The Ravens Must Not Continue Doing It.

[b-ravens4ever]

The Ravens always go after older veterans who can possibly get us to the playoff's and if not that, a good record. But they only last a few seasons. Then they're done. The next season we spend millions of dollars on players who can help us for a limited time, then as i stated before. They get us no where, except in the exact same position we were in the season before, then the season after that and the season after that one.

When will it end? However though, I do believe we need a possesion receiver who is a good leader, other than Mason. I think TJ can do that. He may be older but he play's like he was in his prime. If we can land a deal with him, we should be in good shape. Offensively. But besides TJ, Baltimore shouldnt chase after washed up players who will only help for a season, then screw us over.

[Mick0311]

This is pure speculation, but I believe that the front office may think that our standing as a great defense is limited due to the age of our veterans and there has been a hurry to get established (older) players on the field to take a run at it. This was running around the media for a while, that the Ravens better hurry up because their time is limited. I'm not seeing it thought. Our younger players, both offensive and defensive, have been stepping up. I can understand the rush, and I can guarantee you that the "hey, Ray only has a few years left in him" conversation has happened, but I am completely with you. Get some quality younger players in here, which they have been doing. I think this draft class will pay huge dividends in the near future.

[b-ravens4ever]

[quote name='Mick0311' post='95662' date='Nov 28 2008, 09:11 PM']This is pure speculation, but I believe that the front office may think that our standing as a great defense is limited due to the age of our veterans and there has been a hurry to get established (older) players on the field to take a run at it. This was running around the media for a while, that the Ravens better hurry up because their time is limited. I'm not seeing it thought. Our younger players, both offensive and defensive, have been stepping up. I can understand the rush, and I can guarantee you that the "hey, Ray only has a few years left in him" conversation has happened, but I am completely with you. Get some quality younger players in here, which they have been doing. I think this draft class will pay huge dividends in the near future.[/quote]
Yeah. Atleast we are for sure that we have young playmakers that step up and deliver (T-Sizzle, Bart Scott, Flacco, Tom Zbikowski, Rice Ray, Nakamura, Clayton, Lamar Divens, Gaither, Jarret Johnson, McClain, ETC.)

But we still need more to fill the slots that will be needed in the near future.

[theFRANCHISE]

The Ravens only do what every other team in the NFL does. Baltimore already has one of the youngest squads in the league, especially on offense. And it's not as if there's so many veterans that the team is being held down.

Think about it: the majority of free agents only hit the market after their contracts initially expire -- an average minimum of three-to-five years after they first entered the league as a rookie. But, most free agents aren't that great; if teams are willing to let them go, the assumption can be made that most teams don't think highly enough of them to retain them. The same goes for players put on the trade block.

Going back to the Ravens' offseason strategy outside of the draft, it's not as if the majority of the moves have backfired. And it's not as if Ozzie Newsome hasn't built for the future through the draft.

Also, don't knock the philosophy of going after proven veterans; Shannon Sharpe, Rod Woodson, Sam Adams, Tony Siragusa, Sam Gash, and Michael McCrary were older guys who were key contributors to the Ravens' Super Bowl run in 2000.

Plus, Steve McNair wasn't exactly horrible in 2006 when he led the team to a 13-3 record. Yes, he had a dominant defense to bail him out at times, but if you look back at a lot of the games, there were at least four game-winning drives that season led by McNair, and he helped the team nearly lead the league in time of possession.

[b-ravens4ever]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='95677' date='Nov 28 2008, 11:26 PM']The Ravens only do what every other team in the NFL does. Baltimore already has one of the youngest squads in the league, especially on offense. And it's not as if there's so many veterans that the team is being held down.

Think about it: the majority of free agents only hit the market after their contracts initially expire -- an average minimum of three-to-five years after they first entered the league as a rookie. But, most free agents aren't that great; if teams are willing to let them go, the assumption can be made that most teams don't think highly enough of them to retain them. The same goes for players put on the trade block.

Going back to the Ravens' offseason strategy outside of the draft, it's not as if the majority of the moves have backfired. And it's not as if Ozzie Newsome hasn't built for the future through the draft.

Also, don't knock the philosophy of going after proven veterans; Shannon Sharpe, Rod Woodson, Sam Adams, Tony Siragusa, Sam Gash, and Michael McCrary were older guys who were key contributors to the Ravens' Super Bowl run in 2000.

Plus, Steve McNair wasn't exactly horrible in 2006 when he led the team to a 13-3 record. Yes, he had a dominant defense to bail him out at times, but if you look back at a lot of the games, there were at least four game-winning drives that season led by McNair, and he helped the team nearly lead the league in time of possession.[/quote]

Exactly. Listen to what you just said. ALL the guy's we had that were Vet's. Only did us good in 2000.
McNair only led us to the playoffs for one season then retired.

Also NOT all the time when players are put on Free Agent market, means that their team thought they were not good enough. It also half the time means the Organization couldnt afford to keep that player after so long.

We both know if the Player improves every season, he's gonna want more for his production.

[PuRock]

[quote name='b-ravens4ever' post='95659' date='Nov 28 2008, 08:54 PM']The Ravens always go after older veterans who can possibly get us to the playoff's and if not that, a good record. But they only last a few seasons. Then they're done. The next season we spend millions of dollars on players who can help us for a limited time, then as i stated before. They get us no where, except in the exact same position we were in the season before, then the season after that and the season after that one.

When will it end? However though, I do believe we need a possesion receiver who is a good leader, other than Mason. I think TJ can do that. He may be older but he play's like he was in his prime. If we can land a deal with him, we should be in good shape. Offensively. But besides TJ, Baltimore shouldnt chase after washed up players who will only help for a season, then screw us over.[/quote]

I agree. Some teams get into this habit moreso than others, but it always happens. I would like to see us go after one big "in their prime" guy once a year. If we get him, awesome, if not better luck next year. Then settle for an aging wonder. They do turn out well sometimes, but like you stated, it's hard building consecutive winning seasons this way.

[Mahatma_Sloth]

i see your point, but, you have to agree the ravens are great at picking talent in later rounds of the draft right? they are in those later rounds because the are raw, and unrefined talents right? now the coaches can teach the a hell of alot but that ageing but great future hall of fame player can share some of the little intricasies (i know, i know i suck at spelling) that made them great. not only do you get solid play (if they stay healthy) but you also get a psudo coach.... IMO