Your're crazy if you think the Ravens are going into a "rebuild year".

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 04:26 PM

I hear this every year, nothing new, but this year its going to be ripe in this particular offseason no matter what team we field.

"Superbowl hangover", cap problems, and all that BS will be heard throughout the offseason, while teams like the Bengals and the Browns will somehow win the offseason, have a magical FA period and a great draft and surpass us in the AFCN. But really, if you look at Luke Daniels excellent thread on his projected team, it really isn't bad at all, and I'd say that's a team easily good enough to contend without any mass injuries.

The team will be the most complete teams in franchise history next season, you can count on that. Flacco is now a top 5 level QB, he has weapons everywhere, maybe not the best in the league, but assuming we keep Jacoby and Boldin, we have three very good wide outs, and the best one two punch at RB in the league. If we re-sign McKinnie, I am very confident about our Oline, which dominated some pretty good defensive fronts in the play offs. There is no more Cam Cameron holding this offense back anymore, and Flacco is ready to be a consistent QB in this league that goes to pro bowls frequently.

Also there aren't many teams with a top 5 QB who have bad years, Drew Brees with the Saints is the only recent season that comes to mind, but it was obvious to why they were so bad in 2012.

The defense wont be as talented as the past, but it will be faster and younger. Suggs will have a full offseason of recovery, and should hopefully fully heal from his rupture a year back. Ngata is Ngata, and when he's healthy and on his day, he is the best defensive player in the league, nobody can block him. Even if he has another unhealthy season, its still good enough with Suggs healthy. I think Ngata should move to NT and truly dominate the middle for us. Upshaw will have another offseason to get better after an impressive rookie campaign. He may never be a great pass rusher in this league, but he makes plays, and is essentially our Jarrett Johnson replacement, but more athletic. We will surely draft a ILB in a high round this year, I just have a feeling with Kevin Minter, I still have him in my own mock draft coming to us. Ed Reed is up in the air, but if Reed should leave Baltimore, at least that gives us the incentive to go out and sign or draft a safety. Finally our corner backs are great, we are pretty stacked there, even when Cary Williams walks in FA. Oh and did I forget to mention Bernard Pollard?

So you will probably hear a lot of national speculation about us falling off a cliff, and even a lot of Ravens fans will buy into it. However, I am confident heading into the offseason, and I am really looking forward to the next few weeks with what happens with this team in FA, and even more looking forward to the draft.

In Ozzie we trust!!!

**alienrace** · 02-08-2013, 05:19 PM

In all honestly, I expect next year's team to be actually better than this year's. First, I think they'll extend Boldin and Jones, and largely keep the offense intact. Leach and McKinnie might be gone, we'll see, but regardless, I think the offense will be extremely good. In the playoffs it seemed nobody had answers for it.

Second, I think the defense is going to improve as well, provided it can stay healthy. Ozzie will make the moves to get stronger up the middle, Upshaw will continue to blossom, and we'll improve against the run with a healthy Ngata.

Also, we get to play the AFCE this year

**Shambla** · 02-08-2013, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

The team will be the most complete teams in franchise history next season, you can count on that. Flacco is now a top 5 level QB, he has weapons everywhere, maybe not the best in the league, but assuming we keep Jacoby and Boldin, we have three very good wide outs, and the best one two punch at RB in the league. If we re-sign McKinnie, I am very confident about our Oline, which dominated some pretty good defensive fronts in the play offs. There is no more Cam Cameron holding this offense back anymore, and Flacco is ready to be a consistent QB in this league that goes to pro bowls frequently.

This is what I'm banking on. The defense is full of question marks - the line looks weak, the inside LBs are up for grabs and Kruger and Reed could be gone. However, we had a pretty porous defense through most of the season and look where it got us. We need to keep the core of the offense together. I'm hoping McKinnie doesn't wil' out at McDonalds over the offseason and is ready and able to play because that line brought it in the playoffs. The only thing left on offense (assuming Joe is locked up) is Jacoby and Boldin. If you have weapons at WR, RB, and TE and a line that can block then you're good to go. I love Leach but it's an expendable position so it wouldn't be the end of the world if he had to depart.

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by alienrace

In all honestly, I expect next year's team to be actually better than this year's. First, I think they'll extend Boldin and Jones, and largely keep the offense intact. Leach and McKinnie might be gone, we'll see, but regardless, I think the offense will be extremely good. In the playoffs it seemed nobody had answers for it.

Second, I think the defense is going to improve as well, provided it can stay healthy. Ozzie will make the moves to get stronger up the middle, Upshaw will continue to blossom, and we'll improve against the run with a healthy Ngata.

Also, we get to play the AFCE this year

And the Detroit Lions.

**rlh445** · 02-08-2013, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by alienrace

In all honestly, I expect next year's team to be actually better than this year's. First, I think they'll extend Boldin and Jones, and largely keep the offense intact. Leach and McKinnie might be gone, we'll see, but regardless, I think the offense will be extremely good. In the playoffs it seemed nobody had answers for it.

Second, I think the defense is going to improve as well, provided it can stay healthy. Ozzie will make the moves to get stronger up the middle, Upshaw will continue to blossom, and we'll improve against the run with a healthy Ngata.

Also, we get to play the AFCE this year

i did one of these when i found out that's one of the divisions we'll be matched up with

now the bills, dolphins and jets get the honor to be whupped by both contenders in the most recent AFCCG!

**Spider Webb** · 02-08-2013, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by alienrace

In all honestly, I expect next year's team to be actually better than this year's. First, I think they'll extend Boldin and Jones, and largely keep the offense intact. Leach and McKinnie might be gone, we'll see, but regardless, I think the offense will be extremely good. In the playoffs it seemed nobody had answers for it.

Second, I think the defense is going to improve as well, provided it can stay healthy. Ozzie will make the moves to get stronger up the middle, Upshaw will continue to blossom, and we'll improve against the run with a healthy Ngata.

Also, we get to play the AFCE this year

Yep. Our D was AWESOME in the playoffs don't get me wrong, but I think it will be even better next year...it might be back to scary good. And if our offense does what it just did in the playoffs....think Packers 2011 times two.

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 05:23 PM

plus the believeland clowns as always, twice.

**The Excellector** · 02-08-2013, 05:30 PM

If the Ravens keep Boldin and McKinnie, there is no reason why they shouldn't score 30 PPG, barring injuries. These defense may not be as good as some in Ravens' past, but they ain't giving up 30 PPG.

Losing Ray is losing leadership, but adding speed. Losing Reed is adding Speed. Find a NT and it's a wrap. Wouldn't you know it, the moment they find one we'll be reading about how Terrance Cody is having the best training camp of anyone.

**Paintballguy** · 02-08-2013, 05:31 PM

The offense has been on an absolute tear since Caldwell took over. I gotta assume that the offense will continue improving especially with a full offseason for Caldwell to implement new things or a new system.

**redmike34** · 02-08-2013, 05:36 PM

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out...

The last team to win a playoff game the year after it won the Super Bowl was the Pats after the 2005 season. 06 Stillers didn't make the playoffs, 07 Colts lost at home as #2 seed in divisional round, 08 Giants lost at home as #1 or #2 seed in divisional round, 09 Stillers didn't make it, 10 Saints lost in wildcard round, 11 Packers lost as #1 seed in divisional round, 12 Giants didn't make it...

Ravens will be bucking quite a trend if they do better than that. However, I don't think any of those clubs have been as consistently good as the Harbaugh/Flacco Ravens either...

**CincyCat** · 02-08-2013, 06:45 PM

I think the Ravens will be just as tough next year. I like the fact that we play them twice a year to gauge our progress. The AFCN is the toughest division in football and it's nice to have the privilege of playing against the World Champions twice next year. (I know, season)

**lowrider** · 02-08-2013, 06:58 PM

I trust that ozzie will do the following:

On offense, get the deal done with Flacco. Re-sign Boldin and Mckinney.

On defense, get Ellerbie locked in to a long term deal. I love Krueger, but he may be a cap casualty. Re-sign Reed for the right price. If he gets a better offer elsewhere then we need to part ways. As much as I hate to say that.

If ozzie does those things I thinik we're right back in the playoffs next year.

**Ravenalytics** · 02-08-2013, 07:50 PM

I heard Kruger on NFL Live today and the way he was talking made it sound like almost a foregone conclusion that he's not going to be back. I think once you've gotten a ring, the debate between staying with a contender or going for a huge payday tips towards payday since you've already reached the ultimate career achievement.

Still, our defense will probably improve overall. Ray was getting killed by speed and I can't imagine that we could do much worse than him at this point. I think also the rehabilitation of Suggs will lessen the blow from losing Kruger. Webb is also back. My only worry is losing Reed, because I really feel he elevates the play of the entire secondary, despite not being able to tackle anymore.

I think Flacco's deal gets worked out and we don't have to franchise him. I think Joe and his agent realize that it's in his long term interests to be able to re-sign McKinnie and Boldin and maybe extend Jacoby.

**CincyCat** · 02-08-2013, 08:09 PM

I can still remember the Kruger posts from the Sun Forum when he was a raw youngster. He has proven this year that he is a "Keeper".

**bmore finest** · 02-08-2013, 08:19 PM

This thread just made my day. Ozzie and company has done a great job, and I think it's only going to get better. We are the Baltimore Ravens. We are a top Organization, the top of course in my heart.

From learning here, IMO , cam was a big problem for the O. I'm pumped to see Flacco and Caldwell next season. I can now say Proudly Baltimore has a offense to worry about.

The D will be fine, charm city baby, still will hit hard.
We will be back in the running. Purple Pride

**srobert96** · 02-09-2013, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

I hear this every year, nothing new, but this year its going to be ripe in this particular offseason no matter what team we field.

"Superbowl hangover", cap problems, and all that BS will be heard throughout the offseason, while teams like the Bengals and the Browns will somehow win the offseason, have a magical FA period and a great draft and surpass us in the AFCN. But really, if you look at Luke Daniels excellent thread on his projected team, it really isn't bad at all, and I'd say that's a team easily good enough to contend without any mass injuries.

The team will be the most complete teams in franchise history next season, you can count on that. Flacco is now a top 5 level QB, he has weapons everywhere, maybe not the best in the league, but assuming we keep Jacoby and Boldin, we have three very good wide outs, and the best one two punch at RB in the league. If we re-sign McKinnie, I am very confident about our Oline, which dominated some pretty good defensive fronts in the play offs. There is no more Cam Cameron holding this offense back anymore, and Flacco is ready to be a consistent QB in this league that goes to pro bowls frequently.

Also there aren't many teams with a top 5 QB who have bad years, Drew Brees with the Saints is the only recent season that comes to mind, but it was obvious to why they were so bad in 2012.

The defense wont be as talented as the past, but it will be faster and younger. Suggs will have a full offseason of recovery, and should hopefully fully heal from his rupture a year back. Ngata is Ngata, and when he's healthy and on his day, he is the best defensive player in the league, nobody can block him. Even if he has another unhealthy season, its still good enough with Suggs healthy. I think Ngata should move to NT and truly dominate the middle for us. Upshaw will have another offseason to get better after an impressive rookie campaign. He may never be a great pass rusher in this league, but he makes plays, and is essentially our Jarrett Johnson replacement, but more athletic. We will surely draft a ILB in a high round this year, I just have a feeling with Kevin Minter, I still have him in my own mock draft coming to us. Ed Reed is up in the air, but if Reed should leave Baltimore, at least that gives us the incentive to go out and sign or draft a safety. Finally our corner backs are great, we are pretty stacked there, even when Cary Williams walks in FA. Oh and did I forget to mention Bernard Pollard?

So you will probably hear a lot of national speculation about us falling off a cliff, and even a lot of Ravens fans will buy into it. However, I am confident heading into the offseason, and I am really looking forward to the next few weeks with what happens with this team in FA, and even more looking forward to the draft.

In Ozzie we trust!!!

On paper next year's team could be much better. Quite frankly no matter who they role out there at ILB they are going to be better than Ray. Emotionally Ray brought a lot to the table but his play was awful and they could not pull him off the field. They must resign Ellerbe. I also don't think Reed was very good this year. Both Lewis and Reed will be losses from their smarts, knowledge and experience but physically they were not that great.

If Suggs and Ngata are healthy that is a huge boost. Kruger will be a loss but some of that should be off set by Suggs and Ngata being healthy as well as Upshaw being a year older. I am sure Upshaw will show up in better condition. Also McPhee was never really healthy this year. We saw some of what made him good towards the end of the season. We are also seeing Art Jones become better and better. Cary Williams was the most targeted and most burned CB in the league. He is a decent player that is way over valued right now. If Webb is healthy and Smith continues to progress our corners could be even better next year.

Also Caldwell will have the whole off season to structure the offense around Flacco. Also add Castillo's work with the Oline.

Biggest needs to keep things rolling: LT( hope they bring McKinnie Back), ILB and S. TE/Hback to replace Leach. There is no reason the Ravens should not be the front runner to win the AFC North next year.

**pickles** · 02-09-2013, 06:33 AM

For those saying we could be better, I don't disagree.

This might be funny to say, but I think this was our worst team since Harbaugh's been here, and discounting the implosion in Billick's last year, or worst team since Boller was under center.

That might not be far because Joe's grown so much since his first two years in the league but outside of QB (I know, I know) we were undoubtedly better from 08-11.

**mmi16** · 02-09-2013, 08:07 AM

Since the Cap purge of 2002 - OZ and the Ravens have been continually pruning & reloading the talent. The talent may not have the big names - it just has big skills when it counts. You don't get to the number of playoffs that the Ravens have by having yearly fire sales.

The D going forward without #52 on the field will be a new experience - but we have not had Ray on the field for serious periods of time in the past and have survived and grown talent.

**alien bird** · 02-09-2013, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by srobert96

I also don't think Reed was very good this year.

Opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks would disagree. Ed Reed isn't the player he once was, but he still makes the field smaller for opposing offenses and makes his teammates better. He certainly isn't a liability.

**ravenjoe** · 02-09-2013, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by alienrace

Leach and McKinnie might be gone, we'll see, but regardless, I think the offense will be extremely good. In the playoffs it seemed nobody had answers for it.

"Nobody had answers for it" because our line was extremely effective, i.e. McKinnie sured up our front line of defense since we could move Oher over to RT, and KO to left guard - without McKinnie at LT that would NOT have been the case. Make no mistake about it, if we let McKinnie walk without a suitable replacement, our O will NOT look like what we saw in the playoffs! Jah Reid is NOT KO, and we all know what Oher at LT brings to the table.