[News] Are Ravens In Trouble?

[bmore_kman]

It's a good thing the players aren't as panicky and chicken little-ish as their fans...

[balfan23]

[quote name='balfan23' timestamp='1355153197' post='1255123']
There is exactly zero chance that will happen. The question is, will we ever fire Cam period. I suppose it is possible that, if our offense goes into a tail spin to finish out the year - we might let him go in the offseason. But to replace your offensive coordinator in week 14? That would be insane.
[/quote]

OK - can't believe I'm quoting my own post. Nonetheless, I guess the message is that it would be insane to replace our OC with someone outside the organization in week 14. If we brought Norv in, we're not going to implement a new system 3/4 of the way through a season.

If the latest word coming from the Sun is true, then we felt that promoting from within would not be too disruptive a move. I am still surprised that this happened today. The offenses performance yesterday wasn't as alarmingly bad as some other games we've had, but I guess it has just finally come to a head.

[steelcityraven]

Yes we are in trouble but ...

TBH.... we have lost three games by less a total of 7 points.
We have won ugly all year but truth be told we should be 12-1 right now!

There are not too many teams who can legitimately say that and there are not too many teams that have faced the adversity that we have!

If Caldwell comes in and plays to our strength and keeps our D off of the field a little.... We should be just fine and even better then that...

We should be just fine at the right time!

[Ravensfolyfe]

I'm a die hard Ravens fan and I feel like as a fan I should be able to express my displeasure on how we have had 2 chances 2 lock up a playoff spot for the 5th str8 year and we are a great team.Then that's what i expect from my team because of the high expectations.So,people on this site if you,like me don't like what you see coming from this team,then speak your mind I say.News of Cam getting fired is the start of change in Ravens Nation!

[bmore_kman]

[quote name='bioLarzen' timestamp='1355153204' post='1255125']
I guess I'm in the minority - maybe the only one around - who found a lot of positive things yesterday. I'm not saying I wasn't heartbroken, of course - but, however strange, I'm in better mood now than i was after some won games, like the KC- or the Cowboys game.

Why? Because of the implications: it's been a good while that we've seen the Ravens this productive on the road. We could see a good Flacco, a great Boldin and a very good Rice/Pierce combo. I've long been saying that the key of getting anywhere near the SB is finding our road form again - because it was long obvious that we'll have to play on the road at least one in the palyoffs (now it almost certainly looks like at least twice). So, no matter how good we are at home, it'll come to nothing if the first time we have to travel we're doomed. Maybe for theirst time this season, I saw a road Ravens I liked. The playoffs seem almost certain now, one of the steelers/bengals combo should winn all 3 of their games and we should lose all 3 of ours not to clinch the division. Also, the wild card round seems very likely. That'll probably be at home as division champions - but, after that it's on the road probably twice, against teams like the Texans, the Pats, the Bronsos or the Colts. Without a good road form, no chance. With our A-game on the road - anything can happen.

bio
[/quote]

Don't you know that "real" Ravens fans aren't supposed to be positive?

[Rover555]

Absolutely...the Ravens are in trouble. I'm not a fairweather fan but I'm a realist and sometimes you have to drink something other than purple Koolaid. We are riddled with injuries defensively and the offense is unbelievably inconsistent. I expected us to win against Pit at home last week and then win 2 of the remaining 4. We choked against Pit and then choked against the Skins. We had several opportunites to close out yesterday's game and simply choked. Now, we face P. Manning who has historically owned the Ravens, and then face Eli followed by a hungry Bengals team who just may be playing for a playoff berth in last week of the season. I would be surprised if we win more than 1 of the final 3 games with the best chances against NY or Cin. NY has a history of playing well down the stretch and peaking at the right time. Their defense is stout and they have a strong runing game and great receivers...not a good recipe if you're a Ravens fan. It's just how I see it. Anyone who thinks that we're definitely going to get a playoff spot is fooling themselves. Neither Pit or Cin is going to lay down and go away over the next three weeks...espcially knowing who we have to play down the stretch.

[manofsteel]

We are not going to win if Pees keeps "no tackle" Ed Reed and "no keep up "Williams in !

[heycuf]

We're going to stumble into the playoffs,tripping over ourselves,might get lucky & get handed the AFC North title,but after that,HA!HA!HA! Like Rover555 said,we're in trouble&I'm not a fairweather fan either.But like he said you have to be real & real is looking a our beatup defense with an underachieving offense.Our offense should be up in the top as far as run yards.Ray R.,Vonte L.,& Pierce accumalatively should be one of the top running tandems in the NFL.When are we going to realize that Joe cannot win a game on his arm & intellegence.He has no pocket sense.You figured Troy P.would've made him more aware of the outside blitz.

[BigDawgG]

I knew during the win against the Chiefs that the Ravens were in trouble. THey don't have anyone who can man the Nose Tackle spot, and in order to run a 3-4 defense, you NEED a Nose Tackle. Ma'ake Kemeoatu is always getting blown off the line, getting pushed back, and is rarely (if ever) a factor against the pass or run. Arthur Jones looks good sporadically, and Holoti Ngata (as banged up as he is) can't always be counted on either. Their second biggest issue is their offensive line. The Ravens went into this season knowing there was a glaring need at LG, and they've just had a rotating wheel at that position, starting natural tackles Ramon Harewood and Jah Reid, along with a washed up Bobby Williams at that position. I thought that Osemele was drafted with the LG position in mind, but I guess not. Osemele looks to be a promising player, but he struggles with pass-blocking from time to time, as does Oher. Had McKinnie been the starting LT with Osemele at LG, I think their offensive line would have been in better shape. For all the ridicule McKinnie gets, keep in mind, he kept James Harrison from getting a sack against the Ravens last year.

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

[quote name='bioLarzen' timestamp='1355155416' post='1255234']
Before the game I urged the O to throw a lot instead of trying to stuff Rice with balls against the #4 run d of the NFL - but we have to admit that it worked. Rice had 121 yards from 20 carries, that's more than 6 yards per carry; he also had a TD and multiple 10+ yard carries - that's simply great against such an effective run D. So, running the ball when it works... i wouldn't call that a mistake.

bio
[/quote]

Yes the run was working, never said it was a mistake - my point was when you have mismatches you take advantage - last week we didn't have a mismatch and continued to go deep and yesterday we did and did not go deep...It just seems we always do what's opposite, but hopefully all that changes (please please please let it happen) lol

[Mystigo_Dragon]

[quote name='windew007' timestamp='1355147690' post='1254967']
Yeah the fumbles did hurt us. But both of them were blind side hits while in motion of throwing the ball. Not alot he can do there to protect the ball.
[/quote]

Not knocking Joe E-Lite totally, Oher whiffed the block on one but Joe's body language suggested he was going deep and that I hate to see!

He had Torrey with two steps on the defender and undertrew him (again),... but, Cam's gone! I look for this to change!

[Mystigo_Dragon]

The firing of Cam Cameron just guaranteed us the AFC-North and with some help from the Texans tonight and us taking care of the Broncs Sunday, the Bye is back in focus a bit!

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

[quote name='bmore_kman' timestamp='1355159835' post='1255670']
It's a good thing the players aren't as panicky and chicken little-ish as their fans...
[/quote]

maybe the should be and we wouldn't have lost the last 2 games!!! Maybe they should be if they don't want to lose the last 3 games either!!! Denver is hot on an 8 game win streak and Peyton Manning is coming to town - those 2 things don't give me the warm and fuzzy, THEN NYG and with the way our offensive line blocks I have a feeling that is going to be a long game for Flacco and THEN to Cincy our lost conference game...I think it's time they hit the panic button, put on their life vests and get ready to fight for their lives cause its obvious they have lost the ability to "find a way to win"

[ellicottraven]

Are the Ravens in trouble?
Are you kidding me?
Of course they are. They have been blessed with a lot of good fortune to be sitting where they are right now at 9-4. There are problems at multiple levels frankly. Injuries have hit the Ravens team worse than most teams. Their drafting over the past few years has not been exemplary. So the overall quality of the team has deteriorated as one should expect. The notion of several average picks over one great pick should change ASAP. We need future superstars like we had in Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Ngata and Suggs. WE don't have any right now.
The coaching has been unimaginative and sub-par where mid game adjustments are concerned. Game planning is average at best. The HC isn't great either since he tends to work in comfort zones (unwilling to fire coaches he is comfortable with). Finally Cam was fired (Thanks Steve), but more needs to happen if we are to contend year in and year out. We need to trade up and pick up a few defensive gems or offensive gems. Quality and not Quantity should be our drafting norm moving forward. Look at Joe Flacco with discerning eyes prior to giving him top 5 or even top 10 money at this point. In fact, I would franchise him and see how he develops with another co-ordinator before settling on him as our long term QB.

This year is a tax write off as far as I am concerned. We don't look like a team that can contend for a SB unfortunately. To be able to do so, we may have t

[Shaky End of the Quarter]

There are a few fans out there saying: "stay positive that we can still win the SB. Look what GB and NYG did the last couple of years."

Humm...Where do I begin. You can NEVER by any stretch of imagination compare GB offense with our offense. I am talking about QB, offensive line, WR, OC, the playbook, everyone everything... When GB won the super bowl 2 years ago the offensive line was giving Rodgers time to take a nap in the pocket (basically what you see with Brady and the pats week in week out)I know statistically the GB def was one of the worst in the league 2 years ago when they won. But that was mainly because the offense was so good, the other teams found themselves trailing early and had no other choice but to air it out early and often. They gave up a ton of yardage but not necessarily points. And even if they gave up the points they have an A caliber offense to bail them out. DO we have that??? hummm NO!!!!

I am not even going to begin comparing Flacco and Rodgers head to head cuz it would almost be unfair. (For the record I am a CAM HATER not a FLACCO HATER). That's right he got fired so I don't have to hate on him anymore. =)

Next point. Pass rush. Pass rush is something that both the fudgePackers and the Giants excelled at in their super bowl winning year. I know we've had a lot of injuries during the season especially on DEF, but our pass rush has been not existent. When Suggs came back from injury I thought our problems were half solved. He notched his first sack against HOU his first week and I thought we could be ok. Suggs presence has not been felt since that first sack. He played with ZERO passion against the Squeelers at home, ZERO 2nd efforts to go after the QB, NADA, ZIP. Without pass rush we get torched. So PASS RUSH, Do we have that??? hummm NO!!!!

Now lets talk about the G MEN. The only reason the Giants won the super bowl last year was because they suffered all the injuries on defense early in the season and Eli was able to bail them out. 2 week prior to the playoffs MIRACULOUSLY everyone on defense was back in TIP TOP shape for the final stretch after resting for 3-6 weeks. When everyone was gasping for air, Tuck, Umeniura and JPP were all feasting on QBs and OL men. Once again Do we have that??? hummm NO!!!!

Webby aint coming back, Suggs could come back but I havent seen ANYTHING from him this year (poor guy he is coming off injury I know), Ray could come back but he is 37 you have to realize he is pure motivation not necessarily execution these days (very sad to say, I love the man and could never say anything bad about him besides the fact that in this brutal sport he is a lil old these days), ngata has been playing less than 100%, Yanda, Ellerbe... The list goes on and on.

For all those that say we still have a chance. hummm NO!!!!
Maybe next year since we just fired Cam; and something tells me after the 58-0 smack down we are going to suffer Sunday, Mr. Peas will be having scrambled eggs and french toast at Cam's place. Na na na HEY HEY HEY GOOOD BYEEEEEE !!!!

[baltimore1975]

[quote name='Shaky End of the Quarter' timestamp='1355167469' post='1256159']
There are a few fans out there saying: "stay positive that we can still win the SB. Look what GB and NYG did the last couple of years."

Humm...Where do I begin. You can NEVER by any stretch of imagination compare GB offense with our offense. I am talking about QB, offensive line, WR, OC, the playbook, everyone everything... When GB won the super bowl 2 years ago the offensive line was giving Rodgers time to take a nap in the pocket (basically what you see with Brady and the pats week in week out)I know statistically the GB def was one of the worst in the league 2 years ago when they won. But that was mainly because the offense was so good, the other teams found themselves trailing early and had no other choice but to air it out early and often. They gave up a ton of yardage but not necessarily points. And even if they gave up the points they have an A caliber offense to bail them out. DO we have that??? hummm NO!!!!

I am not even going to begin comparing Flacco and Rodgers head to head cuz it would almost be unfair. (For the record I am a CAM HATER not a FLACCO HATER). That's right he got fired so I don't have to hate on him anymore. =)

Next point. Pass rush. Pass rush is something that both the fudgePackers and the Giants excelled at in their super bowl winning year. I know we've had a lot of injuries during the season especially on DEF, but our pass rush has been not existent. When Suggs came back from injury I thought our problems were half solved. He notched his first sack against HOU his first week and I thought we could be ok. Suggs presence has not been felt since that first sack. He played with ZERO passion against the Squeelers at home, ZERO 2nd efforts to go after the QB, NADA, ZIP. Without pass rush we get torched. So PASS RUSH, Do we have that??? hummm NO!!!!

Now lets talk about the G MEN. The only reason the Giants won the super bowl last year was because they suffered all the injuries on defense early in the season and Eli was able to bail them out. 2 week prior to the playoffs MIRACULOUSLY everyone on defense was back in TIP TOP shape for the final stretch after resting for 3-6 weeks. When everyone was gasping for air, Tuck, Umeniura and JPP were all feasting on QBs and OL men. Once again Do we have that??? hummm NO!!!!

Webby aint coming back, Suggs could come back but I havent seen ANYTHING from him this year (poor guy he is coming off injury I know), Ray could come back but he is 37 you have to realize he is pure motivation not necessarily execution these days (very sad to say, I love the man and could never say anything bad about him besides the fact that in this brutal sport he is a lil old these days), ngata has been playing less than 100%, Yanda, Ellerbe... The list goes on and on.

For all those that say we still have a chance. hummm NO!!!!
Maybe next year since we just fired Cam; and something tells me after the 58-0 smack down we are going to suffer Sunday, Mr. Peas will be having scrambled eggs and french toast at Cam's place. Na na na HEY HEY HEY GOOOD BYEEEEEE !!!!
[/quote]

Yeah I agree with you at least when things go wrong we can't bash Cam anymore. Eventhough I have done some of the bashing year after year I kind of feel bad that the guy was fired. This is his livelihood. But I'm sure he knew this might happen and this coaches are making 6 to 7 figures so I'm sure he isn't worrying about his lifestyle changing.

[kdsays]

Good! RAVENS seem focused on pushing forward--fighting to victory. That's all one can ever do. Let there be no doubt in your mind. BELIEVE. All things are possible. Go get 'em RAVENS!!!! I BELIEVE!

[jrs034]

the Denver game is a must win and I really hope Texas beats the Pats to

[bmore_kman]

[quote name='ibleedpurpleandblack' timestamp='1355167106' post='1256138']
maybe the should be and we wouldn't have lost the last 2 games!!! Maybe they should be if they don't want to lose the last 3 games either!!! Denver is hot on an 8 game win streak and Peyton Manning is coming to town - those 2 things don't give me the warm and fuzzy, THEN NYG and with the way our offensive line blocks I have a feeling that is going to be a long game for Flacco and THEN to Cincy our lost conference game...I think it's time they hit the panic button, put on their life vests and get ready to fight for their lives cause its obvious they have lost the ability to "find a way to win"
[/quote]

Sorry, I don't want the players heading to the next game in a state of panic. Determination, yes, panic, absolutely not! I doubt that that there's a professional athlete or team, at any time, in any sport, that has succeeded with a "woe is us" mentality...

[Bernie Mc1953]

We control our own destiny. we are still in control look at the record. it might have been some ugly wins but when you read the papers it says 9-4 show me any time out there with losing records would love to be 9-4. we needed a little change. we got a change now lets hope things get betterif not some heads are going to roll at seasons end.

[CapoRocky]

How about we win 2 of the last 3? I'd love to see us beat both Mannings even if the one loss could would come in Cincinnati.

[Tatiraven]

Ravens fans have been looking for blood, now they've got their blood. Let's see how it pans out.

[Tatiraven]

It's funny they fire Cam on a day when it wasn't his fault. The first 2 drives our defense was no where to be found. RG3 picked up chunks after chunks of yards.

We run the ball well, we were up by 8pts with 4min left. That should've been good enough to win the game. I wish Cam was fired last week though.

[d1957w]

so is Pees the problem with the defense, or the players, or just injuries?

[yanmei89]

Sadly, I think were going to be playing in the WC round. We were primed (even after the loss to the Texans) to be able to grab the top spot...we still had a good chance at the 2nd spot after losing to Pittsburgh. But now, we would be lucky to get a 3 or 4 spot. Injury bug, and plain bad luck have haunted the Ravens the entire year.

[PoeZest]

Here's my pipe dream: We get healthier and angrier. Texans knock off the Pats tonight, we beat Peyton at home, and by next Monday we're in the #2 AFC driver's seat. We keep the mo going, snatch the last 2 and take a week off. We beat Brady at M&T and return to Texas for revenge. By then #52 is calling the shots, with 55 by his side, 92 in front, and 20's got his back. The O is clicking like never before, and the Texans lay an egg. SB bound! (don't wake me up)

[cobrajet]

[quote name='PoeZest' timestamp='1355178068' post='1256586']
Here's my pipe dream: We get healthier and angrier. Texans knock off the Pats tonight, we beat Peyton at home, and by next Monday we're in the #2 AFC driver's seat. We keep the mo going, snatch the last 2 and take a week off. We beat Brady at M&T and return to Texas for revenge. By then #52 is calling the shots, with 55 by his side, 92 in front, and 20's got his back. The O is clicking like never before, and the Texans lay an egg. SB bound! (don't wake me up)
[/quote]
I love this dream, you keep that dream alive brother!

[Purple Dawg 96]

Are the Ravens in trouble? "NOPE"!

[Ravensfan105]

I know nobody wants to blame the defense, but you have to. Once again (like the Dallas game) we have a 8 point lead with a few minutes on the clock, it is painful just to see the other offense just getting 10-15 yards each play and coming down and scoring. I know we have a TON of injuries but theres no excuse for how our defense gives up that much yards. We have to get Ellebre back this week, and hopefully Ray,Sizzle, and Jimmy will be back. Go Ravens.

[slowboater]

[quote name='Tatiraven' timestamp='1355174430' post='1256470']
It's funny they fire Cam on a day when it wasn't his fault. The first 2 drives our defense was no where to be found. RG3 picked up chunks after chunks of yards.

We run the ball well, we were up by 8pts with 4min left. That should've been good enough to win the game. I wish Cam was fired last week though.
[/quote]
Ditto. I have been critical of Cam, and even last Sunday, made some head scratching decisions (end of half, end of game, overtime), but he was not the total blame.

I can't help but think this is the tip of the iceberg and more heads will roll in the offseason. Sure hope Jim Caldwell does a adequate job at O.C. as he has never done this..... Is this his audition or Joe's?