There is a coaching issue, as well as a talent issue.

[The Excellector]

Perhaps Tony Lombardi was correct in his assertion that there is a disconnect between the coaching staff and the scouting department. Before you look at how poorly a player is performing, look at the position that the player has been placed in, to see if he's really been place in a position to succeed by the coaching staff.

For example, look at how Paul Kruger was asked to bulk up and try to be a 3-4 DE. That was, at least, two years of his development wasted. Now, as his contract is coming up, we are finally beginning to see that he is a good pass rushing specialist, even though he still has his struggles stopping the run.

Look at how the Ravens have handled the Haloti Ngata/Terrance Cody situation. Once it became clear that Cody's technique was lacking to consistently handle the double team inside, they didn't move Ngata back to NT, even though (Injured or not) he would handle the double team better than Cody or Kemoeatu.

Look at how the Ravens have handled Jimmy Smith, when he has been on the field. Chuck Pagano played a role in Smith being drafted and played Smith in press coverage. Smith had a decent rookie season. Pees comes along and plays him ten yards off of the ball, a clear weakness in Smith's game coming out of Colorado.

Look at the way that Torrey Smith has been handled. If you watch a Bengals game, not saying that they are the same talent, but they try darn near everything to get A.J. Green open. They try bubble screens, slants, everything. They've only recently begun trying a hint of such things with Torrey, a few games ago.

There is an established defensive culture and system here: Blitz pressure, press coverage. Every coordinator who has gone against that has struggled here.

The offensive system looks to be either a No Huddle offense, Air Coryell with a better coordinator or combination of the two.

It is clear that the Ravens need some pieces, talent wise, but don't be surprised if there are more coaching changes along the way.

By the way, if Norv Turner does come here, kindly ask him to bring Denario Alexander with him.

[Paintballguy]

I think you are spot on Excel. This team just seems poorly coached. Look at how many penalties this team racks up also.

[leachisabeast]

Agreed with this, the coaches have not done a good job of putting the players in right positions like they were last year. Steve is not happy with Harbaugh, don't be surprised to see a change right at the top.

[The Excellector]

When you see Greg Mattison play Terrell Suggs almost exclusively on the line, only for Pagano to come along and start moving him around, the way that Rex did, you can see that there have been some coaching issues in the past.

[Terpsfan82]

When you see Greg Mattison play Terrell Suggs almost exclusively on the line, only for Pagano to come along and start moving him around, the way that Rex did, you can see that there have been some coaching issues in the past.

Bingo. Not to mention how they FUBARed the offensive line.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

Bingo. Not to mention how they FUBARed the offensive line.

They've got a guard playing tackle and a tackle playing guard on the LEFT SIDE which as we all know is the QB's blindside.

Guess where the majority of the pass rush pressure has been coming from?

[Captain Silver]

Bingo. Not to mention how they FUBARed the offensive line.

*hic* "whaddaya talk'n bout! I got the 'Blindside' *hic* in fact, I cantseee anythin...." ~ Andy Moeller