HEAD & SHOULDERS & FORCED FUMBLES ~ The more I think about the Ravens failure to kill the clock late in the fourth quarter when facing a second and 5 with 3:22 left in the game, the more I think Cam Cameron was just plain arrogant in his play calling. The way the Ravens’ defense was playing, you have to run the ball there to kill some clock and if not AT LEAST you make sure you get a hat on their best playmaker, Troy Polamalu. The Steelers were desperate to create a big play and the Ravens teed it up perfectly!
NO ONIEL, NO OLE’ ~ Why wasn’t Oniel Cousins in the game for more snaps to help support the running game (or lack thereof)? Instead they ask Ed Dickson to do something he does rather poorly (blocking) against the very formidable James Harrison and Lamar Woodley?
JUST HIRED & GETS A PAID VACATION ALREADY? If you sign a fullback, why not use him? The Ravens did that last week with Jason McKie. Why bother signing the guy if you aren’t going to play him? The guy is a nine year vet and if he isn’t good for a dozen plays even if it is his first week, what’s the point? My guess is that they’ll release the guy sometime within the next 2 weeks.
86’d BY 83 ~ Back to Dickson, it is pretty obvious that Todd Heap was a huge part of Cam Cameron’s game plan. But when the reliable Heap left the game with a hamstring injury, Cameron should have adjusted. That play in the right corner of the end zone on second and goal at the 6 at the 7:28 mark of the third quarter amounted to nothing more than a wasted and hurried play. And from the looks of the team’s second to last offensive play when Dickson made a tough catch and tried to roll out of bounds, the pitch and catch combo obviously were on different pages. That was another wasted first down opportunity.
NO MORE POPCORN FOR JOE ~ Ever wonder what these coaches do with Joe Flacco all week, particularly during film sessions? I know I do! He has not improved at all with the game’s little subtleties, the nuances that often separate average quarterbacking from above average to excellent quarterbacking. Flacco doesn’t get to the line early enough to survey or to use false snap counts to get the defense to commit pre-snap so as to allow the line to reset their blocking assignments. Even Brian St. Pierre did that to the Ravens in Charlotte a few weeks back. Let the man grow up and let’s not even go to the lack of audibles, you know…those things that Cameron called overrated.
I’m fighting these thoughts and the obvious parallels, but has anyone noticed how Drew Brees’ and Philip Rivers’ careers soared when they no longer worked with Cam? Coincidence? Maybe…
PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER…What is going on with Flacco’s mechanics? Too often they look more and more like Kyle Boller’s than a professional who should be adding polish to his game. C’mon Joe, you have 44 regular season starts and 5 playoff starts under your belt. That throw to Dickson was embarrassing for someone with the fire power he has in that right arm. He explained his failure away like this:
"I never got my hips back over there to put enough umph on the ball to Ed."
DID YOU KNOW? This Monday marks the seventh prime-time game the Ravens will play on the road under John Harbaugh. Baltimore has been scheduled for 10 prime-time games in the Harbaugh Era, and the Ravens are 3-3 in those away contests.
AND IT WAS CALLED YELLOW ~ Is it me or is Michael Oher really slumping as of late? He leads the team with 10 penalties and now that the penalties are coming, that quick start of his is being viewed more as a false one than an athletic one. His mental error on Sunday Night also cost the Ravens dearly. It pays to stay awake during film study. I mean “C’mon Man!” That was No. 43, the star of those Head & Shoulders commercials that you ignored.
HEY JOHN, ‘TIS THE SEASON ~ John Harbaugh certainly is getting chippy as of late. A couple weeks back he got in the face of WNST’s Drew Forrester and last week his tone towards the media was overwhelmingly condescending after being asked if he believed reports that Ben Roethlisberger’s foot was broken.
"I could care less. He's going to line up and play quarterback. Is there anything besides injuries you guys want to talk about? Do you want to talk about anything important like the game?”
Now he’s directing some venom at the fans.
During his call in show with WBAL’s Gerry Sandusky Tuesday night, Harbaugh was questioned repeatedly about the offense and their obvious struggles. When Harbaugh reached his limit with the criticisms he shot back.
"I'm proud of this football team. I'm proud of our defense. I'm proud of our offense. We will fight our tails off to be the best team we can every single week.
"If that's not enough for you then go find another team to cheer for. If you're not proud of this team then you don't know football."
EBENEZER SCROOGE ~ And finally on a baseball note, back during the summer when we learned that Peter Angelos owned MASN would not agree to broadcasting terms with the Ravens – terms nearly identical to those they operated under for the four previous seasons I mentioned to a few friends that it was a bad sign for the Orioles. Most couldn’t see the connection but for me it was a signal that Angelos would be greedy and stingy this offseason. It’s early but that is how it seems to be playing out so far during the Hot Stove season.
While contenders shop to improve at baseball’s answer to Nordstroms, the Orioles shop in the “opened” and “returned” aisle at Walmart.
Post your comment
Bob G
Posted On: 12/11/10 9:17 am
I was a Colt season ticket holder the last ten years of their existance. I have been a PSL holder the last 11 years for the Ravens. The fans never complained when this team was rebuilding and everyone knew they would not be competitive. But, the Ravens are the ones who told the fans how great and powerful this new Ravens offense would be. The lack of continuity on this offense is very frustrating to the average fan. All they see is a team with probably the most potent offense we have ever had, and Mr. Harbaugh, can you really blame them for being upset.
Tony Lombardi
Posted On: 12/10/10 11:49 pm
John, my point from the start on Harbaugh was to say he's been a bit snarky...chippy as of late. And I think his condescending shots at the media lately and this incident with the fan is proof of that.
There are some in "the castle" who would say the same.
Hopefully we come out with a convincing "W" on Monday. I've been told that the team had a great practice today. We'll see if that projects to Reliant Stadium.
John
Posted On: 12/10/10 10:38 pm
Tony, you left out information. Whether or not you think he made a mistake, you left out his point of view when it was available. Harbaugh does something that most coaches don't do, and that's have a weekly radio show allowing fans (clearly not filtered for their comments or questions) to call in and talk to him directly. If people want to demonize him for making a harmless comment to some jackass, fine. He's a person with emotions, and I appreciate his willingness to interact with the fan base. Maybe that was his real mistake, knowing some of the radio callers around here.
Tony Lombardi
Posted On: 12/10/10 10:08 pm
John, do you really believe that statement came from Harbaugh...really?
Look whether you believe it or not, I'm a big Harbaugh fan. But when I think he makes a mistake, I'll call him out on it. I'm not going to be a Harbaugh apologist as you seem to be.
But again, that's your prerogative just as it is to call me a poor journalist. You have choices on the net. Surf as you please.
Dave
Posted On: 12/10/10 7:38 pm
Harbaugh made the original remarks verbally. A written statement delivered by a PR V.P. gives no opportunity for a follow-up question.
"So Harbaugh should wait until next week to make his statement on the radio?" He has plenty of access to the media if he wished to speak about the matter the next day. Does anyone really believe that there would have been no opportunity for his voice to have been heard for a week ??
John
Posted On: 12/10/10 5:35 pm
"I was struck by the fact that the "clarification" was not made in the same manner that the admonishment was orginally made."
Dave, what does that even mean? So Harbaugh should wait until next week to make his statement on the radio? What a stupid thing to complain about, or be "struck" by.
"Obviously you think differently and that's your prerogative. That said, I don't think it adds up to poor journalism. But if you think that way, again your call and it's your time to spend here or elsewhere on the net."
Obviously, Tony, you chose to disregard Harbaugh's statement, and that's your prerogative as a poor journalist. It is my time to spend here, at least these comments show that not everyone agrees with viewing things in the most negative light, and leaving out information.
Dave
Posted On: 12/10/10 7:51 am
"I'm not a real big text (message) guy," Jeff Fisher said Wednesday. "I'm not really into this new age stuff. I don't twit or tweet. But I think face-to-face is a man thing, OK?"
-----------------
Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who said on his Tuesday radio show that if the Ravens' hard work is not enough for fans then they should root for another team, clarified his remarks Wednesday.
"I was directing my answer to the caller who suggested that one of the NFL’s best assistant coaches — and that’s not just our opinion – should be fired,” Harbaugh told The Sun's Kevin Cowherd in a statement delivered by Ravens vice president for public relations Kevin Byrne.
"...in a statement delivered by Ravens vice president for public relations..." I was struck by the fact that the "clarification" was not made in the same manner that the admonishment was orginally made.
Tony Lombardi
Posted On: 12/10/10 4:42 am
John, the sequencing of Harbaugh's reply was taken directly from WBAL.com and they probably reported it that way (although I don't know this for fact) because as you listen in to the recorded sound bites, for me Harbaugh's frustration grows and I don't believe that his comments are the result of one caller's "audacity".
Obviously you think differently and that's your prerogative. That said, I don't think it adds up to poor journalism. But if you think that way, again your call and it's your time to spend here or elsewhere on the net.
We appreciate your comments and hope you check in often.
John
Posted On: 12/9/10 11:48 pm
"During his call in show with WBAL’s Gerry Sandusky Tuesday night, Harbaugh was questioned repeatedly about the offense and their obvious struggles. When Harbaugh reached his limit with the criticisms he shot back."
That is extremely misleading, and poor journalism. Unless you are just choosing not to believe Harbaugh's explanation, you are mistaken.
Any fan who would have the audacity to ask why Clarence Brooks hasn't been fired yet (for Terrence Cody's rookie season performance) SHOULD go find another team to root for. I don't care about an idiot like that. That's the person Harbaugh was responding to, not all fans who have concerns. Why the hell would he say that to fans? I don't even know why he does a radio show, there are too many idiot fans.
dave
Posted On: 12/9/10 1:30 pm
For anyone who thinks that Tony thinks or wrote that "we were much better off with Kyle Boller" try McGuffey Readers. It will be alright to move your lips if they're too difficult.
Just curious of Cubs fans; Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Steve Winwood and Ric Grech (Blind Faith); and those who are angry about critics of Harbaugh when did lack of criticism ever improve anything ?
Ben, Savannah GA
Posted On: 12/9/10 12:42 am
Wow Tony you're right we were much better off with Kyle Boller and the Brian Billick Offense. Much better indeed! Please take into account that the great Peyton Manning has the same number of rings as Brad Johnson, and Trent Dilfer and it did take Peyton eight years to beat the Pats in a game that mattered. EIGHT!
Rivers didn't start till year three and he had started a school record 51 games at NC state. Flacco? He started two years at Delaware (or a grand total of 22 games in five years of college). And lets not forget Rivers choking twice to the Pats in the Playoffs as well as getting manhandled in 08 to the Steelers. Not only that but he did have Drew Brees on his side for his first two years, who's not too bad as well.
Now his mechanics were off on that throw to Dickson and THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THAT. However if you and I and the rest of the world can see that don't you think Joe can too? And you say his mechanics are off and he's not progressing but just a few plays before that he climbed the pocket better than he ever has to throw a bullet.
As for Cam relying on Todd too much and not adjusting when he went down. How do we know what the game plan was? Remember we didn't have a healthy FB so I assume the offense was practicing for that reality. As for McKie it was reported the Ravens brought him in see if HE COULD absorb the playbook in time for the game, not that he WOULD.
Believe me I'm frustrated with Cam and his play calling. There is NO EXCUSE for him not to be able to continuously move the ball and put points up on the board throughout the game. The offense has not been clicking for sixty minutes and for that he is accountable. But again I doubt he doesn't know that. I assume the reason he was able to get where he is isn't because the guy is stupid. So what's the endgame here? You fire him you basically tell the players that they are running the show and Harbaugh becomes a figure head. Or you light a fire under him and tell him that his job is on the line if he dosen't fix it. Cause guess what? It is! And if he still fails then you get rid of him at the end of the year and move on. But until then you keep him because if he corrects it in the coming weeks then you've already won.
As for Harbaugh I can understand his frustration and think that if these are 'Fans' then I wonder what people who hate the Ravens say. Now in no way am I advocating blind faith or discouraging people from having and voicing an opinion, but it does get ridiculous week after week. These are the same 'Fans' who wanted Flacco run outta town after week two and think that letting Trevor Pryce go was inexcusable.
Why not focus on the fact that year in and year out we have a team that on any given sunday COMPETES WITH EVERYONE ELSE IN THE LEAGUE and generally wins! You can't say that about Rex and those Jets, Steelers or even the Pats (remember they were stomped by Cleveland)!
If you do in fact want a more consistent team then just walk across the street, the Orioles won't disappoint you!
Patrick
Posted On: 12/8/10 5:59 pm
I'm sure Bisciotti isn't too happy these days. First Cameron killed his chances of selling a ton of playoff tix to PSL owner and then just to pour salt in that wound Harbaugh tells fans to go root for another team. The sucking sound you hear is the shrinking of that interest free loan called advanced ticket sales.
Dave, Reno, NV
Posted On: 12/8/10 5:51 pm
Tony, as usual i love your writing. There are too many nuggets to comment about individually, but here's a few perfectly painted pictures that i could not resist: "...teed it up perfectly!" The Steelers had shown little ability to score in the game and they needed it to be "teed up". All i could think of when i saw the loose ball was Miracle at the Meadowlands with Herm Edwards...
Granted there are small differences but ...
"...Cameron should have adjusted." And horses shouldn't run back into burning barns either.
"Ever wonder what these coaches do with Joe Flacco all week, particularly during film sessions? I know I do! ... the game’s little subtleties, the nuances that often separate..." Peyton Manning drove to Anthony Gonzalez's location in the off-season to workout with his rookie WR. Mark Sanchez had his receivers join him in Calif this past offseason to workout together. INITIATIVE. Joe has the arm; it's the extras that count going forward.
"If that's not enough for you then go find another team to cheer for." My belief is that people who think like that often do not learn from failures (at least in time) because they're in that river in Egypt - denial.
"...has anyone noticed how Drew Brees’ and Philip Rivers’ careers soared when they no longer worked with Cam? Great, but scary observation!!
Dennis T.
Posted On: 12/8/10 4:44 pm
I removed the number 5 from the back of my car, having become completely disenchanted with Chokin' Joe Floppo!
Vince
Posted On: 12/8/10 4:27 pm
It's very difficult to loof at the defensive set up when you leave the huddle with 10 second or less left! On numerous plays Flacco was rushed to get the ball, including two delay of game penalties and two time outs because of ill preparation in getting the plays in. If Flacco had any time to look over defenses, he may be able to call some audibles to avoid situations like Polomalu. This team has some great offensive weapons. Let's get the team out of the huddle and ready to play football!!!!
Bob
Posted On: 12/8/10 3:56 pm
There's not a damn thing wrong with being critical if the goal is to improve. Its like tough love with your kids. Its not like you don't love them and I think most fans just want them to reach their potential.
Debbie
Posted On: 12/8/10 2:08 pm
I am getting sick and tired of hearing all the "fans" whining and complaining about our team. I agree with Harbs. Go root for another team, maybe the Redskins? Just shut up! I love my team in good times and bad. If you can do better, go try out for the team or apply for a coaching job!
Fran the Fan
Posted On: 12/8/10 1:51 pm
I can't bitch about Flacco because I think he's progress has been retarded to a large degree thanks to Cam Cameron. Remember the 1st Steeler game when everybdoy was saying Flacco graduated to the elite class because he brought the Ravens back in 40 seconds for a win? I pulled a Lee Corso in my column and said "Not so fast, my friend." I wasn't sold, and still aren't.
Not saying he's not our QB of the future, but I don't think the combo of Cameron and Zorn have done him any good this year.
Dan
Posted On: 12/8/10 1:27 pm
And one more thing Hairball. In the end, it is the fans that you work for.....not the other way around pal. Get off your high horse and play football "To Win", not to subsist. Don't accept mediocrity from your team, especially don't do it while lambasting the fan base. Reprehenseble behavior for the head coach. Where's that thick skin?
Dan
Posted On: 12/8/10 1:05 pm
I don't appreciate Harbaugh telling me to root for another team. I was a Bmore Colts fan, and a Ravens fan long before this condescending idiot came along. I root for my team, even when they play god awful like they just did. It is my 'right' to place criticism's where they are deserved, and as a concerned and paying fan. If this nut can't even admit it to himself that we are substantially lacking the offense we could and should have, then I am afraid what the future has in store for "MY BELOVE RAVENS". If Cam is indeed responsible for all the play calling, then do your job Coach Harbaugh. Make it right, or rid the team of him. If you are not capable of managing and doing the hard yet right things to achieve success, then 'you' get the heck out of Baltimore.
«Go back to the previous page.