A Successful Team in Transition.

**The Excellector** · 11-22-2012, 11:25 AM

This really is a team in transition. You can choose to credit whomever you like for the 8-2 record that they currently enjoy.

Defensively, I think an issue, moreso than talent, is that they've had to give so many inexperienced players, significant playing time altogether. Terrance Cody is only in his second year as a full-time starter. Pernell McPhee and Paul Kruger were never full-time starters before, nor was Jimmy Smith. Ellerbe hadn't seen significant playing time as a starter since his rookie season. The reality is that's a lot of inexperience.

Offensively, this is the first year that Joe Flacco has been given a significant amount of control over the offense. Torrey Smith still has room to grow as a route runner and there's some youth on the offensive line.

Despite both sides of the ball struggling at times, this team has found a way to finish their first ten games 8-2. That shows that the makeup of the team is strong overall.

For this team be so successful, while in a transition, is impressive, in my opinion. Most teams do not see such results in the W/L department, while transitioning.

**Ravenswintitle** · 11-22-2012, 11:59 AM

and the season really does start on Thanksgiving. It's all about what happens from here on out; for every team. Getting players back from injury or losing a key player down the stretch. Stealing a win on the road.

The real season starts this week

**The Excellector** · 11-22-2012, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

and the season really does start on Thanksgiving. It's all about what happens from here on out; for every team. Getting players back from injury or losing a key player down the stretch. Stealing a win on the road.

The real season starts this week

One key reason why we are able to say that is, because they've taken care of business up to this point. Otherwise, there wouldn't be a 'real' season for us.

**Justlovemybirds** · 11-22-2012, 12:42 PM

As the season has progressed the defense has improved, in part, because the young and inexperienced guys have settle in into their positions. In the Steelers game you saw Art Jones finally showing up, D'Angelo Tyson has responded well after being forced into action, Corey Graham has played better after starting off slow, Cody looked a lot better in the Raiders game.

On Offense, Kelechi just stifled Woodley for the most of the game and Jah (while not getting much push up front) was a wall in pass pro.

**RavensNTerps** · 11-22-2012, 01:25 PM

It's a true testament to management and coaching that this team is 8-2, really. Yes, we got a break with a schedule turning out much easier than we thought it would be before the season, but the way we've played honestly the record could be a lot worse. I have a sneaking feeling lately that this is the year we get HOT at the right time.

Though I still thing the Giants smash us. That game is going to be ugly lol.

**leachisabeast** · 11-22-2012, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by RavensNTerps

It's a true testament to management and coaching that this team is 8-2, really. Yes, we got a break with a schedule turning out much easier than we thought it would be before the season, but the way we've played honestly the record could be a lot worse. I have a sneaking feeling lately that this is the year we get HOT at the right time.

Though I still thing the Giants smash us. That game is going to be ugly lol.

Oh you mean the Giants who got trounced on the road VS Cincy? The same team we "smashed"?

Comon bro, at least come up with some solid reasons. If anyones going to beat us at home this year, it's the Broncos, or the Steelers (with Big Ben) in the play offs. Do't count out the Pats either. I honestly think the only QB's who can beat us at home right now are Peyton, Brady, and Jen.

**Boulderraven** · 11-22-2012, 01:26 PM

In the NFL these days, with about 20% of your roster turning over just about every team is in transition with the cap. I dont see this as any different than any other year really. It's the systems you employ to meet your personel and then execute and hope to stay injury free and catch a few luck breaks on the way. Coaching is the key element.

**JustaslowZ06** · 11-23-2012, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

In the NFL these days, with about 20% of your roster turning over just about every team is in transition with the cap. I dont see this as any different than any other year really. It's the systems you employ to meet your personel and then execute and hope to stay injury free and catch a few luck breaks on the way. Coaching is the key element.

Think that 20% is a bit high, especially if you're considering starters. If you consider 22 starters, 20% would be 4 a year. Dunno if I'd say that is the average. I'd say that is more of a big change. I'd think along the lines of 2 a year, for good teams anyway.

**blacknpurplepain** · 11-23-2012, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Dade

Team A losing to Team B, that in turn lost to Team C...doesn't mean Team C will beat Team A.

Agree bc the Raiders beat the steelers with Ben and the Ravens killed the Raiders. The Bengals beat the Giants but that doesn't mean we will beat the Giants bc we beat the Bengals. Pitt beat the Eagles who we lost to. Some people fail to realize that some teams match up better against other teams plus it's always any given Sunday. When is the last time the Ravens was blown out at home?

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