Inspiration

[Dudeman]

Been thinking lately that the Ravens should be plenty motivated and inspired for this years Ray-Offs.

But how does inspiration/motivation factor into winning a football game?

I think most players would tell you that to perform well in of itself is simply part of being a professional. Inspiration alone can only take you so far as the Colts can attest to this year.

So is it just an intangible part of the big picture, is it an over-rated or under-rated factor? Does playing inspired give a player/team an extra chip or edge on their shoulder to play with?

What do you think?

[RobFuseRaven]

I think it depends on the player and what type of inspiration it is. In the case of Ray Lewis, he has been known to motivate and inspire throughout his whole career. To be a motivator AND the thought of him retiring with this being his last chance to get a Lombardi, I think the players genuinely dug down deep for this win. Some players will tell you that they only focus on the play at hand, but I do think sometimes things can inspire more drive and determination than normal.

[CalvinSmoke]

Motivation can matter, it just really depends on what that motivation is.

In the Colt's case, they were playing because Chuck was in the hospital, and then they played hard because Chuck finally came back. So sure, they had all sorts of fire for his first day back, but for the second week... what do you really play for? After that point their goal was met, any other things trying to light a fire under them would be artificial.

Remeber when the Steelers wanted Jerome Bettis to not only retire on a Super Bowl win but to also have him get that Super Bowl win in his home town of Detriot? Now that's a team goal that get's you all the way to the promise land. Because it's more than just "he wants to win a championship" because that's everyones goal. But to get your great teamate a story book ending like that, that's something a team can rally behind.

Playing a team high on emotion is extremely tough, because if they are really determined, and they never run out of steam.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='Dudeman' timestamp='1357669252' post='1298299']
Been thinking lately that the Ravens should be plenty motivated and inspired for this years Ray-Offs.

But how does inspiration/motivation factor into winning a football game?

I think most players would tell you that to perform well in of itself is simply part of being a professional. Inspiration alone can only take you so far as the Colts can attest to this year.

So is it just an intangible part of the big picture, is it an over-rated or under-rated factor? Does playing inspired give a player/team an extra chip or edge on their shoulder to play with?

What do you think?
[/quote]

They last 5 yrs should be Motivation enough IMO. I don't know about you but im sick of Being a Bridesmaid. RAVENS Deserve this more than Any Other Team.

[mdrsharon]

I think all athletes have to get inside their own heads to win.
Knowing some pro guys - they all need to get in " the zone", usually before a game.

I think you can tell when they are " feeling it" and when they are not.

Let's hope we are all there this weekend!

Go Ravens!

[cmc0605]

Very few people inspire and motivate like Ray Lewis. Some people just make everyone around them better. Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis are both those type of guys. But I think a lot of that extracurricular stuff goes out the door once you get smacked by a 300+ pound lineman. Pretty soon, it's about what is in your own head, and whether you can execute. If guys are too emotional, too nervous, etc then that matters too. Denver has guys too that don't have much longer in the league-- Champ Bailey for example, still looking for his first ring.. Everyone is going to be emotional and fired up and everyone "wants it." It's all going to come down to basics...who executes, who tackles, who catches.