1 Winning Way: a philosophy & identity

[GrimCoconut]

Since the inception of the franchise, we've been described as the following team: physical, tough, ground & pound football. A team built to stop the run at all costs and to run the ball hard down the opponent's throat. That style of football built our identity, which centered around Ray Lewis and the runningbacks we've had here in Baltimore. Now that Ray has departed, our identity has come into question and justifiably so. Nobody knows this Ravens team--especially the outsiders. They can't comprehend the changes that have slowly spread through the team over the past 5 going on 6 years now. This change, however, isn't a cancer but a revitalization. It's a rebirth. 

 

We're no longer built around Ray Lewis and Ray Rice or any other running back or linebacker. That's not the team anymore. John Harbaugh, not Ozzie Newsome, changed this franchise when he became our head coach. I had the pleasure of speaking with John once, and the conversation was quite enlightening but the greatest thing I learned from our conversation was a lesson I'm about to share with the rest of you and it's about the identity of this Ravens football team. 

 

Slowly but surely, we have changed the way we do business. We've began to focus more on offense--there has been a shift. Many speculated last year that we could become an offensive-first team, much like the rest of the league. At the time, I scoffed at this idea, as I believed and still do to an extent that the Ravens would never sacrifice their defense for their offense. This is actually the case.

 

The common misconception spread through the forums, fans, and media is that we've lost our defense and the offense can't compensate. The problem is, that's not true. That's not the identity of this football team. We are not a defensive-first team anymore. We are one of if not the most balanced team in football on both sides of the spectrum. That's what John Harbaugh, Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta, Steve Biscotti & Pat Moriarty have built. Yes, they've built a contender on both sides of the team. We're not a defensive team. We're not an offensive team. We're a balanced team. That's the problem, and that's why many of us here and around the nation are panicking or counting us out of the playoffs and more. They just don't get it. 

 

We're no longer about one player named Ray Lewis. Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh changed the culture here. Cam Cameron is gone. The old guard has all but been eliminated. This is a new Ravens football team, with new beliefs or should I say revitalized & renewed beliefs in its doctrine. It's not about running the ball down the other guy's throat. It's not about being the most physical team on the field (though that's still a part of our culture so it will never die). It's not about throwing for 5000 yards in a season. That's why people hate Joe. They see Joe's pedestrian numbers and scoff. The problem is, that's the identity of this football team. Balance. 

 

The Ravens' philosophy is built around building players organically, outsourcing as necessary, bringing in cheap labor or discounted labor to fill roles unable to be performed by developmental talent. That's our recipe. It's one of great success. We don't do pure BPA in the draft or anywhere else. It's a holistic view--looking at everything as a body, and seeing how the connections work together as a unit not individually. That's why Harbaugh stresses the team factor. That's why we seek these high-character players. We're about the following characteristics: 

 

1. Integrity

2. Determination

3. Passion

4. Confidence

5. Talent

6. Complements

7. Versatility

 

These are the ingredients necessary to build a player for the Baltimore Ravens and probably any team in the league. It's the template upon which we've been founded. All these aspects are seen in some of our best players, from Haloti Ngata, Torrey Smith, Ray Rice, Terrell Suggs, Lardarius Webb, and more. 

 

So if you're concerned about us moving on from Ray Lewis, don't be. We've got the leadership to compensate. If you're concerned about us compensating for the loss of Dennis Pitta, don't be--we have players in other areas who can replace him. If you're concerned about us trading for a player because of a perceived weakness, don't be.

 

This isn't a perfect team, but it's a balanced one and when you have a balanced team, other areas of the team can compensate for the weaknesses of the poor part. That's the beauty of balance. You have to build your team to complement its players, because there are very few perfect and complete players in this league. 

 

Sorry for the long read. I'm just trying to clear things up for those of us confused about how the Ravens do business. We don't do big trades. We don't typically sign big names unless they're warranted or if the value of their price is appropriate. We'll sign a Corey Graham rather than go for a Brandon Carr. We're more than likely not going to trade for Larry Fitzgerald, Megatron, or Nicks. Their contracts would make us unbalanced and on top of it they may not meet the standards that we have for a player. 

 

We'll be fine. If Ozzie & John believe we have to make a move, we will. No question. 

[SecretAgentMan]

So if you're concerned about us moving on from Ray Lewis, don't be. We've got the leadership to compensate. If you're concerned about us compensating for the loss of Dennis Pitta, don't be--we have players in other areas who can replace him. If you're concerned about us trading for a player because of a perceived weakness, don't be.

This isn't a perfect team, but it's a balanced one and when you have a balanced team, other areas of the team can compensate for the weaknesses of the poor part. That's the beauty of balance. You have to build your team to complement its players, because there are very few perfect and complete players in this league.

Sorry for the long read. I'm just trying to clear things up for those of us confused about how the Ravens do business. We don't do big trades. We don't typically sign big names unless they're warranted or if the value of their price is appropriate. We'll sign a Corey Graham rather than go for a Brandon Carr. We're more than likely not going to trade for Larry Fitzgerald, Megatron, or Nicks. Their contracts would make us unbalanced and on top of it they may not meet the standards that we have for a player.

We'll be fine. If Ozzie & John believe we have to make a move, we will. No question.

This. So much win

[berad]

Balance, hard work, and competition is the name of Harbaugh's game. There are no short-cuts and bending/breaking the rules only diminishes your achievements (Spygate, Bountygate). That, and the goal to ALWAYS be in the running for a championship, guides his philosophy.

[rmw10]

Man, this is the first time I've read a book in a few years ;)

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Man, this is the first time I've read a book in a few years ;)

and i promised myself not to read one again years ago lol

[easternshore97]

Man, this is the first time I've read a book in a few years ;)

Not my first time, but definitely first time on brdotcom...but then again I'll read a collection of these if it's coming from Grim

[rmw10]

Not my first time, but definitely first time on brdotcom...but then again I'll read a collection of these if it's coming from Grim

 

Agreed.  Grim is one of the few from which I'd read a book.

[easternshore97]

Accident that this new balanced team has a special teams coordinator as HC....hmmm?

 

I'll tell you one thing for sure, this year's draft solidified the balance. Brown, Elam, Simon, KLM are likely going to anchor the D until we need a whole new set of young stars to come and contribute. We've got the best RG in football, 2 solid RBs, solid QB, solid gamebreaker in Torrey, solid TEs, All-Pro LG in the making, great depth with Art97, McPhee, Chykie, plenty of guys in the depth chart getting better, and not a single one is older than 28

 

Very exciting time for Ravens football for sure.

[rmw10]

Now, to be serious here, I 100% agree.  It's no longer about the superstar players that carry a team.  It's about a rotation of guys that are able to play in certain aspects where they excel.  Depth and balance are the keys to a Super Bowl nowadays.  The Ravens last year and the Giants the year before that proved that theory.  Tom Brady and the Patriots couldn't get it done.  The Packers and the injury-riddled Packers couldn't get it done.  They lacked the depth they needed to prepare for special circumstances.  It's a new wave and I'm glad we're running with it.

[CARavensFan]

 

Well said, I've noticed the culture change since Harbs took over in '08.

 

 

 

 

Because this post deserved more than just one man clapping lol

[easternshore97]

 

Well said, I've noticed the culture change since Harbs took over in '08.

 

 

 

 

Because this post deserved more than just one man clapping lol

These [graphics/gifs]....

[CARavensFan]

These [graphics/gifs]....

 

Thanks lol I thought they fit.

[Rav'n Maniac]

Wow Grim!  Awesome post! I tip my Ravens hat to you my friend!

[GrimCoconut]

Man, this is the first time I've read a book in a few years ;)

Lol. Sorry. I know I was very verbose. If people skimmed it I wouldn't be insulted.

[Ravensfan23]

Great job man. It's funny because I never really listen to the national media much, with the exception of a few. My reasoning is I strongly feel I can come here to the flock for better information and better views of the team then what those guys have. Even when we have the debates about why one guy sucks or not, or get we get the labels of homer or hater, the debates usually have valid points on both sides.

 

If you don't have a direct connection with the Baltimore Ravens, chances are you don't know what you are talking about in regards to this team. I don't call guys like Fred Smoot and Skip clowns because it's their choice to get on TV and make fools of themselves and obviously their respective networks welcome it so it is what it is.

 

The biggest thing i feel that most people have missed about the 2013 Ravens is that other then the loss of Dennis Pitta, every departure or arrival has been a calculated move by one of the absolute best in the business in Ozzie Newsome. The Ray Lewis retirement came as a surprise to players and fans, but the organization has been preparing for this since they allowed Ray Lewis to test the market in 09'. The National media doesn't see the times when Harbs ask players other then Ray Lewis to break the huddle at practice, or break the huddle after games. The media just see Ray doing it on game day. There has been guys groomed into the leadership role for years. In fact one of the biggest qualities the Ravens look for in drafting guys is strong leadership characteristics. But the thing is, why should guys like Flacco, Suggs, Rice, Webb, Torrey and Ngata even try to step up and be a strong leader when you have one of the greatest to ever do it? That would be counter productive.

 

Joe Flacco and Harbs have been the leaders of this team since arriving. The reasons being is because you only go as far as your QB and HC take you. Since those guys arrived it's been playoffs, AFC Championships and a Super Bowl. That's what you call setting a high standard and it's not gonna leave just because Ray and Ed isn't here. We already have one lengthy post in this thread so I'm gonna cut this one short lol. But I don't think we have anything to worry about. The Ravens will be just as good as before because it's who we are. When Harbs says....What's our Name? the team doesn't reply Ray Lewis. They say Ravens and the Ravens are a special organization.

[Moderator 3]

Great job man. It's funny because I never really listen to the national media much, with the exception of a few. My reasoning is I strongly feel I can come here to the flock for better information and better views of the team then what those guys have. Even when we have the debates about why one guy sucks or not, or get we get the labels of homer or hater, the debates usually have valid points on both sides.

Quoted for fact. If I want information I come here or just read the scroll on the bottom of NFLN. If I want opinions, I'd still rather get them here. If I want to spend an hour shaking my head, I listen to the analysts on ESPN.

[PurpleReign92]

We lost a lot of talent and our Identity has changed, but I think John Harbaugh has enough left in the tank to bring a competitive Ravens team every Sunday..  I think with that pass rush and our QB basking in the lime-light we can potentially make the playoffs again..b:

[easternshore97]

Thanks lol I thought they fit.

Are they from a particular movie that I need to see and post about in the Movie Thread?

[funky141]

How you build winners, good read.

[The Raven]

I haven't read a post with this much win in a long time. I feel a lot more optimistic about the season now.

[flaccopoe]

You should put this on your Baltimore Ravens PR Staff resume.

[rmw10]

You should put this on your Baltimore Ravens PR Staff resume.

Did you have to quote the whole thing? Such a pain on mobile lol.

[CARavensFan]

Are they from a particular movie that I need to see and post about in the Movie Thread?

Honestly they are random gifs that I've found here and there and save for when I need to use them.

[usmccharles]

I dont think its a stretch to say that the Ravens should be compared to likes of the Patriots as far as how well they run their organization, nothing but class always.  If it wasnt for the bad perception we have already gotten we would be talked about when they discuss great front offices, but everyone who knows their stuff knows Ozzie is the best. 

[gabefergy]

Great stuff Grim. I think you really nailed it. This is why the Ravens are such an amazing Franchise. High class from the owner on down.

[SecretAgentMan]

Great stuff Grim. I think you really nailed it. This is why the Ravens are such an amazing Franchise. High class from the owner on down.

Agreed 1000%.
Nice work. So much win man.

[beanfigger]

I love that we have people here who stand on a soapbox and speak reason to go along with the crazies who do the same.  I agree with your post, and I'd like to add one more bullet point to your list of team components, and that word is FAITH.  Harbaugh is a big believer in spreading this around the organization.  I read about how the chapel is always filled during services, and guys are openly preaching and praying on their religious beliefs amongst each other.  Whether or not you have the same religion as the next guy, simply being open and prideful about your beliefs with each other in the locker room and team facilities causes our team to grow together and form a stronger and stronger bond between each other.  That takes a lot of guts for the leader of an NFL to make this one of his biggest platforms when attempting to gain the trust and confidence of his team.  Obviously, it worked last season as our team played so hard together and always believed they were destined for something great even when it felt bleak.  John Harbaugh's leadership will be counted on more this year than ever before without some of the most vocal and respected veterans he's always been able to count on, but I have FAITH in him to continue to develop this team of hard-working, confident believers.

[easternshore97]

I love that we have people here who stand on a soapbox and speak reason to go along with the crazies who do the same.  I agree with your post, and I'd like to add one more bullet point to your list of team components, and that word is FAITH. 

This...

 

I find a lot of times when I am going back and forth with Ravens fans who want to say 'oh we gotta win more games than the Bengals so we can win the division' or the infamous 'we don't have a replacement for Boldin/we don't KNOW who his replacement is/Pitta and some other WRwas going to replace Boldin/etc etc etc'...or even a non-Ravens fan, the disconnect of the whole discussion ends up being based on the Facts and stats that people don't have about our team.

 

And they would rather choose to doubt vs choose to be positive (or have Faith) that a new star will reveal himself

 

Meanwhile on the flipside they are willing to bank the future on 1) past stats and facts and 2) their speculation of the future which is 90% weighted by worst case scenario

 

But fortunately I have now realized that my debates are based on Faith so now I make sure to fall back from those debates because that's too vague to be able to directly articulate and relate it to the field....

 

Bravo

[easternshore97]

You should put this on your Baltimore Ravens PR Staff resume.

I think the best thing to do would be to post it to your personal blog and share the link on twitter with the Eisenbergs, and the Jamison Hensleys, and Aaron Wilsons and Kevin Byrnes and TORREY SMITHS cause he's all over twitter.

 

Seriously....

[CARavensFan]

I think the best thing to do would be to post it to your personal blog and share the link on twitter with the Eisenbergs, and the Jamison Hensleys, and Aaron Wilsons and Kevin Byrnes and TORREY SMITHS cause he's all over twitter.

 

Seriously....

 

Agreed!