Ravens Favored to Win AFC North
by Bruce Raffel on May 5, 2010 9:34 AM EDT
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PrintAccording to the National Football Post's Joe Fortenbaugh, the Baltimore Ravens are heavy favorites to win the AFC North Division title in 2010. Fortenbaugh's story, with a link to Sportsbook.com, had the Ravens listed as the division favorite, followed surprisingly by the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite the troubles that led to star QB Ben Roethlisberger being suspended for anywhere from 4-6 games to start the season. Next comes the Cincinnati Bengals, followed of course, by the Cleveland Browns.
Click on the NFP link above to see the entire story or on the Sportsbook link above to go directly to the wagering site. Baltimore Beatdown does not endorse gambling on sports, or any other gambling, but will not judge you in any negative light if that's where you choose to spend your hard-earned bucks.
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How are we heavy favorites? The Steelers have Dennis Dixon, they should obviously be the favorites. The guy completed 4 nice passes against us and only lost the game for them.
Ravens 13-3
Bengals 10-6
Steelers 8-8
Browns L-o-L
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Bengals 10-6. That’s a pretty good record. They have a pretty good team now, and they’re capable at this point of surprising everybody again. Palmer is awesome, so they could go undefeated for all we know.
Barring a series of injuries, we should at least make the playoffs. It’s football, anything can happen. I picked us to win the division, whateva.
by PurpleNorangeNbeer on May 5, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Yea the Bengals have a solid team. They are like a poor mans version of us. They are strong at most positions, just not as strong as us. Only positions I would give them the edge is CB and QB (but barely, because he one knee injury away from his career being over.)
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Bungles undefeated? no way
Their wins last year were not good enough. They had to win alot of close games, and they did, but that does not bode well for long term success. And their schedule is much harder, and it is unlikely they will be as lucky with health as they were last year!
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Many of their standouts were rookies and young guys. Last year was really the first time they started to play well together. A now, a year later, they could be ridiculous.
by PurpleNorangeNbeer on May 5, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Steelers 15-1
Browns 10-6
Bengals 8-8
Ravens 3-13
Those Saints ruined our perfect season. Bastards.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
I think flipping around all those records is mor realistic than what you put down. At least try to be serious and tell us how you really think the division will pan out.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
in all seriousness
i expect the steelers to have some bumps in the road without Ben and then while he’s getting acclaimated again. But I after the humiliation of last season and this offseason, I expect to at least see flashes of a really nasty and well-prepared steelers team. I’m pegging them at 9-7 because I think they start off 1-3 without Ben (2-2 at best, IMO), but I think they’ll make the playoffs and from there its anyone’s guess.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
It is not inconceivable for us to go 3-1 or 4-0 if our defense returns to form with Troy, Aaron, and Bryant back.
However, we always start slow so I’d probably guess 2-2.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
nothing is inconceivable.
If you went 4-0, while I would be incredibly demoralized, I would probably just sit back and say “well it’s the NFL, I shouldn’t be too surprised.”
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
I think a lot of people look at our team and say wow they went 9-7, missed the playoffs, and lost to some bad teams. But if you go back and look, 5 of those 7 were by 3 points, 1 of 4, and 1 of 7. Additionally, pretty much all of them were the defense crumbling in the 4th. I believe that with Troy and McFadden back our secondary woes will extremely diminish and it will become a lot harder to score on us. It would not really surprise me if we went 4-0, it would surprise me if we went 1-3 unless we had really awful QB play and no running game.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
remember,
you barely beat the Kerry Collins titans, and now you’ll play the Vince Young titans. As for Atlanta, I’m not quite sure what to expect from them, but that should at least be a competition. And for week 4, we are coming to your house, but you won’t be surprised to hear me say that I think we should win that game.
ergo, 2-2 or 1-3, but I really don’t see 4-0 happening. You’ll lose either to us or Tennessee, in my mind.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Man if the Bucs beat them, Steeler Wagonation will cry more than McNulry when she realize fat sweaty Ben was on top of her.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
not the bucs, the falcons. much better than the bucs.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
No
We beat the Chris Johnson Titans, by holding CJ to 57 yards on 15 carries and holding a team that averaged 162 yards rushing a game to 86. I think we will be fine against them.
Atlanta has to win in Pittsburgh, not an easy place to play.
Not to add pretty much every Ravens/Steelers game is close except for the rare blow outs even when one team is considerably better.
So you can see why 4-0 or 3-1 wouldn’t surprise me.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
of cource i can see why
but i dont buy your argument about beating the “Chris Johnson Titans,” who coicidentally went 0-fer without Young and then made a respectable push for the playoffs with him. He’s obviously a difference-maker.
I agree Pitt has an excellent chance of beating Hot’Lanta at home, but I think we and Tenn will probably beat you.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Agreed
There is a very good chance Chris Johnson will be the main reason why Vince Young has a nice run as the starter in TEN. VY is so much more dangerous with the teams having to game plan for the superhuman speed of Johnson.
They are a much tougher team with Vince then the 2009-2010 Kerry Collins as evidenced by their W-L records.
I don't think he is as big a difference maker as everyone makes him out to be
A lot of people forget that the Titans got a new DC at the end of 2008 and then had quite a few injuries in the secondary early in 2009. Just look at the games (Collins starter the first 6, VY the last 10). In those first 6 games the Titans gave up over 300 yards in the air 5 times! The only one that was not, was the run heavy Jets with a week 3 rookie QB. In the last 10 games of the season they gave up 300 yards passing in only one game (held the Cardinals and Colts below 300). That means in the first 6 games of the year the defense allowed 327.8ypg passing and only 227.5 yards passing per game. Quite a huge difference as the new DC settled in and the secondary got healthy.
However, I do think that VY is definitely a better choice than Collins because of his age, potential upside, and mobility.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
That meant to say “and only 227.5 ypg passing in the last 10 games”
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you are delusional if you believe you will go 13-3, thats for sure
I’d say probably
Ravens 12-4 or 11-5 (depending on how Matt Ryan looks this year)
Bengals 10-6
Steelers 10-6 (if Lefty or Dixon can surprise we could do better)
Browns 6-10
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The only three games I see as major threats to us are @Cinci, @NE and @NYJ. All the rest I cam definitely see us winning. I think Steeler fans are failing to realize just how explosive this offense can be. Sure we don’t have Marshall or Andre Johnson type WR, but we have guys who have perfected getting first downs and combine that with our running game, it is going to be nearly impossible to win the time of possession battle with us.
I guess Steeler fans are not used to Ravens and high powered offense in the se sentence, but you will be come mid-season.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
So both of your games against the Steelers are certain wins? And your game against the SB champs? Ha, okay. I can see these games being toss ups:
Both Steelers games
Both Bengals games
Jets
NE
Atlanta
Saints
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I see you typing but all I see is
blah, blah, blah I’m a dirty tramp.
Nice argument
I suppose its the 3rd grade class’s day in the computer lab? Your teacher won’t be happy that you are off task. Tsk tsk.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Wasn't arguing anything.
Just entertaining myself.
MaLoR, I will school you in Oregon Trail even more than I did in Halo.
I never said they are definite wins
But with Ben out in our first meeting and us having home field in the 2nd game, I am not AS worred as other games. Shit, Flacco could have another one of those games where his unibrow blocks his senses from feeling Harrison coming around the corner and strip the ball out for a TD. I duly expect Joe Sloth to have one of those momenta this year against you guys, he always does.
I am not high on the Saints this year and them coming to our house in the winter is not going to be easy for them. They are a fast team,
but a small team. Their run game will be no problem, just gotta hope for a Brees brain fart that game and we can be successful with our run game.
Atlanta is good, but not elite like ravens and steelers are. Matt Ryan is the type of QB I can see folding under our pass rush. I don’t expect either of us to have too much of a problem with them.
And we all saw what the Ravens are capable of doing to NE……
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I remember the last time the Steelers blew out the Patriots and I also remember the next game following that where they seemed to know our play calls.
So you are confident against the Saints because you think one of the top 2 QBs in the league will just have a brain fart against your team?
I think the Steelers take 1 of 2 from you as usual, even if it has to be in Baltimore. Its not like we haven’t won there before.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Wouldn’t be surprised. I expect at least 2 of the yearly Baltimore meltdowns, and 1 of them is usually against you guys.
I close my eyes every time Harrison, Woodley or Timmons win the edge and come at Joe’s back. I just know Joe will be thinking about his mom’s homemade lasagna and not step up in the pocket, then the ball gets stripped and he is still trying to figure out where it went while Woodley runs it in the endzone.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Meltdowns?
The one thing we have done consistently with Harbaugh at the helm is win the ones we are supposed to win! Last year we were a kicker away from a few more wins, and if mason and clayton don’t drop big passes, we go 12-5 or 13-3. LAst year we didn’t have meltdowns, we had many comebacks. We just need to capitalize!
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Johnny S
I think you are about right. Although as Steelfever knows I am a major homer so my opinion doesn’t count for anything, when I calculate our expected results I always assume a split with Cincy and Pitt. We rarely sweep each other, so I expect the home teams to win each game in those series. In hard games I assume a split, unless it is Indy in which case I assume loss at this point.
Easy wins(4): Cle x2, TB, Buf,
Harder, but likely wins (7): Hou, Mia, Den, Car, Pit, Cin, Atl
Hard games(5): @NYJ, @Cin, @Pit, @NE, NO
So 4(easy) + 5 (/7 medium) + 2/3 (/5 hard) = 11/12 wins
I think we should be expected to win a minimum of 11 games, with a strong possibility of wining 13 if we can take the medium games on the schedule. (For those who argue that Atl is not medium, I think they have no chance against our D)
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure how you guys play
But the Steelers always seem to lose one of their “certain” wins or one of those medium games they should win. Do the Ravens do that? When I was serious I said 11 wins maybe 12 for you all.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions
With Billick
the ravens lost 2 or so every year that they should have won (except for the 13-3 year). With Harbaugh we put the bad teams away early (with the exception of the Oakland game last year). The only bad team we have lost to with him at the helm is…no one. Our losses have been to: Steelers x4, Bengals x2, NE, Ind(x3), NYG, Ten(08), Min, GB(09). All of these teams ended up in the playoffs (with the exception of the 09 Steelers),
For all those Ravens fans who don’t think Harbaugh is significantly better than Billick, here is the ammo you need!
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
In fairness, Harbaugh has Cam and Flacco
while Billick had Cavanaugh and Kyle. Unfair comparison, as this offense is WAY better. Watch what Harbs would have done w/ Boller, although me thinks Billick would have found a way to screw up w/ Flacco!
aka 'Rexx'
please dont ever, ever, put flacco and billick in the same sentence.
i just dont like Billick’s way of thinking. you hear him on NFL network saying things like “you have to get [player X] the ball 25 times or more or you lose.” I hate that way of thinking. If the situation calls for you to stop giving [player X] the ball and start airing it out, YOU DO THAT! not in billick land though…
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
We don’t usually lose games we are supposed to win, but we always seem to lose games when we outplayed the other team and let our mistakes lose it for us rather than the play of the other team. IE the @Pitt game last year. We were running train on you guys then Mason drops a TD and the Foxworth INT TD gets called back because of a phantom pass interference call. That is a great example of the Raven Meltdown.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
You mean the Foxworth INT
Where he ran over Holmes to get the ball? That was like the definition of pass interference.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 6, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I hate that we don't get blown out, but
always seem to find a way to “snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!”
aka 'Rexx'
i'd rather win.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Okay
Steelers: 11-5
Ravens: 10-6
Bungles: 9-7
New Brownies: 7-9
I expect the Bungles will get hit with the injury bug this year, since it skipped them last year.
The New Brownies will have an improved season, but not because of Joe Haden. Seneca Wallace is, IMO, a perfect QB for that system they ran last year. Besides, he knows Fatty Holmgren, and vise-versa.
You guys will have a good season, although I fully expect Cody to get pushed over on top of Ngata’s ankle, and shatter it.
I fully expect for at least one of our new WR’s to step up and make the A squad, and Dwyer to bulldoze guys all year long. With Art Jr’s decree about getting back to the grinding running game, the drafting of Pouncey, Dwyer and a 6’ 275 lb fullback, it looks like our D isn’t going to be so damn tired in the 4th quarter.
"Hey baby, want some Adam West penis?"
- Adam West
your prediction rests on your defense being amazing and ours being injured. Not saying it’s impossible, but it reeks of selective considerations.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Yours being injured? Oh yeah...Cody blobbing on top of Haloti...
No, I just expect our D not being so burned out in the 4th because the running game will grind out the clock. Our 4th quarter D is the reason we didn’t go 13-3 last year. That and special teams, both of which has been “fixed” this off-season.
That being said, if your D stays healthy, I expect to be playing three games against your squad this year again.
"Hey baby, want some Adam West penis?"
- Adam West
wouldn't shock me
obviously health is always the name of the game. no predictions can accurately account for who gets hurt, unless you’re talking about Chad Pennington.
As far as us staying healthy, we have incredible depth in the front 7 right now and that will help with both keeping players healthy and absorbing losses if/when they happen. The CBs need work but if we can ride a good front 7 with an aggressive pass rush through the first 8 games, then we’ll have Webb back and I’m very comfortable with Fox, Webb, and Carr (who improved a LOT last year).
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
But our depth at CB sucks right now. I love our top 4 CBs, but we desperately need 2 more guys as stop gaps for Webb and Fabian. Be nice to see one of these undraftrd guys step up, but we have to be realistic. I don’t see too many veterans beig available come the end of training camp his year besides the ones who are out there now. We need a guy to come in here soon.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
oh yes. depth at CB blows largely
and i have this nervous feeling that our CB situation this year will be treated like the WR situation last year.
I’m totally down for a 2-yr Will Allen contract… PLEASE
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Your defense will definitely return to form this year. Troy and Smith are top 5 on that defense. Only reason I see a bad record from you guys is the Ben loss for 4 games. Yea you play 2 shitty teams, but us and Tenn are going to be tough games. I would not be surprised to see a 1-3 start because of an implosion by one of your QBs in that stretch.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
4th quarter D....
is all you can come up with as an excuse for losing to Oak, KC, Chi and Oak? All of them with Rapemeberger! You can blame a meltdown and loss to a good team on a 4th quarter meltdown, but those teams should be down by 20 points in the 4th quarter. They should never be in the game. Notice how we blew out Cle (x2), Den, KC, Chi, Det last year by a combined score of 197-44.
If you think Pouncey is the answer to winning those games, you are mistaken. You guys just blow!
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
If you haven’t noticed the Steelers have never really been a team that absolutely blows teams out. I am too lazy to look through my fanposts buy I did one that broke down the amount of yards in the first 3 quarters vs the last quarter. Its absolutely absurd. It was a combination of poor defense and the inability to run out the clock with power running. I think both of these will improve drastically this year and we will not be losing many games late in the 4th.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Bizzaro world?
The Steelers end up on the top of the division quite often if I recall
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps
But I wouldn’t say the same about the Bowns being above .500, let alone 2nd in the division, and the Ravens at 3-13? Thats just mean.
They say the empty can rattles the most...
Haha
It was to get a rise out of Malor or Balt Warrior. I posted my real predict somewhere up there.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
what the heck
are you smoking? did you bring enough for everyone in the class? the sqeelers will be lucky to beat the Browns this year the Ravens and the Bengals will Bitch-slap them like the cry babies they are.You forgot to tell us all about the 6 rings,must be for toilet bowls instead of sb.
it's better to be feared than to be loved
by purple and black attack on May 5, 2010 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I notice you don’t know what sarcasm is, I can link you to dictionary.com, but in your case I am not sure it would help.
PS-We have six rings.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
i don't tnhink that peple should under estimate those browns this year they did beat the
steerlers last year when they had ben at the time and now they have a veteran quaterback that could show up big anytime, and they have a good running back,widereceiver,tighend, and cornerback group now
Yeah, but they're still the Browns...LOL...
Just kidding, kinda….I do think the New Browns will be a lot tougher this year, mainly because of Seneca Wallace.
"Hey baby, want some Adam West penis?"
- Adam West
I am still trying to figure that out......
Dude is a baller.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Joe Flacco, the QB who threw for the 5th most yards in the first two years in NFL history. Guy is pretty good, should check him out sometime.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Well duh, Troy is WAY WAY better of a receiver than Clayton.
He is a tough smart quarterback, knowning unconsciously to throw to the most likely player to catch the football.
by ATXRaven on May 5, 2010 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That is true.
His knee is in one piece this year. I can’t wait for Cody to line up at FB this year and eat Troy’s “good” knee as he tries to clog the gap on a GL play.
If Cody has to play O & D
He will die of a heart attack this year. That is so certain that bodog only pays out 1.01 to every dollar on that bet.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you think we would put Cody on offense if we thought he was a fat lazy slob who couldn’t handle it? No. Again, you Steeler fans have absolutely no idea what you are talking about with Cody. He is not fatter than some of these other DL in the league.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
He might weigh as much as them…but he is fatter. Just look at up the picture of Hampton without his shirt on. Completely different physique.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t look up pictures of Hampton with his shirt off like you do. I will stick to Mount Moobs.
Look at guys like Pat Williams and Vince Worfolk, those guys are bigger than Cody is.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Pat Williams listed at 6’3 317
Wilfork listed at 6’2 325
Cody listed at 6’5 375
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
no.
cody is listed at 354 as of the Draft. Saban said his game weight was around 350.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Harbs said he expects
Cody to play at 340. He would be a svelte 340 next to Haloti’s 340. 680 pounds of pure meat clogging up the drains of the NFL’s rushing attacks.
aka 'Rexx'
He is listed at 360 on the ravens webpage
Still considerably more than both of those guys.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
mostpeople outside of pittsburgh seem to think he's a stud
and when he’s getting his PT and our running D is nasty, WE will be the ones showing you images of his tits. I’m just gonna crop the tits and post it on BTSC after every win with under 100 rushing yards allowed.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
“most people outside of pittsburgh seem to think he’s a stud”
Is that why he fell to the 57th pick?
The future is not what it used to be.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
2nd round isn't bad.
the guy isn’t perfect. but he will be good.
dont worry about it now, you can keep harping on the weight issues. I’ll just crop those tits as a reply to everything you say whenever he has a good game.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
What about when he has a bad game? What can I do?
The future is not what it used to be.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
nothing
we will have hijacked the tits for our own purposes, so you posting them will be encouragement to us. You will be, in effect, telling us how awesome Mt. Cody is.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
That I won’t say. Maybe I will put down my harpoon though.
The future is not what it used to be.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll take a guy that’s listed at 360 if he moves like guys listed at 325. By all the scouting reports that I’ve read and all of the game-tape that I’ve watched, Cody does move like those guys and has freakish athleticism and agility for a man of his size. The only thing that I’m worried about is his stamina, but now that he’s in the NFL with world class trainers, I don’t anticipate that being a problem.
Week 14
And onward Mt. Cody may truly be just that: a mountain that can’t move.
It is a truism that rookies hit “the wall” around week 13 or 14 of the NFL. I expect the Ravens to have him in their as little as possible in the early part of the season, for a myriad of reasons, and hope to he has something left for the playoffs.
How was he in the playoffs?
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
3 playoff wins in 2 season, not too bad. Would rather have 37 passing yards and a win than 400 passing yards and a loss. Agree?
And I am really surprised that Steeler fans bring this up considering they won a Superbowl with their QB putting up the worst QB performance in league history for a SB. Not about the stats, about the wins. And so far, Joe has done a pretty good job at winning in the playoffs.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Sure Ben sucked in the SB, but look at the 3 games leading up to the SB. One of the best QB displays in the playoffs of all time. 7TDS 1 Pick, 68.1 comp%, well over a 100 QB rating.
Flacco on the other hand…has had 1 game with a TD in 5 games. Sure Ben didn’t help win the SB, but at least he helped somewhere.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey, we won 3 playoff games with Joe as QB. He was doing something right. How many playoff games did you expect Baltimore to win with Joe at QB for the first two years? That’s what I thought.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
3
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Dennis Dixon, duh! The guy is the next Warren Moon, I mean HE ALMOST BEAT US! What don’t you get about that? Gosh.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I know!
How retarded of me to not extrapolate four nice passes an two nice runs into a Pro Bowl season like the rest of Steeler Nation. God Damn me for my ignorance.
It’s alright. Paul Kruger will make you feel better.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Forger Kruger, I'm not Warrior
Give me Sergio “Weak Knees” Kingle!
I watched him many times in person at UT and he is exciting to watch.
Hells Yes.
Thank you for being the first person in years to get that.
The pope says he shouldn't play the skin flute
but that doesn’t stop the man either.
Or too busy shaving and rubbing oil on yourself.
I get it… it’s getting warmer out, but there is a line man.
Hey now, let’s be nice. Kruger is going to be a beast. But I will agree that not as much of a beast as Kindle.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
He may be...
I’m just a homer and when I can get my UT footbally to mix with my Ravens Football I get a woody.
Forger Kruger, I’m not Warrior
You will never equate to my magnificence.
F*****T is offensive, even when blanked out, who knew?
by Zachary Beard on May 5, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Dennis Dixon will make Mike Vick look like sh*t!
Wait what?
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
too late?
F*****T is offensive, even when blanked out, who knew?
by Zachary Beard on May 5, 2010 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
too many distractions
There are too many distractions in Steelers camp this year for them to start off well. They will likely catch their groove by weeks 8 or 9 but that may be too late to catch the Ravens and Bengals. I think 9-7 may be a little generous but I will give them the benefit of the doubt since they are highly decorated organization.
Big Ben will struggle in his first games back. Even his home crowd will be all over him and I am not sure he has the moxy to ignore that punishment. Is he going to be allowed to be with the team to train and practice once pre-season is over and his suspension begins? I have not heard that.
As I have said before I give the Ravens a mild edge
We are so close though that it is possible that the season could rest on two things. The Ravens have an easier schedule than the Bengals. The second is that, even you guys have to be concerned at least a bit about the age of both Reed and Ray. They are both exceptional players but age catches up with everyone and though is is possible that both play to their abilities this year, this is also the year a decline could happen. You don’t just plug in a rookie – even a good one – and not expect at least a bit of a let down.
With this schedule I will make a very premature prediction and will not include injuries as they are an and even possibility for all teams.
Ravens 10-6
Bengals 9-7
Steelers 8-8
Browns 6-10
This first 4 weeks will be crucial. Whoever comes out of the gate quickly will win it IMO.
The last game in Baltimore could be the decider. If the Bengals want to break out we need to beat you at home. If we can do that we deserve the division championship. I think we all have that game circled. I am in the process of looking for good seats as if we are in a position to win it for the division championship it will be a classic.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
What 8 games do the Steelers lose?
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I said 8-8 as well and here are my games.
Titans
Dolphins
Saints
Patriots
Ravens x2
Bengals
Browns
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I pretty well agree MaLor
The only change I would make is that I think the beat the Browns and Lose to the Bengals twice as well. The Steelers are still dangerous but it is possible that their days of domination are over for a couple of years.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I can’t wait until you are wrong as usual.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I said 9-7 for the Steelers last year. I was right on point. You guys thought we were crazy, but then you lost to Oakland, KC, Chicago and Cleveless and didn’t think we were crazy anymore……
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
And what did you predict the Ravens doing?
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh huh
16-0?
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Malor, never underestimate the enemy
I expect a win at Miami and i never expect a sweep in my predictions for us…
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 6, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
John
Which 6 games do the ravens lose?
NE
NO
@Pit
@Cin
Atl
????
So you are expecting us to lose every hard game we have this year? Does us spanking Brady last year while missing half our secondary and using frank walker as the nickel back not show how good we are. Add in our additions, I think it is ignorant to not count in at least 11-12 wins.
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
No, but I do expect that you could lose one that you don't expect to lose
Every team, evern the good ones generally have 2 maybe 3 games where they are just not in rhythm. Every team also has a few game where they are playing as well as they can. If a weaker team has a good day on a day when the good team isn’t in rhythm better teams can be beat by inferior ones.
Hey, this is very premature conversation. The teams aren’t even close to being set. Last year is last year. We spanked you twice last year. Does that show how good we are? That means nothing now. This is a new year and both of our teams look like they will be much better but there is no guarantee. How about us just talking football without all of the vitriol at least until after TC.
BTW I think you beat Atlanta. Look at your schedule there are 12 teams that could beat you. What do you think they are going to do say “Oh no it’s the Ravens lets just surrunder.”. They get paid to play too.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
read my post above
Harbaugh’s Ravens have not lost to a non-playoff team in 2 years with the exception of the loss to the 09 Steelers who were fighting for a wild-card spot!
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions
You seem to be fascinated by the past.
I will tell you with a high degree of confidence that the Ravens team isn’t thinking that way. You can afford to – they can’t. It seems to me that all you want to do is argue. All I want to do is talk football – not smack. Any 12 year old can talk smack and I am too busy to argue. If you want to talk football fine. If you want to talk about the past I am just not interested.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
You seem to be fascinated by the past.
I will tell you with a high degree of confidence that the Ravens team isn’t thinking that way.
Yes, that is what I try to tell Steeler fans who bring up their Superbowl accomplishments or games they won 1-2 years ago. Continuing to live in the past will get you no where in this league, which is why I do not mind the Steeler fans continuing to use the past as a regard to how good their team is today.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
It is not the past technically...
It has to do with how well Harbaugh prepares them for games. Under Billick we used to blow 1-2 gimme games a year. Under Harbaugh we don’t. It is about your mindset going into a game against a bad team, and we have put them away early under Harbs.
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 6, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I would agree that you do have a point
Trends do give an indication the focus of some aspects of a team. This is particularly true of a head coach, If a coach has demonstrated a particular ability to get his team motivated in times when they may have a tendency to let down that is a valid point. You do have two very good people in Ozzie and Harbs and it there is an area of a team where the past is a factor it is there, I will grant you that.
I wish that we had a GM who could help guide us. It would take a burden off Marvin Lewis and let him concentrate more on head coaching. Ozzie is an asset to Harbs while Mike Brown is a burden if anything to Marvin. If your team has any real advantage over the Bengals it is that Ozzie out performs Mike Brown hands down.
I do think that things have improved here in Cincy and MB is giving Marvin more of a say in player acquisition over the last 2-3 years and that is why the Bengals are improving and I believe you will find that we are genuine contenders.
Thank you for talking about a valid football point. I get so tired of fans who get so defensive and abusive when I just want to discuss the game. Yea I will go around and around once in a while with a few guys here but try to stay real world and civil.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Good point about Ozzie taking the burden off Harbs for personal decisions.
Watching Hardknocks last year did make me question how your front office handles player management. Mike Brown looked lost in a lot of those meetings. Like you said, more of a burden than a help. You guys definitely need a GM that is a true football guy to help out Marvin.
Even with a bum owner like Mike Brown
The Bengals drafts the past 2 years have been among the best in the NFL. All good points, John.
aka 'Rexx'
do you really think....
That New England wants anything to do with the Ravens after the playoffs last year? The pats knew the ravens were going to run and got run over time and time again,so they drafted something like 4 tight ends to stop us…nothing is more demoralizing then knowing whats coming and being defenseless to do anything to stop it…Atlanta,they can’t stand the pain!
How does everyone feel about the possibility of cutting Clayton and Williams?
We know what their role is going to be for this season, and they will be getting too much money to be the #4,5,6 WR on this team. Clayton is scheduled to make $2.2 million this year and Williams $1.2 million. I think it would be in our best interest to let these two go somewhere else and let Riley, Smith, Harper, Reed battle it out for the last 3 spots. They will be alot cheaper and bring nearly the same thing that those guys can.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
letting the the rookies get there shine to prove themselves is what minicamp and the preseason is
for but I like Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. I know people don’t like them becuase they haven’t step up here and there in certain games but they had there moments when they truly shined, I think bringing in boldin and donte stallworth will push these guys to show the talent that we have been waiting for so.
Don't give up on Clayton yet.
I don’t think he is nearly as bad as everyone else seems to think. Everybody just remembers that drop against the Patriots last season, but what about that catch on a crucial 3rd down against the Patriots in the playoffs where he jumped up about 5 feet in the air to catch a high pass from Flacco and extend a drive that allowed the Ravens to end any hope of a Patriots comeback.
Critics tend to say Clayton disappeared in many games last season. But maybe that had a little bit to do with the fact that Joe just checked down to Ray Rice on every play that Mason wasn’t open.
They say the empty can rattles the most...
I don’t think Clayton is bad either, but it does not seem smart to pay a guy #2 WR money to be our 4-5 guy. We can use that money on a quality CB.
If we keep Clayton, I am all for it. If we cut Clayton, I can see why we would.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
In an Uncapped Year
You keep Clayton in case one of our tops guys goes down for any period of time, which is very possible.
Williams? Cut him in camp as far as I’m concerned.
by DT711 on May 5, 2010 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Clayton is a must keep...
unless someone offers you a 5th rounder. It cannot hurt to have inexpensive insurance policy as your #4 in case someone gets injured or Stallworth doesn’t perform. Williams, I do not even know why they tendered him. Give the spot to Marcus Smith, David Reed, Harper or Riley, all of which will contribute on ST and have more upside and less of a chance of being injured the whole year. Maybe we tendered him to keep him away from other teams until camp is over. He only gets paid anyways if he makes the team!
by Rayisyourdaddy on May 5, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Big Ben's Suspension
Is he allowed to be with the team after preseason when his suspension begins? I know in the past like with Pac-Man, he was not allowed to participate in any team activities until his suspension was over. Is that the same for Ben? If so, Steelers will be lucky to be .500 unless Dixon just suprises everyone. And if that is the case, Big Ben will no longer be in Pittsburgh. Believe me, they are looking for one more good reason to send him walking.
I can see cutting Clayton but for 1 mil less I say let Williams stay.
Ravens 12-4
Bengals 10-6
Steelers 8-8
Browns 6-10
by Georgia Raven on May 5, 2010 2:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Let Eron get some play on special teams. He was a head hunter at Duke.
by Georgia Raven on May 5, 2010 2:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Here's what I see...
Baltimore 12-4
Pittsburgh 10-6
Bengals 8-8
Browns 5-11
I’m still not gonna count out the Steelers, I think they’ll make the playoffs as one of the wild cards.
+1
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 5, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
-1
"I kill myself in small amounts"
by StuckInUtah on May 5, 2010 8:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think the Steelers will go 2-2 without Ben.
His suspension will go down to 4 games. From there I only see them losing to the Pats, Saints, Jets and us. I seriously hope I’m wrong though.
Yeah I'd have to agree with the 2-2 start
But come Week 5, when Big Ben gets thrown in with defenses that have already played a month’s worth of football, I wouldn’t be suprised if struggles. I’m no fan of the Steelers, but they do have a core of good players that can keep them in any game. I just don’t see them winning 9 or 10 games this season. I guess only time will tell….
"I kill myself in small amounts"
I'd be surprised to see them go any worse
than 2-2, and they could go 3-1 w/o Ben, but then again, they might go 5-7 with him when he returns, as perhaps either Charlie, Dennis or Byron do better than him in 2010.
aka 'Rexx'
Honestly, I don't see the Steelers the Bengals both times
I think both the Ravens and Bengals could beat them both times. No way, baring major injuries, they sweep either of us. I still respect them but they are not the power house they were and I don’t think they really improved themselves as much as either the Bengals or Ravens in the off season. They could surprise me but that is what it would be – a surprise.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Man…you Bengals fans really get full of yourselves after one year!
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
You know he has a point though. You guys have definitely digressed since last season and did not really make any moves in the off-season or draft that strike fear in either of our teams. Still a very good team, but you aren’t winning any Superbowls anytime soon. Ravens and maybe the Bengals have a much better shot at this point.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Right, because last year’s Steelers defense, will be the exact same defense as this year. Tyrone Carter = Troy Polamalu. Eason/Kirschke/Wood = Smith. The reason we lost all those games was the defenses fault.
Losing Holmes sucks…but he is not our entire offense. And this team can win 2 with Dixon or Leftwich, which will put us in fine shape for Ben to return.
I just don’t understand how someone can be so confident that you cannot get swept by a team that played you within a touchdown both games.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I just don’t understand how someone can be so confident that you cannot get swept by a team that played you within a touchdown both games.
Well considering Holmes was your best weapon against us and usually the only player that killed us on offense, there goes a TD scored right there. Ward and Wallace do not scare me as much as Boldin and Mason should scare you. Mendenhall can’t run on us, Ray Rice can run on you. Sure, Mendy had some decent yards last year against us, but they were consistent short runs. Rice breaks them against your defense.
We WILL sweep you this year.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I wonder why they are even playing the games this year? I think they should just award the Ravens the next Lombardi because apparently no one can beat them.
We should put a friendly wager down on that, since you seem so certain about it.
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Everyone had injuries last year.
The mere fact that you are making excuses because if injury instead of just accepting that you just didn’t get it done tells me right there that you aren’t the team you once were. There are on excuses. Injuries happen, Bad calls happen. It is all part if the game. I don’t know if “full of ourselves” is the right term but yes I am proud of our team who won a division title and swept a division with a couple of very good theams and I don’t care if it was by 1 point or 20. It was actually a rebuilding year for us. The Bengals and Ravens did not lose any star players but rather added at least one and both had what appears to have had very good drafts. You lost one star player forever and your QB for 4-6 games. There is no way you can sugar coat that.
The Bengals started the season with 11 of the 22 starters either new to the team, new to their position or rookies. Our QB played only one quarter of PS in almost a year before the first snap of the season. Both of our starting TEs were out for the season before the season began. Our DC lost his wife. One of our players died. We didn’t make excuses. We just went out and played football the best we could. IMO many teams could have gone 6-10. We went 10-6. Yes I am proud of that regardless of not winning the playoff game. Last year was no fluke and you will see a better team than the one who beat you twice last year. Stop living in the past. All of the real action is in the future and I am one Bengals fan who is looking forward to it.
I do respect your team. They deserve it. But the Raven and Bengals are not just going to lay down for you and you will be hard pressed to come out on top. If you do that will be something in the future for you to be proud of. But talk won’t get it done not matter how much “hell you unleash”.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Would you like to make a friendly wager that you won’t sweep the Steelers this year?
Funny that Malor disappeared after I asked that.
The future is not what it used to be.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m right here boy. Didn’t even see that comment until now. What you want?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I say make a bet that involves the other person’s sig line or avatar for 2-4 weeks if the Steelers do or do not get swept by the Ravens.
The future is not what it used to be.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions
be a man and bet money.
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
He is a broke college student
What am I going to get, food stamps to the diner?
The future is not what it used to be.
by John Stephens on May 7, 2010 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey now, I am far from a broke college student. But I will take you to Thirsty Turtle on a Wednesday for the $3 chicken sandwiches and $1 imports. Deal? Good.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I'll tell you what Malor and you too Jaskmca......
I plan to go to the last game in Baltimore. I am working on good tickets. The wife hates football so I will be alone. If I can make it and I can find a good seat, think of a good restaurant where we can get some good seafood and a good steak and the meal is on me. Bruce, you are invited and you can bring that Raven guy along too if he washes up first. All of you can bring your wives or girlfriends and no I didn’t forget you MaLor your boyfriend can come if he wants as well. Seriously, unless I am away on business, and I do have a trip to England to see a supplier somewhere around that time but I expect to be able to sched. around it.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I eat enough tube-steak with my boyfriend already, jackass. Lol.
Be fun. I know quite a few places close to the stadium with the best seafood in the country.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
And there it is there...
I eat enough tube-steak with my boyfriend already
Wow, most gays sneak out of the closet. You, on the other hand broke the door when you busted outta there…
"Hey baby, want some Adam West penis?"
- Adam West
Good I like snapper.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I never said we would sweep you. I said we could and we can.
I have too much respect for the Steeler org. to expect us to sweep you – again. If you think the Steelers sweeping the Bengals is a given then obviously we havn’t earned enough respect from you and I am sure that the team will be working on that this year. Actually I think we probably split which is what I said in my post.
You have other tings to worry about. I think this Ben thing is a bit over blown (no pun intended) as far as on the field performance goes bit there has to be some negative effect. Your corner situation is a bit vulnerable. Your Oline is pretty pedestrian. Your WR corps is decent but you did lose a big piece of it and Ward is getting up there but he may have another good year left. Troy is great when he is out there but he has shown a tendency to lose time in the last couple of years. You can run the ball well but I think the Ravens and Bengals might be a bit ahead of you there.
You may pull out of this and do very well but talk won’t get it done. If any org. can do it the Steelers can but I think your days a king of the Div and waning. The Raven and Bengals are not afraid of you. We will be there and we won’t be hard to find. Just look across the field as you walk out. This will be a dog fight all the way no matter how much “hell” you unleash. That I will bet on.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Just to Pile On
I will play devil’s advocate and add to JJ’s point: the Steelers are still a very good football team and organization. Do I think they purposefully over blew the Ben thing, absolutely for a myriad of reasons. Mostly to send Ben a message that enough is enough. Shipping out Holmes is one thing, shipping out a two-time SB winning and genuine franchise quarterback who gives you the best chance of winning on any given Sunday is a whole ’nuther thing…
I did not think for a second they were seriously considering trade offers for Ben. Did they make calls? Absolutely -to at least make it appear to Ben and his agent, that yes, we have reached our limit with him. And the next thing that pops up (oops, bad pun), he is outta here…
Point is, I believe Pittsburgh goes anywhere from 1-3 to 3-1 during their first four games sans Ben -there will be no “4” in that record -they are too fundamentally sound. In addition, I do not expect to see Ben struggle too much when he comes back. Ben is a lot of things, one of which is a professional football player -I would be shocked if he came back and stunk up the joint. That said, I do believe there are deeper chemistry/locker room issues that will not smooth over so easily. So again, I could see Pittsburgh winning 5 to 7 of their last 12 games -around a .500 season in total and probably not making the playoffs.
As exhibit A I hold up our own 2001 Ravens: we lost Jamal Lewis for the season and everybody thought we were toast. We still won a playoff game that year (on the road no less-!) -we were/are a solid team with a fundamentally sound organization. Pittsburgh and Baltimore, and I know many people hate to admit it, are very similar organizations. I do not expect a huge drop off from Pittsburgh this year, nor do I expect them to be world beaters either -just kind of mid-lin…
Now, if Ben does not perform to expectations, if Dixon (or someone for that matter) emerges and goes 3-1 during the first four games, then I think they take a long hard look at the QB situation after the 2010 season.
lyrical fire. burnd'ed
" Surgeon General's Warning: Do not stare directly at Al Davis. Do not think about Al Davis. Do not make any sudden movements when near Al Davis."
--Simmons
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
I'll give it a go....
Ravens 13-3
Bengals 9-7
Steelers 8-8
Browns 5-11
"I kill myself in small amounts"
I'll go
Ravens:13-3
Steelers:11-5
Bengals:9-7
Browns:0-16
F*****T is offensive, even when blanked out, who knew?
Maybe
F*****T is offensive, even when blanked out, who knew?
by Zachary Beard on May 6, 2010 6:23 AM EDT up reply actions
+11
The future is not what it used to be.
What the media did not tell you.
by John Stephens on May 6, 2010 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions
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