52 replies to this topic

[BaltBird 24]

Myself and some buddies use to always try and make the 3rd pre season game. It was fun to get out to the stadium and see the regulars play for half a game at a fraction of the regular season price (at least for tickets).

Now I can't sit through 5 minutes on TV.

[Biggsy]

Myself and some buddies use to always try and make the 3rd pre season game. It was fun to get out to the stadium and see the regulars play for half a game at a fraction of the regular season price (at least for tickets).

Now I can't sit through 5 minutes on TV.

Don't blame teams that don't play starters. Dobbins career was changed due to a low tackle in the preseason against the Commanders.

[BaltBird 24]

I'm not blaming teams. I'd rather not see any starters playing. In fact, I think the pre season should be done away with.

[jamesdean]

I'm not blaming teams. I'd rather not see any starters playing. In fact, I think the pre season should be done away with.

Agree. And while they're at it, get rid of that idiotic Pro Bowl.

[Ravens2006]

Preseason was cool for like the first ten years or so.

Before I was a PSL holder it was fun to go down and see a game for cheap. I didn’t even mind when they brought it in the second and third stringers. Even when watching on TV. But over the last ten or so years teams just go through the motions. Starters barely play. It’s a practice they charge regular season prices for.

No thanks.

It was far more worthwhile going when starters got a little time early and increased thru game 3, then barely played or sat out game 4. Game 4 was even kind of interesting because you always had a handful of "final roster spots" up for grabs and the last game could tip the scale for some guys.

Now you are just watching backups and getting a preview of how bad it will be if some key starters get hurt.

Josh Johnson could start all 17 games this year and I would bet everything I own he would not have an 11-for-11 stretch throwing the football.

[Ravens2006]

The new kickoff is also maybe the stupidest change in league history...

[Pedro Cerrano]

Do scrimmages and charge admission.

They won’t cuz there is too much money at stake.

[cprenegade]

You don’t even know what he said but you’re surprised he wasn’t fired? Or did you just want to take a moment to talk about how sad it is for people to be held accountable these days, AKA “cancel culture”.

 

The second statement.  I have no problem holding people accountable for their actions, but I don't consider it holding people accountable when you call for their firing or demand an apology just because they make a statement that I don't agree with.  And it seems like that is what much of the "cancel culture" today engages in.  At least that is my opinion.

 

I have since learned what the statement was and I find it quite amusing that there was even the slightest uproar about it.  But apparently someone was offended enough by it that Sandusky felt the need to issue an apology.  Things like that used to be called opinions and commentary.  Today apparently that is no longer true.  

[cprenegade]

Don't blame teams that don't play starters. Dobbins career was changed due to a low tackle in the preseason against the Commanders.

 

I don't blame teams either, but it really is mostly bad luck.  If the preseason games were played on inferior fields, or there was some tangible reason why injuries were more possible in preseason I would be more in agreement.  But is it really any different if someone is injured in their last preseason game or their first regular season game?  Both happened to Dobbins.  

 

I certainly would not play my starters in a full game just because of the wear factor over a full season.  I would want my starters to get a series or two in maybe the first two games just to get some rust out.  But I see the opposite view.  If Jackson suffers the same injury that JJ McCarthy did in the preseason, Harbaugh gets crucified.  

 

It would be an interesting analysis study to look at good teams who played their starters in preseason and those who didn't and see how they generally fare in their first game.  The Ravens have won a lot of openers, but I feel like they look sluggish and timing is off in at least the first half of their openers.  Bilicheck used to play Brady for 3 quarters in at least one game, and Andy Reid seems to play his starters for a half in at least one game.  These teams usually start strong, but then it could just be that they are that good.  That's why I think you would need some deep sports geek analysis to really determine if there is a difference or not.  

[Biggsy]

The new kickoff is also maybe the stupidest change in league history...

I like it if I'm being honest. Wouldn't be mad if the league adopted the XFL's extra point rules either. Maybe tweak it where a 1 point is still 30 yard kick. A 2 pointer is normal, but adding a 3 point chance from the 15.

[BaltBird 24]

Ravens have been lucky to have had a ton of easy opponents to open their seasons of late.

Houston and rookie Stroud at home in 2023.
Jets and Flacco in 2022.
Even the Raiders in 2021, though they did lose that one.

[1970]

I like it if I'm being honest. Wouldn't be mad if the league adopted the XFL's extra point rules either. Maybe tweak it where a 1 point is still 30 yard kick. A 2 pointer is normal, but adding a 3 point chance from the 15.

 

The NFL should also adopt their 4th and 12 (or 15) play for use instead of an onside kick.  There currently isn’t an onside kick option.  The 4th and 12 play can only be used in the 4th quarter by the team that is trailing.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Ravens down 13-7 vs. Green Bay.
Tylan Wallace has a 48 yard TD reception.