Upon further review...

[camdenyard]

Now that I've had time to calm down, and sweep up the broken glass, and apologize to the dog for drop-kicking it:

1. In the grand scheme of things, we are still 2-2 and one game out. The Clowns kicked our asses today but won't be a division threat...Cincy can't stop anyone on D and Pittsburgh is playing over their heads (until today). There is plenty of time.

2. The OL played well. McGahee is getting around 100 almost every game and McNair is being kept upright. I think this group will only get better.

3. McNair is obviously favoring his leg. He's all arms, flat footed with very little lower body push. He can't get the ball deep. It's time to put Kyle in until Steve is completely healthy.

4. The Ravens have this nasty habit of playing down to the level of their competition. But after seeing Billick's face at the post-game presser, I don't think getting the team ready to play next week will be a problem. He was ashen, clearly pissed and sweating bullets. He knows they laid a turd and were embarassed.

5. This team has bought into its own hype BIG TIME. It's not a bad thing if they get knocked back down a peg or two, as long as it's early enough in the season, as this is. Maybe if half the team didn't have their own fucking radio show and studied film at night like they used to...

6. We miss Samari Rolle and Trevor Pryce huge. I hope these guys get back soon.

[deuce]

Right on the money. Especially #5.

[Purpleguy]

I agree with most of what you posted. i don't think the radio shows are a big deal. These guys don't study film all night regardless. One of the guys with a show is McGahee, hasn't affected him. Another is Ogden, he is basically retired. Ray lewis is still playing at a high level for his age. Bart Scott may need to watch some tape of himself from last season.

We do miss Samari and Trevor. Trevor will be back soon, unfortunately, i don't see Samari coming back. I think he has a serious illness and the team is just waiting until he's comfortable with making it public. One guy we really miss is AD. Huge mistake not resigning him.

[SHORTTRACK]

0-2 in Division is what hurts the most.

[ravenwoman]

I agree with your post, but we are still not an elite team. We might get better, but I want to know how we will beat the Colts and Patriots? The Steelers lost yesterday, but they were in the game until the end. Can you say that about us, yesterday? The game was basically over after the first quarter. Next week will be challenging, because we are travelling to the west coast. That's a long trip and Mike Nolan and Trent Dilfer will be prepared.

[Gone64]

Definately agree with #2. I was really surprised at how well they protected the QB.

[festivus]

Excellent post on an otherwise dreadful day on this board.

[Mwjergs]

This just magnifies the issues with the team that they have gotten away with in the last two victories.

On the Defensive side:
1) Trevor Pryce - His injury has been huge. No pass rush off the edge. If you can't pressure the QB, it doesn't matter you are.
2) Adalius Thomas - I know, we weren't going to miss him. But, we do. He was an exceptional defender and the kind of player that can play any spot in the D. Without him, Bart Scott has been forced into more coverage and not doing what he does best - get to the QB (0 sacks at this point). I know they couldn't afford him but he's a big loss.
3) Samari Roller - Complain all you want but he's a solid corner when the safeties aren't overplaying. The depth chart has moved up a notch and it shows, Ivy, Prude, Pittman. There has been some drop off m

On Offense:
1) Run the Ball! Even with limited touches McGahee has ran well. It's a trend that has happened over the last few years as the Ravens have become a Pass first- Run Second squad. Often the game plan has not been to establish the run but rather use it as some sort of diversion. How about a sweep, just once?
2) Steve McNair. He plays hurt and is still playing hurt. Boller should be under center at this point. I was actually surprised that Boller didn't come in during the 4th quarter. His technique is poor and they can't take any shots downfield.
3) Actually goes for both sides of the ball. Penalties and bonehead plays. Offsides on a Field Goal? Awful. They need to regroup and get their heads together. They have a shot to win the next two - Niners/Rams - two teams that are struggling before the meat of the schedule on.

[highwater]

Excellent post, Camden. Agree about McNair, who still does not appear to be healthy, and the loss of Pryce has been very big. We are giving QBs far too much time.

I would add that this was pretty much a team effort -- the whole team seemed flat (except for McGahee and Ed Reed). Worst Ravens game I've watched in a long time.