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

[Fullblack_RAVEN]

This is what i'm wondering. Tray walker was drafted in the 4th round this year. Every other ravens pick who is on the active roster & not injured has played a noticeable amount of snaps at their position groups (maxx williams, carl davis, za'darius smith, nick boyle, darren waller, buck allen). If this is a wasted season, throw tray out there at corner opposite jimmy smith. See how he responds. If he gets burned, who cares? Every corner fails at some point. Let him play. Is he that far behind that he can't get snaps for a terrible team decimated at corner? If that's the case, he's not going to help next season, either.

[samilbourne]

Let's make things clear - when you pay what we pay for PSLs and season tickets, you demand - yes, demand excellence and success. We have not gotten that in two of the last three years following Super Bowl 47. The rebuilding effort has not been successful. Draft picks have been anywhere from mediocre (Mosely) to failures (Elam, Perriman). Poor decisions, such as the kneejerk reaction to cut Ray Rice (Let me state I do not condone his behavior towards his wife) when he may have had some use left, which has now cost us significant cap space the past two seasons, have crippled us. We are a losing team now, and significant changes need to be made in on the roster and in the coaching staff. We should be excellent every year - we certainly have the resources and fan base to justify it. Don't talk to be about "rebuilding" - there is a team in Boston, MA, that seems to be excellent every year - we need to right this now. I, and the entire fan base, will not tolerate this type of losing football any longer. Get it straight now, or start making changes on the roster, the coaching staff, and, yes even the front office. They are all responsible, and should all be held accountable.

[RavenzOz]

"But please understand, winning is all that counts in the NFL, regardless of your circumstances. Its the only currency." That was not the case in the Suck for Luck contest a few years back.  I didn't see anything that looked like effort from the Colts that year.

Edited October 21, 2015 by RavenzOz

[Ravenshine]

I'd like to hear what his answer would be if he was asked straight up if he thinks the Ravens are still going to make the playoffs. Publicly I'm sure he would say yes.

If we do make a run for playoffs it means we must win these next 3 games, then we are still alive, but barely. It'd be a crazy run, but boy would we have a story to tell if it panned out. Harbs seems like the guy who is 'game on' for it. Either way, we'll know more ourselves after next week and following weeks.

[picke]

The disappointment of our defense under Dean Pees is already well beyond one season.

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

That all sounds Nice, but didn't we just do this in 2013? After we cut and gutted the team? just curious

I remember that and I believe they called the moves "RELOADING"

[January J]

If we do make a run for playoffs it means we must win these next 3 games, then we are still alive, but barely. It'd be a crazy run, but boy would we have a story to tell if it panned out. Harbs seems like the guy who is 'game on' for it. Either way, we'll know more ourselves after next week and following weeks.

I agree 100%

[CaliRavenFan]

Let's make things clear - when you pay what we pay for PSLs and season tickets, you demand - yes, demand excellence and success. We have not gotten that in two of the last three years following Super Bowl 47. The rebuilding effort has not been successful. Draft picks have been anywhere from mediocre (Mosely) to failures (Elam, Perriman). Poor decisions, such as the kneejerk reaction to cut Ray Rice (Let me state I do not condone his behavior towards his wife) when he may have had some use left, which has now cost us significant cap space the past two seasons, have crippled us. We are a losing team now, and significant changes need to be made in on the roster and in the coaching staff. We should be excellent every year - we certainly have the resources and fan base to justify it. Don't talk to be about "rebuilding" - there is a team in Boston, MA, that seems to be excellent every year - we need to right this now. I, and the entire fan base, will not tolerate this type of losing football any longer. Get it straight now, or start making changes on the roster, the coaching staff, and, yes even the front office. They are all responsible, and should all be held accountable.

Let's make this clear... Every team that doesn't cheat (that team your talking about in Boston) goes through losing years. We have been very lucky as a fan base that we have had tremendous success and out right spoiled. Sure I'm pissed as much as the next fan but calling Mosley mediocre is just nonsense. Yeah we could draft better with certain picks but not every pick for every team works out. Perriman should and could miss the entire year but that doesn't mean he won't come back next year and dominate like we all thought he would when he got drafted. Besides Amari Cooper not a single WR is putting up numbers this year for their team. I think I speak for most of the fans when I say, Yeah this season is definitely not what we wanted it to be like and yeah it would be awesome to be 6-0 right now but at least we beat the Steelers and have some promising looking young players on the team.

[atomicfront]

Doing a rebuild around a 30 year old running back who was picked up off waiver last year?

[Crusader]

News flash! It is already destined to "creep" in the next 4 years. You can't have 7 bad years of drafts and get out of bad talent in one year. Get real! Especially when you repeated the same issues from last year.

[Bandwagon]

Only way your disappointing at this point is by winning and losing draft spots haha

[Ravensfansince03]

Ngata left for more $$.

 

The problem is this team signs star players to contracts that they cant pay up to

[letitgosometimes]

John: The Ravens can still play .500 ball this season, but it would NOT be in their best interest for rebuilding the team. "Play hard, but don't win" will be their motto from here on out. There are number of solid college players that could help the Ravens going forward. The bigger question remains: will the owner make the management changes during the season or wait to the end of the season? My guess he makes the changes sooner than later.

[Dorota]

I'd like to hear what his answer would be if he was asked straight up if he thinks the Ravens are still going to make the playoffs. Publicly I'm sure he would say yes.

I think privately also. One thing I respect about the Ravens, both players and coaches, is that they fight. If you look at pressers with other teams below .500 they often sound defeated and depressed and halfway gone. That's the beginning of the end. It might be subjective, but I have not detected anything such in Harbs or most players interviewed. They are still fighting. It's still remotely possible, though unlikely, but they're holding onto that chance.

[stampedehero]

This is the perfect topic to express disappointment. We have posters that want to sack the coachs and people that  want more.  It is what it is. Time to have that last place Cleveland experience.  To be successful we have to start a winning streak  Establishing 1-9 including pre season shows we have not found a light in the tunnel.  We have not won @ home since last year.   The Cardinals game should be the the trend setter. Our team has to get a lead to stay alive until the 4th Q  The D backfield and O  playmakers need a resolute huddle prayer and a combined mission to protect their team mates.  Our first goal: Get out of the basement. Our primary goal Reach .500. We have no other choices.     

[Purple Dawg 96]

Get another QB in the draft for these "HICCUPS"! The squeelers beat the Cardinals with a THIRD string QB so if Joe can't win this game he needs to be benched! Extending a play will WRs open!

[January J]

I think privately also. One thing I respect about the Ravens, both players and coaches, is that they fight. If you look at pressers with other teams below .500 they often sound defeated and depressed and halfway gone. That's the beginning of the end. It might be subjective, but I have not detected anything such in Harbs or most players interviewed. They are still fighting. It's still remotely possible, though unlikely, but they're holding onto that chance.

I agree. However I'm afraid that one more loss before we get atleast a couple victories and that may change. We desperately need a winning streak and we need it now. Arizona could potentially be the turning point or our death sentence.

[Harlan J Roadblock]

Getting a rookie quarterback isn't going to help. They won't have the experience and they would still have the same receivers that can't get open to throw to.

[Godfather A]

There was an article about the Seahawks earlier this week. It indicated that they were 2-4 but since most of their losses have been close, no one need worry about them. That is clearly a glass half full mentality.

Let's hope we do as well in next week's prime time game as we did in the last one at Pittsburgh.

[Derrel]

If I were Biscoti I would hire an independent consultant to analyze how the Pats stay on top with players coming and going every year on both sides of the ball. No input from Ozzie or the coaches. A lot of it has to do with Brady's ability but there is clearly a difference in player evaluation, coach selection, and overall game day strategy. He also should sit down and watch the two part tv program on Bellichek. IMO it gives some great incite on his approach. I like the parts where he is meeting with the coaching staff preparing for the upcoming game. Wonder how Harbaugh and his staff measure up. Currently the Pats offensive game plan (Bellichek's)hasn't been successfully defensed for a number of seasons. Say what you will about NE, they are competitive every year.

t

[Derrel]

...oh and make the staff changes that are needed.

[January J]

There was an article about the Seahawks earlier this week. It indicated that they were 2-4 but since most of their losses have been close, no one need worry about them. That is clearly a glass half full mentality.

Let's hope we do as well in next week's prime time game as we did in the last one at Pittsburgh.

we actually didn't play very well in Pittsburgh either, however our defense did step it up a bit. Wonder if they would've done the same against Big Ben. The Seahawks are a different story and coming off 2 super bowls it's a little easier to look at the glass half full. And right now the difference between 2-4 and 1-5 is bigger than you'd imagine.

[jmids1975]

Playing to lose just to get a better draft pick is the single most ridiculous idea in sports. First of all, telling your whole team, players, coaches, front office, fans, etc... that this season means nothing, that this game means nothing, that everyone needs to put their integrity and pride aside so that we can all put our hopes for the future on ONE draft pick, is utter nonsense. And explains why typically the same team are drafting top 10 year in and year out, and also why some teams are constantly drafting mid to late 20's every year. Can you have an awful season and find a franchise player in the draft who helps change the course of your team? Sure. But for every Andrew Luck example there are 5 JaMarcus Russell's. For every Peyton Manning there are 5 Vince Young's. If your philosophy is to lose so that you can get better, you just don't get it. Why are the Browns drafting top ten every year? Why are the Raiders drafting top ten every year? Why have the Buccaneers been drafting top ten every year? Winning is an attitude and a culture. One player typically is not going to change all of that. You can not reasonably expect a sports franchise to purposely lose and then because of some 21-22 year old kid, flip the switch, and everyone can win again. It is not a choice. This is not fantasy football. It is not a video game. If we are playing in the last game of the season with a number one draft pick on the line, do you play 3rd stringers and pray they lose? I wouldn't call that crazy. But you do not prepare or coach them to lose.

[The Mom Gene]

There was an article about the Seahawks earlier this week. It indicated that they were 2-4 but since most of their losses have been close, no one need worry about them. That is clearly a glass half full mentality. Let's hope we do as well in next week's prime time game as we did in the last one at Pittsburgh.

There were many analysts that were/are still saying the same about the Ravens.  5 losses for a total of 25 points, and have held the lead at different point in every game.  That being said...  Yeah, I agree that coming off of 2 Super Bowl appearances makes it look better, but it's really not.  and 2-4 versus 1-5 only "sounds" much better in my mind.  It's one game that cam swing either way in one bad/good game.

[Drew P]

If I were Biscoti I would hire an independent consultant to analyze how the Pats stay on top with players coming and going every year on both sides of the ball. No input from Ozzie or the coaches. A lot of it has to do with Brady's ability but there is clearly a difference in player evaluation, coach selection, and overall game day strategy. He also should sit down and watch the two part tv program on Bellichek. IMO it gives some great incite on his approach. I like the parts where he is meeting with the coaching staff preparing for the upcoming game. Wonder how Harbaugh and his staff measure up. Currently the Pats offensive game plan (Bellichek's)hasn't been successfully defensed for a number of seasons. Say what you will about NE, they are competitive every year. t

 

The Patriots dink and dunk, they snap the ball and zip it in, It neutralizes the pass rush. They run multiple looks with 4-5 WR sets. Flacco lumbers back 9 yards with his back turned then tosses it -3 yards behind the LOS for no gain. The Patriots dictate the tempo while the Ravens get dictated to by allowing the opposing D to dig their heels in diagnose the play and tee off..I recall a few years ago they ran a no huddle/hurry up early in the season (probably the last time they thumped the Bungles) it was pretty effective. Why the hell dont they dust that off and give it a whirl is beyond me.

[The Mom Gene]

Playing to lose just to get a better draft pick is the single most ridiculous idea in sports. First of all, telling your whole team, players, coaches, front office, fans, etc... that this season means nothing, that this game means nothing, that everyone needs to put their integrity and pride aside so that we can all put our hopes for the future on ONE draft pick, is utter nonsense. And explains why typically the same team are drafting top 10 year in and year out, and also why some teams are constantly drafting mid to late 20's every year. Can you have an awful season and find a franchise player in the draft who helps change the course of your team? Sure. But for every Andrew Luck example there are 5 JaMarcus Russell's. For every Peyton Manning there are 5 Vince Young's. If your philosophy is to lose so that you can get better, you just don't get it. Why are the Browns drafting top ten every year? Why are the Raiders drafting top ten every year? Why have the Buccaneers been drafting top ten every year? Winning is an attitude and a culture. One player typically is not going to change all of that. You can not reasonably expect a sports franchise to purposely lose and then because of some 21-22 year old kid, flip the switch, and everyone can win again. It is not a choice. This is not fantasy football. It is not a video game. If we are playing in the last game of the season with a number one draft pick on the line, do you play 3rd stringers and pray they lose? I wouldn't call that crazy. But you do not prepare or coach them to lose.

Absolutely.   And the season can be saved to some degree as well.  We have a lot of young players on this team eager to learn "how to win", and need to develop into that NFL player that they had always wanted to be.  Some of my best years learning, were years my team didn't always win.  We had to learn how to play together...  6 years on the same team to get to a championship...  It's what has to happen sometimes.  You develop..  You change...  You learn.  And by constantly changing personnel and players???  You don't get there right away.  But there are some fans that just cannot seem to understand some of that.

[HoldingCall]

John Eisenberg, this is a master article. Thanks s much for addressing the issue of the season and whether the team should give up and look to next year including: trading talented players for picks, sitting starters, and even changing QBs. It has been a harsh few weeks reading the many post suggesting it makes sense to do this. I understand that opinions are opinions and many were expressed out of frustration which is why I was able to read them without getting upset. However, my neck has gotten stiff from all the head shaking.

[Crusader]

From the movie TAKEN. Marko: [after a long pause] "Good luck."

[HoldingCall]

If I were Biscoti I would hire an independent consultant to analyze how the Pats stay on top with players coming and going every year on both sides of the ball. No input from Ozzie or the coaches. A lot of it has to do with Brady's ability but there is clearly a difference in player evaluation, coach selection, and overall game day strategy. He also should sit down and watch the two part tv program on Bellichek. IMO it gives some great incite on his approach. I like the parts where he is meeting with the coaching staff preparing for the upcoming game. Wonder how Harbaugh and his staff measure up. Currently the Pats offensive game plan (Bellichek's)hasn't been successfully defensed for a number of seasons. Say what you will about NE, they are competitive every year. t

The Ravens had and currently have a player on the team from the Patriots, a coach (DC) who was a part of the staff. Ozzie and Belichek both were in Cleveland. I am not sure what more information is needed but I am going to suggest that the training staff and training habits be evaluated closely due to the sudden brittle-like affect on players resulting in so many major and recurring injuries over the past few seasons. 

 

We can say all we want about selecting better players but until you keep most key starters on the field, you are going to have issues. Factor in injuries along with the loss in FA to top quality and players just coming into their own for multiple seasons in a row and you have a better chance of having the affect on a season shown here. It isn't just one but multiple things that have led the team to its current position, some of which I am sure I haven't mentioned.

Edited October 21, 2015 by HoldingCall

[BillyD]

we actually didn't play very well in Pittsburgh either, however our defense did step it up a bit. Wonder if they would've done the same against Big Ben. The Seahawks are a different story and coming off 2 super bowls it's a little easier to look at the glass half full. And right now the difference between 2-4 and 1-5 is bigger than you'd imagine.

Yep.  We were really lucky to pull that one off in Pitt.  Bad kicking and questionable coaching from the Squeelers won that game for us in the end.  Seattle is obviously having a hard time on the defensive side of the ball as a result of their new DC.  Just goes to show you can have all the talent in the world...if your coaching, scheme, or a combination of the two are sub-par, you will have issues.