Hey guys, this isn't going to be done in an 'in-game' manner and this has nothing to do with my 3-3 record or anything like that.
I alerted Ian, Jason and Brett that I was leaving last season; however, my wife wanted to let me try and play in both league one more time (GFL and AWFL) and we agreed to certain times, etc. for me to play unless playing earlier was necessary or created an advantageous situation such as last night where I am now free the entire weekend.
To be quite honest between the long hours at the new job (plus increased stress from the role), the demands from two leagues and my inability to go to sleep while balancing everything I've decided to step down from the Ravens and GFL.
Let me explain why GFL and not AWFL. I really like both leagues but the reason is two-fold. First, and primary, is that I'm not sure leaving GFL would reduce my demands that much. The 48-hour advance schedule is still daunting to a degree as it creates 3.2 games per week (roughly). When you combine that with the fact that 1 day out of the week I am usually not home until very late (dinner, late night, etc) this creates limited time for the wife to hang out with me. I attempted to alleviate that by playing later at night by staying up MUCH later. Back in my early 20s I could have made this acrifice no problem; however, whether its due to the demands of my job or just age I cannot at 32. AWFL advances every 72 hours (and sims every opther season so you can still build) so it creates less games to be played each week.
The other reason, minor as it is, is simply that the Ravens are in good shape for someone to take over while my Titans team is a mess.
I'll still hang out in chat and IF there is a team open when my wife leaves on her 3-4 month trip starting in late April I'll take over that team and rebuild again.
I'm heading into my bye week so I hope you can find a replacement for the team this weekend. It has a lot of offensive weapons, a good defense and is set-up fairly well for the rest of the cycle.
Finally to any prospective folks reading this - join GFL. It is a great league, competitive and everyone plays a style that is enjoyable I believe. The rules help to create a great environment.
#Powerthrough
Raven’s 3-week check-in
Ravens, Ravens, Ravens, that’s all we need to talks about and what a plethora of updates. Since we missed a preseason update this Raven’s Nest update will include off-season, draft and weeks 1-3 commentary and observations.
Free Agency: Raven’s Go Big
Free Agency was where the Raven’s made their move. The first and biggest change to the team was acquiring LT Tyron Smith (and a 4th) from the Cowboys in exchange for a 1st and 3rd round pick plus our #2 corner. This was a huge upgrade for the offensive line and solidifies strong book-end tackles for Kizer.
Who else was brought in to support the team?
Three headline signings:
Robert Quinn: Moving from a 4-3 DE to a 3-4 OLB. This change will take time but the hope is that Quinn can begin dominating a la Elvis Dummerville. This signing did not come cheap with the Raven’s handing Quinn a 3 year $41 million deal
Duke Johnson: After Galmann’s issues last season Raven’s went after a new RB to be the primary back. The Raven’s originally eyed Gurley; however, after the Lion’s impressive offer the Ravens fell back to option #2 and signed him to a 5-year $32 million deal
Malcolm Jenkins: After a long negotiating process Malcolm Jenkins was brought in for one-year deal to deliver the chip to Baltimore. He brings leadership and experience to a safety position which had little of both
Minor Signings:
Crag Mager: Replacement #2 CB was signed to a 3yr $12.5 million deal. This was arguably the 2nd most important signing as a #2 CB was desperately needed for the Ravens. Coaches are excited about his play on the field.
Aqib Talib: Signed as a one-year stop-gap for the #3 CB position and as another SB leader on the defense
Keith Smithson: Rookie WR grabbed after the draft who has worked himself up to the #3 WR. The Ravens’ like his potential so much that the team released WR Kamar Aiken
Draft:
The Ravens offseason was mainly spent in preseason but here are the draft picks who are showing some potential:
Amari Cleveland (UNLV): Being developed with Smithson; however, Smithson has jumped him on the depth chart
Venson Boone (UT): Currently being developed as a possible #3 CB next season
Antoine Winfield Jr.(Minn): The top pick by the Raven’s organization Winfield is currently playing behind Jenkins but is expected to take the spot as the #1 SS next season
Weeks 1-3
Preseason the team brought in Chip Kelly to lead the team and what comes with him is a unique offense. The main question is… was bringing him in a smart move? The offense is unique and complex on offense but the Raven’s did not have an entire offseason learning the playbook – has this been the reason for the offense’s struggles?
Offense: Passing – Struggles and more struggles
2018: 5,300 yards 43 TDs and 24 INTs
2019 (proj): 4,000 yards 20 TDs and 45 INTs
Yeah… this is the crux of the problem on offense – turnovers. Kizer has been throwing A LOT of bad passes out there and there has been nearly zero good highlights. On the positive side we see moments of the offense still showing flashes and with Kizer’s recent past hope is still there
Offense: Rushing – Coming around into a strength
2019: 91 yards per game, 3.6 YPC
Duke is at nearly 4 YPC with 2 TDs so right now his salary is being paid for through 3 games; however, Wayne is averaging only 3.2 YPC and continues to struggle. The positive here is that the running game looks significantly better as
Defense: The current power of the team
Spending a lot on defense has been getting a great return. Through 3-weeks the defense ranks the following:
Points: 8th (21.0)
Total Yds: 1st (294.0)
Pass Yds: 1st (199.3)
Rush Yds: 12th (94.7)
Now, with those great numbers there is a cause for concern. While the defense was able to hold the Browns and Dolphins to low totals the Jets -torched- the defense for 44 points. So the jury is still out here.
Overall, this team looks like the real deal for the AFC-North title.