2008 Season Recap

by Rexx on Jul 31, 2008 9:08 AM EDT Comment 8 comments

Go ahead, call me a 'homer' one more time. It doesn't bother me, read the name of this blog. It's called "Baltimore Beatdown" and I'm a purple-bleeding Ravens fan! By the looks of this series about my predictions on every game of the Ravens 2008 season, it should appear to the reader that I am looking at things through the eyes of an optimist, believing that this year's team will more closely resemble the 2006 team that went 13-3 than last year's 2007 team that plummeted to a 5-11 record. While that may be a reach to some, to me it is absolutely possible and even probable. The key to me is not so much the quarterback play, although believe me, it is very important. However, the number one key in my opinion has and will continue to be the overall health of this team. We've debated the most difficult position to replace due to injury and even though a majority of readers think it is the QB, there are a decent stock of backup QB's in this league. I still maintain that there is a vast emptiness in the reserve stock of decent cornerbacks out there and for much of the 2007 season, the Ravens were without BOTH of their starters, which proved disasterous.

I am predicting this season based on the hope that we will stay healthy ALL season long. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case only one week into Training Camp, although here's hoping that the current injuries are not serious enough to affect the regular season. If we do stay healthy through 2008, we will be a very competitive and dangerous team, one which no other team will look forward to on their schedule, because they know we will punish them physically, whether or not they win or lose.

A win in a game we were expected to lose and a 10-6 season is absolutely a possibility. At the same time, a loss in a game that we should win could change that record around just as easily. I think we are in much better shape at the QB position, as all three guys in the mix are young, strong and healthy, which is more than we could say at this time last season. Whomever ends up taking the first snap of the season will be more of an individual threat than Steve McNair was last season, with their arms as well as their legs. You can bet that new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will take that into effect when developing his playbook.

As part of my predictions, I am also guessing (isn't that all this is?) that the Ravens, while greatly improved over 2007, may in fact finish 10-6 in the upcoming season, but will fall just short in making the playoffs. I still expect the hated Steelers to repeat as AFC North division champs, and while Baltimore will compete up until the season's final whistle for the Wild Card slot, they will fall short due to the all-important tie breakers. However, if indeed the Ravens finish with a winning record, the off season and hope for the 2009 season will be a ton of fun, with eyes on a division crown and the possibility of playing deep into the post season on the minds of all Ravens fans and all over the local sports talk radio.

Bring on the exhibition games and the regular season. I just can't wait. Are you ready for some football!!!

0 recs | Comment 8 comments

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Out of the major offensive and defensive positions (QB, RB, OL, WR, TE and DL, LB, CB, S), there’s a good chance that cornerback is the easiest to replace among all those positions (maybe TE is a bit easier). There are basically no physical limitations (height, etc), most of the best “athletes” w/ speed play offense, and it’s the easiest position on the field to learn technique-wise (see Brown, Troy). Look at teams that routinely have success w/ no-name corners (Giants, Patriots, Steelers, etc)... and then look at, say, the Broncos last year. Passable cornerbacks are a dime a dozen. Especially if you have the “best front 7 in football.”

Heck, even Punter may be harder to replace than Cornerback (see PGH’s loss, Sepulavda, vs. CLE’s loss, Holly, on this coming year).

Props on your enthusiasm.

by kwoog on Jul 31, 2008 11:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No way, Mr. Kwoog

PErhaps if you have a great front seven that stays healthy, and puts a ton of pressure on the opposing team’s QB, then perhaps the replacement corner(s) can succeed. However, our Ravens also lost their best pass rusher and when you give opposing QB’s time to sit back there and wait, even the best corners will get beaten, much less clueless reserves like the Ravens had to use as replacements for injured Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle.

Rexx

by Rexx on Jul 31, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here’s a little shout out for your D, courtesy of our Pro Bowl Left Tackle:

1. Joe, which team has the toughest defense?

Joe Thomas: Baltimore, they have the best personnel in the NFL on defense, no question. You just look at all the guys that made the Pro Bowl. It’s sick how many great players they have. They probably have three of four guys that are going to the Hall of Fame, so they’re unbelievable. And Pittsburgh is tough. The rivalry adds to it a little bit but their motto is just to hit you in the mouth. Every play is a fistfight in the back lot. It’s just full-on collisions every play.

by kwoog on Aug 1, 2008 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, Joe!

Thanks for the props. At the same time, you are one of the best LT’s in the game and definitely the best in the division, now that Ogden has retired. Hopefully, Trevor Pryce and friends will bull rush you enough to get a sack or five when we see you this season!

Rexx

by Rexx on Aug 1, 2008 7:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still say running back. You just give them the ball and tell them to go. i know they have learn blocking schemes and how to pick up bitz but, its still easier to learn that then to learn how to read the QB eyes and breaking down flim and wat not.

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Jul 31, 2008 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Trends show...

....that if you’re a very good running back or wide receiver in college, you usually will be the same in the pros. So many of the moves the better runners have are instinctual and they just up the speed to adapt to the pro game. Same for wideouts, if you can catch the ball in college, you should do fine in the pros. At the same time, this does not go for CB’s, as the speed and pro sets are so much more than what most any CB has ever faced. I stand by my claim that CB is the hardest position. After all, the wide receivers in high school and college that can’t catch are made into cornerbacks!

Rexx

by Rexx on Jul 31, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs