Play Like A Raven ?

[varaven45]

After watching this team since '96 and the many lean, tough and smashmouth years, I often heard and could relate to the term "play like a raven".

This label or moniker might have characterized our 1st Super Bowl team (w/Ray, McCrary, Goose, Boulware, etc.) and perhaps until (although to a lesser degree)

our 2nd Lombardy with guys Ray, Reed, Boldin, etc.

 

Subsequently, we've witnessed the departure/retirement of guys like Ray, Reed, Boldin, Pollard (and others) and a decline in intensity, character,

passion, sense of urgency and ultimately, performance. This was all on display in Sunday night's meltdown in Pittsburgh.

 

So, I am struggling to understand the true meaning of "play like Raven" and what current player actually exhibits or merits that label.

 

Candid replies would be appreciated.

[deeshopper]

I'm not sure I fully agree with the statement of decline in character or even intensity. There is definitely a shift in team mentality, but a lot of the fiery behavior I think you're responding to and characterizing from the earlier years has more to do with the attitude of the coach. Interestingly, the whole "play like raven" marketing brand was developed only recently. Before, it was always "we're december Ravens; we're playoff Ravens", which I personally never liked.

[cravnravn]

Since 1996 we had a field leader, we don't any more no one has stepped up to be the voice of the ravens in two years. And no one has played like a raven in the past two years either.

[tsylvester]

I think too many people are/were spoiled by Ray, Ed and even Bart Scott being very demonstratve on the field, reports from the locker room and even in interviews.

 

Leadership is more than spouting off at the mouth, and I think this team has leaders, they just don't spout off in the media, or make it very clear on the field. In the huddles, on the bench, in the locker room, you can bet there is leadership, signs of leadership.

[cravnravn]

Look how quiet Suggs has become , 3-4 years ago if ballsless said anything about the ravens or flacco Suggs would be the first to respond, ray and Ed leave and we hear nothing from Suggs .

[tsylvester]

Look how quiet Suggs has become , 3-4 years ago if ballsless said anything about the ravens or flacco Suggs would be the first to respond, ray and Ed leave and we hear nothing from Suggs .

 

 

Just because the media is not reporting it, does not mean it isn't happening....

[cravnravn]

You think skippy would keep his yap shut if Suggs was tweeting, texting or emailing him? Doubt it

[tsylvester]

You think skippy would keep his yap shut if Suggs was tweeting, texting or emailing him? Doubt it

 

 

Sure he would, he has been slapped by the team too many times this year alone, let alone over the years. People are learning not to believe anything he says now any way.... But he gets the last laugh being paid for every click, post, view, etc.....

[vmax]

"They are playing like Ravens...the '96 Ravens.