Free Agency Preview: Tight Ends

Depth Chart:

1. Crockett Gillmore
2. Maxx Williams
3. Konrad Reuland
4. Allen Reisner
5. Dennis Pitta (PUP)

2015 Recap:

Many of the Ravens positions were ravaged with injuries this season and tight end was definitely one of them. Gillmore and Williams were up and down with injuries and the surprise of the season Nick Boyle was suspended the final four games of the season when the team had unfortunately lost Gillmore for the rest of the year as well. 

Minus the injuries and suspensions, the group of Gillmore, Williams and Boyle performed well. Gillmore shined in his first season as the number one option at tight end while Williams took some time to develop. He had some production in the last few games of the season when Boyle and Gillmore were out. 

Potential Free Agent Additions:

Jermaine Gresham UFA:  Gresham is coming off of an unimpressive role in a potent Cardinals offense from 2015. Gresham had only 18 catches and 1 TD in the regular season, quite the fall from his 62 catches and 5 TDs in 2014. What he would add is a veteran presence to a young group of players with the possible upside to the player we once saw. He is younger(27) than any of the other viable options (Antonio Gates, 35 or Vernon Davis, 32). The issues he may have had with the Cardinals could have been he wasn't an important part of the offense, mainly driven by deep threat receivers and a power running game. When you watched their games it seemed Larry Fitzgerald was their short yard receiver in the offense as opposed to in Baltimore where you may see Flacco go to his tight end more often than his slot receiver.

Coby Fleener UFA: Of the two I would prefer Fleener. However I don't see Luck's security blanket getting out of Indy. While Fleener is coming off a subpar season, he was performing like that because of the team playing their worst QB. Only nabbing 3 TDs and 491 yards with nearly the same amount of targets as the two previous seasons. Once again, this was without Luck who, by far, is the team's most accurate passer. IF Fleener got out of Indy I would love to see him in purple and black, however it seems like more of a pipe dream.

2016 Outlook:

One name mentioned above in this piece was that of Nick Boyle, who was recently suspended for the first 10 games of the 2016 season for once again violating the league's substance abuse policy. He was again caught with PEDs in his system. More than likely ending his short career with the team. Harbaugh isn't a guy who enjoys being proved wrong and he thought Boyle had learned from his mistake at the end of last season. 

This could be the season of the Pitta comeback...or not. There is really no definite answer whether he will or won't just that he is trying. However with two young tight ends shining and Ozzie's ability to find value in free agents and the draft when it comes to his old position, I don't see how Boyle will still be on the team after his suspension is up and Pitta's potential comeback. Expect the team to roll once again with Gillmore and Williams as their top 2 options at the position. 

Purple Reigning Down Super Bowl Predictions EXTRAVAGANZA

Well it is almost time. For months we have watched two teams dominate the league almost as much as a Johnny Manziel headline. Finally, the league will crown its champion this Sunday night. Unfortunately, we all know how the Ravens season went. Positives of that....more biased opinion for the Super Bowl!

Especially since Tom "Cry Baby" Brady won't be there.

To be perfectly honest, I know the season is coming to a close but I just want all the hoopla to be over and get this game underway between two dominant defenses, a legendary quarterback and arguably the hottest young QB in the league. We have all heard all the picks and a tidbit of information as to why this team will win or will get smashed. So as I look into my crystal ball...

What I think will happen and what I want to happen are two totally different things. I think Peyton Manning will somehow find a way to win this game, I want Cam and the Panthers to shine because it would be nice to see kind of a passing of the torch if you will. From the old school (Manning) to the new school (Newton). What will make the evening fun is taking a shot every time you hear the terms "last rodeo" or "black quarterback" during the telecast. You might be drunk with two minutes left....IN THE FIRST QUARTER.

That being said I feel like this should be a very tight game that either team could win. If you put a gun to my head and made me choose I would take the Panthers. Before you argue with me sudden Bronco fan hear me out. I know your defense is great but hit the pause button and think about it for a minute. Big Ben with a backup running back and a bunch of young receivers was slinging it all over Denver. No Antonio Brown, no Le'Veon Bell and no shoulder for Roethlisberger. The only team all season to put up points was the Steelers (34 to be exact) during the regular season meeting.

Why does that matter? Even with a bum shoulder Ben was able to scramble around (not like he used to) and that big body wasn't easily crumbling to the ground say like the above mentioned Brady. Cam is more athletic than Ben and has a better offensive line to protect him. I like his chances to somehow find an open man or tuck it and run for a first down, drop the superman pose, make the first down signal, pull out a cell phone to call his momma all while styling all over the defense. His weapons are more than capable of getting open because they have been doing it all year. It's not like Newton only has one option to chuck the ball to, Olsen is his best/most dominant target but this kid has been slinging it to everyone no matter what.

The problem with the Panthers this season has been their inability to finish games. They almost blew a 31 point lead against the Seahawks. If they let the Broncos keep it close, momentum could easily swing in the favor of Manning but I have him throwing a few of those quackers to the Panthers. So I'm taking the Panthers in a tight game 27-20, with the MVP going to Luke Kuechly. I don't know what it is about that guy but he just always seems to be in the right place at the right time. More than likely he will be covering some of those short dump offs that Manning has been throwing a majority of this season and may snag one to take the opposite way.

So in preparation for this piece I reached out to the staff of Purple Reign and was more than pleased with the participation I received from everyone. So without further adieu...

Chuck Burke (writer)

In a shootout and dramatic game that will get compared to the arena leagues, Cam Newton will have four TDs and four turnovers. Peyton Manning will have two of each as well. The Broncos are more playoff tested and will make fewer mistakes early on, the Panthers will rally and write a storybook finish.

Score: Panthers 34-29

Patrick McDonough (writer)

Two awesome defenses, one awesome offense and one anemic offense. It would be poetic for Peyton to get a Super Bowl as he rides into the sunset but I don't see the old man pulling any magic in this game. There will be at least one defensive touchdown.

MVP: Cam Newton

Score: Panthers 24-17

Matt Szimanski (writer)

Going into the Super Bowl the Panthers are clearly the better overall team. However, when it comes to the grandest stage in sports, anything can happen. I expect Payton Manning to do just enough to capitalize on an excellent defensive performance and go out on top.

MVP: Manning, even though Von Miller will deserve it more. Sometimes, it's all about the narrative.

Ashley Anderson (writer/my partner in crime in "He said She said")

I've got Super Cam and the Panthers winning this one. Sure, we're all pretty certain this is Peyton's last shot at a ring but it's also pretty clear that his arm is blown. The Panthers were the highest scoring offense in the league this year. Even if the Broncos can slow them, they can't stop them.

Score: Panthers 30-21

BJ Appel (Cohost Purple Reign podcast)

In his "last rodeo" Peyton Manning can't put the finishing touches on the perfect ending. Unable to rely on Peyton's arm, the Broncos' running game will not be enough to keep up with Carolina. Greg Olsen hauls in 2 TDs and 100+ yards receiving from the to-be NFL MVP Cam Newton to secure the franchise's first Super Bowl victory.

Score: Carolina 31-23

MVP: Greg Olsen

Phil Gentile (Host Purple Reign podcast)

This playoff run by Peyton Manning reminds me a lot of Ray Lewis' last ride. Like Ray, I think Peyton has just enough in the tank to get one last win and his second Super Bowl. Broncos defense is the best in the league in my mind and they will be the x-factor, shutting down Cam as much as possible.

Score: Broncos 27-19

MVP: Aqib Talib


Everyone quick, call your bookies now....RIGHT NOW. Well not really, make your own decision. Enjoy your Super Bowl experience safely and I hope to see us all in better spirits next season!

He Said She Said: More Pees Please

For months now we have all heard Raven nation nearly come after Dean Pees with pitch forks all over social media and radio. Blaming him completely for all the Ravens shortcomings and damn near all of their losses. There is a rift between fans and even some writers at Purple Reign. Some wanting him out of here yesterday with others focusing on how much of the problems were lack of depth, something out of his control. Without further adieu, here is how Ashley Anderson and I broke it all down.

First we asked ourselves, what has Pees brought to the team? How have they performed under his tutelage?

Ashley's take:


Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens have exercised nearly unquestioned loyalty to assistant coaches. Virtually the only time you will see a coach leave is if he has a more lucrative opportunity elsewhere like when Gary Kubiak left for Denver to become their head coach, otherwise, they tend to stick around regardless of performance. The most recent example of this is defensive coordinator Dean Pees who has been with the team since 2011. Pees was first hired to be the linebackers coach, making the switch to DC in 2012.

Since then, the Ravens have finished 12th, 12th, 6th, and 24th in points per game allowed. For YEars, Baltimore was known for its shut down defense that punished opponents who had the audacity to try to score, but they no longer elicit the same fear. While they may not be wholly inconsistent, the Ravens defense is the opposite of clutch, repeatedly surrendering long drives in crucial situations. Just this season alone they blew four fourth quarter leads. Had the Ravens won those four games, they would have finished a respectable 9-7.

Brandan's take:

While I agree that the defense has under performed at times this season (especially late in games early in 2015), the team did well towards the end of the season.  I would say the big turnaround was the loss to the Jags. They held off the Rams (albeit with a concussed Case Keenum at the helm) and managed to beat the Steelers with their most powerful tandem healthy. Sure, they were awful against the Seahawks. Even good teams looked bad against them. My biggest beef was their inability to create turnovers and I'm not crazy enough to base their late success in that field on one game (Steelers) where Ben was giving them away like Oprah.

I feel like the biggest issue this season was our team's inability to stay healthy on either side of the ball but our playmakers on defense (such as a decent pass rusher like Terrell Suggs) that struck that fear into opposing teams weren't there. While it is on Pees to figure out how to get to the QB without Suggs he eventually found players to fill that void. There were injuries all over the defensive line and we all knew going into the season that our secondary was amateur at best. You can't fault Pees in Elam's season ending injury in the preseason (we're talking about practice no less) or what was in the water this season with a bulk of the team. Our best corner came out and said he played through the pain of his nagging foot injury from last season (Jimmy Smith). Whether or not that is a true statement I have no idea but I have to side with Pees. He didn't have the pieces to make it work. I love Ozzie but I think he failed us this season. I mean look what Pees did with that sewn together secondary last year! We finished 6th in points per game allowed, you said it yourself! We should have beat the damn Patriots!

 9-7 wouldn't have gotten us anywhere except damage the team, We would still have had to watch the Steelers and Bengals march into the postseason. Our depth would still be terrible.

Moving on! I love a good turnover, who doesn't. Thoughts?

Ashley's take:

This was a major issue in 2015, the lack of turnovers. As a team, the Ravens had a total of six interceptions; five individuals met or exceeded that number across the NFL. It may be difficult to coach turnovers, but there are exercises such as the tip drill that are designed to bring a clear focus on winning the ball. I do not bear witness to every Ravens practice, so it is entirely possible that they do work on these things, but the defensive backs clearly lack killer instinct.

Brandan's take:

I agree that the lack of turnovers was despicable. I think what we can also agree on is this team's lack of depth at corner which we have all been talking about since Ed Reed left. What kills me about that name is that he would have been very valuable, to whatever young defensive backs we bring in, as a secondary coach. Unfortunately we all get to watch that pan out in Buffalo. I am interested to see what Leslie Frazier will bring to the table as the coach of the secondary in the upcoming season. Who knows, maybe his presence will keep Pees on his p's and q's(could't resist). After avoiding the corner position in last year's draft I'm hoping that they wise up after this season.

Okay, next topic: development of players

Ashley's take:

One has to wonder how Pees is functioning as a scout and key aspect of player development. In recent years, Baltimore has spent high draft picks on Arthur Brown (2nd round), Matt Elam (1st round) and Terrance Brooks (3rd round), yet they continue to lack explosive playmakers. The team also added Will Hill, Kyle Arrington and Kendrick Lewis via free agency to help improve a depleted secondary but only Hill has really panned out thus far.

So who is the problem? Does it start all the way at the top with Ozzie Newsome making poor draft and free agency choices, or is someone else failing these players once they arrive in Baltimore? My belief is that Dean Pees is responsible for the overall struggles on defese, particularly since there is a disconnect with player development under his direction. On a personal note, it also drives me crazy that Pees calls plays from the booth because that seems to cause difficulty making in-game adjustments.

Brandan's take:

Okay, I get what you're saying. Pees can't develop film (before digital pics kids...ah screw it just google it). Terrance Cody was awful and Elam wasn't really a factor before his season ending injury this year. Add to that the failures in Arthur Brown (who was passed by Zach Orr on the depth chart) and Brooks and you've got yourself quite a fail list. Ozzie isn't used to failing on the defensive side of the ball in the draft. Offense(other than tight end) sure but defense, not so much. I don't believe that this is all on Ozzie but he has to take some of the blame here. What you are missing are the surprising value from undrafted(Orr) or late round picks like Brandon Williams(3rd round, 2013)


This season though once the replacements had enough reps, we started to see what monsters Williams, Timmy Jernigan(2nd round, 2014) and Za'Darius Smith(4th round, 2015) truly are. Williams and Jernigan don't have eye popping stats as most defensive tackles won't however they have truly been disruptive in the backfield causing an easier lane for Smith to the QB. Smith (in limited action) was able to get 5.5 sacks this season (more than Courtney Upshaw has in his career) with 3 of those being against the hated Steelers. Personally, even the Steeler loving wife enjoyed his sacks on Michael Vick. Last season's draft class performed better than I could have imagined. It's just unfortunate that none of those were corners. Carl Davis(3rd round, 2015) started the season well but unfortunately fell off as more and more players at the position healed up. Honestly he couldn't really see the field once Jernigan got healthy and Williams kept being awesome.


You're thoughts on him being in the booth calling plays does sound a bit crazy. Dom Capers does it in Green Bay but then again it's also -20 wind chill up there sometimes. There are too many ways for on field communication for that to matter on game day. Yes, the radio can go out and they would be screwed but how often does that happen in places that don't rhyme with boo tingland.

Okay fine, IF we fire him, who would we hire?

Ashley's take:

If the Ravens were to part ways with Pees, there are other candidates available to filll the void. For example, current Panthers DC Sean McDermott may be interested in a change of scenery after spending the last four years in Carolina, particularly if he does not draw interest as a a head coach. Jim Schwartz has frequently been mentioned as a possibility and he is an intriguing option since he already has head coaching experience. Moreover, Schwartz has a fiery personality, similar to that of Rex Ryan, and he could help give the defense an edgier attitude that they lack under Pees.

Brandan's take:

First of all, there is absolutely no way McDermott goes anywhere right now with his team about to play for the NFC championship. The only way I see him leaving is to go on to be a head coach somewhere. He is an excellent coach with fantastic core players, stupid for him to leave when he can use that to his advantage in getting a promotion. Which in my opinion would not be the Ravens, HUGE step down from Carolina. As far as your other option I gotta say, I like the idea. Schwartz is best known for wanting to beat the hell out of Jim Harbaugh(when he refused to shake hands when Schwartz was the head coach in Detroit). So somehow, I don't think John is going to hire him. He does tend to take things personal and especially doesn't want anyone who can upend him as the king of the roost. I don't want another Kubiak or Caldwell type situation where we have a guy for a year and BOOM he's out to be a head coach somewhere else right away. I'd be happier with the situation we have now with Pees in there and someone looming as a position coach. What if Frazier develops/improves the secondary under Pees' watch? All of us as fans would take that in a heartbeat!

"Okay, enough you two! We can't take it anymore! Just get this over with!," says everyone on the interweb.

Ashley:

In closing, this argument reminds me very clearly of Cam Cameron and the great debate about firing him year-after-year when the offense underwhelmed. John Harbaugh did not want to hurt his good friend, so Cameron lingered long past his stay potentially costing the Ravens additional chances to win the Super Bowl. When they finally did cut ties, Jim Caldwell took over and helped Joe Flacco orchestrate postseason history with 11 TDs to zero picks. 'Nuff said.

Brandan:

I feel like that is a bit of a stretch to compare Cameron (who was allegedly an offensive mastermind/guru) and Pees who has never had that kind of clout. Pees was successful in New England and has had some bright spots here in Baltimore as the defensive coordinator. Has it all been pretty? No! In all honesty, after this season I know that someone has to get the blame and there will be changes among the staff. As stated before, Leslie Frazier's hire is a good one and I look forward to seeing what his presence will do for the defense. I feel like I'm supporting the losing cause here, a losing presidential candidate who is up for re-election. Ah screw it, FOUR MORE YEARS, FOUR MORE YEARS!

Let us know how you feel Baltimore. Does Pees need to go? Does he need one more chance? Should I cue up the Notorious B.I.G.? That answer, as always, is yes!

Trading for a Crock...ett

It literally takes half of a football team to bring down the beast that is Crockett Gillmore. Unfortunately, with the season playing out like it did some have been clamoring to move pieces around for better prospects. One of those pieces could legitimately be Gillmore. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to trade him.

If there is one thing we learned this season it was that this team has a huge problem with depth. Where you may ask? Everywhere! The main place there wasn't a huge drop off was the tight end position thanks to Maxx Williams, Nick Boyle and Dan "that wasn't pass interference dude" Brown actually showing the hell up throughout the season. However, I'm going to tell you all to pump your brakes on moving Gillmore.

To back up the "let's keep Crockett" campaign we gotta talk about the backups. You know, to prove his value to the team. Now while I agree that Maxx Williams FINALLY showed up towards the end of the season, I was hoping for more. There seemed to be more clutch drops than catches early on and he was quite injury prone. Yes he played in 14 games but had a late start due to missing some serious time in the preseason. Plus the dude only grabbed 1 TD. When we drafted him I expected him to be like Todd Heap, so far I have been disappointed. He looked to be very athletic in his Minnesota days and could clearly jump over any linebacker in his path. Speaking of hurdling defenders, the early surprise of the season was Flacco's fellow Blue Hen Nick Boyle. I need to see him compete in a season where he isn't on PEDs before I claim that he is as good as he looked during this season. Until then, I can't remain Boyle Loyal. When he was suspended we turned to Dan Brown, who most people remember for his phantom offensive pass interference call. He was drafted as a wide receiver (as I have talked about before) and seems small to be a tight end. His hands were strong nevertheless but other than Boyle I'm not confident in any of their abilities in blocking.

Let's take a look back in history. Remember the Patriots, before Aaron Hernandez started killing EVERYONE (please not me buddy I have a family) and the Pats leaned on him and Gronk? Remember how powerful that offense was? Sure you do, Brady had his best season since his knee injury with those two as his security blanket. Who has Flacco palled around with in previous seasons enough to make his wife jealous? Why his tight end of course!

I know, phrasing. Anyway more strong tight end play isn't a bad thing. Having multiple tight ends who can perform at a top level would be ideal. Gillmore (although he was injured) had a strong season having more yards and TDs than any of his counterparts. Honestly how much could we get for an injury prone TE who had less than 500 yards anyway?

That being said I feel like it would be crazy to trade away a developed piece of our offense who was starting to build chemistry with Flacco the way that Dennis Pitta (who is clearly not walking through that door) used to. Now all we can do as fans is watch and wait. Watch our rivals in the postseason and pay wayyyyyyyyyy too much attention to Mel Kiper Jr.

Five Reasons...to Keep Watching Ravens Games

Before any of you try to give me a hard time about not hating in a long time think about this. How hard is it to hate on anyone when you are trying SO hard to figure out what you like about your crapfest of a team? I have an answer for you, pretty damn hard. Now I could easily have complained about the Rams, Dolphins or this week's fabulous opponent the Chiefs but no. I can't do it. Baltimore won't let me.

It has come to my attention that because we are terrible many "fans" have decided to tune out, not giving one iota about this team. That to me is a problem. If you are a "fan" I believe you stick through thick and thin. This season is pretty damn thin, Calista Flockhart thin. So I think some of us need to remember the reason why we should keep tuning in.

1) Duh, football season is only 4-5 months out of the year

The same people that are bitching that they won't watch Ravens games anymore this year, who have sold the remainder of their season tickets and who are probably communists (that last part may or may not be true) are going to be the same ones bitching there is no football until August come March. No one can have it both ways. I mean, do what most fans do. Bandwagon hop. Just stay the hell off social media ya poser! We know you haven't been a Panther fan since '99 and don't gimme that AFC/NFC team bullshit. I don't want to hear it. I'm just saying, want a better viewing experience? Watch anyone else in the division races UNLESS, they are in the NFC East.

2) Jarvaihudflkjahl Allen

Point being, stop trying to say his first name. You couldn't even say Ngata right commentators, you damn sure aren't saying Javorius correctly. Call him Buck, we in Baltimore are huge fans of Buck.

Shit, wrong one. Either way, we here are interested to see how both of them are going to do. Allen has shown that he can in fact be productive out of the backfield and possibly could give Forsett a run for the starting job. Taliaferro has been injury prone in his short career and it is clear (so far) that Allen is more dynamic out of the backfield as a receiver than he is. While Allen has yet to clear the 100 yard rushing mark he did drop a 100+ yards receiving against the Browns. Yes I know, they are terrible but he still did it! We need to figure out what we have back there because we really don't have any solid players at the running back position who have proven to be a dominant force for more than one season.

3) K.O. is LT

Okay, I promise not to bash Eugene Monroe too much in this section. I mean, if I do he might be out all of next season with damaged pride and low self esteem. Since coming to Baltimore, Monroe has been lackluster and injured. Not a good combination. Osemele, on the other hand, has been very productive as a guard and is going to be a free agent in the offseason. With the Ravens extending Yanda they can't put all that money towards the guard position. However, if Osemele dominates as a left tackle they can make it rain in his general direction. They threw him right into the wolves this past week with Seattle and it isn't like its going to get better moving forward. Chiefs, Steelers and Bengals all have an impressive pass rush that should really test whether or not Osemele can achieve man among bitches status. For our sake, let's hope he does.

4) Flaccups?

Honestly, this hurts to watch on Sunday. However, as fans we have to wonder who will be there to backup Flacco if this knee injury prolongs the start to his 2016 season. Add to the equation massive whiny pants Ryan Mallett  who has led the league in complaining (a technique he learned in New England I'm sure) this season. Both Schaub and Claussen have been seen taking reps with the first team this week but you have to figure that these last few weeks will decide who will still be on the roster next season. From what I have seen (Mallett isn't even in the conversation) Schaub hasn't played himself out of the job if he in fact wants it next year. Claussen managed to not completely ruin the game until the second half when he realized, "Shit, I'm Jimmy Claussen! I have only won 1 NFL game in my career and this defense is hard. Sherman looks like he wants the ball, I'll throw to him!'

That being said expect either Schaub or Mallett to start the final two games. It all depends on how Harbs(or his QB) is feeling.

5) Would a real Wide Receiver Please Stand Up?!?

Honestly there are only a couple of names that stand out from our receiving core. One of them is technically a tight end. Kamar Aiken has been improving over the past few weeks and Dan Brown(as the last man standing in a decimated tight end depth chart) has been very impressive. If there is one thing this team can clearly do, it's seeing talent and developing that talent in tight ends. Makes sense with Ozzie at the helm. Amusingly enough Brown was cut from the practice squad the day after Thanksgiving(as a wide receiver). Only to be signed after sooooooooooooooooo many injuries. With that out there we really need to see what guys like Jeremy Butler, Chris Givens and Kaelin Clay. Clay has been impressive in the return game but hasn't done much else. Butler has been more involved the past two weeks so we shall see. All in all as fans and analysts alike, we need to keep an eye on this for the future,

If there is one thing that has been proven this season is that this team lacks depth. Anywhere. More than anything the remainder of this season is about improving that depth. Not only in our roster but our sanity as fans. So cheer up Baltimore, it's only going to be one down year. Right? RIGHT?!?!

Five More Things I Hate About....the Cleveland Browns

credit: NFL memes

Yeah, I know we are no picnic either this season. However, we aren't the toilet bowl on a regular basis that is the Cleveland Browns. Besides, even with us being terrible I can still hate whoever the hell I want. This is 'murica dammit, why Abraham Lincoln chopped down that maple tree or whatever. Kidding....kidding. What I am not kidding about is that pile of hot garbage that is the Cleveland Browns.

1) Josh McCown owned our souls

That game was hard to watch. As someone who was in the stands, every time their offense was on the field the air was sucked out of the stadium after each and every first down the defense gave up. McCown would go on to have a career day with the Browns receivers. Not even the good one who is a massive stoner! I mean what the hell is that? It was frustrating to hear a guy's name so much who I honestly thought could have given me an honest discount double check at a State Farm branch(Gary Barnidge). Worse yet, I know all of you had to hear it from the usual suspects about making this clown look like the G.O.A.T. It was when I knew our season was done for. I had hope and then this jerkwad had to take a big dump on my dreams. Thanks a lot Josh McCown...you dream crusher!

2) They ruin former Ravens

Credit: Cleveland Browns Memes

Let us look at their history. They always seem to grab up our players after they have stellar seasons and we can't/won't afford them. Kruger is the most recent but think about all the previous guys who haven't amounted to jack squat on their team. Jamal Lewis was a shell of himself in Cleveland. As was Gary Baxter. You hear that Cleveland?!? You're team is a toilet flushing the careers of these poor guys who USED to be successful. Congratulations buttholes. Well whatever, they left for the money anyway. They knew they weren't going to win the big one. At least Kruger and Lewis got a ring first.

3) This game is being promoted as a game for draft picks

Jesus tap dancing Christ. I think I liked it better when it was promoted as, a rivalry game that for some reason the Ravens will keep close for far too long before just blowing them away. Currently we are a game up on Cleveland in the division and would be a few picks behind them in the draft. I...I can't. I can't do this! I will not discuss draft position. Who cares? The Browns will waste theirs on some idiot and we will trade down for depth. Seriously who gives a crap. ESPN must be promoting it that way to tie in Monday Night Football and the draft. Well played...

4) Johnny Manziel's Overpublicized Drinking Problems

Don't get me wrong, I will not make fun of alcoholism...just Johnny Manziel's alcoholism. First of all, if the douche wants to start drinking after being in rehab for months during the offseason then so be it. However, that isn't part of the 12 steps Johnny. No where in there does it say to dress up like Scooby Doo and go party. Personally, I never understood why people were so head over heels for this guy. Again just another reason ESPN needs more things to do with their spare time. Focus on more than one pompous career backup at best. His big PR nightmare has just been wonderful and has now cost him the starting job. Here I thought him being god awful would do that for him. 

That being said, just say no Johnny....just say no.

5) I think I might just sleep this one out

I might just have a tryptophan hangover for 5 days and sleep this one out. I mean honestly I might make it through 20 minutes of the Matt Schaub era before I throw up and go to sleep. Possibly in that order. Maybe not? Gotta keep it interesting. Anyway this is a game between a team with more than 50% of the big skill players injured and the Browns. THE BROWNS! Who decided to give them a Monday night game in the first place? Smooth move Goodell! I am thinking that the season finale rerun of The Walking Dead will get better ratings. You know it's going to be on again, you know you are going to watch it for easter eggs. Tasty.


With that being said, hope all the readers have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. Filled with naps and football games better than this one.

All in all this is just a down and out season and I hope these little hate articles are helping you all through these tough times. I know that it helps me get the rage out of the closet. Its like the polar opposite of Little Sweet, just mad and not smooth at all. Not moving up a banister defying gravity but breaking said banister with someone's face! Think the Hulk with Loki in The Avengers.

Five Things I Hate About...the Jacksonville Jaguars

credit: NFL Memes

Yawn, what a week. Locals here in Baltimore got to watch the unfortunate last second victory the Pittsburgh Steelers had over the Raiders, you know the last team I had a hell of a time hating on. As if that wasn't hard enough now I have the pleasure of looking at hating on one of the worst run franchises in the UK....er I mean America. Going to have to turn up the hate for this one...

That seems about right. Let's do this!

1) Jacksonville Jaguars or is it London's Losers?

Personally I enjoy having a game on while I eat my breakfast on a Sunday. Even if it is this god forsaken crap fest of a team. What is going to bother the ever loving crap out of me is when/if they move this franchise to London permanently. Could you imagine that road trip? What if you have back to back road games? Hell, why don't we put a team in Paris and Belgium. Knock the whole trip out at once. I get the globalization of the game, I do. For god's sake there aren't enough bye weeks or craps to give about the Jags over there. I mean, have any of you watched a game from the other side of the pond(that phrase is annoying)? Half the fans show up wearing 3 or 4 different team's gear. You're doing it wrong!

2) Their WRs are by far better than anything we have

credit: SB Nation

Hurns and Robinson have truly achieved "men above bitches" status this year. Bortles has clearly developed into a reliable guy who can chuck the damn ball 60 times a game and these guys snag it for scores. It's damn disgusting. The Ravens front office seem to be able to draft every position known to man except a freaking receiver. It pisses me the hell off. I think the most hilarious thing is the amount of people who thought Julius Thomas would be the best receiver on this team. Those same people decided to draft Thomas and leave Hurns/Robinson on the waiver wire. Nice work fantasy gurus!

3)  Even when we aren't terrible they can beat us

credit: NFL Memes

Before we all start drinking the Kool-Aid believing we are NOT a 2-6 team as well, let's remember that even when we weren't terrible we had issues beating this team. Even when this team was starting the likes of Blaine Gabbert we had issues beating them in Jacksonville. You know, in front of 35 Jags fans. We lost to a Jack Del Rio run team on a Monday night when we were fighting for a playoff spot and they were attempting to not have the first pick. I'm just saying, their offense is powerful enough to run through our defense like a burrito from Chipotle through your digestive tract.

credit: Comedy Central

4) Wait a damn minute, we're both 2-6 right now?

That moment you realize that 3 months ago we were Super Bowl favorites (for some reason) and now can't seem to put a winning streak together. Which means we are currently battling it out for the bottom of the barrel also known as the "glory that is failure." An utter disappointment where you are barely playing for pride and a high draft pick. A phrase that is rampant in my fantasy league. I know, none of you care. That being said, how in the hell are we equal to this team in wins? In all honesty, we should be worse. Their offense (at some positions) is better than ours and their defense is not nearly is poor. 

5) For some reason, the NFL gave them a team before they thought Baltimore deserved a team

credit: NFL Memes

Yeah....Paul Tagliabue can go to hell. The man that said we should build a museum instead of a stadium with our tax dollars back when he expanded the NFL in 1993. The Jags started playing games in 1995. Sure, the team was successful back when Mark Brunell was at the helm but since he has retired, not so much. Blackout games locally and a half empty stadium year after year while we here in Baltimore have to get on a list just to have a glimpse of going to more than one game without spending a mortgage payment/rent on said game. Sure I know this is a bad year to give anyone a hard time about attendance as now it seems that the Ravens are having as much difficulty to fill the place. That being said, Jacksonville as a football town is terrible. Whether our team is good or bad we still sell out we just don't always show up. Going to an NFL game shouldn't be similar to showing up in a town for a baseball game. Meaning I shouldn't be able to go to the ticket booth on a Sunday morning and grab a ticket for that days game. Pretty sure that could/would happen in Jacksonville. Your town is bad and you should feel bad Jacksonville!

While not my most difficult hate article, it definitely had it's hardships. Hopefully when we are enjoying wings and beers this Sunday we will be celebrating a Ravens victory of more than one score. That would be fantastic. Surprising but great nonetheless. Until we hate again...fools.