Expect Big things this fall from Ravens "D" [Archive]

rave_nomad

February 23rd, 2004, 08:11 AM

NOLAN ENVISIONS BIG SEASON FROM ‘D’

By Raven_Nomad

The day after the Ravens’ 2003 season ended, several defensive players began saying that 2004 would be one for the record books.

This week, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and his staff began formulating a way to make the prediction a reality.

Nolan met with the Ravens’ defensive coaches, including newcomers Johnnie Lynn and Jeff FitzGerald, and laid the groundwork for the coming season.

In addition to acclimating Lynn (secondary coach) and FitzGerald (outside linebackers coach) to the scheme and terminology, the staff has dissected videotape from last year. In 2003, the defense ranked third in the league in yards allowed and in the top six in both rushing and passing defense.

But in Nolan’s eyes, the group just scratched the surface of its potential.

“We were good on defense in a lot of areas, but boy, when you watch the cut-ups, you can really get better, and that’s encouraging,” Nolan said Friday. “On one hand, it’s a little embarrassing. We thought we were pretty good, but there were moments of, ‘Man, that didn’t look very good.’ On the other hand, our guys will be excited when they see it, because they’ll say, ‘Wow, we can take it to another level.’”

Every house needs a foundation, but with four Pro Bowlers likely returning next year, the Ravens are rock-solid.

It all starts with Ray Lewis, the AP defensive player of the year in 2003. Nolan said that Lewis is not only one of the best linebackers ever, but one of the premier defensive players in the history of the game.

While Lewis is the face of the Ravens’ defense, the team has several playmakers that would be the signature player on most teams. Linebacker Peter Boulware, safety Ed Reed and cornerback Chris McAlister – who is an unrestricted free agent, but will likely be back with the team next year – all earned trips to Hawaii.

With these pieces in place, Nolan said the 2004 Ravens’ defense could make a run at the numbers put up by the record-breaking unit.

“I don’t think that there will be any doubt in our players’ mind that they can be better than the 2000 group, which some people say was the best of all time,” Nolan said. “We were awfully close to that group, statistically, with the exception of the points [last year].”

During the Super Bowl season, the Ravens allowed just 165 points during the regular season, far fewer than the 281 the Ravens surrendered in 2003.

However, the statistical gap narrows when comparing yardage. In 2000, the Ravens ranked second in the NFL, giving up 3,967 yards. Baltimore surrendered just 4,341 in 2003.

The Ravens’ pass defense actually had a better season last year (2,805 yards allowed) than it did in 2000 (2,997), and intercepted more passes.

“That group, in itself, was still only second in the league, so it’s really hard for them to really finish off and say that they were the best [of all time],” Nolan said. “They certainly were the best, points given up, and that stands alone. This was a very good group this past year, but I’m more excited about what it can be, after looking at film.”

The team could lose at least one of its principals from last year. While McAlister will likely get the franchise tag if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal before the start of free agency, Nolan said he expects starting linebacker Adalius Thomas to test the market.

Thomas was named to the Pro Bowl as the AFC’s special teams player, but was also an every-down player on defense.

“It’s certainly a priority for us to try and keep AD, but he’s going to be on the market, so he’s a player that we could possibly lose,” Nolan said. “Still, there’s a lot of good football players in that group and that’s why if we can add one or two people to the group we have…”

Nolan never finished the sentence. He’ll let his defense do it for him this fall.

henchmen

February 23rd, 2004, 09:05 AM

By Raven_Nomad

He means Adam H. Beasley

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/template.php?subsection=single_news_show&section=press&content_id=3789

At least say...found this on Ravens Website or something. To claim it as YOUR story is kinda wrong. Hate to bust your balls on that but By Rave_Nomad is plageurism (sp)

It's still effective to put, look what the Ravens Web site has to say about next year..not that the majority cares, but at least your conscience is clean.

They still won't beat the Patriots

rave_nomad

February 23rd, 2004, 09:31 AM

I didnt take it word for word,
I added a little raven Flavor...and as for the Patriots repeating..last time i checked they have to play the season like everyone else...and without a running game to speak of......we will see........Adding Warren Sapp and Terrel Owens are going to help the Ravens come along way...but thanks for your input as i always like to hear from the peanut gallery!!....Peace!

henchmen

February 23rd, 2004, 09:43 AM

Where did you read Sapp and Owens were on the Ravens?

And the Patriots NOT having a running game STILL didn't matter in the end...Oh wait..didn't they rush for more yards than the Panthers in the SB? Hmmm...I guess the great Stephen Davis had the advantage right?

You must be another guy who thinks NAMES win Championships. And with 2 First Round, 2 Second Round, and a pick in the 3rd and 4th...New England will address the RB situation so don't worry your little self about the New England Run Game.

Get Real Dude

Sincerely, the Planters Man

rave_nomad

February 23rd, 2004, 11:14 AM

You can make me laugh thats for sure......
I heard on ESPN and the Baltimore Sun newspaper that the Ravens are very close to a deal with Warren Sapp and even closer to a deal with Terrel Owens.....Both want to win right away and both are very good friends with Ray Lewis....Baltimore also has a ton of Salary cap room ......it's not a done deal yet but when it is i will be pretty happy with that situation as will most Ravens fans.....and the rest of the League and all the haters will just have to deal.....And as for the Patriots repeating ...i think they will have a big ol target on them all season and the Colts owe them big time....we will see my salty friend we will see........All NFL teams 0-0 as of Feb 2nd....peace!

henchmen

February 23rd, 2004, 11:30 AM

Well, maybe we should wait and see if those deals happen before we start placing bets in Vegas. Everyone wants to win right away and Sapp just celebrated a SB win so what's his rush? And being friends with Ray Lewis doesn't mean they're coming to the team. I've read reports that say Sapp ain't going anywhere cause Tampa wants him still, they just need to work out the team's money situation. And TO? Terrell Ownes is Overrated. There's a dozen WR i'd take over him and the only reason he got famous or stood out was because of his on the field antics...NOT because he's the best. I do like him but he ain't ALL THAT. Glad I amuse you and the Colts really scare me. :roll:

BaiLLiE

February 23rd, 2004, 04:11 PM

Holy h*ll dude i'm so sick of hearing about the ravens. They sucked last year and they'll suck this year. Their superbowl was a fluke and one of the worst superbowls i've never seen. They're not going to do anything other than win their **** poor division and that's the bottom line. And "jazzing" something up still requires that you give credit where credit is due...

rave_nomad

February 23rd, 2004, 05:25 PM

Hey BaiLLie...last time i checked The Titans havent ever won a SuperBowl.... In fact the Ravens Stomped them on the way to there's...24 -10....in fact the Ravens are 5-1 against the Titans the last 6 meetings......and this year the Ravens travel to Tennesee to play the Titans where they are UNDEFEATED...The titans pay rent to the Ravens when they are in town.....And as for one on one i beat you the other day in straight sim ball.......The Titans will suck next year and Mcnair will get hurt again..and Eddie George is washed up as is the Titans coach....he is about due for a firing....good luck though!!!

StopMe

February 23rd, 2004, 06:53 PM

dont count on those ravens being good on offense. dont count on them taking sapp away from us either. my bucs are going to SB 39!! big play B.K. will be holding down receivers again this yr!

rave_nomad

February 23rd, 2004, 08:11 PM

Why wouldnt the Ravens be good on offence? They have the biggest O-line in the game..the most productive back all of last season.....Marcus Robinson is a real deep threat..Todd heap is the best tight end in the League...Travis Taylor really came on and Kyle Boller will be much improved...add to the mix a Terrel Owens..which the Ravens have a ton of cap room and you got maybe the best offence in the league..people lining up to stop Jamal and then getting burned by the pass....and the bucs just signed a DT to a multi year Multi Million dollar deal ....so it looks like they will be parting ways with Sapp.....now that Sapp has won a SB ring he will look for a big pay day and no team has more cap room then the Ravens...peace out !!Feb. 22, 2004
DT Wyms agrees to Bucs deal
The Bucs reached an agreement with defensive tackle Ellis Wyms, a restricted free agent.

He will receive a six-year, $20 million contract that includes a $1.5 million signing bonus

Since the Bucs Signed him a younger player i dont beleave they have plans to resign Sapp.....Sorry!

henchmen

February 24th, 2004, 02:54 AM

Marcus Robinson is a real deep threat..Todd heap is the best tight end in the League...Travis Taylor really came on and Kyle Boller will be much improved...add to the mix a Terrel Owens..which the Ravens have a ton of cap room and you got maybe the best offence in the league..people lining up to stop Jamal and then getting burned by the pass....

Let's see:

Marcus Robinson: averaged 400 rec yds in his last 3 years. Only had one good season in Chicago.
Todd Heap: say hello to Tony "Freakin" Gonzalez (3 times more TD's than Heap)
Kyle Boller: very sub-avergae QB. In 11 games he only completed 1/2 his passes for 7 TD's and a QB rating of 62.4. He sits on the bottom 1/3 of NFL QB's
Travis Taylor: 632 rec yds and 3 TD's all season long
T.O.: doesn't even play for you but if he did..he's probably have 2 of Boller's 7 TD throws

Now, how in the world do you see this as the "best offense" in the league? Please stop while you're ahead...you're embarassing yourself. That team is all about Lewis and Lewis.

Next :roll:

BaiLLiE

February 24th, 2004, 03:29 AM

Yes george has been washed up, the titans are the winningest team since 99 and you only beat me cuz of that missed 17 yard field goal cuz of the lag and that ****ign pass to heap which i knew was coming and some how you still got it...

Put that missed field goal into the game and i'm playing with the lead 99% of the game and Kyle Boller is a joke. Why would Owens leave Garcia for Boller, cuz he's friends with Ray Lewis? lol

Rebels10

February 24th, 2004, 04:40 AM

Hey BaiLLie...last time i checked The Titans havent ever won a SuperBowl.... In fact the Ravens Stomped them on the way to there's...24 -10...

Last time i checked the stats on that game, the Titans lead in every offensive category. If you remember it was a 2 or 3 missed field goals, and a punt blocked, which was returned for a touchdown. Every person i know who watched that game felt the Ravens were lucky to get way with a win in that game.

Plus, to hear someone talk about how dominate they are going to be surprises me. One thing, they have abosoluty no passing game--You are not going to win a Super Bowl with Wright under center. Bollier still has a lot to learn. If you put Baltimore in the East, South, or West they would have struggled to win 6 games. Their defense is good--dont get me wrong--that is the only way they could have relied on their running back.

However, the Ravens do have a lot of cap room to make some moves. I really dont think Owens would be a good fit there. He would only hamper Bolliers learning. Also, Owens could not quietly sit back and watch Lewis get the ball 25-30 times a game. Owens is one of the most overrated wideouts in the game IMO. He complained a lot last year about Garcia, but if you watched SF games you saw him drop a lot of passes and not play hard at all.

Will Baltimore make the playoffs? Yeah, bc Cincy will be starting Palmer (1st year starter who will struggle), Cleveland needs to build up on defense and decide on a qb. pittsburgh could challenge them, but i think at the end Baltimore will win that division. But--I would not consider them Super Bowl favorites right now.

rave_nomad

February 24th, 2004, 07:17 AM

Kyle Boller is going to be a star in this League.....
He only threw for 7 TD's but that was 7 TD's in 5 games if he had stayed on that pace he would have had 21 or 22 TD's...They went with wright because he had the hot hand and under wright the Ravens Avg. 33 points a game...lets not forget the huge comeback against the Seahawks or the Whitewashing of the 49ers both games the Ravens put up 44 points...back to back weeks...will the Ravens have the Best O Maybe....wouldnt it shock everyone? Think about it ....game 1. The D lines up 8 in the box Expecting a Jamal Run of some sort .....but wait its playaction fake.......deep to Terrel Owens...TD!!!!!! WHooooaaaaa Doggie!!!!...Now whats that D gonna do?? Play Pass or run?? Hell the Ravens Were all about the run and they still won......And look it up under the Ravens Websight if you dont think the Ravens have alopt of cap room......they have alot of Room and no First round pick to waste it on......and since first round picks cost so much in this league....that money can go to a quality Free agent.....and if/when the Ravens get Terrel Owens he will get the ball alot ...he would become the go to guy....So i think he would be happy ...plus Couch Brian Billick wants to throw more.....he is a offensive minded coach...he was known for his passing game up in Minnesota....he had a washed up Randall Cunningham taking his team to 15-1.........at 36 yrs old......He beleave in Kyle Boller so much he started a Rookie .....while the team still held hopes for the Division title and the playoffs.....and it turned out to be a great move if he hadnt got hurt who knows how far they would have gotten??? All in all the Ravens will be a team to watch out for next year .....If any of your favorite teams have to play my Ravens i wouldnt take it too lightly...first off the Ravens when they do get beat get beat by less then 7 which means it goes down to the wire......is your teams D as good as mine?? We will see....meh hahahahahaha!!!!

ludacris06

February 24th, 2004, 07:40 AM

rave_nomad

February 24th, 2004, 09:53 AM

http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/7380/hedlogo1.gif
THERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rebels10

February 25th, 2004, 02:20 AM

i dont understand why you are telling me to look up the Ravens cap room. I made it a point in my post that they DO have cap room. Since, they will make some room.

Now, TO was the go-to-guy in a west coast passing offense with a pro-bowl qb--not last year, but he didnt have a very good o-line either. The win over SF was in Baltimore and if you saw any SF road game last year you know that they were GOD AWEFUL! I dont think billick is an offensive mastermind. He has gone through a different starting qb since he has been there, and Baltimore has never been a great offensive team.

Also, i never said Bollier was not going to be great. You have to look at history man, rookie qb's go through growing pains. He did not play everygame last year so he still has more to learn...and will TO really be patient with that.

Lastly, my favorite team is built exactly like yours. Strong defense...all have been to the pro-bowl in their career, LB 2/3 have been to the pro-bowl...and secondary all have been. Top 5 or 6 running back in the league. Weak at QB and wideout, and good kicker...you probably have it figured out by now, but my team is the Dolphins. They are a good team, but right now they have are in the top 4 teams in the AFC and neither are the ravens. I understand talking up your team, but do it realistically.

One last thing, Owens has already stated he wants to play in Miami.

TjM

February 25th, 2004, 02:38 AM

Im curious to see how the Phins will do with A.J Feely

rave_nomad

February 25th, 2004, 08:29 AM

Miami doesnt have enough cap room...since they are giving aj feelme a big contract......TO said at the ProBowl to Ray Lewis that he would love to play in Baltiomre...and Baltimore has the cap room to do it.....I think he would be the go-to guy in Baltimore and would quickly become Kyle Bollers top Target.....The Ravens have stated Publicly that they are going to get a "Big Name Receiver" And all the Ravens Websight state that they will be busting down his door to sign him and offer him everything but the kitchen sink...but we will see how it pans out...The Ravens have some talant on Offence.....They proved that last year at the end when they were putting up 33 points a game....Boller could have done everything wright did.....Wrights stats were not impressive...10 tds 10 ints about 1000 yards passing.....7 fumbles etc....Boller in Much limited action had 7 tds and almost as many yards passing in fewer games....I think with a guy like TO there Offence will greatly improve and people will have to respect the pass..which will open the run....In my respective opinion...
http://baltimoreravens.com/images2/Ravens_@_Miami/rd1.jpg

StopMe

February 25th, 2004, 12:48 PM

this raven_noma is a character. a funny one. wyms was signed but that dont neccessarily mean sapp is gone. it was reported he is a DE also, although he can play DT.
u sound like that nice&easy2beatJoeGreen character w/ his steelers last yr. all hype and then nothing happened last season yr. u better quit talking silly before your tm hits the tanks next season! btw, boller couldnt pass the ball too good, yall need a QB that can get job done. u deserve QB troubles for many more yrs for releasing Dilfer for Grbac(lol)

rave_nomad

February 25th, 2004, 01:53 PM

Ok smart guy....First off if the Bucs spent all the Millions on Wyms Where would they get the big Payday money Sapp is looking for? Being that the Bucs are in a bit of Cap trouble....Warren Sapp Has a ring and now wants a big payday...the Ravens have 24.8 million dollars of cap room.....hmmm
as far as Dilfer is concerned he won my team a SuperBowl....and The Ravens Didnt release Grbac...He Retired......He was a flop and ruined The Ravens season....As far as me shooting off my mouth and not having my team back it up....I could care less i would still be a fan if they lost every game..(Which the wont)....Kyle Boller will be a great QB and he will Win alot of Games for the Ravens....The Ravens already have a top Defence and might add Sapp to that.....and on Offence they have arguably the best Power Running back in the game!! And add in to all this the Ravens might sign Terrel Owens....even if they get a somewhat impact Receiver teams will have to respect there passing game..which means more holes for Jamal Lewis.....They hadve a top TE in Todd Heap and the biggest O-line in the game....they are talanted and just need to bring it together.....even people that hate the Ravens know they will most likely make the Playoffs next year and once your in the playoffs anything can happen .....ask New England......Peace!
http://media.baltimoreravens.com//images2/z_Game_vs_Rams_11-9-03/rr2.jpg

StopMe

February 25th, 2004, 07:40 PM

i didnt mean that they released grbac. i meant that they replaced dilfer w/ grbac...a HILARIOUS move

Rebels10

February 26th, 2004, 02:45 AM

i could not believe the fish made that trade! The dolphins have begun to drive me nuts! we have not made a superbowl since 84...the patroits have been to 4 and won two since we last went! Feely is not the answer...he is no more of an upgrade than fiedler.

The bucs may have some cap problems, but with the trade of johnson they will get a little more room. Also, the bucs will resign him...he loves tampa...loves florida...and dont look for him to leave.

henchmen

February 26th, 2004, 03:56 AM

even people that hate the Ravens know they will most likely make the Playoffs next year and once your in the playoffs anything can happen .....ask New England......Peace!

http://images.nfl.com/photos/img7055588.jpg
Don't Disrespect This Man. Even a DIE HARD RAVEN FAN like you can't tell me you wouldn't rather have Tom Brady over Kyle Boller. And from what I recall, a TEAM consists of an Offense, a Defense and a Special Teams..not just a Defense. When your Ravens can pull off a record like what New England did this year as a TEAM, then I'll be impressed. But I doubt someone will make a run like that for quite some time...we'll see. Yah, it's a NEW YEAR so come get some...cause right now it's the New England Patriots looking down at you...Come Bring them BIRDS into Gillette Stadium....you'll have Tailgaters GRILLING them before they walk through the Locker Room Doors.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

MUSA SMITH? :lol: Honey!....Come Quick and Look what this Fool just wrote.... :lol: :lol: :shock:

Enough...I tried to humorize some of your stupidity in the past but now I ask you, stop playing Fantasy Football with Yourself..it's really getting sad. And you are definitely JEALOUS of the Patriots...I LOVE IT! :twisted:

Sorry to Hear about Captain KILO...if he is found guilty though...there's always MUSA SMITH.. :mrgreen:

Reed#20

February 26th, 2004, 07:59 AM

OMG!!! I've been reading this board for a long time and have been keeping up with these posts. I must say as a die hard Ravens fan that some of our fans need to not jump the gun when speaking about the future.

There is NOTHING saying we will get Sapp. Although some interest may be shown I doubt we would get him when a guy like Gary Walker and Corneilus Griffin are on the market and they FIT our 34 defense better than Sapp does especially Walker since he's play DE in the 34 for the Texans the last 2 seasons. IF Walker is over his injuries, the Ravens would make a move for him before they would Sapp. He's a guy that has experience in the defense that we run and while he wouldn't necessarily be cheap, he MORE likely that not would not demand as much money as Warren. Cornelius Griffin has the better body frame and bulk to play DE for us than Sapp as well. While he does not have the experience of Walker at DE in a 34 he would be more versitile than Sapp at that position, wouldn't cost as much, and is much younger, giving him time to grow with the group of core players.

As far as Owens is concerned. Well on the heels of what happened yesterday it MIGHT be best that the Ravens pursue Owens hard now as the passing game has no choice but to pick up. It was already a need before but IF Jamal should happen to not return, a big play man on the outside is going to be a HUGE need. Musa Smith and Chester Taylor should be able to provide some stability in the backfield (that is if durability is not a concern), but I would also think that the Front Office would look for a veteran presence in teh backfield JUST IN CASE.

In the end we have a young team with a good nucleus of players. But please stop trying to shove that in everyone else's face.

rave_nomad

February 26th, 2004, 08:06 AM

I am far from Jelous,
Im happy with our QB....I bet when Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe alot of people thought it was a bad move but it worked out for you guys..i meant no disrespection when i siad once your in anything can happen....Carolina was the same way.....beating Philly in Philly i doubt many people outside of the Carolina's thought they would pull that off...but like i said anything can happen once you in the playoffs.... I dont play fantasy Football...but there is nothing wrong with a little wishful thinking and a little faith in my team....they stated publicly that they want a big time big named reciever.......and espn and the Ravens websight both say there is a better then 50% chance of TO going to Baltimore.........Warren Sapp might like the weather in Florida but he wants a HUGE last paycheck since this will be his last contract..and the Bucs have alot of other needs to take care of first....and sighning Wyms to a 20 million dollar contract doesnt say much for them wanting to keep sapp after he recoreded just 5 sacks last year...Sapp Needs a change of scenery....as far as Jamal Lewis is concerned he is innocent UNTILL PROVEN GUILTY...not the other way around....Sounds like a pretty far fetched Atlanta(****ed off at the Ravens cause they hurt mike vick ) Fed office....i mean 4 years later after he wins the rushing title ...and after haveing the 2nd best rushing season EVER!!! Its crazy!!! And they have no proof of drug possesion or proff of money changing hands..so good luck with that Atlanta......this will just make people hate Jamal and the Ravens ....ohhhh wait the League and the people already hate them ....Those Ravens are soooo cocky .....The Refs cant stand them as it is....The true toughness of my team will be proven when they come out of the gates next year and win,win,win despite all the BS Peace im out!
http://media.baltimoreravens.com//images2/z_Game_vs_Raiders_12-14-03/rr15.jpg

Reed#20

February 26th, 2004, 08:12 AM

I am far from Jelous,
Im happy with our QB....I bet when Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe alot of people thought it was a bad move but it worked out for you guys..i meant no disrespection when i siad once your in anything can happen....Carolina was the same way.....beating Philly in Philly i doubt many people outside of the Carolina's thought they would pull that off...but like i said anything can happen once you in the playoffs.... I dont play fantasy Football...but there is nothing wrong with a little wishful thinking and a little faith in my team....they stated publicly that they want a big time big named reciever.......and espn and the Ravens websight both say there is a better then 50% chance of TO going to Baltimore.........Warren Sapp might like the weather in Florida but he wants a HUGE last paycheck since this will be his last contract..and the Bucs have alot of other needs to take care of first....and sighning Wyms to a 20 million dollar contract doesnt say much for them wanting to keep sapp after he recoreded just 5 sacks last year...Sapp Needs a change of scenery....as far as Jamal Lewis is concerned he is innocent UNTILL PROVEN GUILTY...not the other way around....Sounds like a pretty far fetched Atlanta([***]
off at the Ravens cause they hurt mike vick ) Fed office....i mean 4 years later after he wins the rushing title ...and after haveing the 2nd best rushing season EVER!!! Its crazy!!! And they have no proof of drug possesion or proff of money changing hands..so good luck with that Atlanta......this will just make people hate Jamal and the Ravens ....ohhhh wait the League and the people already hate them ....Those Ravens are soooo cocky .....The Refs cant stand them as it is....The true toughness of my team will be proven when they come out of the gates next year and win,win,win despite all the BS Peace im out!
http://media.baltimoreravens.com//images2/z_Game_vs_Raiders_12-14-03/rr15.jpg

Another thing. Ozzie Newsome is not about to go into cap hell again. There is no way in this world, with the CMAC negotiations in the air, that Newsome is going to sign BOTH Owens and Sapp for the big money that both men would want. That would put us in Salary Cap hell really quick. I don't know which Ravens boards you are visiting but all of the ones I visit only say that the Ravens Lewis is recruiting Sapp. As much as I love Ray Lewis as a football player, matter of fact he's my favorite player, but Ray plays on the field, Ozzie signs the talent and issues checks.

rave_nomad

February 26th, 2004, 08:32 AM

First off nothing is going to happen with Jamal Lewis he will be with the team next year as Atlanta's Feds have a very weak case...there case was strictly to Drag Jamal's name through the mud.... And if you dont think the guys upstairs wanted Ray Lewis to try and "Persude" TO at the ProBowl then you live in a dream world...Im not saying 100% for sure we are going to sign anyone i siad there is a good chance and since we dont havea 1st round pick to waste money on we can afford to sign a couple good player's ie.Sapp and Owens or sapp or just owens...Im not even a fan of sapp's but i think he brings some good expierence to the team as the Ravens looked a little meek in the playoffs .....and i dont throw anything in anybodys face ...if people dont want to reap my posts then they dont have to.....this is mostly for Ravens fans.....all else can look elsewhere...peace!!
http://media.baltimoreravens.com//images2/z_Game_vs_Raiders_12-14-03/rr12.jpg

Reed#20

February 26th, 2004, 08:41 AM

Yeah but I'm pretty sure most of us Ravens fans ALREADY know and have read this information you are posting. We visit theravensinsiders and baltimoreravens.com. It seems to me the stuff posted here was done so just to get a reaction. I said seems. After all, I don't see anyone else posting stuff like this for their teams EVEN if they did bring home awards. The Pats won the Superbowl and those threads have moved on because people have moved on. It was a good game and congrats to the Pats that's all that needed to be said. Yeah we have players who received alot of individual awards. I'm pretty sure that for anyone that keeps up with this great game, they already KNEW that. ESPN.com, nfl.com ESPN Television their local sports news ect told them this info.

rave_nomad

February 26th, 2004, 08:46 AM

THEY DONT HAVE TO READ MY POSTS THEN!!!!!!!!!
http://media.baltimoreravens.com//images2/z_Game_vs_Bengals_12-7-03/rb15.jpg

YOUI DONT HAVE TO READ THEM....But i get my info from more then just the Ravens insider and ravens.com and espn...just FYI....peace!

Rebels10

February 26th, 2004, 11:18 PM

Reed #20, it is nice to see someone who actually understands the "business" part of football, and keeps this team in a realistic look.

The way Rave talks you would think the ravens had won the super bowl. Here is a note you may want to keep rave, "No team has ever one the superbowl in the offseason." The ravens didnt lack experience in the playoffs--they lacked the talent to beat the other teams. They were not better than the Chiefs, Titans, Colts, Broncos, and Patroits. They werent better than the Dolphins last year either, but they play in such a weak division it aided them in their playoff strecth.

Now, dont get me wrong...i agree with Reed #20...the ravens have a very good young core who could be very good in a couple of years. Just right now, i dont think Kyle Bollier can lead them to the superbowl--right now--he has the potential to be very good though. He is one of the better young qbs in the league, but still has a lot to learn about the NFL game.

henchmen

February 27th, 2004, 02:48 AM

Rebels...YOUR COMMENT here was probably the best and most accurate outlook of the Ravens. Thank You

ambrosio4

February 27th, 2004, 07:31 AM

How many teams have you seen that are a "good young team", and never take the next step?

rave_nomad

February 27th, 2004, 07:36 AM

I didnt say the had won the SuperBowl .....I said they are for sure contenders.....not something you say about a team that is the youngest in the NFL...as far as not being better then Miami last year maybe you havent heard of a little thing called Any given Sunday??? Which means on any Given Sunday any team can beat any other team......Yes Miami Stole one away last year...with a none recovery of a fumble...been hard to beat the ref's in Miami for years! and if you dont think the Ravens were better then the majority of those teams you mentioned you need a checkup.... The Ravens played the Chiefs early in the year and took it to them ...they held the RAMS in ST. Louis to 124 yards total offence..the whole game...they beat the Seahawks,Steelers,browns,bengals49ers,Broncosall temas that were in the playoffs this year or last year.....and if you lose by 3 in a playoff game you had your shots to win......I know my Ravens and they played meek in the Playoffs...except for Ray Lewis who had 20 tackles...and Orlando Brown let his emotions get the best of him sticking up for a teamate he threw the Titans little Jevon Kearse to the ground and got a 15 yarder ...which led to the Titans FG ....that cleared the crossbar by 2 inches....if not for the 15 yarder ..that kick is never attempted...and at that time the Ravens had the momentum in the game..i know woulda,shoulda,coulda....but Any Given Sunday...and all im saying now is the Ravens are no push overs...they are no Chargers or Cardinals..when there on your teams schedulenobody says "yep easy win this week" because the Ravens play close no matter who they play...and the Ravens Sloughterd the Bronco's 33-6 last year...the Ravens have never lost to the Broncos ..or the Titans In Tennessee.....Food for thought!
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/7380/brdwords.gif

rave_nomad

February 28th, 2004, 05:20 PM

Are you kidding me i live in Michigan , I always hear ..the Lions are a good young team...funny thing is ....they always lose..the Ravens win...even after they had to rebuild the were good....most fans wish there teams could make the playoffs the year after they rebuild....let me hear ya lions,Begals,Chargers,Cardinals,Bills,Saints,jags, Skins,bears,49ers...and the list goes on ..all these teams have tried to rebuild recently with little or no success...While the Ravens after tearing apart there team go 7-9 and 10-6 respectivly...there 7-9 year people picked them to be the worst team in the league....didnt happen as the Ravens beat Plaoff teams left and right that year ..andall without Ray Lewis or a healthy Jamal Lewis....

I laughed everytime they won cause Terry Bradshaw had to eat crow ...he said "The Ravens have a horrible Offence and wont win 2 games all year...lol....they were 7-7 and had a chance at the playoffs....they werein the playoff hunt untill week 17 ..what more can you ask for from a rebuilding team??? Food for thought all you doubters!!
peace!!

http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/7380/brdwords.gif[/list]

Rebels10

March 1st, 2004, 12:10 AM

You just gave me helped me make my point on a week division. You are bragging on wins over the Browns (5-11), Pittsburgh (6-10), and cincinnati (8-8). Granted Cincy was improved and a very good team with a lot of potential just like your Ravens.

True, any team can win on any given sunday, but to make the superbowl you have to be that team that wins every sunday. I never once said the Ravens sucked and were a horrible team--you implied that. My statement has been that the Ravens--RIGHT NOW--are just too young at skill positions to win a superbowl. However, there are expections and Klye Bollier may prove me wrong and lead this team to the SuperBowl. I doubt it but it could happen. What really hurts Bollier is they have a weak receiver corp, which TO will only help a little. Having TO will not make the Ravens a superbowl lock...also with Jamal maybe out for the season the Ravens may have to spend cap money on a Runningback and wont be able to afford TO. Plus, if they lose Jamal they are going to be 6-10, 7-9 at best. Jamal is a top 5 running back you shoulders a lot of pressure of that offense and there is not another top running back availiable.

I will close by saying the Ravens have potential, but the favorites in the AFC will be New England (there is no team in the game that plays better as a team than them), KC (Vermiel will get the defense in order), Indy (You can never count out Manning), Tennessee(McNair is the toughest player in the league and a great leader...a new running back and this team will be near unstoppable), NY Jets (going on a limb here, but a healthy Pennington does magical things when he plays and Martin showed he still has it...a break out year by Moss proves Pennington has someone--Oh yeah, they are in the TO hunt as well. TO would have a bigger impact on the Jets than the Ravens...and someone like TO would love to play in the media driven city like NY.) Nothing against your Ravens, who suprised me this year by making the playoffs with Bollier and Wright, but they have played in the weakest division in football ever since the Titans left for the South. If Baltimore had to play 6 games against the Jets, Bills, Fish, and Pats they would not be a 10-6 team. If the Dolphins played in the central they are a 12-4 team easy, but still not the best team. Look at it realistically. They just arent the favorite or the best team in the AFC.

Rebels10

March 1st, 2004, 12:13 AM

henchmen

March 1st, 2004, 03:39 AM

Again Rebels....very well put. Glad to see someone living in reality 8)

Rebels10

March 1st, 2004, 04:59 AM

thanks.
I am a huge dolphins fan, but last year i was not all that excited about the team...where as some people on tv and work associates said the dolphins were going to be unstoppable. I questioned this bc they always fall apart in december, and have no passing game. I wanted to get excited, and i do get excited watching them, but i just know realistically the dolphins were not the "team to beat." I think sometimes fans overrate their players bc that is "their" team.

rave_nomad

March 1st, 2004, 08:53 PM

First off the Ravens would Sweep the season series with the Bills and Jets ....second they would at least split with the Patriots and Dolphins...that would be 6 wins....If you dont think TO would have a bigger impact on the (Last ranked passing game) In the league your drinking shenchmens Mexican Pi-ss!!!! Teams will have to respect a receiving core with Terrell Owens and Travis Taylor and Marcus Robinson..they have to at least play pass sometimes which will be an improvement.....That will open up holes for Jamal Lewis and company...He will be there next year ...Baltimore is in the front running for TO dont kid yourself ......The Dolphins never have and never will win a SuperBowl......AJ feelme isnt the answer.......The Patriots game plan will get old and stale this year ...just like it did after they Beat the Rams.....they surprised people this year and it wont happen again....ohhh yeaa..lets not forget they wont be playing with a last place schedule .....that should make things interesting.....and if you dont think the Ravens are right up there with the Likes of the Titans,Dolphins,Cheifs,Patriots,Colts...go check the last 2 years and you will see some close games....another year of winning under the belts of the youngest team in the NFL....look out!!!!! Ahh Suck it ha ha!!
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/7380/BRPATCH.JPG

Rebels10

March 1st, 2004, 11:05 PM

The Bills willl be better with an offensive minded guy there. You really cant be serious about marcus Robinson and Travis Taylor. Miami could match up man on man with them EASY! Then, we still have Surtain to take away TO with some help if needed. Then, we still have our front seven there to stop the run.
If i am not mistaken, the Dolphins have been to 5 superbowls (VI,VII,VIII, XVII, XIX). They won two (VII,VIII), they also went undefeated--oh yeah--no other team has done that. Your attack of Feely not being the answer really doenst bother me bc earlier in the forum i said the Dolphins have not improved.
If i look up in the past two years the Dolphins have beat the Ravens twice.
IF the patroits system will get old then why in the world have they won two superbowls in three years with it...and 15 in a row! Are we watching the same NFL? You said, "It will be nice to see how the Pats do not playing a last place schedule." I dont understand because they went 9-7 and finished second in the East. The Bills finished last.

Rebels10

March 2nd, 2004, 01:22 AM

oh yeah, i forgot this. You talk about seeing how the Pats do with a first place schedule. Well, lets see how the Ravens do this year playing first place teams with a first place schedule opposed to the third place schedule they had last year.

I will give you this. The Ravens will win the Central, but only by default. The Bengals will be good; however, they will take a step back this year with Palmer at QB. It will be his first year starting and he will have his growing pains...and likely will make his mistakes. The Browns are just too young on the defense side of the ball, and the Steelers...well, they are keeping Bettis and there really are any "game-breakers" in this years draft so i dont see them being much better than last year.

rave_nomad

March 2nd, 2004, 07:58 AM

You just have to go back a couple years ago the Ravens Beat up on the Dolphins 20-3 in Miami in the playoffs..(a game i was at)...and are you kidding me....The patriots won the SB against the Rams ..then did nothing out of the gates...people were prepared for them...then they have an easy schedule 2 jets,2phins,2 bills,.....c'mon......thats a weak division...I dont care what anyone says.....this year teams will be ready for them
I gureentee Patriots dont repeat....first off it would be next to impossible second off..the Patriots are not what i would call a dominate team..like the Cowboys of the 90's....yes they sometimes find a way to win...but they are not convincing..yea they won this past SB but were they the better team??? If carolina had the ball 1 more time what would have happend?? I think they win!!.......The Titans almost took them out in New England.....and the Ravens almost took out the Titans b4 that....In 2001 the Ravens went on a 14 game winning streak..but that ended...just like this will end for the patriots......i guess, Bronco's,seahawks,Titans,49ers are all 3rd place teams!!!!

henchmen

March 2nd, 2004, 09:42 AM

The patriots won the SB against the Rams ..then did nothing out of the gates...people were prepared for them...then they have an easy schedule 2 jets,2phins,2 bills,.....c'mon......thats a weak division.

You know nothing about Football

I gureentee Patriots dont repeat....first off it would be next to impossible second off..the Patriots are not what i would call a dominate team..like the Cowboys of the 90's....yes they sometimes find a way to win...but they are not convincing..yea they won this past SB but were they the better team??? If carolina had the ball 1 more time what would have happend?? I think they win!!

You know nothing about Football

The Titans almost took them out in New England.....and the Ravens almost took out the Titans b4 that.

I suppose this means the Ravens could "almost" beat the Patriots. :roll:

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/52/017_PE1067.jpg

Seriously Gonad.....every day that goes by, you look stupider and stupider.

ChrisX26 may have met his match!

rave_nomad

March 2nd, 2004, 01:39 PM

Well,Well,Well ...Look if it isnt Stenchmen...AGAIN..what a shock ...how is it that i look like the stupid one when you keep replying to my posts??? I said you would and you did!!!!...I guess i really am that compelling.. that my vile smelling friend is what you call CHECK MATE!!!!
ahhhhhhh Suck it haha!!!!!! finish your mexican pi_ss and enjoy all that the Keys has to offer...if you know what Waylon Smithers means...lol
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Field/7380/BRPATCH.JPG

henchmen

March 2nd, 2004, 02:47 PM

that my vile smelling friend is what you call CHECK MATE!!!!

Hmmm. Let's see...If I CHECKMATE you first...that means the GAME is OVER. All your Blah Blah Blah after that....irrelevent...no time on the clock Charlie :00

You still don't get it do you? As long as you keep Blah Blah Blah'ing...I'll be right there to shut you up again..as I will do when THIS thread is over.

You can't hold my JOCK son...I OWN YOU

Your a55 was CHECKMATED in the Jamal Lewis thread. Now I'm TAKING the last Word again...CHECKMATE on this thread.

You kinda suck at this game

I'll win everytime Rookie :wink: 8)

Rebels10

March 2nd, 2004, 11:11 PM

rave you logic makes no sense in your comments. Two years ago the Dolphins were a horrible football team. I thought they were going to lose by more than 17 in that game. What happen to the Ravens after that win against Miami--NOTHING! They went into Pittsburgh and got beat easily.

Your comment about if the Panthers got the ball one more time than they would have won, may have been one of the dumbest comments i have heard. If the titans get one more play they probably beat the Rams four years ago. If the Bills get another kick, Norwood might have hit that field goal over the Giants and the Bills win SuperBowl XXV. Your comments have been "IF" this and "If" that. Stop for a minute and take a look at what really happens in a game and then make your judgement.

I will agree with you that i dont think the Pats will win the SuperBowl this year--it is extremely difficult to win a SuperBowl two years in a row, but New England has gone 11-5, 9-7, 14-2 in three years...I could be wrong but you find me a team that has won more games in the last three years. If we had their playoff record they are (14-5, 9-7, 17-2) that is 40-14 in the past three years. If you would take a minute and get off your "The Ravens are the greatest team to ever step onto the field" you may recongize that the Pats have put together a pretty damn good string as of now. Also, if you know how the NFL does their schedule you would understand how the Ravens played a third place schedule.

Since the AFC North played the NFC West this season so teams are a given on the schedule. The AFC north also played the AFC West so those teams are there by default. The other two games the Ravens played were against 2002 third place teams in their division--Dolphins and Jaguars. What other division in the AFC is as strong as the East from top to bottom. The West--the Chargers and Raiders were a joke this year. South--Texans are a good young team, but not a threat weak in and weak out. The Jags are another "up-n-coming" team, but not strong as of now. The central-- Steelers played no defense and could not stop the run or run the football, the browns (you said it in other forums that they suck), the Bengals--young and much improved, but how good would they be in another division. Now that leads us to the East. pats--sb champs. Dolphins--finished 10-6 and missed the playoffs. Jets--I dont know why you say they suck, but they are a very good team who played most of their season without their QB, but when Pennington returned they were good again...The Bills, well every division has their weak spot.

Your comments are baised and unintelligent of the actual events of football, and your arguements are intirely assine. I am still loving the, "if Panthers got the ball back again they would have won." THE GAME IS 60 MINUTES!!!!!! They dont extend it bc they team is coming back. You have 60 minutes to prove you are the best team in the league!

henchmen

March 3rd, 2004, 01:30 AM

rave...Your comments are baised and unintelligent of the actual events of football, and your arguements are intirely assinine.

That one sentence speaks volumes for ALL his posts

rave_nomad

March 3rd, 2004, 07:16 AM

I was just proving a point....the Patriots are not a dominant team...they did put together a little winning streak but like i said teams will figure it out....this is the same team tht lost to the Bill(the weak spot in the east) 31-0....and they lost to the RedSkins.....i mean those are pretty weak teams...i should have said the Panthers deserved to win....they didnt play to lose....but then again ..life isnt fair and the NFL isnt fair ...look at The Bengels...Jon Kitna had a better year then Tom Brady last year ...yet he was benched in favor of a rookie..where is the justice???.......Hey Stenchmen i got that one from espn news....check it out....second of all hey Stenchmen...i must be the most compelling person you have ever known...i mean you keep saying how you wot respond and yet ..here you are again......Should i give you the James Hettfield quote??? Nah...you know it by now.....
Tuesday, March 2, 2004

Associated Press
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ravens coach Brian Billick defended Jamal Lewis on Tuesday and predicted the star running back will be acquitted of drug conspiracy charges.

Lewis, the NFL offensive player of the year who gained the second-most rushing yards in league history last season with 2,066 yards, has pleaded innocent to helping arrange a cocaine deal in 2000 for a childhood friend in Atlanta.

If convicted, Lewis could face 10 years to life in prison.

"We're very proud of the human being that Jamal Lewis is today," Billick said. "I have no doubt that he will fight his way out of this difficulty."

General Manager Ozzie Newsome said Lewis' legal trouble will not affect the team's approach to free agency, which begins Wednesday, or the draft April 24-25.

"We stand by Jamal," Newsome said. "Nobody knows Jamal as well as we do, but, right now, that hasn't altered our offseason plans.

Rebels10

March 3rd, 2004, 11:32 AM

Once again you prove you dont watch football. Kitna was benched for Palmer bc Lewis believes Kitna has taken the Bengals as far as he could last year. Since the Bengals would like to be better than 8-8, they are going to give their #1 draft and high salary guy a shot...now dont think if he struggles they wont hesitate to put kitna back in there.

rave_nomad

March 3rd, 2004, 02:31 PM

I watch Football Eavery Sunday,Monday,Thursday and Saturday!!!
Look at Kitna's numbers and then look at Brady's ....Kitna actually had the better Numbers...and the better rating.....Marvin Lewis got pressure from the front office to put in Palmer.....they dont want to pay all that money to someone riding the pine!!!....Marvin Lewis will have to let Palmer go through all his growing pains...good and bad....

henchmen

March 3rd, 2004, 03:38 PM

Let's see:

Brady
--------------------
Attempts: 654
Complete: 392
Yards: 4412
TD: 28
Int: 14
Rating: 85.5
Rushing TD: 1
Super Bowl Ring: YES

Kitna
--------------------
Attempts: 521
Complete: 325
Yards: 3605
TD: 26
Int: 15
Rating: 87.5
Rushing TD: 0
Super Bowl Ring: NO

NOW...WHO HAD THE BETTER SEASON?
:roll:

rave_nomad

March 3rd, 2004, 07:32 PM

Tom Brady better enjoy it...it's his last one!!!!......So Kitna did have the better statistical season...interesting.....

henchmen

March 4th, 2004, 03:21 AM

So Kitna did have the better statistical season...interesting.....

Nice Try...Once again...FACT wins over FICTION..Maybe you should check your FACTS before you open your mouth next time.

Proving you're Stupid One Day at a Time,

Henchmen

Rebels10

March 4th, 2004, 05:11 AM

To fair to Kitna, I dont understand why you are surprised with this. When Cincy drafted Palmer they said Palmer will only start when our playoff chances are gone. Kitna lead the team to 8-8 and had them in the playoff hunt the whole season and he knew that he would not start the next season...alla Chris Chandler...twice (McNair and Vick).

They (Cincy) did not want to make the same mistake they made with Alki Smith and just throw him out there. They wanted Palmer to learn on the bench the first year and start the second. Every Bengal fan in the world knew that Kitna had one season left starting. The logic behind what the Bengals are doing is this:

Kitna had a very good season--probably his best--but as a team they only went 8-8. They believe Palmer to have more talent than Kitna so with an improvement at the QB postition they expect to win more games. The Bengals are not doing him wrong or screwing him over. They are making a decision based on the talent level. Now, if palmer struggles i bet we will see Kitna play or start a couple of games. Also with Lewis coming out now and saying "this is my guy" the Bengals know who their captian will be and both Palmer and Kitna can adjust to their new roles.