yagersports

We're in the championship game because we played turn over free football, why does it seem everyone wants a rookie QB to throw more??? It just doesn't make sense. Stick to what's workin, there's not reason to believe this won't be another low scoring game and that the same gameplan won't win us another one.

Arizona is not in our league even remotely. Granted their WRs are great, but the rest of that team is not ready to deal with what the Ravens would bring, especially the statue Kurt Warner. Philly would be the team that would be tough, they play great defense.

I'd be careful of "letting Flacco loose". The teams that don't turn the ball over in the playoffs do very well. Pennington was let loose, he didn't do too well. Delhomme was let loose, he did worse. I know it doesn't always work out like that, Warner is playin great, but considering Joe is a rookie, I say continue with the game plan, if Joe ends up having to throw alot, so be it, but don't force it, play Ravens football. Next year that all changes, next year Joe will be slinggin it everywhere.

I also agree with another poster in another thread, besides Ray (who's not as quick as he used to be) our LBs are not that good in coverage. I think some better coverage from the LBs would reduce some of the easy slants that Collins and others have been ripping off against us. I'm frustrated by the constant 5 yard slant routes, not the deep ins after the QB has 5+ seconds to throw. Collins should not be able to beat you with quick slant hits, he's not that type of QB. To me that says the LBs are not getting where they're supposed to be.

Willis looks very fresh when he runs too. He looks like he's runnin with some zip. We're going to need everything we can get from everyone to beat this Pitt team, they're flat out tough and more rested.

I'm sure that's a tough loss for the fans and the players alike. Like I posted in another thread....I've gained alot of respect for that Titan team after that game, that was a slugfest. To outgain an opponent like they did.....it's frustrating to not come away with a win.

It's very difficult in the NFL to beat a playoff team three times in a row. I like our chances.

Leonard is the man and has proven that he's definitely more suited to start for this Ravens defense. It's unfortunate for Landry because he was very solid, however leonard is a playmaker.

And he's especially allowed to grab the facemask in the endzone all by himself with only one defender around, right next to a referee, and then catch the TD afterward. It's pathetic that the referees don't have a better eye on this guy.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say I think we'll play the Steelers next Sunday. I'm really making a stretch call here! lol I'm a little late to this thread. :lol:

I think Cameron backs off the playcalling early in the game to allow Flacco's nerves to settle into the game. I think he tries to avoid making early costly mistakes and eases into the game plan. Also, Flacco just missed a third bomb that could've resulted in points, so I'm taking the wins as we get em and I'm looking forward to an explosive offense next year. I can't believe we're in the championship game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That game was without a doubt the hardest hitting game I have ever seen. Players on both sides were constantly being carted off the field. Even the mammoth Haynesworth had to be carted off. All players left everything on the field and I have a new repsect for the Titans now. What a game.

He may have, it's tough to see at full speed, there wasn't a slow motion view in that vid.

Leonard has been absolutely huge. Rex has got to figure a way to stop the short passing game or Roghtssoidfaljber is going to tear us up. Our biggest weakness is that short passing game, we've simply got to neutralize it cuz you can bet your ass Tomlin saw what Collins did and is going to gameplan accordingly.

That is freakin awesome to hear! I know the Steelers fans do it to every stadium in football, it's part of the reason that team has been so successful year in and year out.

Heap needs to come up big in this one. He needs to be open and press the Titans' coverages so that they cannot blitz all day. A big day for Heap should be about 6-7 catches for about 80-100yds and a TD.

I feel like this game is completely winable. We played them tough before and we're a much better team now. Tennesee on the other hand will be missing their pro bowl center and two of their key defensive lineman are banged up. They won't roll over for us, but this game is definitely within our grasp. It's gonna be a battle.

I don't think it's probably wise to tie up that much money at the LB position. I'm a big advocate of keeping two of the LBs, but I think if we attempt to keep all three we'll be investing too much at one position. Suggs is great in pass coverage, run defense, and pass rush, Ray is Ray, from my point of view those are the two guys to keep. Besides.....I think some roster turnover is usually good for any team. Part of keeping a team fresh and competitive is to have open positions to compete for. Having said all of that I do want to stress that I am a Bart Scott fan. The guy does have talent, and he seems to be very loyal to the Ravens. Is this something that we want to throw away??? I'm not sure, it's certainly relevant to the decision making process. He's certainly better Hartwell ever was, however this organization has proven that it can take average LB talent and make them great talent. Ultimately I would think that so long as the monetary benefits gained through releasing Scott (or rather which LB the FO choses) outweigh the production lost, AND those monetary benefits can be used to upgrade another position, not just used as savings, then I say release one of the LBs. For Example: I'm simplifying, but if the replacement linebacker is anticipated to perform at a level of at least 15% below the current linebacker AND the money saved by using this option allows us to sign a CB that is anticipated to perform between 20-25% better than Rolle, then releasing a LB would be a good move. (I'm anticipating that CMac will not be here next year based on character conflicts with Harbaugh, we'll see)

Rex leaving is an inevitability, it will happen, if not this year, then in one of the next two years to come. I'm most concerned with how we replace him. I'm hoping the Ravens have someone in mind to replace Rex that will incorporate similar defensive schemes and principles. I was not a big fan of the defenses the Ravens fielded after Lewis left until Rex took over. I really like the crazy schemes the Ravens have going on, it's alot of fun to watch.

I'm no expert, but I'm not sure that 2000 defense would thrive with the rule changes the NFL now has in place. I'm going to take nothing away from that team, the run was awesome and the defense bullied everyone. However I believe their are more athletes and playmakers on this current roster, which are needed to succeed in the super fast paced NFL of today.

I would say, before WR, corner and even LB are bigger needs than WR. I think you will see with another year in the NFL, Flacco will be much more experienced and poised to spread the ball all over the field. WRs don't win championships, solid defense and good QB play do in my opinion. We could lose two of three starting LBs, so maintaining the high level of play here will be important. If no solid LBs are available, perhaps Oz could work his magic to obtain an impact pass rushing defensive end. That would help make up for possible weaknesses at the LB position.

Props to him........didn't think he'd come back in a million, he's got my respect now.

Wow holy freakin crap lol, two people actually made cases for a subject and simply disagreed at a grey middle ground. Hallefreakinlluehyah!!!!!!!!!! lol If only Sock were here to witness this. I love this board! Happy New Years I'm goin to get crunked, Crav you should be too!

I think Willis is not the smartest guy around. He's a gifted running back no doubt, but not the smartest guy. He'll probably be here next year, nothing much we will likely be able to do about that. He's a moron for starting stuff at this stage of the season.

I also agree here, I do believe the momentum of the game was shifting in our favor. After the INT, Joe was a bit hard on himself and he did not recover. Crav isn't that far off here.