vmax

Peter Schmuck is on board with this...

A few thoughts... We know the fan vote is a popularity and stats driven vote so certain players don't make it who should. I don't know if Ed Reed earned his spot this year but he certainly was a threat and presence that caused QB's to hesitate. Playing with the injury that he has is all guts and desire. He's a very special talent. Two thirds of the vote is from the players and coaches so bottom line, popularity contest or not, receiving this award does mean you had a good year. That said, the resigning of Ray Lewis was a good move by the Ravens organiztion. He played well, but most importantly, he was the glue that held this defense together through some rough periods this season. The Ravens are not playing for a playoff spot Sunday without him. Ngata earned his spot. He is a dominant force. He doesn't have the stats but he is a force that must be double and tripple teamed. Currently the Ravens have the #3 defense and #2 in points surrendered. Ngata, Ray and Reed provide that dominant pressence up the middle of the field. Jarrett Johnson should have made it IMO but he had heavey competition. Ray Rice! He totally earned his spot and had an incredible season. It was great to see him make it. Michael Oher should be on that roster. How many tackles in the AFC can play Left and Right as well as him? None. ...and he's a rookie. J.O. didn't make it his first year but Michael will be there for years to come. Nice drafting Ozzie. McLain also earned his spot even though there are no gaudy stats. He gets the job done. FB is not a glamor position.

The record will show 9-7 if they win, but that's not backing into the playoffs because they still control their destiny. Now... the other AFC teams have been generous in helping bring about this senario, but as Ravens fans, we won't be sitting Sunday hoping certain teams lose so the Ravens can make it in. It comes down to week 17 and the Ravens have a great chance to make the playoffs. We've had meaningfull football in December and that's what I want bottom line. Is there plenty to be concerned about? Yes. If some of the the Ravens players play undisciplined and sloppy like last week then they won't win. The Raiders are dangerous and unpredictable. They defeated the Bengals, Eagles, Steelers and the Broncos this season. They will play hard at home for their fans and it is a 'West Coast' trip. Harbaugh states his team will be ready..."I would be disappointed, I would be surprised if our team wasnt ready to play, Harbaugh said. Its just going to be a matter of how well we address the things weve got to get better at going into next week. Our guys know theyre going to play a team thats very dangerous, a football team that has proven they can beat anybody in this league, and were going to their place. This is their last game of the season, and theyre going to put their best effort out there, but weve got more at stake. Weve got an opportunity to make the playoffs. Weve got an opportunity to get in the tournament. To me, thats motivation enough. Im sure our guys will be ready. The Ravens are two different teams in one. They manhandled the Steelers and should have beat them by 14-20 points. Yet the "Shoot Ourselves In the Foot" Ravens were also on the field that day. So what team will emerge on top in the upcomming weeks? Harbaugh states, "This year, I think were creating the vision among our team of what kind of team we want to become. Everybody in this room right now has a clear picture of what kind of team that we are going to become and are in the process of becoming. That makes everybody a little more efficient in getting there. Lets get there now. So, Im excited about our chances. We take care of business at Oakland, get ourselves in the playoffs, and we can win the National Championship. Thats our goal, and were capable of doing it. But its up to us to get it done. I think they are capable too. Their overall team roster is just as strong as any of the playoff teams. I think they have a decent shot to make some noise in the playoffs...even do serious damage if the "Shoot Ourselves In the Foot" Ravens are put to sleep. The Ravens beat the Chargers who are hot but their D has weaknesses. They lost 17-15 to the Colts who have their weaknesses. Lost to the Pats by a TD. The Bengals are not finishing strong and on a roll. The Ravens lost a close game to them the last time they played so don't bet on a 3rd loss to them in one season. Funny thing is that in all those games the "Shoot Ourselves In the Foot" Ravens were there. It's not a big gap this 2009 Ravens team has to cross to be a serious Super Bowl contender. Will they cross it? Injuries aside, this team is still tight, effective and physical. That's one of the great things about playing meaningfull games in December...seeing if they can take that next step in the playoffs.

Beautiful...inspiring. Thank you Been for putting this up. For anybody who has'nt done volunteer charity work: Don't cheat yourself. It's an incredible experience and the saying is true..."The more you give, the more you get".

True. the roster will be empty at WR. I expect a decent turnover on the defense too so the CAP consideration is real. The Steelers wouldn't let him go to a division rival.

"Ok Troy. I got offers from the Chiefs, Lions and Rams...but they will be adding some FA QB's and drafting QB's this year. Are you sure the grass is going to be greener?"

Not with the age and milage he has. Just another contract they'd have to eat in a year or two when he get's IR'd. He's at the point of diminishing returns. The Ravens need a big play, field stretcher. That won't be Ward.

He'll only be a RFA next year.

I have to disagree on this Force. Do you mean to tell me that you would feel better watching the Ravens lose to the Raiders on Sunday? Some fans wait a decade or more to see their team make the playoffs. You can't win a Super Bowl without getting at least this far and you know what?.... The Ravens, if they get in, have a shot. They played Cincy close last time at Cincy and Cincy has been flat for at least 3 weeks. They are beatable. In fact, there are no dominant AFC teams in the playoffs despite the Colts record and the run the Chargers are on. The Ravens beat the Chargers once and played the Colts tight in a 17-15 loss. 27-21 loss to the Pats. Nobody will blow them out and they might surprise like last year. They won 2 playoff games. They are battle tested and experienced. Hell if yesterdays game showed me anything positive it was how the Ravens dominated the Steelers. Eliminate the penalties and mistakes from here on out and I like the Ravens chances. anyway...I live to see "My" team...the Baltimore Ravens make the playoffs. I love being a nervous friggn'n wreck...

He nailed it. I'm still pissed and disgusted at that handfull of players who sabotoged a great effort by the rest of the team. This happened all year. Not to this degree, but it cost them wins. Harbaugh needs to be held accountable for this because it was a season long pattern. His team paid the price with a loss. Part of the game plan for a road game in Pittsburgh with the playoffs on the line should have been to not commit penalties or to turn the ball over. That's basic, fundamental football that everybody, fans included, is aware of. Yet a core of players on this team do not get it.

Even the Steelers are gratefull...from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette...

Thanks guys...I get it now.

ESPN is wrong. The Ravens control their destiny...win and they are in.

"It's Good!"

Not so Derrick.

Jim Nance...: "If the Broncos win then they and the Jets control their own destiny."

That is the Ravens playing the Broncos.

29-15 Jets....

Tell me about it...

Jets up 21-15 with 1st and goal at nthe Colt 1....

In fact...sit Ngata, Walker, Washington, Mason and Cousins in front of the TV and make them watch it.

I hope the Ravens are watching.

21-15 Jets. I'm lost. I want to hear "If We Win Then We're In"... Only if it's true of course.

Me too. The Jets will beat Cincy.