How To Beat The Detroit Lions
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 11, 2009 9:05 AM EST
77 comments
After last night's great game, where the Cleveland Browns handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their fifth straight loss and effectively knocked them out of the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens need to understand that just showing up will not be enough to win. The Ravens need to play with that "sense of urgency" phrase that has been repeated over and over again lately. Over confidence is one attribute that this team has no business having, evidenced by losing six of their last nine games after starting off 3-0. At the same time, if they can continue to beat the teams that they are expected to, then they surprisingly still have a legitimate shot at the post season.
One thing about this game scares me more than any other, and I'm sure you've all thought about it as well.
The Detroit Lions will not be able to run the ball against us with any success Sunday. Their defense will not be able to shut down our offense. Our greatest obstacle, offensively, will continue to be ourselves, with drive stopping penalties derailing our momentum way too often. Otherwise, the Ravens will be able to put points on the board against one of the league's weakest defenses. While we need to get back to where our success came from last year, whether we run or pass the ball shouldn't matter and perhaps Joe Flacco can regain his confidence against the Lions by throwing the ball around to his receivers. Ray Rice should be able to pad his statistics with both running and receiving yards piling up in the process. It will be cold and a ball control offense producing long, time consuming scoring drives will be a fresh change of pace to prepare us for the Chicago Bears and then the final two road games of the season at Pittsburgh and the Oakland Raiders.
What scares me and most other Ravens fans is the Calvin Johnson factor. Johnson, a huge, fast receiver with great hands, is Detroit's only real threat, yet he continues to get targeted with success no matter what the defense seems to do to try to adjust their coverages. With the Ravens lack of pass pressure, Lions QB Daunte Culpepper should be able to have the time to set up and chuck the ball downfield in Johnson's direction. Combined with the poor coverage that the Ravens have shown, along with the current possibility that Ed Reed may not play again this weekend, there is every reason to be concerned.
Be it double coverage, over and under coverage, or just leaning the safety towards his side of the field, the Ravens need to limit the damage that Johnson can inflict on the team. If they can hold him from having a career game against this hurting pass defense, there is no reason that we shouldn't be able to put this game away early for a change of pace. If not, well we all saw what the Browns could do last night, when allowed to stay in the game.
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Note to Mattison
Please Please Please…. Do not blitz Webb. He is our best cover guy so it makes no sense to take him out of the secondary. Just like every other lame blitz your brilliant football intellect has designed, it doesn’t work because the whole stadium can see it coming. Pssst… How about we try a little disguise and deception to confuse the protection and get a free runner at the QB. Your facing Culpepper who may be experienced but is rusty and on his last rehabbed leg. Confuse him and our blitz will get to him.
On a lighter note. Our road to at least get into the post season looks rather good. Potential wild card teams that are tied with or ahead of us and who thay play:
Jets 6-6 @ Bucs, Falcons, @ Colts, Bengals
Jags 7-5 Dolphins, Colts, @ Pats, @ Browns
Broncos 8-4 @Colts, Raiders, @ Eagles, Chiefs
Dolphins 6-6 @Jags, @Titans, Texans, Steelers
Doesn’t look like any of these teams are a lock. Anything could happen down the stretch.
Fortunately we carry the tie breaker with the Broncos (head to head win) so here’s to hoping they drop 2 of 4 and we win out. We’ll need the Jags to drop at least 2 as well b/c if we finish with the same record as them they’ll have the better conference record.
But once again,
it all comes down to winning AT Pittsburgh! Without that, we are on the outside looking in.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 11, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed...
But the Ravens have been known to beat the teams that they should beat (like Detroit, Chicago, and Oakland). And with Pittsburgh losing to Oakland, Kansas City, and Cleveland, wouldn’t you now consider them a team that Baltimore should beat? Not to mention the Steelers have lost their “must-win” mentality after last nights humiliating loss.
by StuckInUtah on Dec 11, 2009 12:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It's jsut the Heinz Field curse for us
and our penchant to screw up the important games, especially there.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 11, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
And both teams seemt to play each other tougher
Check out my website, it has scouting reports for all the Orioles' top prospects and is updated daily. www.oriolesprospects.com
Follow me on twitter @orioleprospects
Agreed
You can throw out all the stats when these two go at it each time, like a backyard brwl!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 12, 2009 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
Another Sunday is almost upon us...
And now is the time to take a long hard look in the mirror for this team. Do they want to continue to play mistake filled football which will frustrate themselves long into the off season, or can they see that they are still (despite quite a few rough weeks) in the thick of the wildcard race trailing the Jags and Broncos. Depending on other teams to lose while winning out the remaining schedule is not an easy thing to do but unfortunately that is the reality. Let’s take care of Detroit this Sunday and see what happens to everyone else.
Looking forward to knocking you all out of the playoffs
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Let it out man
Let it out. Can’t go 15-1 like you wanted to in August.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I said 12-4!
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
haha - Good to see a bitter Steelers fan
BTW, Detroit might knock the Ravens out and rob you of the pleasure of seeing Pittsburgh’s crappy team do so (if that’s what turns you on).
It would give me a raging clue.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Don’t put the cart before the horse Johnny. You have Green Bay up next. If the Steelers drop a sixth straight I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Tomlin just shut it down for the season.
Put us out of the playoffs huh?
Baltimore’s losses this year include the Vikings, Colts, and Patriots. Whereas Pittsburgh has blown it against several of the NFL’s “bottom-feeder” teams. All in all, if Oakland can win in Heinz field, then there’s a damn good chance the Ravens can (and will). But back to the task at hand…..Detroit @ Baltimore.
by StuckInUtah on Dec 11, 2009 4:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not sure why you are so confident when you only beat us at home by 3 in OT against our backup QB.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Wait a second...
How long has it been since you guys have won a game now? You may be right about barely beating out your backup QB, but how well did Ben do against the Browns? I rest my case.
by StuckInUtah on Dec 12, 2009 12:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Are you the Browns? Are you more than one of those games we lost? Not sure how any of that is relevant to us beating you in Pittsburgh either.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Fair enough
I guess we’ll just have to see come Week 16. No matter what I’m sure it’ll be one hell of a game, I just think the Ravens will have more to play for than Pittsburgh
by StuckInUtah on Dec 12, 2009 12:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I thought that about the Steelers over the Browns.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Seriously though
The Steelers might have been a better team right now with Dixon at QB. Ben is certainly not playing like he has in the past and I think his concussion(s) have had a lot to do with that. If Ben was rested for the past couple of weeks, I think that Dixon might have led them to at least two more wins, the past two weeks that they lost. Ben looks slow in decision making and has not be the type of guy that usually moves well out of the pocket until his receivers break free.
Had Ben rested and the Steelers won w/ Dixon, Ben would be healthy enough to be a force in the playoffs. Now, if I’m his agent and doctor, I’d say no reason not to shut it down for the season right now and preserve whatever brain cells he has remaining.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 12, 2009 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
How dare you, Bruce
Saying that Dixon may be the better QB right now. It took us Overtime to beat Dixon. Ben can’t even beat the Raiders or Browns or Chiefs or Bears. Ben is way better right now. Quite possibly the greatest QB to ever play in the NFL.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Who cares if we win or lose to GB?
It means nothing for our season. Were out of the playoffs (almost definitely). All I have left for this season is the solace of robbing you all. Bitter? Yes. Doesn’t mean I’d enjoy it any less.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
lol
the Browns. :-)
Joe Flacco's eyebrows have been charged with several penalties this season, most for acting as an "ineligible receiver downfield".
+1 i still laugh everytime I see that score.
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 11, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Ben ever throw a ball away. He looked like a lazy eyed wildebeast getting dragged down by a pack of puddles.
No. I think his brain is scrambled more than the eggs I had this morning.
The Hell that Tomlin & the Steelers have unleashed on me this December is indescribable.
Sort of
like the Turds (Browns) did to you guys?
Before we even worry about Pitt we need to win against the Lions.
we better win the next two games
mia needs to take care of the jags this week, but if we get to 8-6 with some momentum just maybe we can make that push to the playoffs
My new plays for Sundayt to help Cam when he goes tight and plays to the competition.
Webb in the Mini Wildcat. Webb and Rice reverse. Kelly Washington pass on 1st down. McClaine runs most of the 1st quarter beating up the D-line for Rice in the 2-4. McGahee sits. 2 bombs to Clayton. 1 Bomb to Mason. Ngata gets 2 pitch and runs with McClaine blocking.
I know, I know… I should be the OC.
or OC advisor
you can be like dude, why arent you running it at the one. And cam will say, year your right I dont know what I was thinking, i got carried away, you know raven, there are a lot of words on this laminated sheet
Laminated sheet?
That’s his post game IHOP Menu!!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 11, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
Well
that is because it was so dam cold the refs called as little as possible so they could keep the game going.
I bet that game was too cold for you to even watch 117.
I heard you call ahead to the bar and ask that they set the thermostat to 78.5.
Like the old people in FLorida
It was so hot in Miami, he was down to only two sweaters!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 11, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
no
only old people wear sweaters Bruce!
And no raven I did not call ahead to the bar for the pitt/clev game (stayed home) but I did call ahead for the ravens/lions game so we are set.
raven bring your #39 ray rice jersey to the bar since you sold your tickets to lions fans! come down and hang out with all of us at the bar good food cold beer and good looking female bartenders
Suggs discusion up in air
Anyone?
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 11, 2009 7:00 PM EST reply actions
Cincy University coach is full of crap!
Don’t preach teamwork and all that BS and then walk out on your team when they most need you. What’s with all these cowardly coaches leaving their smaller programs for the brighter lights? What they are actually doing is admitting that they are not worthy enough to stay at a smaller schools and make it the next Notre Dame or Michigan. They surrender to ride the success of others who actually built such programs.
A coach to be truely admired is one who stays with a Cincy or West Virginia and builds it into a national powerhouse. One who actually stand up for what he preaches to hopeful young men. To walk out on them may guarantee wealth but it also reveals a certain shallowness.
-Raven is a contibuting writer at the Beatdown and has authored such books as Billick Stole A Decade, Cross 50 Field Goal, and It’s A Kyle Boller Christmas.
Don't forget River "Banks"
The story of a fallen QB that suffered the fate of Billick…..
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 11, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
lol…you mean it’s not my Hemmingway esque descriptions of everything football? i guess no Key West house, hard liquor and stray cats for me.
why would you wanna be hemmingway esque?
I’m pretty sure you have a style all your own. So stick with the hard liquor, and perhaps rethink the cats, but that’s only suggestion…
But i agree with your run down of the cinci coach
Hemmingway was the first name that I though of. About that deep. My favorite author is Charles Barkley but he gets misquoted in his books.
When is she going to pose nude for Hefner and get her career going.
by raven on Dec 11, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
LOL +1
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 11, 2009 9:18 PM EST up reply actions
I gotta package for you too
Alllllriiiiiight!
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 11, 2009 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
Right about now MaLor is Elmers glueing a flattened Schlitz box to his dorm room wall….while all the other college boys and girls are breaking headboards.
Holy $hit
I just about pissed my pants because thats so funny.
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 11, 2009 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
from a vikings fan, here is the best way to beat the lions......
show up, breath, and don’t totally suck…..
i’ll be honestly scared of the kitties in a couple years, but for now, not too worried.
I piss people off on a fairly regular basis. I cherish my right to speak my mind, whether I sound like an uneducated savage or not. I've never been accused of keeping what I think a secret, nor will I ever. Don't like it? I don't care.
too cold for penalties?
I guess in Lambeau the refs were wearing battery heated socks? wasn’t too cold for them to get their 15 minutes of fame on ESPN
by purple and black attack on Dec 12, 2009 9:11 AM EST reply actions
the head ref
was not wearing gloves or earmuffs+ it was like 20 degrees colder with the wind chill then in GB.
Because it wasn't human
just a programmed robot put in to throw yellow flags!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Dec 12, 2009 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Good Job
You finally won a game against a struggling team. You should be proud of yourself……
When Chuck Norris dives into water he doesn't get wet, The water gets Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris has counted to infinity....... Twice.
When God said let there be light, Chuck Norris said," Say Please."
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
Hey Steelers fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOphGZZrE44&feature=related
by Baltimore Warrior on Dec 13, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
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