oldno82

I can only see what's on the TV so its hard for me to tell what is going on downfield. So, I'm asking for your guys opinion. Do you think the inability of the passing game to really take off considering the wealth of talented receivers we have is more on Joe or on Cam? Are receivers really wide open downfield and Joe doesn't see them? Is he limited to going with just his first read and then a dump-off because Cam has him on a leash? Do we have any WRs ever get open over the middle and then fail to get the ball to them or is sideline passes the only way Joe can go? Is our pass protection suspect and why? Just what the hell is going on out there, guys? Especially, you all that have been to the games. And why the hell doesn't the media give us some insights into this? Isn't that their job?

I have seen the tape of those screens and can't figure out why we don't use them. Also, what happened to slants over the middle to the WRs?

If indeed its true that Flacco is under orders not to audible and the offense is ticked off about it, then I presume they feel Flacco has the knowledge of what to do but isn't allowed to. If that is true, Cam needs to change that immediately and start spending more time with Joe developing the game plan. On the other hand, maybe it means Joe doesn't possess the ability to know what to do---THAT would be even more disturbing. My guess is that its the former but its hard for an outsider to really know.

I absolutely agree that this team lacks any inclination at all towards having a killer instinct. And its killing THEM!

Last night's ending was brutal but not completely unexpected. The offense has been underachieving all season long. Mason is right, this time, we he says the offense should be putting up more points every game---there's too much talent on this offense for us not to have both a terrific passing game and running game. There appears to me to be problems with the coaching---specifically, Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line. The line occasionally breaks down so that you don't get that feeling of confidence in the pocket you should have. I don't think much of what's wrong with the offense is Joe's fault. He doesn't call the plays and I don't even think he's given much latitude to audible out. Where was our line blocking calls on the Polamalu play? He came in uncovered at full speed right off the line---Flacco didn't have a chance. There were several plays of qb's being sacked and fumbling when hit from the blind side in several of yesterday's games. You don't see that happening to Brady or Manning. And the play calling absolutely sucks. With weapons like Ray Rice, Boldin, Housh, Donte, Mason, and Heap this offense should roll like New Orleans'. My gut feeling is we need a new Offensive Coordinator and Offensive line coach. Otherwise, next year, if there is an NFL next year, will just bring more of the same. Now, I can only hope this team isn't so demoralized that they go into the tank starting next week. Its not outside the realm of possibility they could lose to the Texans, Saints, Browns, and Bengals (again) if their tail is between their legs.

Like you, Spen, I understand what the sentiments are about winning being the most important thing, but I heartily agree that a team has to have SOME measure of entertainment value as well. This year, more than any in a long time, the Ravens' offense is indeed entertaining. I just wish they could do it for a whole game.

You've got to be kidding.

I hope Gaither makes it back but I'll be surprised if he doesn't wind up on IR.

I think Simms is right too. We should use the shotgun more. I think I read somewhere that Cam said a few weeks ago that the shotgun will get more usage as time goes by.

Dammit. I think Joe's the best qb the Ravens have ever had, Vinny included. He's tough, makes the hard throws, is cool, poised and solid. I'm tired of all the nitpicking and whining by some of the fans. No he's not Peyton Manning but he doesn't need to be. We've got ourselves a franchise quarterback after many years in the wilderness and I'm behind him!

BmoreHon and Max, I think you both have valid points. Joe was crushed on that first play. It must have felt awful and maybe it did screw him up for the game. And I too have thought they have too many guys giving input to Flacco. That can confuse anyone. Of course, the question is, whom do you do listen to?

Good post. Two tough defenses on the road in 6 days is, well, tough to handle. Flacco wasn't sharp though he looked fine on the drive that opened the 3rd quarter. Play calling was not the best. Ray Rice was getting good yards but we gave up on him. I don't know what the heck the problem is with us and the Cover-2 but Cam better get to work. I think our offense is better than it showed so far as talent is concerned. I look for a BIG day from them this Sunday and competent performances from here on out. Otherwise, it will not be a 'Super' season.

I've been very supportive of Joe in the past but today he flat out stunk. Do I think he should benched after one bad game against a very good defense? No. But that has to be the last clunker he does this season or else everybody will be clamoring for his scalp.

its so hard to judge based on one game. He did everything right in the 3rd preseason game and there was praise everywhere. Now he has just an average game against the toughest defense in the league and a few people rush to judgement. I'll say this- the missed pass to McClain and Joe's holding the ball too long on the first play were the only real detriments I could see. Who knows how good his stats might have looked if some of the PI calls were completions instead. Todd Heap missed a sure TD but you don't hear anyone questioning him. All that being said, I'll wrap up by just saying I think Joe will be a very good quarterback for the long haul for the Ravens. He's not Peyton Manning (who else is?) and he might not even be as outstanding as Tom Brady. BUT, he's a quality QB who can take the Ravens to the playoffs year in and year out as long as he gets decent protection and has quality targets to throw to. And yes, I think he's still developing.

He also ran down Cromartie after the interception and saved a touchdown.

You're right about that.

The O wasn't that bad after it settled down. Remember, the Jets D is for real. The passing game sure made up for the lack of a running game and that was something we couldn't do in the past. Thanks to Q, Housh, and Heap. And Joe.

The big thing that worries me about tonight's game is that it will be played with such intensity there will be a ton of injuries. Something like that can cripple a team for the rest of the season. I'm an old-timer. In 1960, the Colts were 6-2 and in first place with four games to go. That eighth game was against the villainous Bears. The Colts won but were so beat up they lost the last 4 games of the season. And that was the end of the late '50s glory run. Here's hoping I'm wrong about tonight.

While going all the way to the Super Bowl would be great, I'd settle for the making the playoffs as long as we have an offense that doesn't put me to sleep anymore. The D is suspect but it is not all negative there. Carr was decent last season and the addition of Wilson, and later Webb, will help the secondary. I too have qualms about the linebackers in coverage. I saw Ray fail to cover the tight end in one of the preseason games and it wasn't pretty. Finally, the schedule is very tough. It isn't beyond the realm of possibility that we might be 0-2 after the first two games but still have a good shot at making the playoffs if injuries can be kept to a minimum and Joe is the QB we saw in the 3rd preseason game.

Good post, Max.

Good grief! That surprised me. But better it be taken care of with 13 days to the opener than during the season. We can make it without Cody for 2 weeks. And, then he'll hopefully be 100%.

The only way I'd play Ed Reed is if he's 100%. If he's having any pain or issues they should PUP him and then reevaluate after 6 weeks. But if he is 100%, I'd have to play him even though Zbi and Haruki have played quite well.

Cundiff's leg strength is impressive and he's pretty accurate. Not as accurate as Stover but he has more range. I haven't really seen enough of Graham to really decide. Based on their records in camp, I give Billy the edge.

I am absolutely in agreement with you, Max. Use Dickson and Pitta with Clayton and we'll be alright. Then we can look forward to having Donte back for a late season run.

Bulger looks like he's shellshocked from so many poundings at St. Louis. He had that deer in the headlights look. I'll give him the preseason to try and get his confidence back. For that he's going to need more playing time--time that should come at Troy's expense.