*****Official Baltimore Ravens Thread***** (2 Viewers)

[Team Smokin']

I'm surprised to see fantasy rankings with Ravens def rated top this week.  Cinnci is always in their heads for some reason and plays them 110%.  Maybe the bye will help, but I wouldn't put my money on it.

Looks like Vegas has suspended the line for that game because of the unknown at QB, and perhaps AJ Green. It started out BAL at -3 1/2 and then another site had CIN -5 1/2 and now nothing. The O/U was the lowest of all the games at 39 1/2, now there is no line yet. 

 

[The_Man]

Well, if Flacco is healthy Baltimore has a full-fledged QB controversy on its hands - at least in the minds of the fans.

I think it's obvious Flacco gets the nod over Lamar, if he can go. I think that's Harbaugh's inclination anyway, but I saw Lamar's first half vs. Oakland as a failed audition. They came out pass-heavy - in my mind, to see what Lamar would do if/when the Ravens got in a game where they had to abandon the run. The answer? Two FGs and two INTs in a half vs. the Raiders' mediocre D. In the second half, they went to the ground game that they used vs Cincy and did what they needed to win. But that's not going to work vs. real NFL defenses, and Lamar showed me he isn't ready to compete throwing the ball yet.

On another topic, can I say how good and important Marlon Humphrey is? Before he got hurt, this team was 4-2, and had given up 14 or fewer points in 5 of their 6 games. Then they lose both games when he's hurt, and lose again to Pittsburgh as he plays his way back into shape. Now he's healthy, making big plays all over the field, and the Ravens have won two in a row (vs. admittedly weak competition). This week vs. Atlanta's high-powered offense will show something. But it's clear to me that he makes a huge difference in how aggressive the Ravens feel like they can be in play calling when Humphrey is out there shutting down top opposing WRs.

 

[jtp1982]

Well, if Flacco is healthy Baltimore has a full-fledged QB controversy on its hands - at least in the minds of the fans.

I think it's obvious Flacco gets the nod over Lamar, if he can go. I think that's Harbaugh's inclination anyway, but I saw Lamar's first half vs. Oakland as a failed audition. They came out pass-heavy - in my mind, to see what Lamar would do if/when the Ravens got in a game where they had to abandon the run. The answer? Two FGs and two INTs in a half vs. the Raiders' mediocre D. In the second half, they went to the ground game that they used vs Cincy and did what they needed to win. But that's not going to work vs. real NFL defenses, and Lamar showed me he isn't ready to compete throwing the ball yet.

On another topic, can I say how good and important Marlon Humphrey is? Before he got hurt, this team was 4-2, and had given up 14 or fewer points in 5 of their 6 games. Then they lose both games when he's hurt, and lose again to Pittsburgh as he plays his way back into shape. Now he's healthy, making big plays all over the field, and the Ravens have won two in a row (vs. admittedly weak competition). This week vs. Atlanta's high-powered offense will show something. But it's clear to me that he makes a huge difference in how aggressive the Ravens feel like they can be in play calling when Humphrey is out there shutting down top opposing WRs.

Totally agree, Lamar just does not look ready yet.

You nailed the Oakland game.  He had a similar problem the week prior.  And that’s against the bottom of the barrel.  

Whole thing seems poorly thought out, if the plan was Lamar’s the guy next year than they should have been working with him more, he looks two year out.

But if the plan was two years or more why’d we spend a first round pick on him now?  I don’t know, if he does alright tomorrow part of me wants to say screw it ship Flacco and just make it the Lamar show ASAP so his development takes center stage in the organization. 

 

[The_Man]

Wow huge win today. That D, when Humphrey is healthy, is really good. Better than I thought. 

Big news is they can now go 2-2 with Home wins vs Tampa and Cleveland and probably still make the playoffs even with losses at KC & SD. Huge loss by Indy to Jax 

 

[jtp1982]

Great game.  Fair or not this win means Flacco time is officially over in Baltimore

 

[jtp1982]

From the Baltimore Sun today:

Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, who followed his fumble recovery for a touchdown last week with two tackles for loss (one sack) and three quarterback hits Sunday, offered strong words of support for Joe Flaccoafterward. “I’ve been around here a long time,” he said. “I’m a big fan of my teammates and, particularly, Super Bowl MVPs.”

https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-notes-kenneth-dixon-20181202-story.html

Thats loyalty for a longtime teammate.  Suggs has always stuck up for Flacco when he’s under pressure.  It’s that kind of stuff thats made a fading pash rusher whose not even friendly if you run into him go from fan favorite to local icon.

He knows what he’s been a part of here, he knows it was special, and he’s loyal to the guys that accomplished it with him.

 

[lsutigers]

So let's talk playoffs *queue Jim Mora - Playoffs?*:

7-5, 2nd in division, 0.5 games back (somehow, that 9-12 OT loss to Cleveland looks even worse now)

Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Bucs, at Chargers, vs Browns (opponent winning record 58%)

Steelers remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs Patriots, at Saints, vs Bengals (opponent winning record 55%)

You have to imagine both teams will hold serve with Bucs/Browns (although Bucs could be more lean Ravens or tossup) & Raiders/Bengals, leaving the division up to the other 4 games.

Of the 6-6 teams (Dolphins, Colt, Broncos, Titans), Broncos and Titans have the easiest remaining schedules (opponents win records of 40%.)  Titans are basically eliminated if they lose vs. Jax this week.  Really afraid for Broncos who are getting hot and their remaining schedule of 49ers, Browns, Raiders, Chargers bodes well for them. 

 

[The_Man]

So let's talk playoffs *queue Jim Mora - Playoffs?*:

7-5, 2nd in division, 0.5 games back (somehow, that 9-12 OT loss to Cleveland looks even worse now)

Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Bucs, at Chargers, vs Browns (opponent winning record 58%)

Steelers remaining schedule: at Raiders, vs Patriots, at Saints, vs Bengals (opponent winning record 55%)

You have to imagine both teams will hold serve with Bucs/Browns (although Bucs could be more lean Ravens or tossup) & Raiders/Bengals, leaving the division up to the other 4 games.

Of the 6-6 teams (Dolphins, Colt, Broncos, Titans), Broncos and Titans have the easiest remaining schedules (opponents win records of 40%.)  Titans are basically eliminated if they lose vs. Jax this week.  Really afraid for Broncos who are getting hot and their remaining schedule of 49ers, Browns, Raiders, Chargers bodes well for them. 

Yeah, I think between the Broncos and Titans, there's a good chance at least one of them goes 4-0 to reach 10-6. The Broncos' schedule is so easy until they play the Chargers in Week 17. There's a real good chance the Chargers are locked into the #5 seed at that point - so they sit all their players and the Broncos pick up the win. 

I think the Ravens probably have to go 3-1 to get to 10-6 and make the playoffs. That means winning vs. CLE and TB, then stealing a win at either KC or Chargers. Pretty worried that won't happen. But if they do get to 10-6, they are looking good, with head-to-head wins over both Denver and Tennessee. 

On top of that, if the Ravens do somehow get to 10 wins, I think they actually win the division. I see Pittsburgh losing to both the Patriots and the Saints and finishing 9-6-1. Could they lose in Oakland? I doubt it - though Pittsburgh historically struggles out west. But I think Baltimore's best chance of making the playoffs is winning the division over an 8-7-1 Steelers team.

Right now, my prediction is Pittsburgh wins the North at 9-6-1, Chargers are the #5 seed, and Denver wins out to finish 10-6 and take the #6 seed over 9-7 Baltimore. That would suck but would also set up an epic first round Chargers-Steelers rematch in Pittsburgh, and a very compelling Broncos team vs. the Texans (probably) or maybe the Patriots. 

Other than the Ravens winning at KC or LA, the other big things to root for are a Pittsburgh loss at Oakland (followed by losses to NE and NO), a Denver loss (I'm looking at you next week Cleveland), Dolphins to lose a couple (likely with games vs. NE and MINN the next 2 weeks) and for the Colts and Titans to each lose at least once before they play each other in Week 17.

 

[lsutigers]

Right now, my prediction is Pittsburgh wins the North at 9-6-1, Chargers are the #5 seed, and Denver wins out to finish 10-6 and take the #6 seed over 9-7 Baltimore. That would suck but would also set up an epic first round Chargers-Steelers rematch in Pittsburgh, and a very compelling Broncos team vs. the Texans (probably) or maybe the Patriots.  

Trying to stay positive, but as I was digging into the scenarios, that's where I landed too.  Agreed that the most likely way in is to win the division, not the wild card.  Really hard to see Pitt beating the Saints at home, but that Pit/NE game gets interesting. 

 

[lsutigers]

How crazy was that 4th and 9 throw by Mahomes across his body.  Damn it.

Well, we can blow up all the above with Pitt losing to Oakland, Ten trouncing Jax and Denver coughing one up to SF (how good is Shanahan?  He's doing it with like 4th stringers) although the KC loss while crippling in morale, wasn't unexpected.

Watching Pitt on a 3 game L streak sure is fun, regardless of who wins the division or makes the playoffs.

Anyway, after week 14 in the AFC, currently in the 6th spot winning the tiebreakers because of a better conference record and common games with Indy and Miami. 

Really all comes down to the Chargers (who are in already at 10-3) and winning the strong Ravens lean game vs TB.   

 

[Rushmore]

Didn't get to see the game, but was a fan of Dixon's game out of college and unfortunately his career thus far has been riddled with setbacks.   If healthy, I assume he's the most talented back on the current roster.    How did he look?   Any thoughts moving forward with him for those whom have watched him along with the other rbs?   Thanks! 

 

[lsutigers]

Didn't get to see the game, but was a fan of Dixon's game out of college and unfortunately his career thus far has been riddled with setbacks.   If healthy, I assume he's the most talented back on the current roster.    How did he look?   Any thoughts moving forward with him for those whom have watched him along with the other rbs?   Thanks! 

Well, he's certainly the most talented of the RB's of the roster with the highest draft pedigree.  His problem has been getting and staying healthy (suspensions aside).

3 NFL knee injuries (sprains, pulls and tear) to go with 1 knee and 1 ankle in college. 

In the short term and due to time with the team, he looks to be the co 1A-1B with Edwards, well ahead of Montgomery in passing game, and all 3 are well ahead of Buck Allen with Montgomery and Allen seeing a good bit of ST action.  I doubt with that kind of injury history that he will jump Edwards in carries the RTS?

In the long term, could he pull a Frank Gore and play for 87 years?  Sure.  Is it likely?  Probably not. 

 

[Judge Smails]

How crazy was that 4th and 9 throw by Mahomes across his body.  Damn it.

Well, we can blow up all the above with Pitt losing to Oakland, Ten trouncing Jax and Denver coughing one up to SF (how good is Shanahan?  He's doing it with like 4th stringers) although the KC loss while crippling in morale, wasn't unexpected.

Watching Pitt on a 3 game L streak sure is fun, regardless of who wins the division or makes the playoffs.

Anyway, after week 14 in the AFC, currently in the 6th spot winning the tiebreakers because of a better conference record and common games with Indy and Miami. 

Really all comes down to the Chargers (who are in already at 10-3) and winning the strong Ravens lean game vs TB.   

Mahomes 2 plays cost me 3 and 4 team parlays. Had a straight bet on Ravens for the game but all parlays were to 1st half. Ravens dominated the 1st half but Mahomes 2 plays coupled with the dumb decision to run a play before the 2 min warning did me in 

Enough about me. Impressed with how the Ravens battled. Jackson has a future. 

 

[The_Man]

What a game yesterday. Weddle is the whipping boy today - looked bad early on when Hill ran around him like a pylon, but even worse was his play on the 4th-and-9 miracle. I don't fault him or Mosley for not making the play, but as the pass was descending to Hill, Weddle was flat out spectating. And then he was out of position after the catch, and Hill ran around him for another 15 yards. That was the NFL play of the year, and clinched the MVP for Mahomes.

Even with the loss, the Ravens playoff hopes took a big step forward thank to the Raiders beating the Steelers. If the Ravens go 2-1 (home wins vs. Bucs and Browns, lose at Chargers), they win the division if Pittsburgh loses to the Pats and Saints. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

What a game yesterday.  

That was a helluva fun game to watch.. I thought the Ravens called damned-near a perfect game plan on both sides of the ball. The only way they could win was to make the game funky and weird (sound familiar?), and that's what they did.

Mahomes is a stud - that dude got knocked sideways about 15 times and STILL made enough plays to win.

I see Harbaugh named Jackson the starter over a healthy Flacco. I think that's the right move. They can't win against good teams playing a conventional game (see: Flacco throwing 52 times a game for 188 yards). They won't win this year with Jackson, either, but - whether Ravens fans like it or not - he's the future and let's see what he can do in crunch time with little prep time..

 

[jtp1982]

Flacco is PO’d.  It’s over in Baltimore for Flacco.

Great run Joe.  We’ll miss you man.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I thought Flacco handled himself pretty well in front of the media yesterday. 

This whole thing played out about as well as it could for the Ravens. If Flacco had been playing lights-out when he got hurt, this would have been a much tougher call. But he wasn't and the team was struggling. Then the injury lingered and the Ravens started winning. I think everyone had some time to digest the possibility that it was Jackson's job, including Flacco. 

I haven't liked Joe's body language on the sidelines the last month, but that could well be me projecting. I also remember that his body language always looks "off", even when he's playing.

Anyway, Baltimore has pushed all of their chips into the middle of the table. Barring injury, what you saw the last few weeks is what they are. They'll be a PITA to game plan against.

 

[The_Man]

I loved Lamar's answer to the stupid "Is this your team now?" question.

He said, it's not my team. It's all of our team. I don't make the blocks, or catch the passes, or tackle anyone. And it's Joe's team too.

Check out the clip if you can find it - just a great, natural, immediate response and one that shows a certain leadership flair that Joe has never really had.

 

[The_Man]

Well, nice job by the Ravens but the other games turned out just as badly as they possible could for Baltimore's playoff chances. The Ravens pretty much need to win the next 2, or they're out. Pretty crazy they could go from the #4 seed (with 2 wins and a Pittsburgh loss at New Orleans) to outside looking in.

What's disappointing about that is the crazy interesting style of football they're playing right now. They really could have a chance at winning the AFC, except I think the Chargers beat them and keep them out. As you have probably seen, they became the first team to rush for 190 yards in 5 straight games since the 1976 Steelers. That is insane. 

Humphrey continues to shine, and even make up for some of Weddle's many deficiencies. It's pretty amazing that to think when Lamar took over this 4-5 team, you'd say: "Ok, rookie, for Baltimore to make the playoffs, you need to go 6-1 in your first 7 pro starts" and that it would still be possible 5 weeks later

 

[lsutigers]

If they do land out (finish behind Pitt in division), the two plays that will hang over the 2018 season are definitely that KC 4th and 9 incredible miracle play, and the Tom Brady on the move, attempt to throw out of bounds duck INT by Haden.  Man, NE should have had that game. 

The NFC appears to be a bloodbath, but agreed that the AFC is wide open. 

 

[tangfoot]

If they do land out (finish behind Pitt in division), the two plays that will hang over the 2018 season are definitely that KC 4th and 9 incredible miracle play, and the Tom Brady on the move, attempt to throw out of bounds duck INT by Haden.  Man, NE should have had that game. 

The NFC appears to be a bloodbath, but agreed that the AFC is wide open. 

No mention of the missed extra point against the Saints?

 

[The_Man]

If they do land out (finish behind Pitt in division), the two plays that will hang over the 2018 season are definitely that KC 4th and 9 incredible miracle play, and the Tom Brady on the move, attempt to throw out of bounds duck INT by Haden.  Man, NE should have had that game. 

The NFC appears to be a bloodbath, but agreed that the AFC is wide open. 

That one was the killer. Make the play there, and the Ravens are 9-5 and looking good to win the North. Instead, they're probably going to be sitting home for the playoffs.

 

[lsutigers]

No mention of the missed extra point against the Saints?

Oof. Good one.  Recency bias on my part.  Equally brutal although the Saints seemed to have the momentum in that game so don't know how OT would have gone.  But you're right; now we'll never know. . .

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Well, nice job by the Ravens but the other games turned out just as badly as they possible could for Baltimore's playoff chances. The Ravens pretty much need to win the next 2, or they're out. Pretty crazy they could go from the #4 seed (with 2 wins and a Pittsburgh loss at New Orleans) to outside looking in.

What's disappointing about that is the crazy interesting style of football they're playing right now. They really could have a chance at winning the AFC, except I think the Chargers beat them and keep them out. As you have probably seen, they became the first team to rush for 190 yards in 5 straight games since the 1976 Steelers. That is insane. 

Humphrey continues to shine, and even make up for some of Weddle's many deficiencies. It's pretty amazing that to think when Lamar took over this 4-5 team, you'd say: "Ok, rookie, for Baltimore to make the playoffs, you need to go 6-1 in your first 7 pro starts" and that it would still be possible 5 weeks later

So, assuming the Ravens lose this week what has to happen (besides beating the Browns in week 17) for them to make the playoffs? I've had a bad Monday and don't feel like trying to figure that out.

I'm with you on Weddle. He just can't make plays anymore. I don't know how much his leadership offsets that, but he appears to have slipped badly in the last year.

Also agree on Humphrey - he's their best/most-effective player and I don't think it's all that close.

Lamar Jackson's going to have a short career if he keeps doing what he's doing, but he's fun to watch.

 

[The_Man]

If Ravens go 1-1, Steelers have to go 0-2

or

Titans and Colts both have to lose at least once (which is tough because they play each other in Week 17)

 

[The_Man]

I loved Lamar's answer to the stupid "Is this your team now?" question.

He said, it's not my team. It's all of our team. I don't make the blocks, or catch the passes, or tackle anyone. And it's Joe's team too.

Check out the clip if you can find it - just a great, natural, immediate response and one that shows a certain leadership flair that Joe has never really had.

Wow what a night. Postgame, NFL Network was interviewing Lamar and Weddle and asked if they’d be rooting for the Saints to beat the Steelers. Lamar said something like: “We root for our team. I’m not going to watch that game. I’m gonna get ready for Cleveland. I didn’t even know that stuff until you just said it.”

It wasn’t cocky or boastful at all, it was just an obviously true statement about his approach. Weddle laughed a little and you could tell the grizzled veteran loved the kid’s naive enthusiasm. For Joe’s many talents, he was never a natural leader the way this 21-year-old already is. 

Weddle has been bad lately but he was huge last night. I think his knowledge of Rivers was key to the secondary’s domination. It was like when Gruden played vs Oakland in the Super Bowl. They knew what was coming on almost every down. 

Couldn’t believe Ravens didn’t take a safety, rather than punt from the 5 with a 16-10 lead. Thought for sure Harbs would run the “hug em up” play where the line blatantly holds every punt rusher for as long as possible and Koch runs around the end zone and burns 10 or 15 seconds before stepping out for a safety. It almost cost them when the Chargers took over at Baltimore’s 40. 

Don’t look now but if the struggling Patriots drop one of their last 2 (Bills and Jets), Ravens would be #3 seed with a win over Cleveland 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Couldn’t believe Ravens didn’t take a safety, rather than punt from the 5 with a 16-10 lead. Thought for sure Harbs would run the “hug em up” play where the line blatantly holds every punt rusher for as long as possible and Koch runs around the end zone and burns 10 or 15 seconds before stepping out for a safety. It almost cost them when the Chargers took over at Baltimore’s 40. 

I thought the exact same thing at the time.

Going in, I thought Rivers would pick the Ravens apart. The DBs were as good as a group as I've seen them this season. And, once the blood was in the water, the pass rushers went the hell off.

Jackson made some great passes and also some really dumb decisions. That's what Baltimore has right now. I think, with an entire offseason to prep, he'll be better as a passer, but he's never going to be Steve Young.

Circling back, I think Sam Koch won that game as much as any single Baltimore player did. 

 

[The_Man]

Typical of this crazy year, Ravens could land anywhere from a bye and the #2 seed to missing the playoffs 

Of course most important is winning and getting in. We saw what happened last year in Week 17 when the Ravens needed a win vs an Ohio team with nothing to play for. 

If they do win, they’re mostly likely the #4 and hosting the Chargers. But if either Houston or New England loses, then they’re #3. And if they both somehow lose, suddenly Baltimore’s got a bye at #2. Got my fingers crossed for the Jets to prevail in a shootout. 

But again, the most important order of business is beating Cleveland. If they do that, and go 6-1 under Lamar to win the North, it will go down as maybe the top non-Super Bowl season in team history. It’s been so much fun to watch and I’m a little sad for the many fans who are still so negative and/or hung up on the QB controversy that they’re not enjoying this as much as they should be. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Typical of this crazy year, Ravens could land anywhere from a bye and the #2 seed to missing the playoffs 

Of course most important is winning and getting in. We saw what happened last year in Week 17 when the Ravens needed a win vs an Ohio team with nothing to play for. 

If they do win, they’re mostly likely the #4 and hosting the Chargers. But if either Houston or New England loses, then they’re #3. And if they both somehow lose, suddenly Baltimore’s got a bye at #2. Got my fingers crossed for the Jets to prevail in a shootout. 

But again, the most important order of business is beating Cleveland. If they do that, and go 6-1 under Lamar to win the North, it will go down as maybe the top non-Super Bowl season in team history. It’s been so much fun to watch and I’m a little sad for the many fans who are still so negative and/or hung up on the QB controversy that they’re not enjoying this as much as they should be. 

Is that really a thing still in Baltimore? I'm out of market and don't listen to sports talk radio any more anyway, but still.....

The way Baltimore is winning isn't, IMO, sustainable in the long run - they're gonna get Jackson killed. But they've got their opponents off-balance for now and, I think, can make a run this year.

What can they get for Flacco in a trade? A 3rd?

 

[The_Man]

I think a third is reasonable, maybe a little high? Whispers that the recent talk of retaining Harbaugh is to get value for him in a trade. 

Also just noticing that Lamar Jackson currently has a higher career QB rating than Joe Flacco (84.9 to 84.1) and a higher QB rating than any individual Flacco season since 2014

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I think Denver is gonna make a run at both Flacco & Harbaugh. Kubiak has a lot of pull there now. 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Its Peter King so I have to ask Raven fans if their is any truth to this rumor.a real chance' Harbaugh doesn't sign extension

The Baltimore Ravens announced last week that their long-time head coach John Harbaugh will be back for the 2019 season, the final year of his current contract, and that he and the team were working on an extension to keep him in Baltimore beyond next year.

...NBC's Peter King says "there's a real chance" that Harbaugh doesn't sign that extension, playing out his final season and testing the market in 2020. 

I believe their has been chatter about the  Ravens letting John go in the past but if he hit the market he would be pursued by many teams so this could be 'sourced' from Harb's agent.

 

[The_Man]

He’ll be back in 2019 for the final year of his current deal. But beyond that it’s totally up in the air. Obviously the Ravens can’t make him stay past next year if he wants to test the market. And I’m not optimistic they’ll reach a deal before then. Owner got burned when he gave Billick a $15M extension after 06 then fired him after 07. So he might well not be willing to give Harbaugh the kind of deal he’d get on the open market. 

Some speculation that the Ravens will try to trade him in the offseason. I’d say he’s most likely to be back in 19, then gone after. Other options are he gets traded after this year, or maybe he reaches an extension. But that’s not close now 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Like many in the Tomlin thread have said about the Pittsburgh coach, Harbaugh would be unemployed exactly zero seconds were the Ravens to let him go.

So, predictions for Sunday? 

 

[The_Man]

Harbaugh is from Ohio, and I could see him going to Cleveland in a flash if the Ravens were to let him go. One rumor I have heard is trade to Miami.

Not sure what to think about Sunday's game. It's scary for sure. According to Football Outsiders, the Ravens have been the #2 team in the NFL over the last 5 weeks, while the Browns have been the #4 team. We saw last year that the Ravens are more than capable of blowing this game - though I think both this year's Ravens and the Browns, are better than last year's Ravens and the Bengals that played in that game. I also think the experience of last year's game is helping this team. We all knew last year's team was a fraud, and that even if they got in the playoffs, they were nothing special. This year's team - with Lamar and the running game, the defense, the win at LA and the near-win at KC - feels like they might have something special brewing.

I guess I'll predict a Ravens win, 22-20. Cleveland CB Denzel Ward is out, which is good for Baltimore. And the stadium should be rocking in a way it hasn't very much in the last few years. I think Perriman is a total head case, and I can see him getting unnerved by his return to Baltimore and doing something terrible. Browns have used him well though - just send him deep and throw jump balls, taking advantage of his great size and speed, not asking him to run routes, read defenses, or make catches in traffic. 

I still think Lamar is one of the more overlooked stories in the NFL this season so far. There have been something like 21 rookie QBs to take their teams to the playoffs. But as far as I can tell, there's never been a rookie QB who took over as the starter for a losing team at midseason and rallied it to reach the postseason. If the Ravens win Sunday, it means Lamar will have taken a 4-5 team, and posted a 6-1 record to win the Division. The closest analogue I can find to Lamar is Shaun King with the 99 Bucs. He took over for a crappy/injured Dilfer for a 6-4 team, then played decent while riding a dominant defense to a 5-1 record the rest of the way. That team was a late Ricky Proehl NFC Championship Game TD grab away from derailing the Greatest Show on Turf Rams. 

If the Ravens do make the playoffs, Lamar won't be overlooked in the week ahead - he'll become one of the top storylines heading into Wild Card weekend. I also still think there's a chance that the Jags and/or Pats stumble on Sunday, which could boost Baltimore up from the #4 seed.

 

[Franknbeans]

hex

 

[The_Man]

Ravens QBs career QB Rating:

RG3: 88.2
Lamar: 84.9
Flacco: 84.1

Years that Flacco has had a QB rating higher than 84.9: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014

Lamar's QB rating over the last 4 games: 92.2
Over last 3 games: 97.6

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Baltimore 26-13, including a late TD by Cleveland

 

[The_Man]

Hello friends. 

What a joyride Lamar has taken us on for the last two months. Now it’s the Chargers again at 1 pm Sunday. Love the early game vs West Coast opponent. The last 2 games were essentially playoff games and now the real playoffs begin 

Much to discuss in the week ahead but I’m way too drunk for that now. Just going to feel happy and look forward to catching up with you soon 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Well, that game shaved about 3 years off of my life. 

I don't know that I've ever seen a team change itself as radically mid-season as Baltimore has. At least, not any teams I've rooted for.

The closest I can recall is the '01 Terps basketball team, when Gary FINALLY stopped running that stupid flex offense sometime in February and tailored it to the players he had and - boom - they got hot and went to their first Final Four (& won the title the next year).

But even that wasn't as stark a contrast as this has been for the Ravens. 

I wonder if the fact that the Chargers played the Ravens recently will help LA getting prepped for this match up. 

 

[The_Man]

I remain a little disappointed that there isn't full-blown LamarMania in Baltimore right now. People are happy the Ravens made the playoffs, but there's so much talk of how the defense did it, and how Lamar is going to get injured and won't be able to sustain his playing style, and needs to throw more accurately deep and outside the numbers. 

Those things might be true to some varying degrees, but who really cares right now? This kid has taken the team on an electrifying run, and people should just be enjoying the moment while it lasts, because there'll never be another first time for this. I guess some people just don't like to have fun, basically.

Here are some of the things I'm enjoying:

• Youngest QB ever to start an NFL playoff game
  
• Career QB ranking currently higher than Flacco's career QB ranking
  
• Hasn't thrown an INT in 5.5 games (since the 2nd quarter of the Oakland game - in NOVEMBER)
  
• First rookie QB to take over a losing team at midseason or later, and lead it to the playoffs
  
• 6-1 record, including back-to-back wins over red hot Chargers and Browns teams in what everyone knew were essentially playoff games, since the Ravens' post-season hopes would end with a loss in either one
  

I feel like if this were happening in most other cities, fans would be ready to put their rookie QB in Canton. Around here? Not so much. 

 

[ericttspikes]

I remain a little disappointed that there isn't full-blown LamarMania in Baltimore right now. People are happy the Ravens made the playoffs, but there's so much talk of how the defense did it, and how Lamar is going to get injured and won't be able to sustain his playing style, and needs to throw more accurately deep and outside the numbers. 

Those things might be true to some varying degrees, but who really cares right now? This kid has taken the team on an electrifying run, and people should just be enjoying the moment while it lasts, because there'll never be another first time for this. I guess some people just don't like to have fun, basically.

Here are some of the things I'm enjoying:

• Youngest QB ever to start an NFL playoff game
  
• Career QB ranking currently higher than Flacco's career QB ranking
  
• Hasn't thrown an INT in 5.5 games (since the 2nd quarter of the Oakland game - in NOVEMBER)
  
• First rookie QB to take over a losing team at midseason or later, and lead it to the playoffs
  
• 6-1 record, including back-to-back wins over red hot Chargers and Browns teams in what everyone knew were essentially playoff games, since the Ravens' post-season hopes would end with a loss in either one
  

I feel like if this were happening in most other cities, fans would be ready to put their rookie QB in Canton. Around here? Not so much. 

That seems like a realistic take; wait and see. Love Lamar but wonder what next year will be like. NFL D's figure guys out. Can he change his game and adapt? Fun player to watch, but the odds haven't been great for running QBs succeeding in the NFL. Maybe seeing guys like Vick and RGIII not have long term success tempers the enthusiasm. His numbers were impressive though. Seems like he would of crushed Vicks numbers in Vicks second year if they played the same # of games; and Vick was portrayed as the Michael Jordan of the NFL.

 

[The_Man]

I understand that what Lamar has done for the last two months might not be what he does in the future. I'm just talking about actual fans of the team who can't enjoy/appreciate what he's doing right now. 

 

[The_Man]

More Ravens musings:

Lamar has rushed for 556 yards as a starter, 79.4 per game. Multiply that by 16 and it's 1,270. So, over a full 16-game season, Lamar Jackson projected for 1,270 yards.

During Lamar's 7 games as starter, Gus Edwards has rushed for 654 yards, which is 93.4 per game, projecting to 1,495 over a full-16 game season.

Finally, since returning from IR, Dixon has 289 yards in 5 games with Lamar at QB, averaging 57.8 yards per game. That projects to 925 yards in 16 games (though it's hard to imagine Dixon making it through a full 16-game season).

 

[The_Man]

Started looking back at the previous Chargers game and was struck by a few things.

1. Ravens need to dramatically improve their red zone offense. In the first half, here's what they did deep in LA territory:
1st and Goal from the 9 = 3 points
1st and 10 at the LA 27 = 0 points
1st and Goal from the 9 = 0 points
1st and 10 from the LA 20 = 3 points

That's got to be at least 16 points, and maybe even 20. 

2. The Ravens D was really dominating. Until the Chargers' final drive of the half, resulting in a FG, they had these drives:
1 play: INT
3 plays: 8 yards
3 plays: -9 yards (hindered by an Offensive PI call that I don't remember)
6 plays: 17 yards (derailed by a holding call on the LT after converting a 3rd and 5)

In the second half, the Chargers scored the TD on the short field after the fumble, then had these drives:
4 plays: 5 yards
4 plays: -4 yards (including a block in the back penalty on a WR during a run)
6 plays: 11 yards
12 plays: 34 yards (ending on 3rd down sack from BAL 29 back to 40, knocking them out of FG range)
Followed by the Gates fumble on the first play of the next drive, followed by the game-ending hurry-up drive that end in the INT.

3. The Ravens' offense really stunk with a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter. Leading 16-10, with 2:57 to play in the 3rd, and getting the ball at their own 45, here's how the Ravens' final 3 possessions went:
3 plays: 4 yards
3 plays, 0 yards
3 plays, 4 yards

A total of 8 yards in more than a quarter of play, with the season on the line? Yikes. I'll be interested to go back and see what LA did differently then. Something similar happened toward the end of the Cleveland game. I wonder if once teams are trailing in the fourth quarter, they just go all-out to stop the run, figuring that the Ravens are going to be playing it too safe to throw it with a late lead. 

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Post Mortem Day

On yesterday's game, I suspect most of the talk will be about how badly Jackson played - especially the first 3 quarters. He was bad, no doubt. But I was shocked at how badly the O Line played (kudos to LA's D). And the play calling had me scratching my head.

I know many Ravens fans won't agree with me, but I agree with leaving Lamar in instead of turning to Flacco. This is Jackson's team. And it's not like Flacco is Joe Montana. The way LA was crushing the Ravens OL, he would have gotten killed back there.

So......moving forward......

What do you guys think the offseason priorities are?

 

[The_Man]

Post Mortem Day

On yesterday's game, I suspect most of the talk will be about how badly Jackson played - especially the first 3 quarters. He was bad, no doubt. But I was shocked at how badly the O Line played (kudos to LA's D). And the play calling had me scratching my head.

I know many Ravens fans won't agree with me, but I agree with leaving Lamar in instead of turning to Flacco. This is Jackson's team. And it's not like Flacco is Joe Montana. The way LA was crushing the Ravens OL, he would have gotten killed back there.

So......moving forward......

What do you guys think the offseason priorities are?

I share both these opinions. The O line was terrible, but the real story to me was that LA totally changed things up from 2 weeks ago and the Ravens had zero answers for any of it. Let's face it, they made up this offense on the fly during a bye week and it was great fun while it lasted. But now they need to turn to the hard work of making Lamar a legit NFL QB. I like the kid a lot though, and am looking forward to watching the process. This team was going nowhere for the 4th straight year under Flacco, and Lamar turned it into something fun - the wins over LA and Cleveland were basically playoff games and the Ravens won them both.

Not sure what the future holds. I get some vibes out of Denver that maybe they'll make a run at Harbaugh. I've heard they're blocking people from interviewing "special consultant" Gary Kubiak for Offensive Coordinator jobs - could they be trying to engineer a reunion of the Harbaugh-Kubiak Super Bowl winner? Heck, I'd throw Flacco into that deal too if they give us a first round pick back for the pair. 

I think it's the start of a new era. If they trade Flacco post June 1, it's $8M in dead money vs. the cap but still an $18.5M cap savings. Jimmy Smith would be $6M more in dead money, but another $9.5M in cap savings. Not sure if they let him go or not. He's still pretty good, but maybe not at that salary? I'd actually like to see maybe converting him to Safety. Crabtree saves another $7M vs. the cap. Not sure if they bring Suggs back on a low-priced veteran deal or not. 

D Line looks solid coming back, through Zadarius is a UFA and will get overpaid somewhere, in the tradition of Ravens LBs like Adalius, Hartwell, McPhee and others. LB is a bigger question - CJ Mosley is a bigger question as a UFA. The Ravens have been pretty smart about keeping their best core players - Ray, Reed, Suggs, Ngata (til he got old), Yanda, etc. etc. The question is if they see Mosely as that kind of guy, because someone is probably going to pay him a lot. I think I'd let him go. Solid player, but not a true franchise cornerstone. Lots of good CBs on this team, which is why they can let Smith go or maybe switch him to Safety, because I'm not sure Weddle and Jefferson are coming back.

Offense, who knows? Looks like they'll be starting over with an all-new WR corps for the third straight year. TEs are good and they have serviceable RBs. Tackles are ok too - maybe at 22, they pick the best Center in the draft? That's how people seem to get All-Pro Centers - by taking the very top one in his class, in the late middle of the first round. As much as they need a WR, I don't trust them to pick a good one - especially not where they're picking in the first round.

So, 2019 - let's say they go 3-3 in the AFC North (which they did this year and probably will again next year - 1 split, 1 sweep, 1 getting swept). Other home opponents are the Pats and Jets, the Cardinals and 49ers, and the Texans. Let's call that 3-2. On the road, they have Bills and Dolphins, Rams and Seahawks, and Chiefs. Let's call that 2-3. Looking like another year around 8-8, probably desperately trying to get hot down the stretch to eke out a playoff berth. I've seen this movie before.

Finally, thanks for all the wins Joe Flacco. He leaves Baltimore at #21 on the all-time NFL QB wins list. That puts him right there on the list with Phil Simms and Ken Stabler, both of whom also have 1 Super Bowl title, and both of whom are linked forever with their long-time franchise and city. I know people outside Baltimore will disagree, but I'd say those are guys I would consider as his career peers. Maybe throw Matt Ryan in there if he ever wins a title.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I saw Rex Ryan this morning on whatever that ESPN show Mike Greenberg's doing now. MG asked him about working for Harbaugh and how good a coach he is. Rex said "Hell, I think I should be coach of the Jets right now and even I'd hire John ahead of me". 

Harbaugh has his faults, but he's been a damned fine coach for Baltimore. I'll be sorry to see him go, but this isn't like Pittsburgh with a HOF QB and a closing window. If he goes, he'll be an immediate upgrade for whoever gets him.

On personnel moves, I like your idea of moving Jimmy Smith to Safety if they can get him cheap enough. Otherwise, let him walk. He drives me nuts - some weeks he looks as good as any CB in the league and others he looks like he's wondering where his next bong hit is coming from.

I'd re-sign CJ if at all possible. He's not a generational talent, but he's the best ILB the Ravens have had since Lewis was in his prime. I'd spend the money there and keep him through his salad days.

Let Zadarius go - agreed. 

Also agree that interior OL needs help badly. The Tackles didn't have a good day yesterday, but I think they are set with Stanley & Little Zeus on the outside.

I give up on WRs with this franchise. I dunno - try prying Larry Fitzgerald out of retiring.

 

[lod001]

Well, Greg Roman is your new OC. This guy is a poster boy for 'recycled losers'. He lands in a great spot however not to do damage to fantasy football. This is the clown that came to SF and dual threat, Frank Gore's receiving numbers when from 70 targets to 30 targets. One might think it was due to a horrible QB but before that clown got the starting gig, Gore's numbers plummeted. It happened the the minute this clown arrived. His numbers rebounded when he left for Indy.

Fortunately BALT doesn't have a QB that can pass the ball to the RB so fantasy numbers will not be affected.
This is the type of hire that loser organizations make.

 

[rzrback77]

I always appreciate the hones insight offered by y'all about your Ravens and I just wanted to ask what are your thoughts on the Ravens offense going forward. I am curious is anyone anticipates the offense to be continue to be focused on running the quarterback as often as we saw this season following Jackson taking over.

Seems that Harbaugh will sign his extension and I have always been a fan of his, so is this good or great news?

I'll hang up and listen.