Motivation

[theFRANCHISE]

Having calmed down a bit from the loss to the Steelers, I've realized that this game proves exactly what the Ravens must do to get where they want to go.

And in getting to the promised land, the Ravens must realize one thing: Never Again.

Never again can the Ravens allow the referees to take the outcome of a game out of their hands. Never again can the Ravens allow preventable mistakes. Never again can the Ravens allow an opponent to finish better than they do in the fourth quarter.

Never again can the Ravens allow today to happen again.

The Ravens have shown us all many things this season. They've shown us the potential that lies ahead, as well as the learning that still needs to be done as a team. They've shown us character, both good and bad. They've given us both hope and heartbreak, at once but never enough. They've given us reasons to smile, and reasons to despair.

But never again can the Ravens show us that they cannot finish games. Never again can the Ravens show us moments of personal defeat, even in times of despair. Never again can the Ravens be the team that has prevented themselves from achieving the dream that so many have dreamt.

The Lombardi Trophy may or may not be destiny. But growth is the path that all teams must walk; the outcome is dependent on finishing the walk, and the reward is something that all men would kill for -- glory.

Believe in growth, believe in glory.

[Muscles44]

Bottom line, is that if you want to be considered Super Bowl contenders you have to beat the elite teams in the league. Losses to Titans, Steelers and Colts show that The Ravens organization (while in going the right direction) are merely a good team, that cant do what the elite teams do just yet. Elite teams win ugly games. Elite teams dominate. Elite teams make big plays when needed. Elite teams do not play down to their competition. Ravens just are not an elite team. They are good, but they have a long way to go. Just need more experience.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='105238' date='Dec 14 2008, 07:57 PM']Having calmed down a bit from the loss to the Steelers, I've realized that this game proves exactly what the Ravens must do to get where they want to go.

And in getting to the promised land, the Ravens must realize one thing: Never Again.

Never again can the Ravens allow the referees to take the outcome of a game out of their hands. Never again can the Ravens allow preventable mistakes. Never again can the Ravens allow an opponent to finish better than they do in the fourth quarter.

Never again can the Ravens allow today to happen again.

The Ravens have shown us all many things this season. They've shown us the potential that lies ahead, as well as the learning that still needs to be done as a team. They've shown us character, both good and bad. They've given us both hope and heartbreak, at once but never enough. They've given us reasons to smile, and reasons to despair.

But never again can the Ravens show us that they cannot finish games. Never again can the Ravens show us moments of personal defeat, even in times of despair. Never again can the Ravens be the team that has prevented themselves from achieving the dream that so many have dreamt.

The Lombardi Trophy may or may not be destiny. But growth is the path that all teams must walk; the outcome is dependent on finishing the walk, and the reward is something that all men would kill for -- glory.

Believe in growth, believe in glory.[/quote]


Read that with the voice of Ray Lewis in your head.

[neepo13]

[quote name='Muscles44' post='105481' date='Dec 14 2008, 08:49 PM']Bottom line, is that if you want to be considered Super Bowl contenders you have to beat the elite teams in the league. Losses to Titans, Steelers and Colts show that The Ravens organization (while in going the right direction) are merely a good team, that cant do what the elite teams do just yet. Elite teams win ugly games. Elite teams dominate. Elite teams make big plays when needed. Elite teams do not play down to their competition. Ravens just are not an elite team. They are good, but they have a long way to go. Just need more experience.[/quote]

So, the Giants were an elite team when they won last year? They had homefield advantage and they beat the elite teams during the season last year? WRONG. They lost to the Patriots and I am pretty sure they got swept by the Cowboys.

[Muscles44]

[quote name='neepo13' post='105491' date='Dec 14 2008, 08:53 PM']So, the Giants were an elite team when they won last year? They had homefield advantage and they beat the elite teams during the season last year? WRONG. They lost to the Patriots and I am pretty sure they got swept by the Cowboys.[/quote]

The Giants won on the road during the playoffs and proved they deserved the Super Bowl. Regardless, this is this year. is your argument that the Ravens are an elite team? Or that if they make the playoffs, they could win several games against the likes of the Titans, Steelers, Colts, Jets, Broncos or Patriots? I just want to be clear on your argument when it comes to the Ravens and their current situation and trend of losing to the upper echelon teams in the league.

[nevermore621]

I hate to say it but there are some weakenesses on this team that are holding us back, and chief among them is not having a consistent pass rush able to spin off blocks and get to the QB and put his posterior on the turf!!! In years past when we made playoff runs, we had this ability. The only way we generally get to the QB now is by coming through clean and unblocked off a blitz. Nickel backs getting beat consistently on shallow crossing routes (you know who you are ) is hurting us too. The O line needs to come together, against all odds, like we did last week against the Redskins and just take it to a D. (Hats off to Dick LeBeau (and the Steelers LB's and D line) who is arguably one of the best DC's of all time, though)

There are other weaknesses we have, but I will refrain from mentioning them during a playoff run. But as you guys have mentioned, it takes 60 FULL minutes of solid, balanced, smashmouth football to consistently win in the NFL. Until we play with the same intensity for a FULL 60 minutes of football, we will continue to get beat by the elite teams in the final waning minutes of a game.

Congrats to the Steelers, learn from our mistakes, and lets beat the rag tag Cowboys next Saturday, primetime.

[nevermore621]

[quote name='neepo13' post='105491' date='Dec 14 2008, 08:53 PM']So, the Giants were an elite team when they won last year? They had homefield advantage and they beat the elite teams during the season last year? WRONG. They lost to the Patriots and I am pretty sure they got swept by the Cowboys.[/quote]
Good point Neepo. The NY Giants were a Wild Card team last year, that had lost in the regular season, narrowly, to the Patriots. Yet they turned around and played with character and intensity, overcame any weaknesses and injuries they had and won a Super Bowl.

And the the Ravens can do the same if they stay together as a TEAM, play with character and intensity for a full 60 minutes, and give it all they have. The true test of their ability to do this will be next week, on the road, in the last game the Cowboys will perhaps play in Texas Stadium, primetime before all of America. They HAVE to win this one to finally take it to the next level and gain momentum going into the playoffs.

[neepo13]

[quote name='Muscles44' post='105514' date='Dec 14 2008, 09:01 PM']The Giants won on the road during the playoffs and proved they deserved the Super Bowl. Regardless, this is this year. is your argument that the Ravens are an elite team? Or that if they make the playoffs, they could win several games against the likes of the Titans, Steelers, Colts, Jets, Broncos or Patriots? I just want to be clear on your argument when it comes to the Ravens and their current situation and trend of losing to the upper echelon teams in the league.[/quote]

Thats exactly my point. The Giants were not the favorites when the playoffs first started. They lost several big games to elite teams just like the Ravens have. So, the Giants are proof, that you dont have to beat the elite teams during the season, like you said. Thats what I am saying. Again, the lost to the Patriots during the season and I am pretty sure the Cowboys swept them. Thats 3 losses to teams that were considered "elite".

[TXRaven]

I am with you Franchise

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='105238' date='Dec 14 2008, 07:57 PM']Having calmed down a bit from the loss to
And in getting to the promised land, the Ravens must realize one thing: Never Again.

Never again can the Ravens allow the referees to take the outcome of a game out of their hands. Never again can the Ravens allow preventable mistakes. Never again can the Ravens allow an opponent to finish better than they do in the fourth quarter.

Never again can the Ravens allow today to happen again.

The Ravens have shown us all many things this season. They've shown us the potential that lies ahead, as well as the learning that still needs to be done as a team. They've shown us character, both good and bad. They've given us both hope and heartbreak, at once but never enough. They've given us reasons to smile, and reasons to despair.

But never again can the Ravens show us that they cannot finish games. Never again can the Ravens show us moments of personal defeat, even in times of despair. Never again can the Ravens be the team that has prevented themselves from achieving the dream that so many have dreamt.[/quote]

Never again is easier said and done. You would think we would have had the never again attitude after we let it happen twice earlier in the season.

It's like we go into "Mode B" during the last drive of a game. It seems like we bring too many blitzes, and we still can't get a pass rush going. If that's the case, we have to drop and play better coverage. What's the point of blitzing two linebackers and a safety. If we can barely get to Rothlisberger on a consistent basis?

I'm over yesterday's loss. And in my scenario I had us losing to both the Steelers and Dallas but still making the playoffs last week. This wasn't a game I thought we'd win, but we sure did have a chance too.

It all seemed to picture perfect. Fourth quarter drive. How could it not happen?

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='105238' date='Dec 14 2008, 07:57 PM']Having calmed down a bit from the loss to the Steelers, I've realized that this game proves exactly what the Ravens must do to get where they want to go.

And in getting to the promised land, the Ravens must realize one thing: Never Again.

Never again can the Ravens allow the referees to take the outcome of a game out of their hands. Never again can the Ravens allow preventable mistakes. Never again can the Ravens allow an opponent to finish better than they do in the fourth quarter.

Never again can the Ravens allow today to happen again.

The Ravens have shown us all many things this season. They've shown us the potential that lies ahead, as well as the learning that still needs to be done as a team. They've shown us character, both good and bad. They've given us both hope and heartbreak, at once but never enough. They've given us reasons to smile, and reasons to despair.

But never again can the Ravens show us that they cannot finish games. Never again can the Ravens show us moments of personal defeat, even in times of despair. Never again can the Ravens be the team that has prevented themselves from achieving the dream that so many have dreamt.

The Lombardi Trophy may or may not be destiny. But growth is the path that all teams must walk; the outcome is dependent on finishing the walk, and the reward is something that all men would kill for -- glory.

Believe in growth, believe in glory.[/quote]

Never again? Weren't they saying that after the first Steeler loss where the defense let them drive down the field for the winning score? Guess not because they let it happen again. Wasn't their excuse that time that personal foul call on Jarret Johnson? Gosh it's like I have deja vu.

[pleadthefif]

[quote name='nevermore621' post='105563' date='Dec 14 2008, 10:12 PM']I hate to say it but there are some weakenesses on this team that are holding us back, and chief among them is not having a consistent pass rush able to spin off blocks and get to the QB and put his posterior on the turf!!! In years past when we made playoff runs, we had this ability. The only way we generally get to the QB now is by coming through clean and unblocked off a blitz. Nickel backs getting beat consistently on shallow crossing routes (you know who you are ) is hurting us too. The O line needs to come together, against all odds, like we did last week against the Redskins and just take it to a D. (Hats off to Dick LeBeau (and the Steelers LB's and D line) who is arguably one of the best DC's of all time, though)

There are other weaknesses we have, but I will refrain from mentioning them during a playoff run. But as you guys have mentioned, it takes 60 FULL minutes of solid, balanced, smashmouth football to consistently win in the NFL. Until we play with the same intensity for a FULL 60 minutes of football, we will continue to get beat by the elite teams in the final waning minutes of a game.

Congrats to the Steelers, learn from our mistakes, and lets beat the rag tag Cowboys next Saturday, primetime.[/quote]


Well I thought your LB's had good pressure on Ben all day. I would say the only thing you guys were missing was on offense. Our D was just too good. Flacco shows some serious potential. The guy has a straight up cannon on his shoulder. I think if the Ravens can mantain this level of defense in the comming years the offense will turn out. Flacco just needs a little time to adjust.

P.S. Leron Mcclain is an animal. Far more effective than Mcgahee. I would love to see McClain wearin Black and Gold.

[PuRock]

[quote name='pleadthefif' post='105990' date='Dec 15 2008, 09:55 AM']P.S. Leron Mcclain is an animal. Far more effective than Mcgahee. I would love to see McClain wearin Black and Gold.[/quote]

That's nice. I'm kinda the same way. I would like to see a horse wearing a Steelers Jersey as a Bun-Bag (look it up if you don't know).