oldno82

Really glad to see Pitta back at practice though I'm sure he has a long way to go before being football-ready, Might not even be this season. But, I was thinking: should we take a chance and sign Pitta now for 3 years or do we play it conservative and offer him a one year deal?

Good one!

Joe's always had pretty low interception rates before this year. I think he's forcing the ball more into tight situations. Perhaps trying to justify his contract or be 'the leader' on the team? He definitely misses Boldin and PItta who fight for the ball when covered and prevent interceptions too.

I think that's because there were actually holes there (occasionally) for him to run through. If you take out the 47 yard run he had (where it looked like he ran out of gas), he only averaged 3.5 yards a carry against the worst run defense in the league.

I always liked Rainey and cutting him turned out to be a big, big mistake.

He probably wasn't feeling well because he was puking his guts out over the mess this team is in.

Man do I agree with you. All I ask for is an entertaining offense on a team that plays with emotion. We haven't seen either this year.

It was nice to see Rice get over 100 yards at last but even then he didn't have the burst, power, or cut-back ability he's demonstrated in the past. He's on the way down or already there.

Not going to beat Pitt or Cincy. Or the Lions or the Pats. This team is done. Put a fork in them for this year and hope that things change radically next year.

The fact of the matter is that Joe played lights out elite in the playoffs last year and the Super Bowl. His contract was up. He had the team over a big barrel and that's why he got paid as much as he did. The falloff this year is extremely disappointing and it's not all on the receivers or the line though both as a group have been woeful. Joe has to take his share of the blame. It is what it is. The thing is, what can anybody do about it now???

Dallas Clark does more with one hand than he himself does with two.

And I was feeling so good...

Jimmy Smith has improved dramatically this season.

Glad to see Joe running more.

I learned it from Papa.

Gee. weren't all the pundits saying Andy Dalton was elite 3 weeks ago??? Or was it 2 weeks ago? Eli Manning used to be elite and now he's not??? Jay Cutler used to be considered a bum but now he's 'quasi-elite'? Confusing ain't it?

"20% Coaching/FO 20% Offensive line 15% Running Backs 15% Flacco's play 15% Defense (Run D) 15% WR/TE" Those are pretty accurate. I think I'd break it out like this: 20% Coaching/F.O. 30% OL 15% RB's 15% Flacco 5% Defense 15% WR's and TE. The coaching of the team as a whole has been piss poor. Bad decisions were made on the Center position (Gino can't play at this level because he lacks the physicality). The OL coach has been unable to teach them what to do. Castillo's a big part of this and I think they're having trouble changing gears. The whole idea of a Run Game Coordinator was stupid. Caldwell about whom I was singing praises in the playoffs looks like he forgot how to game plan and doesn't adjust fast enough to the offense's weaknesses. The Defense hasn't been that bad to me and has suffered from being on the field too much because the offense can't generate enough drives. Ray Rice is done. Pierce may be getting better because he's healed. Joe hasn't been as good as his play over the previous seasons. I have to rate his results so far as below average. The WR's and TE's have dropped a ton of his passes though and it's hard to pass effectively when you're being sacked and hit by the opposing defenses.

Yup! It's a depressing picture.

Sounds like they're going to give Pierce an extended look which is good. We need to find out if he's worth keeping for next year. I don't think Rice is.

Looks very much like a 7-9 season and no playoffs. The offense needs an off-season overhaul.

Pierce was running a whole lot better than Rice today and averaged almost 4 yards/carry. Pierce looks like he's well now. The line does suck but Pierce has a better chance of making something out nothing.

There are seldom holes or opportunities but even when they are there Ray Rice doesn't show any burst, balance, or power. He's been a great guy and great player for us but it's time to put a fork in him.

Gradowski has to go after the season unless Shipley can play which I doubt. We miss Osemele badly too but overall the line play sucks and when there is a hole or an opportunity Ray Rice goes down lack a sack of potatoes.

Really hate to say this but, it's time to bench Rice and start Pierce and let him play to see if he's the replacement we need. Pierce could also benefit from the experience and Ray is done.

I'm going to ignore the alarm bells in my head and say: Ravens 23 Bengals 20