Ask Pats Pulpit
by MaPatsFan on Oct 2, 2009 8:05 PM EDT
Email
PrintHello Ravens Faithful,
this is MaPatsFan, your friendly, neighborhood New England Patriots blogger. Wonderboy is looking rusty and I'm seriously hoping he gets in sync with his receivers, like real soon, 'cause I think Baltimore will be the toughest matchup we have so far. The Jets have a solid defense, but their offense is suspect. Not so with your Ravens. If our D isn't up to snuff, we'll get beat up by your D AND be playing catchup with a high scoring offense.
Our slot guy, Wes Welker, has sat out the last 2 games. I would be surprised if he doesn't come in for this matchup given how tough a game it will be. NT Vince Wilfork had an ankle injury this past Sunday; it wasn't serious, but I haven't heard whether or not he'll be ready for this Sunday. MLB/ILB Jerod Mayo will be out for at least another 4 weeks.
Well, enough of that. Fire away.
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
71 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The Ravens saw what the Jets did against you guys
Do you think you will be better prepared for the pressure we are going to bring. From the Pat’s games I’ve seen this year, the inside blitz has been effective against Brady. Make him move laterally and hes not the same guy… yet.
Do you think your blitz pickup will be adequate to keep Brady comfortable and give you guys a good chance to win?
Blitz pickup
Absolutely right about Brady. He’s HORRIBLE laterally. At his best, he moves like he’s wearing cement shoes. From an overall perspective, I think we learned our lesson from the Jets game and you’ll see better blitz protection this coming Sunday. Given that Rex Ryan was an integral part of your D, Belichick will be watching A LOT of the Jets’ game film to pick up as much as he can.
I never like assigning a win or loss to one player, but the absence of Wes Welker in the Jets game took one of our most potent blitz weapons, the screen pass, away from Brady. I’m of the opinion Welker sat out the Falcons game so he was rested for this upcoming matchup.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
I never like assigning a win or loss to one player, but the absence of Wes Welker in the Jets game took one of our most potent blitz weapons, the screen pass, away from Brady. I’m of the opinion Welker sat out the Falcons game so he was rested for this upcoming matchup.
I thought about that. Like you said, they were obviously missing Welker in the Jets game. If he plays against the Ravens, it will be a close game. If he doesn’t, you really have to like the Raven’s chances. I don’t like to put the burden of winning on one player either, but Welker adds a whole new dimension to the Patriot’s offense. Welker is to the Patriot’s offense what Polulmalu is to the Steeler’s defense.
Welker often gets as many catches as their running backs get touches. That’s fitting because many of their designed plays to Welker are extended hand-offs. They use screens with the offensive line and the wide receivers. They are also creative with motion. They often put Welker in motion to allow him to have a free release, which is deadly. They often motion him to a side with two wide outs and throw to him behind the line. This slip screen is very effective, and the Ravens have had trouble stopping plays like it.
My wife’s entire family are Patriot’s fans, so I’ve watched many, many games. The Patriots don’t typically run the ball effectively. The Falcon’s are very weak against the run, and I believe that was the reason behind the run-heavy game plan last week. The Patriots aren’t going to throw away years of successful offensive play-calls… especially once Welker is healthy.
The Patriots will not have success running the ball against the Ravens. They couldn’t run it against the Jets and won’t run on the Ravens. Their offensive line is extremely smart and experienced. That is their greatest strength and makes them very formidable in pass protection. They rarely make mental mistakes. However, they are not dominate in the run game. There are obviously examples of them running well in games (versus Arizona last season and last week), but that is usually against a weaker run defense. They cannot consistently blow defensive lineman off the line. I have also noticed that they use a form of zone blocking in the running game at times but am not sure if this is their main run blocking scheme.
Welker is to the Patriot’s offense what Polulmalu is to the Steeler’s defense.
I would have compared Welker to Ray in our defense, but to each his own.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
Well written!!
Really good observations. I would agree the Patriots are a better passing team than a running team. It’s never been a strong suit since Corey Dillon left, but 6th in 2008 is not too shabby. ;-)
Shutting down Welker usually ends up giving teams an edge against the Pats. However, I haven’t seen too many teams capable of doing it.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Welker will not win games for the Patriots by himself. In the 2007 Superbowl, Welker had a MVP performance, but it was not enough for the Patriot’s to win. Welker usually stretches the defense that tries to cover him and opens up other areas for the Patriot’s offense. I’ve seen teams shut down Welker but ultimately lose the game. Defenses cannot get too focused on the Patriot’s short passing game.
In my opinion, the best way to defend the Patriot’s passing attack is to stone-wall the run, surrender the underneath throws to Welker (and others) and tackle well once they get the ball (which is extremely hard). That is what the Giants did in the Superbowl. They covered everyone but Welker and allowed the Patriots to move the ball with him… slowly. Once the field shortens in the red-zone, it becomes much harder for the Patriots to be successful with the passing game. The key becomes red-zone defense, which happens to be the Raven’s specialty.
Red zone
The key becomes red-zone defense, which happens to be the Raven’s specialty.
And our major deficiency. Even against the Falcons we were 1/5.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Welker was not the TD machine
that Moss and even Watson were. Bend but don’t break might be our mantra this weekend. Giving up FG’s is better than TD’s especially if we score the TD’s when we get in the RZ.
Besides, I have NE’s kicker on my fantasy team!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 30, 2009 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Bruce...
I’ve gotta say, I freakin’ love fantasy football, but the reason I hate it sometimes is because of your comment above. You better be willing to lose in fantasy for our team to get a W this week! ;) It is the same reason I didn’t play Sproles when we played SD, even though he tore it up that week, I couldn’t hope for him to score against our defense.
Exactly
I am in 3 Fantasy leagues right now that have money involved. Of course I love winning them, but I would rather lose all 3 of my fantasy match-ups and get a Ravens win than win all 3 match-ups and get a Ravens lost. But it is great when the Ravens win and I win in all 3 of my leagues in fantasy, like I have the last 2 weeks.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Hey, why can't
Gostkowski kick 4 FG’s and the Ravens win 27-12!? That’s what I’m all about. I’d much prefer Gostkowski to miss the game winner and have our Ravens win!
aka 'Rexx'
What's up w/ the running attack?
Is Fred Taylor definitely the #1 back? What happened to Lawrence Maroney, who was a first round fantasy pick a year or so ago? Is Kevin Faulk still the dangerous 3rd down back that scares me the most of your RB’s?
Thanks.
aka 'Rexx'
Running backs
This is going to sound hokey but NE really doesn’t have a workhorse back approach, rather backfield-by-committee seems to be the tactic. Typically, Belichick uses the back that best fits the situation. That being said, I’m not seeing the kind of progress in Laurence Maroney I’d like to see. Fred Taylor had a nice showing against the Falcons with 21 carries and 105 yards but, more importantly, he was showing how it was done. He was decisive, had good vision, and rammed into tacklers.
And yes, Kevin Faulk is still your worst third down nightmare. He wasn’t used a lot against the Falcons, but I have a feeling he’ll be one of our screen weapons against the blitz.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
This is going to sound hokey but NE really doesn’t have a workhorse back approach, rather backfield-by-committee seems to be the tactic.
That doesn’t sound as hokey as you might think on a Ravens blog.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
Rice with 192 yards rushing and McGahee with 191 yards rushing. We don’t really have a workhorse either, but a backfield-by-committee. It is working rather well for us, how come not in New England?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
backfield-by-committee
It is working rather well for us, how come not in New England?
An interesting tidbit that always gets overlooked about NE’s backfield is that, for 2008, they were #1 in the AFC East and #6 in the NFL. I can’t say it’s progressing at the same pace this year, but I’m hoping Fred Taylor is just getting warmed up. ;-)
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
It has only been three games so far
With the Jets game, the Patriots all but abandoned the run in the second half due in part to penalties putting them at too many 3rd and long situations. Last week, Maroney left the game with a thigh injury and Taylor picked up his duties quite nicely. Morris came up big when called on too – like in that 4th and 1 conversion in Pats territory. That’s confidence in the running game, by the head coach.
Keep the faith!
Yeah, but
Taylor never had any success against the Ravens while in Jacksonville. He is a straight up and north-south runner that just does not do well against this type of run defense. Maroney would be a bigger threat, but neither will enjoy much success. Faulk scares me on isolation swing and short passes, though.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 30, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
How do you plan to stop our rushing attack or even overpower what may be the best Offensive Line in the AFC, maybe the league?
Many of us here will tell you that our Running Backs have not even put it in high gear yet, and that is pretty frightening for a team that is 5th in the league with 156.7 yards per game on the ground. I do not think we have even seen the best of what Ray Rice, Willis McGahee or even LeRon McLain can do.
With the O-Line, ours is playing top notch at the moment. We have allowed only 3 sacks the whole season and our RB’s are going untouched on most 10-15 yard runs. How does a D-Line like yours try to push back our strong and very athletic Offensive Line?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Rushing attack
Not to be confrontational, but the D’s you played against are ranked thusly against the run: KC: 19, SD: 26, CLE: 30. NE is 10th against the run. I’m not suggesting we won’t have trouble, just that the Ravens haven’t faced a strong run D in 2009.
Regarding the O line, NE has been utilizing a 4-3 for their base defense, a departure from the 3-4 we’re so accustomed to. I suspect we’ll use that formation to plug up the holes a little more; that might help with Baltimore’s ground assault.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
I agree that out success has come against some poor run defenses, but you must remember that this is the same group that was 4th in the league last year under a new Off coor and weaker O-Line. This same group had a full year under cam Cameron and a much better O-Line, so all arrows are pointing in the direction that we will rank in the top 5 again.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Not to be confrontational, but the D’s you played against are ranked thusly against the run: KC: 19, SD: 26, CLE: 30. NE is 10th against the run. I’m not suggesting we won’t have trouble, just that the Ravens haven’t faced a strong run D in 2009.
Not to be confrontational, but after only three games, you can credit the Ravens running game for putting a relatively sizeable dent in their run defense stats. This early in the season, you could almost argue for a chicken-egg situation. Have we seen enough to judge whether a team is poor against the run or its opponent is very good?
Also, I think it’s awesome that you used the word “thusly.”
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
BB
It seems that BB try’s to shut down a teams strength, cutting the head off the snake if you will…
Our running game has been our strength in the past and probably is now, but with the emergence of the passing game what facet do you think BB will focus the most energy in slowing down?
If it is the running game, how will you be able to do this with Mayo and possibly Wilfork out?
I see them blitzing Flacco all day
to make him throw under pressure. If they can force us into early turnovers and play from behind, then they can sit back and defend the pass w/o worrying about the run too much.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 30, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't see the constant Blitz as being the Patriots style
but I do see them trying to make Flacco throw under pressure and force him into making throws he shouldn’t. The ideal for both teams this Sunday will be to make the other play from behind. Whoever can do that controls the game and will have more leeway in the plays they call for sure.
Keep the faith!
Unless they blitz,
they’re just not gonna put pressure on Flacco, as our o-line will beat your d-line straight up all day long.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 30, 2009 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Need to step out until tonight
My apologies, I need to step out , but will be back to answer your questions later tonight.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Something about our team
What have you seen so far from our offense that impresses you, regardless of who we have played? What are some of the strong points in Cam’s system that you feel will be a difficult task for your defense on Sunday?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Flacco
Joe Flacco reminds me of an early Brady. He’s physically talented, but he seems to understand the mental aspect of the game, especially game management. You could tell me better than I can guess, but I think the players around him “get it” and buy into what he’s able to do or is trying to do. That type of leadership isn’t just talent, it’s brains.
From a “game planning” perspective, I think the key to stopping your offense is Joe. If we can both shutdown his favorite target(s) AND rush him a bit, that will help. Granted, this is the formula for a lot of QB’s, but it works. This might be difficult because you have a strong O line. We may not be able to beat that with pure brawn, so I can see Belichick using a lot of different looks. Our base D is a 4-3 at this point, but you’ll see some strange stuff on Sunday: 2-4-5, 2-3-6, 1-4-6.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
I'd say
You basically hit it on the nail, the only issue is that Joe doesnt seem to have a “favorite” at this point. Last season; eliminate Derrick Mason and Joe could be exposed to some faults. But so far this season Joe doesnt seem to have a definite favorite. You could focus on Derrick Mason and Kelley Washington will gladly eat up 10-15 yard gains back to back, and vice versa. Todd Heap has been huge in the passing game, Mark Clayton has a field stretching presence, all 3 running backs can catch very well out of the backfield, it’s very balanced to say the least. Im just excited.
But, what do you think of Kelley Washington thus far as a Raven? I realize he was buried in the depth chart in New England and Im sure that you dont study Ravens games to see all of his cathes, but he has stepped in and provided exactly what we needed in the past, a big, strong, sure handed receiver who will catch the ball in any spot of the field.
Scott Hines
Belichick talked in glowing terms of Washington
but we had Wes Welker in the slot, and it simply became a numbers game – can’t keep everyone.
Keep the faith!
Yea
Especially when you guys have the group you have. I hope Galloway breaks out soon, not this week of course. But I would like to see him do well. He is still a great WR and fits your system perfectly.
I recall reading somewhere that Belechick actually recommended Kelly Washington to John Harbaugh before we signed him. I like that Harbaugh has such a great relationship with Bill. Can only help him as a coach.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Washington
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about how he fits into your system. For us, Marima answered it below. Washington was buried behind a pretty deep WR corp and became the victim of numbers.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
I agree
I think that Joe is like Big Ben ***gasp***… I know… but if he is in the zone, he will most likely make completions. It is when you infiltrate his O-line and hit him over and over that he gets discouraged, out of his element and starts scrambling. I think the same way of Flacco. He is so cool, calm, and collected that if you guys were to get to him a few times in a row, it may knock him out off his “brain game” and make him throw a few interceptions or not convert 3rd downs.
Hopefully our offensive line won’t let that happen, and we can give Joe enough time in the pocket to get to his intended target.
This week will be a big one, as far as the Ravens proving themselves as a good team. I believe it is true what people are saying, 2 out of the 3 teams we have played have been awful and easy wins. This week will be a true test of our abilities as a winning team. Hopefully we can live up to that #1 power ranking and then people cannot make that argument anymore.
I came here to bury the Chargers, not to praise them. And I came here to drink Tequila, not to choke her. But I can’t wait to get my hands on somebody. - Ray Ray
Is Belichick the massive
asshole the media portrays him as? I mean, what are Pats fans opinions of his usual brusque nature and his lovely “Homeless on the Sidelines” look? I assume his dominance of a coach in New England would lessen most opinions on it but I am sure he does other shit for the community.
Case in point, most view Ray Lewis as a guy that got away with a double murder…which is completely false, but not only that, the crazy amount of charity work he does gets completely ignored. So really, what the hell is Belichick like without ESPN’s screwed up lens looking at him.
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace"
Belichick
I think as a fan you buy into the persona of your head coach. Case in point: Rex Ryan is a loudmouthed jerk to us, but Jets fans rally around the guy. Being successful certainly helps, too.
I actually think Belichick is hilarious. He routinely filets stupid media people at his pressers, but not in the same way Bill Parcells did. Parcells would call you out right then and there. Belichick just gives you a “Duh!!” answer:
Reporter: Bill, can you tell us how the other team beat you?
Belichick: They scored more points than we did.
Outside of football, friends like Jon Bon Jovi and comedian Lenny Clarke will tell you he’s not at all like his head coach personality. In a football situation, however, he’s business and all about one thing: winning.
To us NE fans, he’s a character we can latch on to.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
A couple other notes on Belichick
- He is the only HC not in the NFL Coaches Association. He deals directly with the very cool owner Robert Kraft.
- He cut the sleeves off of his hoodies because it violated the NFL dress code (only certain attire allowed). They used to fine him, but I don’t know if they still do.
- He loves football and loves intelligent questions about football. He went into a 5 minute dissertation once on the intricacies of catching a punt.
- He loathes stupid questions about football. His deadpan answers will make you feel stupid for asking them. That is why reporters portray him as an asshole, they got burned by him.
- He loves good football play, even if it is by an opponent. He congratulated Chad OchoCinco on a catch against us.
- Players love to play for him because he is no BS, and he’ll tell you how it is. He doesn’t play favorites even to Brady.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 2, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
If he loves intelligent questions about football, how come he always answers them in the most monotone voice and simplest way?
“Coach, what were the keys to your win today”
“Well, we ran and passed the ball. That lead to points. And that lead to a win.”
“Coach, coach, coach, what did you see from the referees tonight?”
“I um, saw them wear stripes and throw yellow flags.”
“Coach, what have you noticed about the Ravens so far”
“Well, they wear purple at home, and white on the road.”
“Coach, do your suits have sleeves?
“ASK THAT AGAIN AND I WILL EAT YOUR CHILDREN!!!……………Yes, my suits have sleeves.”
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Belichick's answers
If he loves intelligent questions about football, how come he always answers them in the most monotone voice and simplest way?
Because a) most times the questions are idiotic drivel and b) he hates pressers and is not afraid to show it. If there’s an HC who says he likes pressers, he’s lying. Instead of hanging with his players and coaches, he’s supposed to smile and politely school the masses. He sounds boorish because he tells the truth.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Yea, I got it.
Just messing with you guys. My friends always tell me I do a great Belichick impression. Can’t really show it off over a keyboard, but its goooood.
Happy Friday.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
maybe when you take it to Braodway…….for now, keep practicing in front of the mirror and your roommate Corky.
Am I seeing correctly?
Or is this just the miller lite messing around with me? raven with a reply? wow.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Oct 2, 2009 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yeah man. figured it out! i always wondered what the ‘action’ tab was for. pretty cool. no beer tonight though. out of funds and to rainy and cold to stand outside the Giant and ask for change.
I don't really see those as intelligent football questions.
Those are fan type questions, but he is looking for questions another coach might ask.
He is also not looking at giving information to opposing teams.
“What’s the status on Wilfork?”
“That will be in the injury report on Wednesday.” Which means: “Do you seriously think I want to give Coach Harbaugh three days head start on whether he needs to plan for Wilfork or not.”
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 2, 2009 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Very Belichick like quotes
Except for the eating children thing, that’s never been proven.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 2, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Media laziness
It’s easier to keep printing up the adjectives "evil, troll-like, robotic, soul-less, cold, etc…) to describe Bill Belichick, then to look at his motives (protecting the team) or behind the facade (the less the other coaches in the league know about him, the harder it is to game-plan against him) to give the guy any benefit of doubt.
Pats fans know he’s involved with his own charities and backs his players’ charitable foundations and causes, but he doesn’t call a press conference advertising how much money or time he donates. The media would rather focus on what they see – the quick handshake, terse and basic press conferences, the lack of interesting sound-bites, etc…
Here’s what some of his more famous friends have to say about him.
Notice too, you don’t ever heard of players who leave the Pats complaining and moaning about Belichick, the Patriots, or the organization to the media after they’ve gone to a new team. Even Richard Seymour’s main gripe was that the trade to Oakland took him by surprise. I’m just getting warmed up, but I’d better stop now, lol.
Keep the faith!
Do you regret letting go of Cassel?
I have a friend who is still mad they let go of him. He thought Caseel was going to be the Steve Young to Brady’s Joe Montana.
Ray Rice is so agile. He's a whole new breed for agile you need a new word to describe his agility... UBER-AGILITY!
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Oct 2, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions
Matt Cassel
Part of me says, “Yep, should’ve kept him.” He had lots of experience in the system (3 years as a backup, 1 as a starter). But his stock was rising and KC had the cap space to take him on. I think it’s rare these days to have 2 capable starters on the same team; they’re just too expensive to keep around. Plus, I think, ego-wise, these guys just want to run their own show.
From a “fan” perspective, I DO regret because I liked Cassel. He stepped up and very nearly won the AFC East for us. Before the Raiders game (game 14), Matt’s father passed away and he did his job and led the team to a victory. He’s all class. But, from a business perspective, getting him to KC was the right move.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
My first time visiting your site
but after the respectful attitude of the Ravens fans over at the Pulpit, I decided to take a look.
Very nice site, and knowledgeable fans. What’s not to like? Good luck on Sunday, it’s going to be a great game.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 2, 2009 4:51 PM EDT reply actions
I'm no Slut
I’m a one MachinePlayer man.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Oct 2, 2009 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't mind raven
He is just upset that he spiked that football in his highschool football game the other day and the other team scored. Did you get shoved in a locker yet raven?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
Was that really him, or are just screwing with him?
If alcohol didn't exist the Irish would conquer the world.
by Zachary Beard on Oct 3, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Meant to say "or are you"
If alcohol didn't exist the Irish would conquer the world.
by Zachary Beard on Oct 3, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Quick thanks!
Props to the Beatdown crowd for welcoming me/us into your territory. Great questions and lots of good info shared. I had a blast learning about your team which, for me, is what it’s all about. Back at Pats Pulpit and here, you guys blogged with knowledge, passion, and respect – the holy trinity in my mind.
I wish I could say good luck but, well…you get the picture. All I can hope for is an injury free, entertaining game. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask. I just wanted to make sure I got this in; us old geezers tend to forget things.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Giants to be honored with commemorative NY license plate; some would rather see a 9/11 plate
- The hidden play of Super Bowl XLVI: Justin Tuck’s third-quarter sack
- Report: Chad Ochocinco will become Chad Johnson once again
- Video: Bill Belichick implores his defense to make the Giants throw to Mario Manningham
- Training Day: Learning the 40 with an Olympian
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
