NFL.com Labels Ravens "Only" a Playoff Contender?
by Bruce Raffel on Jul 18, 2010 7:00 AM EDT
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PrintMichael Lombardi of NFL.com, did a story recently about "Breaking Down the AFC Picture..." and only rates the Baltimore Ravens as a playoff contender. He lists the team he thinks are among the better ones in the conference in five categories, Blue Chip, Red Chip, Green, Orange and Brown Chip. For the purposes of this story, the Blue Chip are the Super Bowl contenders and the Red Chip are "only" playoff contenders.
Well folks, that might be good enough for rmany teams and their fans, and it might even be good enough for some Ravens fans, but I am here to tell you that if the Ravens aren't considered Super Bowl contenders, then something in this crazy world of ours is very, very wrong!
Who then does Lombardi consider the top Super Bowl contenders in the AFC?
While I have zero problems with the defending AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts, to ignore our Ravens while touting the greatness of the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins above us is akin to fighting words where I came from! Yeah, the Chargers have been the darlings of the football world for a few years now, but what team has positioned itself to add an explosive offense to its already dominating defense like Baltimore has done in the recent off season? Yeah, the Dolphins have added the greatness that is WR Brandon Marshall to a lackluster offense, but how have they fared against the Ravens the past two years, as we've manhandled them in their own crib both times? What other team has won three road playoff games over the past two years with an offense that pales in comparison to what the team will put out there when they open the 2010 regular season in New York against the Jets on Monday Night Football?
Along with the Ravens, Lombardi feels the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans fall into that "Playoff Contender" category. Other than the Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns, that pretty much are all the AFC teams that stand a chance of finishing over .500 in 2010. So what, those teams are decent and some of them are pretty damn good, but to bunch them all in one group while the Colts, Chargers and...Dolphins (!) stand out above them seems a bit ridiculous to me!
I realize that this labels me as the homer that I do not pretend not to be, but isn't pretty much every other "expert" touting the Ravens among the best in the conference, much less the entire league for their 2010 predictions? Lombardi states how he thinks the Ravens might still be standing come January, but what about February, which is what we are shooting for isn't it?
I've ranted and raved enough for one story, so you can take over from here, Ravens fans, and post your incredulous remarks below mine!
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Lombardi is just one man's opinion , lets get the facts
Football Outsiders which has the best sophisticated statistics in football, rates the Ravens as favorites to make the Super Bowl in their 2010 Almanac based on last year’s team performance every down and the prior performance of new players added. That’s all you can ask for this time of year.
They interestingly point out that one of the biggest weaknesses of the team were the defensive team’s penalties — if that could be cleaned up this year our defensive performance would really step up a notch.
They actually give the statistics of the quality of their preseason’s predictions, which are quite good in aggregate — but less good for the Super Bowl winner, since variable events make a huge difference.
A guy like Lombardi doesn’t get paid to be accurate but to get print / media time – quite a big difference.
Football Outsiders
actually predicted the Ravens to have a “own” year in 2009. They had us losing more games than we i in 2008, and were right, even though at the time, I thought they were insane. However, they were correct and if they got it right last year, no reason to argue their pick for us in 2010, right!?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jul 18, 2010 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Football Outsiders
Football Outsiders has done horribly predicting playoff conteners using there statistics This year they have Minnesota and Dallas as below average teams. I am a fan of neither but believe they will be a couple of the better teams in the NFC. FO to me has some great info that’s useful but ther predictions have been horsecrap.
The Miami pick seems out of place
Much has been happening in Miami in recent weeks, but what should not be lost in all the hysteria of the Heat adding LeBron James and Chris Bosh is that the Dolphins are a Super Bowl contender. Last season, they were one of the best teams in the league in terms of execution, but struggled playing 2-minute defense (30th overall) and failed to make explosive plays (gains of 20 yards or more). Miami is close, very close, to becoming a Super Bowl team — in part due to its size, mental toughness and ability to consistently execute each week. If the Dolphins stop the big plays, make a few of their own, and find a way to close out games, J-Lo and Marc Anthony might have a stake in a Super team.
It seems that he is basing this off pure projection. What have the Dolphins done so far that shows they can even win in January, let alone make it to the playoffs consistently. Lombardi is projecting that Henne is going to have a huge season. I also think he will do well, but we could both very well be wrong.
I just do not get how a team that has not won a playoff game in god knows how long and went 8-8 last year can be considered a Superbowl contender over teams like Baltimore, New York, New England and Pittsburgh.
I've always felt the Dolphins
were just way too soft to compete for the title. They were able to hang in the AFC East but whenever they played the North they always seemed to wilt like sissies (sorry to my cousins, who live in Miami and are HUGE Dolphins’ fans!). Watch what happens when they finally come here after ropping two straight in their place to us. I just think we are WAY too physical for them on BOTH sides of the ball and we will see November 7th when they come to Baltimore.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jul 18, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Miami looks really good at times, but your’e right. When they play the AFC North, it turns into a “JV” type team. There’s not a tenths of the phsyicality that you’d see in a Pitt vs Baltimore type game. But let the critics read into it as much as they’d like, because we all know on the Beatdown that our Ravens are SUPER BOWL BOUND!
"Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised."
by StuckInUtah on Jul 18, 2010 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
good point
I think that defense will be good, but they have issues at safety and the pass rush may suffer.
But that offense looks like it could be really interesting. Ronnie Brown throwing to Brandon Marshall? wow that could be a really hard Wildcat to account for.
"Cam, we're not going to have any issues because we're going to be winning."
--Joe Flacco
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
I think it boils down to this…
Flacco great = Superbowl
Flacco good = Playoffs
Flacco bad = miss the playoffs
Obviously there are shades of grey here, but my point is that it all starts with Joe taking the next step this year because all of the other pieces are there for a Superbowl run (IMO).
by 60minuteassassin on Jul 18, 2010 10:07 AM EDT reply actions
Agree
I would rate you above Miami , in your confernce I would rate Indy as a slight favorite then about 5 others with a chance. I also now feel the NFC has the majority of the dominant teams.
yeah NFC is nasty
I don’t think New Orleans will be as fearsome now that their schedule is harder and there should be at least a slight superbowl hangover, but you still have Minny, Dallas, and Green Bay.
"Cam, we're not going to have any issues because we're going to be winning."
--Joe Flacco
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
Miami
In order for Miami to be relevant against us, or even in there division, the will have to play tough. They’ve been pounded by us and you know Rex Ryan will have the Jets playing hard nose football. If (and I say if) they figure the toughness part out, Henne will still have to prove that he can stand in the face of pressure.
by Georgia Raven on Jul 18, 2010 7:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Balance of Power
Yeah the NFC looks tough this year but the AFC has better QBs. QB play is one of the most important factors in the NFL. I think the NFC is cathing up though. They haven’t been this deep with talent in a while.
by Georgia Raven on Jul 18, 2010 7:08 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Baltimore absolutely has the talent to go as far as they want to go this year. Flacco: 2010 Ravens are the ‘best team I’ve been on’
I still cannot buy into the Bengals...
granted, my opinion is tainted by the fact they are our divisional rivals. That said, I was grossly disappointed with their performance late in the season. They looked fantastic at the start of the season…really dominant at times…and then they seemed to just fade backward into the playoffs. Granted, their big issue was a lack of depth and the injuries certainly hurt them towards the end of the season. Hell, considering just the heartbreak that team went through during the season, I was impressed they stuck together.
I like Marvin Lewis and I love that defensive coach they got…but I have a hard time believing that a Mike Brown owned team can consistently improve from one year to another. I guess I got to see it to believe it. That dude is the sole reason I never want them to win the Super Bowl. He represents everything wrong with a clueless owner.
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace"
by UMBC Oriole fan on Jul 18, 2010 9:32 PM EDT reply actions
The Bengals are a playoff contender if...
they can avoid the injury bug. You’re correct that their depth will be an issue, if they start having injuries along the stretch. They could squeek in as wildcard, but, they won’t be a factor beyond that.
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to prosper. -Benjamin Franklin
That last signature was gross, Mac. -Johnny O.
problem is, they basically avoided the injury bug last year as far as I can tell, except for Benson, and he came back. Odds are that you don’t get 2 years in a row without some major injury impact. Kind of like us going injury-less (mostly) in 2006, then bombing in 2007
by Rayisyourdaddy on Jul 20, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
They didn't quite avoid the injury bug in the middle to later half of the season...
Impact players like Odom, Maualuga, Henry, Benson, Rucker, and a few others who were far from 100%.
But, you’re right about that vicious cycle of injuries that can occur every other year.
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to prosper. -Benjamin Franklin
That last signature was gross, Mac. -Johnny O.
The Ravens
are legit. Right now, Baltimore and the Colts are the AFC’s two best. While I hope my Broncos improve throughout the season, I’d much rather have the Colts and Ravens be ahead of Denver than the Steelers and Patriots. Baltimore has the makings of a really special season. Joe Flacco is the man.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Jul 19, 2010 2:57 AM EDT reply actions
Thanks
I just have lots of respect for the Ravens, they’re a classy organization and Mr. Biscotti is a fellow Italian. I wonder if his heritage is from Lombardia like some of mine is?
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Jul 19, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Glad someone outside of our fan base recognizes it. For some odd reason, many fans see the Ravens as a bunch of dirty thugs who want to kill people. Ravens are a team that are never involved in this crazy off season mess like the Steelers are right now and we do things the right way. Thanks again for the support and thanks for making that deal for Tebow, Lol.
by Mr MaLoR on Jul 19, 2010 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Totally agree, Brad.
"Everything is a lie. Except that last statement."
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
Quitter's People United Member #18
by Tempestuous Binary on Jul 20, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry
The Chargers are losing too much this year with the players who are gone or holding out, suspensions and their defense is nowhere near the class it used to be. I don’t think they are going to have a good season at all. I like Rivers but without VJ what is he going to do…
by Asmodeus1971 on Jul 20, 2010 1:21 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Thanks
for calling the Chargers frauds /s/ Broncos Country!
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Jul 20, 2010 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions
This is all speculation
Everyone in the top half of the projections, and that includes the Colts, Ravens, Chargers, Jets, Steelers and, yes, the Bengals are only playoff contenders. It is presumptuous for anyone to think they are more than playoff contenders at this point. Good teams under perform and mediocre teams rise to the occasion. The Saints were not on anyone’s radar this time last year. The Steelers and Patriots were favorites to win it. There are so many things that can happen between TC and the SB. Manning, Flacco, Palmer, Rice, Benson could all go down for the season. WRs and QBs can look great in TC and sad on Sundays. Nobody is immune. The Ravens and the Bengals have added several key people in skilled positions. Fans of both teams like what the direction is but for any team with these kinds of changes to be offended that they are not SB contenders is IMO a bit silly. Who will be the “Saints” this year and who will be the “Titans” who played themselves out of contention in the first 6 games. None of you know and neither do I. Some fans act like it is their right to be in the playoffs. It isn’t. Everyone has to earn it again every year. Football is in large part psychological. The more highly rated you are the more people target you for their best effort. I have no problem with the Bengals being rated wherever people want to rate us. It serves us for everyone to think that since we had a good season that we will suck this year. Both Pittsburg and the Ravens looked to us as an easy win last year and I welcome them thinking the same this year. Man, this has been the longest off season ever. I don’t think I have ever been so anxious for a season to get underway.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
Some good points
Starting with the psychological warfare aspects of the game. Strong leadership at QB, RB, WR on offense and ILB and Safety on defense help. If that leadership is among the elite level at each key position listed then you have the ingredients for serious aspirations. Thus, my optimism about THIS Ravens team.
I agree with you potimism. You are serious playoff contenders
That is a good a you can expect. You appear to have a very good team and a legit favorite for the division title. My Bengals look good too. I am also optimistic. On paper we should battle it out to the end. I have already said that objectively I think you have the edge, but not a huge one. There are a lot of ifs for both teams and whoever answers those ifs with the most positives will excell. I hope it comes down to the last game and it very well could.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
I really hope it doesn’t come down to the last game. The Ravens need a bye week in the playoffs to make a deep run. We always seem so tired after the first playoff game. We get that bye, and we’ve got a good shot at the title (same for you guys).
much as i hate to say it
we still can’t count out Pittsburgh. Even if we’re both numbers 1 and 2 in the division, Pittsburgh gets both of us twice and they will not roll over easily. The bye week will be crucial.
"Cam, we're not going to have any issues because we're going to be winning."
--Joe Flacco
"Just win baby. Yeah, I stole that."
--Jon Gruden
You make a good point jack, and you too Blitz
Obviously I hope the last game is meaningless as well, but can you imagine the excirement IF the Ravens go into the last game with the winner getting the Division title and the lose getting the WC? It would be the most exciting game I can remember for quite a while.
No we cannot count out Pittsburg. They definitely will have something to say about it. They are still a very good team but both of su should do well against them if we don’t take them lightly. I do not see them as having improved their team as much as the Ravens and Bengals – but that is all on paper and the Steelers would be the favorites in a few divisions. But, we have to stop thinking that we are less than them. Both of us CAN beat them. They lost some key players and the people they brought in IMO aren’t, with the possible exception of Pouncy, going to be upgrades. But, who knows their entire draft class could turn out to be all pros. All of us are hopeful but nobody will truly know until they get on the field. All I can say at this point is that nobody is happy to see the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals on their schedule. They would mush rather play someone else. All of us can be beat but everyone will probably have to bring their A game and play the full 60 minutes.
"If we always agree, one of us is not necessary"
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