Around the NFL 2013 Offseason (Episode 99)

[MTK]

Ravens will be a 9-10 win team again and right in the hunt for the division.

Seems that some can't wait for them to collapse, I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

Too good of an organization. You don't have that type of sustained success on accident.

[chewman]

Also they were VERY lucky to make it by Denver.

[donofriose]

Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots are three teams that have been too successful to just say they are going to lose this year. Those three teams have been to almost all the super bowls since 2001 and all have won multiple super bowls since then. Until they actually start losing consistently and not due to a major injury, I do not think its very wise to bet against those three teams. I think its just hopeful hatred and jealousy of a successful organization.

The Ravens and Patriots will most likely have a better defense this year than they did last year, and the Steelers got younger on defense as well and got rid of some old pieces that weren't that good last year. Plus if Big Ben stays healthy (big if) they make the playoffs this year, and they probably would have made it last year if he hadn't gotten hurt.

I hope the Redskins join the class of these organizations because once you are there, everyone just hopes you lose and they try to find reasons you won't be successful but you just keep racking up the wins. But I personally believe it all depends on RG3's knee.

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by chewman

They miss the playoffs. Elam will not be Ed Reed right away if at all, Webb is coming off 2 major knee surgeries so who to say that he will even be the same, there left tackle can't even practice because he is over weight, Dumervill had 11 sacks last year but only 4 came at critcal times and Ed Dickson is no Pitta. Also I think they brought in way to many free agents at one time to build any chemistry. Time will tell but I think it's the Bengals division this year.

Early reports on Webb is that he's looking better than he did before. Elam being better than what Reed was last year was a prediction of mine, not a know fact. McKinnie is always overweight yet always ends up as their starting tackle and doing well.

What is this ''only 4 came at critical times'' stuff? So JJ Watt had 20.5 sacks last year, but only a few of his sacks came at critical times, so now he's not a good player?!? Orakpo had 4.5 sacks against the Raiders his rookie year, but I guess that doesn't matter or get counted or add to his credibility of being a very good, pro bowl caliber player because it came against a bad team...

And Ed Dickson started more games (11) than Pitta (5) last year. He also played in less games (13) than Pitta (16). Why is Ed Dickson starting more than Pitta if he is "no Pitta".

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Ravens will be a 9-10 win team again and right in the hunt for the division.

Seems that some can't wait for them to collapse, I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

Too good of an organization. You don't have that type of sustained success on accident.

I've thought the Ravens have been a contender for the past 5 years so I wouldn't consider my opinion about this year as a "can't wait for them to collapse." The only team I feel that way about is the Patriots, and that's only to wipe the smug looks of their faces and their fans.

I have no problems with the Ravens. They are a well run organization, and they have a very good coach in Harbaugh. That said, I still think this will be a down year until they can recoup some talent on the defensive and offensive side of the ball.

Also, I don't think Flacco is a bad QB, just a overrated one due to his playoff performances. I think he's a slightly above average QB who's inconsistent.

[skinsfaninok]

I don't hate or dislike Baltimore but I just think Cincinnati and pitt are going to be slightly better. And Cleveland will be improved I believe as well so overall it's a tougher division

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Sanchez was never very good to begin with, Flacco has been very solid in the regular season and great in the playoffs. Not sure I really understand the comparison. Don't you think 5 playoff appearances in a row and a SB win buys Flacco some credit for a while? What else does the guy have to do?

I think most fans would be elated if Griffin puts up a similar run.

Not if he plays like Flacco. I think saying he played "great" is over-stating it. I really don't think he Is special. He certainly hasn't shown anything to make me think he can carry an offense like Rodgers/Manning/Brady/Brees/Rothlisberger. I distinctly remember having serious discussions around new years about how Flacco might not be the answer at QB for them. They believed it. He's played ok to good in general and got hot in the playoffs. That's it. He does int more and I'll change my tune.

[FRPLG]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Ravens will be a 9-10 win team again and right in the hunt for the division.

Seems that some can't wait for them to collapse, I just don't see it happening anytime soon.

Too good of an organization. You don't have that type of sustained success on accident.

Yeah I agree here.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

Not if he plays like Flacco. I think saying he played "great" is over-stating it. I really don't think he Is special. He certainly hasn't shown anything to make me think he can carry an offense like Rodgers/Manning/Brady/Brees/Rothlisberger. I distinctly remember having serious discussions around new years about how Flacco might not be the answer at QB for them. They believed it. He's played ok to good in general and got hot in the playoffs. That's it. He does int more and I'll change my tune.

Fans would really have a problem with Griffin putting up 3600-3800 yards passing and 20-25 TDs a year?

Man, tough crowd.

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Fans would really have a problem with Griffin putting up 3600-3800 yards passing and 20-25 TDs a year?

Man, tough crowd.

It is just not about the stats. I have seen 95% of his games and he is just not a guy that makes you all warm and fuzzy that he can carry a team on his shoulders to victory.
Luck played a huge role in that SB season for the Ravens.
I would not be shocked if they falter this year.

[MTK]

lol the excuses against Flacco are hilarious

All the guy does is win and put up solid numbers and it's F him he sucks. Playoffs every year and a Lombardi trophy but yeah he sucks.

Gimme a break. The Flacco hater crowd lost all their credibility with me after last year. Now it's just strait hatin'.

[donofriose]

Originally Posted by mredskins

It is just not about the stats. I have seen 95% of his games and he is just not a guy that makes you all warm and fuzzy that he can carry a team on his shoulders to victory.
Luck played a huge role in that SB season for the Ravens.
I would not be shocked if they falter this year.

When does "luck" not play a role for any team in the post season?
Throwing 11 touchdowns with no picks in a postseason is an all time great performance and not just luck, not even manning could do that. He outplayed every quarterback he went against (including two that everyone agrees are two of the best to ever play) Plus you look at flaccos numbers and compare them to Brady, manning, and Big Bens numbers from their first 5 years playing and they are actually pretty comparible. (Not better but comparible).
I think you can also make a case every team that wins a Super Bowl needs luck on their side.
But of course only time will tell, but out of all the quarterbacks that got big contracts this year I would take flacco over all of them.

[MTK]

When people are playing the luck card you know they ain't got nothing.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

When people are playing the luck card you know they ain't got nothing.

Really , so luck has nothing to do with anything football ?

[chewman]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

Early reports on Webb is that he's looking better than he did before. Elam being better than what Reed was last year was a prediction of mine, not a know fact. McKinnie is always overweight yet always ends up as their starting tackle and doing well.

What is this ''only 4 came at critical times'' stuff? So JJ Watt had 20.5 sacks last year, but only a few of his sacks came at critical times, so now he's not a good player?!? Orakpo had 4.5 sacks against the Raiders his rookie year, but I guess that doesn't matter or get counted or add to his credibility of being a very good, pro bowl caliber player because it came against a bad team...

And Ed Dickson started more games (11) than Pitta (5) last year. He also played in less games (13) than Pitta (16). Why is Ed Dickson starting more than Pitta if he is "no Pitta".

Not sure were you saw the reports on Webb. From what I saw they said he is coming along. I believe on McKinnie that is why he was cut from the Vikings. Now he has money and a superbowl so where's the motivation?? Dickson vs Pitta you can think what you want but you will see. Was Dickson even in the playoffs? The sack thing honestly came from Charlie Casserly. Not sure how respected he is but that is what he said.