[News] Eisenberg: Ravens' New Goal Is To Limit Disappointment To One Season

[BR News]

Hiccups happen. You just want to make sure that’s all it is, a hiccup.

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[ravensnj]

Along with Flacco, Jimmy Smith needs to play better and faster too. They both seem slow in decision making.

[Bohica5]

Little late to limit the disappointment...........ya think???.... Time to give us hope!!! Massive Change time folks!! Clean house and get some players and coaches that actually want to win!!!

[RavenWembley]

I blame this on coaching. So many crucial mistakes and penalties in 4TH Q that cost us the game. Also stop cutting and shuffling the roster. Coach the 53 man roster you chose according to preaseason and give them some confidence that they won't be cut

[iluvpurple]

I am going with the "hiccup" analogy of this team this year, and I also agree our players are much better than they look right now..... Call me stupid, crazy, in denial, whatever, but things are NOT always going to go our way. When I look back at all the signings over the years, it has been hit or miss, but we always seemed to put a really good football team on the field. When I look at drafts over the years for many teams, how many 1st rounders are still playing football in the last 10 years? How many undrafted rookies have we signed that have been great for us? It will always be hit or miss and I still believe this organization does better than most other organizations in the NFL...... I am not going to come down on Ozzie, or anyone else in the front office until I have reason to, and a bad start to this season doesn't warrant that for me.

[Bohica5]

And if you really think our players have something to play for......you should start drinking now! We don't..........unless we get a New coach....then it would be time...

[Barry S]

A Loss is a loss doesn't matter how close the game was, but the fact that it has been close is a little encouraging. We've been through the injury bug before and made it through, that is no excuse. Joe has regressed and made lots of bad decisions, and the defense is definitely not what is was. When Kubiak was OC I feel he stayed on Joe that made him better, the D lost high quality players that was a big influence to the team.

[sofgman]

Just do .... nothing. 1-15 is very good record for .... next season.

[Run Pass Pass Punt]

Anyone else think it's funny that "they've lost games by six, four, four, three and five points this season, and led late most weeks, so it's not as if they're hurtling 100 mph in the wrong direction" is then followed up by "winning is all that counts in the NFL, regardless of your circumstances"... kind of playing both sides isn't it?

Edited October 20, 2015 by Run Pass Pass Punt

[iluvpurple]

I blame this on coaching. So many crucial mistakes and penalties in 4TH Q that cost us the game. Also stop cutting and shuffling the roster. Coach the 53 man roster you chose according to preaseason and give them some confidence that they won't be cut

When you have continual injuries and guys NOT performing after a few games, you have to shuffle the roster. I think most players are given a fair amount of time to either prove themselves or not, and if not, replace them with someone who will perform better, but just my opinion.... This is the NFL, and to stay there, you must perform at a high level.

[thieverycorporation]

Which is why only part of this article makes sense. I'd take a nice long look a every player on the roster. Regardless of the win lose column. Sure you play to win but winning meaningless games shouldn't stunt your growth. Evaluation of strengths and weakness of the teams dynamic would be clearly a win going forward. The coaches could also install different schemes and technics without sacrificing a likely playoff berth.

[Ernie20]

I live out west and went to the game Sunday. To me there is a clear lack of speed on this team. No one could run away from the defense or blow by the offensive line. I wonder if picking Goff to reduce the cap on QB and increase overall talent/speed is the smart move for 2016 and beyond.

[January J]

The fact that we have still been competitive and barely losing while playing so poorly gives me hope that when we actually do start playing well we can stack some wins. It also gives hope that a few offseason adjustments and we can turn things around next year. Fix up the secondary and pass rush and add a playmaker on offense and we should be right back in the mix. When Suggs returns next year paired with a more experienced Brandon Williams and Jernigan we can add some young pass rushing talent and a cb or safety and our defense should be pretty stout. On offense we need to find out what we have in perriman, and then sign another proven get at receiver. If Steve returns that would just be icing on the cake. Our tight end corps is gonna be huge.

[January J]

Anyone else think it's funny that "they've lost games by six, four, four, three and five points this season, and led late most weeks, so it's not as if they're hurtling 100 mph in the wrong direction" is then followed up by "winning is all that counts in the NFL, regardless of your circumstances"... kind of playing both sides isn't it?

no.

[Run Pass Pass Punt]

We have to stop bringing in mediocre players and then talking them up like they're starting material. Perfect example is our safeties. We went into game 1 with two under achieving career starters that combined to have 6 INTs in the last 8 years of combined service. Both were let go by their previous teams because they were not productive. Why do we keep thinking under achievers will come here and do better than their previous teams? We don't have the coaching or leadership for that kind of mentality any more fellas... Hopefully we'll have enough money after getting out of salary cap hell to make a splash and bring in some top talent and not guys with "high ceilings" and low talent.

[January J]

Little late to limit the disappointment...........ya think???.... Time to give us hope!!! Massive Change time folks!! Clean house and get some players and coaches that actually want to win!!!

we are 6 games in. A lot can change in 11 weeks. Cleaning house would only sabotage our future and then seasons like this would be a yearly occurrence. That what you want ? Just leave it up to the Guys that actually know what they're doing and that have spoiled us fans by winning so much.

This isn't a lack of talent issue, it's a lack of execution and a depth issue,

Edited October 20, 2015 by January J

[surfdude]

Play with heart and don't give up. Other than that I see them having to redo Joe's contract to what MOST QBs make yearly around 15 a season. Next draft SPEED on both sides of the ball.

First pick I would go for the next Suggs. Lock up Tucker , try to get KO on board , try and get a true free safety & wide out in free agency.

[Ravenshine]

I like the approach Harbs, Ozzy and company are taking here, it's very professional. Something to hold our heads high about this year. Reading this article was actually a relief. Like: "yeah, we got this." Because to simply panic by 1. Insisting a win no matter what by handing plays over to rookies because starters are injured is foolish. Them saying "we won't do this" is quite frankly refreshing insight. And 2. To tank the season so as to get better draft picks is equally disturbing because as fans we want to get excited for wins every Sunday, Monday or Thursday. So them not selling out for a better year is another positive. What I hear them saying is, we'll make the plays we feel are appropriate for our level of playing experience and hope we do well with that. But we acknowledge this year might be one to write off, but we'll do it in style. And with an attitude of improving this season regardless. And then look forward to a much better next year. I like that, considering where we are at and how we can successfully move forward and feel good about the tough situation we're currently in.

[Prino61]

I can take losing, It comes with any team in any sport but what disappoints me is the lack of effort, thats not Ravens football. No doubt in my mind if Ray Lewis was on this team we would be 1-5(NO WAY) because he would not go for it.

Edited October 20, 2015 by Prino61

[Hardhitters]

Is this saying Harbaugh won't creep into the next season with us because he has been figured out. He can't coach great players because they too mucho so he has watered down the team.

[Bat-mite]

I hate to be so negative, but I am seeing next year as a disaster. We have to rebuild with younger players that don't command such high salaries. But they need experience, and experience comes with time. We have to hope Suggs can come back, because he is killing our cap. Webb, too. Trading or cutting them won't solve any problems. We need them to play!

[fusuymada]

I think if they want to limit this to one year, they need to look at things other than just the players. Why did we go from 2008 to 2013 with no pro bowl draft picks when we had one every two years prior to 2008? Why don't we have any leaders on this team, just "leaders by example"? Why cant we develop receivers and cornerbacks? Does our offensive and defensive schemes fit our personnel? I don't think it is just as simple as Harbaugh and Pees says when they say it is just execution. If they constantly can't execute are you asking them to do more than they can do? Scheme has to match personnel. When your QB loses every game he throws over 40 times why do we have an OC with a passing scheme that requires Joe to throw over 40 times? I think the problems are more than we just don't have the talent. But even if it is we don't have talent, why since 2009 haven't we been able to get it? Problems I fear run far deeper than just players.

[Puntit]

While I get that you cost yourself some fans in 2015 if you decide to tank the year to get better draft picks, don't you lose those same fans if you have to endure multiple years of this? Certainly Indy is much better off franchise-wise for having tanked a year with their "suck for Luck" campaign. It's probably actually not the worst idea to try out youngsters and not be too upset letting the Jags and Chiefs pick up an extra win when we see them. I mean sure, SSS might go all out on his own and snag us five wins on tge season and move our draft pick outside of te top ten, but who does that benefit? What fans are going to debate whether the Ravens were awful with 1 win or 5? I hate to say it, but the focus really needs to be 2016 and how we get back in the game then, not now.

[trickster13]

A question for January J. A few weeks back I asked - after Smith, Sr who the Ravens got to catch passes; after Forsett, who's going to runthe ball; who you got in the secondary, ...? Your answers - Aiken, Marlon Brown, (Glass) Campanaro, Waller, Perriman; then Javorius Allen, Juszczyk; then - Melvin Island, Arrington, Asa Jackson, (Glass) Webb,(Hands) Smith, Tray Walker, Brooks, Levine, Trawick and the completely and utterly useless Shareece  - and then you asked if you'd answered the question. You threw out names of a practice squad; next year this bunch all of a sudden going to be PLAYERS, striking fear into the hearts of opponents? As Casey Stengel once said about a sorry bunch he was managing, "Doesn't anybody know how to play this game?"

[jravens13]

This just proves you can win a SB with Flacco, but you can also be the worst team in the league with Flacco depending on the personnel and coaching around him. With that said, his contract needs major restructuring. He is not and never will be Rodgers or Brady. That's okay though. We just have to admit $28 mil a year is way too much for what he brings to the table.

 

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/baltimore-ravens/joe-flacco/

Edited October 20, 2015 by jravens13

[robbie29]

Somebody touched on that fact that we're bringing in mediocre guys, hyping them up and expecting them to perform beyond their abilities. I agree- we can't take that approach. When we had superb mentors and developers on the team like Ray Lewis, and vocal guys like Boldin, Pollard, and Reed- that approach was realistic. Ray Lewis especially knew how to get guys to go above & beyond- rookies and veterans. Now (other than Steve Smith) we have NOBODY like that on the active roster anymore. Even Steve Smith can't turn our current mediocre (at best) WR corps into above average performers. A healthy Perriman may have been able to help but the decisions to let guys like Torrey and Boldin go are now coming full circle and killing this team. Even when Breshad returns, there's the real possibility that we may find out the hard way that we used a #1 draft pick on a track star, and not a football player. Seriously- the only praise I've heard repeatedly about him is that he's fast- and that's it. Nothing about route running ability, ability to gain separation, or making tough catches. Yeah, this year is horribly painful to watch, but at this point, there's not a whole lot to be optimistic about next year.

Edited October 20, 2015 by robbie29

[January J]

A question for January J. A few weeks back I asked - after Smith, Sr who the Ravens got to catch passes; after Forsett, who's going to runthe ball; who you got in the secondary, ...? Your answers - Aiken, Marlon Brown, (Glass) Campanaro, Waller, Perriman; then Javorius Allen, Juszczyk; then - Melvin Island, Arrington, Asa Jackson, (Glass) Webb,(Hands) Smith, Tray Walker, Brooks, Levine, Trawick and the completely and utterly useless Shareece - and then you asked if you'd answered the question. You threw out names of a practice squad; next year this bunch all of a sudden going to be PLAYERS, striking fear into the hearts of opponents? As Casey Stengel once said about a sorry bunch he was managing, "Doesn't anybody know how to play this game?"

well 2 of their top receivers are injured. Buck Allen hasn't been playing poorly, juice is juice and I don't even remember saying any of them other names aside from Jimmy smith , and will hill maybe. I guess we should just blow up the entire team huh?

Like I've said numerous times- it's not a talent issue, it's an execution issue. injuries Certainly haven't helped, and yes we could have done a better job with depth.

[jravens13]

well 2 of their top receivers are injured. Buck Allen hasn't been playing poorly, juice is juice and I don't even remember saying any of them other names aside from Jimmy smith , and will hill maybe. I guess we should just blow up the entire team huh?

Like I've said numerous times- it's not a talent issue, it's an execution issue. injuries Certainly haven't helped, and yes we could have done a better job with depth.

Without a pass rush we stand 0 chance on defense. Losing Mcphee, Ngata, and Suggs created a talent issue despite what you might think. That is part of the reason why our corners are getting torched. A good pass rush covers up or makes average corners and safeties look good. 

[January J]

Somebody touched on that fact that we're bringing in mediocre guys, hyping them up and expecting them to perform beyond their abilities. I agree- we can't take that approach. When we had superb mentors and developers on the team like Ray Lewis, and vocal guys like Boldin, Pollard, and Reed- that approach was realistic. Ray Lewis especially knew how to get guys to go above & beyond- rookies and veterans. Now (other than Steve Smith) we have NOBODY like that on the active roster anymore. Even Steve Smith can't turn our current mediocre (at best) WR corps into above average performers. Perriman may have helped but the decisions to let guys like Torrey and Boldin go are now coming full circle and killing this team. Even when Breshad returns, there's the real possibility that we may find out the hard way that we used a #1 draft pick on a track star, and not a football player. Seriously- the only praise I've heard repeatedly about him is that he's fast. Nothing about route running ability, ability to gain separation, or making tough catches. Yeah, this year is horribly painful to watch, but at this point, there's not a whole lot to be optimistic about next year.

there's a ton to be optimistic about next year bro. We still don't know what we have in perriman. We will have an absolute beast tight end corps. A Brandon Williams , Jernigan, and cj Mosley with another year under their belt. Suggs should be back from injury, along with camp and the others. And possibly a high draft pick to add some pass rushing depth and/ or to address the secondary. And that's just naming a few things off the top of my head. Your looking at the glass half empty. Edited October 20, 2015 by January J

[birdseye]

Interesting thought popped into my head last night, kind of interested to hear what other Ravens fans think of it. This year we've been historically bad on defense. From what I've read, there are two sides to the argument, either Peas or the talent level is the cause. At first I was leaning towards the talent on defense being sub par. But after watching the Steelers defense improve every week, with FAR less talent than we have I'm starting to think its Peas. I've heard numerous local and national reporters saying that they've seen a defensive coordinator that is trying everything, being creative in his play calls yet we dont see any results. But is it just me or does it seem like Dean Peas is one step behind the offensive coordinator every week. They run a screen pass, so the next play we line up press man, they beat us on a double move over the top. They run the ball in the A gap B gap 2, 3 times, so Peas calls a MLB blitz up the middle and they bootleg out of it for a wide open completion. So many times we get teams in third downs and they play call that the offense runs produces a wide open player for a first down. Is it because he is being to preditcable, not letting go of tendenceies, or just not able to motivate our players to play their hearts out for him? Maybe I'm just trying to rationalize our failures or reaching for excuses but all I know Pitt is getting WAY MORE out of their garbage defense then Peas is out of ours.