This forum is nothing like I expected

[CTFan]

I live in CT, but I'm a Ravens fan since I grew up in Baltimore. I'm not going to try to console you on your loss, 'cause I know from experience nothing works and lame attempts only make it worse.

Instead, I just wanted to tell you that after reading almost every post in the main forum from the past week and a half, I've come away with a lot of respect for the people on this forum, the true Pats fans.

I was impressed with how objective the majority of posters are here. I was stunned to read a long thread congratulating the Ravens. And I was touched to read the response to the treatment Torrey Smith got from a few aholes that somehow got game tickets. Trust me, we all have jerks like that.

I also gained a lot of knowledge from this forum and I'm beginning to realize how difficult it is to field a complete team when you have an Elite Qb. Well, not an Elite QB, but the cap hit that goes with it. There's just no way to not have weaknesses somewhere when a big chunk of cap space goes to one player. It's our turn now to see if we can cope.

In reading some of the other topics, I'd like to throw in my .02:

Yes, Suggs is perhaps the ugliest player in all of sports, but he's actually got a lot of smarts and charisma. I wouldn't take anything he says to heart.

I squirm when Ray goes into preacher mode too. However, he's done so much to help many NFL players on teams across the league. Wouldn't we all rather see these guys going to chruch, rather than going to jail?

Someone suggested that your FO should offer a 3rd Round pick for Pollard. I think we might be able to hold you up for a couple of first rounders.

On Brady's leg whip. I think it was just a protective reflex and as I understand it, he called Ed Reed. It's all good. In fact, its ironic ecause Reed has had a few helmet-to-helmet hits that weren't intentional, but were illegal. It's football, it happens.

For whatever reason, the Ravens seem to have the right chemistry or something to play the Pats tough, regardless the outcome, or the venue. As a Ravens fan, it's great to know you can compete and are not intimidated when playing the team that everyone felt was the best. It's a great rivalry, I hope it stays that way. This is a classy forum. Thanks.

[Ian]

Great post. Thought I'd move this over so the rest of you could see it - it was added in the New Member's Forum.

[upstater1]

Indeed it is a good post. This is a good board too. I have to say though if you stick around, you'll see a lot of fighting to go with the great info. There are a lot of people here. I was trading PMs with someone here recently who recognized me from a Uconn bball board, and we were saying that this place is a little like the wild west compared to a more civilized college bball board, but I expect that has to do with the sport itself and the fact this is pro sports. That being said, there are frequent detailed football strategy posts, film analysis and stat analysis on here (used to even have a salary cap wizard) that make this a fantastic place.

I know why people's impressions of the Patriots are so negative. I clearly remember the same hatred for the Cowboys during their run, so it's not really surprising, but for the most part, if you look at the actual Patriots players, they are good guys, not much sensationalism or scandal.

What's not to like about the Patriots?

[DarrylStingley]

Originally Posted by upstater1

Indeed it is a good post. This is a good board too. I have to say though if you stick around, you'll see a lot of fighting to go with the great info. There are a lot of people here. I was trading PMs with someone here recently who recognized me from a Uconn bball board, and we were saying that this place is a little like the wild west compared to a more civilized college bball board, but I expect that has to do with the sport itself and the fact this is pro sports. That being said, there are frequent detailed football strategy posts, film analysis and stat analysis on here (used to even have a salary cap wizard) that make this a fantastic place.

I know why people's impressions of the Patriots are so negative. I clearly remember the same hatred for the Cowboys during their run, so it's not really surprising, but for the most part, if you look at the actual Patriots players, they are good guys, not much sensationalism or scandal.

What's not to like about the Patriots?

Bill is abrupt or perceived that way. I like it because I think openness equates to potentially revealing info that would be helpful to the opposition. But people don't like how he deals with the press.

And then there is the perception that the cameras affected the results.

And the pats carry themselves with confidence.

And the pats have won a lot.

That the mix makes people haters isn't shocking. It doesn't help that the bill and spy gate combo makes many in the media portray the pats unfairly.

Good opening post. I still hate the ravens and have a terrible impression of many of their fans after my experience there in 2007. But the opening post was good. Oh, and don't forget that ray Lewis kills people!

[Steve:Section 102]

Originally Posted by CTFan

I live in CT, but I'm a Ravens fan since I grew up in Baltimore. I'm not going to try to console you on your loss, 'cause I know from experience nothing works and lame attempts only make it worse.

Instead, I just wanted to tell you that after reading almost every post in the main forum from the past week and a half, I've come away with a lot of respect for the people on this forum, the true Pats fans.

I was impressed with how objective the majority of posters are here. I was stunned to read a long thread congratulating the Ravens. And I was touched to read the response to the treatment Torrey Smith got from a few aholes that somehow got game tickets. Trust me, we all have jerks like that.

I also gained a lot of knowledge from this forum and I'm beginning to realize how difficult it is to field a complete team when you have an Elite Qb. Well, not an Elite QB, but the cap hit that goes with it. There's just no way to not have weaknesses somewhere when a big chunk of cap space goes to one player. It's our turn now to see if we can cope.

In reading some of the other topics, I'd like to throw in my .02:

Yes, Suggs is perhaps the ugliest player in all of sports, but he's actually got a lot of smarts and charisma. I wouldn't take anything he says to heart.

I squirm when Ray goes into preacher mode too. However, he's done so much to help many NFL players on teams across the league. Wouldn't we all rather see these guys going to chruch, rather than going to jail?

Someone suggested that your FO should offer a 3rd Round pick for Pollard. I think we might be able to hold you up for a couple of first rounders.

On Brady's leg whip. I think it was just a protective reflex and as I understand it, he called Ed Reed. It's all good. In fact, its ironic ecause Reed has had a few helmet-to-helmet hits that weren't intentional, but were illegal. It's football, it happens.

For whatever reason, the Ravens seem to have the right chemistry or something to play the Pats tough, regardless the outcome, or the venue. As a Ravens fan, it's great to know you can compete and are not intimidated when playing the team that everyone felt was the best. It's a great rivalry, I hope it stays that way. This is a classy forum. Thanks.

Nice job. Welcome to the board. You've set the bar pretty high for yourself.

One lap around the track does not make a race driver. Now go get your own car and let's see how you do in a crowd.

[ausbacker]

CTFan... you forgot to top off your post with the Jets suck.

Thanks for dropping by and providing us with the kind words. Most appreciate the work Ian and the mods do around here. It's a special forum, one which we would all be wise to remember!

Good luck in the Superbowl.

[mayoclinic]

Originally Posted by CTFan

I live in CT, but I'm a Ravens fan since I grew up in Baltimore. I'm not going to try to console you on your loss, 'cause I know from experience nothing works and lame attempts only make it worse.

Instead, I just wanted to tell you that after reading almost every post in the main forum from the past week and a half, I've come away with a lot of respect for the people on this forum, the true Pats fans.

I was impressed with how objective the majority of posters are here. I was stunned to read a long thread congratulating the Ravens. And I was touched to read the response to the treatment Torrey Smith got from a few aholes that somehow got game tickets. Trust me, we all have jerks like that.

I also gained a lot of knowledge from this forum and I'm beginning to realize how difficult it is to field a complete team when you have an Elite Qb. Well, not an Elite QB, but the cap hit that goes with it. There's just no way to not have weaknesses somewhere when a big chunk of cap space goes to one player. It's our turn now to see if we can cope.

In reading some of the other topics, I'd like to throw in my .02:

Yes, Suggs is perhaps the ugliest player in all of sports, but he's actually got a lot of smarts and charisma. I wouldn't take anything he says to heart.

I squirm when Ray goes into preacher mode too. However, he's done so much to help many NFL players on teams across the league. Wouldn't we all rather see these guys going to chruch, rather than going to jail?

Someone suggested that your FO should offer a 3rd Round pick for Pollard. I think we might be able to hold you up for a couple of first rounders.

On Brady's leg whip. I think it was just a protective reflex and as I understand it, he called Ed Reed. It's all good. In fact, its ironic ecause Reed has had a few helmet-to-helmet hits that weren't intentional, but were illegal. It's football, it happens.

For whatever reason, the Ravens seem to have the right chemistry or something to play the Pats tough, regardless the outcome, or the venue. As a Ravens fan, it's great to know you can compete and are not intimidated when playing the team that everyone felt was the best. It's a great rivalry, I hope it stays that way. This is a classy forum. Thanks.

Nice post. A couple of thoughts:

1. The Ravens beat the Pats fair and square, no complaints. You win some, you lose some. We didn't deserve to win the way we played, and you guys made the plays you had to. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy it and make the most of your opportunity, because these opportunities are hard to come by.

2. As a Pats fan, I hate that we lost. But as a football purist, I'm happy to see two very physical, aggressive teams in the Super Bowl. I admire the "black and blue" style that the Ravens played on Sunday - it was the way that the Pats played from 2001-2004 in winning their SB's. We need to get back to that style. Maybe it will teach us a lesson.

3. The stuff regarding Torrey Smith is deplorable. Just inexcusable. I think everyone on this board is ashamed. I don't use Twitter, but I hope someone conveys to Torrey that we're not all like that.

4. I personally thought earlier this season that the Ravens were in for a rough stretch at the end of the season because of a very tough finishing schedule, and because they got beat up with a lot of injuries, and had some key players who were on the older side. That happened, and I thought that the Ravens were close to falling apart after the Denver game and 3 successive losses, including 2 at home. But to their - and Harbaugh's - credit they pulled together and got stronger. They deserve a lot of credit for that. I wasn't at all sure they had that in them. Good job.

5. My only complaint with the Ravens is that after the game they still seemed to be obsessed with the Patriots. Suggs' rant, the stuff on Brady's slide, etc. They should focus on themselves and how they played, not on us. They did a good job, and have a lot to be proud of. Now move on, and focus on the positive, and especially on the next game.

Just my 2 cents.

[PATSNUTme]

CTfan we welcome fans of other teams, and we do have many.

You seem to get what many don't get, and that this is a Patriots board and all posts and threads will not favor your team.

If I went to a Ravens board I would have to be mindful of where I am, and that I will see threads and post that will to favor the Patriots. That's just way fan message boards are.

So if you see a "Go Niners" thread either started by me or someone who is quicker than me, understand that many of us hate the Ravens but not the fans of the Ravens.

Welcome to the board!!!

[borg]

Originally Posted by CTFan

I live in CT, but I'm a Ravens fan since I grew up in Baltimore. I'm not going to try to console you on your loss, 'cause I know from experience nothing works and lame attempts only make it worse.

Instead, I just wanted to tell you that after reading almost every post in the main forum from the past week and a half, I've come away with a lot of respect for the people on this forum, the true Pats fans.

I was impressed with how objective the majority of posters are here. I was stunned to read a long thread congratulating the Ravens. And I was touched to read the response to the treatment Torrey Smith got from a few aholes that somehow got game tickets. Trust me, we all have jerks like that.

I also gained a lot of knowledge from this forum and I'm beginning to realize how difficult it is to field a complete team when you have an Elite Qb. Well, not an Elite QB, but the cap hit that goes with it. There's just no way to not have weaknesses somewhere when a big chunk of cap space goes to one player. It's our turn now to see if we can cope.

In reading some of the other topics, I'd like to throw in my .02:

Yes, Suggs is perhaps the ugliest player in all of sports, but he's actually got a lot of smarts and charisma. I wouldn't take anything he says to heart.

I squirm when Ray goes into preacher mode too. However, he's done so much to help many NFL players on teams across the league. Wouldn't we all rather see these guys going to chruch, rather than going to jail?

Someone suggested that your FO should offer a 3rd Round pick for Pollard. I think we might be able to hold you up for a couple of first rounders.

On Brady's leg whip. I think it was just a protective reflex and as I understand it, he called Ed Reed. It's all good. In fact, its ironic ecause Reed has had a few helmet-to-helmet hits that weren't intentional, but were illegal. It's football, it happens.

For whatever reason, the Ravens seem to have the right chemistry or something to play the Pats tough, regardless the outcome, or the venue. As a Ravens fan, it's great to know you can compete and are not intimidated when playing the team that everyone felt was the best. It's a great rivalry, I hope it stays that way. This is a classy forum. Thanks.

Nice job, particularly your point about the down side of having high priced stars on the roster. The Patriots have definitely become top heavy with high priced talent which affects the quality of depth at the back end. More troubling, at least in this game is how small the offense played, considering the majority of $$$$ that is directed towards that group and their stars. They get the $$$$, they are paid well to carry the team. BB may have to rejigger this formula.
Congrats to Baltimore for effectively identifying and challenging NE's weaknesses.
The endless pursuit of the perfect roster continues on.

[goheels22002]

Nice opening post.

This is one of the better NFL message boards around due in large measure to the quality and diligence of the moderators who are quick to pull the plug on posts and posters who are demeaning, profane or inflammatory. They do a nice job of combining redundant threads for the most part, and they let the debate rage when it remains respectful and appears to be getting someplace.

That said, there aren't kid gloves around here. If you are inaccurate or clueless, you get nailed fast. The ladies and gentlemen who are on here regularly know their stuff.

If you want to be fully ingratiated, refer to the Ravens as "Ratbirds" and weigh in on the Jets Suck thread.

Ciao.