Anyone else tired of hearing "The Ravens have lost too many pieces"?

[organizedchaos007]

Excuse the long read***

 

I'm generally a pretty positive person, and I've let this statement roll off my shoulder for several months. But it seems like EVERY single time media talks about the Ravens, whether its on ESPN, NFL network, radio stations, internet articles, they all speak on how much we have lost and why we are a worse team because of it. 

 

Now, don't get me wrong, I have been a Ravens fan since their inception in 96, so I do know and understand the loss of Reed and Lewis. I wont go into details on everything great these two have brought to our organization... we all know them. I'm the type of fan that DVR's every game they play that I find on TV (I have 14 of the 16 games from last regular season, and all playoff games including the SB), and I watch them each... several times, just looking at players development, sometimes I watch an entire game just to watch one person's every play. In addition to that, I watch them live, I had season tickets from 2003-2009, and have gone to many games the last 3 years as well. That being said, I think we as Ravens fans (who I'm sure are a lot like me), realize what the players who we lost... were lacking. 

 

After free agency, and the draft, this is the first time in forever, prob since 06, that I feel REALLY good with how we've built this team this year, from a performance standpoint, and a financial one (cause that is the big picture). We all know Reed and Lewis cannot be replaced, when you look at overall what they bring to this team. However, from an athletic standpoint, I feel we upgraded everywhere, except WR. (Didn't want Q leaving, but I understand the move, especially with so much unproven talent that NEEDS to get on the field so we can see where our "investment" can go.

 

Lets be real here

 

Reed: although Reed is the playmaker that he is, he misses tackles, has gotten a step slower from his hip, his neck and shoulder has some serious issues, and he gambles, alot.. often times making his good plays a "wash", cause he gives up an equal number of plays by guessing. And on top of that, does anyone else hold their breath, EVERY time Reed gets his hands on the ball? And not because you think hes gonna break a big return for a TD like we've seen him do SO many times, but more because you think hes gonna lose the ball, or get tackled awkwardly? yea, that is a prob. Although some might not agree with this but (UPGRADE: HUFF, just for pure range and speed and athleticism)

 

Lewis: Again, we know what kinda player Ray has been for us, he has been Baltimore's champion, gave hope to men/women and children on and off the field. Not one of us will ever forget watching the greatest LB to ever play the game, and even when you talk about the best players to ever play the game.. his name will forever be mentioned. But lets be real again, he is a coverage liability because of him playing this late in his career. The way the game is evolving with passing, 2 athletic TE sets, he just can't keep up anymore. And on top of that, I've seen him getting pushed around more and more the last 2 years in the run game. Hes still a beast, but... for performance purposes/athleticism/speed .... (UPGRADE: BROWN)

 

Kruger: wont spend a lot of time on this.... (UPGRADE: Dumerville) 

 

Ellerbe: FO, coaches, players, media, fans... all loved Ellerbe, and saw him being a Raven for a long time. Welpppppp, the NFL struck, and at the end of the day, business is business, he didnt deserve the money he got... atleast not yet.  But one thing to note, outside of Ray Lewis , the Ravens do not put a lot of stock in the MLB position, plain and simple. usually UDFA's are groomed in our system to become great players, then go elsewhere to make more money ... i.e. Bart Scott, Ellerbe. We have talented youngsters waiting in the wing to be the next. (at this very moment, seems like a DOWNGRADE, especially if McClain is the one to replace him).

 

 

Williams: Cary made some plays for us here and there, he also gave up alot... and had a horrible attitude that rubbed me the wrong way and cost us plenty of PI's. (I think come mid season UPGRADE: Webb/Graham/Johnson/Asa/Anthony. 

 

D LINE: (UPGRADE: Canty, Spears, Williams, and guys like Mcphee who will be healthier and has a lot of upside, and Jones, who has been a force and is only getting better.

 

TE: we didn't lose anyone of importance, but felt this needed to be talked about also. (UPGRADE: "Frost, and Juice"). umm yea, Juice brings a WHOLE lot to the table, I'm really excited for the possibilities, and Matt's draft stock was hugely affected by the lack of QB play... he was a steal

 

Center: Birk has been a great center, but he was at the end of his career.  I look at it as an upgrade just from the youth factor, and Gino is talented, and played admirably against a really tough CIN D-line. As many plays as I looked at of Matt, alot were wow, that was perfectly executed, but almost an equal amount I said ... ouch, that was kinda ugly. (UPGRADE/UNDECIDED: Gino/Shipley).

 

 

WR: Man losing Q is tough, he is a man amongst boys at times. Every time you needed a play on 3rd down, it was Q extending the drive.. or Pitta/Rice. And in the playoffs/SB he was a monster. But realistically, Q only accounted for 4 TD's in the regular season, and he was set to make between 6-8 million?  Although I would prob pay 6-8 million to a receiver who had that kinda production in the playoffs, I think the Ravens are making a good "business" decision. We have many receivers that are young and talented, but HAVE to get on the field to see their "true" development. Practice only goes so far, players become great through repetition in LIVE games. We need to see 1: how Caldwell will run this offense 2. Reed, Doss, Williams, Streeter, and Mallete need to get on the field, and see who folds, and who flourishes.  We continue to keep guys like Reed around, well... its because the coaches really like him and see alot of potential and well because... he does have alot of potential, but needs to stay healthy so he can consistently have opportunities to make plays. Oh and was leading the league in return average before he was injured. Doss has ridiculous hands, but yet it seems when the time really counts, he drops the ball. Its clearly a confidence issue, and being in the spotlight. Well, the only way to fix that is through exposure, and putting him on the field for an extended period of time. (UNDECIDED).

 

 

 My point is this, we are the true fans, who know our Ravens better than most, who see them the most, who study them the most. I am sure I am not the only one that feels that we are better in the majority of positions. We were ranked in the bottom half of the league last year against the run, what do we do, upgrade the d-line greatly and our run defense. Stout bodied linemen who will keep the trenches clean for FASTER and MORE athletic playmakers to run around and make tackles against the run, or, get their hands on the play before they make it that far. Our pass rush is gonna be ridiculous this year, I cant wait. My look at this is, front seven collectively, better against the run. And with our upgrades on the dline and the depth we have, and our pass rushers, our secondary is improved as far as coverage, AND in playing the run. And all this while managing the salary cap, and locking up Joe for at the very very least 3 years. Are the only people who see how improved this team is, and how we will again contend for a SB trophy... are the people of Ravens Nation? The ones who actually see what we have needed, for a couple years? 

[SecretAgentMan]

Let them think that.

 

Reality is, when we are the underdogs, we usually win, and win laughing at at them. Which is very satisfying. 

[Cville-Raven]

More upgrades than lost pieces. I have a feeling we were eventually going to part ways with Q after the 2013 season anyway.

[organizedchaos007]

More upgrades than lost pieces. I have a feeling we were eventually going to part ways with Q after the 2013 season anyway.

Same here, I expected it, along with Pollard, and Reed. But thought it would be next year. 

[ThePurpleWall]

nah I don't listen to the media, unless its Ray Lewis Talking, our team is good, we will be fine.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

People who say we've lost our team are uneducated. Simple as that.

[ThePurpleWall]

People who say we've lost our team are uneducated. Simple as that.

 

this

[Alexir]

We only got better, faster, stronger . IMO we don't really have any needs.

I would of like Charles Woodson cheap because if Webb goes down, we have some question marks..

Plus Woodson could be safety depth as well.

Anyways, back on track.

We are a set team and I can't wait for the no name receiving corps to take the field and show the coaches were right all along

[darklight1216]

The Ravens lost too many players to realistically expect people to not say that they lost too many players.

 

Besides, if everyone agreed that they were still the best team until proven otherwise then they wouldn't have a chip on their shoulders which they seem to need.

[Gordo52]

It's just gonna make it that much sweeter after we have another great 2013/14 season.

I was listening to some of the sporting odds for the Ravens this year on the Fan this morning and we're definitely being overlooked. And it seems we play better when that's the case anyway.

[organizedchaos007]

We only got better, faster, stronger . IMO we don't really have any needs.

I would of like Charles Woodson cheap because if Webb goes down, we have some question marks..

Plus Woodson could be safety depth as well.

Anyways, back on track.

We are a set team and I can't wait for the no name receiving corps to take the field and show the coaches were right all along

I would have liked him on the cheap also. But at the same time if, god forbid Webb goes down, Huff can play CB as well. I don't really feel we have any needs either, just one question mark, and that is receiver. At the end of the day, I think our WR's are gonna surprise alot of people. 

[easternshore97]

yes

[Tank 92]

I like it being said. When friends say this to me I just reply that we will be better next year, and just leave it at that. It will be satisfying when all see that we have improved through subtraction, and the subsequent additions. And I can't wait to for all of the talking heads to eat their words.

[Tank 92]

It's just gonna make it that much sweeter after we have another great 2013/14 season.
I was listening to some of the sporting odds for the Ravens this year on the Fan this morning and we're definitely being overlooked. And it seems we play better when that's the case anyway.

I wonder what the future book odds are for us to repeat.

[Gordo52]

I would have loved bringing Woodson here. We haven't showed interest but maybe we do once Our cap space gets larger for the Pollard cut?

I don't know how close he is to signing w/ oakland or denver, or what, but I would be all on board with that idea for on the cheap.

[GrimCoconut]

Not sure I agree on all these. I can't say Shipley and Gradkowski are upgrades over Birk who played out of his mind and had ridiculous familiarity and chemistry. Right now they would be undecided. Same goes for Arthur Brown. You can't say a rookie even one add impressive as Brown is an upgrade until they take the field. It's undecided.

Also, I think the team likes Josh Bynes who looks like he could start after his pretty good showing last year. He did fairly well for the situation.

[beanfigger]

I wonder what the future book odds are for us to repeat.

 

I just saw that the books set our over/under for wins this season at 8.5, so I'd imagine our Superbowl odds are pretty long.

[Tank 92]

I just saw that the books set our over/under for wins this season at 8.5, so I'd imagine our Superbowl odds are pretty long.

If they are 12 to 1 or higher, I'm in! And it sounds like a good move to load up on the over.

[beanfigger]

I would have liked him on the cheap also. But at the same time if, god forbid Webb goes down, Huff can play CB as well. I don't really feel we have any needs either, just one question mark, and that is receiver. At the end of the day, I think our WR's are gonna surprise alot of people. 

 

I agree Huff might be a decent injury replacement at corner, but then I would love to have Charles as HIS replacement on the back end.  I'm not necessarily pushing to sign Woodson because I don't think we need him, but I do think he would be an asset.  He's a veteran leader, and I've always been a fan of his.  He could break Rod Woodson's record for INT TDs this year, so that could be something nice to happen for us.

[Guest nflfan123]

Huff is by no means an upgrade to Reed. Even at Reed's current age. Huff is being paid his worth. Everything else seems fine, but I agree with Grim about the Center.

[beanfigger]

If they are 12 to 1 or higher, I'm in! And it sounds like a good move to load up on the over.

 

I think it's a guarantee that the odds would be longer than that, but I guess it depends on where you look.

[PolishRifle]

Not sure I agree on all these. I can't say Shipley and Gradkowski are upgrades over Birk who played out of his mind and had ridiculous familiarity and chemistry. Right now they would be undecided. Same goes for Arthur Brown. You can't say a rookie even one add impressive as Brown is an upgrade until they take the field. It's undecided.

Also, I think the team likes Josh Bynes who looks like he could start after his pretty good showing last year. He did fairly well for the situation.

I agree with you on Birk. He is an underrated loss and brought alot of experience to the offense. It's not easy being a center in the AFCN, that's certain, but I do disagree with you on Brown.

Lewis was a great player, but the more I watch the SB (and I watched it plenty), the more I can't believe how bad Ray Lewis played in that game. It was clearly time for him to retire. Brown will also be aided by how much we improved on our Dline. Ngata moving back inside thanks to the Canty acquisition is just huge for us, imho.

[hawkprey]

Or we could be like San Fran and keep everyone but get no use out of our rookie class.

[GrimCoconut]

I agree with you on Birk. He is an underrated loss and brought alot of experience to the offense. It's not easy being a center in the AFCN, that's certain, but I do disagree with you on Brown.
Lewis was a great player, but the more I watch the SB (and I watched it plenty), the more I can't believe how bad Ray Lewis played in that game. It was clearly time for him to retire. Brown will also be aided by how much we improved on our Dline. Ngata moving back inside thanks to the Canty acquisition is just huge for us, imho.

I can't say a guy who had never taken a snap as an upgrade just yet. That's all. I think Brown very well could be an upgrade but I won't say a guy who has never had a snap an upgrade. He could have a Kindle accident.

You never know.

[ravensdan]

nah I don't listen to the media, unless its Ray Lewis Talking, our team is good, we will be fine.

Lewis thinks we lost too much. Why listen to him?

[K-Dog]

the only loss that legitimately HURTS,  is Boldin.

Yes we lost some great players.  Most of which past their prime, or a product of their environment.

I said it before and I will say it again, our 2013 defense is SIGNIFICANTLY better than our 2012.

[organizedchaos007]

Not sure I agree on all these. I can't say Shipley and Gradkowski are upgrades over Birk who played out of his mind and had ridiculous familiarity and chemistry. Right now they would be undecided. Same goes for Arthur Brown. You can't say a rookie even one add impressive as Brown is an upgrade until they take the field. It's undecided.

Also, I think the team likes Josh Bynes who looks like he could start after his pretty good showing last year. He did fairly well for the situation.

I can see how you would consider it undecided. Thats very fair. I just feel what our focus was this year, is getting stronger and faster physically. stronger and more stout in the front 7, and faster LB's/DB's with an improved pass rush. I agree about the center position, should prob change it to undecided. And I have high hopes for Bynes, hes a vacuum cleaner.

[rmw10]

Doesn't matter.

 

[organizedchaos007]

Huff is by no means an upgrade to Reed. Even at Reed's current age. Huff is being paid his worth. Everything else seems fine, but I agree with Grim about the Center.

I should have categorized this together with pollard. My mistake. I think collectively, our safety position will be better. Elam wont be "quite" the hitter pollard was, but he will be close, and his coverage skills are better. Huff I believe will flourish in this system, around this talent, and dont see him missing the tackles Reed did. 

[organizedchaos007]

Doesn't matter.

 

Truth