Ravens Not Deserving of ESPN's #1 Ranking
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 10:31 AM EDT
Email
PrintNow before all Baltimore Ravens fans go postal on me for being a doubter, you know that there is not a bigger fan of the team out there than I am. While it doesn't really mean anything to have that #1 ranking, it is nice but we all know what matters is who has that ranking at the end of the season, not at the beginning. However, after two weeks of the 2009 season, the Ravens sit at the top of the AFC North, undefeated along with eight other 2-0 teams around the league.
Looking at all nine undefeated teams, I just can't put Baltimore at the top of the list and here's why:
(Click on the "Jump" to read more on the "Ravens Not Deserving of ESPN's #1 Ranking.")
Including the Ravens, the remaining undefeated teams are the Jets, Colts, Broncos, Vikings, Giants, Saints, Falcons, and 49ers. Not only do I look at the teams' strengths, but I also look at who they played and how they beat them. While starting 2-0 is as good as it gets, there have been teams that have started like this and still bombed by the end of the season. Likewise,there have also been cases where teams have started 0-2 and even went to and won the Super Bowl, so don't read too much into any of this after only two games. This weekend will whittle the group down and make a huge statement as starting 3-0 is a big difference from 2-0.
Looking at the group, I'm not convinced that the 49ers can keep their early success on track, as they go to Minnesota this weekend and I expect the Vikings to continue their winning ways. Same with the Broncos, who needed a huge freak play to beat the Bengals on opening day and then beat the hapless Cleveland Browns. The Colts, while always Ravens-killers, have won both their games against winless teams, and just barely both times. The Falcons have done the same thing, although slightly more convincingly. While the Jets certainly look to be for real, their win over the Patriots in New York (well, actually New Jersey!), is just not as impressive as the Ravens win in San Diego.
The Giants win over two division rivals, including the one on the road in Dallas' new stadium, puts them at the top of my list. Solid on both sides of the ball, I had them ranked as #1. The Saints impressive win in Philadelphia, along with their prolific offensive showing in both games, got them my pick as the #2 ranked team. I actually rated the Vikings ahead of the Ravens based on their two road victories and having the best RB in the league and one of the best QB's of all-time together in their backfield. However, the easy argument is that despite their road success, it was against two of the weaker teams in the league, although they did what they needed to, winning both by two touchdowns.
The Ravens beat the Chiefs by 14 points, although the game was much closer than the final score indicated. The road victory at San Diego was impressive as the Chargers offense is one of the best in the league. However, the Ravens were one good play at the end of the game away from losing. Hence, their #4 ranking by me.
Therefore, I have the top four teams ranked like this:
Giants, Saints, Vikings, Ravens.
The second group of the remaining five undefeated teams include in order:
Jets, Falcons, Colts, 49ers, Broncos.
Your thoughts and comments?
60 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Yeah....
we are in uncharted waters as ravens fans. It seems every year, the Ravens either perform well beyond expectations or the mainstream sports media shows their ignorance of the smaller markets teams. Lets be honest with ourselves, the Ravens are a smaller market and its understandable that we don’t get the coverage of more popular teams…doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Its weird cause now we have the proverbial bulls eye on our team…put up or shut up.
I got to give the nod to the Jets. Rex Ryan has completely changed the culture there. No other former ravens coach has managed to bring that same tough as nails mentality to another franchise. I wasn’t sure if the Jets D would be good…but not only that, he seems to be bringing Sanchez along nicely. The Patriots win, while trying not to sound over dramatic, was historic for their franchise. The Jets right now are the only team I can imagine out blitzing, out hitting, just plain be meaner than the Ravens right now….that said, I really like our high scoring offense. Jesus…that feels weird saying…
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace
"
by UMBC Oriole fan on Sep 24, 2009 10:43 AM EDT reply actions
Two games, my friend, just two games
Don’t bow down to Lord Rex just now,mas let’s wait until they finish the first 5-6 games at 5-1 or even 4-2 before you anoint him the second coming. I’m not buying into them just yet, as their rookie QB hasn’t looked bad, but he hasn’t won any games for them. Let them go on the road to a tougher team than Houston and then I’ll jump on board.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Tied for #2
Right now, I agree in putting the Giants at #1. I would put the Ravens and Saints tied for #2. The Saints, because they seem to be channeling the ’99 Rams and the Ravens because, hey, guess what, we have a balanced offense in Balmur, hon! Not just four yards and cloud of dust anymore-!
Yes, I like AD, but I am just not sold on Favre and the Vikings in general, this year. They keep winning, well then I would very much look forward to a Saints-Vikings NFC championship game to see who has the honor of losing to use in Miami :)
Everybody else needs to show me more for me to be a believer, although the Jets seem to be one more quality win away from being an elite team -I will give them that.
Check out above comment on Jets
When they win a tough game on the road like the Giants and we have, then they can join the discussion. Until then, buh-bye, Rex!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Im with Bruce 100%
Im not completely sold on their D, they may be good, but they are far from elite. And lets see how ol’ Broadway Mark responds to a little diversity. When hes on the road, his defense cant seem to get to Kerry Collins and Chris Johnson has put on a show, the teams relying on him to win, thats when he will get a jedgement from me.
Lets take a trip down memory lane for old times sakes. Last season, Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens marched into Pittsburgh on a Monday night (the toughest prime-time game in the NFL) and he led his team on a late game tying drive that took the game into OT. Joe didnt lose his cool not once that game, he didnt make too many costly rookie mistakes and most importantly, he gave us the chance to win (Jarrett Johnson, as much as i love you, you costs us that game, but its all good, a hit on Hines Ward is always worth it). We lost, but Joe passed a huge test that night, lets see what Mark Sanchez is made of. (oh yea, just on a side note, Matt Ryan didnt play in anything close to the 3 games we faced off against Pitt in, nor the Dallas game.)
Scott Hines
the Gmen blew our doors off. have we done enough to prevent that in the future? Gregg is back. Landry is back. Gooden is another year in. Is that enough to stuff Jacobs. I can’t imagine Foxworth, Fabian or Carr getting in his way.
Plus they can get in his way
and it would be like some sticks getting in the wheels of a Harley, which can still take the big hog down!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
when i was a kid some hippy put a stick in my front spokes heading down a hill at 100 MPH. i went over the handle bars of my sisters banana seat and tassled bike and got tore up. my dad chased him home. bastard.
we used to have a ramp in the alley.
I was landing after launhing the jump, a boy named Kyle threw a stick right into my tire, I dont know how he made it happen, I mean I was jumping a ramp, how’d he get that stick to go in my spokes?! Well, he did, in a split second the stick got caught on the fork and my face smashed the ramp. I beat Kyle up really bad that day, then his twin brother Miguel fought me later that day, he bit me, really hard. But I got the last laugh because theyre grand-father beat both of them for fighting, I remember sitting out back hearing them scream from the window. Thank you for your time.
Scott Hines
Now I know
“why” you are how you are, raven.
Scott, I’m not sure what’s more disturbing about your story, but I guess it doesn’t matter now. Sounds like a typical upbringing in my neighborhood. We are raising a generation of pussies nowadays.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I say
1 – Saints
2 – Giants
3 – Ravens
4 – Jets
5 – Colts
6 – Vikings
7 – Falcons
8 – 49ers
9 – Broncos
The saints are playing exceptional on offense. The Ravens look awesome on Offense and their Defense is known to be a force (but have we seen that this year? weaker secondary..) The Colts only barely beat miami, because they had the ball 14 minutes. Jets are looking good, but maybe the Patriots looking bad?
Fair
but I put the Giants ahead of the Saints as they are already 2-0 in division, which is a tough start for the others to overcome.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
toooo early for any rankings. such a small football sample to trumpet anything. i think the attention is bad for the “he hate me” ravens.
That guy made the NFl
but I forgot his “real” name. Can’t wait to see the UFL!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Respecting Ravens
You can look at who and how each team played in week 1 and 2 but that is taking a very small sample. Why the Ravens are tops is due to the fact that they have an offense now. Perhaps the most balance offense in football right now. We know their defense will be able to hold teams to few points as thye have in years past. The x factor is the offense. They could become an ustoppable force if they continue to put up 30 points a game. Other than NO, they have the most points scored. That without the defense scoring. I think the Ravens are finally getting that, “what if we had an offense, imagine the places we’d go” respect. If it continues it should be a fun year.
Rankings mean nothing
I love seeing the Ravens at the top of a ranking for once. They are traditionally overlooked by the flashier teams year and and year out. The main thing we must remember is that these rankings mean nothing at all. They are kind of fun but have no bearing on anything at all. All that matters is who wins that Super Bowl and the funny thing about that is 10 minutes after the Super Bowl there will be an article saying “Can the Giants repeat?” lol
Agreed
when the clock in Miami after the SB says 0:00 and we are SB Champs then we will be #1, and then we will have to start all over.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Who are we going to play?
If alcohol didn't exist the Irish would conquer the world.
by Zachary Beard on Sep 24, 2009 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Being the Underdog is better
I agree… and I am as big of a Ravens fan as they come. However, haven’t we proven over the years that we better when we aren’t ranked high? Last year aside, most years we are ranked low and seem to come out on top. I like being looked at like we have something to prove, because it makes our guys come out with a chip on their shoulder. And most of the time they do prove themselves. Maybe it is just me, but I would sure rather never be ranked number 1 (obviously until we won the SuperBowl, then they don’t have a choice!) and show everyone what’s up. I like being the underdog. Now we are the “Team to Beat” which puts a target on our back, which I’m not really comfortable with. I like flying below the radar and then winning over and over. Although it does feel good to FINALLY get the respect we deserve, I have to admit!
Trust me, we will still be the 'dog
in New England (unless they tank against Atlanta this weekend, and again in Minnesota and at Pittsburgh. so the ’dog role still fits us well, which is fine by me!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with everything, but...
the chiefs game was NOT close. we gave them 14 points on a long returned interception and a blocked field goal. Minus the two largely correctable and chance mistakes that game would have been 38-10. Chiefs had a grand total of 188 yards… that’s a good defensive day so far as I’m concerned.
I’m not saying that game wasn’t closer than it should have been, but We gave them 14 points and not from our defense… look to special teams and offense if you want to point fingers.
Any way you want to look at it,
unless I’m wrong, we were losing or tied in the 4th quarter and I was on the edge of my seat!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know if I would say we are not deserving of being #1
I think most people’s reasoning behind putting us there is because of our defense rather than our offense. What I mean here is that people see we have a high powered offense with a somewhat struggling defense (secondary), but know that our defense can turn it up at any time. I think people realize this is still a top 5 defense with an offense that is maybe the most balanced in the league. So people see a Ravens team with a high powered offense along with a defense that is not THAT much different as last year.
Also, I think our win last week just put us over the top. We won the toughest game for an east coast team to play in and did it in exciting fashion.
However, I do feel that the Giants should have edged us out for the #1 spot, with us being ranked #2. This is because the Giants beat 2 divisional opponents in what many people consider is the toughest division in football. They were able to beat Dallas in a very emotional game with the opening of the new stadium, and again did it in exciting fashion. I would not say the Saints are better than us at the moment because of who they have beaten. The put 48 up on the Browns, something that the Terps football team could do, and then beat a McNabbless team. Remember what we did to Kolb?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Yeah, but....
the Saints did it in Philly and basically all thru the air on offense, while we picked McNabb and then Kolb’s pockets all afternoon with our defense.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree with you but
just for the record, the Saints havn’t played the browns (they don’t deserve a capitol B). New Orleans played the Lions in week one and Philly in week two.
They say the empty can rattles the most...
We barely beat the Cheifs and should have lost to the Chargers. We escaped with our lives in San Diego. They ran all over us. They put up over 700 total yeards against us and were in the Red Zone 5 times and did not score. Please do not tell me we should be rated number 1.
I have no problem with the argument for them being #1
while I don’t agree with it, if we win this week and next while the Giants and Saints lose, I won’t have any issue putting us #1, as irrelevant as these rankings are to the players themselves. However, just like the college rankings, us fans love to debate them all season long!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 24, 2009 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions
wait a sec...
The stats were lop sided for sure but you said it all when you said…they were in the red zone 5 times and “DID NOT SCORE”so look at the final score not how we got there.The defense will work itself out and be at least a top 5 when it’s said and done,the offense and it feels strange saying that, is going to score a ton,we can throw and we can run,we’ve become unpredictable.The team overall is extremely aggressive and I rank that…#1,who wants to get beat up every snap on either side of the ball..the rest of the schedule will
Agreed
I see our defense finishing top five and offense top ten. Combination will be great!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I appreciate that you did not put the Steelers on this list so that all those bastards could come over here and get them about 135 votes.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
" Bastards..." Understatement!
If alcohol didn't exist the Irish would conquer the world.
by Zachary Beard on Sep 24, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
hmmm. what would Ray Lewis say at a time like this? maybe….
We’re number 1 bottom line. Can’t think of it any other way. Doesn’t even enter my mind. But I’ll say this, numbers are numbers. We’re the Ravens. We’re blessed. We have each other. That’s all we need. Say what you will about us. Please. But, bottom line is, you gotta go through us not around us to be the best. with that said, we’re champions. can’t think of it any other way. bottom line.
I put my finger to my lips
and I said “Shhhh…be quiet…‘cause y’all done…y’all done.”
They say the empty can rattles the most...
Time to think of the next game
It’s over, last week, now it’s this week. He’d say that!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
ray gets real quiet when he kills the opponent. like the german in Saving Private Ryan when he won the knife fight and slowy stabbed the american. “shhhh. shhhhh”.
as maLor sat on the steps holding his carbine.
Such a sad scene
poor MaLoR, at least he gets his balls at the end and revenge.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 26, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
careful, raven
be very careful there!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 26, 2009 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Dr. Flacco
We now have a professor – a true student of the game with the physical tools to boot – leading our offense. Plus, we have a smash mouth running game that can move the ball against the best NFL defenses. Combine that with a strong defense, and we are in a three way tie with the Giants and the Vikings for the best TEAM in the NFL. That said, Roethlisf@cker/Brady/Manning wins games in crunch time despite his lack of a running game. Its what makes the game interesting. As far as I’m concerned, the Steelers, Patriots, and Colts are still better until we beat them in the playoffs.
They say the empty can rattles the most...
Thay call me Dr.looooove!!
If alcohol didn't exist the Irish would conquer the world.
http://goallineblitz.com/game/signup.pl?ref=34554501
by Zachary Beard on Sep 25, 2009 6:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I am so sick of
Brett Favre, and the media’s almost blind appreciation of him. First off, I used to really respect him and thought the whole mess before last season was the Packers fault, but now I just think Favre is a jerk and the Packers were right the whole time. Second, I think he’s washed up. He is the reason the Jets missed the playoffs last year because of his abysmal play in the final weeks of the season. He is without a doubt one of the best of all time, but he isn’t one of the best right now.
Even so, the Vikings are a very good team, but I think they would lose to our Ravens. Even against AP I think we would shut down the run, and force Favre to pass and throw up wounded ducks to Ed Reed, which is what he does now. Also, they only beat Cleveland and Detroit, so I definitely give the edge to the Ravens. As for the Saint, well they beat Detroit, which obviously isn’t impressive, but I am not too impressed with their win over the Eagles either. Definitely a good win, but McNabb didn’t play, so I think it isn’t quite as good as the Ravens victory over the Chargers, and I give the slight edge to the Ravens once again.
However, I do agree with the Giants (or as fans of the other NFC East teams will call them, the Vagiants) at the #1 spot. They have two good victories over two good opponents, and either side of the ball could carry the team on any given Sunday. I think a lot of people doubted Eli Manning, and teams were planning on selling out against the run (like the Cowboys did) but Manning made it pretty obvious that if teams do that, he will beat them through the air.
I'm no longer a Brett fan as well
since his time w/ the Jets and the summer preceding it with his crying press conferences, etc. That said, I am impressed that he has’;t tried to take over the Vikings offense and has acclimated to understanding the offense belongs to AP.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
"Oww, my arm hurts"
“I’m retiring at the end of this season, for sure this time,….er…I’m pretty sure,…I think….gotta ask the wife….again…”
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 26, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
As the AFC goes
Coming from a Chiefs fan but neutral observer, I enjoy your team in Baltimore a lot this year and think you guys have a lot going for you.
I personally see the Bengals as the wild card (not Wild Card) in terms of not knowing exactly the ceiling of that team yet, but otherwise I do believe that Baltimore is a playoff team. From what I’ve seen, your team will go as the defense goes, but I have few worries about the offense being able to produce against most defenses.
FakeTeams.com - SBNation's Fantasy Source
The Royalty of Roto Blog
by Bryan Everson (The Royalty of Roto) on Sep 25, 2009 6:30 AM EDT reply actions
If Cincy
can beat Pitt this weekend in Cincy, then perhaps they are for real. Otherwise, buh-bye.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s an interesting condition, considering our record against Pittsburgh last season.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
Different Steelers team
w/o Troy P.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Ravens are my biggest worry
As a Bengals fan we of course have to worry about both the Steelers and Ravens every year. We are better and it is anybody’s guess just how far we can go but this year it is the Ravens that I view as the best team in the Division. I have hopes we can win one of the big 4 games but I think we have a better chance of beating Pittsburg than the Ravens. Lets face it it is a divisional race. The rest does not matter until the post season.
As for the Bengals I think we will improve more than most teams as we progress thru the season and will be a better team in the 2nd half as 11 of 22 starters who are either rookies, in a new position or new to the team come together as a unit. Unfortunately we play an early divisional schedule and I am not sure we will improve fast enough to topple either of you. Don’t take us for granted though. We can beat you if you do. With the addition of just a player or maybe two we may join you guys as a top team. Maybe…
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
JJ - take care of the Steelers this weekend
and we’ll jump on your bandwagon as being improved and for real. Otherwise, sorry, just a blip on the schedule.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 25, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
QK now should we slow down
and give you a hand up on the wagon ?
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
Just wait until week 5
the bandwagon comes to a thundering halt.
QK?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 29, 2009 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Goodluck Sunday, JUNGLEJOHN
I am not sleeping on your team this year at all and thought coming into this season that you guys might be the 2nd best team in this division. With Polamalu out for about 3 more weeks, I see the Bengals and Ravens atop the AFC North by a fairly large margin until he comes back. Even after that, their team will crumble.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Thanks for the luck!
We needed it. Looks like your predictions is good so far.
" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran
#1 ranking
I just wanted to say to Bruce, your philosophy on the ranking makes sense, but we know if the Ravens keep playing smart aggressive football even you will have a change of heart. We have never had a well rounded balance team since the franchise began. Now all the team needs to do is show that team spirit and work hard as a team to play and support each other.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Baltimore Beat Down
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SB Nation on YouTube
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Jonathan Vilma sues Roger Goodell for defamatory statements made during bounty investigation
- New York Giants receive Super Bowl XLVI rings
- Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring can be yours, unfortunately
- The Shutdown Corner Interview: New York Giants DL Justin Tuck
- AFL quarterback misses game to attend wedding
