How to Beat the Indianapolis Colts

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 19, 2009 9:32 AM EST Comment 36 comments

When the old Tonight Show featuring Johnny Carson was on, he had a skit with the Great Carnak the Magnificent. Carnak would read the answers (repeated by Ed McMahon) and then read the hilarious questions. So here we go with the related topic of above:

The answers are: kidnap him, put grease on his hands and tie his shoestrings together.

The question is: How do the Baltimore Ravens stop Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark?

Short of doing those dastardly deeds, there is not much else to do to expect to be the first team to knock off the Indianapolis Colts from the ranks of the two unbeaten teams in 2009. Of course, we could always go the "Brady Quinn" route, but that would not be the right way to win a game, although Quinn sure made it a bit more difficult by taking our our best pass rusher this past Monday night.

Usually I come up with a solid game plan for the team but if New England Patriots can't do it, then how can the Ravens expect to win? That's an easy one....I think. No, it is possible in the NFL as it is so hard to win all sixteen games although the Pats did prove it is indeed possible and with two teams still without a loss this season, it is definitely within reach.

The Ravens will try to do what they came so close to doing in 2007 when they came within a minute of upsetting the Patriots in Baltimore, only to fall in the game's final moments just like the Pats did at the Colts last Sunday night. Perhaps we will pull one of those efforts out of our helmets and actually play for all sixty minutes instead of just 59. However, we will have to get off to a better start than we have since we last played New England earlier this year, which was the last time the Ravens offense scored a touchdown in the first half. Yes, that's no typo, check it out yourself. As many points as this team has put up this season, an overwhelming majority was put up in the second half and especially the 4th quarter.

The answer to this game's success is pretty obvious, considering the desperate nature of where the Ravens sit along with the great success of our opponent. We know what Peyton Manning can do with the ball in his hands all game, much less the last couple of minutes. If this game is close down the stretch, it's probably as good as over and if it ends up with the Colts' Matt Stover putting the dagger in our hearts with a game winning field goal, then I'd prefer Manning to blow us out long before that.

However, if, and this is a huge "if," the Ravens can establish the run game and keep the Colts offense off the field for much of the game, winning the time of possession battle and consistently putting together long drives that culminate with touchdowns (not FG's), then perhaps, just perhaps...

Short of that, winning the turnover battle with a few tipped balls turned into interceptions and easy points, combined with a couple of fumble recoveries and great special teams' play, the Ravens chances to win this game are pretty slim despite them only being a one point underdog right now on most oddsmakers betting lines. Then again, who knows which Ravens team will show up Sunday?

PS- Panthers over the Dolphins tonight: There are two teams, one in each conference, both coming around after starting off the season looking horrible. The NFC team is Carolina and the AFC team are the Tennessee Titans, both of which no one is looking forward to playing them.

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Not without a miracle happening, no chance we win this game, yeah I’m mister positive this week

by bmoreinnj on Nov 19, 2009 9:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think we will play well, I am hearing the dfensive players saying that you have to disguise coverages against Peyton. Looking at how we played the Browns I think Mattison is getting it and we will play better defense. On the other hand the offense has been starting games exactly like they practice. They have to figure out how to step up the intensity to game speed out of the gate.

by Monkey C on Nov 19, 2009 10:54 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

An electric cattle prod up their collective derrier may help; but the way this group has been playing, that may cause an irreversible power outage over the entire city.

by ravens347 on Nov 19, 2009 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

To win:

- Offense must RUN THE BALL.
- Defense must GET TURNOVERS and DROP MANNING.
- Special Teams must MAKE BIG PLAYS.

And here’s what I predict the Colts will do:

- Since they know we expect Manning to throw the ball a lot, they’ll do more running plays.
- They will put a lot of pressure on Flacco.

But honestly, I think the Ravens will lose this one (hope they prove me wrong), though I believe we’ll finish 10-6 or 9-7.

by Psychropod on Nov 19, 2009 12:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah....

And I forgot that the Ravens must AVOID PENALTIES.

by Psychropod on Nov 19, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I almost can't even believe

that after the game, looking at my predictions, the Ravens actually SUCCEEDED in doing most of the things I said they had to do. They did the following:

- Got turnovers.
- Kept Manning off the field.
- Made big plays.

So why did they lose? Cundiff MISSED A KICK. That’s the most crucial mistake made. Another mistake was handing off the ball to McGahee TWICE in the red zone. It’s a no-brainer that they should have gotten it to Ray Rice. But making that kick would have made everything else irrelevant.

And don’t blame Ed Reed’s ridiculous display at the end. Yes, he should have stepped out of bounds instead of making a sorry attempt to lateral the ball. But the Ravens should have already been winning at that point.

So let’s see what we can do to Pittsburgh next week. If we don’t beat them, our season is over, period. Okay, that’s my two cents and my last post on this thread. :-D

by Psychropod on Nov 22, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

can't win...

The Ravens cannot beat the colts…period…when was the last time we beat them? They’re better and we’re worse…plus, we’re injured….last year we had the most starters on IR…we’re moving that way again…

by Ravenator on Nov 19, 2009 12:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WE CAN

beat them. The question is, will we do what is necessary to beat them?

by Psychropod on Nov 19, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What is it about the name Brady that just

completely clashes with the Ravens organization?

Phin-bassador/ Head Weatherman/ Injury Specialist of the Phinsider.

Bender: Who wants dolphin? Leela: Dolphin? But dolphins are intelligent. Bender: Not this one. He blew all his money on instant lottery tickets.

Hey little sister shot gun!

by Farorefox on Nov 19, 2009 12:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Kind of new to the Beatdown..

I’ve been following the Beatdown since the beginning of the season, and I honestly don’t think there’s a better place to get some fellow Raven fans feedback. I’m surprised it took me this long to get a username, as you can imagine there’s not a lot of other fans out here in Utah. Anyways, just wanted to throw out some appreciation to the guys that keep this site up and running…thanks. I look forward to getting into the mix with you guys.

Now I’m just going to throw this out there (since it seems this post could use a little more optimism) but I have the same gut feeling I had before the Denver game. So with that said, hopefully we can full this one off and take some momentum with us against those damn Squeelers!

by StuckInUtah on Nov 19, 2009 2:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Welcome Utah. So your wives let you join us? : )

by raven on Nov 19, 2009 4:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well....

My 2nd one did. The other two are at work.

by StuckInUtah on Nov 19, 2009 4:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Well responded to

Welcome Utah and we hope your optimism transfers to the team’s play.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 19, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Really only one way to win this game

We must control the clock. That is going to be the most important aspect to winning the game Sunday. If we give Manning even 28 minutes to hold the ball, we will most likely lose. We are going to have to have to be on offense for 34-37 minutes if we want to win this. That means Cam Cameron has to have a very balanced offense. Cannot pass it too much and risk many incompletions, and we cannot run it too much and risk going 3 and out. Balanced play calls from Cam witch getting the ball to our best players can win this.

However, the defense is just as important in this. We HAVE to get Manning 3 and out on some series. He is going to get his points, we all know that. But we cannot let him score drive after drive like everyone knows he can, not even 3 points. The defense is going to have to try their best to at least keep us in a touchdown game if we get down and help us get the lead we need.

Cannot let Peyton get points early. If Manning is going to score, I would rather it be in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Defense has to stay strong int he first and hope to at least wear down their running game.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 19, 2009 2:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What really gets my goat about the run game

is that I understand you keep your hot player on the field getting the most reps (Rice) but every time he breaks a long run of say, 40-50 yards, that’s to me the time to bring in Willis to give Ray a breather and ram Willis down the defense’s throat. However, the few tims this has happened, they always give Rice the ball the very next play and as tired as the defense is, Rice is as equally. Why don’t they just give it to Willis or LeRon!?

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 19, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Indy averages 28:38 ToP...

Time of posession doesn’t really matter that much. The Colts score very quickly. Trying to slow down the pace of the game might help a little, but count on the Colts scoring on 50-60% of their posessions. The only way to overcame this is for the offense to match pace.

by invisibulman on Nov 20, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed. cam did that vs. pitt all last year. how many times did he give a winded or hurt mcgahee the ball. it was a throw away play every time. killed us.

by raven on Nov 20, 2009 11:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Passing teams couldn't care less

about TOP. It’s running teams like us (?) that need to win TOP to win the games.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 21, 2009 8:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Miami controlled the clock and lost

We must score points and stop them from scoring TD’s. Simple as that.

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Nov 19, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Miami gave up over 10 yards a play

a ball control gameplan has to include playing something vaguely resembling pass defense.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

It's shocking how much can slip your perception

by shake n bake on Nov 19, 2009 10:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have a personal connection

to the Bengals. I am on speaking terms with a rather well known Bengal player. I know his father. I spoke with him on Tuesday night and he told me he would pass along the message. I told him that Quinn deserves some payback. He really hurt your team and by making it harder for you guys to beat Pittsburg actually hurt the Bengals as well.

That muscle mag little dweeb of questionable sexual orientation needs to be taken to the wood shed and given a lesson. You guys don’t play them again but we do and I made a request that someone here on the team needs to wipe that “come here big boy” grin of his face. I don’t think you guys will get the chance because Quinn probably will be out of football or at least out of Cleveland next year. He has risen quickly to the top of my personal “players in the AFCN that I hate”. Ward is now #2 (a fitting number to be sure). Hey I am a Bengals fan and there are a few Ravens players who will stick it to you but they at least do it in a manly fashion.

" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran

by JUNGLEJOHN on Nov 19, 2009 3:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks man

It does suck. That whole team is equivalent to a toilet.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 19, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks fo rep-ing your enemy

but from a true football perspective, I guess fair play goes across team loyalty lines and Brady certainly crossed that and his lame excuse meant nothing to me. I also didn’t understand the reson for the lighter fine than Ray Lewis got on hitting 85. Pass it on that we will appreciate any “payback” that accidently goes Brady’s direction.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 19, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Chad got a $20K for a joke with a $1 bill that didn't endanger anyone

The NFL does not care about the players or their fans…..only their image.

" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran

by JUNGLEJOHN on Nov 19, 2009 11:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

…and the Browns stink too.

by raven on Nov 19, 2009 4:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

is it just me

or has the beatdown been rather quiet this week.

by sam_ravens on Nov 19, 2009 5:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Nt me

I’m putting out FanPosts and stories like a banshee. What?

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 19, 2009 6:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

no not you

you’re fine bruce, it just seems like everyone is a bit worried about our upcoming game against the colts to talk about it

by sam_ravens on Nov 19, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We are all a little sheepish about playing the Colts.....

R.I.P. Tony Fein
May God watch over you wherever you are now and may you be in a better place. We will never forget you!

by Baltimore Warrior on Nov 19, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's how we win....

The Colts team plane goes down in West Virginia due to bad weather. Through a combination the crash, the harsh conditions, savage “Deliverance” style locals, and the brutal journey on foot, a much weaker and exhausted Colts team limps to the stadium. In the end, Payton will still throw for 3 TD…but since they had to eat their secondary, Flacco is able to respond with 2 himself while Rice and company get two their own. Close game, 28-27 Ravens.

"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace"

by UMBC Oriole fan on Nov 19, 2009 6:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

why eat their entire secondary

when a single offensive linemen would do. Hey 3rd string, its your time to contribute to the team…. in our bellies.

by sam_ravens on Nov 20, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I do not know if the ravens can beat the Colts

But I do know the Colts will get the best they got. There are 3 teams in this division who will punch you in the mouth win or lose

" My enemy said "Love your enemy". I obeyed and loved myself." Gibran

by JUNGLEJOHN on Nov 19, 2009 11:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i would love to see the game play out like this

we kick the ball off at he beginning so we start with it in the second half. Our defense makes an early statement and get a 3 and out. with pretty favorable field position, we attack with the run, and convert some 3rd downs and atleast walk away with a field goal. I think getting flacco into rhythm is key, the run game is key and scoring first is too.

My only concern is even if we are up in the 4th quarter by 21 manning will pull some voodoo magic to win. He’s scary when determined.

by sam_ravens on Nov 20, 2009 12:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

or, more likely, we’ll be down by 14 before the color guard leaves the field.

by raven on Nov 20, 2009 11:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I still feel

what they need to do is have the Flaccman return to multiple receivers. In the first couple of games he threw to 7 different receivers.Now he has reverted to sticking with Mason predominantly. When they shut down mason,they shut down Flacco. He needs to remember that Clayton and Williams are out there,too. Heap has returned to form so use him. Play action works well and Washington loves to go across the middle. Oher plays well and Birk is the best center the Ravens have ever had,bar none. Geather needs to remember how to block and Grubbs can make huge holes for Ray and Willis. Hopefully Kruger will be the beast he was in college and keep pressure on Manning.We do need to remember that Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL for a reason,just Like Ray is the best defensive player of all time(my opinion) It’s not the lock that Indy thinks it will be. GO RAVENS!!!!

by purple and black attack on Nov 21, 2009 8:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mason predominantly?

What are you seeing? He’s focused on Ray Rice out of the backfield, who is usually his check down read, as soon as the play starts. The problem with Flacco and the rest of the offensive game plan is that they’ve fallen way too far in love with Rice. Without the inclusion of the rest of the offense, Rice’s success doesn’t translate to the team’s winning game. Spread the ball around in the run game and the pass game and we will start returning to that 30+ point ffense. Until then, we are dink and dunk to Rice and hope he makes the big play.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 21, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs