Ravens Reserves Break Open Close Game
by Bruce Raffel on Aug 20, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
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PrintDon't be misled by the Baltimore Ravens seemingly huge margin of victory in their 31-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs last night. The game was tied 10-10 at the end of the first half, which was when the starters on both teams played pretty much the entire 30 minutes. Once the second and third stringers got in the game, the difference between the teams began to show.
What was apparent by games end was that the Ravens reserves are better than the Chiefs reserves. Baltimore outscored Kansas City 21-0 in the fourth quarter, rushing for three short touchdowns by the team's backups. Reserve QB rookie Tyrod Taylor, RB Jaen Parmele and rookie RB Anthony Allen all ran the ball into the end zone to turn a close game into a laugher by the time the clock ticked down to zero.
At the end of the month, teams will have to cut their rosters down to 75 players before setting their final 53 man rosters in early September. They will have the luxury of an eight man Practice Squad, but around 30 players will have to be cut from the team along the way. How these guys play in pre-season will determine who ends up a member of the Ravens and who goes home to ponder what could have been and start searching the help wanted ads.
The higher draft picks of the Ravens, CB Jimmy Smith, WR Torrey Smith and RT Jah Reid will be expected to cntribute and perhaps even start for the team this season. They have and will continue to get extensive playing time to determine their best role as their immediate future with the team is secure for the most part.
Rookies such as QB Tyrod Taylor, DE Pernell McPhee, RB Anthony Allen and WR LaQuan Williams played solid and should have impressed their coaches with their efforts last night. While none of these guys will be starters for the Ravens, they could easily draw 17 paychecks and contribute in reserve roles in 2011.
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McPhee is a monster. If he keeps playing like this he should be getting plenty of playing time. I have probably been most impressed by him than any other player this off-season. Also great to see my boy David Reed back in action. Get this guy on the field.
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
Reed was a playmaker. Cam needs to start using all of our weapons each game. Boldin and Evans should get the slight majority of snaps, but we need more plays with Dickson, Pitta, Reed, and Doss on the field.
Also, Cam needs to start using 4 and 5 WR spread formations occasionally. I think raven said it in another thread and he was dead on. To beat Pitt, you spread them out. Don’t let Harrison and Woodley come after Joe every play. We’ll force their hand to sub them out, or they’ll have to play coverage. The preseason is the perfect time to prepare Joe. Cam hopefully will run some of these plays in the next game.
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.
Agreed. I would like to see us spread it out more as well. It would be nice to see Doss and Reed get some more playing time with Flacco because they just know how to get open and will be great in the slot. I think Torrey needs more time and feel Reed and Doss should be ahead on the depth chart although I still think Torrey needs to be on the field as well.
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
Joe has to get more accurate with his passes
That pass to Boldin behind scrimmage was down around his knees. He has to get the ball where the receiver can catch and run.
Agreed that Joe was definitely off last night, but I’m confident he will get going with more reps. He’s only had Boldin for one year and the rest of the WR’s and TE’s are basically all brand new, so I’m sure it will take some time getting everything down. Hopefully sooner than later, but I’m not expecting a whole lot from our passing offense initially and think they will progress a lot as the season moves on. It was weird how on point Joe seemed with Evans though when that was only their first game together.
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
Damn McPhee was a beast. Its like he was in the backfield every play. That play where we blew up Palko and Jones picked up the wanna-be fumble was amazing. I’d like to see the coaches give McPhee more time in Redding’s starting role to see how he does against opponets starting O-line. Kruger did pretty damn good himself, as well as Kindle. With the guys we have to rotate in, our defense is going to be outright nasty this year, I can’t wait.
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 9:51 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I personally think he shows more upside than Parmele, so I hope he does as well.
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
by AV23 on Aug 20, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I was thinking the same thing.
He looks very, very strong, a real bruiser. I would not want to get in the way of those thighs when they are pumping at full speed.
I like the way Williams looks too. He was dragging guys for 5-10 yards on his kickoff return.
If the O-Line can come together, this offense might be the best Ravens offense ever. ‘Course, I thought similar things last year. We’ll see.
I think Allen makes it over McPhee. And my roster sleeper Laquan Williams continues to play well. I predict we keep six WRs, and he’s the sixth.
by JoshuaStein on Aug 20, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he will make it over McPhee. I think they both make it, but McPhee has probably been the most impressive player out of any of the young guys so far. He has dominated so far.
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
You don’t think McPhee is making this team? You crazy.
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.
Yeah not only is Mcphee a lock, but if he continues to play this way he may challenge Redding for the starting spot.
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
Exactly. See my comment below.
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 12:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Guys, I am sorry…I meant Allen makes it over Parmele. Of course McPhee makes the team…he’s been beastly. My bad!!
by JoshuaStein on Aug 20, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Allen > Parmele
No doubt about it.
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 12:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I was going to say what games have you been watching lol I do agree though. IMO Parmele just doesn’t offer anything we don’t already have and he started as the kick returner, but we all have seen what Reed can do as a kick returner, so I just don’t really see a need for him anymore.
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, talk about a major typo…not much sleep last night. Anyway, Allen is a bruiser and someone who could be useful at the goal line. Imagine him running behind Leach…wow. And Laquan had a nice kick return last night, too; he could contribut there more than Parmele.
by JoshuaStein on Aug 20, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed we have plenty of guys who can handle kick return duties. I just don’t really see a place for Parmele now that we brought in Ricky.
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
Absolutely no way that McPhee doesn’t make the final roster. Have you seen him the last 2 games? His name has been mentioned in a positive light more than anyone else on our team, except maybe Cary Williams. He’s been an absolute nightmare for opposing QB’s, and if he keeps it up he just might steal Redding’s starting role out from underneath him.
"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR
by StuckInUtah on Aug 20, 2011 12:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Redding better fight for his job. Art Jones and McPhee have looked better than him so far this preseason. If we need cap space, adios Redding.
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.
Agreed. At first this was a position of need and many of us thought we could use an upgrade and now we have a ton of depth there.Great problem to have because you can never have to many D lineman. The big boys need their rest.
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
This should scare some other teams.
"I think we’re right on pace, especially because we’ve only shown a quarter of the things that we’re going to do in the regular season," Suggs said.
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
Still haven’t seen what he can do in the run defense. Good pass rusher tho.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 20, 2011 1:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
run defense was supposed to be his strength coming out which is why the coaching staff is shocked at how good of a pass rusher he is. They said he has really strong legs and holds up good at the point of attack.
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’m not worried about our run defense with Ngata and Cody clogging the middle. Ray still plays the run as good as anyone.
McPhee seems like our first true 3-4 DE that can rush the passer. I like Art Jones a lot, but I’m hoping McPhee is the starter.
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.
Aye
Even if McPhee ends up being a weak point in the run defense Suggs, Ray and JJ are among the better run-stoppers in the league and should easily mop up any spills.
Don’t forget about Pollard back there
by Georgia Raven on Aug 20, 2011 3:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ya but...
Don’t forget that other teams aren’t putting their whole playbook out there either.
Anyways, Preseason is preseason. We aren’t game planning to win games at this point, we’re just choosing plays that will showcase some of our newest players and get them some reps. Winning is an afterthought as far as the coaches are concerned.
With no OTA’s, we need the practice and that’s just what it is.
Figuring out who the best players are now so we know who to plug into our starting lineup.
Don’t worry, we will be a contender again this year, no doubts.
I LOVE this game!!
GO RAVENS!!!!
KidNme Performance
Offenses aren’t bringing all their plays, but the pass rush wouldn’t be much different even if they were. Our guys are just flat out beating the other team’s guys in pass rushing situations and that has nothing to do with play calling.
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 guys are just flat out beating the other team's guys"
is great, for sure, but— first of all, on the Chief’s game thread, they were claiming that our guys were beating their second stringers, even in large parts of the first half. I don’t know their O-Line well enough to know when that was true, but even so, it is just an exhibition game.
And second and more important—“flat out beating” the other O-Line is only half the story when you are playing against QBs like Vick and Big Ben. Those guys are at their best when they are flushed out of the pocket. And Rogers could well be getting to that level. And guys like Brady and Manning are just so smart with their play calling that they call plays to adapt. A lot of discipline is needed. We’ll have to see McPhee and Jones in real game situations before we can truly judge them. They can’t just tee off against the best QBs, at least not in many situations.
All that said, yes, they have been impressive, and I am so so glad to see it! Maybe the D-line won’t be huffing and puffing in the fourth quarter this year. And we can get some sacks on those late drives instead of playing pansy and giving up one after another 15 yard completions.
When we play ATL, we will have a gd test, QB wise.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 20, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Matt Ryan is good but when it comes to movement and awareness in and out of the pocket he isn’t close to Ben who will be the measuring stick for any Ravens pass-rushers.
We won’t truly know what we have until week 1.
I think where we mess up is wrapping Ben up. McPhee is pretty good so far at wrapping up.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 20, 2011 2:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Still Suffering
From back spasms.
He and Mason are both injured. Not to wish ill towards anybody, but maybe Ozzie does know what he is doing.
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
maybe Ozzie does know what he is doing.
quite possibly
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
I think we are shaping up to bring a TON of pressure this year
also, anybody notice how nice that SLANT looked to Evans? And Flacco going up top for him? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I’m totally amped! Someone needs to punch me in the balls to bring me back down to ERF.
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
by jackmca on Aug 20, 2011 6:37 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I liked Pollard's game
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
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