After 2 preseason games, how do you REALLY feel?

[Militant X 1]

  

Well, from what I have watched for many years, pre season has little or nothing to do with what regular season performance will be like. It's a time to look at prospects, and veterans, just by human nature, are not going full speed. While we can talk about who may or may not make the Team, no conclusions can be drawn as to how the Team will perform.

We all have watched enough football over the years to know this however, I believe that there are times when horrible preseason gameplay may spill over into a team's regular season gameplay.  Some of the same offensive ineptitude that I saw from the Ravens in their preseason last season (all those 3&outs) carried over into their regular season.

 

#Mili

[beanfigger]

I know I'm ready for the off-season to be over already.  I'm ready for the real games to start as soon as Webb and J Smith are healthy enough.

[ratedr]

So, we are a worse team than last year or we have a tougher schedule? I don't see either, but I'm curious.

We were 8-8 last year but easily could've been much much worse. I think the schedule is tougher this year and the defense will give up a lot more points (and the offense won't improve enough to compensate).

[1/28/01]

We all have watched enough football over the years to know this however, I believe that there are times when horrible preseason gameplay may spill over into a team's regular season gameplay. Some of the same offensive ineptitude that I saw from the Ravens in their preseason last season (all those 3&outs) carried over into their regular season.

#Mili

Only good thing about that is that we averaged about 3 yards per carry both during the preaseason and regular reason last year. Lets hope this preseason run game carries over into the regular season as well.

[Cillmatic]

Our defense is no where near as good as it should be. It can't stop the run and can't bring ANY pressure to the QB. Suggs and dumervil aren't suppose to play every down anymore. I think we should seriously consider Elvis as trade bait at this point. We are incredibly weak at secondary right now as our only two CB's worth starting are injury prone and our two safety's are underwhelming. Our offense is hard to

[PolishRifle]

I was hoping, that the offense would look great and they did for one game only (really unsure about that pass protection in Dallas. Wasn't Monroe supposed to be out franshise LT?), but I EXPECTED, that the defense would dominate (where's that top 5 D Harbs?) and instead they look just as average as they did last year. Still, it's just pre-season, we won't know for sure until we have atleast seen the first 4 regular season games.

[PolishRifle]

We all have watched enough football over the years to know this however, I believe that there are times when horrible preseason gameplay may spill over into a team's regular season gameplay.  Some of the same offensive ineptitude that I saw from the Ravens in their preseason last season (all those 3&outs) carried over into their regular season.

 

#Mili

 

The offense is not, that much of a concern. They clearly can run the ball again and the passing game looked great in the first pre-season game. Obviously we improved on that side of the ball. 

The real problem is, what has improved on defense? Because I don't see anything there. 

[RobFuseRaven]

I feel like it's preseason and there's no reason to panic. Webb, Smith and Jackson weren't in the game. Did you guys expect the secondary to be great without them?

[1/28/01]

We were 8-8 last year but easily could've been much much worse. I think the schedule is tougher this year and the defense will give up a lot more points (and the offense won't improve enough to compensate).

And of course, on the flip side, we lost 5 games by 7 points or under. Meaning, we could have easily eeked out another 1-5 games there.

If the O is AS bad a last year, then we need to can half the starting team and all the coordinators. If the D takes a step back, Pees needs to go.

[Militant X 1]

The offense is not, that much of a concern. They clearly can run the ball again and the passing game looked great in the first pre-season game. Obviously we improved on that side of the ball. 

The real problem is, what has improved on defense? Because I don't see anything there. 

 

After 2 games, I don't have confidence in either side of the ball; offense or defense at the moment!  I've seen nothing at all that really impressed me or clearly suggests to me that these Ravens will be totally different from last season.

 

#Mili

[Tank 92]

We all have watched enough football over the years to know this however, I believe that there are times when horrible preseason gameplay may spill over into a team's regular season gameplay.  Some of the same offensive ineptitude that I saw from the Ravens in their preseason last season (all those 3&outs) carried over into their regular season.

 

#Mili

 

 

IDK Mili, I just don't think pre season performance means squat. But I hate pre season, so..........  

 

What does become apparent is whether you have quality players to fill holes from the previous season. I think it was pretty obvious going into the regular season last year that key O line positions and TE were huge question marks. If they remain healthy, quality players have filled those holes. And the coaching changes will have to help. I don't think there are any worries on the offensive side no matter how they perform in the pre season. 

 

From what we've seen so far this pre season, we seem to be in some trouble filling the holes created by Digs and Graham's departure. Either some folks step up, or Oz works his magic and finds quality outcasts before the season starts.  

[PolishRifle]

After 2 games, I don't have confidence in either side of the ball; offense or defense at the moment!  I've seen nothing at all that really impressed me or clearly suggests to me that these Ravens will be totally different from last season.

 

#Mili

 

I get that. Last season was ugly and we are the Ravens, so expectations should be high. We won the freaking SB not that long ago. So I understand where you're coming from.

 

I'm still seeing improvement on offense over last year, though. Last year Flacco has thrown an INT in each of his first two pre-season games and Rice looked horrendous running the ball against really underwhelming Bucs and Falcons defenses.

 

I just hope it all comes together for the guys, when regular season starts. That early 4 games stretch is ROUGH. 3 games against division rivals.

[Guest rayraybcraycray]

I, for one, am excited! Ray Rice is one of my players (maybe has something to do with Rutgers Pride) but if he's going to pull off the same performance as last season or if the injury lingers on I feel like Lorenzo can easily fill in the same responsibilities. 

 

There's also a few more good points made on here. http://bal.scout.com/story/1435212-ravens-beat-cowboys-in-second-preseason-game?s=118

[Militant X 1]

IDK Mili, I just don't think pre season performance means squat. But I hate pre season, so..........  

 

What does become apparent is whether you have quality players to fill holes from the previous season. I think it was pretty obvious going into the regular season last year that key O line positions and TE were huge question marks. If they remain healthy, quality players have filled those holes. And the coaching changes will have to help. I don't think there are any worries on the offensive side no matter how they perform in the pre season. 

 

From what we've seen so far this pre season, we seem to be in some trouble filling the holes created by Digs and Graham's departure. Either some folks step up, or Oz works his magic and finds quality outcasts before the season starts.  

 

To some they don't!  I get what you mean.  However, to me, this is the time of year that the players have been waiting for!  To get on the field against another team to show what they got and are made of.  And when I see that being done so sloppy as our guys do from time to time it really ticks me off.  I get so sick of hearing all of the offseason "hype" about this or that and then I see the total opposite on the field.  That is why I always say the first 3 regular season games will say it all to me!

 

I get that. Last season was ugly and we are the Ravens, so expectations should be high. We won the freaking SB not that long ago. So I understand where you're coming from.

 

I'm still seeing improvement on offense over last year, though. Last year Flacco has thrown an INT in each of his first two pre-season games and Rice looked horrendous running the ball against really underwhelming Bucs and Falcons defenses.

 

I just hope it all comes together for the guys, when regular season starts. That early 4 games stretch is ROUGH. 3 games against division rivals.

 

It's not just that we won the Super Bowl not long ago but it is how we look on the field and in the game!  Sure, we saw a little rushing attack in the 1st and 2nd preseason game but that is hardly proof that things have changed from last season imo.  But, you are right about the first 4 games.  The Ravens will have their hands full.

 

#Mili

[Ravenslifer]

How do I really feel?  I feel that people forget the 2008 Lions went 4-0 in the preseason, and the 2007 Dolphins went 2-2.  Combined for a 1-31 record.  The 2007 Patriots were 2-2 in the preseason, including 0-2 after the first 2 preseason games.  They didn't score more than 27 points in any of the 4 games, then preceded to put up nothing LESS than 34 points for the first 8 games of the regular season.  Preseason means absolutely nothing.

[Militant X 1]

How do I really feel?  I feel that people forget the 2008 Lions went 4-0 in the preseason, and the 2007 Dolphins went 2-2.  Combined for a 1-31 record.  The 2007 Patriots were 2-2 in the preseason, including 0-2 after the first 2 preseason games.  They didn't score more than 27 points in any of the 4 games, then preceded to put up nothing LESS than 34 points for the first 8 games of the regular season.  Preseason means absolutely nothing.

 

If that's the case; why have a preseason?  Why not just jump right into the regular season?  Preseason means "nothing" record wise but it means something!  I don't just quickly dismiss it's purpose or benefit to fielding a great team as most do.  I still want to see a good looking and playing team in the preseason as well as the regular season.

 

#Mili

[Willbacker]

 

 

It's not just that we won the Super Bowl not long ago but it is how we look on the field and in the game!  Sure, we saw a little rushing attack in the 1st and 2nd preseason game but that is hardly proof that things have changed from last season imo.  But, you are right about the first 4 games.  The Ravens will have their hands full.

 

#Mili

The thing the running game shows is that we're winning the physicality and synchronization wars. The D is whats worrying me.

[Militant X 1]

The thing the running game shows is that we're winning the physicality and synchronization wars. The D is whats worrying me.

 

I know this but I'm still not buying that our run game is back on track after 2 preseason games brah!

 

#Mili

[Willbacker]

I know this but I'm still not buying that our run game is back on track after 2 preseason games brah!

 

#Mili

Yeah they gotta prove it coming out of the gate but imo Pierce is going to take a lot of carries away from Rice this year.

[RavensDE]

I'm pleasantly optimistic. We look pretty good from my vantage point.

Oline

The oline looks much improved and they looked poised to open holes in the run game as well as pass protect. More than anything else this was the group we needed to get better.

Dline

We still don't seem to be stopping the run consistently. A vanilla d still should be able to stop the run. All the flavor is in rush packages and keeping the team unbalanced. We expected to have a strong core to get better but losing the two young DE's will hurt us as the year goes on and they aren't there improving as we go. Still the core of the Dline is solid.

Offensive Skill Positions

We've never had so many weapons and this offensive system looks like an improvement in and of itself. Flacco is getting time to throw to threats at WR, TE, RB, and FB but the ball is coming out faster as well. The running game looks completely different than last year. It looks good with 3 good backs in the stable. I am very optimistic.

The Secondary

Here I worry. Asa looked great and if the top 3 stay healthy we should be okay but Chykie has a limited skill set and the rest of the crew are very raw. The safeties also look raw and young despite decent play by Stewart and Elam. Essentially if we stay healthy we should be pretty good but that's a lot to ask from all 4 starting spots plus nickel. A lot of upside with the younger secondary players but a long way up too.

The Linebackers

We have so many pass rushers outside and so much depth inside I can't really complain but the inability to stop the run doesn't end with the Dline. I'm moderately concerned there but otherwise we are stacked at LB.

The Team

We have a good enough team to get into the playoffs but you never know how things shake out. An injury here or there could sink us, but we look good enough to make the playoffs and if we get hot late there's a shot at the title. It impossible to know but I feel good enough to enjoy the dream a little bit.

[SecretAgentMan]

I know this but I'm still not buying that our run game is back on track after 2 preseason games brah!

#Mili

I am. Even if it is preseason we look loads better than last year.

In fact. The only true criticism I have is the lack of depth in the secondary. You're quick to forget, our 4th stringers who probably won't make the team blew the lead. Not our starters. Sure it's embarrassing we gave it up, but would you count on our defense with a healthy secondary giving up that lead? No. With that secondary you probably get a few coverage sacks in there.

[RavensDE]

How do I really feel? I feel that people forget the 2008 Lions went 4-0 in the preseason, and the 2007 Dolphins went 2-2. Combined for a 1-31 record. The 2007 Patriots were 2-2 in the preseason, including 0-2 after the first 2 preseason games. They didn't score more than 27 points in any of the 4 games, then preceded to put up nothing LESS than 34 points for the first 8 games of the regular season. Preseason means absolutely nothing.

Preseason is only preseason but we can evaluate players if not the team as a cohesive whole.

Preseason is to monitor individual players and certain units or personnel groupings. I don't put much stock in the final score as much what I see on individual plays, and with specific players. Like when Dez Bryant catches that ball for 6pts. We were running a specific pressure that left Franks (a very weak link) all by himself. That didn't bother me because Dez outclasses him, despite the points unless a safety missed an assignment (which he didn't). We aren't world beaters but I like what I'm seeing. Most of the preseason is about watching the depth players you hope not to see much of outside special teams the rest of the year. (Chykie, Trawick, Deonte, A.Brown, etc)

[Willbacker]

Dline

We still don't seem to be stopping the run consistently. A vanilla d still should be able to stop the run. All the flavor is in rush packages and keeping the team unbalanced. We expected to have a strong core to get better but losing the two young DE's will hurt us as the year goes on and they aren't there improving as we go. Still the core of the Dline is solid.

The Linebackers

We have so many pass rushers outside and so much depth inside I can't really complain but the inability to stop the run doesn't end with the Dline. I'm moderately concerned there but otherwise we are stacked at LB.

 

The trenches have looked solid but the outside containment has been terrible.

[RavensDE]

The trenches have looked solid but the outside containment has been terrible.

Agreed. Seems like something we SHOULD be able to fix, where the opposite would be hard to change without adding personnel.

[Purple Nurple]

Lol. We are two games into PRESEASON. with a new OC. There's no way to gauge much. Let's talk after the first three divisional games we have.

[JEEPercreepermd]

After two pre season games, I feel like you people are hilarious for wanting to jump off a bridge already.

Both years we won the Super Bowl, we looked like hot, steamy, GARBAGE in the pre season.

Its PRE season..vanilla offense vs BASE defense. These are PRACTICE games.

The team is fine, the biggest concern is finding some NFL quality depth at CB after some cuts are made..which Ozzie usually is brilliant at.

[Ravenslifer]

Preseason is only preseason but we can evaluate players if not the team as a cohesive whole.

Preseason is to monitor individual players and certain units or personnel groupings. I don't put much stock in the final score as much what I see on individual plays, and with specific players. Like when Dez Bryant catches that ball for 6pts. We were running a specific pressure that left Franks (a very weak link) all by himself. That didn't bother me because Dez outclasses him, despite the points unless a safety missed an assignment (which he didn't). We aren't world beaters but I like what I'm seeing. Most of the preseason is about watching the depth players you hope not to see much of outside special teams the rest of the year. (Chykie, Trawick, Deonte, A.Brown, etc)

 

 

I agree you can evaluate bubble players, but what I was trying to get at was that none of your first string O or D should be judged since they aren't really running any sort of playbook.  What we're basically seeing is practice reps, things that they're trying to work on, risky plays they're trying out, etc.  So I don't hold preseason stats of any high importance, particularly since  the vast majority of the time, preseason performance of a player has very little to do with their regular season performance - for example there were half a dozen threads during the summer of 2011 calling Torrey Smith a bum and stating that Tandon Doss deserved to start over him, based on their performance in the preseason.

[GrimCoconut]

I haven't read the other posts in this thread yet. I will. But before I do I want to give my own opinion.

I have little faith in the defense this year. I think we'll see much of what we saw last year, where we had a defense that bent but tried not to break. I feel that's Pees. I also feel like this is the end of the road for him. I believe that Harbaugh stating that the expectations of the defense is top ten or top five wasn't just rhetoric but was a statement. I feel like he stated that this defense needs to do better with the talent it has.

Perhaps I'm reading into it too much. Perhaps I'm integrating my own opinion I'm with his. All I know is if that's what he's saying then I agree fully. We need a change. So far this preseason and even in training camp I see no reason to expect the defense to be greatly improved from last year. I'm disappointed and the onus may fall on Ozzie and John because of their position but it's not directly their fault.

This defense needs to be fixed. Not sure how. It seems like guys aren't putting their heart into it. I've felt this way since last year. I see no difference. Not to make this a Dean Pees thread but I feel like the players aren't playing for him. If you've played competitive sports you know what I mean.

As for the offense, I'm very optimistic despite the slow start. I don't think it matters much. I feel pretty good about them and I think this is the best WR corps we've ever had. By far. I would also say this RB group is excellent as well. Our OL has top ten potential. Monroe needs to get his act together. I am really excited about this offense.

[GrimCoconut]

I am. Even if it is preseason we look loads better than last year.

In fact. The only true criticism I have is the lack of depth in the secondary. You're quick to forget, our 4th stringers who probably won't make the team blew the lead. Not our starters. Sure it's embarrassing we gave it up, but would you count on our defense with a healthy secondary giving up that lead? No. With that secondary you probably get a few coverage sacks in there.

I have more criticism than that. We're stacked at ILB, RB, and I'd even say WR and TE but we have poor depth at OL and questionable depth at both DL, OL, secondary. You don't want questionable depth on your lines. I do like our developmental talent on the OL in Hurst, of whom I feel will get better. He might have a bigger learning curve

[The Mom Gene]

I think we are in Week 2 of preseason.  I think it's difficult to see what is going to be out there when we go up against Cincy and the Squeelers.  I relish in the fact that they are our first 2 games.  It gives our guys the UMPF that they are going to need to get this season started (or ended), depending on how much "heart" they put out there on the field.  We don't even know who is going to be starting in Game 1 ....  Although our line looks like it's pretty much established, we are still working on the LB corps.... our Safeties... and our CB's. 

 

Grim is correct that our defense needs to improve.  And I believe our Front Office has done it's best to try and rectify our weaknesses...  That being said, we are still in fact finding mode, to determine what we got, and what we need...

 

I will make my predictions after we get through this process....  I think it's crazy to try and figure it all out after, yeah, after Bryant burnt our 3rd string CB...and they ran on our 2nd string LB corps....  and we have a knicked up secondary.