Damnit, But I Love Harbaugh.

[rlh445]

This topic may get no responses, but that doesn't matter as long as people read it.

I have to say that the Harbaugh acquisition was the absolute best thing to happen to this franchise. He is classy, smart, and has the rare combination of being tough but good to his guys. I mean just look at Tom Coughlin. He was an absolute jerk, and his team responded in a way that any group of millionaires would respond - not very favorably. He had to tone down his 'jerkness' in order to get some respect. But Harbs said, 'Nuh uh,'. He came in, cleaned house, and straightened all of these players out, and made them think of themselves as an actual TEAM. Even faced with the loss to Pittsburgh, the players hung together and accepted it as a team loss, and are right back on track heading to Dallas....it just speaks volumes. And he STILL gets a shot into the officiating, but does it in such a 'nice' way..and you know the team has to respect that. I'm loving where the team is heading, and I'm loving Harbaugh. Bank it friends..even if we either don't make the playoffs this year or go one and done, this team is definitely going places, and Harbaugh is the main reason.

[PuRock]

[quote name='rlh445' post='106746' date='Dec 16 2008, 02:58 PM']This topic may get no responses, but that doesn't matter as long as people read it.

I have to say that the Harbaugh acquisition was the absolute best thing to happen to this franchise. He is classy, smart, and has the rare combination of being tough but good to his guys. I mean just look at Tom Coughlin. He was an absolute jerk, and his team responded in a way that any group of millionaires would respond - not very favorably. He had to tone down his 'jerkness' in order to get some respect. But Harbs said, 'Nuh uh,'. He came in, cleaned house, and straightened all of these players out, and made them think of themselves as an actual TEAM. Even faced with the loss to Pittsburgh, the players hung together and accepted it as a team loss, and are right back on track heading to Dallas....it just speaks volumes. And he STILL gets a shot into the officiating, but does it in such a 'nice' way..and you know the team has to respect that. I'm loving where the team is heading, and I'm loving Harbaugh. Bank it friends..even if we either don't make the playoffs this year or go one and done, this team is definitely going places, and Harbaugh is the main reason.[/quote]

Time will tell. We've barely played one season under him. I'm loving this guy as a coach, no doubt. But I also know things can turn sour quickly in terms of coaching personnel.

[rlh445]

[quote name='PuRock' post='106749' date='Dec 16 2008, 02:59 PM']Time will tell. We've barely played one season under him. I'm loving this guy as a coach, no doubt. But I also know things can turn sour quickly in terms of coaching personnel.[/quote]


Heh, I know what you're saying. Things turn quickly if 'expectations' aren't met. He's already met those, in spades. Things don't usually turn sour until your fourth or fifth season with consecutive losing seasons, a la Marvin Lewis or Andy Reid.

[PuRock]

[quote name='rlh445' post='106751' date='Dec 16 2008, 03:05 PM']Heh, I know what you're saying. Things turn quickly if 'expectations' aren't met. He's already met those, in spades. Things don't usually turn sour until your fourth or fifth season with consecutive losing seasons, a la Marvin Lewis or Andy Reid.[/quote]

Harbaugh still needs to work on some specialized coaching skills too. Like effective "Challenging Management".

But his passion and desire to be a great coach is aspiring.

[ravensfan160]

Don't get me wrong I think he's absolutely great but I will say this...weren't they all saying that about Jim Zorn only a month or so ago? Things can change very quickly in the NFL. Heck they're even saying now that Zorn might be 1 and done.

[rlh445]

[quote name='ravensfan160' post='106755' date='Dec 16 2008, 03:09 PM']Don't get me wrong I think he's absolutely great but I will say this...weren't they all saying that about Jim Zorn only a month or so ago? Things can change very quickly in the NFL. Heck they're even saying now that Zorn might be 1 and done.[/quote]


See, with Zorn, it was ALL about the record. I can conclusively say that for my own opinion, I'd be saying this about Harbaugh whether we were 9-5 or 7-7 or whatever. For me, it's not as much about the record, but about the team's REACTION to the record. They're a family again. How long has it been since we've seen that? For YEARS this team was plagued with the split locker rooms. Their always seemed to be a dividing line between the two sides of the ball. THAT'S where I think Harbs is shining. He's still a rookie, and he still has a lot of coaching experience to put under his belt, and I understand that guys. But the fact that a rookie could bring all of these egos together and not only make them act like a team, but BELIEVE that they're a team is what makes me so happy.

Edit - One more quick tidbit about Zorn. I think he's a good coach. But he also has one Hell of an owner to deal with in Snyder. Some owners take their ownership too far and it can lead to a debilitating situation with their football teams. Bisc sorta puts in input but lets his coaches coach. I think that's one of the most underestimated facets of head coaching, period. Look at Al Davis and the Raiders. Things keep getting worse, and yet Al is always at the forefront of the disaster. I thank God that Steve's our owner.

[Perfekt]

any real fan can see the difference in this team that is actually a team and the teams from past. we may not have the most dominate defense in the league like we use to but we have something that we never had before a team that through the tough, bad, and low points has still been a team and proved that our coach deserves coach of the year.

[PuRock]

[quote name='ravensfan160' post='106755' date='Dec 16 2008, 03:09 PM']Don't get me wrong I think he's absolutely great but I will say this...weren't they all saying that about Jim Zorn only a month or so ago? Things can change very quickly in the NFL. Heck they're even saying now that Zorn might be 1 and done.[/quote]

I never bought into Zorn from day one. I'm much more pleased with Harbaugh. Harbaugh just seems more football minded and tough. Zorn is just so corny and lost.

But I agree with you.

[Steelerman67]

Zorn shmorn. I'm not sold on hiim yet. He is very articulate and I like to hear his insight, but he's not even a close fit to how Harbaugh fits your team perfectly. I think if he took your team to 8-8 he would have still have done a great job getting your franchise back on track. I think he's already far exceeded anyone's expectations this year. And I have to give credit it Ozzie N. He brings in quality talent year after year.

You have to keep in mind you have a ROOKIE QB from a small school. They always say December football is like playoff speed football so it's probably a bit overwhelming for Flacco, but man where did McCain come from? And is he a FA next year? I'd love to have that guy running behind our line. I think you need to get rice in there a bit more to change the pace (Is he hurt btw? I didn't see him at all in the Steeler game?) But it's time to cut ties with McGahee, he's a good RB but McCain fits your team mold better IMHO.

[rlh445]

[quote name='Steelerman67' post='106771' date='Dec 16 2008, 03:40 PM']Zorn shmorn. I'm not sold on hiim yet. He is very articulate and I like to hear his insight, but he's not even a close fit to how Harbaugh fits your team perfectly. I think if he took your team to 8-8 he would have still have done a great job getting your franchise back on track. I think he's already far exceeded anyone's expectations this year. And I have to give credit it Ozzie N. He brings in quality talent year after year.

You have to keep in mind you have a ROOKIE QB from a small school. They always say December football is like playoff speed football so it's probably a bit overwhelming for Flacco, but man where did McCain come from? And is he a FA next year? I'd love to have that guy running behind our line. I think you need to get rice in there a bit more to change the pace (Is he hurt btw? I didn't see him at all in the Steeler game?) But it's time to cut ties with McGahee, he's a good RB but McCain fits your team mold better IMHO.[/quote]


Yea, I feel the same about Zorn..although like I stated earlier, I honestly feel as if none of this is his fault. It's like being a lieutenant dropped in the middle of a fire-fight - you make do with the soldiers and the ground you have available. If anyone in D.C. expected him to make gold out of crap, they were delusional. I think he's done quite an admirable job. I think Joe sees the field pretty well; but he still has trouble figuring out when to put some air under the football and when not to. That only comes with experience and as he gets more comfortable with the game those problems will become less frequent..IMHO. McClain? Who knows? Cam saw him and said, 'Meh, let's throw him in there for a couple of series..' and he just blossomed. Even Steelers lineman were quoted as saying, 'Man, that McClain, he comes with a load every down,' and he does. He's going to be important for the Ravens in the next few years, bank it. Yea, Rice is hurt, I thought it was just a bruise on his leg, but apparently it was a little more then that. I don't think we're going to cut ties with McGahee, one because he was actually good last season and two because this season he's been hurt. Personally, I don't think it has anything to do with injuries (or very little) but more his personal mindset. He may need an offseason to get his head back into football..Lord only knows what some of these players are doing and thinking inside themselves. I hope he'll be able to bounce back next year. We need him.

[Steelerman67]

[quote name='rlh445' post='106777' date='Dec 16 2008, 03:49 PM']Yea, I feel the same about Zorn..although like I stated earlier, I honestly feel as if none of this is his fault. It's like being a lieutenant dropped in the middle of a fire-fight - you make do with the soldiers and the ground you have available. If anyone in D.C. expected him to make gold out of crap, they were delusional. I think he's done quite an admirable job. I think Joe sees the field pretty well; but he still has trouble figuring out when to put some air under the football and when not to. That only comes with experience and as he gets more comfortable with the game those problems will become less frequent..IMHO. McClain? Who knows? Cam saw him and said, 'Meh, let's throw him in there for a couple of series..' and he just blossomed. Even Steelers lineman were quoted as saying, 'Man, that McClain, he comes with a load every down,' and he does. He's going to be important for the Ravens in the next few years, bank it. Yea, Rice is hurt, I thought it was just a bruise on his leg, but apparently it was a little more then that. I don't think we're going to cut ties with McGahee, one because he was actually good last season and two because this season he's been hurt. Personally, I don't think it has anything to do with injuries (or very little) but more his personal mindset. He may need an offseason to get his head back into football..Lord only knows what some of these players are doing and thinking inside themselves. I hope he'll be able to bounce back next year. We need him.[/quote]
I would have to agree with you there. I think they were overachieving a little there the first half of the season, but when Portis got hurt, it exposed Campbell a bit and his limitations. I am more sold on Zorn than Campbell at this point. I just think they kill themselves when they do not get the ball in Santana Moss' hands more often. Look how Carolina uses Steve Smith. Grant it, hes a step up from Moss, but Moss can flat out play ball.

And on McCain. I've watch our defense all year, nobody came CLOSE to how well he ran on us, no contest. I was very impressed. And I just kept thinking, man, if they threw Rice in there and went wide or set up a screen we'd be in trouble. Didn't know he was hurt. Yes, Mcgahee did play well last year but I've never been that fond of him. I'm just not sure if he can be THE GUY. I think McCain can, reminds me a little of Bettis.

[wolfzie06]

I love the fact that after a game like that, we didn't see our whole team, mostly the defense, spout off to the media like they did last year after the Patriots game. I love the fact that they accepted it for what it is, and I hope this instead fires them up to play the Cowboys hard. I am very happy with the discipline we seem to have under Harbaugh.

[TXRaven]

Love what Harb's is doing. He still has a few things to learn but is working hard to get that done and be the best Coach he can be. Same with Flacco. Only time will tell but I can honestly say this has been the most intresting Ravens team since 2000. 9-5 with 2 games to go and a good realistic shot at the playoffs with a new Coach a new QB and a new left tackle. Great Job.

[codizzle]

all i got to say is we have had more injuries this year and have a 9-5 record compared to 5-11 last year nuff said

[H8R]

Harbs has his players, Zorn does not. Zorn will throw his players under the BUS IN A SECOND.HARBS WILL NOT.

[Troy SmiTH Xx]

Good things happen when we a team responds to a rookie head coach, rookie quarterback, and a previous 5-11 season, when the following season they are on the verge of making the playoffs. I am very confident going foward into the future with this quarterback and coach

Predicting before the season even started, that we probably wouldn't make the playoffs, maes it a little easier on me if we didn't. It's not like we were expecting it (Don't lie, most of you didn't expect this), but we gained a ton of confidence from this season as fans.

[shaikh015]

[quote name='Steelerman67' post='106771' date='Dec 16 2008, 04:40 PM']Zorn shmorn. I'm not sold on hiim yet. He is very articulate and I like to hear his insight, but he's not even a close fit to how Harbaugh fits your team perfectly. I think if he took your team to 8-8 he would have still have done a great job getting your franchise back on track. I think he's already far exceeded anyone's expectations this year. And I have to give credit it Ozzie N. He brings in quality talent year after year.

You have to keep in mind you have a ROOKIE QB from a small school. They always say December football is like playoff speed football so it's probably a bit overwhelming for Flacco, but man where did McCain come from? And is he a FA next year? I'd love to have that guy running behind our line. I think you need to get rice in there a bit more to change the pace (Is he hurt btw? I didn't see him at all in the Steeler game?) But it's time to cut ties with McGahee, he's a good RB but McCain fits your team mold better IMHO.[/quote]
Your the only steeler fan that is still here I kind of don't get why?

[shaikh015]

[quote name='TXRaven' post='106803' date='Dec 16 2008, 05:36 PM']Love what Harb's is doing. He still has a few things to learn but is working hard to get that done and be the best Coach he can be. Same with Flacco. Only time will tell but I can honestly say this has been the most intresting Ravens team since 2000. 9-5 with 2 games to go and a good realistic shot at the playoffs with a new Coach a new QB and a new left tackle. Great Job.[/quote]
Harb kind of reminds me of Brian Billiick but because he is young he is open to more options then Billick....

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='ravensfan160' post='106755' date='Dec 16 2008, 03:09 PM']Don't get me wrong I think he's absolutely great but I will say this...weren't they all saying that about Jim Zorn only a month or so ago? Things can change very quickly in the NFL. Heck they're even saying now that Zorn might be 1 and done.[/quote]



The thing with Zorn to me is that the Head Coach was not the job he signed up for, he was supposed to be the OC and ended up the HC. This is like interviewing for a job as a kicthen Manager and you get hired for the job but before you can even get started on that the resturant owner make you the resturant manager do to the lack of a good person to hire in his/her mind.

[rayvenfan_52]

I think we should all be glad.

Thank the owner first.

THANK YOU BISCIOTTI FOR BEING THE BEST OWNER.

Poor Raider fans.

[flynismo]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='107311' date='Dec 17 2008, 09:50 PM']Thank the owner first.

THANK YOU BISCIOTTI FOR BEING THE BEST OWNER.[/quote]

Yeah, no kidding...unlike that other baltimore dip**** that ruined baseball and the Orioles for me