Ravens' Off-Season Questions
by AV23 on May 1, 2011 3:15 PM EDT
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PrintNow that the draft is over we can start to have a better idea of what our Baltimore Ravens will look like. We also have many questions and every move is very critical because we are a Super Bowl contender. Starting or not starting, cutting or not cutting a certain guy could be the difference between a championship or another disappointing loss. Let's look at some of the interesting scenarios.
Who are going to be our starting OT's?
As of right now Michael Oher has the LT spot, but that could change. I think the drafting of Jah Reid pushes Jared Gaither out, however what if we end up playing by last years rules? If that's the case Gaither stays with us if not traded and now we have two LT's. I personally thing Gaither is the better LT, but the Ravens will also have to decide if they want to pay him that money. If we end up going by last years rules the Gaither situation could be interesting.
Oher will be the LT if Gaither is gone, but who on the right? Reid is the first guy who comes to mind, but some people have forgotten about Ramon Harewood. Harewood is a project, but he is very intelligent and has ideal size for an OT. He was one of the four player who showed up at the facility to workout on Friday, which tells me he is ready to work. Reid needs some work on technique as well, but could be the starter right away. This should be a very interesting battle come training camp.
Who will be our RB's?
Ray Rice will obviously be here, but that's about the only sure thing. It looks like Willis McGahee is on his way out and the Ravens have said they will let LeRon McClain test the market. If lose both of them we have Jalen Parmale, Curtis Steele, Anthony Allen and Jason McKie as a FB. I think we will do what we did last year and keep four total RB's and FB's. I personally hope we re-sign McClain, but if not I think we should go with Steele, Allen and McKie. Parmale has been great on special teams, but has lost his value to me. He no longer will be the kick returner now with drafting Torrey Smith and David Reed. I also don't feel he offers anything different at the RB position. Rice is the all around back, Steele has blazing speed which we never had and Allen adds the power. Should be another interesting scenario to keep tabs on.
What about our pass rush?
Many of us thought we would draft a pass rusher in the draft, but we kept passing on them. This was one of our biggest needs and it got ignored. Could this possibly mean that we may finally see Sergio Kindle? I really felt pass rush was arguably our greatest need and for us not to address it must mean that we have another plan for that. Kindle would definitely be a boost and I am hoping this means they like how he is progressing. Free agency is our next option, but until this CBA mess gets figured out we can't talk with any and don't even know who will be available.
Which young WR will step up?
I think it's pretty safe to say that T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte Stallworth will not be back. That leaves us with only two proven WR's in Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason. Mason is still effective, but is getting older and has had some injuries the last couple years. He is still our #2, I believe, and even though he is as tough as anyone you just never know if the age finally catches up. The rest of our WR's are young and inexperienced. We have Reed, Torrey Smith, Marcus Smith, Tandon Doss, Justin Harper, and James Hardy. At least two of these guys will need to really step up to help our passing game that has been average at best. I think Smith and Harper have had their chances, but anyone of the other four could step up. I really like the young talent we have here and feel they compliment each other nicely. I personally loved the Doss pick and think he may be the most polished out of any of them. This will be another big battle to watch during training camp and may the best man win.
Who will start and stay out of our CB's?
We have a very young and IMO solid CB group. Last year we kept 5 CB's on the roster, but have Jimmy Smith, Domonique Foxworth, Josh Wilson, Chris Carr, Lardarius Webb, Cary Williams, Fabian Washington, and Chykie Brown. This means we obviously can't keep them all and have to make some decisions. I think Smith, Foxworth and Webb are locks to be back next year, but everyone else could have a chance to leave us. Before the draft I said we for sure bring back Carr and Wilson, but now I'm not so sure. We drafted two CB's and I think that means one of them could be gone. I feel Wilson is the better of the two, but Carr was solid all season and will probably be cheaper. I feel we will only see one of them back and will depend on price and who we covet more. That is four spots taken and will leave the rest battling. Fabian played horrible last year and should definitely be cut. If we let Wilson or Carr goes that leaves one spot between Williams and Brown. I personally love Williams and wanted to see what he could do with more reps. With the youth at the group I don't think he will get that chance, but could possibly try again at safety. I think we should try and move him there and then keep Brown as the 5th string. I feel we have some quality guys already and now that we added Smith I hope we can stop hearing the ridiculous criticism of the group.
Those are some of the questions I am looking forward to playing out and can't wait til camp. I am very interested on hearing everybody's opinions and what other questions you are looking forward to.
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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Who are going to be our starting OT’s?
As of right now, I could see it being Oher and Yanda again. Basically thinking that Gaither is gone after drafting Jah Reid and Yanda is most likely our best option unless we pick up a free agent RT which I think will definitely happen. We can’t expect a 3rd round draft pick to be our starter as of right now, but that is what I hope happens because the guy has so much potential to be our RT of the future.
Who will be our RB’s?
Rice, Parmele and a FA of some sort. Steele and Allen are too much of products right now and one of them might not make the team.
What about our pass rush?
Ozzie has something up his sleeve. For how good this draft was for DE and those hybrid guys, and we basically didn’t get any of them doesn’t tell me that Ozzie screwed up by not addressing that area, it tells me he knows something we don’t know. My guess is that Kindle is looking really good right now to be ready for training camp. Add on top of that Pagano’s more aggressive style and we should definitely see our sack total rise up. I think we already have a bunch of players capable of getting to the QB, we just need to use them correctly.
Which young WR will step up?
Torrey Smith, I won’t say anymore.
Who will start and stay out of our CB’s?
Tough one now that we drafted Chykie Brown. I was so sure of Carr AND Wilson coming back, but not too sure right now. I still think it is important to bring both of them back because they fit our system really well. My guess is the lineup looks like this
1. Smith
2. Foxworth
3. Wilson
4. Webb
5. Carr
6. Brown or Williams. One of them will be special teams only.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
I agree about the pass rush. I feel Ozzie really does know something we don’t and that it will be improved. I know many of us really wanted a pass rusher, but I’m sure Ozzie knows what he is doing. I know everyone loves Torrey Smith, but I really love Doss. I feel out of our young guys that Doss is the most polished. You definitely can’t teach Torrey’s speed though and I feel both should contribute right away. I feel those were great picks that compliment each other very well and hopefully can add a different element to the passing game. Cam better utilize these guys properly or he can kiss his job here goodbye.
Its going to be like Foxworth is back in Denver, Smith will be the #1 soon. Not right now but soon. Well Oz did say Smith would be on the other teams best, so i could be wrong.
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I would have sworn that Carr would be third on your depth chart.
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
No way. Wilson played as a #1 CB last year and had we not taken Jimmy Smith, I could have seen Wilson starting the season as our #1 CB.
I like Carr. Last year I felt like he was the best nickel and dime CB in the game. Webb just had better cover skills, but Carr does it all.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
I would rather us keep Wilson and let Carr go. Cary Williams needs his shot and so does Chykie. Chykie actually started over Curtis Brown (drafted by the steelers) but was injured this year. He got treated just like J Smith. QB’s didnt throw his way. We have some fresh talent at corner, we should take advantage.
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Who you think we may target in free agency
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I have no idea. I would say RT is the best prediction right now. But I am not sure how much of a splash we will make in FA. Not alot of talent there and we don’t have many holes that can’t be filled with players already on our team.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
We need a pass rusher, maybe not a starter but a specialist for passing downs
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I still haven’t given up on Kruger, a healthier Gregg (recovering knee) and better play from Cody might end up being the difference. Can’t forget that Redding started to turn it up at the end of last season.
With the market still not known for sure, I don’t see a FA guy being able to learn the defense and end up more effective than who we already have.
True, I hope Art Jones can get his shit together this yr
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly right. And lets also remember that much of our failures last year in the pass rush was from Mattison rushing 3, maybe 4 guys time after time. I see Pagano bringing the house this year, especially with how dominant our secondary is going to be.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
Smith
Fox
Wilson
Webb
+ Better pass rush
= top 5 Def
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Marcus Smith and Harper are as good as gone. Same goes with Le’ron and Willis. As far as the pass rush, you can’t fill every need in each draft. Sometimes the board shakes out that way. I have a feeling the team is confident in Kindle’s return, and that they are targeting someone in free agency. Now that we’ve drafted two cornerbacks, I think only one of Carr and Wilson will return; I think it’ll be Carr because Wilson might demand a lot of money. If the old rules apply, I think we’ll bring Gaither back at least for training camp to see where his desire and commitment are.
I like Oher on the left and Reid on the right. Usually a third pick can’t come in and start right away, but I have a good gut feeling about Reid. If he goes up against a premier end or OLB, we can give him a little extra help by chipping or double teaming. We need to move Yanda back to RG because Chester doesn’t have enough strength to be a starter.
I’m fine with another year of McGahee backing up Rice. With improvements to the OL, both RBs are going to look a lot better.
Our pass rush should improve simply by the fact that we improved our Secondary. I wish we had drafted a pass rushing OLB to sub for JJ on some plays. We may still be able to sign someone through free agency or get an undrafted player.
I hope Cam adopts GBs philosophy of subing WR all the time. Guys will be fresher, and we’ll be able to utilize their different skill sets a lot better.
Jimmy Smith improves everything on defense. This will let Ed Reed free lance even more, we’ll be able to disguise our coverages better by not automatically double teaming their number one, and we’ll be able to send more and different blitzers.
This is the best I’ve ever felt after a draft. Oz continues to amaze.
Last year i will give Oher the benefit of the doubt and say it was his sophmore slump. I am expecting for him do to alot better this year. Reid should start if he is ready. I can see him contributing in the run game as well as pass blocking. with Yanda moving back inside that will be great as well. I am looking for Rice to get over 1500 rushing yards this year.
McGahee is gone, we gotta get past that.
I would rather Cam just run the ball.
JImmy Smith will be our #1 by the end of the season barring injuries or stairs.
CMON KINDLE JOIN THE PARTY!!!
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Run the ball? I want to see some flash. Passing is just so much more exciting.
I was looking at the possible free agency list for RBs and I couldn’t find anyone that much better than McGahee. Since I’m not signing his paycheck, I don’t mind if Biscotti over pays him.
Although, there may be an undrafted guy, or our new RB out of Georgia Tech to fill his role. Admittedly, I don’t know pretty much anything about our new RB other than he’s a bruiser and ran out of the wishbone.
Kindle would be nice. I hope that head gets on straight figuratively and literally.
Agreed about Jimmy.
ricky williams, ronnie brown, deangelo williams, possibly reggie bush
by Raven_all_day on May 3, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Link to likely UFA's if the lockout ends and 2010 rules are reinstated
On one hand some of our very important free agents become restricted: McCalin, Yanda, Chester, Gaither, and I think Wilson.
On the other hand this smaller list of UFA’s blows. Not much to see there folks.
Getting those guys restricted would be great for us.
From that list of DE and OLB, I like Cullen Jenkins (probably too much $), Marcus Spears, and Raheem Brock. Other than that, none of these guys will make a major impact.
We are just going to have to hope that the players we have now along with a new aggressive scheme from Pagano will increase our sack total. I also have a good feeling about Kindle and Kruger.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
The current roster
Before free agency starts, we have 79 players, including 6 UFA’s under the 2010 rules. 54 players will make our roster, including the practice squad. So 26+ of these guys will ned to be cut of put on IR or something before our first real game.
Let’s look:
Quarterback: Flacco, Taylor, Hunter Cantwell, Marc Bulger (UFA)
Bulger, by all reports, will get starters money somewhere else. Cantwell is probably gone if he doesn’t go on the practice squad again. Taylor and Flacco stick. Do we get a vet? Probably.
Running back+ fullback: Rice, McGahee, McClain, Parmale, Lawrence, Steele, Allen, McKie
To me this position is more undefined (read not in good shape) than any other. Some of these guys here go on the practice squad. McClain becoming restricted will not make for a happy player. McGahee is good as gone. Who is gonna step up who hasn’t shown that he can in the past?
Tight end: Heap, Dickson, Pita, Drew
Pretty simple: Drew is probably cut unless he becomes special teams captain.
Wide receiver: Boldin, Mason, T Smith, Doss, Reed, M Smith, Harper, Housh (UFA), Hardy, Brandon Jones, Stallworth (UFA)
Housh and Stallworth are gone. Hard to see room for Harper or Jones anywhere but the practice squad. That leaves 7 when we will keep only 5-6. Marcus Smith isn’t necessarily the obvious choice to be cut since he’s good on special teams. That leaves hardy on the outside looking in but with a chance to prove himself.
Offensive line: Burk, Chester, Moll, Mattison, Cousins, Yanda, Ramsey, Grubbs, Gaither, Oher, Harewood, Reid, Vanden Hauvel, Bond.
I think I got them all. 14 linemen and we’ll cut down to…8-9 with one or two more on the PS. Not sure which ones are eligible for the PS here but without thinking of that, Vanden Hauvel, Ramsey, Bond will get cut. Probably Mattison too. Moll is on the bubble: does he have a future with us? He’s gotta prove it.
defensive line: Gregg, Redding, McKinney, Cody, Art Jones, Talavou, Divens, Ngata, McClellan, McPhee, Kruger
11 linemen if Kruger is a lineman. There will be some serious battles in training camp for who gets the last places. Plus Ozzie says he’s looking for more pass rushing help (which may impact the linebacking corps too). There will be some tough cuts.
linebackers: Lewis, Suggs, Johnson, McClain, Gooden, Ellerbie, Kindle, Phillips, Ayanbadejo
Again, if Ozzie adds some pass rushing help it will probably affect these guys and we still don’t know about Kindle. Phillips, Ellerbie (in Harbs doghouse) and Gooden are happy that no linebackers were picked in the draft.
Cornerbacks: J Smith, Foxworth, Wilson, Webb, Carr (UFA), Washington (UFA) Brown, Paschal, Gorrer, Williams
That Wilson might not be a UFA may seal Carr’s fate. We’ll see. Washington is gone. Gorrer, and Paschal: PS or cut given the way we drafted for CB’s. Brown will also probably be PS. Williams might make the team if Carr goes elsewhere and the other young CB’s need more time to season.
Safeties: Reed, Landry, Nakamura, Zibkowski
Landry being a restricted free agent means that we will probably keep him and this unit stays intact.
Kickers: Cundiff, Koch, Hoiser (UFA) , Cox
First two stick, obviously.
Here is who I see getting cut or not being resigned.
- QB Bulger
- RB McGahee, Lawrence, McKie
- TE Drew
- WR M. Smith, Harper, Housh, Donte, Jones
- OL Mattison, Ramsey, Gaither, Vanden Huvel, Bond.
- DL Talavou, Divens, McClellen
- LB They all come back, maybe Burgess.
- CB Washing, Paschal, Gorrer
- S Landry
- ST Hoiser
That was 23 I came up with, which means we are going to have cut a few more. Not sure who else it would be.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
I see a similar list
Steele and Cantwell end up on the Practice Squad.
Someone will be IR’d, maybe Kindle, but I hope he is only out with the PUP. Maybe one of the rookies might end up IR’d like Harewood last season.
We have some trade bait at DT and LB, maybe even CB.
I really can’t see keeping everyone at linebacker.
I can see us keeping McKie. Put Allen in the backfield and pound it
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
ursula
If you have this much to say in the future, put up a FanPost and I’ll promote it to the front page.
Good stuff!
aka 'Rexx'
What are the chances we go after someone like Merriman?
He may not be his former self, but sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery (besides the frozen tundra of Buffalo).
"Really, all Americans want is cold beer, warm p***y, and someplace to take a s**t with a door on it."
We would have taken a chance on Bowers if we wanted someone with major injury issues. Merriman got signed by the Bills last year and was immediately on IR.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
Erasmus James says hello.
Shawn Camp earned my dog several beatings back in 2007
by wtbudlight on Aug 30, 2010 5:54 PM PDT
According to wikipedia, he is.
Shawn Camp earned my dog several beatings back in 2007
by wtbudlight on Aug 30, 2010 5:54 PM PDT
Remember James Harrison got cut a few times before hitting his stride
by Raven_all_day on May 1, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Great job, AV23!!!
PROMOTED!
Love the breakdown, not agreeing on everything but a lot of it. Guys like Marcus Smith excel on Special Teams and the determination of how many corners or wideouts we keep on roster vs. Practice Squad will be determined by who does better on ST’s.
Keep contributing, thanks!
aka 'Rexx'
Our biggest need after the draft is a solid left tackle
If Gaither comes back he should start or they should groom Reid because of his size. Oher is not the left tackle of the future unless he steps up quite a bit. His size limits him on what he can do. Flacco also has to step up. The draft netted two decent receiver prospects but we had four better ones last year and we still didn’t dominate weaker defenses.
We had 4 veteran WR with no speed (Donte was out the first 8 weeks and never was the same after that).
We added arguably the best deep threat WR in this draft which is something this offense missed last year and another WR who some analysts said had one of the best pair of hands and route running abilities in this draft. We needed to start grooming a WR or two to work with Joe in the future.
Hate to break this to you, but Oher is our future left tackle. I won’t even explain to you why, because you always seem to think there is some magical better option out there we can get. Get used to it.
Surprised you haven’t mentioned the pick of QB Tyrod Taylor yet. I was really excited when we took him, but then immediately realized that you comment on this blog and will be begging for Taylor to be the starting QB in the playoffs because you are upset that Joe passes for 3,800 yards and 28 TD’s next year.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
If Oher is our left tackle in your opinioin
Flacco better take some track lessons. We had other receivers with speed. Every other team puts their complete roster to use but us, that’s bullshit. Did you not see what New England did with their rookie tight ends, or how the Steelers burned us with their rookie. Hopefully the Ravens and Flascco learned a lesson while watching us lose from the sidelines. If it was up to you, we wouldn’t even need substitutes.
LT don't grow on trees
there were three good but not great LT prospects in the draft and they all went before #26.
Oher is the man. Gaither is either hurt or lazy, either way he is too unreliable to sign to a contract. you can’t get a pro bowler at every posistion, at least oher isn’t a weakness, he;s about average
There wasn’t a single tackle in this year’s draft that grades as a better LT than Oher. The coaches, I think, know you can’t switch him back to the right side after only ONE year on the left. He was drafted to be the left tackle for the next ten years, and will be just that. Let’s not forget that Ogden started his first year at guard. I am not saying Oher will be JO, but he’s got a full year under his belt on the blind side and should only improve. He’s a hard worker, and always talks about how he can do better. Get over it.
He was drafted to be a right tackle
He is not built like your better left tackles and has problems blocking because of his size. You can teach an antelope to fight, but its going to lose to the lion every time.
According to www.FootbalOutsiders.com Oher was the 8th best LT in the league last year. And Football Outsiders is the single best statistical NFL website out there.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
Funny thing about Oher is that he is the best Tackle to come out of his class, and he was the last one taken in the first round.
I love how Shadow is ready to give up on players that are only in their 2nd or 3rd years. It is quite amusing to be honest.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
Who said anything about giving up
Put the man where he is best suited. Gaither is still a better left tackle than Oher. Check with the NFL experts, they also agree. Gaither wasn’t signed long term just like Flacco wasn’t this year, they have to both prove their worth.
He’s best suited on the left side. And the Ravens aren’t going to pay two left tackles left tackle money. Joe has two years left on his rookie deal, which is why he wasn’t signed long term. And he will be signed long term after this year. And three playoff appearances in his first three years has proved his worth. Everything clear now?
And the Ravens aren’t going to pay two left tackles left tackle money.
Exactly what I wish Shadow would understand. Oher was one of our first round picks, we are going to have to pay him like one to play LT for us. Gaither was a 5th round supplimental pick that turned out to be really good, but ended up getting injured and pulling a bunch of shady shit once Oher moved to LT. We are not going to resign Gaither to LT money for him to play RT, after he had just came off of missing an entire season with a back injury.
Gaither is gone.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
In order to be the best player...
..you actually need to play
Gaither has shown no interest in playing or being a professional. if you think writing him a check will help ask the redskins about haynesworth
by davver on May 1, 2011 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Surprised you haven’t mentioned the pick of QB Tyrod Taylor yet. I was really excited when we took him, but then immediately realized that you comment on this blog and will be begging for Taylor to be the starting QB in the playoffs because you are upset that Joe passes for 3,800 yards and 28 TD’s next year.
I was worried about the same thing. With Bulger almost certainly gone, who else is going to replace the “deer caught in the the headlights” Flacco.
"Really, all Americans want is cold beer, warm p***y, and someplace to take a s**t with a door on it."
Don't be stupid
We already have a third year rookie quarterback playing. The funny thing is, who is this new quarterback going to learn from.
Lol, so you would give Hunter Cantwell a chance to play in the regular season next year?
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
So would you have played Flacco in his rookie year
The Ravens went to the AFC game. So everything you have posted is just smoke out your ass because you just contradicted your whole premise with that last post.
Um, what?
Ok, let me try to attempt to reply to whatever the hell this comment means.
Yes, I would have started Joe his rookie year. That is because he was an elite talent coming out of college and we spent a first round pick on him.
Hunter Cantwell was undrafted from a D2 school. There is a major, major difference. Yet again, you are an idiot.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
What are you, some kind of child calling people names
Bart Scott was also undrafted, and he really sucked for us. Many a good player appeared because someone took a chance. When was Tom Brady drafted, like around round seven. Just because someone is drafted in the first round doesn’t make them great.
Joshua Stein said:
I think Flacco playing in his rookie year worked out just fine. Again, are you for real?
But the question was would YOU have played him his rookie year, and if you are as closed minded as MaLoR the answer is no.
I think what he is actually trying to say is that no matter where you are drafted, if you play as good bad as Flacco has the last 3 years with only being the 6th QB in NFL history to throw for 10,000 plus yards and only QB to start and win in the playoffs his first 3 years, that the undrafted D2 QB should get his chance because history shows that 1 out of 200 of those guys turn into pretty good players.
I am sold, lets get Hunter into that starting lineup immediately. On top of that, give our new rookie DE Pernell McPhee Ngata’s spot, because “everyone deserves a chance to start.”
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
Shadow, you can jump on the Flacco bandwagon anytime now. Some will make a little fun of you at first, but soon it’ll just become a little joke of the past.
I didn't say I didn't like Flacco
I said he should have been substituted for last year and 09 when he was hurt or not producing in a game.
WE MADE THE PLAYOFF LAST YEAR AND IN ’09!!! Holy shit, what more do you want from a guy who came out of DELAWARE???
He wants a Superbowl, because it is so easy to win a Superbowl in your first 3 seasons at QB in the NFL after coming from D1AA. I mean only 2 QB’s have ever won Superbowls in their first 3 seasons, so Joe should have definitely done it by now. If he can’t get it done now, he definitely won’t get it done in his 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th seasons because Joe has obviously reached his peak as a player.
It is all down hill from here, lets start scouting Andrew Luck immediately.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
We made the playoffs with our best franchise record
With a washed up quarterback like McNair. We won a superbowl with a quarterback that we got rid of the next year. Our two greatest achievements were not because of our quarterback. Our success the past three years were our defense and running game.
Someone else who can only call people names
Tell me this genius, how did the Packers make it to the playoffs?
Our run game ranked like 30th or something in 2006 i believe and last year we were averaging like 3.8 yd/rush. I think McNair and Flacco had quite a bit of positive impact on the offense in those years
Flacco's Favorite. Check it out.
Everyone here blames McNair for the loss to the Colts
The defense pretty much carried the Ravens in 2006. Last year even with the greatly in proved receiving corp the defense had to step up to pull games out of the hat.
Packers made it the playoffs because they have one of the best defenses in the league and arguably the best QB in the league. What does that have to do with anything you are saying. If your saying Flacco needs to be Rodgers or he should be benched then so should every other QB in the league. Your arguments don’t even make sense. Flacco also made it further than McNair the following season as a rookie. Your arguments are pointless.
The Packers made the playoff because of Vick and the Eagles
The Eagles had a miraculous fourth quarter comeback victory over the Giants. That was the difference between the Packers going to the super bowl or just watching it. We will see if Aaron Rodgers can carry the Packers to the playoffs this year without needing the help of another team. That’s the difference between a great team and a lucky team.
Who cares if they squeeked in
If we only handed out trophies to the teams that we expected to win, then we would all be wrong every year.
The Packers barely got in the playoffs, then took it the rest of the way to win a superbowl. Your argument of them just barely getting in is pointless and absolutely ridiculous.
Having read this entire thread, I get you now. You expect every player and every team to win every game. By your reasoning, Flacco should have had 5000 yards last season, 45 passing TDs, 2 INTs, 14 rushing TDs, and 18 INTs returned for TDS while playing on defense.
You sir are a troll and a horrid Ravens fan. I personally hope you go on the Steeler’s boards and “root” for them like you do to us.
by Mstevens_Design on May 1, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Shadow, don’t you find it strange at all that not one person here agrees with anything you say?
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
That’s the part I don’t understand. I have never heard anyone who agrees with him. No team deserved it more last year than the packers. The injuries they had were ridiculous and I don’t think any other team could have had those and even got past the 1st round. They didn’t get there by luck they got there because they were the best team last year.
They were lucky the Eagles came back and the Giants completely fell apart
Just like the Steelers were lucky the Ravens completely fell apart in the second half, or as most would say, played typical Ravens second half football. As far as nobody agreeing with me, how many people stood up to prevent the crucifixion of Jesus.
Like the Atlanta game? Like the New England game? And I like how you state the same thing as before while conveniently leaving out the running game notion that I refuted in my earlier post.
And one bad game does not make McNair a bad QB. People may have blamed Manning for his playoff losses against NE but is that what defines him? No, the rest of his resume speaks for itself.
Flacco's Favorite. Check it out.
by tzepp on May 1, 2011 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
And Flacco's resume reads
Wins the easy games, loses the tough games. As long as there are enough easy games in your schedule you make the playoffs with a good team. They say this years schedule is pretty easy, so we should make the playoffs again.
Flacco won 4 road playoff games in 3 years. There are no harder games than playoff games on the road.
Give credit where credit is due.
I do give credit, I think he has potential if handled right.
Baltimore is known as a road winning playoff team. The New England game was all running and defense, Flacco was hurt and should not have been playing as we all saw in next weeks game against the Colts. The defense once again won the Dolphins game. Their quarterback was basically playing catch with our defense. Flacco could not move the ball in the first half against the Chiefs who were not even in the same class as we were. The Titans game was close only because the Titans had trouble holding onto the ball near our goal line. We barely did just enough to squeak out a win. Flacco was like Dilfer in those games, he didn’t lose it for us.
You give no credit.
You make a statement like Flacco “Wins the easy games, loses the tough games.” Then you give excuses why he won tough playoff games.
“We barely did just enough to squeak out a win.” I’ll be sure to mention to John Harbaugh it’s not enough to win, we must blow every team out in the playoffs to validate Joe as a great QB.
This is a team game. He does what is necessary to win the game.
Flacco did something positive that no other QB did in NFL history. If that doesn’t deserve credit, I don’t know what does.
What tough playoff games did we win where the quarterback was the difference in the game.
And by quarterback I mean ours, not theirs. And by today’s standards to be a great quarterback you have to win a super bowl. If the Ravens do win a super bowl with Flacco, Joe will probably be talked about above Dan Marino. But if we had Dan Marino the past three years we would have three super bowl trophies. Joe was on a team that won a lot of playoff games, he didn’t do it personally. If he was on twenty other teams in the NFL he would not have made the playoffs. The Ravens were a good team that would have been in the playoffs with at least a dozen other quarterbacks and won super bowls with some of them. Joe is a decent quarterback, he isn’t great by any means.
Yeah, Dan Marino was not a great QB. Do you hear yourself when you speak, or see what comes out of that idiot mind of yours when you type?
Joe was on a team that won a lot of playoff games, he didn’t do it personally.
Ray Lewis was on a team that won alot of playoff games as well, and he didn’t do it personally. Have you not heard, Shadow, football is a team sport. There is a reason why 53 players are on each roster.
Would you rather have Joe complete 7 passes for 85 yards and an interception in a win or complete 28 passes for 300 yards and 3 TD’s in a loss?
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
And when one of those 53 isn't performing up to par
You put in one of the other 53 players to lead the team to victory. But you don’t know if he can lead the team to victory unless you take a chance. Right now we are a team afraid to take a chance. Playing it safe has cost us some very important games.
So I guess Hunter Cantwell would have had led us to the playoffs the last three years because of our defense and running game. Boller, too. Yeah, Shadow isn’t a moron…not at all.
Yeah, you didnt hear??
He automatically wins every SuperBowl every year! He’s actually given TheShadow a few of his superbowl rings.
Shadow:
The argument that Bulger is better than Flacco is horrible. Bulger is a 1 year fluke and he spent the rest of his career running for his life, throwing interceptions and getting knocked out of games even with a decent set of WRs, and a great RB.
Since it looks like Bulger is going to Arizona next year, I will bet you $20 that he doesn’t start all 16 games (injury or play ability causes him to not play a few games). Kinda hard to get to the Superbowl and win it if you only play 10 games a season.
by Mstevens_Design on May 2, 2011 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Who said Bulger was a better quarterback, not I
All I said was when Flacco is having a bad game or hurt you should pull him. I did say Bulger has more experience and can probably read defenses better than Flacco. When every other player is having a bad game or hurt they get pulled. For some reason you all seem to think we only have one quarterback, I suggest you check the payroll.
When every other player is having a bad game or hurt they get pulled.
This is true, but not at QB position. This not a CB or WR or LB or OL. This is the QUARTERBACK position which takes consistency to be good at. Every QB has their ups and downs, but you don’t just pull them when they have one bad game.
I have seen you mention multiple times that Joe should have been benched for that week 2 game against Cinci where he threw 4 interceptions. But you also fail to mention that Joe has THE BEST QB RATING in the league from that point on.
Real G's move in silence like lasagna
You guys are being a little hard on the guy don’t you think? I mean, by reading his logic I can tell he probably has Down Syndrome or something, ease up on the little guy.
You hang in there buddy, don’t forget to strap your helmet on before you hop on the short bus tomorrow. Stay strong….
"Really, all Americans want is cold beer, warm p***y, and someplace to take a s**t with a door on it."
When logic runs out, just call people names
What if I had a son who had Downs, any other person would feel kind of silly, but not you guys. I did lose my only son to cancer just before his second birthday, so I bite my tongue quite a bit when conversing with people. This a forum about football where people post their opinions about the game and players, not about the people posting. I may not like what you post, but I won’t attack you for your opinions. I am in a music forum where the moderators reprimand people for doing that. If it persists they usually get banned.
Fair enough, I’ll refrain from anymore “name-calling”. But honestly, there’s a difference between sharing your opinion, and just trying to get a reaction out of people (which at times it seems like that’s all you’re here for). It’s a given that out of the hundred/thousands of people who contribute on this site, we have yet to see anyone that comes close to agreeing with your logic. Is Flacco a top 5QB? Not even close, at least for the time being. Does the rest of our team win a lot of those big games that you’re so convinced Joe sucks at? Some, but not all of them. At least he’s not one of the QB’s in this league surrounded by a decent cast of players, but still manages to blow games single-handedly (see Alex Smith). So give the guy some f’n credit. It makes me truly wonder if you’re even really a Ravens fan, or just some guy who lost his girlfriend to Joe in college. You have some sort of an unexplained vendetta against Joe, and honestly, sometimes it gets a bit old.
"Really, all Americans want is cold beer, warm p***y, and someplace to take a s**t with a door on it."
When StuckInUtah says you have Down Syndrome, it has nothing to do with the tragic passing of your son to cancer. I think it’s sad you would even bring that up to somehow get your point across that no one should call you names when counter proving everything you’ve said about Joe Flacco and the team’s performance over the last three years. In our opinion, you know nothing about football and the Ravens, and that feeling is completely irrelevant to your son’s passing. If you want to talk football, then stick to football. And try proving your points with facts instead of comparing the organization’s moves (or lack of moves) to the crucifixion of Jesus and other nonsensical analogies. I am not a moderator on this forum, but I don’t believe this is the place for any of that shit.
I understand where you coming from Shadow and overall you just think that
Joe Flacco needs to improve on somethings. Joe Flacco is the Ravens franchise quarterback and it has been times where he hasn’t been consistently good but so have Tom Brady also Peyton Manning.
Joe Flacco now has everything he needs as in receiving weapons and right now its up to him to grow and take this offense to new heights. I have faith that Joe Flacco will improve and he has shown that every year.
I am Very excited to see how Joe Flacco will turn out this year with the help of his Receiving weapons such Heap, Mason, Boldin, Smith, Doss, Dickson, Rice, Pitta and etc
oh when I say I agree with you I dont mean fully on what you say but just
some parts when you mention that Joe Flacco needs to get better and I truly believe he will if not then well lets go Tyrod Taylor!!!!
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