Will they make the playoffs?

[OriginalColtsFan]

I still see the Ravens taking the division. I cannot recall their record after a loss, but I know it is pretty solid. If the season ended today the Steelers would travel to M&T for a playoff game. I feel that is likely that these two teams will meet again for a 3rd time.

But the season doesn't end today.



What do you think the Steelers final W/L record will be?

[Pittsburgh$$$]

But the season doesn't end today.



What do you think the Steelers final W/L record will be?

OCF. I think the Steelers finish at 10-6. They win remaining home games with a loss at Dallas. IMO.

[BlandFood]

Kind of odd that there is talk of a 9-3 team not making the playoffs.

The REAL Colts went 11 - 1 - 2 and didn't once upon a time.

[OriginalColtsFan]

OCF. I think the Steelers finish at 10-6. They win remaining home games with a loss at Dallas. IMO.

Sounds reasonable. The question then is: Will the Ravens finish at least 10-6? At this point, they might, but personally, I wouldn't bet on it.

[Pittsburgh$$$]

@ OCF. What do you think the Ravens will finish at?

[OriginalColtsFan]

@ OCF. What do you think the Ravens will finish at?

I honestly think they'll finish at 9-7. A LOT depends on the game this Sunday, obviously. But from what I saw against the G-Men, I think the 'Skins have too many looks -- both on offense and defense -- that will give the Ravens fits. I think the magical balloon has burst for this team, and the real undercurrents that have been brushed aside because of a bunch of lucky wins are going to surface with a vengeance, resulting in the Ravens losing out. As I stated already, a lot of what happens in the NFL boils down to coaching, and in that regard, the Ravens are at a distinct disadvantage going up against Shanahan. While he's certainly not perfect, he totally outclasses John Harbaugh and his cronyism coaching staff of also-rans. At best, I think they'll finish 10-6, and that's a possibility. I'm just not feeling it right now. (But of course...that could change if they win on Sunday.)

[tman1024]

Wow, a lot of debbie downers here. I know I shouldn't be posting here, but I think 4 years of playoffs straight and probably a fifth is really good. Try being a Bills fan and looking at 13 years straight of no playoffs....lol

[Pittsburgh$$$]

I honestly think they'll finish at 9-7. A LOT depends on the game this Sunday, obviously. But from what I saw against the G-Men, I think the 'Skins have too many looks -- both on offense and defense -- that will give the Ravens fits. I think the magical balloon has burst for this team, and the real undercurrents that have been brushed aside because of a bunch of lucky wins are going to surface with a vengeance, resulting in the Ravens losing out. As I stated already, a lot of what happens in the NFL boils down to coaching, and in that regard, the Ravens are at a distinct disadvantage going up against Shanahan. While he's certainly not perfect, he totally outclasses John Harbaugh and his cronyism coaching staff of also-rans. At best, I think they'll finish 10-6, and that's a possibility. I'm just not feeling it right now. (But of course...that could change if they win on Sunday.)

Good points. Your first sentence says a lot. How they respond at Washington could be key to how they finish out the season. Despite the score at Heinze Field against the Steelers, RG 3 played well and was the victim of a bunch of dropped passes that could have changed the outcome of that game. I was very impressed with that young mans accuracy and leadership.

[OriginalColtsFan]

Good points. Your first sentence says a lot. How they respond at Washington could be key to how they finish out the season. Despite the score at Heinze Field against the Steelers, RG 3 played well and was the victim of a bunch of dropped passes that could have changed the outcome of that game. I was very impressed with that young mans accuracy and leadership.

And maybe it's a worn out cliche, but I think there's at least some validity to the notion that teams with "mo" tend to beat teams without it. And right now, the 'Skins HAVE to have that mo/it factor, whereas the Ravens are probably still reeling from that major loss to the Steelers. That's not to say a team can't use that disappointment and try to avenge a very important/painful loss, but they'll be playing in an 85,000 seat stadium, filled with cheering fans. I think the Ravens have an uphill battle at best on their hands, whether they decide to run Ray Rice 30 times, 40 times, or 15 times.

(One side note: People who were at the game said it was one of the quietest, non-Ravens like crowds they'd ever seen. No real noise; no real energy there, except a couple of times. Odd, to say the least.)

[jamesdean]

And maybe it's a worn out cliche, but I think there's at least some validity to the notion that teams with "mo" tend to beat teams without it. And right now, the 'Skins HAVE to have that mo/it factor, whereas the Ravens are probably still reeling from that major loss to the Steelers. That's not to say a team can't use that disappointment and try to avenge a very important/painful loss, but they'll be playing in an 85,000 seat stadium, filled with cheering fans. I think the Ravens have an uphill battle at best on their hands, whether they decide to run Ray Rice 30 times, 40 times, or 15 times.

(One side note: People who were at the game said it was one of the quietest, non-Ravens like crowds they'd ever seen. No real noise; no real energy there, except a couple of times. Odd, to say the least.)

I know I should probably have my head examined but for some reason, I don't feel any apprehension about this game. And I'm not one to have a purple IV stuck in my veins. Rice won't get 40 touches but I guarantee you he'll be in the 25-30 range. And like magic.....Ravens 24; Washington 16

[Pittsburgh$$$]

(One side note: People who were at the game said it was one of the quietest, non-Ravens like crowds they'd ever seen. No real noise; no real energy there, except a couple of times. Odd, to say the least.)

Yeah, I noticed that watching the game. I think with the recent home record that the Ravens Fans have become spoiled. Most fans probably thought the Ravens were going to roll the Steelers with their 3rd string QB starting. I could see why. Instead they got Batch Slapped.

[RAVEN FAN]

They can't pass, they can't rush the passer, and they're terrible in coverage. About all they can do is run the ball and kick.

Would anyone be shocked if they lose out from here? Denver, Washington, NYG, and Cincinnati all coming up. Every one of those teams is more than capable of making the Ravens look terrible.

I think they miss the playoffs this year.

it is hard to guess how the Ravens will do from one week to the next.i hope they can win them all but these teams are good and we have our up and downs.all i can say i good luck RAVENS

[demopublican]

remember the dark days guys?

[NCBirdfan]

remember the dark days guys?

And I said back then that this season seemed eerily similar to the OTHER Super Bowl year, where no one thought the Ravens would get to the playoffs, let alone win the Super Bowl. As most coaches know, teams can learn a lot in games they lose. The Ravens had some healing during those losses, both figuratively and literally. Sometimes losses help teams focus more and to not overlook things. What good is it to go 16-0, when your team gets cocky and loses to an inferior team (on paper at least) in the playoffs. etc. Teams that lose some tough games and learn from those losses are better teams in the end.

[OriginalColtsFan]

And I said back then that this season seemed eerily similar to the OTHER Super Bowl year, where no one thought the Ravens would get to the playoffs, let alone win the Super Bowl. As most coaches know, teams can learn a lot in games they lose. The Ravens had some healing during those losses, both figuratively and literally. Sometimes losses help teams focus more and to not overlook things. What good is it to go 16-0, when your team gets cocky and loses to an inferior team (on paper at least) in the playoffs. etc. Teams that lose some tough games and learn from those losses are better teams in the end.

Let's not forget, however, that when this thread was started, no one expected Cam Cameron to be fired. It's impossible to underestimate the effect his firing has had on the Ravens' post season success.

[85Knight]

They can't pass, they can't rush the passer, and they're terrible in coverage. About all they can do is run the ball and kick.

Would anyone be shocked if they lose out from here? Denver, Washington, NYG, and Cincinnati all coming up. Every one of those teams is more than capable of making the Ravens look terrible.

I think they miss the playoffs this year.

You're 0-2 with these playoff prediction threads. First with the O's and now the Ravens. Just goes to show you that a little optimism goes a long way. You should give it a try, it's a lot more fun.