Father Time

[vmax]

I can't argue with Mike on this....

 

 

 

Heading into this season, the Ravens gambled on aging veterans being able to pull through another year. It's clear during this three-game losing streak that they are losing that battle.

Few people beat Father Time, especially in the NFL, which is a young man's league. As the Ravens' losing streak has increased, so too have injuries to big-name veterans who were expected to help carry the team in 2016.

Injuries are part of the game and they happen to every team, but some of these are self-inflicted. Gone already is tight end Ben Watson, 35, who went down in the preseason with a torn Achilles.

Star receiver Steve Smith, 37, has missed a game and a half with an ankle injury and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, 32, has played in just two games this season after offseason foot surgery....

By NFL standards, they are old. When athletes hit 30, the chances of them tearing an Achilles increases. According to the National Football League Players Association, the average career of an NFL player last 3.3 years, meaning Smith, Suggs, Watson, Dumervil and return specialist Devin Hester Sr., who turns 34 next month, have been blessed by the football gods.

Even quarterback Joe Flacco, in his ninth season, and guard Marshal Yanda, in his 10th, have beat the odds. But with each year, each game and each snap, the body wears down and becomes more susceptible to injuries.

Players who were once Pro Bowl-caliber have become less dominant....http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-column-1018-20161017-column.html

 

[tsylvester]

Add Ozzie to the list.

[varaven45]

Changes are a coming

[oldno82]

I saw that too and completely agree with all of the above posts.

[vmax]

All these aging injured vets are basically playing at an average level. Nothing spectacular.

And the Ravens can't find roster replacements who can play on an average level.

 

 

 

Coach John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco said they expect the quarterback to play Sunday against the New York Jets despite a right shoulder injury, but I don’t think he’ll last long if there is discomfort.

Because of injuries on the offensive line recently, Flacco has taken a beating in the last couple of games. He appeared extremely tired after the past three games in post-game interviews.

After Sunday, there is still a lot of football left to play. Despite having problems this season, the Ravens remain in contention and could be in first place in the AFC North if they beat the Jets, and Pittsburgh loses to New England.

Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett didn’t perform well in offseason mini-camps and training camp, but seems to play better in games. He certainly was solid in the exhibition games, and did lead the Ravens to a win over the Steelers late last season....http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/ravens/bal-preston-ravens-will-have-a-short-leash-on-flacco-if-he-plays-sunday-20161019-story.html

Edited October 19, 2016 by vmax

[wstehle08]

*** I'm stupid for thinking this game is easy ***

Edited October 20, 2016 by cravnravn

[papasmurfbell]

Suggs should have never been resigned. Ozzie has to go since he can't part ways.