SB Nation User Blog: raven

Trollpen. When ya gotta troll do it in the pen.

raven — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:45:22 -0000

Big deal. So a troll visits. Sometimes it's funny and creative. Most sites get uptight and flag. See M410R and Cleveland. All customers are good customers so here is posting space dedicated to the troll. If you can keep it in here that would suit everyone...even though it doesn't bother me. Some shit is funny and, in June, funny shit ain't such a bad thing. If this post is up in the morning Rexx is okay with it. What ya got Trolls?

True Two Clayton?

raven — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:43:58 -0000

Mark Clayton has been in the shadows of Derrick Mason, coaching changes, a quarterback carousel and lower offensive expectations over the past three years. Drafted 22nd in 2005, Clayton was not picked to complement a struggling offense but to be a building block for future success.

After being disappointed by Travis Taylor and a long, long list of fillers, Ravens fans and coaches hoped Clayton would balance the field. He had to be more than a roll player and by taking him high in the draft it’s obvious the Raven community expects huge things from him. He hasn’t totally disappointed but he leaves much to be desired from a team that desperately needs their number 2 receiver to compete with the other notable tandems in the league and provide a spark in the playoffs. This team needs a competitor other than Mason to keep teams honest. Mason, with one good arm, continued to be option #1 and the only real passing threat last season. Doubled over in pain, he had more receptions and impact catches than Clayton. It will be a struggle to repeat last year’s success with similar hopes.

Clayton’s number of catches from 4 different quarterbacks has dropped over the past 3 regular seasons. He had 67 in 2006, 48 in 2007 and just 41 in 2008. In regular season games, including his rookie 2005 year, Clayton has 200 catches for 2636 yards and 118 first downs. That’s an average of 42.5 yards and 1.9 first downs a game. Being a smaller receiver with speed as an asset, he averages 4.7 in YAC. He has played in all but 2 regular season games in 4 years. There is no doubt that he is a strong athlete and team player but these yards and first down numbers could probably be reached passing to a RB let alone a #2 receiver. I’d have faith in Ray Rice reaching these numbers catching passes at the line of scrimmage.

His catches for first downs have dropped over the past three years from 42 to 30 to 23. With Heap being injured, having no true backup TE, spotty #3 receivers, an injured Mason, and new faces in the backfield during these past few years, I would have expected Clayton’s opportunities for first down catches to have increased substantially. There is no outstanding reason to point fingers at Mark but the spotlight illuminates him this year as our quarterback, backfield and o-line is now stronger. Just as one armed Mason, Suggs, Ngata, Ray and an injured Reed dared teams to come at them in ‘08, I welcome a #2 receiver who wants the damn ball. I think Mark can do it and he showed more flashes last year than previous years that he is capable of the big play. The below stats show that he is only a percentage or two away from other #2 receivers as far as catching his % of passes. Maybe he just needs a hot spotlight and a little fan rumbling to take him to the next level.

Regular Season:

2006 Ravens rush 476, pass att.524, 1017 total plays, 282 1st downs, 96 of 233 on 3rd

2006 Clayton caught 67 or 12.8% of passes attempted

2007 Ravens rush 446, pass att.557, 1042 total plays, 291 1st downs, 90 of 234 on 3rd

2007 Clayton caught 48 or 8.6% of passes attempted

2008 Ravens rush 592, pass att.433, 1058 total plays, 300 1st downs, 95 of 232 on 3rd

2008 Clayton caught 41 or 9.5% of passes attempted

Catch % of passes in 2008 Regular Season:

TJ 17.9%, Chad 10.3%, and Reggie Kelly 6% Cincy Passes Attempted

Ward 14.5%, Holmes 11%, Miller 9.5%, Washington 8%, Moore 8% Pitt. PA.

Edwards 11.3%, Winslow 8.8%, Heiden 4.7% o Cleveland PA.

Mason 18.5%, Clayton 9.5%, Heap 8%. Balt. PA

(Stats compiled though data from NFL.com)

You have to like how Pitt. distributes the ball

Ode To Stover for St. Patrick's Day

raven — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:08:41 -0000

Oh Matty boy you saved our ass

when Billick came up lame

we dinked and dunked and stalled in the grass

calling your number throughout the game

you did good my boy your time has passed

aim for the sunset with your found fame

hopefully we rely less on the next kicker class

with only receivers, coaches and unibrows to blame

Home cooking is Joe flacco

raven — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:45:04 -0000

Joe Flacco was interviewed just a few minutes ago on ESPN and nobody probably new. He sat relaxed and upright in his chair, made eye contact, smiled, answered the questions in a confident voice, smiled and thanked the interviewer. He didn't outwardly laugh or over-expand on simple subjects and fluidly answered the questions. It was all so quietly unassuming and left me thinking of Forest Gump when Forest delivered his speech at the Nation's Capital. Forest said a few words (with the microphone unplugged) and (with the microphone back on) concluded with, "Thats about all I have to say about that." There was a pause in the crowd then cheers and the hippy organizer told Forest, "Right on man, right on."

The interviewer today had twice as much enthusiasm as Joe and obviously tried to bait him into a spicey discussion about T.O.. Joe simply sidestepped the question, smiled and smoothly interupted that he was happy to have Ray and Matt Birk. Making direct eye contact with the interviewer and holding his 6' 5" frame like someone with nothing to prove, Joe moved the interview along. This is when I thought of the Forest Gump scene. The crazy hippy trying to stir up the crowd and deliver some shock statements and Forest being Forest. He communicated in many ways that things are plain, simple and nothing is as complicated as it seems. Joe cool.

It takes an interviewer, who is used to the more flamboyant pro athlete, only a few questions to realize that he is talking to an man of character. You can feel the interview changing with each question. The interviewer slows down and starts taking in some of the fresh air that surrounds a humble, confident and conscientious person. When Joe explained that he still lives with his parents and 4 siblings at home in NJ in the off season, the interviewer couldn't believe it. For Joe, it was natural to be home enjoying home cooked meals and spending time with those who are most important to him. He explained that even during the season it was easy and enjoyable to head north for a home cooked meal. Joe looked curiously at the interviewer for even wondering about that . Joe added that he has a place in Baltimore for the season but you could tell it's because he has to. The interview concluded with the host saying, "you don't even realize your a big deal do you? Don't ever change Joe."

Have the Steelers Jumped The Shark?

raven — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:23:50 -0000

America has a switch that gets flipped when a constant part of our culture changes. Our nation reaches for the switch when something loses its balance with American Joe and is no longer humble or spontaneous. Many super stars and businesses have heard the "click" and felt the disconnect when they were on top of the world just a little too long and a little too loud.

The Steelers are in this precarious position. They have stock piled 6 Super Bowl trophys and their self declared Nation of fans has grown to head scratching proportions. The Terrible Towel is flaunted at every Steelers home and away game. The hard hat mentality is now worn by surfers in San Diego and golf instructors in Miami Beach. They have grown to such an extent that Pennsylvania could not possibly have spawned these new allegiences. The blue collared, elbow greased Steelers franchise may have successfully jumped American Joe's shark.

The members of the Nation should find some cardigan comfort walking with the likes of the Yankees, Red Sox, Patriots, Tiger Woods, George Bush, Jessica Simpson, Romo, Cowboys, Terrell Owens, Eddie Murphy, LA Lakers, Tommy Lee, A-Roid, Jose Canseco, Madonna and Countrywide. There is hope and with a few years of losing Steeler fans might be able to shed the Nation and return to the palletable ranks of the one real nation. The Bears, 49'ers, Raiders, Rams, Dodgers and William Shattner found their way to the light. It starts with a few years at the bottom. In the case of the Steelers, hopefully many years on the sea floor.

There is a way to remain in good standing with America and not have to tangle with the shark net- win in moderation, mix in a few rebuilding years, leave gimmicky towels, Super Bowl dance videos, the desire for the ball, and leave famous mixed profession romances in the garage. Exception taken for Kendra wearing something totally out of line for an early September Eagles game. Some things never jump the shark.

Win Tactic- Kick A Dog While He's Down And Caution To The Wind

raven — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:09:24 -0000

Twice we got the snare aroung the dogs neck and put him on his side only to have him slip the noose and bite us in the ass. If we want to beat the Steelers there isn't one second on that clock where we can relieve the pressure. We need to make the moves and have them react and not fend for our lives if we mistakenly blink.

There can be no more protecting of a young Qb or worrying about mistakes. Field position is just a place on a map and should not dictate our plays. We tried this. We worried about this. We lost. Twice. The time for change is not only in politcal D.C. but also here in Baltimore. We sniffed sweet caution in the wind against marginal teams and shut the door to it with difficult opponents. Those intoxicating breezes need to flow into Pittsburgh and subdue the Steeler attacks.

We have the players. We have the heart. We know we can beat the shit out of them. It will come down to the pass we need on first down and the run we need on second. We can only hope our coaches have learned enough from tough contests to put them in the proper order.

Jim Leonhard

raven — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:19:57 -0000

This guy gets major cred for being everywhere. He stuck his helmet right on LenDale's hands popping the ball out. He bailed out the LB's who were late, or in Bart Scott's case, missing tackles completely. He drops back into coverage and returns punts better than anyone else on the team. His 20+ yard return was a huge field position lift. At 5' 8' and blowing up guys a whole lot bigger, my hats off to this steal of a find.

I've heard words like "walk on" to describe how he made the team. If that's the case, we need to have wide open doors at the Raven's training facility. He was a major reason we survived today's Titan offensive push. When we get Zibby and Nakamura up to his speed that entire backfield will be one hell of a unit. It was nice seeing all the young guys getting playoff experience and spelling a tired (won't admit it) D. Now, we need to find Ray Rice some playing time. When Lorenzo Neal gets more touches than our star rookie back...

Why so good this year?

raven — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:12:56 -0000

Why, all of the sudden, are the Ravens back near the top after years of shortcomings? Why have we turned things around with essentially the same personnel? We can talk about injuries like all teams. We can point to a poised rookie QB. We can talk about Mason and Reed. We can look at a number of things but the biggest difference is our philosophy to simply try. To try new things. To try new players. To try to get away from the box that we have lived in for years.

Cam Cameron and John Harbaugh have the essentially the same type of team this year as our old regime had over the years. The difference lies in our new coaches willingness to listen and try. Yesterday Flacco missed on a number of deep balls to Clayton. That is only half the story. What Flacco did was stretch the field and upset the balance. An attempt can be as important as a completion. Clayton has been a target this year. Heap is getting down field. When we line up in the red zone the entire stadium is no longer expecting a lob to the corner of the end zone and a subsequent field goal. We no longer have to suffer through 6 yard outs to Mason when we need 7 for a first down.

The new Raven coaches have simply mixed things up and refuse to bang their heads against a concrete wall forcing the same 4 plays catering to a jumpy Boller. They have learned how to complement their outstanding D and not lean on it. Their interviews are humble and it is obvious that players have some say in their performance. They have continued to give Troy Smith a place in the O and must feel for his situation. They have developed a previously underused Clayton. They brought along a rookie QB 1/3 of a field at a time and measured his growth instead of yelling "damn it Kyle" every other play and then repeating the mistake. We no longer have Stover short kick kickoffs. We again understand the importance of our punter and special teams. We take chances to win. This did not develop during the first game but Cam and John learned. It did not take them 10 years however!

By breathing creativity into our humble O our defense has been able to return to greatness. All they ever needed was a lead or an occassional chance to rest on the bench for more than a minute. They were abused to mediocrity by the previous coach. When they have the slightest of openings we then get the Reed performances, the Ngata rushes, the Lewis seek and destroy D and the excitement from watching young guys playing to win-not lose.

A lot of talk and upside down bread and butter ruled our roost for years and now with some creative coaching and a whole lot of trying we are seeing what we should have witnessed many years ago. Steve Bischotti gave our old coach a second life but realized this is where we need to be. He has done a great job landing Cam and John while giving us all the team we knew we had.

Key Moments-The Night The Lights Went Out

raven — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:19:12 -0000

1st Quarter

1. Adam Terry beat by Ware who sacked Joe/fumble. Ware shut down after that!

2. Leonhard ankle tackles a breakaway Choice. Barber couldn't have done any better than Choice.

3. A swamped Flacco zips a last split second 8 yard pass to McClaine. Laser baby.

4. Leonhard drops Choice for a loss and then returns the resulting punt to the Cowboys 46. This guy came up big! Again. The cameras kept zooming in on Leonhard's mug in hopes the announcers would comment on his impact/story but Deon kept going on about Romo/Flacco...Maybe next game Leonhard.

2nd quarter

5. Heap needs to learn how to jump. George Muresan out-jumps Todd.

6. Neil too involved in the pass O for my taste. Nice gimmick but maybe we could find a little more speed for a 3rd check down. I know the Fridge ran too but..

7. Flacco made a great read in the first quarter when he attempted to fire a 10 yard slant into the end zone to Clayton BUT someone forgot to pick up Burnette and Flacco barely got off a wounded duck. The fact that he saw the open Clayton streaking was real positive to see. It was a sure TD.

8. On 3rd and 6 Mason makes a huge 1 arm catch for a crucial first down. What can you say. I'm glad the world saw what we see every week. They listed a graphic showing how amazing Mason is (just behind Rice and Tim Brown in a major category) but again, Deon, was talking about T.O. or somebody and the graphic wasn't noted.

9. Super Koch keeps placing them. Pro-Bowl over-sight. Ngata and Koch should crash it.

10. Owens misses bomb down field. Always a sweet miss.

11. Reed INT. No comment. He's actually boring now.

12. McGahee gets a great dunk pass from Joe for a first down..and gets out of bounds with under a minute.

13. McGahee runs to the Cowboy 20- first down.

3rd Quarter

14. Joe makes another great read recognizing a LB on Heap but the quick pass to Todd fails. His maturation is getting obvious now-the unibrow is loosing it's peach fuzz..

15. Leonhard puts his hands to his head in relief after Romo over-bombs Witten. Me too.

16. Mason has fumble tossed his way thanks to a butterfinger Cowboy. I think Mason just calls the ball to him like Aquaman with fish.

17. Flacco misses wide open Heap near the 10. Trade him!

18. Koch's beautiful fake punt and run for first down. "NFL Network Prime Time Football..This is why we watch"- Deon. I think there might have been 2 other announcers in the booth too..maybe.

19. After staring down the opposite side receiver Flacco finds Mason for TD with one flap down. Joe grew another inch.

20. Announcers wondering where Roy Williams is. "Trust me, you don't want to go back to Detroit..ooh no" -Deon.

4th quarter

21. Choice drops pitch. (the play where Cowboys fans officially announce that they gave us the win.) No other team in NFL history has ever dropped a pitch and not let the opponent win at that very point. Gee Choice, better get out of Dodge.

22. Flacco deep to Clayton fails. Clayton almost circled back on it. I would have caught it.

23. Announcers make point on how Cam has brought along Flacco 1/3 of a field at a time (this explains his early season rolls to the right and forced balls..by design. Sorry Joe for giving you crap on the roll outs).

24. Backed up to 1st and 15 Witten gets a 35 yard pass and run. TE's still cause us problems. I'm glad Dallas didn't try those Bavaro esque passes more often.

25. Lucky tipped ball ends up a completion to Crayton 1st down. 1 of 3 fortunate tips for Cowboys. Oh wait, the Ravens didn't give them anything..

26. TO gets TD over Fabian. Too easy.

27. Figurs fumbles but we're Johnny on the spot. This is a job for Leonhard Man.

28. McGahee rips off a 72 yard TD...and looks like a purple bobble head all the way down the field. Like a Madden Classic Video Game breakaway run.

29. Witten 13 yarder. Ugh..TE's.

30. Crayton runs behind a scarecrow posed Ray in the 3 man front D for a 1st down catch. Again, dead horse here, but we can't work in that type of zone. Look at it this way-

the Cowboys had 7 by half-time and 14 in the last 3 minutes and 54 seconds. When do you think we went soft again. Come on Rex Ryan..cut it out already. TO's TD at 3:54. Witten's TD at 1:36. We were in trouble if McGahee doesn't bank it. Wake up Rex. I'll give him that there were more rushers than usual during this time so maybe he's working on it.

31. J. McClaine sacks Romo. This guys starting to appear more often.

32. Witten TD pass. Ugh...TE's over LB's not good.

33. McClaine 88 yard TD run with wicked stiff arm on Ken Hamlin. The picture of him stiff arming Hamlin could replace the famous one of Riggins stiff arming the Dolphin's Blackman in the SB.

Corner Turned

raven — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 07:41:27 -0000

The outcome of this game goes beyond 2009. It was a statement made by the Ravens when all the stars were aligned against them. We were scheduled to play our divisional rival and then travel to play Amedias team for the last game in Texas Stadium. With a rookie QB we took Pitt. to the limit and then overcame our agonizing loss to whip the much hyped Cowboys when all of America awaited a Cowboys farewell party.

Our rookie Flacco shook off his week's misfortunes and stood taller than his veteran Cowboy counterpardner. I don't know if I'm more relieved from the result of this game or excited to get on with the playoffs. I am satisfied but spoiled to expect a run into January. Our team may have lost its share of heart breaking games but this only occurs because we always have high hope. Hope given to us by a team that competes week in and week out while us fans (especially me) stab, probe, insult and cheer from the bottom of our football loving souls. God bless the Ravens. They finally won a huge game on national tv...at night! I can rest in peace.