The Turning Point

[Guest]

Assuming you are one that believes we are not going to salvage this season, a.k.a. "The Playoffs", What event do you think was the point in the season where inevitability socked us in the gut?

 

For me it was coming home from the West Coast trip back to M&T Bank down 0-2.  We were facing our new division nemesis and we had every reason to play an inspired ballgame.  In the blink of an eye we were down 14-0 and only a great tackle kept it from being 21-0. 

 

We fought back and C.J.Mosely scored on a fumble return for us to take the lead. The momentum was palpable.  We hadn't even settled into full jubilation and Kendrick Lewis lined up to guard A.J.Green.  The snap had us in full voice cheering and in two steps Green left K. Lewis holding his athletic supporter. The ball was accurately thrown and Jimmy Smith grabbed A.J. for a sure tackle except Jimmy was spun around by Green and the centrifugal force helped Green shake free. Worse yet Jimmy Smith spun right into a closing Will Hill and upended Will like a bowling pin.

 

That was it...an 80 yard TD right after our big defensive play. When we couldn't hold serve there, I knew it was curtains.

[52520Andrew]

Yeah that play was huge, changed the momentum of the game

[RaineV1]

The true turning point probably hasn't happened yet. I think the turning point where it really hits the fan will be against the Cardinals. In every game so far the Ravens have at least been competitive. However it's been against mediocre teams. a team the Ravens know really well (Bengals), and teams that were caught at their worst moment (Manning and Kubiak still trying to figure out how to run that offense, Big Ben being injured and Scobee not being able to hit the broad side of a barn).

 

That changes with the Cardinals. The Ravens will be facing a true Super Bowl contender at their best, without having a lot of first hand experience of playing against them. The Ravens aren't going to be competitive with just one or two bad plays costing them the victory, they're going to get blown out of the water.

Edited October 15, 2015 by RaineV1

[January J]

The aj green catch was a big one, but even after the steelers win there was a glimmer of hope. that hope was killed on a third down against the Browns when we were fighting to hold the lead, in the back of all of our minds all of the other 4th quarter leads the defense had given up were replaying in our heads, and we all thought that there was no way it could happen again. Against the Browns. At home. All of a sudden we get pressure on McCown and he throws up a hopeless duck fart that looked like it could either be easily intercepted or incomplete. Will hill swats at the ball and just when you think it had hit the ground you see the Browns tight end pull the ball out from between his butt cheeks and the officials throw up there arms. That's when all of Ravens nation pretty much realized luck wasn't on our side and this just wasn't our year. Even after that we drive down the feild and as soon as we get inside the 10 on a huge play by forsett he stays down holding his ankle. He was our only hope at getting in the end zone, we try running the ball with buck to no avail. Pretty soon we are settling for a feild goal and you just knew that it wasn't going to be good enough. We got away with one in Pittsburgh, but it wasn't going to happen again.

Edited October 16, 2015 by January J

[harfordravenfan]

The aj green catch was a big one, but even after the steelers win there was a glimmer of hope. that hope was killed on a third down against the Browns when we were fighting to hold the lead, in the back of all of our minds all of the other 4th quarter leads the defense had given up were replaying in our heads, and we all thought that there was no way it could happen again. Against the Browns. At home. All of a sudden we get pressure on McCown and he throws up a hopeless duck fart that looked like it could either be easily intercepted or incomplete. Will hill swats at the ball and just when you think it had hit the ground you see the Browns tight end pull the ball out from between his butt cheeks and the officials throw up there arms. That's when all of Ravens nation pretty much realized luck wasn't on our side and this just wasn't our year. Even after that we drive down the feild and as soon as we get inside the 10 on a huge play by forsett he stays down holding his ankle. He was our only hope at getting in the end zone, we try running the ball with buck to no avail. Pretty soon we are settling for a feild goal and you just knew that it wasn't going to be good enough. We got away with one in Pittsburgh, but it wasn't going to happen again.

 

Yup, That ball not hitting the ground was ridiculous. Losing to the Browns at home drained 98% of my optimism for this year

[HomeoftheBRAVENS]

The turning point of our season came on the play that Suggs went down.I didn't think it would be this ugly but I knew we more than likely wouldn't make the playoffs without him.

Edited October 16, 2015 by HomeoftheBRAVENS

[darklight1216]

Losing to Oakland was when I realized that this would be a really rough season. I never really thought they'd beat Denver or Cincinnati, so when they lost to the Raiders (the Raiders!) I knew they were going 0-3 and then would face Pitt and Cleveland. As we know that's hard enough to come back from. In addition 0-4 looked like a forgone conclusion since Ben wasn't injured at the time.

 

I think I took out the panic button after the Cincy loss and then I put up this flat-line after the Browns loss. Because really, when your season is on the line and you can't beat Cleveland... at home... after a mini-bye, you're done. It'd be different if they had, you know won some games before. This team has been known to fall for the trap game or two, after all. But when you have a game that you. must. win. and you let a team like have their way with you, the season is basically over.

[FlackAttack]

week 2 oakland loss

[beanfigger]

The flag thrown on Hill that nullified his sealing interception at Oakland is a strong candidate for a turning point. Had we held on there, everything else would be different this year.

There is still room, in my opinion, for one more nail in the coffin before I begin to write our eulogy. Because of our start, though, it seems inevitable. I think we need to win the next four games to get back in the mix, so the next game we lose before Thanksgiving is probably that final straw that breaks us.

[arnie_uk]

The flag thrown on Hill that nullified his sealing interception at Oakland is a strong candidate for a turning point. Had we held on there, everything else would be different this year.

There is still room, in my opinion, for one more nail in the coffin before I begin to write our eulogy. Because of our start, though, it seems inevitable. I think we need to win the next four games to get back in the mix, so the next game we lose before Thanksgiving is probably that final straw that breaks us.

hold there and the confidence boost our defense gets is likely unimaginable. We'd likely be sitting at 4 and 1 imo.

Those defensive mishaps possibly wouldn't have happened if we held just once.

[PurpleCity5]

The true turning point probably hasn't happened yet. I think the turning point where it really hits the fan will be against the Cardinals. In every game so far the Ravens have at least been competitive. However it's been against mediocre teams. a team the Ravens know really well (Bengals), and teams that were caught at their worst moment (Manning and Kubiak still trying to figure out how to run that offense, Big Ben being injured and Scobee not being able to hit the broad side of a barn).

 

That changes with the Cardinals. The Ravens will be facing a true Super Bowl contender at their best, without having a lot of first hand experience of playing against them. The Ravens aren't going to be competitive with just one or two bad plays costing them the victory, they're going to get blown out of the water.

I don't want a blowout against Arizona, but I'm afraid that's what it's going to come to. Still won't stop me from rooting for Arizona if we lose that game, season will certainly be done if we lose that game quiet honestly. 

[JO_75]

The true turning point probably hasn't happened yet. I think the turning point where it really hits the fan will be against the Cardinals. In every game so far the Ravens have at least been competitive. However it's been against mediocre teams. a team the Ravens know really well (Bengals), and teams that were caught at their worst moment (Manning and Kubiak still trying to figure out how to run that offense, Big Ben being injured and Scobee not being able to hit the broad side of a barn).

 

That changes with the Cardinals. The Ravens will be facing a true Super Bowl contender at their best, without having a lot of first hand experience of playing against them. The Ravens aren't going to be competitive with just one or two bad plays costing them the victory, they're going to get blown out of the water.

 

I really don't think a true turning point has come yet for us. My thing is that we are 1-4 not because we are a bad football team but just plain bad luck. As Bean mentioned, if the Will Hill interception stood like it should have(NFL came out after the game and said it shouldn't have been called a penalty) we be 2-3 right now. I'm one of the most vocal here about firing Pees, but there have been games where his game plan has worked well. Then bonehead penalties on crucial moments of the game where players just don't know how to let up(is that something coachable where you can coach players to when to let up) and have caused stupid roughing the passer penalties. Babin last week, I believe it was third down, we stopped them and he jumped off sides prior to the snap that extended the drive. 

 

I just look at the Giants Super Bowl seasons in 2007 and 2011. Both times there were questions abound concerning Tom Coughlin and he was on the hot seat. Then the Giants would go down that path of yes, Coughlin should be fired. Then hit a turning point in those seasons and won the Super Bowl. For me, that's what I look at. Where can our turning point be to at least put us in a position to make the playoffs by December. The AFC is weaker than usual this season, and at 1-4 a quick turn around could put us in position to give us a chance.

 

That's all we can ask for is a chance. We know what Joe can do in January, we pretty much are the AFC version of the Giants. Just like Eli, Joe has a knack for playoff football and he comes to play. Our turning point is coming.... and hopefully it starts this weekend. 

[darklight1216]

The true turning point probably hasn't happened yet. I think the turning point where it really hits the fan will be against the Cardinals. In every game so far the Ravens have at least been competitive. However it's been against mediocre teams. a team the Ravens know really well (Bengals), and teams that were caught at their worst moment (Manning and Kubiak still trying to figure out how to run that offense, Big Ben being injured and Scobee not being able to hit the broad side of a barn).

 

That changes with the Cardinals. The Ravens will be facing a true Super Bowl contender at their best, without having a lot of first hand experience of playing against them. The Ravens aren't going to be competitive with just one or two bad plays costing them the victory, they're going to get blown out of the water.

You make some good points.

 

I have to admit, Arizona is the game that I secretly thought might put an end to all of these close games. Not simply because Arizona should blow them out, but because if they are 1-5. 2-4 and then get flat out spanked, I think the team might fold emotionally and check out of the season mentally because, of course, any remaining hope of the playoffs will be dead, gone, and buried.

[FlackAttack]

The true turning point probably hasn't happened yet. I think the turning point where it really hits the fan will be against the Cardinals. In every game so far the Ravens have at least been competitive. However it's been against mediocre teams. a team the Ravens know really well (Bengals), and teams that were caught at their worst moment (Manning and Kubiak still trying to figure out how to run that offense, Big Ben being injured and Scobee not being able to hit the broad side of a barn).

 

That changes with the Cardinals. The Ravens will be facing a true Super Bowl contender at their best, without having a lot of first hand experience of playing against them. The Ravens aren't going to be competitive with just one or two bad plays costing them the victory, they're going to get blown out of the water.

 

i disagree about the cardinals. they are overrated. not saying they arent a good team, but no better than the bengals or the broncos.. and both those games were competitive. actually bengals are a much better team tbh.

 

dont think being in arizona will change the outcome either because its a dome. we usually play well in domes. ravens have more chance getting blown out by the chargers at home.

Edited October 16, 2015 by FlackAttack

[Bobby]

I have yet to give up....but I will say last week to watch us blow a 21-9 lead at the same time the Bengals were mounting a comeback down by 17 to the Seahawks....and then the Steelers win the next night on the last play of the game...

 

All that combined just sort of tells me this is not our year.

 

BUT hope remains and we just need to win this week to start building something that resembles momentum!

 

GO RAVENS!

[AsianRice]

We need to learn from the Saints last night; their defense and offense are bad ever since the season started; last night, they were playing like a contender team out there both side of the ball.

 

I hope 49ers game would be our turning point when our rookies start to play like a team and all the cylinders would be clicked at the right time.

 

Lots of bad things happen to the team like injuries, miscues, and penalties; this Sunday, we will redeem ourselves and start playing like real team; everyone will trust each other to get the job done......

 

Every week there is hope for me........

[January J]

We need to learn from the Saints last night; their defense and offense are bad ever since the season started; last night, they were playing like a contender team out there both side of the ball.

 

I hope 49ers game would be our turning point when our rookies start to play like a team and all the cylinders would be clicked at the right time.

 

Lots of bad things happen to the team like injuries, miscues, and penalties; this Sunday, we will redeem ourselves and start playing like real team; everyone will trust each other to get the job done......

 

Every week there is hope for me........

it sounds good , now they just have to go do it. A strong distinctive victory in San Francisco could do a lot for our team morale , and if we follow that up with a victory during prime time in Arizona that could very well be the turning point that puts us back in the right direction. Easier said that done but it's certainly doable. 2 more losses before the bye and I believe that will be the final nail in the coffin. If we can somehow claw our way back to .500 then we'll be right back in the mix.

[callahan09]

Ya know, when I look back at our defensive performance throughout the season, I can point to a number of key defensive plays that should have been interceptions but weren't and if we had just gotten the big play there, it would have probably contributed to us winning instead of losing. In the Denver game, two different Manning passes were right in the hands of our defenders and they dropped the easy INTs.  Either one of those is an INT instead of just an incomplete pass and we're probably looking at a different ball-game.  In Oakland, we had an INT called back due to a penalty.  Against Cleveland, we have an INT called back due to a penalty.  I don't really remember if there was one in the Cincinnati game, but there have been a lot of almost-big-plays from the D this year that get negated due to a lack of focus and penalties, etc.  And that butt-catch, that was a good defensive play as well, just a total fluke.  It makes the scheme look worse than it might be because a lot of our defensive big plays are just not happening or getting wiped out due to penalties from the players.

[beanfigger]

Ya know, when I look back at our defensive performance throughout the season, I can point to a number of key defensive plays that should have been interceptions but weren't and if we had just gotten the big play there, it would have probably contributed to us winning instead of losing. In the Denver game, two different Manning passes were right in the hands of our defenders and they dropped the easy INTs. Either one of those is an INT instead of just an incomplete pass and we're probably looking at a different ball-game. In Oakland, we had an INT called back due to a penalty. Against Cleveland, we have an INT called back due to a penalty. I don't really remember if there was one in the Cincinnati game, but there have been a lot of almost-big-plays from the D this year that get negated due to a lack of focus and penalties, etc. And that butt-catch, that was a good defensive play as well, just a total fluke. It makes the scheme look worse than it might be because a lot of our defensive big plays are just not happening or getting wiped out due to penalties from the players.

No scheme works when you're near the top of the league in penalties.

[Militant X 1]

Of course, I'm pissed by all of the losses so far however, the dagger for me is losing to the 1-3 Browns....at home....in O.T....after the Ravens were up 21-9 at one point!  To me, that is very telling about this team and gives me no room for confidence in their gameplay whatsover to get the job done regardless of their opponents both good or bad ones.

Edited October 17, 2015 by Militant X 1

[Ravenseconbeast]

If you think about it.   We could be standing here and be 5-0.  Injuries or not.    

Might even come down to 1-2 penalties every game we played this season.   Our players are just too stupid to realize that and gave the game up to unleash few second of pent up frustration or mishap.   

Our players are mostly at fault on execution.   Lack of discipline.   Lack of focus.    

 

[Guest]

Of course, I'm pissed by all of the losses so far however, the dagger for me is losing to the 1-3 Browns....at home....in O.T....after the Ravens were up 21-9 at one point!  To me, that is very telling about this team and gives me no room for confidence in their gameplay whatsover to get the job done regardless of their opponents both good or bad ones.

 

Well put

 

Your Flacco quote is telling also.

Edited October 17, 2015 by Danny D

[beanfigger]

We've sort of been heading in the same direction since the season started, so has there really been a turning point? A turning point this year would be something that sparks a resurgence.

[Tank 92]

We never really were on course. Hard to believe we got the early media attention as there were just too many questions at multiple positions. But I guess if you were to point to something as a turning point it would have to be Sizzle's injury. That one has hurt on multiple levels. And with all of the additional injuries it will be a remarkable feat if we can somehow get to 8 - 8.