2016 Ravens Emotional Leaders - Who and Why

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Leadership Is The Most Important Quality In Football

By Jacob Snow on April 8, 2016 in Fan Insights

In light of our rich history of emotional leadership, this always takes notice. Since our last Super Bowl there have been several changes and shifts to bring us to this 2016 Season, but have all the leadership roles been defined? Beyond the team interviews the other obvious indicators of 'who the leaders are...' usually comes from the fans.

We're not in the locker rooms or sidelines, but the fan 'eye test' is normally spot-on with the organization's. Looking for input on 'emotional' leadership on this one.  

Edited August 28, 2016 by jkm5bmore
grammar

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I believe the emotional intelligence is the primary leadership quality that defines team play. Because of this key aspect a few current Ravens come to mind.

My 1st Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: Steve Smith Sr.

"For NFL players, emotional intelligence and situational awareness play a huge role in defining how well players respond under pressure." -  Written by Gar Wang from Pro Player Insider

"It's been great. He's all in," wide receivers coach Bobby Engram said. "Smitty is a worker. He's made a lot of plays in this league; he has not lost an edge. He's been a great addition for the receiving room and for our team as a whole. He's a leader." - wbaltv.com

I feel that it's the most obvious fan pick to start with. To me it's that feeling you get when someone makes a play that's not always a 'spectacular' play in you can feel that everybody watching the game with you adrenaline just went-up and you immediately see all the Ravens on the field and sidelines are experiencing the same thing - an instant energy infusion.

When competitive energy and commitment is lacking and we really need a play - when Steve delivers one - it's on! 

[Passepartout]

I love emotional leaders. As they add encouragement to the other players. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I believe there's a certain kind of emotional team leadership that fans recognize instinctively and is more powerful in football than any other team sport - "The Underdog Leader". There are players who just quietly command the roar of the fans just through unyielding competitiveness and basic human empathy. They usually have a great story (Rudy-like) and/or a certain relate-able, commonality. When they make plays...every fan and player celebrates it.

My 2nd Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: Eric Weddle

“All of your hopes and dreams start right now – to have a chance at the ultimate goal: winning a Super Bowl,” Weddle said. “Gosh, I can’t tell or express the excitement you have coming back.”  

IMO - Beyond his high football I.Q., I just know when this dude makes his 1st play Raven's Nation will explode (and his teammates).

[berad]

Is this an article? I'm confused by the format

[Purple_City39]

I think the "emotional leader" concept is overrated.  We had Ray in 2002, 2005, and 2007 while the team sucked.  And had Ray from 01-07 where we won one playoff game.  Meanwhile every offensive player he's had has said quiet Joe was a definite leader.  Torrey has continued to sing his praises since his departure.

I'd say having leaders in general is more important than what kind of leader they are.

[ERey]

It has to be Steve Smith Sr. He is to the Ravens what Jerome Bettis was to the Steelers in 2005. A very popular, talented, HOF, older veteran back for one more year before retirement to win a Championship. How can the team not rally around a guy like that.

[Tank 92]

"For NFL players, emotional intelligence and situational awareness play a huge role in defining how well players respond under pressure." -  Written by Gar Wang from Pro Player Insider

This quote fits more to Joe Flacco in that "emotional intelligence and situational awareness"  points to someone that can control their emotions and is acutely aware of when and how to express them.  Makes sense since Joe is at his best when under pressure.

  

Edited August 30, 2016 by Tank 92

[FlocksGottaFeed]

1 hour ago, Tank 92 said:

"For NFL players, emotional intelligence and situational awareness play a huge role in defining how well players respond under pressure." -  Written by Gar Wang from Pro Player Insider

This quote fits more to Joe Flacco in that "emotional intelligence and situational awareness"  points to someone that can control their emotions and is acutely aware of when and how to express them.  Makes sense since Joe is at his best when under pressure.

  

Tank I can definitely agreed with the Joe Flacco "emotional intelligence and situational awareness" leadership comparison. It comes in many forms. Joe's illustrates three things for me:

• Relationship Building - Through humor (even goof-ball at times) and openness to build trust
• Self-awareness - Being Comfortable enough in your own skin that your emotional control can help to balance the energy of teammates when needed.
• Situational Awareness - Because he's normally low-key when he does show a level/burst of 'intense', high energy outward emotion the team's energy elevates immediately.

For me "emotional intelligence and situational awareness" is more about when and how to express them. Joe does it his way. Really similar to the Ngata way.

 

[Purple Punishment]

3 hours ago, Purple_City39 said:

I'd say having leaders in general is more important than what kind of leader they are.

 

I have to disagree with this statement. Being military, I've had some piss poor leaders that were leaders because they were appointed to do so by their Rank. 

 

The leadership type is much more valuable than just being there saying you're a leader and going through the motions.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

4 hours ago, Purple_City39 said:

I think the "emotional leader" concept is overrated.  We had Ray in 2002, 2005, and 2007 while the team sucked.  And had Ray from 01-07 where we won one playoff game.  Meanwhile every offensive player he's had has said quiet Joe was a definite leader.  Torrey has continued to sing his praises since his departure.

I'd say having leaders in general is more important than what kind of leader they are.

Agreed. You get no argument there. I would argue anyone that see's differently. As far as Ray Lewis goes I think he displayed several different forms leadership. When the team needed a play he didn't elevate his voice, he silently elevated his game even more trying to make that play. Not for anything except "that's what was needed". Joe is no different. He uses multiple 'emotional leadership' tools.

Just because there's seemingly 'controlled' intensity doesn't mean you can't use it to elevate teammates. When we were down on energy during the 49ers SB comeback Joe looked like a stone-cold assassin at times. It has an affect (emotionally).

[FlocksGottaFeed]

4 hours ago, berad said:

Is this an article? I'm confused by the format

The article reference at the very top of the post is just a reference. Everything else is my opinion. The main objective is to open conversation about our 'rich' history of Ravens leadership and fans identifying who are our 'emotional leaders' this season. Thoughts.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

29 minutes ago, Purple Punishment said:

 

I have to disagree with this statement. Being military, I've had some piss poor leaders that were leaders because they were appointed to do so by their Rank. 

 

The leadership type is much more valuable than just being there saying you're a leader and going through the motions.

Completely agree as vet myself. There are some appointed so-called leaders that can say "Let's go!" and nothing happens. And then there are the 'true' leaders.

[berad]

47 minutes ago, jkm5bmore said:

The article reference at the very top of the post is just a reference. Everything else is my opinion. The main objective is to open conversation about our 'rich' history of Ravens leadership and fans identifying who are our 'emotional leaders' this season. Thoughts.

Okay, just making sure so we had the proper citation, if needed.

Our 'emotional' leaders, at least the ones in my definition that show fiery and passionate emotion while also being leading performers, are guys like Steve Smith and Terrell Suggs. You may see young guys grow into that - Brandon Williams, Terrance West, Tavon Young, Timmy Jernigan, Ryan Jensen, etc - and/or veterans get more comfortable and vocal - Eric Weddle, Mike Wallace.

This isn't a comprehensive list by any means, just guys I've seen enough of or noticed something by the way they play/behave.

[Cawtious]

Quote

I think emotional leaders set the "tone".  They aren't necessarily seen as the epicenter of overall team leadership.  Their expressiveness and attitudes breed intensity with other players.  You need tone setters on every squad within the team.  They get teammates fired up and bring excitement and intensity to the game.  Gotta have those players!

 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

3 hours ago, berad said:

Okay, just making sure so we had the proper citation, if needed.

Our 'emotional' leaders, at least the ones in my definition that show fiery and passionate emotion while also being leading performers, are guys like Steve Smith and Terrell Suggs. You may see young guys grow into that - Brandon Williams, Terrance West, Tavon Young, Timmy Jernigan, Ryan Jensen, etc - and/or veterans get more comfortable and vocal - Eric Weddle, Mike Wallace.

This isn't a comprehensive list by any means, just guys I've seen enough of or noticed something by the way they play/behave.

Thanks. I like the list. Do you think CJ Mosley could be added for 2016 leadership? I was thinking about profiling him, too. My 3rd.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

3 hours ago, Cawtious said:

I think emotional leaders set the "tone". Gotta have those players!

Absolutely. It takes that kind of energy to elevate the energy around you.

[Jacquouille]

My main interest in the matter is trying to figure out which young guys could end up leaders.

Obviously I want CJ to be more vocal, but it just doesn't seem to be his type. I don't need him to be rah rah, but if he could be a Kuechly type of commander that would be awesome. 

Two guys that could be that down the road are Z and Brooks. It takes both caracter and credibility as a player to become a leader, and they both have great character, it's a matter of stepping their game up and become THE guy. 

[Purple_City39]

17 hours ago, Purple Punishment said:

 

I have to disagree with this statement. Being military, I've had some piss poor leaders that were leaders because they were appointed to do so by their Rank. 

 

The leadership type is much more valuable than just being there saying you're a leader and going through the motions.

The military and the NFL are not the same.  Players in the NFL aren't appointed leadership due to any rank or seniority.  They are leaders because other players and coaches see leadership in their actions.  An above example is Ray Lewis.  Fans talk about the "rah rah" leadership far more than the fact he was one of the people you could count on to lead by example.  4th and 1 against the charges is the type of thing that makes him a leader.

[ellicottraven]

I think we are covered: I believe SSS, Weddle, Webby and Suggs we have it covered. If truth be told there are other leaders who may not be vocal but are very emotional leaders such as Yanda, Doom, etc.

[berad]

13 hours ago, jkm5bmore said:

Thanks. I like the list. Do you think CJ Mosley could be added for 2016 leadership? I was thinking about profiling him, too. My 3rd.

CJ isn't the vocal type of leader that I associate with an "emotional leader". He may do a lot of things behind the scenes and lead in other ways but I don't think being in the middle of the circle screaming at guys is where he's most comfortable or most effective and he doesn't need to be, either.

[Jacquouille]

2 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I think we are covered: I believe SSS, Weddle, Webby and Suggs we have it covered. If truth be told there are other leaders who may not be vocal but are very emotional leaders such as Yanda, Doom, etc.

Problem is they're all vets. 

Edited August 31, 2016 by Jacquouille

[ellicottraven]

Just now, Jacquouille said:

Problem is their all vets. 

Why is that a problem? Was the question about a new lineage of vocal leaders that aren't vets? If so somebody will emerge that we haven't yet heard of.

[Jacquouille]

31 minutes ago, ellicottraven said:

Why is that a problem? Was the question about a new lineage of vocal leaders that aren't vets? If so somebody will emerge that we haven't yet heard of.

No it's not off subject, just thinking about the future. It's been too long since we've drafted a guy who can take on that rôle, and one day we're gonna pay that.

[ellicottraven]

41 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

No it's not off subject, just thinking about the future. It's been too long since we've drafted a guy who can take on that rôle, and one day we're gonna pay that.

See the thing is a lot of players evolve into becoming great leaders. It is hard to pin point great leadership traits so early in one's college career. But I hear you.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

6 hours ago, berad said:

CJ isn't the vocal type of leader that I associate with an "emotional leader". He may do a lot of things behind the scenes and lead in other ways but I don't think being in the middle of the circle screaming at guys is where he's most comfortable or most effective and he doesn't need to be, either.

Thanks. Absolutely agree, but that's why I think that he is an emotional leader. Just the kind of leader that is very understated. When I think in terms of emotions I include every human emotion (anger, happiest, fear, sadness, etc.). Anyone of those emotions and/or combinations of those emotions applied consistently in productively to serve the teams goals usually serve as leadership.

C.J. Mosley's most consistent emotional leadership qualities are his fearlessness, self-determination and confidence.

My 3rd Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: C.J. Mosley

“I think I have to be more of a vocal leader more this year, especially being at 'MIKE' now,” -  C.J. Mosley, Ravens Forum

I'm in complete agreement with others who say that he shouldn't focus on 'vocal' Ray Lewis-like leadership. It doesn't fit him. That type of leadership style for those kinds of results is so rare we may never see it again. I'm hoping that he commits to forming his own leadership style based on the emotional strengths that he brings.

• Confidence - Just the fact that he wants to lead gives a level of respect and commitment from your teammates.
• Self-Determination - His commitment to doing the work (study, workout, relationship building, etc.) sets the example and is respected by others
• Fearlessness - I've never seen this dude back-down to anyone. That emotional energy elevates those around you.

I remember seeing C.J. pancaked on a play in his rookie season (nasty). It was so bad that the rest of his teammates just bowed their heads in condolence. That O-lineman tried to stare him down. He stared back unmoved. A couple of plays later he bodied-up that same lineman using speed and balance (making him look like he was wearing roller-skates on ice) , then C.J. completely pancaked the RB (nasty x 2) causing a fumble, picked it up and scored. Afterwards, the Ravens went on a tear to win the game and after that game most of us watching said, "I think we've found our next defensive leader...".

It's time. I think he's ready if he can create and embrace his own leadership style.

Edited August 31, 2016 by jkm5bmore
typo

[FlocksGottaFeed]

16 hours ago, Jacquouille said:

My main interest in the matter is trying to figure out which young guys could end up leaders.

Obviously I want CJ to be more vocal, but it just doesn't seem to be his type. I don't need him to be rah rah, but if he could be a Kuechly type of commander that would be awesome. 

Two guys that could be that down the road are Z and Brooks. It takes both caracter and credibility as a player to become a leader, and they both have great character, it's a matter of stepping their game up and become THE guy. 

Agreed. I'm hoping that what C.J. meant by more vocal is calling-out other team plays as they called them real-time (like Ray was known for).

The Ravens would play Peyton Manning’s version of the Colts before Ray Lewis retired. Manning said many times, “Ray Lewis was over there calling my plays at the same time I was.”

That's the most important 'vocal' a clutch player can offer a team. As far as defining 'Emotional Leadership' goes - there are a lot of different emotions that a leader can use to lead others. His love and steadfast commitment to film study and preparation could be a effective form of emotional leader (and more useful). The Rah, Rah stuff can't compare to Ray's true leadership qualities and hopefully C.J. stays with his own qualities in order to be an effective leader - it's enough.

Edited September 1, 2016 by jkm5bmore
typo

[berad]

17 hours ago, jkm5bmore said:

Thanks. Absolutely agree, but that's why I think that he is an emotional leader. Just the kind of leader that is very understated. When I think in terms of emotions I include every human emotion (anger, happiest, fear, sadness, etc.). Anyone of those emotions and/or combinations of those emotions applied consistently in productively to serve the teams goals usually serve as leadership.

C.J. Mosley's most consistent emotional leadership qualities are his fearlessness, self-determination and confidence.

My 3rd Ravens Emotional Leader on the list: C.J. Mosley

“I think I have to be more of a vocal leader more this year, especially being at 'MIKE' now,” -  C.J. Mosley, Ravens Forum

I'm in complete agreement with others who say that he shouldn't focus on 'vocal' Ray Lewis-like leadership. It doesn't fit him. That type of leadership style for those kinds of results is so rare we may never see it again. I'm hoping that he commits to forming his own leadership style based on the emotional strengths that he brings.

• Confidence - Just the fact that he wants to lead gives a level of respect and commitment from your teammates.
• Self-Determination - His commitment to doing the work (study, workout, relationship building, etc.) sets the example and is respected by others
• Fearlessness - I've never seen this dude back-down to anyone. That emotional energy elevates those around you.

I remember seeing C.J. pancaked on a play in his rookie season (nasty). It was so bad that the rest of his teammates just bowed their heads in condolence. That O-lineman tried to stare him down. He stared back unmoved. A couple of plays later he bodied-up that same lineman using speed and balance (making him look like he was wearing roller-skates on ice) , then C.J. completely pancaked the RB (nasty x 2) causing a fumble, picked it up and scored. Afterwards, the Ravens went on a tear to win the game and after that game most of us watching said, "I think we've found our next defensive leader...".

It's time. I think he's ready if he can create and embrace his own leadership style.

I just don't think CJ's emotions consistently guide the team - I can't consider him an emotional leader. He's a leader in many other ways but he is low key and level-headed like Joe. When he speaks, it carries weight - he knows how to use that, too.

I don't remember the anecdote but Mosley has become a pillar to build our defense around, that's why the coaches felt okay cutting Smith.

[January J]

The ravens posted that they have a "surprise" involving ray lewis. Wonder what that could be? Too late for him to come on as a coach unfortunately lol

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I think Matt Judon is going to become a leader on this team in the future.

While only preseason hes making plays way above expectation. He took the path less traveled to get here, watching/reading his stuff on social media im getting more insight to his personality and hes got that confident cool about him. The NFL isnt too big for him. And hes getting the respect of the elder statesman on the team already.

I think hes going to come up big for us and be a guy that others rally around in the future.

 

As of this season and the current locker room - Suggs, Joe and SSS lead in their own ways.

If I had to name 1, apex leader - its Suggs. We saw the difference in this team when he went down. He's the guy who has lead in every way. He's been the premier defensive player in the league. Hes consistently been among the best. He rallies the troops with his words. He puts the target on himself to take the pressure and attention away from others. Hes the confident swagger guy who talks the trash to put the other team off. Hes a big play maker. And hes not afraid to make bold statements about how good this team is to set the bar for everyone, and the team rallies around that pressure to meet his expectation.

He's A1. But we have many.

Weddle has come in and asserted himself right away, without force, just his personality and outgoing nature have clearly won the respects of his team mates. Mosley will be a tactical leader but he'll do it his own way.

And Yanda will lead the front line with his play. No need to talk about it... just shows how to go about your biz the right way and maul.

Also, Levine is a guy i see becoming a leader too. His playmaking is speaking for itself, and everyone always loves a guy who had to make it by any means possible. Hes been a glue guy for us filling in wherever needed. And now he's blossoming in a role that really fits his skill set. That picture of him and Suggs posing the other day kind of alludes to that. He was an understated guy in the past, but playmaking gets everyones juices flowing. He saved a pre-season game single-handedly. That opens eyes.

 

With an eye to the future: I think Stanley will become a leader similar to how Ogden was. Wont necessarily ask for it, but with his superior play he'll get everyones respect and everyone around him will want to live up to his expectations. 

Judon I already spoke on.

BWill is an obvious candidate. He's got a fun personality that people seem to gravitate toward. Kamar Aiken is another. He's really elevated himself and quietly gets everyones respect. Not going to be a rah rah guy, but hes going to lead with his intensity. I see SSS kind of passing the torch onto him. Its clear with the way he's emotionally defended Aiken in the media that he loves the guy and maybe sees a bit of himself in Aiken - that underdog mentality thats overcoming doubters to be a legit playmaker in the league.

Quite frankly, we've been blessed in this regard. I think its part of what Ozzie has built into the DNA of this football team and a key attribute hes trained the scouting team to look for... guys that lead by nature. We've seen many incarnations of it, from the outwardly emotional, the cool assassins who get it done with their play, the guys who set the tone and example by overachieving beyond their talent level to produce for us, and the massively confident with the knack for big, explosive or hard-hitting plays that get everyone juiced. We've had them all, and have them still all over this roster.

 

Edited September 1, 2016 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK