2016 Ravens Emotional Leaders - Who and Why

[Militant X 1]

On 8/31/2016 at 8:32 AM, Purple_City39 said:

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.

Exactly!

And imo this type of leadership just emerges from within an individual.  Either it is in you or it's not!

[FlocksGottaFeed]

On 8/31/2016 at 8:44 AM, 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.

Think I found the play, but there was no touch down (My bad...my brain just embellish the moment.). One of those Steelers O-line had just pancaked him just before that play. Video Time: Around 2:30

  I'm not sure if he will ever be an emotion leader like the one we're accustomed to, but on certain levels he leads with emotion.

Edited September 2, 2016 by jkm5bmore
typo

[FlocksGottaFeed]

On 8/30/2016 at 1:44 AM, jkm5bmore said:

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).

This recent game against the Bills spoke volumes about Weddle's leadership:

Albert McClellan said communication on defense was as good as it's been since Super Bowl year when they had Lewis, Reed making adjustments

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiecsun) September 11, 2016

 

Emotional Leadership can take-on a lot forms. It's not always outwardly aggressive (just one form). Sometimes it's a confidence that's translated through a leader's situational IQ that is shared to elevate the play. Weddle definitely fits the role. It's great to see that players, coaches and fans - get it.

 

Looking forward to seeing him get more recognition for his leadership abilities going forward.

 

 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

On 8/31/2016 at 8:32 AM, Purple_City39 said:

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.

Exactly. Based on the eye-test can we say Weddle fits the mold?

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/71098-weddle-pffs-mid-season-defensive-mvp-runner-up/

Emotional Leadership.

[flynismo]

On 8/30/2016 at 1:04 PM, 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.

  

Yep. Many past and present members of this team have pointed to Flacco's confidence and coolness under pressure as an inspiration for them to fight hard for the team. If that isn't emotional leadership, I don't know what is.

Edited November 14, 2016 by flynismo

[K-Dog]

I am thinking Sami or Wizard. 

Really.

[Militant X 1]

I think that defensively the emotional leaders are Suggs and Weddle.  Offensively it is SSS.  I love watching how the Ravens receivers feed off of him so much now that all of them to be be spinning the ball like he always does after they make a catch.   Leadership like that is definitely contagious and can spread thorughout a team like wildfire.