Ravens @ Colts: Prediction & 'Open Thread'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 4:00 PM EST
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PrintKeep it here on The Beatdown all evening long to post your thoughts and go crazy as our Baltimore Ravens face the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional Playoffs tonight at 8:15 pm. It should be a great game and we'd all like to see another streak end for the Ravens just they they made one end last week in New England. We had a ton of comments last week during the game and hope to have another great night here on The Beatdown as we will put up a 2nd half post at the end of the 1st half because of so many comments as the game progresses.
Here's what I expect (and pray) to happen tonight:
The Baltimore Ravens know that the key to victory is on how their offense performs tonight against the smaller but fast Colts' defense. Everybody already knows about the chess match that we'll see when the Colts' offense is on the field against the Ravens' defense. However, what the Ravens' offense does to keep the ground game successful to limit the exposure of Joe Flacco will determine it's outcome more than any other intangible.
Flacco might just have to throw it more than 10 times like he did last week, completing just four for 34 yards, although Ravens fans would be just as happy if the team ran for over 200 yards once again and Flacco's contribution is minimal. At the same time, most Ravens fans know Joe is capable of a lot better than he has shown lately and if the Colts sleep or cheat up to stack the box agains the Ravens, they could pay big time for a couple of reasons.
First of all, if they do stack the box to stop the run game, they could very well see what happens when Ray Rice and Willis McGahee get through the line to the second level of the defense and there is no one there. They could also throw a long one to a wide receiver who is on one-to-one coverage and free to stretch the field. Either way, that success will be won or lost in the trenches, where the Ravens huge offensive line is better at run blocking than it is at pass protection. Fans of both the Patriots and Colts have now said that if we think we can run on them and limit the passes we will lose and so far they have been proven wrong by the Ravens physical style of play.
The Ravens defense will have to limit the big plays they give up to the Colts pass attack and if we want to do that, it will rely on the play of the Ravens secondary and especially their nickel and dime backs on the Colts solid third and fourth receivers. Limiting the success that TE Dallas Clark has enjoyed against us in the past is a major challenge as well. Getting into a shootout with Peyton Manning and the Colts will not only force us to abandon the run game, but lead to turnovers that we just can't afford to make and expect to win. In addition, if this game is close in the waning moments, it will undoubtedly favor the home team, but if the Ravens have at least a one score lead as the clock ticks down, then that favors our opportunistic secondary and time consuming running attack.
Limit the turnovers, force Manning into third and long plays by shutting down their running game and stop the big plays and the Ravens will have the chance to utilize their strength in the run game and compete until the end. Do this and the momentum the Ravens have on their side can overcome the so-called rest the Colts' players have enjoyed the past month or so. Expect Baltimore to bring the physical pain and hit the Cotls hard to see if they remember what it is like to play against this Ravens team. Punch them in the mouth early and often and dare them to respond. Run the ball up their guts, down their throats and then run it some more as they wear down and the clock winds down to another Ravens curse-ending victory and then sit back to enjoy seeing whether we go to warm and sunny San Diego or cold and dreary New York for the AFC Championship Game next week!
Ravens: 28-20
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As a Jaguars fan
I want to wish good luck for tonight for you guys!
Please beat the Colts!!!!!!
My prediction Ravens 20-Colts 17
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Jan 16, 2010 4:19 PM EST reply actions
If (more like when) the Ravens win this game...
Ain’t nobody stopping us. 2010 is the year of the Raven!
by StuckInUtah on Jan 16, 2010 4:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Wait
They score 20 points on our defense? That’s almost as realistic as the lions going to the super bowl next year.
Keep the posting
We need to be the number one blog by the end of next season, And you all need to help out, so keep posting.
Wow, Tim Hightower just pulled a Ray Rice on a 75 yard TD run on the first offensive play. Insane!
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
I'm sorry guys
But Indy has owned us for the past 10 years. 31-17Indy. I hope im wrong. Please let me be wrong!
FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Benji
Think positive! So did NE, and look what happened.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
The Ravens in a battle of epic proportions
The Ravens, 24 to 20. Using the same formula as last week, with better success with the pass option. Our offensive line are studs, and it can push through Indy’s front line. The Ravens play their best ball when they just bully their way, and it’s one way when you know the game plan and another to stop it. The Ravens are in shape, and there not going let anyone stop them without a fight.
Go Ravens!
by Johnny Raven on Jan 16, 2010 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Gonna be good game tonight, none of ESPN's experts picked Baltimore tonight
Hope they’re all wrong
"We're only going to score 17 points?"
As I'm sure none of the CBS guys will either, except, MAYBE, Cowher...
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Are you kidding?
Cowher has no love for us.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
No, but he's the only one who ever (occasionally) says we'll win a game.
And he was pretty enthusiastic after the game last week with an all running/ big D win.
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Cowher just acted like he's rooting for us now.
He went on the chalkboard to give pointers on what the Ravens have to do to win.
Oh, I take that back. He ended his schpiel by saying he thinks Indy will win. Whatever, dude.
A good one
in terms of not calling penalties.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
I got no problem with that
I mean – is it fair that he’s getting an NFL pay AND Social Security?
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
I suppose congrats are in order...
for former Ravens D-coordinator and current Cinci head coach Marvin Lewis. Coach of the year is a great honor.
by Dynamo38 on Jan 16, 2010 5:45 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I guess they don't take the whole season into consideration, huh?
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Have a great, great night everyone
I am off to Towson to watch it with some buddies and drink heavy amounts of alcohol. I will try to check in time to time to add some drunken remarks. Whatever happens tonight, just remember that we didn’t even look like we deserved to be in the playoffs when it was November. Look at us now, a chance to take one more step towards our 2nd Lombardi.
Love this team, love my city, no other team like this one. Ravens ride.
Goodnight.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
We’re all hoping for a cause of celebation, of course.
by Johnny Raven on Jan 16, 2010 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
Well put. Either way this was one hell of a season. Although it would be nice to give Ray another ring.
by StuckInUtah on Jan 16, 2010 6:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Whew, It looks like the Cardinals are getting it handed to them. Where’s the defense? Curt Warner just got taken to the locker room. It doesn’t look good for the red birds.
35 14 saints and It's only halftime!
by Zachary Beard on Jan 16, 2010 6:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Pro Bowl scheduled before SB
To make sure Ravens are not represented – it’s all a plot…
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
wish it was still in Hawaii. Who cares about Miami?
If less is more, imagine how much more more would be.
Returns to Hawaii
next season.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
Wow this game sucks. I hope it's not the higlite of the night.
If less is more, imagine how much more more would be.
I think we've gotta get Ray Rice hooked up with a Kardashian
Like Reggie…
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Oh great
Now we’re gonna get a quarter and a half of the Kurt Warner sob-fest.
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Ref Crew For The Game Tonight
has called the fewest pass interference penalties in the league this league. Maybe we will be allowed to play smash-mouth football the way it is supposed to be played. None of the – we will trick you and hike to the running back, quick snap with 12 on the field, or onside kick to start the half that the professional football team from Indianapolis does…. just helmets through the numbers and a lot of snot bubbles.
Prediction:
Ravens – 17
Indy – 13
Don't mean to be a downer...
but I see the Indies running away with this one. 35-10.
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace"
by UMBC Oriole fan on Jan 16, 2010 7:04 PM EST reply actions
Just didn't want to really harsh the positive buzz...
at the same time, I don’t think the Ravens will win.
"The ball always seems to find Ed Reed...The man is a menace"
by UMBC Oriole fan on Jan 16, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I got that.
I just meant – people usually know what they’re saying, and know how it’ll be perceived, but it’s what they want to say – so don’t waffle – just say it.
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
35-31 Ravens
One of Peyton’s recievers not named Reggie Wayne will get hurt.
Don't give up, don't ever give up. - Jim Valvano
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Jan 16, 2010 7:10 PM EST reply actions
This should everyone pumped
Don't give up, don't ever give up. - Jim Valvano
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Jan 16, 2010 7:12 PM EST reply actions
ok boys.....................
Git ’Er Done
I wanna see some R & R tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lonely Ravens fan in Cheese Head country (Watertown, WI)
Hope we defer if we win the kick
We do much better by playing D first.
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
bruce, what's the deal with the patch on the practice jerseys?
Don't give up, don't ever give up. - Jim Valvano
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Jan 16, 2010 7:36 PM EST reply actions
it's a shovel and something
http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/photos/ravens-colts-predictin-open-thread/523244
Don't give up, don't ever give up. - Jim Valvano
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Jan 16, 2010 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like a sword and a shovel or a broom
Some kinda Harry Potter thing?
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Didn't Harbs bring that stuff
into the locker room after the Oakland game?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 7:45 PM EST up reply actions
what is supposed to represent?
Don't give up, don't ever give up. - Jim Valvano
by BaltimoreSportsFan on Jan 16, 2010 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
That first we'll gut Peyton and then clean up our mess??? LOL
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Take it easy on Walker
He played smashmouth last week. It may be redemption time for him too.
by Johnny Raven on Jan 16, 2010 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I agree
Still wanna keep sharp objects away from him – otherwise the league’s gonna have to invent a stabbing the receiver penalty on the spot…
"Talk’s cheap. Let’s go play." - Unitas
Go Baltimore. Again.
If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.
Why has nobody made a live-action game of Chutes and Ladders? I'd be first in line.
Only his second year, so
he has two more years under the current contract and four more if the CBA is not renegotiated in the off season.. Either way, he’s not going anywhere now or probably in the future.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2010 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
He's a franchise player
You won’t see the same debacle the Brownies pulled on Josh Cribbs.
by Johnny Raven on Jan 16, 2010 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
Cowher wants us to throw to set up the run!
What the hell?
If less is more, imagine how much more more would be.
ATTENTION RAVENS FANS!!!!
New 1st half Open Thread starting for gametime at 8:15pm. Reload page and go there to post from first whistle on. This thread will close right around then.
Thanks so much for the great traffic already, which due to the # of comments, convinced me to start over and I’ll also post another one for the 2nd half.
GO RAVENS!!!
aka 'Rexx'
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