Myth Busters

[Willbacker]

Every single measure you want to use shows the defense improved. That's not a myth.

Read Fla fans post.

 

Are Ryan,Romo,and Stafford better than Flacco in your opinion. Clutch is the most important factor. Not prettyboy stats

[gabefergy]

Read Fla fans post.

Are Ryan,Romo,and Stafford better than Flacco in your opinion. Clutch is the most important factor. Not prettyboy stats

It's two different arguments, but no I don't think those QBs are better than Flacco.

The problem is our defense was clutch in many situations this year...but that gets ignored because of their failures in other games.

There's only so many times the defense can make a stop. They were far from a perfect unit, but they were much better than last year. Don't act like our defense was always clutch last season either, because it wasn't.

[The Mom Gene]

Read Fla fans post.

 

Are Ryan,Romo,and Stafford better than Flacco in your opinion. Clutch is the most important factor. Not prettyboy stats

I would agree:  The myth that QBR's make a guy a better QB are in some folks' opinion, facts.  Fans and Analysts quote them all the time.

 

The truth is:  You can take these guys and add in guys like Rivers, Cutler, Ryan, Romo, Stafford, and say that they aren't if you look at the Win/Loss, Playoffs, and Super Bowls.

 

It is my opinion that Flacco is a better QB than any of these guys...  With Rivers, he's got 7 or 8 years in the league... I give him a little more credit than some of the others who have had so much more to work with...  Ryan is loaded with weapons, and so has Romo.

[Tank 92]

It's two different arguments, but no I don't think those QBs are better than Flacco.

The problem is our defense was clutch in many situations this year...but that gets ignored because of their failures in other games.

There's only so many times the defense can make a stop. They were far from a perfect unit, but they were much better than last year. Don't act like our defense was always clutch last season either, because it wasn't.

 

 

Not sure if you read this or not, but it affirms my point. 

 

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Defense-Needs-Confidence-In-Crunch-Time/77c8c30e-a8f7-4fe7-9751-bfbb29a14d36

 

But I'm with you, I think it's fact that the D squad was a much better and talented group in 2013.

[gabefergy]

Not sure if you read this or not, but it affirms my point.

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Defense-Needs-Confidence-In-Crunch-Time/77c8c30e-a8f7-4fe7-9751-bfbb29a14d36

But I'm with you, I think it's fact that the D squad was a much better and talented group in 2013.

Well it is true. The defense tended to fall apart near the end. There could be a lot of reasons for this, and it was definitely an issue.

That said, 4th quarter struggles don't define the entire unit.

[Dr. Kelley]

Every single measure you want to use shows the defense improved. That's not a myth.

Like not choking in the crunch time?

Sounds like a myth to me.

Good defenses make it happen. Bad defenses make excuses. There's no stat line for that other than wins and losses.

[Dr. Kelley]

Read Fla fans post.

Are Ryan,Romo,and Stafford better than Flacco in your opinion. Clutch is the most important factor. Not prettyboy stats

This, I agree with. Some fans think good enough is fine. If they're happy with a lower bar, you can't really argue with them.

[gabefergy]

Like not choking in the crunch time?

Sounds like a myth to me.

Good defenses make it happen. Bad defenses make excuses. There's no stat line for that other than wins and losses.

Every single game? That's not going to happen. No defense is always going to get a stop. 

[wayne]

I mean seriously -

 

myth: Flacco supporters make the most excuses.

fact: defense apologists are worse. (see above for proof)

 

Does the offense get brownie points for every time they started inside their 10?

At what point does the offense get any credit for moving the ball when a FG is kicked? Or are we of the premise that Tuck kicked from our own end zone?

You really want to take pride in the fact that a offense moved the ball in field goal position? We not talking about TDs..... we talking about field goals!

[wayne]

Every single game? That's not going to happen. No defense is always going to get a stop. 

Funny thing is if you gonna expect the the defense to get stops every time and show up in the fourth quarter and get stops every time.... guess what.... you have to expect the offense to score points every time and put points on the board in the 4th quarter every time. You have to hold both units to the same standard.....

[Militant X 1]

So the defense blew a 4th quarter lead 3 times, two of which we came back and won. And the other we should have won if not for inept offense.

 

Exactly!

 

lol yeah because not getting a stop for 3 consecutive GB drives had no bearing on us losing.

 

Not forcing more than one punt for the entire game in Pitt and allowing 8 and 9 mins drives had no bearing on us losing.

 

Besides I don't care who you want to credit the losses with - the entire we're better because of our ranking is a myth.

 

Myth: Because we're ranked higher our defense performed better.

Fact: Though ranked 12th versus 17th last years' defense allowed less points, allowed a lesser QB rating for opponents and only gave up point 2 more yards per carry on the ground.

 

All the respect in the world for you but you are truly beating a dead horse with this stuff.  The conversation is about "THIS YEAR'S" team....not last years!  Last year defensively....we had Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Dannell Ellerbe, Cary Williams to name a few on the roster and Super Bowl winning team.  Not this year...and yet....with a few 4th quarter collapses and all....our boys still ranked near the top 10 defensively.  Let it go!  lol!

 

Okay I agree with you that the defense needs to stop blowing fourth quarter leads but when your defense allows an average of 20 points a game and you only go 8-8 the problem is obviously offense. Our defense is above average in points allowed, but our offense is below average in points scored. This isn't even up for debate anymore. 

 

Yes sirrrrrrr!

 

According the NFL.com, we scored 320 points, just 20 a game. That's ranked 25th in the NFL. Yet, our scoring defense ranked 12th, allowing just 22 points a game.

 

So, the defense is above average and the offense is well below average. The defense's job is to not allow points and the offense's job is to score points. The defense ranked better (13 spots better) at its job than the offense did at its job. That's all I need to know. 

 

Same here!

 

I mean seriously -

 

myth: Flacco supporters make the most excuses.

fact: defense apologists are worse. (see above for proof)

 

Does the offense get brownie points for every time they started inside their 10?

At what point does the offense get any credit for moving the ball when a FG is kicked? Or are we of the premise that Tuck kicked from our own end zone?

 

Sooo, you want the offense to get credit for moving the ball into field goal range so Tucker can kick for 3pts opposed to them manning the hell up with desire, passion and fire to enforce their will on the opposing defense to score 7pts when they are in the red zone?  Wow!  Some of those FG's were made cause the defense got the offense the ball inside the other teams territory and they STILL couldn't score a TD.  Let's keep it real please!  lol!

 

You really want to take pride in the fact that a offense moved the ball in field goal position? We not talking about TDs..... we talking about field goals!

 

I asked the same thing!  One thing is for certain.  Everyone sees things a different way that is for sure!  LOL!!

 

#Mili

[wayne]

Exactly!

 

 

All the respect in the world for you but you are truly beating a dead horse with this stuff.  The conversation is about "THIS YEAR'S" team....not last years!  Last year defensively....we had Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Dannell Ellerbe, Cary Williams to name a few on the roster and Super Bowl winning team.  Not this year...and yet....with a few 4th quarter collapses and all....our boys still ranked near the top 10 defensively.  Let it go!  lol!

 

 

Yes sirrrrrrr!

 

 

Same here!

 

 

Sooo, you want the offense to get credit for moving the ball into field goal range so Tucker can kick for 3pts opposed to them manning the hell up with desire, passion and fire to enforce their will on the opposing defense to score 7pts when they are in the red zone?  Wow!  Some of those FG's were made cause the defense got the offense the ball inside the other teams territory and they STILL couldn't score a TD.  Let's keep it real please!  lol!

 

 

I asked the same thing!  One thing is for certain.  Everyone sees things a different way that is for sure!  LOL!!

 

#Mili

I have never seen or heard of a fan of any team happy or content that their offense is at least moving the ball into field goal range to get 3 points,lol. Guess some people rather try to survive the war than win it.

[hn68wb4]

I don't know if its already been posted, but its so annoying that I'm saying it

Myth: Ozzy passed on Richard Sherman to take Chykie Brown in 2011

Truth: Chykie was taken 10 picks after Sherman in the 5th round

[redrum52]

Myth: I thought this thread was locked?

Fact: I'm pretty sure this thread was locked...

[HoldingCall]

Like not choking in the crunch time?

Sounds like a myth to me.

Good defenses make it happen. Bad defenses make excuses. There's no stat line for that other than wins and losses.

I think you have to consider the much weaker offensive performance when judging the Ds performance in crunch time. Yes, fourth quarter let downs occurred but I have to wonder how many extra games could have been won with one or two less three-and-outs? 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Myth: When looking for an Offensive or Defensive Coordinator and/or Coach for a NFL franchise you must look within the pool of currently vetted NFL coaches and coordinators to achieve success and implement 'new' directions.

 

Fact: Some of the most revolutionary schemes, cultures and dynasties came from hiring college coaches who were not vetted in the league. Notable NFL Revolutionaries: Vince Lombardi and Bill Walsh

[K-Dog]

Myth: there are many well qualified OC's and DC's here on these very message boards.

[Ravenslifer]

Probably already been done, but - Myth: Flacco is not an accurate quarterback when it comes to short passes.

 

Fact: Joe has never completed fewer than 64 percent of his passes between 1-10 yards.  This year he completed 68 percent.

[Dr. Kelley]

I think you have to consider the much weaker offensive performance when judging the Ds performance in crunch time. Yes, fourth quarter let downs occurred but I have to wonder how many extra games could have been won with one or two less three-and-outs?

No. No I don't. The defense is made (and gets paid the lion share of the cap) to make stops. Or, you know, DEFEND.

[Dr. Kelley]

Myth: there are many well qualified OC's and DC's here on these very message boards.

FACT. Any idiot with half a brain would be better than : cam cameron, jim Caldwell, juan Castillo, dean pees... or they could do an equal job.

[HoldingCall]

Probably already been done, but - Myth: Flacco is not an accurate quarterback when it comes to short passes.

 

Fact: Joe has never completed fewer than 64 percent of his passes between 1-10 yards.  This year he completed 68 percent.

 

His accuracy in hitting short passes while the wr is in stride crossing the middle has been questioned. Short stop and go and short sideline passes appear more accurate.

[HoldingCall]

No. No I don't. The defense is made (and gets paid the lion share of the cap) to make stops. Or, you know, DEFEND.

 

There's little doubt they will get better. You do remember, they replaced Ellerbe, Kruger, Lewis, Reed and McClain was injured, started a rookie at FS and used others as subs. And they were still ranked above average while the offense was basically near the bottom. The offense failed miserably in almost every area. Special teams kicker and kick returner scored as many if not more points.

 

Not saying defense shouldn't be better.

[balfan23]

I scanned through the entire thread and I'm surprised, I've only seen one post related to Harbaugh and his selection of only "buddies" to be coaches on his staff.

 

I'll broaden that to the following:

 

Myth: Harbaugh is a control freak.

 

The idea is that he cuts loose players that challenge his authority and refuses to replace coaches who are underperforming, but wishes to retain them because they are nothing more than his "yes" men. He feels threatened by other coaches in who may have strong opinions and avoids bringing such people on his staff. 

 

I'll tell you this ... if we name Hostler and not Shanahan to our OC position, this "myth" will appear a whole lot less "mythical" to those who hold that opinion and to those, like me, who are a bit on the fence when it comes to the validity of this sentiment. 

[callahan09]

His accuracy in hitting short passes while the wr is in stride crossing the middle has been questioned. Short stop and go and short sideline passes appear more accurate.

I agree that our TEAM COMPLETION PERCENTAGE on those throws has been questionable and should be better, but I don't know that it's fair to throw the blame at Flacco's accuracy.  Those throws require a little synergy between the QB and the receiver, the QB has to know where to expect the player to be, and in our offense, those crossing routes over the middle were totally unreliable, because the receivers weren't getting separation, they were getting jammed at the line, and there was just nothing routine about those throws for Joe.  I believe those routes just didn't work as intended and there was not enough consistency in how the receivers ran those routes, how much separation they got, how smoothly they ran those routes, for Joe to be able to accurately predict where to put the ball, and that was the cause of it.  It is a timing, chemistry, routine, execution issue from the play itself and the receiver and the QB, and not a matter of the QB not putting the ball where he intended to put it (which is what "accuracy" is).

[HoldingCall]

I agree that our TEAM COMPLETION PERCENTAGE on those throws has been questionable and should be better, but I don't know that it's fair to throw the blame at Flacco's accuracy.  Those throws require a little synergy between the QB and the receiver, the QB has to know where to expect the player to be, and in our offense, those crossing routes over the middle were totally unreliable, because the receivers weren't getting separation, they were getting jammed at the line, and there was just nothing routine about those throws for Joe.  I believe those routes just didn't work as intended and there was not enough consistency in how the receivers ran those routes, how much separation they got, how smoothly they ran those routes, for Joe to be able to accurately predict where to put the ball, and that was the cause of it.  It is a timing, chemistry, routine, execution issue from the play itself and the receiver and the QB, and not a matter of the QB not putting the ball where he intended to put it (which is what "accuracy" is).

I would agree with this if other routes caused equal problems, but that is not the case.

[callahan09]

I would agree with this if other routes caused equal problems, but that is not the case.

On the contrary, I think all routes suffered the same problems.

 

The deep passes for instance... how often did you see in our offense that a receiver came open deep down the field and was able to just sit and turn and wait and THEN have Flacco throw the ball to him?  All of our deep attempts this year came in coverage or in timing sensitive situations where the QB had to throw the ball *before* the receiver actually comes open, and the receiver is supposed to run downfield and meet the ball.  The very few "wide open" receivers deep downfield that I saw this year were situations where the ball was thrown before the receiver was even open, which means it suffered from *exactly* the issues I described in my previous post, making them low percentage throws.  When did you see Jacoby, or Torrey, or anyone really, run 15 yards down field, stop, turn, and be able to give Flacco a chance to find that wide open receiver sitting still looking at him and able to point the ball and get it uncontested?  Easy deep throws like that?  It just wasn't there, but most of Brady and Peyton's deep throws, are ones just like this, they just aren't doing many of those timing-sensitive throws where you toss it up deep while the receiver is still en route, they throw it AFTER the receiver is open, but we don't have routes like that, we have 9 routes, where the receiver just sprints for the end zone and Flacco is expected to put it to where they WILL be, as opposed to where they ARE.  That's a tough ask, if you ask me, and it's why we don't complete a high percentage of passes.

[Raven26]

The 4th qtr stat is disturbing.

 

Too many times the D had to make a crucial stop in the 4th qtr to either

 

1- get the ball back so our O would have one more chance.

2- to stop the other team from scoring the game winning TD.

 

Too many times it didn't happen. It shouldn't matter what the O scores. That is moot. Go back over some of those 4th qtrs.

when you get the ball five time and do nothing the d shouldn't have to get the ball back.