40 replies to this topic

[Dudeman]

Were you surprised we made it to the Super Bowl?

Not me, but I've read that a lot of people outside of Baltimore were surprised.

They really shouldn't be considering we have won play-off games the last 5 years. Yet I will concede that we had to beat Luck, Manning, and Brady to get there.

So in what way were you surprised by the Ravens this year?

Personally, I didn't expect to lose Suggs AND get him back so soon. Nor did I expect to take Pierce in the 3rd round. I also was surprised when we converted a 4th and 29 against the Chargers. In hindsight I was kinda surprised to see Mckinnie starting LT in the first play-off round. I am so happy that all has worked out.

In that same vein who exceeded your expectations this year?

Edited by Dudeman, 23 January 2013 - 06:27 PM.

[SecretAgentMan]

Pierce impressed the hell out of me.

[Ravens<3]

Yeah, Pierce without a doubt.

Also Suggs coming back so soon and how clutch Tucker has been.

[Dudeman]

Yeah, Pierce without a doubt.

Also Suggs coming back so soon and how clutch Tucker has been.

Tucker is a pleasant surprise to be sure, but I wouldn't call it a shocker. He was clutch in college, great in camp and had a fantastic pre-season. So glad we have Tucker, he reminds me of a younger Stover in the way he lines up his kicks.

[Ravens<3]

Tucker is a pleasant surprise to be sure, but I wouldn't call it a shocker. He was clutch in college, great in camp and had a fantastic pre-season. So glad we have Tucker, he reminds me of a younger Stover in the way he lines up his kicks.

I didn't expect him to be this good though, especially in his rookie year.

[tsizzle95]

tucker surprised me, but so did graham. im really glad he was able to get into the rotation because he has played really well especially for a guy we thought would just be a special teamer.

[JamesRaven]

Pierce - I expected very little from him, and thought Rice would be our whole running game - I was wrong!
Osemele - Thought he would be pretty good, but he's been a total beast
Tucker - Mr Clutch
Ellerbe - Really stepped up in the absence of Ray and McClain, what a player.

Also impressed with how our defense improved itself as the season wore on, and in fact the team as a whole for coming through so much and just getting the job done!

[runamuk]

Tucker was a big surprise but Osemele even bigger I think he has done an awesome job . oher gets more penalities then he does . I'm not surprised we are in the superbowl i think the journey getting here was different and surprising cameron firing joe breaking out , Lewis retiring ,,,I never imagined allot of the adversity either but I am glad we are here and i plan to enjoy it .

[Fang]

Biggest surprises...

1. How well the secondary played when Ladarius Webb and Jimmy Smith went down. Corey Graham and Chykie Brown really stepped up.
2. Dannell Ellerbe covers a lot of ground.
3. Paul Kruger becoming our best sack specialist.
4. Jacoby Jones return skills and he's been a great #3 receiver.
5. Bernard Pierce is awesome.

[awholelottahaloti]

By far, Corey Graham. A ST player that has saved our secondary.

[Sizzlebshu]

Were you surprised we made it to the Super Bowl?

Not me, but I've read that a lot of people outside of Baltimore were surprised.

They really shouldn't be considering we have won play-off games the last 5 years. Yet I will concede that we had to beat Luck, Manning, and Brady to get there.

So in what way were you surprised by the Ravens this year?

Personally, I didn't expect to lose Suggs AND get him back so soon. Nor did I expect to take Pierce in the 3rd round. I also was surprised when we converted a 4th and 29 against the Chargers. In hindsight I was kinda surprised to see Mckinnie starting LT in the first play-off round. I am so happy that all has worked out.

In that same vein who exceeded your expectations this year?

Cam Cameron getting fired right after getting a 2 year extension. Thank You God.

[Militant X 1]

due to how the Ravens played so inconsistently throughout the year this season and then of course, the injuries to the defense and then their horrible 3 game losing streak....absolutely! i'm very surprised that in spite of all of those things happening to them....the Ravens have found ways to overcome them all and then they went on an INCREDIBLE run to win 3 games in a row in the playoffs (that offset that 3 game losing streak in the regular season...lol) to reach the Superbowl! i had no doubt that the Ravens "could" beat the broncos and then the patriots on the road. but i didn't really know if they "would." well...they did! their road and path to the Superbowl has not been an easy one that is for sure! but....it just goes to show you....that no matter how horribly a team is playing or looks in the regular season...IF...they can make it to the dance (playoffs) ANYTHING can happen! never count them out! i'm so proud of these cats!

GO RAVENS!!

~Mili

Edited by Militant X 1, 23 January 2013 - 07:07 PM.

[awholelottahaloti]

due to how the Ravens played so inconsistently throughout the year and then of course, the injuries to the defense and then that 3 game losing stretch....absolutely! i'm surprised that inspite of all of those things happening..the Ravens have overcome them all and then made an INCREDIBLE 3 game win streak in the playoffs (that offset that 3 game losing streak in the regular season...lol) 1 at home and 2 on the road to reach the Superbowl! wow! just goes to show you that no matter how horribly a team is playing or looks...IF...they can make it to the dance (playoffs) ANYTHING can happen! i'm so proud of these cats!

GO RAVENS!!

~Mili

I think that the Giants win last year and our success this year proves that what matters most is getting into the tournament and playing you best football, not regular season prowess. We've peaked at the optimal time and in my opinion, no one could beat us at this point of the season.

SURPRISE NFL!!!!!!!!!!!!


Go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by awholelottahaloti, 23 January 2013 - 07:08 PM.

[Dudeman]

I think that the Giants win last year and our success this year proves that what matters is getting into the tournament and playing you best football is much more important than regular season prowess. We've peaked at the optimal time and in my opinion, no one could beat us at this point of the season. SURPRISE NFL!!!!!!!!!!!!


Go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Totally agree and then some. I am reminded of the '06 Colts whose slumping run defense did a complete 180 for the play-offs and all the way through for a Super Bowl win.

[chsbasebalplayer]

How important the Caldwell signing in the beginning of the year has become

[CosmicRedPanda]

1.) Ed Reed breaking the All-Time INT Return Yards Record. It has been a long time coming, just didn't expect it so soon.
2.) The acquisitions of Bernard Pierce and Justin Tucker. Like most, I didn't know about Pierce when we made the pick but he has exceeded expectations. Tucker, undrafted, came into camp and really propelled himself. In another year or two, people will be talking about him like they used to Matt Stover.
3.) 4th & 29, who would've thought?
4.) The firing of Cam at the end of the season and how well Joe has played under Caldwell's playcalling.
5.) The fact we've had to go through Luck, Manning & Brady to get where we are today. Amazing we survived that kind of onslaught, but... No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper.
6.) Corey Graham 2 INT game against Manning.
7.) Kruger & Ellerbe really stepping up their game.

[Dudeman]

How important the Caldwell signing in the beginning of the year has become

Absolutely turned out to be critical. Joe has shown a lot of growth this season, especially since Caldwell has taken over as coordinator.

Good point!

[Dudeman]

1.) Ed Reed breaking the All-Time INT Return Yards Record. It has been a long time coming, just didn't expect it so soon.
2.) The acquisitions of Bernard Pierce and Justin Tucker. Like most, I didn't know about Pierce when we made the pick but he has exceeded expectations. Tucker, undrafted, came into camp and really propelled himself. In another year or two, people will be talking about him like they used to Matt Stover.
3.) 4th & 29, who would've thought?
4.) The firing of Cam at the end of the season and how well Joe has played under Caldwell's playcalling.
5.) The fact we've had to go through Luck, Manning & Brady to get where we are today. Amazing we survived that kind of onslaught, but... No Weapon Formed Against Us Shall Prosper.
6.) Corey Graham 2 INT game against Manning.
7.) Kruger & Ellerbe really stepping up their game.

Kinda surprised Ed has gotten a pick in a while, but that goes to show you the respect QB's have for him lurking in our secondary.

[CosmicRedPanda]

Kinda surprised Ed has gotten a pick in a while, but that goes to show you the respect QB's have for him lurking in our secondary.

As Deion Sanders says in every Ed Reed INT highlight... "Don't do it... Don't do it... I TOLD YOU NOT TO DO IT!!" That is what is going through every QBs mind when #20 is on the field.