FAN SUBMISSION by Brad Kroner of Baltimore. Follow him on Twitter @bradkroner.*
After a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, linebacker Terrell Suggs claimed the Baltimore Ravens were in a “state of emergency.” With a 3-4 record at the time, the Ravens knew something was wrong. A few weeks later, they fell to 4-6. Suggs’ words seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. There certainly was an emergency, but the defending champs didn’t address it.
The Ravens looked to be righting the ship during a four game win streak that included mind-blowing wins against the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. Then 8-6 after the victory against Detroit, the Ravens seemed poised to make another playoff run. All they needed was to win out, and they would be division champs. They had to win a home game against the New England Patriots and an away game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
They were blown out by New England, and they fell to 8-7. Now, the team needs a win and either a Miami Dolphin or San Diego Charger loss in order to salvage a wildcard spot. They controlled their destiny, and they blew it. When the chips are down and a team needs just two more wins, which would have given the Ravens a 10-6 record, they have to get it done.
Not only did they not get it done, they were embarrassed in the worst home loss the franchise has suffered in its 18 year history.
After the 41-7 thrashing against the Patriots, Suggs merely said, “Shit happens.” He suggested that they burn the tape, as there is nothing to learn from it. Would Ray Lewis ever suggest burning the tape? Perhaps the former Ravens linebacker was right when he said the Ravens needed leadership.
As one of the most experienced and most accomplished players on the roster, Suggs needs to do more as a leader. Eight games ago, he said the Ravens were in a “state of emergency.” Now, his message is, “Shit happens.”
Where is the leadership in the Baltimore locker room? Who is taking accountability for the losses? Who is keeping the team together? How did the leaders allow a devastating home loss with so much on the line?
The youth of this team looks to veteran players like Suggs for answers. Look at his individual accolades and accomplishments. He’s done it all. He’s been the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s been the Defensive Player of the Year. He’s been to the playoffs. He’s won a Superbowl. The young defenders like Arthur Brown and Matt Elam look to veterans to lead the way when the going gets tough. The veterans answer the tough questions.
What did the veterans say after the 41-7 loss? Just ask Suggs. “Shit happens.”
