AFCN: Who is Winning the FO Chess Match?

[ravensdan]

Checkmate.

Right... The move I've been waiting for. And I think a better player than I was expecting.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Right... The move I've been waiting for. And I think a better player than I was expecting.

Checkmate?

 

The Kyle Arrington and Maxx Williams moves, early 'AFCN Favorites' votes, top draft class votes, Perriman included in prospective “Offensive Rookie of the Year”, etc.

 

There's no doubt that our FO pulled a major miracle off-season with an extremely limited cap-space and losing pro-bowlers.

 

YES!!! Check-mate!!!

 

In Oz we trust. GO Ravens!!!

[FlocksGottaFeed]

2015 Offseason Team Grade: Where ESPN (one reporter) Got It Wrong

 

When you assess 'Off-season Team Rankings and Grades' you have to look at the 'Team Power Rankings' before the off-season started and where they are now. When looking at the 'Top 10' teams, it's obvious to see that no team has gained more respect and growth based on this.

 

Walter Football Ranking: Ravens 2^nd (up 1 from late off-season)

http://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

 

Fox Sports Ranking: Ravens 5th (up 4 from early off-season)

http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/power-rankings

 

ESPN Ranking: Ravens 7th (up 4 from early off-season)

http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

 

Additional Rankings Before and Currently:

• SBNation Ranking: Ravens 6th (up 3 from early off-season)
• CBS Sports Ranking: Ravens 6th (up 4 from early off-season)
• USAToday Ranking: Ravens 5th (up 3 from early off-season)
• ESPN Ranking: Ravens 7th (up 4 from early off-season)

 

The Ravens have averaged plus 3.5 Power Ranking positions on every poll and have done it with one of the worst cap spaces going into the off-season, ever. That said, how is it even possible for one ESPN analyst to rank the Ravens 'B-' for this off-season work when every other ranking (including their own Power Ranking) puts us as the 'most' projectively, improved team off-season? Answer: It's beyond rationality.

 

At the end of the day, the Ravens not only out-resourced the AFC North this off-season, but out-ranked the entire league as far as 'projected elevated growth and rankings' goes the off-season.

[Sami84]

i wonder if we have 1 more move up our sleeves.

 

 

while Zuttah is ok..i feel we could do better at center.

 

Arrington is excellent in the slot..do i trust webb on the outside?...

 

I'd be happy with an upgrade at center. 

[DomMcRaven]

2015 Offseason Team Grade: Where ESPN (one reporter) Got It Wrong

 

When you assess 'Off-season Team Rankings and Grades' you have to look at the 'Team Power Rankings' before the off-season started and where they are now. When looking at the 'Top 10' teams, it's obvious to see that no team has gained more respect and growth based on this.

 

Walter Football Ranking: Ravens 2^nd (up 1 from late off-season)

http://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

 

Fox Sports Ranking: Ravens 5th (up 4 from early off-season)

http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/power-rankings

 

ESPN Ranking: Ravens 7th (up 4 from early off-season)

http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

 

Additional Rankings Before and Currently:

• SBNation Ranking: Ravens 6th (up 3 from early off-season)
• CBS Sports Ranking: Ravens 6th (up 4 from early off-season)
• USAToday Ranking: Ravens 5th (up 3 from early off-season)
• ESPN Ranking: Ravens 7th (up 4 from early off-season)

 

The Ravens have averaged plus 3.5 Power Ranking positions on every poll and have done it with one of the worst cap spaces going into the off-season, ever. That said, how is it even possible for one ESPN analyst to rank the Ravens 'B-' for this off-season work when every other ranking (including their own Power Ranking) puts us as the 'most' projectively, improved team off-season? Answer: It's beyond rationality.

 

At the end of the day, the Ravens not only out-resourced the AFC North this off-season, but out-ranked the entire league as far as 'projected elevated growth and rankings' goes the off-season.

I must say...I find these posts quite interesting. Nice to see us getting some love here and there. As Sami posted below, I have this feeling that we'll make one more move as training camp nears.

 

i wonder if we have 1 more move up our sleeves.

 

 

while Zuttah is ok..i feel we could do better at center.

 

Arrington is excellent in the slot..do i trust webb on the outside?...

 

I'd be happy with an upgrade at center. 

This. At least he isn't in the debacle in Tampa anymore. Now that he has one year under his belt in a better environment, I'm curious to see if he's already peaked or will we see an improved Zuttah.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I must say...I find these posts quite interesting. Nice to see us getting some love here and there. As Sami posted below, I have this feeling that we'll make one more move as training camp nears.

 

This. At least he isn't in the debacle in Tampa anymore. Now that he has one year under his belt in a better environment, I'm curious to see if he's already peaked or will we see an improved Zuttah.

I feel that Zuttah will be in constant state of improvement just looking at the difference he's shown so far. We'll probably be a 'TOP 5' Offensive line unit before year's end. It seems our FO is focusing on our real 2014 weakness DBs. They're doing some great things there and the league is taking notice. It's just the off-season, but many are picking us to win our division, currently. (Even some Steeler writers.) Amazing.

 

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2015/5/26/8654541/nfl-coms-gil-brandt-believes-the-steelers-wont-repeat-as-afc-north

 

This is a credit to the Ravens FO. Nobody gave us too much thought until Oz and crew worked their magic this off-season.

[izvoodoo]

i wonder if we have 1 more move up our sleeves.

 

 

while Zuttah is ok..i feel we could do better at center.

 

Arrington is excellent in the slot..do i trust webb on the outside?...

 

I'd be happy with an upgrade at center. 

Apparently Urchel played at center.  And the way he's been playing that makes me feel greait.  

[Sami84]

Apparently Urchel played at center.  And the way he's been playing that makes me feel greait.  

 

yeah..i feel he might be better than zuttah..i don't think harbs would consider plugging him in there unless zuttah flat out sucks or gets injured

[DomMcRaven]

I feel that Zuttah will be in constant state of improvement just looking at the difference he's shown so far. We'll probably be a 'TOP 5' Offensive line unit before year's end. It seems our FO is focusing on our real 2014 weakness DBs. They're doing some great things there and the league is taking notice. It's just the off-season, but many are picking us to win our division, currently. (Even some Steeler writers.) Amazing.

 

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2015/5/26/8654541/nfl-coms-gil-brandt-believes-the-steelers-wont-repeat-as-afc-north

 

This is a credit to the Ravens FO. Nobody gave us too much thought until Oz and crew worked their magic this off-season.

This is true. If our secondary gels sooner rather than later and our young WRs continue to develop, we truly will be a force to be reckoned with. I only with injuries, but that goes with every team. Seems that Sami called it with making one more before training camp. When it comes to DBs, the more, the merrier. Love it. However, I laughed when I saw Gil Brandt's name. I heard he usually doubts the Steelers or is called a "Steeler hater." 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

This is true. If our secondary gels sooner rather than later and our young WRs continue to develop, we truly will be a force to be reckoned with. I only with injuries, but that goes with every team. Seems that Sami called it with making one more before training camp. When it comes to DBs, the more, the merrier. Love it. However, I laughed when I saw Gil Brandt's name. I heard he usually doubts the Steelers or is called a "Steeler hater." 

Gil Brandt? I think he's been pretty objective over 50 years. I mean he did pick the Steelers to be crowned a 'Dynasty' before they lost to the Packers in their Super Bowl appearance.

 

"In Brandt's eyes, this current group of Pittsburgh Steelers can put its name into that elite category with a third championship in six seasons." - James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer - 2011 That doesn't sound like a hater.

 

I think he made an honest, objective eval in this case. The Steelers loss so much on defense and didn't truly address their sub-standard pass defense from last season at all. There are more writers than him asking, "Who will lead this Steelers defense?..." Their offense is 1st class, but the current roster is looking more like coach. Just saying.

 

How did you vote so far?

[DomMcRaven]

Gil Brandt? I think he's been pretty objective over 50 years. I mean he did pick the Steelers to be crowned a 'Dynasty' before they lost to the Packers in their Super Bowl appearance.

 

"In Brandt's eyes, this current group of Pittsburgh Steelers can put its name into that elite category with a third championship in six seasons." - James Walker, ESPN Staff Writer - 2011 That doesn't sound like a hater.

 

I think he made an honest, objective eval in this case. The Steelers loss so much on defense and didn't truly address their sub-standard pass defense from last season at all. There are more writers than him asking, "Who will lead this Steelers defense?..." Their offense is 1st class, but the current roster is looking more like coach. Just saying.

 

How did you vote so far?

I only say that because I usually read the comment section from any article I come across on NFL.com and that's what Steelers fans usually say that's all. Of course Steelers fans in the comment section on the link you provided had doubts about our offense and defense.

 

Like this: 

 

Also, the Steeler 2015 O > Steeler 2014 O, while the Ravens 2015 D < Ravens 2014 D.

The Steeler 2015 D > Steeler 2014 D, while the Raven 2015 O < Ravens 2014 O.

I found this to be funny in all honesty because there's NO subjectivity whatsoever lol . But I completely agree about their offense. Won't surprise me if in fact it has the #1 offense in yards (and maybe points). 

 

As far as my vote is concerned, while I'm inclined to pick us, I treat this like we're in an actual playoff hunt: nobody is the true leader in the race for the division crown. 

[ravensdan]

I only say that because I usually read the comment section from any article I come across on NFL.com and that's what Steelers fans usually say that's all. Of course Steelers fans in the comment section on the link you provided had doubts about our offense and defense.

Like this:

I found this to be funny in all honesty because there's NO subjectivity whatsoever lol . But I completely agree about their offense. Won't surprise me if in fact it has the #1 offense in yards (and maybe points).

As far as my vote is concerned, while I'm inclined to pick us, I treat this like we're in an actual playoff hunt: nobody is the true leader in the race for the division crown.

I think its more like.

Steelers 15 o > 14 o

Ravens 15 o < 14 o

Steelers 15 d < 14 d

Ravens 15 d > 14 d

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I only say that because I usually read the comment section from any article I come across on NFL.com and that's what Steelers fans usually say that's all. Of course Steelers fans in the comment section on the link you provided had doubts about our offense and defense.

 

Like this: 

I found this to be funny in all honesty because there's NO subjectivity whatsoever lol . But I completely agree about their offense. Won't surprise me if in fact it has the #1 offense in yards (and maybe points). 

 

As far as my vote is concerned, while I'm inclined to pick us, I treat this like we're in an actual playoff hunt: nobody is the true leader in the race for the division crown. 

Cool. Fans do seem to over-react to team critics from time to time (me included). Every AFC North Team Forum has there team winning the AFCN Offseason. Steeler Fans are voting at 79% for their team currently although NFL most polls collectively have the Ravens as clear division winners of this off-season. I'm thinking that's why we play the game. 

 

Can't wait for the opening kick-off.

[DomMcRaven]

I think its more like.

Steelers 15 o > 14 o

Ravens 15 o < 14 o

Steelers 15 d < 14 d

Ravens 15 d > 14 d

Agreed. They say that their defense has potential blah, blah, blah, but won't use that same logic for us. Interesting. Oh well, games got to be played.

 

Cool. Fans do seem to over-react to team critics from time to time (me included). Every AFC North Team Forum has there team winning the AFCN Offseason. Steeler Fans are voting at 79% for their team currently although NFL most polls collectively have the Ravens as clear division winners of this off-season. I'm thinking that's why we play the game. 

 

Can't wait for the opening kick-off.

Neither can I. Hopefully our secondary stays healthy and gels well. 

[ravensnick]

I think the Browns are going to be absolutely atrocious on offense this year, with their receivers and manziel. Could have a nice run game.

 

Browns and us both look to have loaded defenses. 

 

Steelers are definitely looking very, very weak on defense and no more Dick Labeau.

 

Bengals have best all around talented but also have Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis. 

 

Prediction:

We win the division and the Bengals get a wildcard and lose in the first round. Steelers go 8-8 and miss the playoffs. Browns have one of their worst years, as either McCown or Manziel are going to be walking disasters. 

Edited May 31, 2015 by ravensnick

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

I think the Browns are going to be absolutely atrocious on offense this year, with their receivers and manziel. Could have a nice run game.

 

Browns and us both look to have loaded defenses. 

 

Steelers are definitely looking very, very weak on defense and no more Dick Labeau.

 

Bengals have best all around talented but also have Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis. 

 

Prediction:

We win the division and the Bengals get a wildcard and lose in the first round. Steelers go 8-8 and miss the playoffs. Browns have one of their worst years, as either McCown or Manziel are going to be walking disasters. 

I can see what your saying on your post and I really hope your right you made some good points about all the other teams in the AFC north for example about the Steelers and no more Dick Labeau add the leadership of Troy P to the mix and most of their DB's are going to be young / new too.  The Bengals still look tough but Dalton seems to struggle in the post season and as far as the Browns they are going into a second season with the same head coach so thats something they have going for them. I just have a hard time counting any AFC north team out. I always pick the Ravens but we both know no AFC north opponent is a gimme game. I know you did not say they were gimme games I just have a hard time counting any of them out. But you made some good points. "ravensnick"

[ravensnick]

I can see what your saying on your post and I really hope your right you made some good points about all the other teams in the AFC north for example about the Steelers and no more Dick Labeau add the leadership of Troy P to the mix and most of their DB's are going to be young / new too.  The Bengals still look tough but Dalton seems to struggle in the post season and as far as the Browns they are going into a second season with the same head coach so thats something they have going for them. I just have a hard time counting any AFC north team out. I always pick the Ravens but we both know no AFC north opponent is a gimme game. I know you did not say they were gimme games I just have a hard time counting any of them out. But you made some good points. "ravensnick"

I fully predict the Steelers defense to be in the bottom third of the league. Their secondary is just as bad as our was last year and their front seven is relying heavily on aging Timmons and Harrison. However, they have a top 5 offense. I fully count the Browns out. You simple cannot win game with either of Manziel or McCown. See Manziel or Tampa Bay last year. 

Edited May 31, 2015 by ravensnick

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

I fully predict the Steelers defense to be in the bottom third of the league. Their secondary is just as bad as our was last year and their front seven is relying heavily on aging Timmons and Harrison. However, they have a top 5 offense. I fully count the Browns out. You simple cannot win game with either of Manziel or McCown. See Manziel or Tampa Bay last year. 

I see your points great points. Let me rephrase my comment "No AFC north game is a gimme game for the Ravens" They all play us hard but you make some great points for sure. You are right about the Browns QB situation for sure.

[ravensdan]

I fully predict the Steelers defense to be in the bottom third of the league. Their secondary is just as bad as our was last year and their front seven is relying heavily on aging Timmons and Harrison. However, they have a top 5 offense. I fully count the Browns out. You simple cannot win game with either of Manziel or McCown. See Manziel or Tampa Bay last year.

Timmons is hardly aging. He's not 30 yet. If anything they don't have nearly enough veteran talent.

[JO_75]

AFC North Writers Ranking: Cleveland Voted Us Down

 

Apparently, the Browns' writers feel our FO had the 4th place ranking for the AFCN Draft (contrary to the rest of the NFL and AFCN). Sour grapes? Maybe...

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/13624/afc-north-writers-vote-steelers-had-divisions-best-draft

 

No problem Cleveland writers. I've seen what you've written about your own team and it's never pretty.

This the part I laughed at when the Cleveland guy was being so salty...

 

 I gave Pittsburgh the top vote because they continue to approach the draft in ways other teams should emulate, combining need with talent and always seeming to come up with a solid, sound group.

 

It's quite funny seeing he praises the Steelers but yet recent draft history shows that approach is failing them. ZERO picks remain on the team from the 2008 and 2009 Drafts. In fact between 2008 - 2010, they had 26 picks and only two remain on the team in 2015. From 2011 - 2013 drafts,13 of 25 picks remain on the team today. Meaning in that time span, they have had 51 picks and only 15 remain on the team today.

 

 

Also I find it hilarious that they got on Hensley for a being a homer yet his analysis is spot on. Yeah Bud Dupree fell to them and yes he's talented but so was Jarvis Jones who fell to them and hasn't lived up to his potential. I remember people saying their offensive line is set when they drafted DeCastro and Mike Adams back to back, Adams is no longer on the team. Their secondary is a huge issue and between 2008 - 2013, they selected seven cornerbacks, only 1 of the seven remain on the team and that's Cortez Allen. They only drafted 2 safeties, Ryan Mundy and Shamarko Thomas. Mundy is gone and Thomas will start with Mr. Head and Shoulders retired. Their need was finding long term solutions in the secondary, and they never addressed that.

[ravensnick]

Timmons is hardly aging. He's not 30 yet. If anything they don't have nearly enough veteran talent.

30 is getting up there for a MLB, with taking all those hits. 

[DomMcRaven]

Timmons is hardly aging. He's not 30 yet. If anything they don't have nearly enough veteran talent.

That's how I see it.

 

This the part I laughed at when the Cleveland guy was being so salty...

 

 I gave Pittsburgh the top vote because they continue to approach the draft in ways other teams should emulate, combining need with talent and always seeming to come up with a solid, sound group.

 

It's quite funny seeing he praises the Steelers but yet recent draft history shows that approach is failing them. ZERO picks remain on the team from the 2008 and 2009 Drafts. In fact between 2008 - 2010, they had 26 picks and only two remain on the team in 2015. From 2011 - 2013 drafts,13 of 25 picks remain on the team today. Meaning in that time span, they have had 51 picks and only 15 remain on the team today.

 

 

Also I find it hilarious that they got on Hensley for a being a homer yet his analysis is spot on. Yeah Bud Dupree fell to them and yes he's talented but so was Jarvis Jones who fell to them and hasn't lived up to his potential. I remember people saying their offensive line is set when they drafted DeCastro and Mike Adams back to back, Adams is no longer on the team. Their secondary is a huge issue and between 2008 - 2013, they selected seven cornerbacks, only 1 of the seven remain on the team and that's Cortez Allen. They only drafted 2 safeties, Ryan Mundy and Shamarko Thomas. Mundy is gone and Thomas will start with Mr. Head and Shoulders retired. Their need was finding long term solutions in the secondary, and they never addressed that.

He probably misspelled Pittsburgh for Baltimore. I understand that those are big words for him, but come on now, they don't sound nor look alike. 

[ravensdan]

30 is getting up there for a MLB, with taking all those hits.

He's NOT 30 yet. Hasn't shown signs of slowing down. Come on. Suggs, doom, Thomas Davis, Daryl Smith all older and plenty productive. Steelers have plenty of weaknesses. Timmons is not one.

[January J]

I think its more like.

Steelers 15 o > 14 o

Ravens 15 o < 14 o

Steelers 15 d < 14 d

Ravens 15 d > 14 d

just curious... Why do you think the ravens 14' offense is > than the 15' o? I'm still kind of on the fence but leaning more towards this years.

[ravensdan]

just curious... Why do you think the ravens 14' offense is > than the 15' o? I'm still kind of on the fence but leaning more towards this years.

Honestly I think the running game was great last year and will be just as good or better. O line the same. The passing game is a concern for me. Everyone is downplaying the loss of torey but he was a very good player for us. Not a top 10 wide receiver but was very good in his role. Perriman is an unknown and *may be better than Torrey down the road but I don't expect him to be right away. I actually expected us to bring in a more proven player to fill the gap of the learning curve.

As for tight end my evaluation of Williams was a close comparison to kyle Rudolph who is very good, but we aren't talking about Gronk here. Also tight end normally takes time to acclimate to the pro game. I actually think Gilmore will be the leading tight end in snaps. I think hell be good but not a game changer.

All that adds up to being not as good as last year.

[52520Andrew]

Honestly I think the running game was great last year and will be just as good or better. O line the same. The passing game is a concern for me. Everyone is downplaying the loss of torey but he was a very good player for us. Not a top 10 wide receiver but was very good in his role. Perriman is an unknown and *may be better than Torrey down the road but I don't expect him to be right away. I actually expected us to bring in a more proven player to fill the gap of the learning curve.

As for tight end my evaluation of Williams was a close comparison to kyle Rudolph who is very good, but we aren't talking about Gronk here. Also tight end normally takes time to acclimate to the pro game. I actually think Gilmore will be the leading tight end in snaps. I think hell be good but not a game changer.

All that adds up to being not as good as last year.

 

What are your thoughts on Kubes going as well while we are on the subject of comparing last year's O to the one this year

[ravensdan]

What are your thoughts on Kubes going as well while we are on the subject of comparing last year's O to the one this year

It sucks losing Kubiak but I have a lot of confidence in Trestman. Cutler never ran the offense the way it was designed. I don't think that will be a problem withFlacco. That's not my biggest concern. What do you think?

[The Mom Gene]

We're gonna be better this year.

[Passepartout]

Hands down the Ravens! As they are the top team to beat!

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Hands down the Ravens! As they are the top team to beat!

Peter King agrees. He has us currently ranked #1 in the league going into the summer on his Power Ranking. Wow! Didn't expect that from him, but that's a great indication that our Front Office did an outstanding job this offseason.

 

I'm getting pumped just thinking about the possibilities. GO Ravens!