SB Nation User Blog: raven

I'm over it but I'm not over it

raven — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:05:10 -0000

Excuse me if I rehash what has already been written but this is therapy for me. Another huge loss against an elite team. This game smelled of our attempts against 2007 NE, 2008 Steelers, any Colts game and The Detroit Game. From head scratching play calling to stupid penalties we played like a Raven in an elite game.

I don't have a problem with the imbalanced attack of run vs. pass because Flacco had receivers open most of the day and his dunks to Rice took us to the doorstep of a win. Overall, the point is to get rushing yards and Cam's play calling allowed Rice to have over 100. It's the yards not the carries that count. Would Cam be better if Rice ran for 100 on 25 carries? The fact that Flacco was airing it out allowed Rice to have running room. Also, in Cams defense, we needed to score fast simply because the Pats were eating up the clock and our possessions were extremely valuable. Our D simply couldn't stop Brady- again. If anything, Cam should have established the run early before Brady took control of the game and exposed our secondary and LB's.

Clayton made a mistake and I can live with that. Very unfortunate. Ngata rearranged Brady's face mask and Suggs dove at a QB's knees. Those penalties will be called on every team. It's sissy rules but they are explained to every team over and over again. What I can't live with is the play of our LB's in pass defence and short yardage situations. Where is Ray Lewis against these elite teams. He didn't jam the line on runs or get back in pass defense. Most of his game was played on an island arrving after the 1st down or after the catch. I'm not sure he even realized where the first down marker was when the Pats dove for the first down near the goal line and Ray got up an ran like he stopped them. Sorry man, not even close. Jared Johnson seemed to be the only player to be able to wrangle up free running backs around the line. I think it is time to get Kruger in the games to help the LB's and ends tackle. We need surer hands and quicker bodies in there. I am calling out Ray because we are getting picked apart by playoff teams on his front porch.

Cam made some very costly decisions that cost us field position or downs. The first instance was a trip into NE territory around the 35. At that point, I felt it was important to establish the run and at least solidify field goal position before attacking the end zone. Unfortunately, it looks like Cam has discovered the Billick lob to the end zone corner. This is totally unecessary turning Flacco into a 50/50 QB. The jump ball is a chickens way out. We aren't operating with 6'4" receivers. Anyway, this trip into NE territory actually went backwards and out of FG position and turned into a punt. Cam's long shots at the end zone on 1st really screwed up the downs and made plays 2 and 3 obvious pass downs. This killed Rice and McGahee in the passing game. Cam did this a few times even though we were moving the ball in the short game.

On the last series of the game, Rice was unstoppable and the short passes had the Pats in a panic. So, on first down, Cam hasd Joe lob it to Clayton in the end zone corner for a very difficult catch- especially with his height. Why Cam?! We were chewing up the field with RB screens and short passes. That pass was the key to the loss. We were then stuck in obvious passing downs and a down shorter. Those long shots to the end zone when we have working short range weapons are totally uncalled for. IF we did score on that jump ball to Clayton, that would have left over a minute twenty seconds on the clock. Brady would have marched right down the field for the winning FG. The call was dumb on all fronts!

Flacco doesn't escape criticism as he threw a few balls off his back foot hanging them up to dry. He also barely escaped 2-3 interceptions when he unloaded balls into traffic. He shorted at least 2 open deep balls by not stepping into the passes and threw behind receivers another 2-3 times. He wasn't sharp but got better as the game went on. I don't think he was comfortable with the play calling. The major plus in all of this is the receivers were all getting open. There could have been many more recepions. The 0-line did give them time. It was a tight pocket but workable.

Suggs got a sack but he needs to be more of a force throughout the game. He is being paid way too much to not be a dominant end. He disappears for long lengths of time in the 4 man rush. We really didn't get great pressure on Brady and our QB tackling still stinks. His obvious dive at Brady's knees was just idiotic.

McGahee and Rice could have won this game with 5 yard dunks all day. Our short game was great. It was the formula for a win and will be against Pitt. but Cam has to stop throwing away down #1 with jump balls. I thought the Billick days were over. Very sad to see that damn 50/50 ball return! I though the DB's did okay considering our LB's provided no help in either the pass rush or pass defense. The TD to Moss was luck. Reed took a dumb gamble considering the Pats have trouble in the red zone and a straight up D could have held them to a FG. Reed and Ray better step up their games as they are the ones becoming a liability to this team.

Ben Kobe Red Eye Master Turns To Dark Side

raven — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 03:19:19 -0000

Looks like the Big Ben might have let things out of his own hands. Are you even shocked with this stuff anymore? All American Yetti gets flagged for personal foul. For the sake of Ben and the person involved, I hope it is resolved fairly and quickly. For the sake of the Ravens, I hope it dogs Squeeler Nation all season long. Oh, how I remember all the cruel Ray Lewis jokes and jabs coming from the Alleghanies. The mighty Squeeler empire has a wee bit of a problem to resolve. Rooney might have to put down his warm pint and head back across the pond to take his little Berger by the hairy ear. Eh Laddy, what I been tellin ya 'bout stayin out late with the drink. Did they say hike for ya or take a hike me wee boy. With 2 of Ben's 4 brain cells occupied with this mess we just might win with Marcus Smith, D. Williams and Figurs. I bet Ben Kobe did not sense this with his Red Eye Master powers. Lucky for Ben the accuser went to the police and not the gun or motorcycle dealer on the corner.

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.