Next up: Miami

[Inqui]

Bengals used to be?

Didn't they sweep us? Lol

I meant the kind of team that always steps it up against us no matter how bad things are. I wanted to say the Browns, but 10 straight wins against them doesn't really illustrate my point.

[beanfigger]

This team does not get wake-up calls if they make the playoffs. It took a serious threat of NOT making the playoffs for them to fire Cam when he should have been gone before the season started. Remember the "we'll go with Cam under fire" statement?

It takes failure for the FO of this team to get a message.

In that case, we have already done enough to give ourselves a wake up call. We do not need to keep losing because we are in the same position as we were that season, in fact worse off. So let's wake up and make another run. That's what I'll be rooting for, not some coveted mid-first round draft pick.

[Cillmatic]

Is it ozzie's fault that Jimmy got hurt and Webb decided to collect checks?

I do blame him for drafting Elam but who could've guess Elam would have forgotten how to tackle and gotten progressively worse every game.

Elam couldn't tackle in College either, he would just have a couple big hits here and there. Ozzie should of known that drafting a short safety who couldnt tackle or play covrsge was a bad idea.

[omar586]

if we win out we got the division. i dont see bengels going 4-0 last 4  games, if cincy goes 2-2 we have a shot at the division.

[DomMcRaven]

I would be happy to contend for a title in January, having been robbed of that opportunity last season for the first time in half a decade. Even if we lose, it's better to be there. Not every season has to be Super Bowl or bust. I'm just glad we aren't stuck in bust mode like half the league.

That's the way I've been seeing it since we won the Super Bowl two years ago. We're just a few pieces of being a legitimate contender. Heck, we're contending for a playoff spot (just like last year) in spite of all the problems that we're having with our backend of our defense.

[ravensdfan]

if we win out we got the division. i dont see bengels going 4-0 last 4  games

they have to play the Steelers twice - need at least a split there. Maybe the Browns can take another since it's their Home field. And they have the Broncos.

 

Steelers somehow hold the tie breaker over us so need them to take another loss.

[DomMcRaven]

if we win out we got the division. i dont see bengels going 4-0 last 4  games, if cincy goes 2-2 we have a shot at the division.

Heck yeah! As far as I'm concerned, Cincy could go 1-3.

[Bruce_Almty]

Dolphins/Tanneyhill will use the same game plan NO/Brees & SD/Rivers did: 45 passes, 1 & 3 step drops, get the ball out quick, avoid the sack. We'll see if Pees and the D have an answer.

[ratedr]

Heck yeah! As far as I'm concerned, Cincy could go 1-3.

3-1 probably wins the division. That's why today would've been so good, would've allowed us to go 2-2.

 

Any worse than 3-1 means no playoffs pretty much. Many teams will finish 9-7 and we're not going to win any tiebreakers.

[redrum52]

I think Miami is in for a thrashing. We seem to both travel well and win at Miami.

I will guarantee that our offense struggles in Miami and we see the problems the secondary has.  We'll need to force Tannehill to hold onto the ball longer than normal, which I honestly doubt happens.  This will in no way be an easy game, unless the ground game is established early and we manage the clock properly. 

 

... and we all know how good we are with clock management.

[GrimCoconut]

The good news is we won't have to break the curse we can't win five in a row. We can win four in a row now, which we've done in the past.

[cursona pirate]

If we make the playoffs, the front office will consider the season a success and not make the necessary changes to improve the team.

I think they know our CB and defense is bad. They tried cutting players. Not much more you can do.

[rmcjacket23]

Guess what I'm trying to get at is, regardless of how the rest of the regular season goes, I would like to make the playoffs, but if we were to miss them, maybe it's not the worst thing in the world if it prompts major change.  An example would be (and I hate doing this to him) the last few games of Cam Cameron's tenure.  We kept him on an extra season when he should have been gone, got rid of him in season, and Jim Caldwell's playcalling helped us to the title.  Then the next year injuries and personnel issues gave us the worst offense we've seen in a while.  So last offseason, we needed a good OC and new talent, so we hired an offensive guru and picked up two vets in SSS and Daniels, and they've done good things for us.  We, however, failed to A) address an already depleted secondary, and B. draft a receiver early in one of the deepest receiver drafts of all time, and now both are biting us.  If we miss the playoffs, and we fix both in the offseason with good players, I think that's a good thing.  

But I don't think the FO needs a wake up call at all, nor do I see "major" changes coming regardless of what happens. The biggest "major" change that I could possibly see is a firing of Dean Pees, and you could argue that's not a big change anyway.

 

No reasonable person thinks that the entire franchise doesn't recognize that our secondary is awful. Every person in that building, from the top to the janitor, knows that the secondary is bad. Similarly, no reasonable person thinks that the FO won't attempt very hard to address that problem in the offseason.

 

99% of the posts on these boards these days consist of hindsight logic and "what should have happened" posts. That's the benefits of being a fan... you can literally second guess everything and blame anybody, because fans have no power over anything.

 

What I can guarantee didn't happen, around the months of February-August on these boards, were many people clamoring for the FO to draft 2-3 corners. I heard a lot of Eric Ebron talk, a lot of Pryor/Clinton-Dix talk, a lot of Zack Martin talk, and a lot of WR talk. Don't recall corner being even in the top 3 of discussed positions for this team in the draft amongst fans, or at least not with a high draft pick.

 

Perhaps its time we open a new thread to discuss all the hindsight mistakes that FANS have made this season...

[DomMcRaven]

But I don't think the FO needs a wake up call at all, nor do I see "major" changes coming regardless of what happens. The biggest "major" change that I could possibly see is a firing of Dean Pees, and you could argue that's not a big change anyway.

 

No reasonable person thinks that the entire franchise doesn't recognize that our secondary is awful. Every person in that building, from the top to the janitor, knows that the secondary is bad. Similarly, no reasonable person thinks that the FO won't attempt very hard to address that problem in the offseason.

 

99% of the posts on these boards these days consist of hindsight logic and "what should have happened" posts. That's the benefits of being a fan... you can literally second guess everything and blame anybody, because fans have no power over anything.

 

What I can guarantee didn't happen, around the months of February-August on these boards, were many people clamoring for the FO to draft 2-3 corners. I heard a lot of Eric Ebron talk, a lot of Pryor/Clinton-Dix talk, a lot of Zack Martin talk, and a lot of WR talk. Don't recall corner being even in the top 3 of discussed positions for this team in the draft amongst fans, or at least not with a high draft pick.

 

Perhaps its time we open a new thread to discuss all the hindsight mistakes that FANS have made this season...

After all, last season we saw how pathetic our offense looked. Not so shabby now to say the least. I expect the secondary to be the primary need to address in the offseason via FA AND draft.

[callahan09]

I think Miami is in for a thrashing. We seem to both travel well and win at Miami.

We seem to like warm weather...

 

I will guarantee that our offense struggles in Miami and we see the problems the secondary has.  We'll need to force Tannehill to hold onto the ball longer than normal, which I honestly doubt happens.  This will in no way be an easy game, unless the ground game is established early and we manage the clock properly. 

 

... and we all know how good we are with clock management.

 

This secondary will not force Tannehill, or anybody else, to hold onto the ball.  The only chance for salvation is for the front 7 to force the QB to throw the ball within 2.5 seconds.  If they can manage that, then we have a chance.  But if they can't, it won't matter, because receivers will be open in 3 seconds against this secondary, on every single play.  This defense needs to use the front 7 to mask the deficiencies of the secondary, not the other way around.

[PurpleCity5]

I don't fear Miami's offense, its Miami's defense that scares me. Ryan Tannehil is not a bad QB, but he struggles to pick up blitzes, doesn't really read formations, and doesn't make crazy throws, what scares me is his feet, the way Philip Rivers scrambled, I can imagine Tannehil gaining 3-5 yards more than Rivers.

I really hope Baltimore can pull this one out, I don't care how and I really miss Jimmy Smith, ;( I feel that will him and Will Hill we'd probably be 8-4 or 9-3. I feel like we would've won that game against Cincy and San Diego. Ozzie has to realize that he needs to be extended....

NOW!

Also, Baltimore is going up against, In my opinion the best CB in the game, Brent Grimes.

If we lose that game I'll be looking foward to DeVante Parker.

[redrum52]

We seem to like warm weather...

This secondary will not force Tannehill, or anybody else, to hold onto the ball. The only chance for salvation is for the front 7 to force the QB to throw the ball within 2.5 seconds. If they can manage that, then we have a chance. But if they can't, it won't matter, because receivers will be open in 3 seconds against this secondary, on every single play. This defense needs to use the front 7 to mask the deficiencies of the secondary, not the other way around.

This backfield is plain awful. No funny puns, no jokes, they just suck. I don't see it happening, but what I will say is that sometimes he'll hold onto the ball too long, but he seems to have stepped his game up this year. This might be a very long game.

[Drew P]

If they miss the playoffs for a second year in a row I suspect Biscotti will makes some changes in the FO... he isnt the kind of guy that enjoys losing and watching draft picks stand on the sideline in their sweats.

[Static]

We've given up about 800 passing yards the last 2 weeks, If you think this game will be any different you're delusional. Our only hope is for Flacco to go full 2012 playoff mode and carry the whole team. 

[Sami84]

We've given up about 800 passing yards the last 2 weeks, If you think this game will be any different you're delusional. Our only hope is for Flacco to go full 2012 playoff mode and carry the whole team. 

 

no boldin…no party

[stampedehero]

No chance with this defense.

You must have Steeleritis.  All those guys do is call for coaches to get fired.

[stampedehero]

no boldin…no party

You are right!!! Flacco is your saviour   He needs a robe and 10 disiples   Fact: the D has givin up nearly 800 yards in two games.

[stampedehero]

If they miss the playoffs for a second year in a row I suspect Biscotti will makes some changes in the FO... he isnt the kind of guy that enjoys losing and watching draft picks stand on the sideline in their sweats.

Good point.  His money is what we in this forum play with.  He makes the reality decisions.

[stampedehero]

My son is a die hard Dolphins fan.  They are playing on a short week and the secondary is banged up  Flacco can throw the ball.  These are bonafide words from their fan base. 

However, if we come together there is a good chance for our one playoff game.

[BMORE_96]

Ozzie thought Chykie Brown would step up. That's his fault. You'd think the team would've learned from Tandon Doss that you can't just expect guys who've shown nothing to "step up."

rick wagner,juice, pernell mcphee, michael campanaro, marlon brown, daryl smith, justin forsett are all guys who did not show much(either by draft position or injuries) who are now making a significant impact on the team. 

[BMORE_96]

But I don't think the FO needs a wake up call at all, nor do I see "major" changes coming regardless of what happens. The biggest "major" change that I could possibly see is a firing of Dean Pees, and you could argue that's not a big change anyway.

 

No reasonable person thinks that the entire franchise doesn't recognize that our secondary is awful. Every person in that building, from the top to the janitor, knows that the secondary is bad. Similarly, no reasonable person thinks that the FO won't attempt very hard to address that problem in the offseason.

 

99% of the posts on these boards these days consist of hindsight logic and "what should have happened" posts. That's the benefits of being a fan... you can literally second guess everything and blame anybody, because fans have no power over anything.

 

What I can guarantee didn't happen, around the months of February-August on these boards, were many people clamoring for the FO to draft 2-3 corners. I heard a lot of Eric Ebron talk, a lot of Pryor/Clinton-Dix talk, a lot of Zack Martin talk, and a lot of WR talk. Don't recall corner being even in the top 3 of discussed positions for this team in the draft amongst fans, or at least not with a high draft pick.

 

Perhaps its time we open a new thread to discuss all the hindsight mistakes that FANS have made this season...

the entire fan base thought we had two good corners in webb and smith and at least one good nickel among everyone else. the team probably felt the same way. webb would still be above-average and asa would step up and stay healthy. injuries suck man. i can recall cb was something fans wanted to draft for depth reasons but it never materialized. 

[BMORE_96]

We've given up about 800 passing yards the last 2 weeks, If you think this game will be any different you're delusional. Our only hope is for Flacco to go full 2012 playoff mode and carry the whole team. 

Jimmy Smith was healthy.Still cannot believe he is injured. Him and Joe Flacco are the two players whose absence is a death sentence.  its clear we need to add some high-round talent to the cb corps. wating until next year will suck.

[BMORE_96]

Missing the playoffs for the draft is ridiculous. We can find good draft picks anywhere we pick. It's not like our biggest need is LT or QB. How can you be a fan and not want to watch your team in the playoffs? We win in the playoffs. It's fun. Dumping the last month just to hope and pray that the one savior we need will be there at 15 instead of 25 is absolutely insane. Beat the Dolphins!

Draft position matters because it carries over in every round you pick. Even if we can find good players in any round with our FO, getting even better players is something we should not overlook. This team is not equipped to string along playoff appearances because it lacks depth at cb and dynamic talent at the skill positions(forsett,daniels, sss are stopgaps). With the afc being a logjam, losing a game or two could seriously affect draft position. 16-17 can be a huge difference from 20 and above. Why do you think last draft was our best in a long time? If we can get 4+ solid contributers like the draft we just had, this team will make significant progress towards resembling the (2008-12) ravens. We are still transitioning from the Flacco-Lewis-Reed era to the Flacco-Mosley-Hill era. Winning or losing against the dolphins, i'll be happy either way.

[ratedr]

rick wagner,juice, pernell mcphee, michael campanaro, marlon brown, daryl smith, justin forsett are all guys who did not show much(either by draft position or injuries) who are now making a significant impact on the team. 

Wagner and Juice have been on the roster for a while. The coaches knew what they had there.

 

I like Camp's promise but I would hardly call his impact significant.

 

McPhee plays at a position where we have good depth. It's great that he was a 5th round gem, but we never walked into a season relying on him.

 

Daryl Smith was an All-Pro level at Jacksonville, so that's a weird person to include.

 

The only ones I'll agree with are Marlon and Forsett, who is truly a remarkable story.

 

The FO knew that Webb was coming off two torn ACLs and back problems and that Jimmy has also had injury problems. Despite this they went into the season with 4 CBs. Instead of trying to keep Graham they paid Jacoby. Dumb decisions.

[BMORE_96]

Wagner and Juice have been on the roster for a while. The coaches knew what they had there.

 

I like Camp's promise but I would hardly call his impact significant.

 

McPhee plays at a position where we have good depth. It's great that he was a 5th round gem, but we never walked into a season relying on him.

 

Daryl Smith was an All-Pro level at Jacksonville, so that's a weird person to include.

 

The only ones I'll agree with are Marlon and Forsett, who is truly a remarkable story.

 

The FO knew that Webb was coming off two torn ACLs and back problems and that Jimmy has also had injury problems. Despite this they went into the season with 4 CBs. Instead of trying to keep Graham they paid Jacoby. Dumb decisions.

Daryl smith was coming off injury and was perceived to be on the decline. The previous poster implied ozzie relied on chykie, who never showed his worth in games and that he should not rely on players who have not proven themselves in games. Juice and Wagner never showed how good they were prior to the season but ozzie relied on them, the same way he relied on chykie. In general the previous poster should have realized that assessment applies to rookies because they have no track record. So i proceeded to list low-round(4-7) picks who have contributed. Sometimes they are gems and sometimes they are not. Its a gamble. Forming a balanced team is hard and i dont see anything ozzie could have done this offseason to have prevented our terrible secondary.

 

we relied on a 5th round pick to single-handedly be our interior pass rush in 2012.