Baltimore Ravens: The Best NFL Franchise in the Last 5 Years

[Jokerraven]

we will be right back in it  next year. we upgrade the oline and get Joe a new weapon to play with we got this.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

we will be right back in it  next year. we upgrade the oline and get Joe a new weapon to play with we got this.

No doubt. You got that right! I'm thinking 5 more playoff appearances in the next 5 years. One thing's for certain: We've always found a way to find what we need to win. 2014 is just the beginning.

[Jokerraven]

No doubt. You got that right! I'm thinking 5 more playoff appearances in the next 5 years. One thing's for certain: We've always found a way to find what we need to win. 2014 is just the beginning.

I think we manage another superbowl win .it is disappointing but in reality with our oline how far would we have gotten if we did win today I think the honest answer is not very far . after a couple days of research I am excited for the zbs, if we can master that I see us becoming an unstoppable force with the talent we have .

[flynismo]

after a couple days of research I am excited for the zbs, if we can master that I see us becoming an unstoppable force with the talent we have .

I've said this a million times over the past several seasons, we are nearly unbeatable when our OL plays well.

Has nothing to do with ZBS or power man...if we are protecting Flacco and opening holes for Rice, the offense can move mountains when they need to.

Unfortunately, our talent on the OL is nowhere near good enough. But we will likely correct that this off-season

[Jokerraven]

I've said this a million times over the past several seasons, we are nearly unbeatable when our OL plays well.

Has nothing to do with ZBS or power man...if we are protecting Flacco and opening holes for Rice, the offense can move mountains when they need to.

Unfortunately, our talent on the OL is nowhere near good enough. But we will likely correct that this off-season

I said that before too last year those guys , even out of shape McKinnie , were fantastic . joe could make dinner he had so much time. why we felt the need to reinvent the wheel I didn't understand , but from what I hear this zbs is  the newest best offense so I researched it .

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I think we manage another superbowl win .it is disappointing but in reality with our oline how far would we have gotten if we did win today I think the honest answer is not very far . after a couple days of research I am excited for the zbs, if we can master that I see us becoming an unstoppable force with the talent we have .

Agreed. Because the zb scheme is used so much throughout the league and college there will be several player options and technique trainers available at bargain rates. There's no doubt that skilled players from other long term losing franchises will have the Ravens checked-in as a 1st choice (for Super Bowl contention only). They know that we are only a few playersaway from possibly dominating.

[flynismo]

I said that before too last year those guys , even out of shape McKinnie , were fantastic . joe could make dinner he had so much time. why we felt the need to reinvent the wheel I didn't understand , but from what I hear this zbs is the newest best offense so I researched it .

Zone blocking has been around since the caveman...it isn't inherently better or worse. Kind of like 4-3 vs 3-4. Pros and cons to each. ZBS is generally simpler, and perfectly suited for brain dead athletic marvels.

Which is why I cannot understand how Oher STILL sucks ...

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Zone blocking has been around since the caveman...it isn't inherently better or worse. Kind of like 4-3 vs 3-4. Pros and cons to each. ZBS is generally simpler, and perfectly suited for brain dead athletic marvels.

Which is why I cannot understand how Oher STILL sucks ...

ZB has been around but in constant evolution. It's not for the brain dead. It can be extremely cerebral depending on the scheme. It is based on deception when done well. I don't think that's the case for Oher. I can't be too tough on Oher or any lineman that has to move from the blindside to the opposite. That's a totally different animal. It's like doing everything in reverse. Some adjust well and some need to work on it after years of doing the exact opposite body movements. I think that he'll adjust. The entire OL was showing improvement. The off-season will be critical going into 2014.

[flynismo]

ZB has been around but in constant evolution. It's not for the brain dead. It can be extremely cerebral depending on the scheme. It is based on deception when done well. I don't think that's the case for Oher. I can't be too tough on Oher or any lineman that has to move from the blindside to the opposite. That's a totally different animal. It's like doing everything in reverse. Some adjust well and some need to work on it after years of doing the exact opposite body movements. I think that he'll adjust. The entire OL was showing improvement. The off-season will be critical going into 2014.

It can rely on deception, which requires some football intelligence, yes. But everything is orchestrated. It requires an intelligent OC.

Perfect example was Oher a couple years ago against Houston. He was to chip the guy in front of him, then release and hit the flat to his right, while Flacco hit Rice on a screen.

So what happens when Oher rolls to his right? Two defenders coming in. And he literally stops running and stood nearly motionless while the two guys blow by him and kill Rice.

That play showed deception, and was a rare creative attempt by Cam to disguise a play, but Oher being a, well, Oher, could not execute the simplest of tasks, even when the thinking was done for him.

[Ravenglenn]

I'm missing Anquan too, but there's a lot of reasons to believe in the direction we're heading. We're younger and faster all around. Once this group starts to gel (and they will) watchout.

I agree with that, and am very disappointed that although we're very talented with players, we seem to be forever wanting for coaching talent. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

It can rely on deception, which requires some football intelligence, yes. But everything is orchestrated. It requires an intelligent OC.

Perfect example was Oher a couple years ago against Houston. He was to chip the guy in front of him, then release and hit the flat to his right, while Flacco hit Rice on a screen.

So what happens when Oher rolls to his right? Two defenders coming in. And he literally stops running and stood nearly motionless while the two guys blow by him and kill Rice.

That play showed deception, and was a rare creative attempt by Cam to disguise a play, but Oher being a, well, Oher, could not execute the simplest of tasks, even when the thinking was done for him.

Don't remember the play fly, but the guy has been to the Pro Bowl quite a bit. By now you should know that I don't get into personal attacks on players even when they just totally mess-up a play.  I know you don't do that either, but it gives some fans relief. No judgement intended. Call it what you want, but everybody's human. I foundout that the movie was a complete mis-dramatization of his intellect. Even the writers admitted to that. He's a published  author and extremely articulate in interviews. He's a very humane person and a good guy, but what's most important to me is that no matter what happens from here on - I appreciate what he's done for the team to get us to this point. Teams build winning franchises and until that changes he's purple and black.

They'll be a lot of moves in the off-season and I don't know were anybody will end-up next year, but I won't cheer for their failure. In addition, I won't speculate on careers. Too many family members and solid friendships that have to endure hard transitions because of it. I leave that to the pros.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I agree with that, and am very disappointed that although we're very talented with players, we seem to be forever wanting for coaching talent. 

I guess that it comes with the territory when you're in a constant state of evolution. Look at how many good coaches around the league were once Raven coaches. Schemes may change and new coaches may interchange inorder to match new players, opponents and systems, but it seems the Ravens have made a lot careers. I guess that's how winning franchises are formed.

[Ravenglenn]

I guess that it comes with the territory when you're in a constant state of evolution. Look at how many good coaches around the league were once Raven coaches. Schemes may change and new coaches may interchange inorder to match new players, opponents and systems, but it seems the Ravens have may of alot careers. I guess that's how winning franchises are formed.

True, and I should have added earlier that when we get good coaches, we don't keep them.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

True, and I should have added earlier that when we get good coaches, we don't keep them.

Found a good reference for Ravens Coach through the topic period. When looking at it seems to highlight that our franchise is more stable and core driven than most in the NFL. I think this serves as another argument for why we have been such a model organization over the years. With the exception of recent coordinator changes, most of the core staff have been stable. When you look at the coordinator positions throughout our history - all have been given an average of 3 yrs to implement their schemes before moving-on. That is a balanced approach and has also had great successes.

 

http://coachingroots.com/football/teams/baltimore-ravens

 

I hope that this has helped.

[Ravenglenn]

Found a good reference for Ravens Coach through the topic period. When looking at it seems to highlight that our franchise is more stable and core driven than most in the NFL. I think this serves as another argument for why we have been such a model organization over the years. With the exception of recent coordinator changes, most of the core staff have been stable. When you look at the coordinator positions throughout our history - all have been given an average of 3 yrs to implement their schemes before moving-on. That is a balanced approach and has also had great successes.

 

http://coachingroots.com/football/teams/baltimore-ravens

 

I hope that this has helped.

Thanks, that is indeed an interesting list, and shows a lot of continuity in many areas.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Will the Next 5 Years End with the Ravens in Consideration for "Being the Best 5 Year Franchise" Once Again?

 

The possibilities are there. Our core unit is in place, our front office is one of the best in league and we are still in the conversation. What will happen to the Ravens in 2014 and beyond?

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10221860/john-harbaugh-baltimore-ravens-confident-ray-rice-rebound-2014

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Just a Thought: We must never forget.

 

Although the playoffs won't have our direct signature on them as it's had in the previous 5 years, I'm thinking that it's interesting to see how many ex-Ravens are playing roles on almost every franchise in the playoffs this year.

 

I believe that it's another testament of a great franchise when you consider that it takes a strong culture, FO and coaching to produce and/or better playoff quality players and coaches over the years.

[TXRavensFan]

Thanks, that is indeed an interesting list, and shows a lot of continuity in many areas.

Went through the list and found something very interesting...in the playoff thread a lot of people were talking about how nice it would be to have a creative offense like that team in Indianapolis.

Did you know Pep Hamilton was an intern with the Ravens on Billick's staff in 2002? Kind of blew my mind a little lol.

[TXRavensFan]

Not to mention Ken Whisenhunt, Eric Mangini, and of course, Jim Schwartz were all on Ted Marchibroda's staff.

[Ravenglenn]

Went through the list and found something very interesting...in the playoff thread a lot of people were talking about how nice it would be to have a creative offense like that team in Indianapolis.

Did you know Pep Hamilton was an intern with the Ravens on Billick's staff in 2002? Kind of blew my mind a little lol.

You can bet he and Pagano are glad they moved on.

[amd888]

I think the Ravens have been the best team over the past 5 years. They have won the most playoff games and have won a lot of regular season games, and the sales stats are cool too. I see in the public and on the internet that the Ravens do not get a lot of attention, and I guess that is because they are in a smaller city and are a new team. Ravens fans are passionate about their team, and I see how the loss of a team when the Colts moved and John Elway's refusal to play for them made the fans appreciate the team more. Ravens coaches and players usually do well on other teams, even if the players don't do as well on the other teams as they did when they played for the Ravens.

 

One thing that made me upset was when I was watching NFL Network and on the bar at the bottom of the screen where there is news, before yesterday's 49ers-Packers game had a stat that said the Packers had the best NFL playoff winning percentage at either .615, .635 or .625, the number changed daily throughout the week before the Wild Card game that the 49ers won. The number changed which is weird, as NFL Network is good at stats, and the correct number was supposed to be .625, so they saw they made a mistake and changed it either to the right one or it was right originally and they changed it to a different one. Anyway, my point is that they don't have the best winning percentage in the playoffs ever, the Ravens have it at 14-7, .667 winning percentage. 14 wins out of 21 games. I felt upset because it is not hard to find the correct stat and NFL Network is usually good with reporting accurate stats. It seemed like they were disrespecting the Ravens, although it is hard to see if it was a mistake or not. There might have been a certain category for it but it just said, "NFL-best playoff winning percentage" on the bar.

 

The Packers lost yesterday so their record in the playoffs is 30-19, which is a winning percentage of .612, which is second best in NFL history. It is .001 higher than the third place team, the Steelers. The Steelers record is 33-21, .611 winning percentage. The Panthers can get to a league 2nd best .636 winning percentage if they win against the 49ers in the Divisional Round, but if they lose they will have a .545 winning percentage which would put them in 10th place out of the 32 teams. If the Panthers win the Super Bowl this year they will have the best winning percentage at .692.

 

I think people can say that it is them against the world for the Ravens due to that stat issue, and I did notice that the Ravens did not get a lot of discussion compared other teams who won the super bowl when they won last year, but the media did always make sure to say that they were the current champions when they talked about them. I also noticed that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady don't get a lot of discussion on tv compared to the 2nd year quarterbacks. The media wants to talk about the new things in the NFL like rookies and young players. I also saw the stat that says the Eagles home opener opponents will win the Super Bowl, and that is the Chargers this year. They could win it and seemed to have gotten the lucky breaks with the field goal penalty not called and things happening for them to get into the playoffs. I think that it is hard for a new franchise to get respect, but the Ravens have done a good job at making sure people know them and that they are trying hard to be a great organization.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

You can bet he and Pagano are glad they moved on.

I think Pagano like so many others coaches were thankful that they had the opportunity to advance their careers after being a part of the Ravens Family. Almost to a man, there are positive long-term relationships with the players and coaches that go way beyond the game itself. That's a testament of loyalty. In Pagano's case, Harb still saids that he is his closest friend in coaching and ex-Raven (but, still purple and black for life) Ed Reed still feels like he is a father.

 

I know this video series is over a year old, but whenever I might question the 'culture' that the Ravens have practiced from their beginning to the present I just watch it again:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-presents/09000d5d81ac8da9/The-Ray-Lewis-coaching-tree-Part-I

 

There aren't many if any franchises that can claim past coaches (even when present competitors) that truly substain meaningful connections beyond the game.

[Militant X 1]

Just a Thought: We must never forget.

 

Although the playoffs won't have our direct signature on them as it's had in the previous 5 years, I'm thinking that it's interesting to see how many ex-Ravens are playing roles on almost every franchise in the playoffs this year.

 

I believe that it's another testament of a great franchise when you consider that it takes a strong culture, FO and coaching to produce and/or better playoff quality players and coaches over the years.

 

This can be said about other franchises as well.  What's interesting for me to see is the cats that were with us prior to our Super Bowl run (i.e. Corey Redding....Colts and J.J. ....Chargers) and those who have been with us for the Super Bowl run (i.e. Boldin....49ers)... ARE STILL PLAYING while the Ravens are sitting at home on their coaches watching the show.

 

#Mili

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I think the Ravens have been the best team over the past 5 years. They have won the most playoff games and have won a lot of regular season games, and the sales stats are cool too. I see in the public and on the internet that the Ravens do not get a lot of attention, and I guess that is because they are in a smaller city and are a new team. Ravens fans are passionate about their team, and I see how the loss of a team when the Colts moved and John Elway's refusal to play for them made the fans appreciate the team more. Ravens coaches and players usually do well on other teams, even if the players don't do as well on the other teams as they did when they played for the Ravens.

 

One thing that made me upset was when I was watching NFL Network and on the bar at the bottom of the screen where there is news, before yesterday's 49ers-Packers game had a stat that said the Packers had the best NFL playoff winning percentage at either .615, .635 or .625, the number changed daily throughout the week before the Wild Card game that the 49ers won. The number changed which is weird, as NFL Network is good at stats, and the correct number was supposed to be .625, so they saw they made a mistake and changed it either to the right one or it was right originally and they changed it to a different one. Anyway, my point is that they don't have the best winning percentage in the playoffs ever, the Ravens have it at 14-7, .667 winning percentage. 14 wins out of 21 games. I felt upset because it is not hard to find the correct stat and NFL Network is usually good with reporting accurate stats. It seemed like they were disrespecting the Ravens, although it is hard to see if it was a mistake or not. There might have been a certain category for it but it just said, "NFL-best playoff winning percentage" on the bar.

 

The Packers lost yesterday so their record in the playoffs is 30-19, which is a winning percentage of .612, which is second best in NFL history. It is .001 higher than the third place team, the Steelers. The Steelers record is 33-21, .611 winning percentage. The Panthers can get to a league 2nd best .636 winning percentage if they win against the 49ers in the Divisional Round, but if they lose they will have a .545 winning percentage which would put them in 10th place out of the 32 teams. If the Panthers win the Super Bowl this year they will have the best winning percentage at .692.

 

I think people can say that it is them against the world for the Ravens due to that stat issue, and I did notice that the Ravens did not get a lot of discussion compared other teams who won the super bowl when they won last year, but the media did always make sure to say that they were the current champions when they talked about them. I also noticed that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady don't get a lot of discussion on tv compared to the 2nd year quarterbacks. The media wants to talk about the new things in the NFL like rookies and young players. I also saw the stat that says the Eagles home opener opponents will win the Super Bowl, and that is the Chargers this year. They could win it and seemed to have gotten the lucky breaks with the field goal penalty not called and things happening for them to get into the playoffs. I think that it is hard for a new franchise to get respect, but the Ravens have done a good job at making sure people know them and that they are trying hard to be a great organization.

That's some great commentary. Thank you. I definitely share in a lot of Ravens' fans suspicions regarding media coverage as it relates to our team. Some say it's because of the Browns to Baltimore move, some say it's because of the 'black hat' team you love to hate syndrome, etc. I can't say why, but it's aparrent that there's very little coverage regarding 'The team that hasn't been missing from the playoffs in the last 5 years'. I guess it's a direct reflection of our social media, what's threading now, does it sell soap? world we live in. That being said, those things don't bother me too much. The Ravens will pass the test of time and our history will not be denied. Proof of this is how the Legendary Baltimore Colts were so honored by this team that they adopted them as their own, respected football historians who never get the numbers wrong are in awe of what the Ravens have accomplished thust far and the brand and fan base continues to grow at record numbers nationally.

 

Some can ignore or hate that's their progragitive, but history wil show "We were here."

And we're just getting started. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

This can be said about other franchises as well.  What's interesting for me to see is the cats that were with us prior to our Super Bowl run (i.e. Corey Redding....Colts and J.J. ....Chargers) and those who have been with us for the Super Bowl run (i.e. Boldin....49ers)... ARE STILL PLAYING while the Ravens are sitting at home on their coaches watching the show.

 

#Mili

I feel your pain, brah. The business of the NFL forces this to happen in some way every year. It's impossible with Salary Cap to not happen, but I feel a little better about knowing that in some small way all those ex-Ravens coaches and players will never forget our culture or SB and still have a little purple and black in the blood. Best NFL Frachise for the Next 5 Years is yet to be determined, but I think if you asked any of them what team made the cut for the last 5 years they'll all say the Ravens.

 

2014 they'll most likely be watching us and hopefully supporting us if they're not in the playoffs. We're just getting started.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Best Franchise Update: No Team Left

 

None of the winning Super Bowl teams of the past 5 seasons 2008- Early 2013 are left to repeat. Although each of them had high consideration to be crowned "The Best NFL Franchise in the Last 5 Years" only the Ravens remain to be the best argument for that high of a recognition based on post season winning percentage (NFL Record), regular season games won during the time period outlined and market value. That being said, is it reasonable to believe that 1 of those 5 teams will eventually be crowned a 'Dynasty' in the next 5 years (based on NFL 10 year stats)?

 

I strongly believe that based on these teams the team that has the most potential to progress, survive and emerge as a 'Dynasty' will be the Ravens. Maybe the days of waiting 10 years to acknowledge franchise excellence has passed. Based on how difficult it is to keep any team's core in place, it's almost impossible to meet a 10 year standard. It's highly unlikely to become a Dynasty. However, it's good to know that because of what we've accomplished so far and the potential of what we can accomplish - We could once again beat all of the odds. If not, we'll have to wait another 6 years to see who reigns supreme.

 

Watch This Space

[marylandmike12]

pretty biased if you ask me.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

pretty biased if you ask me.

Okay. Explain why?

[marylandmike12]

Okay. Explain why?

This is baltimorerevens.com where there are mostly Ravens fans.  Do you think there would be a different result on a steelers website.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

This is baltimorerevens.com where there are mostly Ravens fans.  Do you think there would be a different result on a steelers website.

Good point. Absolutely. I would be disappointed if it weren't, but I would hope that they had reasonable information based on a last 5 year criteria to support their challenge. Actually, that's exactly what I hoped for. It would make the thread much more engaging. I think all fans could learn more in that way.