Issues Against The Texans
by lastcallbmore on Jan 16, 2012 7:01 AM EST
Email
PrintThe biggest issue for the Baltimore Ravens coming out of the playoff win against the Houston Texans has to be the lack of pass rush. Yes, Houston does have a good offensive line. Yes, they were trying to run plays designed to render the pass rush irrelevant but still we had plenty of opportunities to try and put T.J. Yates on his back.
The Ravens run game also seemed a bit lack luster on Sunday. They were playing a very good defense but in the beginning of the game they seemed as if they were afraid to run the ball. Ricky Williams had a decent game but there were a lot of yards left on the field in the run game. This will not do in New England. Baltimore will have to run the ball more.
The Ravens pass protection was also poor in this game in quarters two through four. The Texans do have an excellent pass rush but they can do better than that.
The Ravens special teams are still a problem as well. The opening kick-off was just the tip of the iceberg. Billy Cundiff came through huge in this game but he has also been inconsistent this season. Punter Sam Koch is holding this unit together. Baltimore will have to find a reliable kick-off return man for next season.
155 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
You know why I'm happy and proud?
We played a piss-poor game against a team that (let’s be honest) outplayed us for the most part, and we still got a WIN! In the playoffs, it doesn’t matter how you win, as long as you get it done.
That being said, the run game sucked, pass rush was non-existent, and our offense had zero rhythm. It’s almost a BAD thing when we get a huge lead early, because Cam goes back to his favorite prevent offense style… In any case, let’s hope this was a solid wakeup for us to play much, much better. We always play NE tough, let’s get to the Super Bowl!
Yeah you guys won but.....
Only cause Houston gave you the win. Houston domninated every phase on the game except QB, where TJ’s worst habit of locking down on 1 receiver killed him. We played better D, ran the ball better, controlled the line.
Your MVP had to be Jacoby Jones. Congrats on the win but I think you get blown out by the Patriots. And watch out for the Texans next year!!!
Hey... let's show a little class and not degrade their victory.
The Ravens capitalized on mistakes. That’s how you win games. The Texans couldn’t force them to make any mistakes and continued making them. Without mistakes, yeah the Texans might’ve won, but they did make mistakes and the Ravens made them pay for them. Give it up to the Ravens… They did a good job.
I've got nothin'...
by Bennyscrap on Jan 16, 2012 8:35 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Texas08: At first I thought you were being sarcastic
and then I realize what a poor sport and sore loser you really were.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
Its what comes when you are new to the Playoffs. It sucks to be bounced from seeing your team play because of 1 game.
Monkey Feces for OC!
by Mstevens_Design on Jan 16, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Its just my opinion
as well as most sports casters, former NFL players, and media. Did u listen to Mike and MIke this morning on ESPN radio?? Both said Texans dominated the game and if Schaub was playing they have no doubt Texans would have won.
I know…IF…..but Im just saying if you struggled in a game against a Rookie 5th round QB. I also said congrats on the win. A win is a win no matter what. You guys move on and Texans go home. I just dont think you will be as lucky next week.
.but Im just saying if you struggled in a game against a Rookie 5th round QB. I also said congrats on the win. A win is a win no matter what. You guys move on and Texans go home. I just dont think you will be as lucky next week.
when i watch the game I didnt see the ravens stuggle against a rookie quarterback he did make some plays and he did a good job but he threw like three interceptions. The texans defense help their offense plenty off time to come back in the game to atleast score another touchdown to tye it up or get more points then us but it didnt happen.
There were plenty of opportunites where the texans could atleast came back but it didnt happen and i credit that to the ravens playing good defense. Yes Foster did have good game running the ball but the ravens shut him down in the second half.
Your MVP had to be Jacoby Jones. Congrats on the win but I think you get blown out by the Patriots. And watch out for the Texans next year!!!
I know its your opinion but if you dont have nothing good to say then dont say nothing at all. Our team just won a game and you going come over here saying congrads on the win but your mvp was jacoby jones plus I think your team going to get blown out by the patritots. Are you serious?? get out of here with that
Did u listen to Mike and MIke this morning on ESPN radio?? Both said Texans dominated the game and if Schaub was playing they have no doubt Texans would have won.
I really dont care what mike and mike said this mourning on espn radio. I have seen teams dominate another team but still lose.
Good rebuttal Jazz
If Matt Schaub had played we would have won. If Michael Jordan was in the NFL he’d be a Tight End. If Kim Jong Il came back from the dead he would have a glass of cognac.
“If my aunt had nuts, she’d be my uncle.”
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
I don't care either way
but I’m damn glad we played TJ Yates
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
I think we would have beaten either QB
If it was Schaub we would have blitzed a lot more because we know if he gets time he can burn us. But with Yates we knew we could sit back and cover and force him into bad throws with the occasional blitz to throw him off.
Flacco's Favorite. Check it out.
I tend to disagree
I think Kim Jong Il is more of a Cosmo with an umbrella type of guy.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, he was a connoisseur of cognac.
Because he was vewy vewy ronery.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
If I’m not mistaken, we should have had 6 total INTs instead of 3. We dropped some that we should have had easily.
"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
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 16, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
Reed dropped 2, Lewis dropped one (it kindof just went through his arms but he still broke it up).
I said to the guy next to me after Reed’s second dropped INT, “he won’t drop a third.” I was right.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Yup, if you keep throwing at Reed and daring him, eventually he’ll make you pay, just like he did. They were throwing at him all day which takes some balls. Even Ed not at 100%, it’s still Ed Reed, one of the all time greats. He made his living making QBs miserable. I appreciated him laying it all on the line for his team yesterday. I’m sure we all appreciate 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
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 16, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
Kubiak basically said he tried to pound into Yates’ head the importance of not throwing at Reed, but in the end, he learned the hard way.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Shutting the Texans out in the 2nd half
shows what type of defense we had yesterday on the field. Pagano’s motto is “bend but don’t break.” He couldn’t care less what you do between the 30 yard lines, but don’t give u a TD. They got one on a nice long drive, but NOTHING else!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Grats. You can repeat what the media reports. Enjoy the offseason homer. And don’t make excuses for your qb. Its football son
by ryantz on Jan 16, 2012 2:34 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
@Bennyscrap Thanks for being classier than most Texans fans
Like I said in my post, you guys outplayed us for most of the game. The key difference was us capitalizing on your mistakes and nothing more. You’ll be dangerous next year and for years to come, but we’re going to enjoy this because we’re still in it this year! Congrats on a great season!
I think most Texans fans are actually classier than I am.
Seriously, about 95% of the fans are really cool, reasonable people. It’s just that other 5% that show up and talk shit that I can’t stand. No reason to be over confident like that when your team lost because of mental mistakes. Yes, the D played lights out. Yes, the running game was great. But the Ravens played like veterans who had been there before while some of the Texans(Jacoby, Turk, TJ to name a few) played like rookies.
I don’t see how a Texans fan can smack talk at this time… Besides, both teams are pretty much equal when it comes to D and O. I’d think most Texans fans would be rooting for the Ravens from here on out.
I've got nothin'...
Texas Loser talk
Yeah we looked ugly, real ugly. But let’s take stock of this Texans team. They finally made the playoffs, and they beat the worst team to make the playoffs. As far as gifts are concerned, man the Ravens have been beating the Texans for like the last few years, it’s not even funny. Strange when you had Matt last year and this year and we still won. Next year, man you better hope your good next year, the book is out of JJ Watt, so now teams will know how to handle him. Good luck next year.
I think the Falcons might have something to say about being the worst team to reach the playoffs...
The AFCN is strong. Any team that comes out is stronger simply for having to play in a division that tough. I wouldn’t discredit their team, personally. Had they played in another division… they probably would’ve had a couple more victories.
I've got nothin'...
Agreed these are some issues that need to be fixed, but should be corrected. Patriots have nowhere near the pass rush or run D of the texans, so I’m sure the blocking will be vastly improved against the pats. Pass rush needs to get going though. You cannot allow Brady to get comfortable in there. Our CB’s played a good game yesterday and Reed probably had his best game of the year. If the pass rush can get going I really like our chances this week.
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
Nothing needs to be fixed
Give a ton of credit to the Texans defense for playing a stellar game. Their offense was very predictable but a great back like Foster is just tough to stop and Andre Johnson proved what a great receiver he is, still finding ways to get open, but unable to win the game himself.
Remember, defense travels well and despite being on the road which affected their offense, their defense will give everyone fits and don’t expect that type of struggling against the Pats.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
We simply did what we had to do in order to win the game
Nothing flashy, nothing sexy, just blue-collared work until the job got done. We all know we’re not going to play the Texans like we did the Pats. I’m feeling very confident honestly in how we’ll play next week: our O-line knows it has to play better and will work on it, Rice will play better…hell, our entire team knows it has to play better in order to get to the Super Bowl.
Fun Fact: The Pats have only beaten two playoffs team this year… oh, and that was Denver, twice.
and lost to both teams they played
with winning records in 2011 (Steelers, Giants).
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
Have to run the ball against NE
When Rice gets at least 20 carries, the Ravens usually win.
Yeah and I would expect a much improved running game. The line should be pissed at the way they played yesterday and should come out angry against the pats.
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 is that the case
He had 21 runs and 4 pass receptions, and we still almost lost. That 21 carries can be deceiving.
I think he’s just citing a trend. Of course, the carries need to be productive for the team to benefit from them.
Montreal Canadiens///Toronto Blue Jays///Baltimore Ravens
Moreover, there’s NFW that the Pats bottle up Rice and pressure Flacco the way the Texans just did. That was a very serious defense we just beat.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
How do their (tex, NE) rankings compare in terms of pass rush and run defence?
I do hope we can get some good pressure on handsome tom brady, I want to see TSuggs all up in his shit!
Montreal Canadiens///Toronto Blue Jays///Baltimore Ravens
Patriots overall defense is one of the bottom seven in the league. Not sure how they fare against the run specifically but I know their defensive backfield is really, really bad.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Yeah they are average against the run I believe, but nothing special. The only good thing about their D is they do actually create a lot of turnovers. So that’s important that we protect the ball.
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
Is it just me, or did our tight ends not get a lot of action yesterday? Did Ed Dixon (sp?) get a catch? I know Pitta got 1 at least.
Montreal Canadiens///Toronto Blue Jays///Baltimore Ravens
Dickson had 1 reception for 14 yards, and a big drop that would have extended a drive. That’s pretty bad if you ask me.
Pitta had 2 receptions for 29 yards in far less playing time.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Dickson also
generally looked like shit when blocking.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 16, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Well, in that case, I’d like to see Lee Evans get a second catch this year!
It was a fun game to watch though, my first BMore playoff game!
Montreal Canadiens///Toronto Blue Jays///Baltimore Ravens
I think he's up to 4.
I can think of 3 right now.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 16, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone see how that Texan D Line walls going balls to the walls on those final minutes?
The eyes of JJ Watt after the lost? That team is certainly going to be contending for years to come.
That being said against the Patriots. Major key to a win against the Patriots is
1) Keep Tom Brady off the god dam field (Run the ball, 1st Downs)
2) We have to eliminate those game changing turnovers
3) Execution at the endzone
Ray Rice will rise to the occasion. Will Joe Flacco?
He as so far
Say what you want, but Flacco is in the post season for the fourth time in four years and in the AFCCG for the second.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
I love Ray Rice, but he has now fumbled in his past two play-off games.
Our entire TEAM needs to step up, not just one or two guys.
Texans fan here coming to eat some crow(Raven?)...
I knew it’d be closer than the vegas betting lines were predicting(I don’t bet on games, but I would’ve taken it before the game).
That was some quality football on display, though. Both teams really came out to prove a point. The Jacoby fumble and the TJ interceptions were really what helped the Ravens out in this game, however. The Ravens capitalized on 3 out of the 4 turnovers. That won the ballgame. And I’m not saying that in a condescending, “We should’ve won” manner either. That’s just what good football teams do. They capitalize on mistakes.
Some of those passes Flacco threw were beautifully placed. Boldin had a great day with the catches he made. Normally, I’d say it was because Kareem Jackson had a bad game. But given the placement and the athleticism required to make most of the catches Boldin made, it was all Ravens. I was a bit surprised to see Rice not get as many yards as I thought he would. I know the Texans D is great, but Rice is solid all the time. I think that’s credit to the Texans D. Credit to the Ravens secondary though for sniffing out interceptions left and right. I think TJ’s inexperience got him in trouble. He wasn’t going thru the reads like he should have. Seemed like he was insistent on going to WR1 for most of the game. If Schaub would’ve played, might’ve been a different ball game(but he didn’t, so there’s no reason in talking about it).
I heard Reed’s ankle is fine. That’s good to hear. I have no teams in the playoffs anymore(Saints being my NFC team). I’m gonna be rooting for the Ravens all the way from here on out. You guys have a quality fan base here and a great site on SBNation.
All in all, great win for the Ravens. Same time next year? Our place? :D Good luck against the Pats. I think the Ravens will win it and beat the Giants in the Super Bowl.
I've got nothin'...
Appreciate it and as you said I expect to see you guys again in the playoffs next year. We were very fortunate to pull this one out. We got dominated at the line on both sides of the ball, but luckily we were able to create some turnovers. Very solid squad and honestly I’m more worried about you guys than any other team in the AFC next year.
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 guys a hella of a team
Everyone saying how the young and upcoming teams are in the NFC.
Well theres the Texans.
Texans with Schaub and Mario will be a favorite
for not only the AFC South but the conference. They have a great mixture of youth and vets on both sides of the ball and their defense is built like the Ravens. Your team should be in the AFC North where we play smash mouth football!
Good luck and see you next season on our schedule in Houston.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
Your team should be in the AFC North where we play smash mouth football!
I would rather they weren’t. We already have enough of that.
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 wish we could play in the AFCN, honestly.
Not that the calibur of opponent is that bad in the AFCS. But the experience of playing highly competitive games against the leagues best(Steelers and Ravens with a side of Bengals) would only help this team to grow. That’s why I’m always glad to see the AFCS draw the AFCN in the regular season.
That winless streak against the Ravens can only go on for so long. But the Ravens hold that record for a reason. They’ve earned it like the victory they achieved yesterday. It was earned. Not given like some(very few… maybe 2 or 3) Texans fans have said.
I've got nothin'...
You'll have your chance next year
in Houston, as we play in the 2012 regular season.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think the pass rush was a problem at all. We consistently dropped 7-8 into coverage.
The gameplan seemed to revolve around daring Yates to throw at us rather than making it difficult for him to do so.
Yeah I read we mostly just went with a 4 man rush most of the game, so that makes me feel a bit better, but I still think there were a couple plays to be made. That’s the best O line in the league IMO though, so I guess it’s pretty difficult only sending 4 the majority of the time.
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
Agreed
Sacks never lead to interceptions, pressure does!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
That wasn't an o-line issue.
Coverage sack and result of Flacco not getting rid of the ball like he should have to preserve field position.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
I may be thinking of a different scenario,
but I’m pretty sure at least one third down sack in field goal range was a combination of poor blitz pickup (free runner off the edge, whom Flacco actually sidestepped) and Oher being unable to block JJ Watt (who got the sack when Flacco moved away from the edge rusher).
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 16, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
They can lead to FF though and I can guarantee you know QB likes to get hit.
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
Congratulations
You team was able to pull out a victory when their play was not at its best. Next week the offense will have a better success rate against NE’s secondary. Ray Lewis is an animal, and is amazing he can play at that level for this long. He saved a couple really huge plays from developing.
Just because I like the funnies.
True arrogance has been displayed here- WestministerRavensfan or something
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 16, 2012 8:47 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
True about Ray Lewis
To me because of his ability to play at such a high level for 16 years (and counting?), I not only consider him the best LB to ever lace them up, but the best player EVER. <—-debate coming to this statement?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
I think he has to be in the "Best Ever" debate. No question.
However, that is so subjective due to the different timeframes.
I think you CAN safely say he is the Best Linebacker of HIS era.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
by TexansForever on Jan 16, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
That’s probably a fair way to put it. For me personally it’s too difficult to state a person as “the best ever” just because the timeframes really are so different. It’s a lot easier to compare players from same era rather than different ones.
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
He is in the debate
I don’t know about best ever. I am going with Jerry Rice, Lewis is the best linebacker to ever play and can be debated as the best defensive player ever.
True arrogance has been displayed here- WestministerRavensfan or something
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 16, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Best ever is just way too hard to decide.
How do you compare a skill player from offense to a trench guy in defense? It is pretty difficult.
Positional best is easier and less about personal preference. Ray is probably best linebacker to play the game. That says enough for me.
You would go with players
That revolutionized the way the game is played, also had great numbers, wins trophies, longevity. Those would be factors in which I judge greatest player.
Yet It would be best to judge per postion, as to have relevant details of each category.
True arrogance has been displayed here- WestministerRavensfan or something
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 16, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
It still can be tough to judge on a different era. I guess you could look at how dominant they were compared to the field at their time, but it’s tough when you use to have 240- 250 pound lineman back then and now that’s a MLB who’s running in the 4.5’s
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’s all about dominance relative to both the player’s individual position and era in sport. If Lewis has been elite at his position for 16 years, then he probably has to be in the conversation for best ever.
Montreal Canadiens///Toronto Blue Jays///Baltimore Ravens
My entire point is that
Rice was the best receiver ever, but realistically touched the ball and was involved in ten plays a game. Ray is involved in virtually every defensive snap and has played at such a high level for 16 years while ZERO other players did that. Not Rice, not Butkus, not Lawrence Taylor, not ANYONE.
And don’t put a kicker or offensive lineman into this conversation.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Scary
This team on offense at least is scary. If you listen to Lardarius Webb comments after the game he was like offense please score something 3 points or something, don’t put all the pressure for us not to allow them to score a TD. This does not bode well for the rest of the playoffs as Tom Brady or Eli Manning will not allow the ravens to get away with that type of offensive performance. Grant it the texans have an awesome defense, it’s I’m afraid to say it but the Ravens are done now. I would go off about Joe Flacco missing alot of his reads, but that’s a different story.
it’s I’m afraid to say it but the Ravens are done now. I would go off about Joe Flacco missing alot of his reads, but that’s a different story.
man you are so negative jeez
Interesting Stat box on Joe's performance
on espn.com. While I don’t usually put too much stock into the analysis over there, there is an interesting stat box which shows how effective Joe was yesterday. Nice accompanying analysis from a group that is usually quite down on him. I expect next week’s game to play out very differently.
Michael Oher is so fast off the ball that he only appears to be off-sides.
I believe Joe started 4 of 12 passing
but two of those four completions were for TD’s and he had at least three big drops on third downs that might have extended drives. Then he went 10 of 15 on the rest of the day.
Efficient enough for my satisfaction. Would you rather have Brees’ great stats (minus picks) in a disappointing loss? Huh haters? Huh?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
Had Brees not been playing Defense too, it would have been a Saints win. That defense was horrible
Monkey Feces for OC!
by Mstevens_Design on Jan 16, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
It was soooo close of a game. If that D stops anything, they win the game. While you can bash Brees and the offense for the turnovers, they did produce points against that defense, they just let a mediocre offense put up more.
Monkey Feces for OC!
by Mstevens_Design on Jan 16, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Even crazier
If the Saints, who turned the ball over five times, had ONLY turned it over four times,..they might have won.
Instant classic game. Loved the last few minutes. Can you imagine how up and down the crazy fans must have felt!?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
The game versus the Patriots is going to be a completely different game than the Texans game, so all of the bitter Texans fans (and worried Ravens fans) that are saying that we’ll get blown out by the Patriots need to use some logic.
Going into the game, we knew that the Ravens and Texans were strong in the same areas—OL and DL—and thought that the Ravens had the advantage since they outperformed the Texans in the first game. We were right that they are strong in the same areas but were wrong about outperforming them. The Texans OL was very good throughout most of the game—especially in the second quarter, but the Ravens DL did shut down the running game in the second half for the most part. The Texans DL was in full beast mode. The Texans were able to bring extreme pressure with just their base four DL. Anytime you can do that, it almost assures a dominating defensive performance.
That being said, the Patriots are not capable of playing the same game that the Texans did, so they will have to find success against the Ravens in different ways than the Texans. Here’s why…
1. The Patriots will not be able to simultaneously pressure Flacco while shutting down the run with their base four DL like the Texans. Flacco will have more time to throw, and if the Patriots want to have any hope of stopping Ray Rice, they will need to over-commit to the running game—which should open things up even more for Flacco. Bottom line… The Ravens offense will score on the Patriots. Flacco may have looked off versus the Texans, but Flacco is no Tim Tebow. He will make life much harder on the Patriots secondary—mainly because the Patriots are incapable of pressuring him or stopping the run like the Texans.
2. The Patriots cannot run the ball versus the Ravens. One of the reasons that Yates was having success is because the Ravens were having to over-commit to the run versus Houston. That opened things up for Johnson and the other Texans receivers, but even with their defense stretched thin, they still did a good job in pass coverage. Lardarius Webb was a stud against one of the best receivers in the league. The Ravens will probably use Webb on Welker and cloud cover Gronkowski with safeties and linebackers. Bottom line… The Ravens will not be forced to over-commit to the running game versus New Engand, and that will open things up for them to use more players in pass coverage.
I’m not saying this game will be easy, but it will be completely different. The Ravens will be able to score, and if they can just slow down the Patriots enough to get a lead, they have a legitimate shot at winning this game.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 16, 2012 9:21 AM EST reply actions 5 recs
Exactly I don’t see how Ravens fans can think this game is an indication of how we will play this week offensively. Completely opposite teams. Pats don’t have a running game anywhere close to what we just faced and the defenses aren’t even close. I honestly don’t think Flacco played horribly. The run game was non existant and he was under extreme pressure most of the game. They also showed on some of the plays he didn’t have much time that the receivers were all covered and just pretty much stopped after their route. Our receivers really struggle when it comes to improvising. While I don’t think this was Flacco’s best game he actually came out and dropped in some perfectly placed balls and unfortunately had a few dropped.
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’s also very encouraging that the Ravens secondary really stepped up—especially Ed Reed and Lardarius Webb. That bodes well for the Ravens heading into play the Patriots. Here’s what PFF had to say about Reed and Webb…
This hasn’t been a vintage year for Ed Reed (+6.7) who struggled to a 14th place finish in our overall safety rankings, but if you think he still can’t turn it on you’re sorely mistaken as Yates found out. Reed, who added a QB pressure on his only blitz and came up with a big stop on third down early on in the run game, was at his unbeatable best. I say unbeatable in a literal sense as on the four balls thrown into his coverage he gave up no receptions while picking off one ball and breaking up another three. The injuries may have impacted his consistency but it has to be a worry for the Patriots that Reed can hit the switch and play lights out like he did here. To think, some people were calling for him to be benched.
A two interception day is bound to grab the attention of people, but this isn’t the first time Lardarius Webb (+4.4) has caught the eye this year. After a difficult 2010 where Webb looked to be trying to play himself back to health after his excellent rookie year was cut short, the Raven cornerback is threatening to join the elite CB club with a tremendous 2011. He finished the year with our second highest coverage grade behind Darrelle Revis, and it’s that form he’s taken into the playoffs. Seven times the Texans threw at him and he gave up just the one reception for 19 yards while intercepting two balls and breaking up another. With Webb covering the slot in nickel situations be prepared to see one heck of a battle when he lines up over Wes Welker.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 16, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
My 1pm post echos this exactly
Glad to see a few others have a realistic outlook on how different every game is in this league!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah this was an awesome day by the secondary. Reed really had his best game by far of the year and what a time for it. He honestly should have had 2 more INT’s, but as long as he is knocking it down I’m fine with it. Yesterday was a vintage Ed Reed performance and I hope he carries it on. Reed needs a ring.
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 was saying a couple days ago that Webb would match up well with Welker. It’ll be fun to watch and is Webb can play as well as he has all year against Welker I think that helps our chances a lot. D. Branch is an interesting player to me. I was talking with a friend about how we’d match up against the Pats right after they beat Den and told him that whenever I watch Branch it seems like he gets so lucky when the balls thrown his way. He’s good at finding a hole in zone coverage and just sitting there waiting for Brady. It’s like he runs his routes, looks around and says “holy shit. I’m open! Throw it!” Its like people forget about him, and rember that TD he had against us last year I think? He was just standing in the EZ uncovered. I think our secondary will match up well with their receivers. Most of our CBs have a size advantage in this game.
"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
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 16, 2012 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
This is a very good point
the Pats run their offense through the slot, and that lets us put our big CBs on the outside where they belong.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Wes Welker is one of the guys I think we match up well with. He's the ultimate safe option for Brady
because he is always where he is supposed to be but I think guys like Webb/Reed and even Carr (if he plays) can read and take advantage of that like other teams fail to do.
I've been saying it since the start of last week...
whoever wins yesterday will beat the Patriots or Broncos.
No doubt in my mind that the way the Ravens and Texans are built, that they can stop Brady’s passes to a degree. Get pressure on Brady and he won’t make the passes that he normally makes. If the Ravens can get 3 or 4 sacks on him, they’ll win the game, IMO.
I've got nothin'...
That’s what I’m hoping for. The advantage for our teams is we are well rounded. Pats need a great game from Brady to win this game. While it’s easier said than done to stop him if we can pressure him and make him uncomfortable I like our chances.
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
Also agree
If that wasn’t a possibility, think a team that had to win their last few games JUST to make the playoffs could go on the road and beat a team that not only already defeated them, but went 15-1 on the season with the best QB in the game?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
Also worth noting:
The two teams with powerhouse offenses (Saints, Packers) are out.
Defense is carrying the day thus far.
My guess is offenses go 0-3.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
by TexansForever on Jan 16, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
That is the beauty of those losses. The league wants a pass happy league with No D and now their boys Brees and Rodgers just got knocked out. If we could take out Brady this week it will be a huge statement from the defensive teams.
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 just know
that the league wants to see the Giants-Pats. Big offenses, lots of scoring for the typical casual SB fan. As much as a Har-Bowl game would be great, that’s not their favorite match-up. It’s all about the Benjamins….
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Co-rec'd-o-mundo
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
The gunners on Special Teams were great today
Except on the opening kickoff
They played solid football all day and made great tackles
Zibby and Haruki were really good, Gorer too
Gorrer definitely
but he has played great on ST as well as the chances he’s had at DB. Very under rated IMO.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah he was. He wasn’t listed on the injury report all week. Chances not looking good for him coming back next year.
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
its possible he could had been injured or atleast still not 100 percent healthy that was unknown to the media.
The ravens usually have five cornerbacks active during a game but it also possible that gorrer has proven to be better. I think its possible he will play against new england also carr has histroy of making interceptions against new england as a raven
they would have put him on the injury report though
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Yeah you can be penalized I believe for not doing so.
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
Tandon doss was also inactive.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Shocker.
Thought he was meant to be NFL Ready? Was hoping to see some of him when Boldin was out but oh well.
Same here, but I guess he has some work to do.
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's an ST issue
and what with our punt and kick coverage issues, it’s pretty important that everybody on the team can tackle.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Gorrer on punts is just funny.
He does a great job but that is twice he thought he made a big play only to have it called a touchback. Though this one was a lot closer.
He had a great ST tackle
and has been pretty decent on pass coverage in the few chances he’s gotten.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Which is your biggest concern for the Ravens heading into the AFC Championship game?
Cam Cameron
Cam Cameron - the creator of the Prevent Offense™, and best-selling author of "150 Short Runs Into the Line on 3rd and 10"
re: Big Ben - "God can have his soul. His ass is mine." - Terrell Suggs
by GrumpyOldBird on Jan 16, 2012 9:52 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Not worried about the Ravens at all
Worried about Miss Brady and his peeps!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Yep, our DL against their OL / Brady will decide this game. If Brady has time and feels comfortable, we lose.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Really?
Amazing insight. (j/k)
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I just watched a couple of their games on replay that I saved
The one HUGE factor is that no defense hits their receivers after the catch.
Tons on arm tackles, shoves, grabbing, but no clean hits.
Go back and watch the 09 playoff game against sissy boy- we had three picks and were because as soon as they made the catch.
The key to this game will be physically dominating them on both lines and HIT those guys as soon as they touch the ball.
Hit hit hit hit and don’t stop for sixty minutes
by RavensfaninTX on Jan 16, 2012 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Even Saturday,
the Broncos didn’t seem to do a very good job of hitting cleanly. One man simply has to man up and hit Gronk, hold on, slow him down and wait for his teammates. Of course, then he drags you 30 yards into the end zone.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 16, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
Great game Ravens!
I always thought this game was “a bridge too far” for the Texans without Schaub.
With Schaub, I think we probably win the game, but that doesn’t matter.
Your defense played LIGHTS OUT when it mattered.
That was a really FUN game to watch because of the defenses.
I certainly hope we get a rematch with the “Superbowl Champion Ravens” in the playoffs next year with both teams actually healthy.
What a great game!
PLEASE, for the love of everything holy, get to Brady. I want to see Pollard and Suggs blitzing and crushing Brady!
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
You will get a rematch a lot earlier that that
as we come to Reliant Stadium in the regular season next year.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 16, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
I am just hoping to break the bubble
And notch that first win against the Ravens
True arrogance has been displayed here- WestministerRavensfan or something
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 16, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Does anyone else get kinda nervous whenever we get a big lead early?
That’s when Cam just goes ape**** on his play calling and where nothing makes sense. When we got that 17-3 lead, I was thinking “crap, it’s the Browns game all over game…try to protect the lead, prevent offense…” I HATE that he doesn’t go for the jugular and finish off the game…yeah, we were getting manhandled, but the playcalling was horrific at times.
this
O-Line got manhandled for the most part, and the receivers REALLY suck at getting open.
At this point I’m pretty much convinced that Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta need to switch places. Pitta is by far the better route runner and never drops anything.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Dickson is a horrible blocker as well. It was his block that failed on the failed fourth down attempt on the goal line.
Don’t get me wrong… I think Dickson has a ton of potential, but potential doesn’t win games.
I was going to write a long response about Dickson, but it got long enough that I figured I’d make a Fan Post.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
good eye bal hawk
I kept rewinding it showing my g.f how ed dickson fuc*ked up his blocking asignment. He has to get his legs involved and drive up and put someone on their ass! Bolden not a good. Blocker either
by vazfynst1 on Jan 16, 2012 12:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Maybe we’re not using Dickson properly. Like many of you have said, he’s not a great blocker. What he does do well is run pretty quick for a big guy. I’d like to see him used like a WR/TE Hybrid type of player. Maybe in the offseason it’d be prudent to split him out wide more often and try his skill set there. With his speed and size, he could out run some DBs, box them out in EZ better ect. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to try to let him play some like V. Davis-esque.
"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
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 16, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
The problem with that
being his case of the dropsies.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 16, 2012 5:08 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Dickson can be a huge weapon and one of the more explosive TE’s in the league, but the drops are really getting bad. He actually makes a lot of the really difficult grabs, but for some reason has some concentration issues on the easy ones.
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
Ed Dickson is better than Pitta potential wise but i agree maybe Pitta should start over him.
Pitta and Joe are acturally good friends and it seems they have good chemistry with each other on the field. Pitta seems to be the smarter route runner and we all know it has the better hands but I doubt dickson would lose is starting spot to pitta.
who “starts” isn’t really as important as who gets the snaps in crunch time. I think that Cam is starting to realize that Pitta, Boldin, and Rice are Flacco’s favorite targets when he needs to move the chains.
and STOP GOING DEEP ON 2nd AND 10!!!!
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Agreed. Pitta is a first down machine and we need those hands when the game is on the line.
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 think we should get Pitta going early
and use Dickson as an occasional big play guy. Dickson’s ceiling is higher, but Pitta is performing better. Use Pitta early!!
PATS VS RAVENS
Once again the Flacco to Dilfer comparisons continue. Flacco played not elite but just good enough to get the W. No turnovers . Dropped passes. He played the best freaking defense in the NFL this year. Flacco is light year ahead of Dilfer. For what he did to the Steelers TWICE this year is elite too me.
Patriots played an overrated defense in Denver. Tim Tebow was on the decline. Willis mcgahee was pretty much gassed out. I mean for his age and the workhorse he was this entire year how much more did they expect him to last?
Im expecting Flacco to have a GREAT Game this Sunday. Maybe on the clipse of ELITENESS. I expect Suggz to show up. I expect our D to put a hurting on Brady and give Gronkowski a wake up call this week.
Ravens over Pats
27-17
by Ravenonthejerseyshore on Jan 16, 2012 11:00 AM EST reply actions
Who cares about the Texans now. If your over here saying good game but u suck in the same breath, you are wrong.
We have the QB est chance to beat the pats. In oder to contain tight ends u need food safety play and play man coverage. We have a 3-4good good corners, a good pass rush, and we can control the clock with the run game. No one should think we are in trouble after the Texans game. That’s the worst I seen our o-line play and it can’t get worst. Ravens win 23-17
by Raven_all_day on Jan 16, 2012 12:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Ravens Have No Offense
As I watched Joe Flacco and the mostly flacid offense play this past Sunday, I was greatly disturbed by the Ravens inability to muster any kind of an offensive drive. The defense was spectacular in stopping the Texans and intercepting Yates 3 times. However, Tom Brady is no Yates and the New England offense is a seasoned, perennial contender unlike the Texans. On the plus side, the New England defense is near the bottom of the conference so Joe Flacco and the offense may have some opportunities. I love my hometown team, but they’ve got some challenges ahead of them next Sunday. I’ll be rooting for the Ravens from down here in Central Florida. Go Baltimore.
O-line sucked but there is no reason why we get a better effort come Sunday. Flacco played good for what he was given IMO.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 16, 2012 12:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
our WRs
Who elese think we should stop going for the homerun plays on 2nd down lol. Let’s try to get Evans more involved also, why the hell we even get him if we not gonna use him!!! Our WRs have to do a better job getting open, if u see Flacco in trouble….bring your ass backdown field! Also Cam Cameron, your the O.C develop plays that work for each indivdual. WR to get open…. don’t mind me fellow fans … I’m just hype right now lol
by vazfynst1 on Jan 16, 2012 12:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Who elese think we should stop going for the homerun plays on 2nd down lol.
Thank you! I was screaming at the TV the whole game about this! On 2nd and 10 you need to be working on getting to 3rd and 5, not blowing the other team away for 40 yards.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
at jack n roa
Man, I. Punched the hell out my chanellos pizza box, when they threw on 1st down for the third time in a row. Roa I 100 percent agree… set. Up the 3rd and shorts not the 3rd and longs… we up 17 to 3.. run the goddamn ball…our defense can’t bail us out every game
by vazfynst1 on Jan 16, 2012 1:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
there’s also the obvious issue that if your receivers just shot down the field 35 yards on second down, they’re going to be a little more gassed on 3rd and 10. You need to work the short passing game to slow down the pass rush and save the receiver’s gas tanks for when we really need them to explode.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
im with u
Hell yea! U want them to go full speed 3/4 plays? Torrey smith needs to run better routes.. no single/double moves lol running straight as fast as u can gets old. I wonder what the hell the practices consist of! I also think pitta is a stud, and he has good hands. Dickson drops a lot of balls
by vazfynst1 on Jan 16, 2012 1:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The play that pissed me off was when we needed one yard to get the first down and we hand it to leach off some BS formation.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 16, 2012 1:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions
BOOM! You just got Cameron’d.
Haha.
"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
You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.
by WestminsterRaven on Jan 16, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Its like cam cameron. Never heard of. No huddle, quick snaps… our offense never seem to b in urgent mode. Tom brady pretty boy ass doing quarterback sneaks like its nothing. When its 2nd and 1 or 3rd and one ..I’m scared shitless cause cam is ridiculous
by vazfynst1 on Jan 16, 2012 2:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Baltimore Beat Down
Related FanShots on Baltimore Beat Down
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
