[News] Byrne Identity: Let The Fun Begin! How Good Will Ravens Be?

[BR News]

After a 5-11 finish and a myriad of injuries, it’s hard to predict big things for the Ravens in 2016. But, here are several reasons why you can feel encouraged.

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[trevorsteadman]

Bold Predictions:

Ravens end 10-6. This is because of the defense. It finished last season as the 2nd best defense the last half of the season only behind Denver. It took awhile for the Ravens to get used to the absence of Suggs, With the additions of Weddle and Powers, the Ravens turn around their poor redzone defense.

Reynolds catches 30 balls. Barely making the roster at the beginning of the season, he then shows off his vision and becomes the season ending story for the Ravens. 

Kamalei Correa is the starting inside linebacker next to Mosley.

Joe Flacco throws for 4500 yards, which is what he was on pace for in 2015.

 

[CodeSpyder]

Actually, I think John Harbaugh did a terrific job last year managing the team given all of the injuries. It could have easily fallen apart, but the team stuck together and competed. As a result, we lost a lot of close games. I find it hard to imagine that we'll have the same devastating injuries this year. The probabilities are against it. I think we'll be a lot better than the experts think.

[ellicottraven]

Kevin you have the best seat in the house. Why don't you tell us how good the Ravens will be instead of asking?

[BmoreB]

August 11th can't get here fast enough

[The Greek]

we need at least 1 of the receivers not named sss to have that anquan boldin mentality and skill set. go after that pig skin and fight for it. be physical.

[eze17]

10-6. Hopefully good enough to get us in the play-offs, and then all bets are off. but i'm counting on us being better this year.

[dirtybird66]

SO,at the start of last season we were considered a perrinial playoff team and possible superbowl contender before the injury bug hit.then we upgraded at nearly every position across the board on top of everything,so where does that put us if we stay healthy??

[757RavensFan]

Quote

• Terrell Suggs has been pounding in the weight room and running hard in our indoor field for some time. … And his smile and entertaining swagger are back.
• Somebody please let Joe Flacco go out and play with his teammates. He is chomping at the bit. He appears very ready.

Looks like the 2 leaders of the team are back and ready to go.  We know what we have in Suggs.  Considering his age and his recovery from injury, I say you let him rest and rehab as much as possible during TC.  Let him get in football shape during the weeks of pre-season, play a pre-seasaon game or two and then unleash the beast on Sept 11th.  

Edited July 22, 2016 by 757RavensFan

[whobilly]

we need at least 1 of the receivers not named sss to have that anquan boldin mentality and skill set. go after that pig skin and fight for it. be physical.

Boldin and his mentality still unsigned by the way. Off year last season with "Only" 69 receptions. He will hold out and sign when a team suffers some injuries during camp. Hope our guys hold up but I sure am curious to see where "Q" and his 70+ catches will wind up.

[trevorsteadman]

4 minutes ago, whobilly said:

Boldin and his mentality still unsigned by the way. Off year last season with "Only" 69 receptions. He will hold out and sign when a team suffers some injuries during camp. Hope our guys hold up but I sure am curious to see where "Q" and his 70+ catches will wind up.

Yes but how much does he want? He wanted around 7-8 million back when we won the super bowl and that is why we traded him. And he never eclipsed 900 yards in a single season with us. While we are paying Steve Smith Sr. 3 million a season and he puts up 1100 in his first season, and was on pace to get over 1500 year two.

Plus is it a good idea to have two aging veterans that are getting slower each and every season? I think Aiken is just as good as Boldin at this point in Boldin's career.

[Ksinger]

Let's be clear, the Ravens were better than 5-11 last year. Refs admit the Ravens should have won the jaguars game and a bad call negating a touchdown in the Miami game could have easily made the difference in a 15 to 13 win for the Dolphins. So, even if we didn't upgrade the roster this year we are a better team than the 5-11 record last year shows. Barring injuries, this team should go 8-8 at a minimum.

[fusuymada]

I don't believe that NFL pundits are necessarily the most accurate lot, but I also think they are not stupid either. The fact that many respected media analysts had us in the big game last year makes me believe that we were not nearly as bad as 5-11 indicates. Just about every one of those players (excl. Monroe, KO and Daryl Smith) have returned. The loss of KO hurts somewhat but I have ultimate faith in Urschel. When the team has called his number, he has answered and answered with good numbers from PFF. I commented earlier that Stanley will be such an upgrade from Monroe and Hurst, that we will be blown away with how good he is and how much he improves pass and run blocking on that side. He is a little college soft but some time in the NFL weight room will add another 15 or so pounds of muscle and convert some of that college fat into muscle as well. If we suffer limited injuries, players simply play to their proven abilities, and with our softer schedule (no schedule in the AFC North is soft) we should do a lot better than the analysts are expecting this year. 11-5 wouldn't surprise me but 10-6 is a shoe in as far as what I can see. I will go out on a limb and say I see us winning the division. The Bengals are rebuilding and will miss the playoffs. The Steelers O-Line is nowhere near as good as the ravens and their secondary is still pretty pathetic. Wallace will cause the Steelers to cry when we play them and he will love every minute of it. I believe our offense has more scoring potential than it has ever had.

[trevorsteadman]

1 minute ago, fusuymada said:

I don't believe that NFL pundits are necessarily the most accurate lot, but I also think they are not stupid either. The fact that many respected media analysts had us in the big game last year makes me believe that we were not nearly as bad as 5-11 indicates. Just about every one of those players (excl. Monroe, KO and Daryl Smith) have returned. The loss of KO hurts somewhat but I have ultimate faith in Urschel. When the team has called his number, he has answered and answered with good numbers from PFF. I commented earlier that Stanley will be such an upgrade from Monroe and Hurst, that we will be blown away with how good he is and how much he improves pass and run blocking on that side. He is a little college soft but some time in the NFL weight room will add another 15 or so pounds of muscle and convert some of that college fat into muscle as well. If we suffer limited injuries, players simply play to their proven abilities, and with our softer schedule (no schedule in the AFC North is soft) we should do a lot better than the analysts are expecting this year. 11-5 wouldn't surprise me but 10-6 is a shoe in as far as what I can see. I will go out on a limb and say I see us winning the division. The Bengals are rebuilding and will miss the playoffs. The Steelers O-Line is nowhere near as good as the ravens and their secondary is still pretty pathetic. Wallace will cause the Steelers to cry when we play them and he will love every minute of it. I believe our offense has more scoring potential than it has ever had.

Plus add in the Bengals are not nearly as good of a team this season as the last... And we do not have to play the AFC West and the NFC West who were probably the two best divisons in football last season.

[Moderator 3]

1 hour ago, ellicottraven said:

Kevin you have the best seat in the house. Why don't you tell us how good the Ravens will be instead of asking?

He did: 

Quote

I think we’ll be good, maybe even very good.

 

[The Greek]

19-0 daddy!!

[757RavensFan]

40 minutes ago, fusuymada said:

I don't believe that NFL pundits are necessarily the most accurate lot, but I also think they are not stupid either. The fact that many respected media analysts had us in the big game last year makes me believe that we were not nearly as bad as 5-11 indicates. Just about every one of those players (excl. Monroe, KO and Daryl Smith) have returned. The loss of KO hurts somewhat but I have ultimate faith in Urschel. When the team has called his number, he has answered and answered with good numbers from PFF. I commented earlier that Stanley will be such an upgrade from Monroe and Hurst, that we will be blown away with how good he is and how much he improves pass and run blocking on that side. He is a little college soft but some time in the NFL weight room will add another 15 or so pounds of muscle and convert some of that college fat into muscle as well. If we suffer limited injuries, players simply play to their proven abilities, and with our softer schedule (no schedule in the AFC North is soft) we should do a lot better than the analysts are expecting this year. 11-5 wouldn't surprise me but 10-6 is a shoe in as far as what I can see. I will go out on a limb and say I see us winning the division. The Bengals are rebuilding and will miss the playoffs. The Steelers O-Line is nowhere near as good as the ravens and their secondary is still pretty pathetic. Wallace will cause the Steelers to cry when we play them and he will love every minute of it. I believe our offense has more scoring potential than it has ever had.

You too??

[harfordravenfan]

48 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

You too??

Ok, that made me laugh. But he didn't add the last part so he's ok

[Ravensfan23]

I think the Ravens will be one of the NFL's best teams. Injuries and youth really hurt this team last year and I don't think either will be a huge concern this year. Last year Ravens to the Super Bowl was the talk and this team hasn't loss any major pieces. In fact it added more then it loss with Weddle, Watson,Powers and the draft class. Then you have guys returning from injury like Pitta, Flacco, Suggs, and a healthy Jimmy Smith will be huge. The key to this teams success this year will be the oline's ability to protect Flacco and being solid in the run game. On the defensive side of the ball it'll boil down to who can step up to provide pass rushing help for Suggs and Doom. 

I think Wallace, Perriman and Moore will really help open this offense up and Smith, Aiken, Juice and the TEs will really reap the benefits of that speed on the outside. I've already said that I feel Flacco will have a career year under Trestman and this offense will soar. 

 

On defense I think things will be a lot better. There are 4 guys on defense that i'm just excited to see play this year. Don't know what any of these guys will do but Davis, Correa, Timmy and ZDS really will have my eye throughout preseason and the season. Those 4 guys having strong seasons can really go a long way to the defense being dominant because there are already studs at their respective positions they just need to step up and out. BTW that Davis is Will Davis, but i'm also excited to see Carl Davis as well.

[fluffy201]

I am just not feeling it with these guys. I mean who are the Ravens play-makers. Suggs? He is coming off a second Achilles tear, and Steve Smith the same thing. I mean Brandon Williams is a great player, but he doesn't get turnovers or sacks or big plays (with that said, great player and glad to have him). Weddle should sure some things up, but our secondary will again be a weakness. I think they have at least another year of rebuilding. I still think we could possible sneak into the playoffs, but I don't see any evidence that we will win the division. Sorry to be a deby downer bros :)

[trevorsteadman]

32 minutes ago, fluffy201 said:

I am just not feeling it with these guys. I mean who are the Ravens play-makers. Suggs? He is coming off a second Achilles tear, and Steve Smith the same thing. I mean Brandon Williams is a great player, but he doesn't get turnovers or sacks or big plays (with that said, great player and glad to have him). Weddle should sure some things up, but our secondary will again be a weakness. I think they have at least another year of rebuilding. I still think we could possible sneak into the playoffs, but I don't see any evidence that we will win the division. Sorry to be a deby downer bros

I know I'm a bit optimistic but looking at all that went bad and most was out of the Ravens' control. Just the law of averages of those close games gives the Ravens an extra two or three games... The Ravens weren't a bad team they stayed in most games against really good teams they just couldn't win.

I don't see how people don't think the Ravens have playmakers... Jimmy Smith when healthy (and he is finally going to be healthy) is a top 5 cornerback in this league. Powers is probably one of the most underrated guys and he is our 3rd cornerback. Weddle coming in is huge and he will be a big part of the Ravens future.There are several guys that are playmakers they may not be top 5 at their position but they are definitely very good at what they do. We don't need Suggs to have a DPOY season like we used to. We don't need Dumervil to pile up 17 sacks again.

The Ravens were in the upper half of the league both offensively and defensively. What they struggled in that made them lose 9 of their 11 losses by 1 score or less was because they were near the bottom half in the redzone on each side of the ball. The Ravens offense now has Wallace and Perriman to open up the middle of the field for the tight ends including Ben Watson. The defense added one of the best safeties in the NFL and a very good slot cornerback. The loss of Suggs was probably the defining issue that sent the Ravens to lose games early.

The Ravens do not need players to be top 5 at their position. They won the 2013 super bowl with a bunch of guys that were solid and a quarterback who knew how to sling it. The talent is there and the media only follows the teams that do well and the Cowboys (of course). A lot of pundits believed the Ravens were on track to win the super bowl. If they scored one more time and each of those games they could have easily been 12-4 last season give or take a game.

Plus why do you think the Ravens can't win the division? The Bengals have lost a lot of important pieces, the Steelers we swept last season and Martavis Bryant is out the season for suspension and Bell likely has a 4 game suspension now, and the Browns are in rebuilding mode. I see 3-3 as the floor in the division next season.

[b93333]

If two factors go the right way the sky will be the limit... (1) Do we get the old Suggs back; in shape and motivated? and (2) does Joe live up to his contract? If the answer to both is yes we are set.

[fluffy201]

  1 hour ago, fluffy201 said:

I am just not feeling it with these guys. I mean who are the Ravens play-makers. Suggs? He is coming off a second Achilles tear, and Steve Smith the same thing. I mean Brandon Williams is a great player, but he doesn't get turnovers or sacks or big plays (with that said, great player and glad to have him). Weddle should sure some things up, but our secondary will again be a weakness. I think they have at least another year of rebuilding. I still think we could possible sneak into the playoffs, but I don't see any evidence that we will win the division. Sorry to be a deby downer bros

I know I'm a bit optimistic but looking at all that went bad and most was out of the Ravens' control. Just the law of averages of those close games gives the Ravens an extra two or three games... The Ravens weren't a bad team they stayed in most games against really good teams they just couldn't win.

I don't see how people don't think the Ravens have playmakers... Jimmy Smith when healthy (and he is finally going to be healthy) is a top 5 cornerback in this league. Powers is probably one of the most underrated guys and he is our 3rd cornerback. Weddle coming in is huge and he will be a big part of the Ravens future.There are several guys that are playmakers they may not be top 5 at their position but they are definitely very good at what they do. We don't need Suggs to have a DPOY season like we used to. We don't need Dumervil to pile up 17 sacks again.

The Ravens were in the upper half of the league both offensively and defensively. What they struggled in that made them lose 9 of their 11 losses by 1 score or less was because they were near the bottom half in the redzone on each side of the ball. The Ravens offense now has Wallace and Perriman to open up the middle of the field for the tight ends including Ben Watson. The defense added one of the best safeties in the NFL and a very good slot cornerback. The loss of Suggs was probably the defining issue that sent the Ravens to lose games early.

The Ravens do not need players to be top 5 at their position. They won the 2013 super bowl with a bunch of guys that were solid and a quarterback who knew how to sling it. The talent is there and the media only follows the teams that do well and the Cowboys (of course). A lot of pundits believed the Ravens were on track to win the super bowl. If they scored one more time and each of those games they could have easily been 12-4 last season give or take a game.

Plus why do you think the Ravens can't win the division? The Bengals have lost a lot of important pieces, the Steelers we swept last season and Martavis Bryant is out the season for suspension and Bell likely has a 4 game suspension now, and the Browns are in rebuilding mode. I see 3-3 as the floor in the division next season.

My definition of a play-maker is different than yours. Play-makers are the ones that make plays when it matters, and the Ravens have none aside from Suggs and Steve Smith, the problem with Smith and Suggs is they are both older in age and coming off devastating injuries. And Jimmy Smith is a good corner, and that is it. He does not come up with big plays such as interceptions of turnovers, teams also don't plan around Jimmy Smith either, as they do with top 5 corners. Daryl Smith was a good line-backer for us, but didn't make big plays. Justin forsett and company are very average in my book. The bottom line is that no team prepares for the Ravens and go "better watch out for that guy".

And when we won the super bowl we had a ton of play-makers. Suggs, Ngata, Lewis, Reed, Boldin even Pollard, wide receivers were so scared to go across the middle when he was in the game, He was also the one that put the dagger in the Patriots in the championship game by knocking Ridley unconscious lol My point is we have none of those types of players on the Ravens at this moment aside from Smith and Suggs. Hopefully the rookie class will hold some surprises.

[mearzunkies]

we need at least 1 of the receivers not named sss to have that anquan boldin mentality and skill set. go after that pig skin and fight for it. be physical.

Kamar?

[mearzunkies]

  4 hours ago, whobilly said:

Boldin and his mentality still unsigned by the way. Off year last season with "Only" 69 receptions. He will hold out and sign when a team suffers some injuries during camp. Hope our guys hold up but I sure am curious to see where "Q" and his 70+ catches will wind up.

Yes but how much does he want? He wanted around 7-8 million back when we won the super bowl and that is why we traded him. And he never eclipsed 900 yards in a single season with us. While we are paying Steve Smith Sr. 3 million a season and he puts up 1100 in his first season, and was on pace to get over 1500 year two.

Plus is it a good idea to have two aging veterans that are getting slower each and every season? I think Aiken is just as good as Boldin at this point in Boldin's career.

I agree Aiken does fight for the ball and fight for yards.

[mearzunkies]

  1 hour ago, trevorsteadman said:

  2 hours ago, fluffy201 said:

I am just not feeling it with these guys. I mean who are the Ravens play-makers. Suggs? He is coming off a second Achilles tear, and Steve Smith the same thing. I mean Brandon Williams is a great player, but he doesn't get turnovers or sacks or big plays (with that said, great player and glad to have him). Weddle should sure some things up, but our secondary will again be a weakness. I think they have at least another year of rebuilding. I still think we could possible sneak into the playoffs, but I don't see any evidence that we will win the division. Sorry to be a deby downer bros

I know I'm a bit optimistic but looking at all that went bad and most was out of the Ravens' control. Just the law of averages of those close games gives the Ravens an extra two or three games... The Ravens weren't a bad team they stayed in most games against really good teams they just couldn't win.

I don't see how people don't think the Ravens have playmakers... Jimmy Smith when healthy (and he is finally going to be healthy) is a top 5 cornerback in this league. Powers is probably one of the most underrated guys and he is our 3rd cornerback. Weddle coming in is huge and he will be a big part of the Ravens future.There are several guys that are playmakers they may not be top 5 at their position but they are definitely very good at what they do. We don't need Suggs to have a DPOY season like we used to. We don't need Dumervil to pile up 17 sacks again.

The Ravens were in the upper half of the league both offensively and defensively. What they struggled in that made them lose 9 of their 11 losses by 1 score or less was because they were near the bottom half in the redzone on each side of the ball. The Ravens offense now has Wallace and Perriman to open up the middle of the field for the tight ends including Ben Watson. The defense added one of the best safeties in the NFL and a very good slot cornerback. The loss of Suggs was probably the defining issue that sent the Ravens to lose games early.

The Ravens do not need players to be top 5 at their position. They won the 2013 super bowl with a bunch of guys that were solid and a quarterback who knew how to sling it. The talent is there and the media only follows the teams that do well and the Cowboys (of course). A lot of pundits believed the Ravens were on track to win the super bowl. If they scored one more time and each of those games they could have easily been 12-4 last season give or take a game.

Plus why do you think the Ravens can't win the division? The Bengals have lost a lot of important pieces, the Steelers we swept last season and Martavis Bryant is out the season for suspension and Bell likely has a 4 game suspension now, and the Browns are in rebuilding mode. I see 3-3 as the floor in the division next season.

My definition of a play-maker is different than yours. Play-makers are the ones that make plays when it matters, and the Ravens have none aside from Suggs and Steve Smith, the problem with Smith and Suggs is they are both older in age and coming off devastating injuries. And Jimmy Smith is a good corner, and that is it. He does not come up with big plays such as interceptions of turnovers, teams also don't plan around Jimmy Smith either, as they do with top 5 corners. Daryl Smith was a good line-backer for us, but didn't make big plays. Justin forsett and company are very average in my book. The bottom line is that no team prepares for the Ravens and go "better watch out for that guy".

And when we won the super bowl we had a ton of play-makers. Suggs, Ngata, Lewis, Reed, Boldin even Pollard, wide receivers were so scared to go across the middle when he was in the game, He was also the one that put the dagger in the Patriots in the championship game by knocking Ridley unconscious lol My point is we have none of those types of players on the Ravens at this moment aside from Smith and Suggs. Hopefully the rookie class will hold some surprises.

Flacco sure made plays when they counted... Counted the MOST.

[cbrook1862]

I think the ravens are very real SB contenders this year, but we need a few things to go right on both sides of the ball. On offense we need, Joe back to form, SSS to come back and put up decent numbers and still be able to make a few big plays a game, Perriman to actually get on the field and be the player we thought he was when we drafted him, and good play from the oline to protect joe and effectively run the ball.

On defense we an overall better performance from the secondary, more turnovers and a solid passrush attack.

If those things go right or at least 90% of them go right, the sky's the limit.

[cbrook1862]

all we gotta do is just make it to the playoffs, and from there we're good. We've never been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and we always put up a good fight against the toughest of teams so as long as we can make it there I have no worries

[Obie]

As I said before, we are only as good as Joe takes us.

[OzzieBisciotti]

I think we go 7-9. I think being "very real SB contenders" is a very big stretch. Our O Line will not be able to open lanes up for Forsett this year either- I expect the Defense to play better with Suggs- we have a limited window of opportunity before we have to rebuild all over again with all the aging veterans on our team.