Author: scottiggy

Ravens:
In contrast to the first game where a lot of things went right, last night was the mirror opposite. Despite the Raven-focused flag centric officials, we failed to execute the basics, and let the flags affect our play in same cases, or lead to repeat offenders in others where we were convinced we weren’t doing anything wrong. The game demonstrated a failure in special teams, ineffective passing game, and continued our trend of insufficient pressure on the quarterback. On paper, they might be predicting great things for us this year, but we need to start living up to expectations. I know it is only preseason, but the sense of urgency needs to start now as they start reducing the team to its required size.

Ravens:
A recent study lists Baltimore as having the 4th best fans, behind the Cowboys, Pats and Giants (steelers came in 14th)… Safety Matt Elam to go on DL with Torn Biceps… Super Bowl Odds have the Ravens at 17-1, and steelers at 20-1. Green Bay and Seattle are the leading candidates at 11-2. Only Indy (8-1), NE (9-1) and Denver (15-1) are ahead of the Ravens in the AFC… With the season about a month a way, and 4 preseason games yet to go, experts seem to think that the Ravens did enough in the off season to win the division, and make a serious run at another Super Bowl title. Personally, I think we still need to demonstrate that we have overcome our flaws from last year with the off season acquisitions, and remain healthy. The preseason is long and arduous, so pray that the injury bug avoids us. With 5 of the first 7 games on the road, the Ravens will have to demonstrate their toughness before playing any real home games.

Ravens:
Ravens locked up punter Sam Koch for 5 more years… With training camp approaching REALLY soon, the Ravens need to hope that they have done enough in the off season to improve in a number of categories. A recent Baltimore Sun article lists 10 things that they need to improve on, including 3rd down efficiency, tackling, catching, road performance, Take Aways, Penalties and pass defense. Visit BaltimoreSun.com for their discussion, and I agree with most of them, but not all.

Ravens:
The draft is approaching and the Baltimore Sun has posted a bunch of articles about picking a WR. Mock drafts put us at either a WR or CB. With many more picks than most teams, expectations are for trades and maneuvering to get quality rather than quantity, so expect a few trades to get the guy they want… 2015 Schedule will be release Tuesday at 8 PM, reportedly.

News and Personal Thoughts:
Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. Off season, and I have been busy fighting crime. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet this year, get a move on. I was rudely rejected by the IRS because someone else had already filed using my information. Long story short, I am now for banning of the death penalty, and the reintroduction of scourging.

Ravens:
Ravens still have some holes to file, and are looking to the draft.

Ravens:
Article in USA Today highlights the Ravens as being extra careful when planning draft picks to ensure the player’s character is weighted more heavily.

Ravens:
That was not the Super Bowl ending I ordered! Anyways, season ended a few weeks ago anyway, and that game was just a formality. Terrance Cody was
cut amid allegations of animal cruelty among other bad press items.

Ravens:
Ravens selected a new O-coordinator in Marc Trestman. Formerly the Bears and Alouettes head coach, he bring a very similar style offense, except that it is more pass heavy. We shall see how things evolve.

Ravens:
Kubiak, after saying he wasn’t leaving, left. I guess it was a matter of the right job opportunity, which didn’t open up until Denver was bounced out of playoffs. Now, we have to go on another hunt.

Ravens:
That game did NOT end correctly. The trick play and the 2nd Flacco INT cost us a deserved trip to the AFC Championship game. I don’t know why we were pushing the ball into the end zone at that point instead of burning the clock down and shrinking the field. Now, free agent hell, and the annual reaping of our coaching staff. Fortunately, Kubiak intends to stay and not entertain offers from other teams, but it’s a long off season.