that's not what the NFL is about. It's about winning Superbowls. We wasted alot of time and great talent by paying too much attention to defense and running the ball and completely disregarding the passing game, which became more and more crucial over the years. That's why we were never good enough.
This season, is a much needed shift in team philosophy towards a more balanced team. I just hope nobody panics in the organisation and wastes the whole draft on just picking defensive players. Things are improving for the Ravens with this much needed change of the guard imho.

Edited by PolishRifle, 21 October 2012 - 09:20 AM.

[Northern-Raven]

Views have definitely changed as well. Did not expect such a decrease in the defense and it is hard to watch. So used to that dominance but I feel we can turn that around with some tweaks and the bye week (maybe not back to top 3 ranked defense, but at least get back to a respectable level).

I also feel that we can most definitely still make the playoffs if these injuries recently sustained do what we need them to do (wow, ok that sounds worse than I thought). But it means we need Flacco to really step out with the offense and take control. I know we've seen glimpses of it, but we need it more than ever now. Again, I think we will be around for the playoffs but I'm starting to think next year may be our year/at least more promising. With the offense having to step up even more they will get that much more experience/development together and by the time next season rolls around hopefully we have Suggs, Lewis, Webb, and Reed even for once back to full health. And obviously we'd have to make a few moves too but it feels like this is setting up next year to be a big one. I guess fans say that every year though...

[nextgen_RavensFan]

Right now friends i feel like our offense can carry the defense if they play more consistent. We have all of the pieces and just need the consistency to be there. I think i read we score 32 points at home and 16 on the road. We need 32 in every game. Once the defense gets a year under their belt and we drop some dead weight during the off season and get a couple veteran Defensive players we will be both a good defense and a very good offense.

I will not say who i think we should drop, we all have our players we feel should go and most everyone has a better knowledge then me on football and that is why i love this board. I learn so much when i visit and read and i thank everyone for sharing so freely.

[Florida Ravens Fan]

Our WR cant get no seperation, now is that on them? Or on schemes? Or both? The way we been playing lately, even on our Ws makes me believe we might have trouble even getting to playoffs. Yes im glad were 5-2 but our record doesnt indicate our play, we will not continue to win like this. That's four bad performances in a row, what makes ypu giys think well get this fixed on the bye?? I am a fan so i will continue to root for my team, and watch games, but my hopes for the team have changed completely!

[Mr. Irrelevant]

Our WR cant get no seperation, now is that on them? Or on schemes? Or both? The way we been playing lately, even on our Ws makes me believe we might have trouble even getting to playoffs. Yes im glad were 5-2 but our record doesnt indicate our play, we will not continue to win like this. That's four bad performances in a row, what makes ypu giys think well get this fixed on the bye?? I am a fan so i will continue to root for my team, and watch games, but my hopes for the team have changed completely!

Thats the WR coaches fault. Not Cams. I see us as a SB team when Ray comes back in the playoffs. Webb is a huge loss, but Jimmy will do better. Jimmy did not give up a TD. He gave up yards, but it comes down to TDs.

[EdPick6RiverStix]

I think the no huddle is good for us when were at home. But when on the road, we should pack our run game a bit more. I only saw one hb draw when we line up at shotgun and when we called it, rice gained almost 8 yards. The defense is banged up but we can still be solid. Dean pees needs to blitz a lil bit more and let our corners press a bit more. This off man coverages is being exposed week in n week out.

[K-Dog]

Let me answer this AFTER todays game.

I agree things have changed significantly, today we see how well our team compensates for these changes.

Okay, I can now formulate an opinion for the remainder of the season.


@Cleveland WIN
Oakland WIN
@Pitts-burgh I am calling a win but it could go either way Origonaly predicted a win
@ San Diego loss which remains un changed since the beginning of the season
Pitts-burgh WIN
@Washington WIN
Denver loss ( Damn you Peyton ) prediction unchanged
New York loss prediction changed
@Cincinati WIN prediction unchanged.

So personally I have added two possibly three losses.
Still playoff bound.