Ravens Thump Chiefs Again
by Bruce Raffel on Aug 20, 2011 1:11 AM EDT
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PrintThe last time the Baltimore Ravens played the Kansas City Chiefs, it was the Wild Card Round of the 2011 NFL playoffs. The result was a 30-7 Ravens victory then and while last night was only a pre-season game, the results were almost the same. The Ravens broke open a close game late and ran away from the Chiefs to win 31-13 Friday night in Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium.
Four rushing touchdowns highlighted the Ravens scoring, with the most impressive being the 26 yard scamper by Ray Rice off of a great block by new fullback Vonta Leach. Just prior to the TD run, Leach had perhaps the best hit of the day, pancaking Chiefs linebacker, Brandon Siler, after taking a short pass from QB Joe Flacco in the flat and turning upfield to smash Siler, despite losing his helmet in the process.
Flacco played the entire first half, finishing 12 of 24 for 124 yards, no touchdowns but more importantly, no interceptions. He was not sacked in the game, but was forced out of the pocket to scramble numerous times, continuing the concern about the Ravens offensive line. For the full box score, see it all at Yahoo! Sports.
The Ravens starting defense was without their vocal leader, as Ray Lewis was excused from the game for personal issues. The defense looked relatively solid other than the game tying touchdown drive late in the first half by Kansas City. They sacked the Chiefs' quarterbacks five times and could have had a few more including at least one turnover that was overturned by the officials after the Chiefs threw the red Challenge Flag.
The stars of the game were WR Lee Evans on offense and Pernell McPhee on defense. Evans caught three passes for 68 yards, including a sweet 43 yarder from Flacco. McPhee seemed to be in the Chiefs backfield harassing the QB all evening. CB Cary Williams broke up three passes but looked way out of place on the Chiefs TD pass that tied the game with seconds left in the first half.
Once again, it is only an exhibition game and while both the Ravens offense and defense looked better than they did in the 13-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week, the improved play by certain players give hope that the team is headed in the right direction.
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Pretty impressive game by your team
I was not that impressed with Flacco but Leach, Evans, and David Reed were very good on offense. Rice also looked pretty good. I did not really watch much of the game but I can say your offense line looked much better than last week. On defense, I thought you guys were pretty good but not great. Should be an interesting game in a couple of weeks when the Steelers begin their 19-0 season with a win vs. the Ravens.
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by seton hall and steelers on Aug 20, 2011 1:40 AM EDT reply actions
Preseason, yinzer. You guys look like champs.
by Evan Skev on Aug 20, 2011 1:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Vick
Vick’s coaches kept him on a leash. Their offence will not be so anemic in the regular season. Our offence seems to be real though excpet our O-line really is going to need to gel for Ben to survive.
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 20, 2011 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions
you guys haven’t put out a great OL in a little while though and you guys still get by fine. Even with the bad OL I’m sure you guys will be fine, but probably won’t help Bens longevity.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
It will probably hurt the run game though against us and other teams who are strong against the run because we usually do a pretty good job of containing Mendy. He looked pretty good though from what I saw.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Our OL is better than it was last year
so I find it hard to believe that our run game will be worse than last year, unless of course we pass more often which is possible because of all our weapons
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My Steelers blog: thenewsteelcurtain.blogspot.com
My Draft Blog: draftdatabase.wordpress.com
by seton hall and steelers on Aug 20, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
It is better with Colon back, but still could use work and is one injury away from really falling apart. You are in the same boat we are in that there isn’t much depth there.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
How bad did get Scott get banged up the other night? If you guys lost him I’m sure Colbert would be on the phone with Flozell quick as shit. Then you guys subbed in the rooke Gilbert, and he went down as well. Are you guys concerned at all over at BTSC?
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 12:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
both injuries are deemed to be minor
MRIs came back clean.
I think LT will be okay this year. The big question will be at RG and LG.
"A Canadian is someone who knows how to make love in a canoe" Pierre Burton (historian)
"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she's something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are a part of." Emily Carr (artist)
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Aug 20, 2011 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions
The Iggles did a terrible job of containing Ben. The best way to slow down your O is keep Ben in the pocket.
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
It was def. a fun game to watch. I was happy to see that the O Line improved. I imagine that the coaches gave them hell preparing for the KC game after last weeks sack fest. Joe not getting sacked once with a make shift O Line is good to see, at least it proves we may have some good depth chart guys in case of injuries or even if we decide to not sign a vet, still think we probably bring a free agent or two in. Also, apparently this is Mattison’s last year of practice squad eligibility so he either makes the roster or gets cut. Evans seemed to plug into the offense seamlessly which is great news. Some miscues on offense in missed blocks and Flacco and some WRs were out of sync, which seemed to be with the routes that were called more than anything. Leach is legit. It’s like having a linebacker plow holes for Rice. McPhee is nasty, Cary Williams was great (mostly) I even liked seeing Webb get to the quarterback a ton. Love Paganos style of D. Kindle looks to be an all around contributor almost coming up with blocked kicks a few times. Was an improvement over last week which is what I was hoping to see. How about Haley flipping out? Haha. Was glad the Ravens kept that drive going at the end. Good to see LaQuan make that grab and have Allen punch it in. I’m pulling for both those guys to make it.
"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed
by WestminsterRaven on Aug 20, 2011 3:52 AM EDT reply actions
i agree
Vonta Leach has been that way since he was in the league, and sidenote to not get sacked at all for Joe Flacco against the Chiefs is huge, they had one of the best pass rushing tandems in the NFL last year so i think the line is improving
I respect your OPINION but i also value the FACTS, To save time, lets just ASSume IM NEVER WRONG
by Tommy Ohyeah Mcduffie on Aug 20, 2011 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't know about steroids
but did you hear him calling the Steelers Philly game? Seemed intoxicated, thank goodness Suzy Kolber didn’t want an interview.
"They timed it perfectly, they just went too soon." - Darrell Waltrip commenting on an illegal restart.
Speaking of Suzie, she looked hot in that game. Love her with the long hair.
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
Cary Williams…..wow, just wow. This year is going to be fun to watch. Him & Jimmy will be a fun tandem to watch, hopefully they keep them as the starters, with Carr as the nickel, Webb as the dime, and Foxworth to rotate in for whoever gets tired. Combine that with Reed and Zbi/Pollard, and we’ll have a sick secondary once these guys all gel. The pass rush also looks like its improving. Kindle, Kruger, McPhee, Pollard, and Webb are all weapons we can use in addition to Suggs. Pollard’s timing on some of those blitzes last night were dead on. If he can keep that up he’ll have plenty of sacks and forced fumbles this season.
The offense definitely needs to get their act together. I’m pretty sure Cam is keeping his playcalling low key, and hopefully he keeps his promise of being better about using adapting to use players strengths. One of those two deep balls for Boldin should’ve thrown to Evans, or even Torrey (even though it seems like he’s having a hard time getting separation). The .o-line looked better, but still needs to improve if we want to be playing past January. All in all a run game to watch, and I’m looking forward to watching us cream the Deadskins next week. Go Ravens!
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 10:00 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Redskins defense is stout. Will be a gd one.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 20, 2011 10:36 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
deep balls for Boldin should’ve thrown to Evans, or even Torrey (even though it seems like he’s having a hard time getting separation.
When Joe Flacco threw the ball deep to Boldin he was open but Flacco over threw him. Boldin may not have blazing speed but he can definately beat you deep every now or then but it usually works when the defensive players are tricked
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
It looked like Boldin never saw the ball. He was right there and didn’t even put a hand out. Boldin is looking slow. If Cam is determined to use his players right, Boldin shouldn’t be running deep much. He really should just work in the middle of the field and crossing routes.
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
Exactly. I really think he could have caught up to that pass. Remember that third down pass he caught over the middle? It didn’t look like he was running hard on that play also. Here’s hoping he brings more speed when the games begin to count.
IMO I don’t believe Flacco trusts the line. He rushes throws in situations where the line holds up. Think that’s called poise. Him and lee looked pretty damn gd.
Lee has already shown me what mason was missing. SPEED!!
O-line did better. Gregg applauded mattison, saying he has a bright future and he did great.
Love the running game, rushing for 124 yards, without tyrod’s help.
Torrey is still struggling but mostly due to Flacco lack of accuracy on some throws.
Defense looked great. McPhee is a beast. Cary did great. Jimmy did okay but still needs work. Sam Koch and Cundiff…great job.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 20, 2011 10:44 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Flacco seems to be getting some hate for this game, but I thought he played well. Joe had to throw it away a lot because it appeared no one was open. He moved in the pocket extremely well. His mechanics didn’t break down. He also made some plays when the pocket was compromised. He over threw a couple passes, but no ones perfect.
I’d give him a B grade.
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
In my mind, the idiots who get concerned with poor preseason performances are the same as the idiots who are impressed by winning efforts (see Redskins fans this year). The Colts go winless just about every preseason because they want to work on specific plays and scout certain players; I think we do the same. Joe’s timing should improve by the start of the season, and there are certain undrafted guys who have a real shot at making the team, but we need to run certain plays to evaluate them. No team should be in mid-season form at this point.
Here it is, The Long Awaited Return of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Good
First, Flacco was fine. Yeah he misfired on a few throws but he is human, no a robot (contrary to what Raven says). That ball down the left sideline to Evans was perfect – in stride, dropped in the bucket – couldn’t have handed it to him any better. Also, Flacco’s pocket presence: he moved when and where he had to move to keep plays alive -even with a porous O-line in front of him. He even showed some escapability with those big, plodding feet of his.
Leech will be huge for us this year. That hit was stupendous!!! Mark my words, Leech will make at least one critical third/fourth down or two point conversion catch this season. That play also served the purpose of giving opposing DC’s something else to have to spend time to plan for when they go up against us. Give credit where is due -nice call, Cam. Rice in mid-season form already. That burst from him as soon as he got to the second layer, wow, unbelievable.
Evans is also a very nice pickup for us. Evans could very easily get 1000 – 1200 yards opposite Boldin. Great job, Ozzie!
Happy, so far, with our young TE’s progression -glad they made a liar out of me.
LaQuan Williams should make the team. He gave me no reason why he should be cut and he could be yet another Ravens undrafted rookie FA diamond in the rough. And were those slant plays, to Boldin?!?!?!? I must have dozed off during the game and dreamed them…
McPhee and Kindle are NFL players. McPhee could be the steal of the entire NFL draft. I am starting to see shades of Adalius Thomas in Kindle. Could you imagine the return of an Adalius Thomas -like player to Chuck P’s defense and our special teams? Wow…
Cary Williams has earned one of the starting CB positions. Don’t know if he should be opposite Carr or Webb yet, but he has earned one of them. And the TD he gave up, that was mostly 2’s he was playing with, which means the pressure may not have been where it should have been -who know what else went wrong that play which contributed to his breakdown. Give him a mulligan on that one.
The Bad
The O-Line. Yes, they improved over philly, but they couldn’t get any worse than philly, so not sure how good that is. As many of you have pointed out, many missed blocks, especially by Oher. I know, the coaching staff and front office are paid professionals and they know much more than I do, but damn, Oher just does not, and has not yet, passed the sniff test as an NFL LT. During the regular season, when Cousins has had to sub in at LT in the past, it was no worse than Oher’s performance. I think the coaches are still buying into the “potential” of Oher’s LT greatness. I am just not seeing it, yet. Just tossing it out there, but I cannot believe Cousins-Grubbs-Matison-Yanda-Oher would be so bad, and it solidifies our right side. I am basing this on the fact that Cousins could probably do as good of job at LT as Oher has done, but Oher would be an excellent RT.
The Smiths. They are typical rookies. Torrey is still tentative on his route running, although he did have a nice two-yard grab from Flacco and lived to tell about the hit. Jimmy has the potential, but has a lot of work to to do. His footwork seems to get messed up when he gets tangled up with legitimate NFL receivers. He has closing speed, just needs some more work and polish. He is not a starter, yet. Maybe someday, but not yet.
Boldin going deep, and Evans on crossing patterns. Cam, you are an enigma. You do great one minute (slants to Boldin and the flare to Leech) and then you crap the bed the next. Stevei-B ought to issue a memo: no passes to Boldin where the ball is in the air more that 12 yards past the line of scrimmage. Period. Those deep balls to Boldin I think might have different results to Evans instead. At least we didn’t see Evans on an end around…
The Ugly
Jason Phillips. My whipping boy from last preseason is back. Cut him. Cut him now, not later; put him out of his misery.
The end of first half drive for a KC touchdown. Our 2’s did really, really bad on that drive. Maybe our defensive depth is not as good as I thought.
Very happy overall with the 1’s performance, regardless of the score last night. Sounds like deja vu, but just like last year, at this point, I would have to say the Ravens will go only as far as their O-line play will take them. This could change between now and 9/11, but currently, that is the way it is.
Full disclosure: I was on the road for the Iggles preseason game so I did not see it- had to rely on y’all for the scoop. Thanks!
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Very fair assesment. I think Flacco will get better as well. He is working with basically an entire brand new group, so it will take some time and I think his pocket presence is vastly better from the rookie we saw a few years ago. There was a couple times where he evaded pressure stepped up in the pocket and made a nice throw or nobody was open and he just had to throw it away. Looking forward to seeing the offense progress. It needs work, but I definitely see a ton of potential in this group.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Yeah, I liked how he moved around in the pocket as well. I doubt we are revealing too much on offense and defense at this point. Joe will be fine, as always.
Yeah I’m not worried about him at all. It seems like Boldin and Evans are getting some good separation from the 1st teamers then Reed and Doss have been getting open as well. Joe will get it all figure out and put the ball on him once they get better timing down. It’s just good to see our guys getting some separation and Joe not having to squeeze every pass into a super tight window.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I believe he played a little bit at 4:00:22 PM late in the game. Didn’t hear his name called, which is usually a good thing for an offensive lineman.
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 6:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
WTF?
4:00:22 = LT I guess….don’t know how the hell that happened.
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 6:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Here was out there
At first glance he looked solid at LT, just seeing his effort and technique made me feel a little better about our back-up LT spot. He’s not the answer there, but now I don’t feel quite like we are doomed if Oher were to get injured.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 20, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions
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