[News] John Harbaugh Has 'Learned A Lot' This Season

[BR News]

The Ravens head coach said he's a 'much better man and coach' than he was four months ago.

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[Bat-mite]

Keep making lemnonade, even in the winter. Eventually, it will get hot again and you will be glad you have it.

[trevorsteadman]

Harbaugh is a great coach. We all knew that between cap and young players that we would eventually have a bad season. We just hoped that young guys could come in and fill the place of players right away. That worked for CJ Mosley and Daryl Smith coming in for Ray Lewis and Ellerbe. Safety is shakey from game to game and we have yet to find a young guy who can provide as much pressure as Suggs and Dumervil. We also need that proven guy under Steve Smith because he is heading into the sunset here soon. The positional coaches need to work the players' tails off next season. I'm excited to see if the Ravens can win games next season or if repeats of this season will happen again.

[alexbayrobin]

I have learned a lot too. I've learned that this is more than a game. It can give you great joy and also great sadness. My dad has threatened to take my computer again. My grandfather is sorry he bought me NFL ticket. But I love my Ravens no matter what.

[BillyD]

I've learned a lot, too. Don't let all your talent walk out the door.  Almost 25 mil in dead money this year does not help.  Luckily next year that drops to around 200K.  Hopefully we'll be able to lock up some young talent and maybe bring in an impact vet or two.

Edited December 16, 2015 by BillyD

[Bob21043]

I've learned that the NFL officiating gets worse with each succeeding year, and that steps taken to make the game safer have done nothing to stop the increase in season-ending injuries.

[NCMan]

I've learned a lot, too. Don't let all your talent walk out the door.

I agree, but also some folks in the FO need to quit writing all the crazy contracts. It just leads to more and more dead money down the road and then, due to cap limits, they sit back and hold the door open for some good players to leave. It all starts there.

[Nexttime]

I've learned that drafts yielding zero current probowl players and ranking number 6 for dead money roster combined with two top paid cornerbacks that yield the 29th most effective passing attack and a well paid LT whose performance or absence injures my top paid player well BAM thats a good combination for Vince Lombardi to have a losing season.

[reed20fence]

I've learned that it's a mistake to compare ourselves to the Patriots all the time. There are a lot of things we don't have in common, and we shouldn't want to have in common.

Naturally our franchise aims to be in the upper tier of the NFL in terms of success and consistency, but we should compare ourselves to teams like the Giants and Packers and Steelers. Franchises that have done well in playoffs, try to do things the right way (yes, I mean not cheating and constantly looking for grey areas and loopholes), and have also struggled to off-load older players and on-board younger players while struggling to stay relevant.

Edited December 16, 2015 by reed20fence

[OzzieBisciotti]

I've learned that drafts yielding zero current probowl players and ranking number 6 for dead money roster combined with two top paid cornerbacks that yield the 29th most effective passing attack and a well paid LT whose performance or absence injures my top paid player well BAM thats a good combination for Vince Lombardi to have a losing season.

Well said.

[TheRavengers]

I've learned that we need better ways to keep players from breaking like glass every season.

[reed20fence]

I've learned that drafts yielding zero current probowl players and ranking number 6 for dead money roster combined with two top paid cornerbacks that yield the 29th most effective passing attack and a well paid LT whose performance or absence injures my top paid player well BAM thats a good combination for Vince Lombardi to have a losing season.

There's certainly truth to what you've said, though we should take a deeper dive and be fair. Mosley was a pro-bowler last year. And right now there's a sentiment amongst the fans that we don't have any pro bowlers because we suck as a team, but the objective truth is that Brandon Williams is playing like a pro-bowler. Yanda is a pro bowl fixture and Osemele could make a case as well. We've also got Suggs, SSS and Forsett on IR that are pro bowl potentials had they been healthy. And if Suggs is in, Dumervil is likely a pro bowler.

This offense, in spite of losing our first round pick, was still churning at a pretty hectic pace. Joe was on track to top 4k for the first time in his career. SSS was going to top 100 receptions.

On defense, due to the loss of Suggs, we rank 20th overall in sacks with 28, whereas last year we were tied for 2nd with 49. Our interception total suffered last year because we were bit by the injury bug and this year the lack of pressure up front explains the terrible time they're having covering the back end- much less getting turnovers. 

Football at a professional level is a team game of complex interdependence. The broadcast camera fixates on the ball carriers so when they don't succeed they get blamed, but never mind the fact that their blockers were getting manhandled all game. The QB gets blamed for taking too long to dissect a defense and get rid of the ball, but the camera doesn't show that WRs off of the screen are jogging around and not getting any separation down field. 

On defense we see huge chunk plays given up on 'blown coverages' and blame shoddy secondary play, but don't consider that our corners and safeties on average have to keep up with their assignments a full second or 2 longer than the average NFL secondary. Why? Because they lack pass pressure up front. 

Edited December 16, 2015 by reed20fence

[eek]

reed20fence - Why would you want to compare with the cheating atmosphere of NE.

[Raven'evermore]

I love Harb's use of scripture even if James wasn't reffering to football at the time. To stay positive after all that's been thrown at him and this team speaks volumes as to his character. Also, he doesn't point fingers or cry about what might have been. A humble man is a better man. JMO

[reed20fence]

reed20fence - Why would you want to compare with the cheating atmosphere of NE.

Exactly. You don't want to compare to them. But that's the common refrain from a lot of casual fans when you mention a teams struggles being rooted in injuries or having to re-stock a lineup of older players. "Well the Patriots still manage to win," they argue.

Granted, yes, Belichick is a great coach and Brady is a great QB. But they also have no boundaries when it comes to winning. They're willing to stoop to all manners of lowness and shadiness to gain an advantage. It's not dignified.

[Purple Dawg 96]

Hey Harbs, you do a very good job but if your QB isn't doing good then you're not doing good and Joe is leaving you hangin by not reading Defenses better and simply not being the leader this team "NEEDS"! Tomlin got big ben bailing him out by carrying the squeelers on his back and tomlin just finds notable quotes after each game! If Joe can't go the Ravens need to find a good veteran backup and maybe a youngster for the future! Oh yeah half the league saturated with Ravens coaching teams not assistants and they got the inside scoop on us time for a change!

[Derrel]

for better or not, Harbs needs to make changes at defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, DB coach and OL coach. I wouldn't have added OC but not dialing up runs in the second half last week was not acceptable.

[RavensReck27]

I've learned a lot, too. Don't let all your talent walk out the door.  Almost 25 mil in dead money this year does not help.  Luckily next year that drops to around 200K.  Hopefully we'll be able to lock up some young talent and maybe bring in an impact vet or two.

Once we dump Monroe and Pitta we will have some more dead money next year, but we are almost out of that hole, and we will be picking in the top 5 at the beginning of every round this year.  This years draft in going to be a cornerstone for us going forward.  The most important draft for us in a long time.

Edited December 16, 2015 by RavensReck27

[RavensReck27]

For those of you doubting Harbaugh, remember when he came in 2008 and we drafted Flacco round 1, Ray Rice round 2, and Marshal Yanda round 3? Yeah that was the last time we had a top 10 pick, and we have been picking at the bottom of the rounds every year since. It is looking like we are going to have a top 5 pick this year. Greatness is coming.

Edited December 16, 2015 by RavensReck27

[Crusader]

Am I missing something? What did he learn? I wish he learned he can't be the only alpha male on the team.

[The Greek]

For those of you doubting Harbaugh, remember when he came in 2008 and we drafted Flacco round 1, Ray Rice round 2, and Marshal Yanda round 3? Yeah that was the last time we had a top 10 pick, and we have been picking at the bottom of the rounds every year since. It is looking like we are going to have a top 5 pick this year… Greatness is coming.

unless ozzie trades the pick and drafts another bust later in the 1st. 

[Crusader]

YEA It was Cams idea to pick Joe. Johns era started after Ray and crew ended. Except for Gary Kubiak season hows that been playing out?

[BillyD]

Once we dump Monroe and Pitta we will have some more dead money next year, but we are almost out of that hole, and we will be picking in the top 5 at the beginning of every round this year.  This years draft in going to be a cornerstone for us going forward.  The most important draft for us in a long time.

Good call.  We will, but it will be a heck of a lot less than the 24 or 25 mil it is at now.  Looking forward to being out of that hole.  And locking up some impact players both in the draft and free agency.

[Militant X 1]

YEA It was Cams idea to pick Joe. Johns era started after Ray and crew ended. Except for Gary Kubiak season hows that been playing out?

 

I've said time and again that imo Harbuagh "inherited" a team with a strong foundation...defensively!  When you have cats in your locker room and on the field who are "player-coaches" such as; Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and even bringing in cats like Boldin and Pollard, you really don't have to say or do much but let them do what they do!  They mentored everyone on that roster to some degree and kept them fighting hard and strong in the face of adversity to even persevere and win a Super Bowl but now....ALL OF THEM ARE GONE and this what we're left with.  A 4-9 record (so far) and being bounced the hell right out of the playoffs.  What did you learn John?  Smh!

Edited December 16, 2015 by Militant X 1

[RavensReck27]

unless ozzie trades the pick and drafts another bust later in the 1st. 

Traded the pick in 08 and moved back to select Flacco.  Trust Oz.  He traded back in 2012 because he was going to draft Upshaw but knew he could get him in the beginning of the 2nd round. 

[Grapple Raven]

I've learned that drafts yielding zero current probowl players and ranking number 6 for dead money roster combined with two top paid cornerbacks that yield the 29th most effective passing attack and a well paid LT whose performance or absence injures my top paid player well BAM thats a good combination for Vince Lombardi to have a losing season.

 

Well none of our players are going to get to the Pro Bowl if we don't vote for them, lol, just sayin'!

[RavensReck27]

I've said time and again that imo Harbuagh "inherited" a team with a strong foundation...defensively!  When you have cats in your locker room and on the field who are "player-coaches" such as; Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and even bringing in cats like Boldin and Pollard, you really don't have to say or do much but let them do what they do!  They mentored everyone on that roster to some degree and kept them fighting hard and strong in the face of adversity to even persevere and win a Super Bowl but now....ALL OF THEM ARE GONE and this what we're left with.  A 4-9 record (so far) and being bounced the hell right out of the playoffs.  What did you learn John?  Smh!

All we had was Suggs last year and we almost beat the SuperBowl champs in Foxborough. Brian Billick had the same team minus Flacco, who was very average in his first few seasons, but Billick had a terrible season before Harbuagh took over. John is dealing with a very young team that is a new generation Raven squad that is in the growing process. Not to mention we lead the league in injuries.  Harbaugh is one of the best head coaches in the league, and shame on you for doubting our guy.

[Militant X 1]

I've said time and again that imo Harbuagh "inherited" a team with a strong foundation...defensively!  When you have cats in your locker room and on the field who are "player-coaches" such as; Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs and even bringing in cats like Boldin and Pollard, you really don't have to say or do much but let them do what they do!  They mentored everyone on that roster to some degree and kept them fighting hard and strong in the face of adversity to even persevere and win a Super Bowl but now....ALL OF THEM ARE GONE and this what we're left with.  A 4-9 record (so far) and being bounced the hell right out of the playoffs.  What did you learn John?  Smh!

 

All we had was Suggs last year and we almost beat the SuperBowl champs in Foxborough. Brian Billick had the same team minus Flacco, who was very average in his first few seasons, but Billick had a terrible season before Harbuagh took over. John is dealing with a very young team that is a new generation Raven squad that is in the growing process. Not to mention we lead the league in injuries.  Harbaugh is one of the best head coaches in the league, and shame on you for doubting our guy.

 

Same thing!

[RavensReck27]

Same thing!

No. That team had so much more experience than this current one.  This is the youngest team we have had since the early Billick era in my opinion.

[Militant X 1]

No. That team had so much more experience than this current one.  This is the youngest team we have had since the early Billick era in my opinion.

 

That's my point man!  I said that imo Harbaugh "inherited" a team with a solid foundation!  Right?  The term, "solid foundation" speaks of experienced players in my book.  Something that now...that those guys are gone (as I mentioned) we're left without and imo we're seeing the firstfruits of that void.