Merged...Positive Perspective for 2017

[Tank 92]

2 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

I know this team has a lot of issues, but I think there are only 3 main issues limiting this team and I think all are fixable. 

1. Oline play. The Oline seems to be getting better and better at run blocking, however the issue is pass pro. I think this improves with Stanley and Wagner returning this week and will get even better once Yanda returns. I think J5 has been mediocre thus far this year, but I think it's a result of being uncomfortable in the offense right now. He's getting beat up far too much so far and he's also throwing to 3 new WRs, there is clearly a disconnect in the pass game but I think that will improve once the oline improves. 

2. Redzone offense. If the Ravens score 1 extra TD in the Red zone each game, they are undefeated and some of these games aren't even close. Not sure why guys like Waller, Brown and Gilmore aren't height and size down there more often but I think it'd help. Also a guy like Perriman who has good leaping ability. I can't remember the Ravens running any fades this year and the few I saw last year was in the direction of SSS and Aiken. Also I'd like to see, Wallace, Perriman, Moore or even Hester used on that same jet sweep that Camp scored vs the Steelers last year. That stretches the defense down there. Even if you don't hand it off that end has to at least respect it. If the Ravens can improve in this area they'd put so much more pressure on other teams, while leaving themselves more margin for error. 

3. Undisciplined play. I don't know which one of these issues rank the highest but this is the one that drives me nuts each game. I posted in the game thread how the Ravens offense is the #1 defense in the NFL this year and it's because of those penalties. I know all teams say this, but I can't recall any lost where the Ravens didn't flat out beat themselves. I know many people are hot with Harbs for taking points off the board on 4th downs but I think that's a direct result of not having confidence in the team to take advantage of scoring opportunities on a regular basis. The amount of times this offense crosses midfield or even gets inside the 35 but come away with no points because a penalty not only stalls a drives but drives us backwards is crazy. Even with a poor redzone offense with the close nature of the games we've played a FG would greatly improve our odds of winning. 

I didn't mention anything about the defense because I feel the defense has played well enough to win each game, including the Raiders and Giants. Of course I would love to see more pass rush, but I think for what they lack in sacks they are making up for in turnovers. Also they aren't missing nearly as many tackles on those short passes that kills us vs teams like the Pats. I like where the defense is, I feel the offense needs to catch up. 

lol......Guess you too missed the post below that is on the first page of this thread.

On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 4:39 PM, Moderator 3 said:

Just a "heads up" to those who think they need to come into this thread to "keep it real", take your negativity to the hundred + other threads already open.  Positivity also deserves a thread.

 

[Ravensfan23]

From an individual the positives are

Tavon Young. I liked this guy from day one but i did not see him playing this well. Pleasant surprise. Tavon plays with the confidence and play making ability I'd love to see at FS. Will not compare him to Ed because it'd be unfair and i'm not even sure he'd be a good fit at FS but I just think he'd be a ball hawking FS and would actually put fear in offenses again. 

I really like the front 7. That rotation is really strong. I think they'll only get better. 

I think Stanley and Lewis are going to be great on the left side and Lewis has so much versatility. 

Love what West is doing and can't wait until Dixon gets his legs under him. 

And lastly I really like what I'm seeing from Perriman. First of all the guy is staying healthy. Secondly while there has been some rough patches I think he's shown enough potential to keep people excited about that light turning on for him. I think he'll develop into that #1 guy the Ravens have been looking for. 

 

[Ravensfan23]

13 minutes ago, Tank 92 said:

lol......Guess you too missed the post below that is on the first page of this thread.

 

It isn't negative and if it's perceived that way it wasn't my intent. Just pointing out that while many think the sky is falling, I only see 3 areas that's preventing the Ravens from being among the better if not the best team in the NFL. For as bad as the offense has looked, when I go back and watch the games it's really only a play or 2 here and there that prevents this offense from clicking and keeping things moving. That's all I was pointing out, the issues with this team are very fixable, but I can see how my post could bring out the negative Nacies 

[Moderator 3]

13 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

It isn't negative and if it's perceived that way it wasn't my intent. Just pointing out that while many think the sky is falling, I only see 3 areas that's preventing the Ravens from being among the better if not the best team in the NFL. For as bad as the offense has looked, when I go back and watch the games it's really only a play or 2 here and there that prevents this offense from clicking and keeping things moving. That's all I was pointing out, the issues with this team are very fixable, but I can see how my post could bring out the negative Nacies 

And if it does, there will be some major whacking going on. 

[RayRayRaven]

On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 5:03 PM, Tank 92 said:

 

The way pitt and cinci are going it's not a stretch to think 10-6 or even 9-7 could win the division.  Hopefully we somehow get the win next week and get healthy and fix things over the bye. No reason to think we can't still get to the tournament.

Maybe 8-8 wins the division

[RayRayRaven]

18 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

It isn't negative and if it's perceived that way it wasn't my intent. Just pointing out that while many think the sky is falling, I only see 3 areas that's preventing the Ravens from being among the better if not the best team in the NFL. For as bad as the offense has looked, when I go back and watch the games it's really only a play or 2 here and there that prevents this offense from clicking and keeping things moving. That's all I was pointing out, the issues with this team are very fixable, but I can see how my post could bring out the negative Nacies 

wasn't negitive gotta recognise the probs hope the coach does too

want a positive?  we got more breaks on PI in that game than we have got in the last 3 years.  the refs luv us!!!  a few more and superbowl!

 

[Ravensfan23]

On 10/18/2016 at 9:43 AM, darklight1216 said:

My biggest positive for this season might be Dennis Pitta. I really thought his career was over afterthe second hip fracture. He's proving me wrong. 

 

I also have to hand it to Jimmy Smith. He makes a huge difference on the field. 

Jimmy is probably the most unnoticed shutdown CB in the NFL. He really balls out when healthy, getting him to stay healthy is the issue. However he's a stud and we didn't really know his impact until he left the game. 

 

8 hours ago, Cawtious said:

Filmstudy pointed out that Joe has ATS (Adequate Time and Space) about 46% of the time.  If we push that number into the 60% realm, Joe will start lighting people up (or at least hit them in the hands, giving them an opportunity to make a catch).  We're not that far off of getting our offense in a position to put more points on the board.

If Joe can stand tall in the pocket like Eli and Carr were able to do against us this offense rolls and never stops. I can't count the number of times a really good play design was ruined by poor blocking. Going back to watch the Giants game, I think I love this offense under Marty, just gotta give Joe time. 

Perriman's 41 yard catch is a TD if the oline picks up the deep safety bltiz. Perriman and Wallace both were open attacking downfield. Flacco just needed a big more time to lead Perriman instead of give him a jump. If that play develops the Safety would have kept running with Wallace and Perriman would have had the entire middle of the field to himself for a 74 yard TD right out the gates. I'm excited for where this offense is headed once the oline is healthy 

[Ravensfan23]

10 minutes ago, RayRayRaven said:

wasn't negitive gotta recognise the probs hope the coach does too

want a positive?  we got more breaks on PI in that game than we have got in the last 3 years.  the refs luv us!!!  a few more and superbowl!

 

I'd rather have a few of those holding calls back in exchange for the OPI lol. If they really like us allow our big boys up front to get a little rough. 

But those PI calls put so much pressure on defenders. Hidden yardage is a huge part of NFL games and the Ravens seem to get them a lot when they attack down field. 

[ravensdfan]

On 10/18/2016 at 7:33 AM, ravensdfan said:

Fitzpatrick Geno Smith has been named the starter. There's hope.

Fixed it for myself

[flynismo]

6 minutes ago, ravensdfan said:

Fixed it for myself

That's even better news...Fitzpatrick actually has some talent that worries me.

[jdynamite]

On 10/17/2016 at 7:17 PM, Moderator 3 said:

We try, but the constant feeding of them makes our job almost impossible.  In fact, I've requested a warning for Troll Baiting/Feeding. 

 

lol 

[ravensdfan]

1 hour ago, flynismo said:

That's even better news...Fitzpatrick actually has some talent that worries me.

The positives are piling up IMO.

Big Ben is injured and reportedly out 4-6 weeks. We know how the Steelers generally go without him.

What was a must win game turned out to be negated by losses in the entire division.

We're only one game out of 1st place.

Bengals aren't playing so hot.

Browns are still the Browns.

Geno Smith is starting.

We get a bye week to heal up before we face the Steelers without Big Ben (most likely).

Beginning to look forward to this game lol

[RaineV1]

When you look at their schedule, this injury could lead to the Steelers dropping four games in a row (counting the Miami one). They could easily end up 4-5 going into the Browns' game, and the Browns do sometimes play spoilers to other teams.

[ALPHA]

11 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

From an individual the positives are

Tavon Young. I liked this guy from day one but i did not see him playing this well. Pleasant surprise. Tavon plays with the confidence and play making ability I'd love to see at FS. Will not compare him to Ed because it'd be unfair and i'm not even sure he'd be a good fit at FS but I just think he'd be a ball hawking FS and would actually put fear in offenses again. 

I really like the front 7. That rotation is really strong. I think they'll only get better. 

I think Stanley and Lewis are going to be great on the left side and Lewis has so much versatility. 

Love what West is doing and can't wait until Dixon gets his legs under him. 

And lastly I really like what I'm seeing from Perriman. First of all the guy is staying healthy. Secondly while there has been some rough patches I think he's shown enough potential to keep people excited about that light turning on for him. I think he'll develop into that #1 guy the Ravens have been looking for. 

 

I hope you're right, we haven't done a good job of replacing the old guard and need guys to step up in the worst way.

[VermontRaven]

Geno's stats the last time he faced the Ravens:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitGe00/gamelog/?opp_id=rav

 

										Passing									Rushing				Receiving
Rk	Year	Date	G#	Age	Tm		Opp	Result	GS	Cmp	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	Int	Rate	Y/A	AY/A	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	Tgt	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Ctch% ▼	Y/Tgt
1	2013	2013-11-24	11	23-045	NYJ	@	BAL	L 3-19	*	9	22	40.91	127	0	2	22.3	5.77	1.68	3	6	2.00	0	1	1	13	13.00	0	100.0%	13.00

 

[RavensFanMania]

14 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

From an individual the positives are

Tavon Young. I liked this guy from day one but i did not see him playing this well. Pleasant surprise. Tavon plays with the confidence and play making ability I'd love to see at FS. Will not compare him to Ed because it'd be unfair and i'm not even sure he'd be a good fit at FS but I just think he'd be a ball hawking FS and would actually put fear in offenses again. 

I really like the front 7. That rotation is really strong. I think they'll only get better. 

I think Stanley and Lewis are going to be great on the left side and Lewis has so much versatility. 

Love what West is doing and can't wait until Dixon gets his legs under him. 

And lastly I really like what I'm seeing from Perriman. First of all the guy is staying healthy. Secondly while there has been some rough patches I think he's shown enough potential to keep people excited about that light turning on for him. I think he'll develop into that #1 guy the Ravens have been looking for. 

 

I actually think Lewis will be our right tackle of the future.

i love the young talent we have on this roster that we have drafted over the last few years.

2014: CJ Mosely and Timmy Jernigan

2015: Perriman and Max (I believe both will come into there own)

2016: Stanley, Young, Dixon, Lewis (also believe Correa and Kaufusi) will be good

if we continue to draft like this we could be among the best in the league.

[VermontRaven]

11 minutes ago, RavensFanMania said:

I actually think Lewis will be our right tackle of the future.

i love the young talent we have on this roster that we have drafted over the last few years.

2014: CJ Mosely and Timmy Jernigan

2015: Perriman and Max (I believe both will come into there own)

2016: Stanley, Young, Dixon, Lewis (also believe Correa and Kaufusi) will be good

if we continue to draft like this we could be among the best in the league.

I agree completely. I think we have done a nice job the last few years.  Jernigan and Mosley are looking awesome this year!  Lewis and Young appear to be 2 of the best steals of the draft!  Stanley is looking good and Dixon looked good in preseason and I think will start being a difference maker soon.  I think Perriman could have a breakout game at any time.  I am VERY excited about the future of the Ravens-short term and long term with this group of playmakers!  GO RAVENS!!!

[Ravensfan23]

9 hours ago, ALPHA said:

I hope you're right, we haven't done a good job of replacing the old guard and need guys to step up in the worst way.

Honestly I think we have, injuries have just crushed this team the past 2-3 years and as bad as injuries are they're worse for young players. Another factor is FA. Things aren't like that used to be. Now a good role player will cash in on a big deal from another team. 

I'll start by saying this team will never have another JO, Ray or Ed. Those guys are once in a generation talent. However you can add great players to those positions and I think both Stanley and CJ will be great a long time for the Ravens. 

Clearly haven't found that play making Safety yet but it'll be easier to develop one under Weddle as opposed to trail by fire. 

Now on to replacing the great players we've had. I think the Ravens did a nice job of replacing Ngata. I'm a fan of a 7-8 man rotation opposed to one really dominate DT. I think it's cheaper and allows guys like Peirce to develop faster. I love Timmy and BW, hopefully FA allows us to keep them long term. 

I think Orr is proving to be that Bart Scott type Robin to CJ's batman. I like what he's been doing. 

Jimmy is a big physical CB we like on the outside and I think Tavon is fully capable of being that Webb/Rolle type. Canady and Price are wildcats. 

The pass rush is TBD. We'll get a good idea of those guys this week without Suggs and Doom. The jury is definitely out. 

Offensively I think losing KO sucked because he definitely replaced any other LG we've had and could have been the replacement for Yanda as that dominant interior guy. I like Lewis but not sure he's that guy. 

I don't think replacing Ray Rice is a huge deal but I think the duo of West and Dixon will be plenty good. 

As for WR/TE we're just gonna have to deal with the growing pains of young players. I feel this team is a lot more talented than many believe.

[Ravensfan23]

6 hours ago, RavensFanMania said:

I actually think Lewis will be our right tackle of the future.

i love the young talent we have on this roster that we have drafted over the last few years.

2014: CJ Mosely and Timmy Jernigan

2015: Perriman and Max (I believe both will come into there own)

2016: Stanley, Young, Dixon, Lewis (also believe Correa and Kaufusi) will be good

if we continue to draft like this we could be among the best in the league.

I think he will as well. If Jensen can improve his pass blocking he could definitely be a mainstay on the oline. I love his physicality and toughness, just needs to clear up some of those technique issues. 

I think Moore and Waller will both be strong reserves for this offense moving forward. 

[ALPHA]

47 minutes ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Honestly I think we have, injuries have just crushed this team the past 2-3 years and as bad as injuries are they're worse for young players. Another factor is FA. Things aren't like that used to be. Now a good role player will cash in on a big deal from another team. 

I'll start by saying this team will never have another JO, Ray or Ed. Those guys are once in a generation talent. However you can add great players to those positions and I think both Stanley and CJ will be great a long time for the Ravens. 

Clearly haven't found that play making Safety yet but it'll be easier to develop one under Weddle as opposed to trail by fire. 

Now on to replacing the great players we've had. I think the Ravens did a nice job of replacing Ngata. I'm a fan of a 7-8 man rotation opposed to one really dominate DT. I think it's cheaper and allows guys like Peirce to develop faster. I love Timmy and BW, hopefully FA allows us to keep them long term. 

I think Orr is proving to be that Bart Scott type Robin to CJ's batman. I like what he's been doing. 

Jimmy is a big physical CB we like on the outside and I think Tavon is fully capable of being that Webb/Rolle type. Canady and Price are wildcats. 

The pass rush is TBD. We'll get a good idea of those guys this week without Suggs and Doom. The jury is definitely out. 

Offensively I think losing KO sucked because he definitely replaced any other LG we've had and could have been the replacement for Yanda as that dominant interior guy. I like Lewis but not sure he's that guy. 

I don't think replacing Ray Rice is a huge deal but I think the duo of West and Dixon will be plenty good. 

As for WR/TE we're just gonna have to deal with the growing pains of young players. I feel this team is a lot more talented than many believe.

I think our problems boil down to the trenches, no pass rush and lack of stability and talent at the offensive line. 

[usmccharles]

1 hour ago, Ravensfan23 said:

Honestly I think we have, injuries have just crushed this team the past 2-3 years and as bad as injuries are they're worse for young players. Another factor is FA. Things aren't like that used to be. Now a good role player will cash in on a big deal from another team. 

I'll start by saying this team will never have another JO, Ray or Ed. Those guys are once in a generation talent. However you can add great players to those positions and I think both Stanley and CJ will be great a long time for the Ravens. 

Clearly haven't found that play making Safety yet but it'll be easier to develop one under Weddle as opposed to trail by fire. 

Now on to replacing the great players we've had. I think the Ravens did a nice job of replacing Ngata. I'm a fan of a 7-8 man rotation opposed to one really dominate DT. I think it's cheaper and allows guys like Peirce to develop faster. I love Timmy and BW, hopefully FA allows us to keep them long term. Agree

I think Orr is proving to be that Bart Scott type Robin to CJ's batman. I like what he's been doing.  Agree

Jimmy is a big physical CB we like on the outside and I think Tavon is fully capable of being that Webb/Rolle type. Canady and Price are wildcats. 

The pass rush is TBD. We'll get a good idea of those guys this week without Suggs and Doom. The jury is definitely out. 

Offensively I think losing KO sucked because he definitely replaced any other LG we've had and could have been the replacement for Yanda as that dominant interior guy. I like Lewis but not sure he's that guy. 

I don't think replacing Ray Rice is a huge deal but I think the duo of West and Dixon will be plenty good. 

As for WR/TE we're just gonna have to deal with the growing pains of young players. I feel this team is a lot more talented than many believe.  Agree: some people just need to learn to be patient. 

Very good points. 

I think we have been doing just fine in the FA department, adding Weddle, Wallace, and SSr were huge additions to this team, however I was not a fan of the Watson signing but I understand at the time our TE position was extremely flaky. 

I agree I think Stanley and Mosely will be cornerstones on each side of the ball for years to come, I was happy with the Stanley pick. 

Safety will be an issue for years to come as far as young talent, Weddle looks to be what we all thought he would be. 

Im really excited to see Young develop and see what he can become, that's a huge positive for this team. 

The pass rush is were im extremely worried: Suggs and Doom are on their way out, hell this might be their last year here.  KC is still up in the air but we do have guys like Judon and Kaufusi who could become animals for us

It did suck losing KO but I would have not wanted to pay a guard 13million a year.  Lets give Lewis sometime, hes 6 games in, I think he will be a solid starter for us for years. 

I am on the different side about a Ray Rice type player.  Ever since we lost him or that production, ive been saying we need a player like that.  The versatility a back like that offers is amazing, 4th and 29, carry the ball 25 times a game, 50+ catches a year, I think we really need that type of player.  As much as people want to bring up the word playmaker, that was Ray Rice.  Disclaimer: im not advocating that we bring him back even though I believe he deserves another chance. 

 

 

[Ravensfan23]

34 minutes ago, ALPHA said:

I think our problems boil down to the trenches, no pass rush and lack of stability and talent at the offensive line. 

I agree with the pass rush. Those guys must step up. 

The oline has talent imo, it just has to develop. Can't expect guys to be comfortable working together when you're changing the oline every week it seems. 

[Ravensfan23]

@usmccharles I agree, it would be great to have a talent like RR in the backfield again. I was just saying it doesn't have to come from one player. I think a tandem can fill his roll and much like I said about Nata, you'd get similar production but cheaper because it's a committee handling the load. 

[usmccharles]

Just now, Ravensfan23 said:

@usmccharles I agree, it would be great to have a talent like RR in the backfield again. I was just saying it doesn't have to come from one player. I think a tandem can fill his roll and much like I said about Nata, you'd get similar production but cheaper because it's a committee handling the load. 

I agree to an extent.  Its just like the backfield in NE with Blount and White: one is a great receiving back, one is a great power runner, so they're situational threats.  But guys like RR who could do both, had to be accounted for a lot more. 

[PurpleHorseman]

4 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

I agree with the pass rush. Those guys must step up. 

The oline has talent imo, it just has to develop. Can't expect guys to be comfortable working together when you're changing the oline every week it seems. 

Stanley is a stud and everything you could want in your LT. After that there are questions. Lewis is not an interior OL. He is very awkward at his attempts clearing lanes in the run game. He could be a competent RT but there is no guarantee with that. 

Urschel could be a very competent Center but can he be counted on while having 2 personalities of an athlete and a mathlete? I'm guessing Harbaugh is a little frustrated with that.     Yanda is in his 10th season. It is very conceivable the ravens hit OL position hard in the draft and free agency.

I would favor hitting OL hard in the draft and maybe even FA. Flacco likes a clean pocket and is not comfortable when his decision making is rushed even the slightest. He can function very well with only adequate WR's and play at a very high level. While making his WRs look like a $Trillion.  But he struggles badly when he is rushed even the slightest. When his OL dominates he throws a beautiful football with bullseye accuracy.

[PurpleHorseman]

As for positivity. If the OL can find a formula that works, I think the offense could actually carry the defense if necessary. Perriman is kind of limited but an electric big play WR. Wallace is not as dynamic as his steeler days. But nonetheless a speedy,competent and more experienced playmaker with the ravens. Moore is an X factor that can create separation at any level and make the spectacular catch. When Boyle returns I think we'll see him motivated and  a better more experienced player. Dixon will work into the offense and make plays as a runner and receiver. Offense is looking promising. The standard thinking should be it can and will pick up productivity.

[VermontRaven]

Flacco is practicing today!

18m18 minutes ago

Jeff Zrebiec ‏@jeffzrebiecsun

Ravens QB Joe Flacco returned to practice today. Threw several intermediate and short passes. Didn't look uncomfortable.

[PurpleCity5]

Wagner is not on the injury report and Stanley is back to health. Having those two with Lewis at LG should help out the pass blocking a ton.

[Cawtious]

7 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

Wagner is not on the injury report and Stanley is back to health. Having those two with Lewis at LG should help out the pass blocking a ton.

I think the right side of the line will be more effective Sunday with Wagner back.  Stanley - Lewis - Zuttah - Jensen - Wagner  should be the starting lineup.  Not too bad!!

[VermontRaven]

8 minutes ago, Cawtious said:

I think the right side of the line will be more effective Sunday with Wagner back.  Stanley - Lewis - Zuttah - Jensen - Wagner  should be the starting lineup.  Not too bad!!

I agree. I think we will see a major improvement on the oline this weekend!  I think we break out and hit some big pass plays this weekend to go along with another 100+ yard performance by West!