Ravens #4 Bengals #23! Ridiculous

[walzav29]

The Bengals split the series, the Raven were 9-7 the Bengals were 8-8. Boller is not as good as Palmer. What the hell is that cbs guys problem? Whatever. I refuse to believe that Marvin Lewis will go 8-8 for the rest of his coaching career. FU

[Kirkendall]

Don't worrying about what other people say.

We know we're going to win the Super Bowl this season... that's all that matters.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Remember, he said the Ravens were one team he was "high on". Rating them #4 was a condition set by his dealer, Jamal.

[walzav29]

That is another irritating thing. I can't believe Jamal is in the slammer and he'll be back in the NFL. Sure, I hate his 100 yards a game against the Bengals, but I want to controversy of having 2 jailbirds on the team. WHERE"S THE CONVICT COVERAGE!

[turningpoint]

I just taked to a ravens fan, who has s**tted on me for years for being a bengals fan.. and if it makes ya feel better he thinks we should be at least ranked 15th but should be higher.

[derekshank]

I just made this same basic post on another thread, but this is the same topic:

As a Bengals fan, I hate the Ravens. And I agree that #4 is too high, but the fact is that they have a much higher number of players who are ranked in the top 5 of their position than the average team. This is why they are always ranked so high.

Ray Lewis - considered the best

Jamal Lewis - only Ladanian and Preist are seen as better

Ed Reed - top 5 safety

Chris McAlister - considered top 2 or 3 CB

Todd Heap - Tony Gonzalez, Jeremy Shockey and now Antonio Gates are the only ones that are seen as better. (Kellen could be if he wasn't an idiot)

Jonathon Ogden – He and Orlando Pace are considered the 2 best

Not to mention Peter Boulware and the addition of Derrick Mason.

I'm really not trying to defend a #4 ranking here, but these players are the reasons they are always ranked so high. I mean, even when I look at it, I have to think top 10. Thankfully they consistently underacheive because Boller sucks.

They must also have coaching issues, because that roster is pretty amazing. Now that Ray Lewis is getting older, their reign of terror in the top half of the rankings will soon be over, and they will be replaced there by the Bengals. Who Dey?!!

Anyway, This shows that no name role players who care about the team (i.e. Patriots) are more valuable than prima donna self centered superstars (T.O.) Lets hope that we have more of the former than the latter. (P.S. I think Chad happens to be both, so he's okay)

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Ray Lewis - considered the best

Jamal Lewis - only Ladanian and Preist are seen as better

Ed Reed - top 5 safety

Chris McAlister - considered top 2 or 3 CB

Todd Heap - Tony Gonzalez, Jeremy Shockey and now Antonio Gates are the only ones that are seen as better. (Kellen could be if he wasn't an idiot)

Jonathon Ogden – He and Orlando Pace are considered the 2 best

Not to mention Peter Boulware and the addition of Derrick Mason.

I'm really not trying to defend a #4 ranking here, but these players are the reasons they are always ranked so high. I mean, even when I look at it, I have to think top 10. Thankfully they consistently underacheive because Boller sucks.

They must also have coaching issues, because that roster is pretty amazing. Now that Ray Lewis is getting older, their reign of terror in the top half of the rankings will soon be over, and they will be replaced there by the Bengals. Who Dey?!!

Anyway, This shows that no name role players who care about the team (i.e. Patriots) are more valuable than prima donna self centered superstars (T.O.) Lets hope that we have more of the former than the latter. (P.S. I think Chad happens to be both, so he's okay)

Ray Lewis: Considered to be aging, and no longer the best linebacker on his team.

Jamal Lewis: Overrated. He isn't even in the top 10, and BARELY got 1000 yards last season. Curtis Martin, Shaun Alexander, Corey Dillon, Edgerdin James, Tiki Barber, Rudi Johnson, LaDanian Tomlinson, Clinton Portis, Priest Holmes, and many others are better than he is.

Ed Reed: I'll give you this one, he's a top 5 safety.

Todd Heap: Top 5 tight end, but ONLY because his QB has had noone else worth throwing the ball to.

Ogden: Once again, overrated. He's barely the 3rd best tackle in the division, and that's only because Cleveland is in the division. Big Willie and Marvel Smith are both better than Ogden.

Chris McAlister? Are you high? He is an ok CB, but there's no way he rates in the top 5 cornerback in the AFC.

[derekshank]

Hey hey hey, take it easy. I'm just telling you what any sports talk host will say. That is what the consensus in the league is. It's not my opinion, or yours (obviously). I'm just making a statement as to why they are ranked so high. Regardless, they have a higher number of top 5 top 10 guys than the Bengals do. We have Chad Johnson, and... (hopefully Carson Palmer will develop into this list liek I believe he will).

I think that the Ravens are overrated, and prove it year after year with their play. But no matter what I think, these players continue to be considered among the leagues best, and that is why they are ranked so high.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

Our top guys...

Willie Anderson is one of the top 5 at his position.

Chad Johnson is a rising star and in the top 5 at wideout

Rudi Johnson is a top 10 running back.

Tory James is a pro-bowl cornerback (where was McAlister?)

Madieu Williams should have been defensive rookie of the year, and will be one of the top free safeties in the league.

Golden Graham is one of the top 3 kickers in the league.

[cHaD711Johnson]

Ray Lewis - considered the best

Jamal Lewis - only Ladanian and Preist are seen as better

Ed Reed - top 5 safety

Chris McAlister - considered top 2 or 3 CB

Todd Heap - Tony Gonzalez, Jeremy Shockey and now Antonio Gates are the only ones that are seen as better. (Kellen could be if he wasn't an idiot)

Jonathon Ogden – He and Orlando Pace are considered the 2 best

Not to mention Peter Boulware and the addition of Derrick Mason.

I'm really not trying to defend a #4 ranking here, but these players are the reasons they are always ranked so high. I mean, even when I look at it, I have to think top 10. Thankfully they consistently underacheive because Boller sucks.

They must also have coaching issues, because that roster is pretty amazing. Now that Ray Lewis is getting older, their reign of terror in the top half of the rankings will soon be over, and they will be replaced there by the Bengals. Who Dey?!!

Anyway, This shows that no name role players who care about the team (i.e. Patriots) are more valuable than prima donna self centered superstars (T.O.) Lets hope that we have more of the former than the latter. (P.S. I think Chad happens to be both, so he's okay)

Ray Lewis: Considered to be aging, and no longer the best linebacker on his team.

Jamal Lewis: Overrated. He isn't even in the top 10, and BARELY got 1000 yards last season. Curtis Martin, Shaun Alexander, Corey Dillon, Edgerdin James, Tiki Barber, Rudi Johnson, LaDanian Tomlinson, Clinton Portis, Priest Holmes, and many others are better than he is.

Ed Reed: I'll give you this one, he's a top 5 safety.

Todd Heap: Top 5 tight end, but ONLY because his QB has had noone else worth throwing the ball to.

Ogden: Once again, overrated. He's barely the 3rd best tackle in the division, and that's only because Cleveland is in the division. Big Willie and Marvel Smith are both better than Ogden.

Chris McAlister? Are you high? He is an ok CB, but there's no way he rates in the top 5 cornerback in the AFC.

Ray Lewis- Aging but still tenacious, and a tremendous presence, still pro bowl year in and out

Jamal Lewis- The reason he barely got 1000 yards is because he was hurt (and suspended I think), there is no WAY Corey Dillon, Tiki Barber, Curtis Martin..and sorry are own Rudi Johnson are better than JLew...You know that this dude is a monster I would trade any of those guys for him in a heartbeat and maybe Priest Holmes with his injury problems.

Ed Reed and Todd heap-Hands down top 5..Not big on Heap though

Ogden- IMO may be a tad overrated, but with his size he is able to dominate and does often.

McCalister- I don't think you find 5 Corners better than McCalister in the AFC..Hands down best in the AFC North at CB until Keiwan becomes the best!!!

But don't forget..

Terrell Suggs- This dude is a MoNStAR

Samari Rolle- He is also one of the top CBs but for one reason, he TRAINZ WITH THE BEST CHAD JOHNSON!!!

We will win the division though as long as they keep Boller at QB!!

[derekshank]

My argument was not to try to rate our guys vs. theirs. I think we will beat them in the division this year. But I do not think Rudi is a top 10 back (if he is he is #10 and well behind Jamal Lewis), and Tory James is not better than McAlister, he just had a ton of ints. That means that QB's were not afraid of him enough to not throw the ball in his direction.

Anyway - this whole conversation is going wide. I think we have the stronger team, because of that very reason TEAM. I think we are stronger top to bottom as a team, just maybe not when you compare individual players, which generally is what sports writers who make rankings do.

Therefore it should be no surprize to us that the Ravens are ranked higher, even though the Bengals will beat them in the division this year.

[BengalsOwn]

Did someone just point out that Jamal Lewis "barely got 1000 yards last season"?

Considering he played in maybe 9 games, that's pretty damn impressive.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

23 is a bit low, but, this franchise hasn't proven yet that it can get over the .500 mark hump for 14 years so why would anyone freak out that someone ranks them lower than we as fans expect?

Hate to burst bubbles but there's a real chance that with a key injury or two this team could go right back into the crapper - you're still looking at a 2nd year QB, an average but adequate o-line, and at this point only 2 healthy, proven WR's, and a defense that was God awful last season that needs to prove itself with youth and a new coordinator.

Let the cards fall where they may, there's solace in the fact that this team has it's stars locked up for a while and are moving in the right direction with the possibility of greatness not very far off in the next few seasons either way, if not sooner.

[turningpoint]

WTF todd heap is only good cause he's the only guy kyle could throw the ball 2?

ok and how does that make him bad?

you're telling me that he to work his ass off to get open being double and triple teamed...with no other offensive wepon on his team...and they still threw him the ball?

AND HE"S NOT GOOD!!!!

wow seriously you sir are a moron.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Hate to burst bubbles but there's a real chance that with a key injury or two this team could go right back into the crapper -

and a defense that was God awful last season that needs to prove itself with youth and a new coordinator.

I feel a major reason why this happened (besides there being no real defensive "leader" on the field) was injuries. They were more like the walking wounded than a defensive squad.

[KEEPSHOVELING]

I don't believe it matters where the Bengals are ranked on any "power rank". Anybody that Knows football can see the Bengals are for real and a threat to win the SuperBowl,yes THE SUPERBOWL. It will be a dogfight in our division, Baltimore and Pittsburg are great teams and could win it too. Kyle Boller is the only reason the Ravens hav,nt won more. If we lose a game to Cleveland this season I,ll vomit on the spot!!!

:player: :player:

[HoosierCat]

I feel a major reason why this happened (besides there being no real defensive "leader" on the field) was injuries. They were more like the walking wounded than a defensive squad.

I think the biggest impact was Beckett going out at SS. He'd had a good year in 2003. They still haven't found an answer there.

[#85MVP]

The Ravens are either this year's or next year's Titans. R.Lewis, Bowlware, and Odgen aging. Mason and J.Lewis are past prime. And thier are in need of a QB but will ignore it b/c he is a first round draft pick. Last year the Titans were in need of a QB but were to faithful to McNair just b/c he is respected.

Ravens only have 3 good YOUNG players- Suggs, Clayton, and Reed

If it wasnt for ML the ravens wouldnt have been the defense they were and are today. ML was the d-coordinator while they drafted Ray Lewis and began their defensive reign. Now ML is the head coach and calls the shots for us. He knows what he is doing i would not be suprised for Pollack to be the ringleader of the Cincinnati Bengals defensive supremecy to come. Pollack, Thurman, Madieu, Ratliff, and Landon Johnson are just the beginning of the defensive side to the dynsaty Marvin is planning. Eventually we will have the Ravens of 2000 except we HAVE AN OFFENSE.

[ArmyBengal]

Chris McAlister? Are you high? He is an ok CB, but there's no way he rates in the top 5 cornerback in the AFC.

I remember before McAlister signed the deal with B-More he had mentioned how he would love to play for Marvin Lewis again. I was stoked at the thought of him coming here. However, it was not to be. He got the $$ we couldn't give. He was hurt last year, but must say I would give ANY of our CB's for McAlister. Name 5 corners in the AFC better and please don't be a homer and say James.

As for the rankings..... Who gives a S**T ?? As far as motivation... Do any of you know if the players see or even care about only one of many rankings prior to training camp ?? If that is what they need to get motivated, we've got bigger problems !!

WHODEY !!!

[Arizona]

First things first, we have to settle something. Marvin Lewis has nothing to do with this defense anymore. We've switched schemes twice and have only two players left from that period. That was years ago. that's like giving Billick continuing credit for any success the Vikings offense has had in the recent past. And i know nobody here would do that.

Next, the reason the Ravens are so high is b/c of the available talent and b/c of a history of success. If we had been told b/f the season, and by we I mean all of us, that Heap would miss like 11 games, jamal would miss 6 or 7, Ogden would miss a bunch, etc. etc. would you believe we could go even .500? This team has had a history of overachieving and that carries some weight.

I think the Bengals are pretty solid, but no more so than other potentially good teams. Until that potential is realized, there won't be any recognition from the national media.

Those of you claiming you don't care about national media rankings, remember that if the Bengals start out strong and start shooting up the power rankings. If you say you aren't offended by a low rank you are either a liar or not a true fan.

Lastly, I will agree again in this space that this team goes as Kyle Boller goes. All the other weapons are there. IF he has a Drew Brees type breakout year, this team goes 16-0. If he has an average year, 12-4 is realistic. If he sucks, 8-8. This defense is worth 8 wins in itself.

[jditty47]

so ill chalk the ravens up with 8 wins then.

[cHaD711Johnson]

First things first, we have to settle something. Marvin Lewis has nothing to do with this defense anymore. We've switched schemes twice and have only two players left from that period. That was years ago. that's like giving Billick continuing credit for any success the Vikings offense has had in the recent past. And i know nobody here would do that.

Next, the reason the Ravens are so high is b/c of the available talent and b/c of a history of success. If we had been told b/f the season, and by we I mean all of us, that Heap would miss like 11 games, jamal would miss 6 or 7, Ogden would miss a bunch, etc. etc. would you believe we could go even .500? This team has had a history of overachieving and that carries some weight.

I think the Bengals are pretty solid, but no more so than other potentially good teams. Until that potential is realized, there won't be any recognition from the national media.

Those of you claiming you don't care about national media rankings, remember that if the Bengals start out strong and start shooting up the power rankings. If you say you aren't offended by a low rank you are either a liar or not a true fan.

Lastly, I will agree again in this space that this team goes as Kyle Boller goes. All the other weapons are there. IF he has a Drew Brees type breakout year, this team goes 16-0. If he has an average year, 12-4 is realistic. If he sucks, 8-8. This defense is worth 8 wins in itself.

Boller is terrrrrrrribbbllle.....So you prepare for those 8 wins ...IMO you do better with Anthony Wright in at QB

[Sox]

Lastly, I will agree again in this space that this team goes as Kyle Boller goes. All the other weapons are there. IF he has a Drew Brees type breakout year, this team goes 16-0. If he has an average year, 12-4 is realistic. If he sucks, 8-8. This defense is worth 8 wins in itself.

Well,8-8 it is.

[schweinhart]

Lastly, I will agree again in this space that this team goes as Kyle Boller goes.  All the other weapons are there.  IF he has a Drew Brees type breakout year, this team goes 16-0.  If he has an average year, 12-4 is realistic.  If he sucks, 8-8.  This defense is worth 8 wins in itself.

Well,8-8 it is.

Last year's Ratbird defense wasn't worth 8 wins by itself or they would have made the playoffs. Two key games got away from them and basically cost them the playoffs last year -- the Chiefs and Bengals.

I don't see how the 2005 defense will be better than last year's. The offense has some additions that can't hurt and a full-year of Jam should help there, but the help on offense doesn't look to me like it will offset the scheme and personnel changes on defense.

[HairOnFire]

Those of you claiming you don't care about national media rankings, remember that if the Bengals start out strong and start shooting up the power rankings. If you say you aren't offended by a low rank you are either a liar or not a true fan.

Well if you really believe that the only conclusion I can come to in response is that you're a total idiot. True, if I knew your actual feelings it may turn out that you're more of a liar than an idiot, but why quibble over the details? If you're willing to take this kind of crap seriously haven't you proven that you aren't worth talking to for very long?

Read Priscos power rankings and the first thing you've got to wade through is a bunch of crap about how surprised he is that anyone takes them serious enough to bother responding. I happen to agree with that point, but that may be a result of my nagging doubts. You see, I'm skeptical about the reasons this writers poer rankings are so inflamatory to so many. Is it possible that the article was written very deliberately in the hope of stirring multiple pots?

Feedback, positive or negative, is proof of interest. Who cares if a couple of morons read about the Ravens higher-than-can-be-justified ranking and react like it meant something of worth? Who cares if Arizona Cardinal fans scream "What about us?" Who gives a fig if the Bengals are ranked at the lower end of the muddled middle instead of the upper portion? Newspapers must be sold. Just make sure you spell the writers name correctly and I'm sure he won't mind if anyone bothers pointing out how low he had the Steelers ranked at this time last year.

My own opinion of this teams chances are far more important to me that Pete Priscos will ever be, and if you think a person has to react to every meaningless article posted with precisely measured doses of anger or euphoria or risk being called an untrue fan then you're just a fan named Homer, a garden-variety moron, or a blatant liar.