The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
by vlad755 on Dec 26, 2011 4:59 PM EST
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PrintCongrats to the Ravens as they completed a home sweep for the first time. What we learned: not much new beyond what we already know- the Ravens are very good at home and they have inconsistent lapses. Somehow, without Boldin, and with the drops, the Ravens were able to move the ball through the air, but nobody really assumed the role as the "go-to guy".
The issue is, Cleveland is not a very good measuring stick. Yes, they are a divisional rival, but they are just not a very good team so it is hard to get a good gauge as to how the Ravens stack up.
The Good
Ray Rice. He runs, he catches, he scores, he slices & dices! Yours for only $19.95 plus shipping and handling! I know there is Rodgers, but in terms of pure value to a team, how can Ray Rice not be in the conversation?
Kruger had some good pressure and registered a sack.
Cam Cameron. He devised a balanced game plan and called a great game. And before a bunch of folks get upset, remember this: Cam was missing a few key ingredients- Boldin, Yanda; and Dickson developed a case of canoe paddle hands which didn't help Cam or the offense.
Ozzie. Have to give some props to The Wizard. Late in the season, kicker goes down, Ozzie opens up his rolodex and voilà, instant field goal kicker. Kickoffs notwithstanding, nevertheless, it is amazing that Ozzie can keep pulling rabbits out of his hat like this.
The Bad
Only Houston losing. Pittsburgh, Cincy could have lost and New England darn near lost. Makes week 17 very difficult. Would have like to have created some separation between us and a few other teams. The Jax loss is really looming large right now. That one hurts the most.
Just the lack of instilling confidence in the fan base over the past couple of weeks. How good do we feel going into the playoffs? Heck, how good do we feel going into Cincy into what is essentially a must-win game for us? We win, we get a #1 or #2 seed but more importantly a bye and at least one home playoff game. We lose, we are the #5 seed and most likely will travel out West. With our injuries, we could really use a bye right now. And a home playoff game would be super sweet!
The Ugly
The continuation of As the Ball Drops. At least four I counted and maybe one or two more. I think if we reduce the drops to one or two max, drives will be extended, we will not be punting as much, and everybody will be saying how great the Raven offense is finally coming together...
Ravens injures. They are really starting to mount up. The Ravens could be reaching a critical point in which we start to see a noticeable downgrade in on-field performance.
Cleveland coaching. Wow, to not kick a field goal right before halftime and a few other blunders on top of the sketchy way they handled McCoy a few weeks ago. Sometimes NFL staffs "have it" and they belong on an NFL sideline (as much as we gripe about various elements of the Ravens staff, they are obviously an NFL-caliber staff), other staffs don't pass the NFL sniff test and this Cleveland one does not.
And now the regular season finale in Cincy. We are very dinged up and Cincy will be catching us at home, while they seem to be getting on a bit of a roll heading into the playoffs. They are home, the playoffs are on the line for them. This is their "home playoff game". They are going to be pumped. Question is, with us being several men down, will we be able to match them, on the road, in a playoff type atmosphere? This will be, by far, the biggest challenge the Ravens will have faced up to this point this season, including the road game in P-burgh. Will we be able to meet that challenge and surpass it?
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
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How the hell is cam cameron in the “good?”
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
by jackmca on Dec 26, 2011 5:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I am wondering more how the hell Joe Flacco isn’t in the ugly. I mean did you see his interception? Or what about when he under threw Torrey Smith on the first play on offense even though Joe threw the ball from the 30 and it came down at the goal line. 70 yards in the air is still clearly under thrown, which is what many people have said since Saturday. Forget about his 2 beautiful TD’s.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
in all seriousness
i’d put flacco’s performance in the “meh” when you take his 2 beautiful TDs together with some of his misses and the INT.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Honestly
I thought given the handicaps with the injuries and the drops, he did about as good as can be expected. I am trying to be fair when it comes to him- rightfully criticize him when he deserves it, and give him props when he actually grows a brain.
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
He was alright. As long as Rice and Ricky see a good amount of carries, Cam called a good game.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
can ray rice be the number one wideout and Rick Williams be the number three wideout? because it seems
like they do a better job d catching the ball than the wideouts some times
I don’t mind them catching the ball.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
i do mind when the WRs don’t.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
However the ball gets down field, as long as it gets down there, is fine by me.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Rice is around top 50 for receiving yards. (Meaning he is more effective in the passing game than some team's #2 receivers.)
Passing him the ball works. I do wish our WR’s could get more involved but TE passes and giving Rice the ball works well.
Webb has clearly showed he is the next star Raven defensive player. This season he is the best player in the defensive backfield handsdown.
by Raven_all_day on Dec 26, 2011 6:39 PM EST via mobile reply actions
My Bad
Webb should have gotten a mention in The Good. The game was just… so… uninspiring… kind of lost track of a few things…
Apologies Lardarius!
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
I would vote for Ray Rice as MVP before I would throw my vote to Rodgers. Remove Rice and the rushing/receiving drops. Remove Rodgers and their backup Flynn still has weapons to pass the ball and their running game still goes. Its stupid that the QB position is the “requirement” for the award. Id vote for Rice and Im someone who dislikes the uniform he plays in which typically makes one biased and incapable of giving any credit whatsoever.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 26, 2011 7:19 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Take out Rodgers, and I’ll bet you Flynn doesn’t throw half the TD’s Rodgers did and more than twice the picks. That’s crazy talk.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Im saying Rice makes the Ravens great like Rodgers makes the Packers great. Crazy talk? You dont believe RR should be in the mvp discussion?
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 26, 2011 8:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Rice is deserving to be in the conversation, he is leading the league in total yards. I’d be surprised though if he gets a vote.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Drew Brees
might be the most worthy with the numbers he has put up this season. Rodgers is having a great year. rice is having a great year. Bree’s might end with the best passing season in NFL history!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 26, 2011 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
What happened to you? I dont know you anymore. Youre a monster!
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 26, 2011 8:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Pissed that Tyrod Taylor hasn’t seen a start yet.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
You dont mean that.
I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.
by steeltech on Dec 26, 2011 8:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Relatively inacurate rookie who likes to run more than he likes to throw vs. relatively accurate veteran who can throw a deep ball as well as anyone in the league (when he’s in his happy place)? I know who I’m taking.
by SpeedKills4914 on Dec 28, 2011 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
Relatively inaccurate rookie who likes to run more than he likes to throw
Which is exactly why we are all rallying for him to start, particularly in the first playoff game. We would have like FOUR less sacks on the season had Tyrod seen time. Those types of QB’s get it done man, the list is huge for those option QB’s in Superbowl talk.
1………..
Are there any?
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
If Cam Newton wasn't on the Panthers he could have a slight shot. No Brady/Brees but he's a good QB.
Vick last year, who doesn’t really play a proper spread option but isn’t afraid of running.
Tebow, mostly thanks to McGahee, Champ, and Von Miller. Long long shot but playoff team nonetheless.
Reminder: I’m totally against all the Tyrod talk, Flacco and his facial hair antics are here to stay and people need to get used to it.
I am just saying that no option QB’s win Superbowls. NONE!
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Actually, any QB that can legitimately scramble for yards on any down don’t win Superbowls. Pocket passers win Superbowls.
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
Steve Young never won a superbowl.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
He was a scrambler, but as good of a pocket passer as there has been. I am talking more so about the Vicks, McNabbs, Cunninghams, etc…
Flacco has to trust his receivers to make catches, but shouldn’t throw towards coverage. He needs to attack deep more often, but shouldn’t hold onto the ball so long. He needs to show more awareness in the pocket and move to extend plays, but nothing good comes of him leaving the pocket. He should run with the ball if nobody’s open, but he definitely can’t run with the ball.
Flacco should have the awareness of Roethlisberger, the elusiveness of Vick, the control of the offense of Manning, the leadership of Brady, the accuracy of Brees, and the arm strength of … Flacco? - Ampallang
i know what you meant
but he was one hell of a scrambler. And vick is a better pocket passer than you’re giving him credit for. He just hasn’t had a pocket all season long this year.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
I Kind of
Agree with this. Vick does have it within his capacity to win the Big One. Just needs a better team…
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
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