N.F.L. 21-22 Season (2 Viewers)

[sammy719]

I think there is nothing wrong with being enthusiastic about your team, I still am for the Steelers no matter how bad I think they suck. However, IMO, the issue with the Ravens has a lot to do with their perceived reputation outside of Baltimore and Lamar Jackson's demeanor and past performance. In a popularity contest, they are not likable. They don't resonate with the average NFL fan the way the Cowboys, Packers, Steelers, 49ers and Patriots do. Again, IMO, Ray Lewis, while a tremendous football player during his tenure was one of the more disliked players nationally. Think about it this way - Big Ben's jersey outsold his (I don't remember the numbers but it was obscene on a national basis). In other words, it wasn't just Burgh fans buying his jersey, but only Baltimore fans bought Lewis'. Same with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, etc. I think that hurts a team's national appeal and perceived respect. I hate to put it this way, but the Ravens unfairly had/maybe have still a reputation as (Insert whatever nefarious name you choose). I think that is why you don't see a lot of respect sentiment or general sentiment towards them.

Now, if they do defeat the Chiefs, I think you may see a surge in "Ravens Fans". They will be considered the frontrunner and everyone loves a frontrunner. Harbaugh and the Ravens in general are not out marketing themselves, they just come in an play football and want to be known for running you over and punching you in the mouth. That works great when you are a dynasty, but when lately you fall on your face, it doesn't play well in the respect/popularity game.

Again, if they continue to play like they are playing and roll through the playoffs/superbowl, they will get a whole lot of respect. But if you are wondering why they don't get a lot of love, the above IMO is a pretty good snapshot.

Tom

I am talking about this year, not a snapshot of the organization overall, but if you go that route and we win 3 Superbowls in 27 years, if that happens....not to shabby, but I'm looking at who the Ravens beat this year and how easily those games were to win, if the Ravens win going away against the Chefs, hopefully you guys will throw some respect thier way....but I won't hold my breath

 

[jazzeum]

I largely agree with Tom. There is nothing with being a fan and being enthusiastic but you also need to look at your team realistically and without emotion. The Ravens are the best team and will probably win but will they beat them like they beat Houston. Doubtful. That’s why they are only a slight favorite.

 

[Combat]

I think lamar is locked in, along with the defense, Ravens win in another blowout..off to thier 3rd Superbowl in 27 years..

I don't hate them or even care who wins at this point. Lamar Jackson has never won a big game in his entire career. College or pro. He is "small game" Lamar until he wins something. He didn't play very well against Houston and was lucky that his D bailed him out. If the Ravens win out, great. If not, the world goes on. I'm pulling for anyone except the Niners.

 

[jazzeum]

If not, the world goes on.

I think too many fans are over emotionally invested in their teams to the extent of what we saw last night with those Buffalo fans crying in the stands. It’s initially upsetting but it’s entertainment. Life goes on. You can’t let your whole world revolve around it.

 

[sammy719]

**** me... y'all have it.

 

[Warrior]

I think too many fans are over emotionally invested in their teams to the extent of what we saw last night with those Buffalo fans crying in the stands. It’s initially upsetting but it’s entertainment. Life goes on. You can’t let your whole world revolve around it.

The Bills come up small in any language.........


https://twitter.com/i/status/1749576935519265005

Those fans filed out of the stadium dressed like they were marching off to the Russian Front.

 

[jazzeum]

**** me... y'all have it.

 

[sammy719]

 

[tdubel]

View attachment 302517

flippin priceless, younger version of the guy in the Buffalo stands!!!!!

 

[Currahee Chris]

This product sucks compared to recent years. I don't care what anyone says, on a whole, this season is flat out boring.
TD

It was an odd season for sure and I think this is a function of the 17 game format- Heaven forbid when this thing moves to 18 games which is supposed to happen soon. I think with athletes just being so big and strong and athletic and the season being so much longer, it lends itself to this situation where the last 3-4 weeks can produce some dreadful games- most of the teams are either all banged up and are fielding a practice squad or they already clinched and are sitting their starters. This season seemed pretty good for QBs as I know in prior years it seemed like teams needed a QB Bullpen to win 10 games. With the exception of the Aaron Rogers injury, which seems so long ago that they were wearing leather helmets, QB's stayed pretty healthy.

I know it's only 1 more game per team but at some point, diminishing returns sets in and you regress. I think that has happened with the NFL to an extent. It also seems like only about half the teams in the league get televised and the rest are on the outs. Perhaps Carolina wasn't the draw everyone hoped for but still, throw them a bone at some point. It just seemed like a carousel of Dallas, SF, KC and that dreadful Taylor Swift, Miami, Buffalo and Detroit- even Baltimore seemed a little under the radar until they started getting hot.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Why take off the glasses?? I get you all hate the Ravens

The Ravens and Raiders are my AFC teams. Big fan. I don''t think it's going to be a blowout though- I think Baltimore wins it but the Swifties are what they are- they have been in the playoffs for years and have that experience.

 

[Combat]

I think too many fans are over emotionally invested in their teams to the extent of what we saw last night with those Buffalo fans crying in the stands. It’s initially upsetting but it’s entertainment. Life goes on. You can’t let your whole world revolve around it.

There are a lot of things about sports that defy logic. Like how they get thousands of people to pay hundreds per ticket to drive in traffic for hours and then sit in the freezing cold for four hours with angry drunks. It's also hard to understand why fans support any NFL team. Every team is comprised of random individuals who come mostly from places other than where they play. And many players change teams the next year. Is any city or person better off if their random group of players beats some other random group of players? At least in college football, there is some local flavor to the home team because a higher percentage of players are usually from that area. Still there is an emotional investment. We have had more dust ups on this forum about sports than almost anything.

 

[tdubel]

Cant figure out what this emoji is? It is too small, per Doug, you must have reposted it from Small Game Jackson.

 

[Warrior]

The Ravens and Raiders are my AFC teams. Big fan. I don''t think it's going to be a blowout though- I think Baltimore wins it but the Swifties are what they are- they have been in the playoffs for years and have that experience.

There you go Sammy; another Ravens fan..............one more and you can start a fan club.

 

[sammy719]

 

[lancer]

There you go Sammy; another Ravens fan..............one more and you can start a fan club.

Don't forget me, a Raven's fan by homestate affiliation. Started out a true die-hard BALTIMORE Colt's fan, and still am, but only the Johnny U/Bert Jones version. Was a Redskins fan, via local loyalty, until Danny Boy destroyed the franchise and became a Raven fan once they came to B-more. The Ravens aren't my old Colts but they are what we have now. Go Ravens. -- Al

 

[sammy719]

Ok!! Now we're rolln!! Al, Chris, myself!! ..see y'all at the AFC Championship Sunday!!!

 

[Currahee Chris]

Every team is comprised of random individuals who come mostly from places other than where they play. And many players change teams the next year. Is any city or person better off if their random group of players beats some other random group of players? At least in college football, there is some local flavor to the home team because a higher percentage of players are usually from that area. Still there is an emotional investment. We have had more dust ups on this forum about sports than almost anything.

Perhaps- while I did state I am a Ravens/Raiders AFC team guy make no mistake about it, DALLAS is where my heart has always been. As a boy growing up, you grow to admire Roger Staubach and his devotion to his sport and country and family. In Tom Landry, I saw some who personified my ideals and the man I wanted to grow to be and have the life like he did- WW2 Vet, pro player and then legendary coach- and servant of God- those are all admirable qualities to me.

Come to the 90's and Im standing next to Emmitt Smith's father at a card show at the Y in Ft Walton Beach- they guy was very kind to me and went and bought Emmitt cards from every vendor- I had no idea who he was till one of the vendors told me. Now of course, EVERYTHING for me is Micah Parsons- played locally here at CD and Harrisburg High School and is always in the area- one of his trainers is my nephew's head football coaches at CD East.

So there is a connection and/or heroes in which we can get behind and admire. I have never been to Dallas- cant say I ever plan on going but in them, I have seen a lot of great players and people I can get behind and admire. Besides, rooting for Dallas gives me a chance to tick off all these Philly fans!!! {sm4}

Same probably goes for this hobby as well- it's bewildering these toy soldier companies can get us to spend thousands of dollars every year to buy funny little pieces of polystone or what not but there you have it.

And yes, I do agree, this thread is ground zero for arguments {sm4}{sm4}

 

[Warrior]

Harbaugh to the LAC.

So much for him being a God in Michigan....................he gone.

 

[Combat]

Perhaps- while I did state I am a Ravens/Raiders AFC team guy make no mistake about it, DALLAS is where my heart has always been. As a boy growing up, you grow to admire Roger Staubach and his devotion to his sport and country and family. In Tom Landry, I saw some who personified my ideals and the man I wanted to grow to be and have the life like he did- WW2 Vet, pro player and then legendary coach- and servant of God- those are all admirable qualities to me.

Come to the 90's and Im standing next to Emmitt Smith's father at a card show at the Y in Ft Walton Beach- they guy was very kind to me and went and bought Emmitt cards from every vendor- I had no idea who he was till one of the vendors told me. Now of course, EVERYTHING for me is Micah Parsons- played locally here at CD and Harrisburg High School and is always in the area- one of his trainers is my nephew's head football coaches at CD East.

So there is a connection and/or heroes in which we can get behind and admire. I have never been to Dallas- cant say I ever plan on going but in them, I have seen a lot of great players and people I can get behind and admire. Besides, rooting for Dallas gives me a chance to tick off all these Philly fans!!! {sm4}

Same probably goes for this hobby as well- it's bewildering these toy soldier companies can get us to spend thousands of dollars every year to buy funny little pieces of polystone or what not but there you have it.

And yes, I do agree, this thread is ground zero for arguments {sm4}{sm4}

I had a friend in high school who was a Miami Dolphins fan even though he had absolutely no connection to Miami. He grew up in the Don Shula era and just wanted to ride that train. That's mystifying to me. I was born in LA, went to college there, and so I pull for all the real LA teams like the Lakers, USC, and Dodgers because of that (but not so much for fake ones like the Chargers, UCLA, Clippers, and Angels).