[News] Late For Work 11/11: Steve Smith Fires Back At Rodney Harrison; 8 Game Takeaways

[BR News]

Hold off on the ‘but’ … Ravens earned the right to be atop the AFC North. Flacco looking like old Flacco, and maybe this will spark offense going forward. Statement game against Cowboys. CB corps leads top-graded Ravens. West and Dixon a strong one-two punch. Suggs a one-armed monster.

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[KidNme]

I'll believe we've turned a corner if we beat Dallas next week. So far, our "tremendous games" have been against failing teams. Getting a win against the 7-1 Cowboys, even if it's only by 1 point, will go a long way!

[iluvpurple]

I just want to sit back, and enjoy this weekend; 2 wins over division opponents in 5 days, and our offense came to life for last night's game..... I know the Browns are not very good as a team this year, but we have seemed to have problems with them the last few years, but not last night. It was a solid win all the way around, and I am hoping this is the start of our offense coming together. I find myself mostly watching our games just to see the awesome defense we are putting on the field each game, especially after having a not so great year last season. Another Sunday to relax without stress, lol, and then onto Dallas ????

[Bat-mite]

I'll believe we've turned a corner if we beat Dallas next week. So far, our "tremendous games" have been against failing teams. Getting a win against the 7-1 Cowboys, even if it's only by 1 point, will go a long way!

Agreed. If we beat Dallas but lose to Cincy, I won't panic. But if we lose both, then last night was a fluke.

[Bat-mite]

We have had some truly passionate players, and it is always so clear how much they love being a Raven and love Baltimore. Suggs' comments were appreciated. "Raven in my DNA." :)

[omar586]

the key to our success is the OL.

[Tdot.to.Bmore]

Man our defense is ballin out right now. 183 total yards!

[reddog54]

I would have loved to be in that locker room at half time!! GREAT JOB DEFENSE and SECOND HALF OFFENSE!

[baltimore1975]

I hate to put a negative on our win...but are we really excited about Joe's performance last night enough to say that the offense has turned the corner? Joe has really been "off" this year and struggled big time the 1st half of last nights game.

[craymonham]

I think if campanaro can stay healthy we can finally say good bye to devin "FESTER"!

[billiejean]

21 minutes ago, baltimore1975 said:

I hate to put a negative on our win...but are we really excited about Joe's performance last night enough to say that the offense has turned the corner? Joe has really been "off" this year and struggled big time the 1st half of last nights game.

I don't think anyone is naive enough to think that all of our offensive troubles are behind us. Really he started to pick it up in the last drive of the second half. Just throwing darts.. He was decisive and it really was something that I haven't seen from him all season. The pick in the end zone in the second half was also disappointing. It wasn't only Joe. The line played well even without Marshal and the running game looked good. Dixon looked like the guy that he was in the preseason. But these are the things that have to happen for Joe to look good. He can't do it behind a porous line and he can't do it without the running game. Thats just not the type of QB that Joe is.

Edited November 11, 2016 by billiejean

[fusuymada]

I hate to put a negative on our win...but are we really excited about Joe's performance last night enough to say that the offense has turned the corner? Joe has really been "off" this year and struggled big time the 1st half of last nights game.

Flacco is recovering from a two ligament tear in his knee. I have heard more than one doctor and expert who said that he wont be back to 100% until next year. Although it is healed, there is still weakness in the knee, takes longer for him to get moving and still some pain which Joe has alluded to. However, we are starting to see a progression of a couple things, Joe getting healthy, Marty is leaning towards a Kubiak style offense, Marty has Joe focusing on short drops, footwork and accuracy and that started showing in the second half as well. Its also a matter of figuring out what everyone does well and does well together. Our RBs are completely different than what we thought they would be, our offense has two rookies on the left side who learn more each day, Perriman is also starting to learn as was evident by his catch last night. Wallace and Flacco just get more productive every game. You know, if all of this from front to back from drafting to coaching to playing was easy, there would be a lot more leagues. Unfortunately, there aren't even enough quality QBs to go around so you have to figure it all out. We are getting close, real close. Dallas may be that statement game that says we have got it fgured out.

[TheConquerorWorm]

39 minutes ago, baltimore1975 said:

I hate to put a negative on our win...but are we really excited about Joe's performance last night enough to say that the offense has turned the corner? Joe has really been "off" this year and struggled big time the 1st half of last nights game.

Same as it ever was.

I don't know why people keep expecting Flacco to turn into Tom Brady - it's not who he is. He's played his typical Joe Football. If this defense would have kept Crabtree & Beckham from scoring in the final minutes (after Joe led the offense down the field for the winning score) - Ravens would be 7-2. They would be 8-1 if Perriman gets his feet down against Washington (on a Flacco led winning drive).

Flacco wins games as long as the defense holds (it didn't vs Raiders or Giants, it didn't vs NE in the play-off game).

It's not pretty, it's not fantasy QB worthy, it's sometimes downright ugly - ugly, but deadly.

Edited November 11, 2016 by TheConquerorWorm

[bioLarzen]

"3) Joe Flacco Started To Look Like Old Joe Flacco, And Maybe This Will Spark Offense Going Forward"

C'mon... who are we trying to fool here? Joe Flacco is nowhere near his better form. He's startiong to look OK when he gets the time from the O-line. But as soon as he's in any kind of pressure, he's still panicking. It's something he didn't do before his injury. He was really cool under pressure, level-headed and concentrating until the last moment. Now he throws it away, gets the sack or worse, throws an awful backfoot one which either goes helplessly long/short/astray or ends up as an INT. He wasn't like that.

[EdTheMythicalOne]

1) Thank you Rodney Harrison for lighting a fire under Steve Smith Sr. and motivating him to prove everyone that age in his case is just a number. He is exactly what he always was and he isn't even healthy. He once again showed off his strong fore-arm stiff and I hope that some of that toughness can rub off on some of our other wideouts. Only other guy I saw trying that hard for the extra yards was Crockett Gillmore.

2) You simply have to beat the teams put before you. Doesn't matter how. Ravens still have many kinks to work out.

3) I'd be happier with that second half Joe if I didn't see the total meltdown of first half Joe. He looked lost, afraid to step into anything, and making critical mistakes reminiscent of Kyle Boller. Just chucking the ball around to chuck it around. There is fearless, and then there is just stupid and a lot of those plays looked like really poor decisions. This was also the Cleveland Browns we're talking about. Let's not throw the purple and gold confetti just yet.

4) Unless that second half offense shows up for all four quarters against the Cowboys it will be a tough one for the Ravens to win. Our defense can keep us in most games but it all comes down to the offense.

5) First time the Corners looked good in a long time, but Weddle got completely lost in coverage on a third string TE. That's a play he can't allow. Come on.

6) Still not entirely impressed with West. You can see when he thinks the line doesn't block for him and he I am sure his teammates can see it too, and he has the "too cute" mode at times. Bang it in there for no gain or for a short gain rather than dancing and getting a 2-3 yard loss. Dixon looked great. Combo of bad defense plus healthy Dixon?

7) Vlad Ducasse might be a reason the ground game was better, but he's always been a liability in pass protection and you saw exactly that in this game. Zuttah is banged up too. If Yanda is out and Zuttah needs to sit could we see Stanley, Jensen, Urschel, Ducasse, Wagner? Alex Lewis a big loss and probably for the season.

8) One word: "Hacksaw!"

[Dedicated Raven]

All we need to do is get the invite to the dance. We all know what #5 is capable once he is there. Last night was a good overall performance from this football team and hope we can start making some noise again.

[stixfix69]

great win, when we knew this could be a trap game after a big win over Pit Sunday, and a short week.....Joe clean up the turn-overs in the rezone, easily 6 points from Tuck if you don't force the ball....

[araveninwaconc]

Hello everyone, I see there are not many comments at the moment and I am surprised! I will be the first to say Joe looked good even though he threw two picks? However, 2nd half I felt my heart jump at the way Flacco was playing . It felt like old times watching the 2nd half! I know it was a weak squad but this is the NFL, any given THURSDAY? What would be the news if we didn't win ? what would be our calling? I say lets run with it! Lets not analyze it too much. But lets be honest. Front office has tried to make this team offensive minded and have obtained the weapons to do so, nevertheless, it is the defense that always seem to shine through? Has our defense and offence ever clicked together? Think about it, that's how blow out happens. Why do you think our games are always close?

[hen826957]

I can't believe some people still hate the Color rush uniforms. I want them to be our official uniforms to be honest.

[metalraven]

I can't believe some people still hate the Color rush uniforms. I want them to be our official uniforms to be honest.

I think they're awesome. I still prefer the black on black though. Those just look menacing. Don't know why they barely use them. Looks intimidating.

[iluvpurple]

I can't believe some people still hate the Color rush uniforms. I want them to be our official uniforms to be honest.

I liked them a WHOLE lot as well..... I would love for the team to ditch the white uni bottoms they wear, keep these uni's, the all black uni's, and the white jerseys, but just my opinion ??

[araveninwaconc]

1) Thank you Rodney Harrison for lighting a fire under Steve Smith Sr. and motivating him to prove everyone that age in his case is just a number. He is exactly what he always was and he isn't even healthy. He once again showed off his strong fore-arm stiff and I hope that some of that toughness can rub off on some of our other wideouts. Only other guy I saw trying that hard for the extra yards was Crockett Gillmore.

2) You simply have to beat the teams put before you. Doesn't matter how. Ravens still have many kinks to work out.

3) I'd be happier with that second half Joe if I didn't see the total meltdown of first half Joe. He looked lost, afraid to step into anything, and making critical mistakes reminiscent of Kyle Boller. Just chucking the ball around to chuck it around. There is fearless, and then there is just stupid and a lot of those plays looked like really poor decisions. This was also the Cleveland Browns we're talking about. Let's not throw the purple and gold confetti just yet.

4) Unless that second half offense shows up for all four quarters against the Cowboys it will be a tough one for the Ravens to win. Our defense can keep us in most games but it all comes down to the offense.

5) First time the Corners looked good in a long time, but Weddle got completely lost in coverage on a third string TE. That's a play he can't allow. Come on.

6) Still not entirely impressed with West. You can see when he thinks the line doesn't block for him and he I am sure his teammates can see it too, and he has the "too cute" mode at times. Bang it in there for no gain or for a short gain rather than dancing and getting a 2-3 yard loss. Dixon looked great. Combo of bad defense plus healthy Dixon?

7) Vlad Ducasse might be a reason the ground game was better, but he's always been a liability in pass protection and you saw exactly that in this game. Zuttah is banged up too. If Yanda is out and Zuttah needs to sit could we see Stanley, Jensen, Urschel, Ducasse, Wagner? Alex Lewis a big loss and probably for the season.

8) One word: "Hacksaw!"

At first I took offence to your post out of clear BIAS! However, I realized I had to be `Optimistic while in some ways you were , Pessimistic, and yet you remained realistic! good post

[araveninwaconc]

"3) Joe Flacco Started To Look Like Old Joe Flacco, And Maybe This Will Spark Offense Going Forward"

C'mon... who are we trying to fool here? Joe Flacco is nowhere near his better form. He's startiong to look OK when he gets the time from the O-line. But as soon as he's in any kind of pressure, he's still panicking. It's something he didn't do before his injury. He was really cool under pressure, level-headed and concentrating until the last moment. Now he throws it away, gets the sack or worse, throws an awful backfoot one which either goes helplessly long/short/astray or ends up as an INT. He wasn't like that.

Its hard to believe with all this technology we have that a better brace can be made and fitted? That thing look like a big piece of crap! I am sure there is lighter steel with very good enforcement? Where is all that NFL money. The same goes for the radios inside the helmet. Come on man Xbox has better Como gear!

[sizzlingdoom]

  14 hours ago, baltimore1975 said:

I hate to put a negative on our win...but are we really excited about Joe's performance last night enough to say that the offense has turned the corner? Joe has really been "off" this year and struggled big time the 1st half of last nights game.

Flacco is recovering from a two ligament tear in his knee. I have heard more than one doctor and expert who said that he wont be back to 100% until next year. Although it is healed, there is still weakness in the knee, takes longer for him to get moving and still some pain which Joe has alluded to. However, we are starting to see a progression of a couple things, Joe getting healthy, Marty is leaning towards a Kubiak style offense, Marty has Joe focusing on short drops, footwork and accuracy and that started showing in the second half as well. Its also a matter of figuring out what everyone does well and does well together. Our RBs are completely different than what we thought they would be, our offense has two rookies on the left side who learn more each day, Perriman is also starting to learn as was evident by his catch last night. Wallace and Flacco just get more productive every game. You know, if all of this from front to back from drafting to coaching to playing was easy, there would be a lot more leagues. Unfortunately, there aren't even enough quality QBs to go around so you have to figure it all out. We are getting close, real close. Dallas may be that statement game that says we have got it fgured out.

I agree with all of that for sure. I also think working Waller in could really be the X factor for our O. If we get lbs matching up on him....goodnight. I think he ran a wheel route vs a lb in the Pitt game and he must've lost the ball in the air I think, other wise it looked like about a 50 yard td. Dixon and Waller are gonna boost the O. Can't wait or the Dallas game. Can't Wait!

[araveninwaconc]

Also saw a critical flaw with the O line also. Pitta can not block worth a damn. We miss Crock! For real. I watch Pitta make a mockery of blocking on the line. He is terrible. I believe he missed several blocks in the run game a one or two in the passing which brought Joe pressure. It sure is funny when you see things like that? We need Crock back real bad He has both catching and blocking skills!

[Cillmatic]

2 hours ago, araveninwaconc said:

Also saw a critical flaw with the O line also. Pitta can not block worth a damn. We miss Crock! For real. I watch Pitta make a mockery of blocking on the line. He is terrible. I believe he missed several blocks in the run game a one or two in the passing which brought Joe pressure. It sure is funny when you see things like that? We need Crock back real bad He has both catching and blocking skills!

After the Cowboys far we'll have Boyle back. He's primarily a blocking TE if I'm correct.

[Rav'n Maniac]

  20 hours ago, fusuymada said:

  20 hours ago, baltimore1975 said:

I hate to put a negative on our win...but are we really excited about Joe's performance last night enough to say that the offense has turned the corner? Joe has really been "off" this year and struggled big time the 1st half of last nights game.

Flacco is recovering from a two ligament tear in his knee. I have heard more than one doctor and expert who said that he wont be back to 100% until next year. Although it is healed, there is still weakness in the knee, takes longer for him to get moving and still some pain which Joe has alluded to. However, we are starting to see a progression of a couple things, Joe getting healthy, Marty is leaning towards a Kubiak style offense, Marty has Joe focusing on short drops, footwork and accuracy and that started showing in the second half as well. Its also a matter of figuring out what everyone does well and does well together. Our RBs are completely different than what we thought they would be, our offense has two rookies on the left side who learn more each day, Perriman is also starting to learn as was evident by his catch last night. Wallace and Flacco just get more productive every game. You know, if all of this from front to back from drafting to coaching to playing was easy, there would be a lot more leagues. Unfortunately, there aren't even enough quality QBs to go around so you have to figure it all out. We are getting close, real close. Dallas may be that statement game that says we have got it fgured out.

I agree with all of that for sure. I also think working Waller in could really be the X factor for our O. If we get lbs matching up on him....goodnight. I think he ran a wheel route vs a lb in the Pitt game and he must've lost the ball in the air I think, other wise it looked like about a 50 yard td. Dixon and Waller are gonna boost the O. Can't wait or the Dallas game. Can't Wait!

I checked that Pitt/Waller play out on the coaches film and he lost sight of it in the sun. It was a shame too because it had TD written all over it.

[Rav'n Maniac]

  5 hours ago, araveninwaconc said:

Also saw a critical flaw with the O line also. Pitta can not block worth a damn. We miss Crock! For real. I watch Pitta make a mockery of blocking on the line. He is terrible. I believe he missed several blocks in the run game a one or two in the passing which brought Joe pressure. It sure is funny when you see things like that? We need Crock back real bad He has both catching and blocking skills!

After the Cowboys far we'll have Boyle back. He's primarily a blocking TE if I'm correct.

He is a good blocking TE but he was also our best receiving TE before his suspension. Dude can get some YAC.

[TheConquerorWorm]

On 11/11/2016 at 3:06 PM, hen826957 said:

I can't believe some people still hate the Color rush uniforms. I want them to be our official uniforms to be honest.

Hate them.....

Remind me of....

 

[PersianRaven]

  On 11/11/2016 at 3:06 PM, hen826957 said:

I can't believe some people still hate the Color rush uniforms. I want them to be our official uniforms to be honest.

Hate them.....

Remind me of....

 

lolololol