Ravens Look To Sweep Browns: Gametime Open Thread
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 10:04 AM EST
122 comments
Wow, I'm finding out that not only do the Browns fans think I'm a homer, but now also an Orioles' fan (there are any?) thinks so as well. He says on the Browns site that all Ravens fans aren't like me, as I use my blog to predict the Ravens will beat everybody and try to start fights. I thanked him for throwing me under the bus and said he probably thinks the O's are only one good player away from competing, just like the Rays, huh?
Anyway, this is a blog on the Baltimore Ravens and certainly not on the Orioles. For that , feel free to check out Camden Chat, which has great thoughts and comments and a heck of a strong, loyal following as well. If you visit Baltimore Beatdown, be advised that I am absolutely a homer and hope that the Ravens win every game. The ones I think we'll win are the ones I will predict we will, and vice versa. Go back to this summer's predictions of our entire schedule. I predicted a 9-7 season, which is not looking too outlandish at this point. Of course, today will mark the halfway point and with the entire NFC East coming up in the second half, it sure would help to finish the first half with a victory and a 5-3 record.
And that's exactly what you're going to see in the paragraphs below. Earlier this summer, I predicted a split in the season series with the Browns, with the Ravens taking their home game and losing the road one, 27-17 in Cleveland. The Baltimore Sunpapers' Jamison Hensley predicts a 27-13 Browns victory, but I can't condone that. So far, I've predicted Ravens losses in all three of their road games (homer, huh?), but got burned as the Ravens ran over and around an overmatched Dolphins team that has beaten the likes of New England, San Diego and Buffalo. They have had it tough on the road, losing in Pittsburgh on MNF and in Indy against a team that we have rarely matched up well against. While I still don't view us a Road Warriors, I see us being able to compete with most teams, be it at home or on the road. For many reasons, I just don't see today's opponent, Cleveland, in the same way that I see the tougher teams that have beaten us so far. The Browns have indeed won three of four and should have a ton of confidence with revenge on their minds as we enter today's contest. But their season, while improving, has still been viewed as disappointing, while the Ravens have been seen as making huge strides from last year's embarassing 5-11 season. A win today and the Ravens will have won as many games in the first half of 2008 as they did the entire 2007 season.
It all starts up front, in the trenches, on both sides of the ball. I've heard a ton a comments about the play of our secondary, how Derek Anderson needs to hit his targets, how important Special Teams are, etc. Those are all important issues, but none more so than what happens along the line of scrimmage. Just like the first game, I said if we pressure DA, then our CB's will manage just fine, as DA will have to release the ball early or look for shorter, less risky patterns. If that happens, sooner than later we will jump a pattern and it's off to the house. That's exactly what happened in that first game. Conversely, if his very good offensive line performs like they did last year or have at times in their three victories this season, then he might just pick us apart as easily as Peyton Manning did a few weeks ago. Braylon Edwards is a top ten receiver in the league, as is Kellen Winslow in ranking tight ends (the best TE? no.). Dante Stallworth has never regained his reputation since he was paired with Joe Horn in New Orleans, although he is a solid possession receiver. They have options out of the backfield, but you might have noticed that up to now I have not mentioned Jamal Lewis. It's not for any resentment reasons, as he was a pleasure to watch up until the last year or so in a Baltimore uniform. It's just that the Ravens haven't allowed a 100 yard rusher in now something like 26 games, and is not going to end today. Therefore, there is no reason to continue to discuss the opponents running attack, as there will not be one- again. A final word on our defensive game plan. The rush needs to be there as I said, and the coverage from the safeties, namely Ed Reed, needs to be quicker to help out our depleted secondary, now manned by our 3rd and 4th stringers, much less our nickel and dime backs literally coming off of our Practice Squad.
Offensively, I am much more confident in this offense's ability to move the football than I have in a long time. While I realize that the teams we've beaten all have losing records, they have beaten some good teams and that should count for something. However, while this is certainly not going to be the same Browns team we crushed in week three, this is also not the same boring Ravens offense they saw back then as well. QB Joe Flacko has gone "wacko" the past couple of weeks. While he's not exactly rolling up the stats, he's not turning the ball over either, a Ravens QB rarity. Combined with a brutal rushing game, the passing attack has been efficient and solid, even if vanilla compared to the Browns. The "Suggs" package (I hate that name), has opened up doors with the possibilities it offers Troy Smith as a triple threat, and creates havoc for defenses to figure out. The entire team has had seven games to mesh their chemistry and the leader of the offense is unquestionably the rookie from Delaware taking snaps under center. The NFL's most recent Rookie-of-the-Week has shown that he is poised and confident, while not cocky, and ready to start in the NFL. If he continues to play smart and not turn the ball over, then he will put us in the position to win the game with our ball control offense.
Combined with our stifling defense, I am reversing the prediction of a Ravens loss back in the summer and going with a small upset on the road, as the Browns are a 1.5 point favorite when I last checked the lines. I don't see the complete reversal to my earlier prediction of a Browns 27-17 victory, because not only do I not see us scoring 27 points, I don't see the Browns scoring 17 either.
Ravens: 16-13 (Call me a homer!)
NOTE: Post your comments here throughout the game. However, to reiterate what the Game Thread post on the Browns' site says, same goes for Cleveland fans.
NOTE: Any Ravens fans who come over with the sole intention of slamming the Browns, its fans, or the city will be banned from the site. Even if you're a Baltimore fan who "thinks" you need to retaliate to something a Browns' fan says, this is our day to discuss the game. Likewise, any pure bragging topics following the game will result in the same consequences.
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Great start!
Solid defense. Offense looking comfortable. Flacco just made great throw to Clayton, who laid out for a super TD catch! I thought Clayton should have had the earlier catch in the end zone. This sure makes up for that. A fast start will go a long way in a tough game in a tough environment. Excellent!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 1:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That sure lasted long!
Just what I feared. Cribbs is a great returner and we missed a couple of chances to tackle him. Now we let them right back in the game when we might have had them down.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 1:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
wats good rexx
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Benji5203 on Nov 2, 2008 1:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
End of 1st Qtr.
Ravens driving effectively mixing runs and key passes. Clayton looking great, welcome back Mark! Keep the same gameplan and limit mistakes and we’ll continue to look good.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 1:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
our D is playing great!
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Benji5203 on Nov 2, 2008 1:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I can't stand
punting from inside their 40. That’s two missed scoring chances and when we punt into the end zone, I cringe. We’re dominating the game but Cleveland’s one score from taking the lead. Need to move it better.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 2:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Tie Game
See, we’ve pretty much dominated the game up until now. One long drive and we’re actually lucky that the Browns aren’t winning. We need to make better use of our times inside their 40 yard line if we want to win this. We can’t squander (good word, eh?) those opportunities.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 2:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
it's okay
we keep bouncing back and Cleveland not going for it on 3rd (with that momentum) and very short was a life saver.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
we answer!
and keep moving the ball…good signs. but they have figured out the value of passing slightly beyond the reach of our LB’s.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
FG gives us the lead
But Heap has to get open and Flacco needs to hit him on those 3rd and goal plays.
We should be up by more than just three. Not a bad half, though.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 2:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ehhhh
We are looking pretty decent, moving the ball well on offense, disagreed with a few of the calls by Cam, but ill take a lead getting the ball back at half. Our passing defense is not looking to strong. Where has Ray been in the middle of the field? they are completing passes all over the middle 10-15 yards out. I am still afraid that they are going to be passing on us a lot in the 2nd half and it might work. Just need to play smart, stay aggressive, and lets get a td on this coming drive after half.
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 2:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
damn stover
if he can’t hit a 52 yarder in this day an age..i’m off his ship
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Very frustrating...
…to let them get down field for a tying FG. Never should have happened and we should have tried a couple of those earlier in the game when we punted with the ball inside their 40. Gives Cleveland the momentum going into the half.
30 minutes left to get it done.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 2:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
again..
riding the D by punting within the 40..unnecessary pressure on the D…our D never plays well between the 20’s anyways so you may as well go for it..this prtecting stover crap is killing us.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
momentum Browns..
very important to establish the run…with FLACCO on the field! Troy Smith just causing confusion and mediocre play today.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:37 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i'll take the tie at half..
pressure on them
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
stover pulls a McCallister
and doesn’t use arms on missed tackle of Cribbs. pussy. is age getting in the way?
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Its a matter of time before we cant cover the pass. Im nervous
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 2:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
way too much space and time…every game this year. i think Cleveland is the only team to watch Ravens film…pass at the LBs 15-20 yards at clip.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
thank gosh for field position or we’d be toast.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
all the passing time in the world…why can’t we bust another big one.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
time out 1 minute in…that will hurt in the end
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
stupid stupid stupid stupid…horrible f’n special teams
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
burned TO costs replay of TD...
although it probably wouldn’t change things.. Walker still sucks..
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Horrible punt..
…horrible tackling (I counted FIVE missed tackles), and then sissy coverage on TD pass. C’mon Walker, grow some stones and get physical to keep the ball away from him!
See what happens when you don’t take advantage of the opportunities when they’re given to you!? Now we need to play from behind.
Three plays have made the difference in this game. We can’t keep giving up the big plays and expect to win.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
anderson will get 300+ on us.
Cant get to him, cant cover the WR’s, here we come #26 in the power rankings
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 2:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
no decent rush from the center of our line…we need 7 now. I guess we still believe in Figurs. we are 1/2 quarter away from becoming an obvious passing team..then it will get really tough to score.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
- again…we did nothing in 4 weeks to get better with these sorry db’s
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Now it's gonna be tough
to dig ourselves out of this hole. We can’t cover them and they know it. They’re much better prepared than I would have thought. We can’t get a pass rush so our horrible CB’s are getting toasted. Just as I thought and said in this posting. No pass rush = toast.
Our Special Teams have looked abysmal on both sides, the coverage and return sides.
Ouch!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
We get one back...
…but need a defensive stop for a change. Can’t expect to win a shootout. What about a turnover as a novel idea? Where are you, Ed Reed, when we need you.
PS- Todd Heap is invisible, except when he false starts. The team has no confidence in him, nor does he in himself.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
AAAHHHH
this torchure sucks..either put me out of my misery or stop Anderson
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i hope they go conservative and start running the ball…3rd down already…big stop here.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yahoooo
3 and out with no long passes..their stupid..hahahaha
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
careful
no derogatory comments rexx said, you might get banned.
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oooohhhh, that would be so sad and a shame.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
End of 3rd Qtr.
We’re right back in it if we can take it in for seven. Still, a TO would come in handy for this defense, as they can move it at will, if they keep throwing downfield instead of insisting on giving it to Jamal.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
misspelling torture is not grounds for removal ; )
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
yea, but this might
their stupid..hahahaha
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I can only imagine...
…what’s being said on their Game Thread. I beg of everyone to stay off it and leave them alone to play by themselves. They obviously don’t play well with others.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I went and looked a their thread
And i thought we had no life sitting here doing this, they have over 200 comments already, we need to pick it up boys.
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They have a great following
but we know quality beats quantity, right guys?
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
why does it only take a fingertip to tackle our receivers…
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
gfhsdghjdsagjkdsjhg
fjkasfhjadsghjdsahkjgherunkjnjknvjar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaa
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That's what I'm talking about!
Why in the world would they cover Mason one on one w/ no safety help!?
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Crunch!
Did you hear the sound of that hit on Cribbs by Ayanbadejo!? Ouch!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
figurs still sucks
he had 5 yards falling forward but manages to lose 6 …get HIM OUT OF THERE!
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Staying glued to fantasy while
drinking coffee with Michael Fabiano
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, thanks Braylon
Perfect pass, see how far behind Ed Reed was? Could have been a killler. Perhaps that is the spark that we need.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
need to keep up know huddle…but we won’t and will match their lame rushing with some of our own..just the way it goes.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ray Guy, Ray Lewis, Ray Rice?
anyone see a connection of fabulous rays??
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
WHY DON"T WE THROUGH THE RED FLAG!!!
he had a first down!!!! We stopped them earlier with their TD…NO RED FLAGS>>THIS IS GETTING STUPID!!
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
thats 3 challenges on the year we have not done
1 in pitt and 2 today. Rookieeees
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Rice is now out of my doghouse
He had a tendency to fumble but is now my favorite Raven of all time!
Let’s get it in!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Of all time??
Gonna have to go with Travis Taylor on that one.
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jeez ...no!
We need to run it up the middle! We need 7!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Not a good sequence.
First and goal now we have to settle for 3 pts and way too much time left! Poor playcalling. Should have been McClain three times up the middle or off tackle.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Seriously....
NGATA!?!?!?! come on, i like the effort, but not now man.
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
will rex go prevent…like always…they should be at our 20 in 1.5 minutes
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 3:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
now burn the clock baby…..4 minute drive..big dose of the 2 headed monster
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
of course a penalty on the punt…REFS are pro-cleveland for sure!
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
we went conservative since our last td…why?
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
T-Sizzle - Again!!!!
Take that Browns fans!!!!!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Stay off the Browns' site
Let them stew in their own juices and don’t give them anything to vent their frustrations on.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Is it ok...
If i say some really mean things, you ban me, and make a new account? It can be our little secret
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 4:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, what a great showing
Flacco is gonna get some major props after this!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
suggs should have stopped on the 1 to burn time…and then jumped in at last minute..: )
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Now the bounty will be on Suggs!
He just earned a huge payday after this year, eh?
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
i aint celebrating yet…please no on-side situation..
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Now I can add to great games played!
Noted the half empty stadium when they still had a chance…ALL TALK Browns FANS.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Flacco, Rice, Mason
Flacco – over 200 yardspassing
Rice – over 150 rushing
Mason – over 130 receiving
Great offensive showing against what had been a stingy Browns defense the past few weeks. Defense stepped up in the mid 3rd through the end of the game. Was real worried earlier in the 2nd half, but if we ride this out and go to 5-3, that is huge.
Just got to force myself to root for the Redskins tomorrow night.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
ooohhh, I have to visit the Cleveland site…just have to !
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
DO NOT POST ANYTHING!!!
Post anything you want on this site, but please don’t feed into their hatred. Thank you in advance, for your anticipated cooperation!!!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Open Thread, guys
Well over 100 comments, thanks for checking in and keeping me company. Well worht the efforts, huh!?
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Ray Rice was a beast in this game!
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Benji5203 on Nov 2, 2008 4:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, man.
Feel free to post your love of the purple here, or even your hatred of the Brown.
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That was a lot of fun
going to work now guys, see you later. 5-3!
by Mr MaLoR on Nov 2, 2008 4:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Even better,...
…everyone on ESPN and CBS picked against us! Gotta love it!
Rexx
by Rexx on Nov 2, 2008 4:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
let the trash talking begin
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Benji5203 on Nov 2, 2008 4:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
whoooped ass- again…..Looks like Sec117 will be calling for tickets again this week.
by raven on Nov 2, 2008 4:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
section117
i was at the legion playing bingo someone needs to keepan eye on the 50 and over woman….
na just kidding i was at the bar have a few $2 bud light bottles. i do have a life and don’t always sit in front of a computer haha..
well it was a great game i know my man raven had probably wacthed the game 3 times by now to complain about something…..
also raven looks like i won’t want any tickets until the playoff game but i know some that will take them for now
by section117 on Nov 3, 2008 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
sorry..the Ravens are winning now so the stock has gone up…i’m trading my tickets for X-mas presents : ) Got to trade while goings good..it’s a tough market. i’ll secure some pre-season 2009 for ya.
$2 bud lights? i guess you could afford 2.5 beers before Martini the bartender kicked you out George Bailey style. Did you fill your pockets w/ bar nuts and coasters.
by raven on Nov 3, 2008 3:20 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
sec117
did they turn the heat up at the legion so you wouldn’t get your little hands and feet cold? i know how anything below 70% keeps you indoors..that’s okay, i think you can still scream from your plastic bingo chair to mess up opposing 3rd and short situations…might even force them into a time out 117.
by raven on Nov 3, 2008 3:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
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