The New England Patriots, Then and Now
by Middlesex on Jan 17, 2012 9:13 AM EST
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Seeing the Green Bay Packers get demolished by the New York Giants in their first game of the 2011 post-season brought back memories for us Pats fans.
They looked like us from the 2009/2010 post-seasons.
What hasn't changed?
Tom Brady and the left-side of the OLine with Logan Mankins at LG and Matt Light at LT. Steady as she goes.
Patrick Chung(SS) and Kyle Arrington(2nd or 3rd CB). The rest of the DB committee is different and has shifted all season as the Pats have had over a dozen DBs trying out this year during the regular season.
Vince Wilfork upfront backed up LBs Jerod Mayo and Rob Ninkovich. WIlfork is playing to form while Mayo and Ninkovich are playing at high levels.
Did you hear something about the Pats switching to a 4-3? Forget it, it's a 3-4 concept again. That 4-3 experiment ended with the release of some jerk named Haynesworth and the injury to DE Andre Carter.
Slow starts and/or finishes. Pats ended the season getting off to slow-starts. They began the season getting off to quick starts and slow finishes. All season long, 60 minutes of football has eluded them until Week 19 hosting Denver. Was it a fluke?
What has changed?
The Center-to-RT of the offensive line. Rookies Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon rotate in at right-tackle while former Chief and perrenial pro-bowler Brian Waters is in at right-guard playing at a high-level. The right-side of the O-Line is improved The old weakspot on the line was the right-end, but now it's usually the Center. Nate Solder sometimes will shift from RT to power-TE, and the Pats have begun bringing in more 3-TE looks.
The Big 3. Wes Welker missed that 2009 playoff game. Rob Gronkowski was still in college rehabing a back injury and Aaron Hernandez was hauling in passes from Tim Tebow in Florida. These three are the heart and soul of the Pats offense and are as versatile as they are great. Gronk has the surest hands, amazing speed for his size, and can run-block like a man who loves hitting men. Aaron Hernandez can line up like a WR, a FB, a RB, or a traditional TE. Welker loves finding LBs to pick on. All in all, the Pats are now strongest within the numbers and produce many of their yards after the catch from these Big 3. After them is 2nd WR Deion Branch who, like the Big 3, did not play in that playoff game.
The Running Backs by Committee. Kevin Faulk is still kicking but don't expect him to see much action BenJarvis GreenEllis never fumbles the ball and is reliable at being consistently-okay. Danny Woodhead is a change of pace back to appears to be getting off to a good streak. Shane Vereen(2nd round) and Stevan Ridley(3rd) are also new additions. Ridley is considered their most explosive back but he's had ball-security issues in the past two gams. Shane Vereen has been held back by hamstrings all year but is fresh off the injury report. Aaron Hernandez sneaks in a few runs here and there and has an attitude when he's charging downhill.
The Front-7. They just came off their best performance of the season. While the Ravens O will recognize DLine Captain Vince Wilfork and LB Captain Jerod Mayo, they won't recognize much else. Rob Ninkovich is playing great at OLB and the Pats snagged pass-rusher Mark Anderson to shore up the other side. Anderson is underrated as a pass-rusher as he's just starting to get more playing-time. To help out Mayo the Pats got Brandon Spikes, "the Tebow of the Florida Gators defense" or something, who adds great physicality to the run-D at MLB. Up front they have Gerard Warren(Raiders) and Shaun Ellis(Jets) along with UDFA-gem Kyle Love helping out Wilfork.
How about the Baltimore Ravens? What's changed? And how is this year's cheerleading squad vs. 2009's? Pictures please.
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
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Nice Write up. Always interesting to see and as far as changes from last game to this game there is a ton. I believe heading into this year I believe I read we had one of the most roster changes in the league.
Offensively
Not a single receiver on this team played against you guys in 09. Boldin and our rookie Smith receive the majority of the snaps with Lee Evans getting a little bit of action. Dickson is our starting TE and like you guys we do like to run 2 TE sets and bring in Pitta. Vonta Leach leads the way for Rice and is a force. Just ask Patrick Willis. Mckinnie is our LT now and has been up and down.
Defensively
Secondary is a lot different. Carr is the only one of the CB’s who was on the team (besides Webb, but that was his rookie year and tore his acl)and he has been buried on the depth chart due to injury and ineffective play.
Webb is now playing at a pro bowl level and is our best CB. We got 2 CB’s with great size in Cary who is 6’1 and Jimmy who is 6’2. Cary is the other starter and Jimmy comes in on the outside in nickel situations where Webb usually goes into the slot. Our SS is now Bernard Pollard who I’m sure pats fans are well aware of. He came in hear with the knock being coverage, but we haven’t really seen it. He has a career best in PD with 13 and has made some big plays for us. D line Cody and Redding our now new starters on there. Guy to watch out for you may not have heard of is Pernell Mcphee. Rookie 5th rounder who got 6 sacks I believe this year in limited snaps. We bring him along with Paul Kruger in on passing downs and they have been pretty effective on the year. LB’s are basically the same other than Jameel Mcclain is now the starter next to ray and is an overall solid player.
I’m sure others will add more to this 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
Hear you guys haven't been bad at covering TEs.
Why is that? Do they switch to a 3-4 to chip the TEs at the LOS? Is it those lengthy CBs? Competition?
Would you say overall McKinnie is worse than the RT?
It is what it is
Yeah we have done a really great job of that. I think we just do a great job of mixing coverages up on them along with the pass rush. Teams have been forced to keep TE’s to help out with the pass rush and when they have went out for passes both safeties do a nice job of coming up and making plays.
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
Heard we're something like sixth in allowing passes to TEs, but
never faced anything like either Gronk or Hernandez, much less BOTH!?
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 17, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Looking at the numbers we are 2nd best in the league when it comes to giving yards to the TE. Interestingly enough NE is right behind us at 3 and we are tied with NE and 2 other teams for 2nd in TD’s given to them at 3 on the 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
NE could be misleading though
I wonder if teams generally having their way with them using WRs could have negated the number of targets TEs got. Could also be that Mayo is a lot better at his position than some of their secondary players have been this season. It’s all about matchups.
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
That has been the case. They are last in the league against WR with the closest team being 700 yards away.
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
daaaaaaaamn
looks like we missed that gravy train though, with Chung being back
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
We’ve been pretty good at TE’s. I said it on the other thread but there isn’t really one guy we put on them. It’s been an ensemble of brakets, clouds, and man-up. We’ll gamble and probably give up some big ones at some points, since that’s just what y’all do so well, but again, don’t rely on the YAC. If Jameel McClain and Ray Lewis wrap you up, you will go to the ground.
Would you say overall McKinnie is worse than the RT?
Helllllllllll no. Oher is only about 315 lbs and has been pretty iffy on the right side, let alone the liability he has been on the left. McKinnie’s best days are behind him but he’s not a bad stopgap at LT. But I’m pretty sure Oher is a career RT at this point.
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
Honestly,
I’ve been pretty disappointed with our tackle play for most of the season, especially Sunday. They were owned by Watt and Reed.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Suprisingly after reading post game analyis it was just Oher getting owned. Mckinnie was actually getting praised for how well he played. I didn’t really pay attention enough to him to see that, but when I think about I really don’t recall much pressure coming from the left side.
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
McKinnie has really allowed Joe to step up into the pocket, but it’s that pressure from Joe’s right side that causes him to close his shoulder and move awkwardly to the left. Once that happens, he really can’t get rid of the ball because he’s exposed to McKinnie’s man and a sack is pretty much inevitable.
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 was under the impression
that the tackles were giving up pressure upfield, but Joe had nowhere to step up (that is, the C and Gs didn’t give up pressure, but didn’t keep the pocket either). After reading jack’s explanation below, it makes more sense.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
it was a pretty tight looking pocket to me, the whole game
McKinnie held his man, even if he got pushed a little. A tackle can do that. When the middle 3 O-Linemen get pushed back though, the pocket shrinks and that’s what led to the strip-sack.
You impression isn’t necessarily wrong, but I think by far our weakest link on the O-Line has been Oher (not counting the games when Gurode played guard).
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 he’s really been up and down all year. He struggled a lot early on it seemed like in the year then kind of got in a groove and looked like he may be back, but then hasn’t looked good again recently. It’s tough switching back and forth, so I think next year will be real telling of how he will be as our RT because we know he’s not cut out on the left. If he doesn’t progress next year I’m wondering if we let him walk and give Jah reid a shot?
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
Besides for RT, hows the interior play at LG/C/RG?
Does Birk still have it? How’s Yanda been doing relative to his standards?
It is what it is
Grubbs is at the top of the list of FA guards for 12
Yanda is a wily vet who still gets into the 2nd
Yanda may be the best guard in football
AV23 is right on about the tackle play
Birk is still solid. Not Birk of old, but still a solid C. Grubbs and Yanda are one of the best G tandems in the league. Both are extremely talented and have played really well this season. Yanda had a bit of an off day last game, but that is a very rare case. They can pull, pass block, run block they do it all. Yanda IMO is the best of the two. One of the toughest players in the league and is a mauler in the run game.
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 Yanda fully healthy again?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
He didn't have his best game.
Might be dinged. Wouldn’t be shocked. JJ Watt came at him and Oher like a bat out of hell. Wish the Pats signed that kid.
It is what it is
I don't remember him being on the injury report this week,
but I’d be surprised if he were fully healthy. He was injured pretty badly in the Browns game, or so we were told.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
He's not fully healthy
Floating cartilage in his chest. Methinks a few ribs aren’t as secure as they should be and he mentioned that falling down in practice would be bad news last week. Odds are good he fell down a couple times during the texans game.
Oh dear.
At least we know he’ll be out there until he physically can’t be. I’d love to see Filmstudy’s breakdown of the game Sunday.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
That Will Be
Quite the horror show…
"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
Only for certain players.
Michael in particular.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
My greatest fear
is that many Super Bowl teams have had good offenses and bad defenses throughout the regular season, but somehow string together a few good defensive games en route to a championship. Don’t put it past Bellicheck to pull that off this year.
I’m remembering the Colts in 06, NO in 09…
If that doesn’t happen, I really like our chances in Foxborough. But it has occurred to me enough to make me nervous.
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
by jackmca on Jan 17, 2012 9:50 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah Colts come to mind mostly with that. For whatever reason their D always played at a completely different level in the playoffs. With that though I don’t think they have pass rushers anywhere near a Freeney or Mathis and usually it’s the pass rush that tends to cause havoc, although BB could very well come in with some good designed blitzes.
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
Mark Anderson.
Former Chicago Bear, he’s stellar on the pass-rush. Rob Ninkovich, opposite OLB, has also been playing at a high-level.
It is what it is
Everytime I watch the Pats play,
all I hear the announcers say is, “Ninkovich on the tackle…” over and over!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 17, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Did Ninko take a while to come on last season? Sounds like he was a real project for you guys who didn’t always look as good as he has recently.
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
Sort of,
I think Andre Carter really taught him a lot about being a pass-rusher.
Ninkovich has had some up and down games, especially against Pittsburgh, but he’s really been playing better and has stepped up since Carter went down in Week 15 at Denver.
It is what it is
Kinda. When he went to the NFL from Purdue, he was a back up back up (yes double backup) DE and the next year, they moved him to Long Snapper. Things did not go well and he was cut by the 2009 season. He was picked up and the first time I noticed him was when he was getting constant pressure as a 43 DE against the Colts in 2009.
He has slowly improved over the 2 years. He’s a really good coverage LB vs TE and backs. Decent run edge setter and decent pass rusher in a 2 pt stance. He had a terrible game vs the Steelers this season but has played well as a 43 SAM/ 34 LOLB.
He won’t ever play at the level of Mike Vrabel but I think he might come close.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 17, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
certainly sounds like a project to me. Solid but unspectacular.
I’ll just say this. If Ninko is on Rice, invest in KY Jelly.
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
Na. Dane Fletcher will be on him on pass downs. He did a good job in 2010 against him. Ray Rice coming out of the backfield scares me. Short, low level of gravity with niffy moves.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 17, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
True
Colts, G-Men, Saints, and Pack all got it done primarily with pass rush on D without really being stellar in other areas (apart form that dude Woodson).
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
run the ball
and wear that D line out. DE’s can’t do anything if you’re blowing up the interior with a well balanced rotation of ricky and rice. not ricky until he’s tired and then rice until he’s tired. id go back and forth between the two at a fast pace until the pats collapse. i think we can destroy them with the run. the only thing that stops us is CAM. if he lets flacco pass on first down when we are tied or ahead he’s asking for 3rd and long and thats when DE’s rule the game and flacco makes us nervous. pound pound pound until you’re sure it’s being stopped. at least find out!
Pats got Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo
to defend the run up the middle, plus this guy upfront named Vince Wilfork.
It is what it is
We’ve used Rice effectively against some pretty monstrous defenses. You’re not one of them.
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
We've got these guys Yanda and Birk, maybe you've heard of them.
If not, maybe you should ask Casey Hampton.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
big snack has been a good NT for a long time…
What OC52 means is that your team is not as familiar with the Ravens as pitt is… and you don’t seem to have a lot of respect for what’s coming your way on Sunday… the Ravens are a very tough, blue-collar football team. They want to crush marsha…
and they will
My other point is
that Wilfork can be double teamed and cut blocked just as easily as Hampton was.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
Plus Pats have had some very generous YPC numbers to teams lead backs the last few games. Willis at 4.5, spiller 4.6, bush 5.1, Willis 10, Helu 4.7 and Rice is better than all of them. Got tired of looking, but you got the idea.
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
As I've been saying,
Pats D is as big a mystery as the Ravens O. The Pats finally have some continuity after a crazy season so we’ll see what they do against a non-option offense.
If you take out the first-quarter of that Bills game when Chung and Spikes came back along with the McCourty move to Safety, Pats D is balling. But it’s a big ‘if’.
It is what it is
Well said.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
If your going to double wilfork, then Love will be single blocked in the middle though...
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Who's Love?
All I’m saying, it worked pretty damn well against the Steelers this season, although they were pretty far down this year (8th). Doubled Hampton, followed Leach, ran through their (pretty good) DL, got past their LBs a couple of times.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Love is wilfork #2. lol (well he is just as big)
Name is Kyle Love. NT. Wilfork is at End.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
And yeah. Love can push the pile well. :P
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I hate Eric Mangina but he is right.
For years, Pats D (even the good D from the dynasty days) struggled against motion offense and zone stretch runs.
Ravens, I believe, tend to do that.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 18, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah,
after a slow start to the 1st quarter vs. the Bills in Week 17 the Pats D has been lights-out. In the past 7 quarters they’ve given up 10 points, and 7 of those came off of a bad Brady interception that gave Tebow great field position. The Pats finally got continuity in the back and all of their LBs are finally healthy at the same tme. But it was Tebow and the Broncos O. The Pats D and the Ravens O are the big X-factors.
It is what it is
Also
Flacco seems way more comfortable against 34 defenses, and he just played a pretty gnarly one against Houston. The more pass rushers you have to bring, the more I think (hope, really) we’ll be smart enough to use Rice and Pitta out of the backfield.
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 think they will blitz
they will I think play much zone, players can see the rb and prevent the big play. They will force flacco to throw short and cam Cameron’s propensity for long bombs to lost downs. U cannot afford those lost Downs n lost series with ne playing no huddle on offense.
The Concept
Of “Lost Downs” that you raise is very Earl Weaver-esque. Earl Weaver absolutely hated to bunt because he felt like it was giving an out away and you only had 27 of those… You only have three downs in a series (and in reality only about sixty offensive snaps per game), so I must ponder the concept of giving away/losing downs…
Interesting…
"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
Perfect comparison.
You don’t go deep just to “stretch the field,” you do it because you really think you have a shot at that touchdown.
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
cams bombs are sooo untimely and unecessary. rarely do we make the catch and often the O is off the field the next play. we need to win it with D and to do that we need to keep them fresh by running. cam nearly killed our D in the 2nd quarter last week. i know he’s part of a staff that has won a lot of games. i just don’t think he deserves much credit for it.
but, the funny thing about cam, he’s goofy enough with his play calling that it might leave the pats scratching their heads. so stupid they can’t believe it!!!
It’s 3rd and inches. No chance of going long here!
NOOOOO!!!!! TORREY SMITH!!!!!
I’d laugh nervously because that one touchdown would result in the remainder of the game being called as if Cam was on acid.
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
A pass-O wears down the same team's D only makes sense
if it’s an amazing Pass-O that gets the TD in no more than a few plays, or if it’s a horrible Pass-O that gets a quick three-and-out.
It is what it is
As for stopping them...
I really like the idea of defending a team between the numbers more than a sideline team like San Diego. They beat us over the top with outside playmakers. As great as Welker and Gronk/Hernandez are, we are sure as hell not about to try to arm-tackle these fools and let them just truck us. They will get their completions and move the ball but I like our chances of keeping the play in front of us until the field shortens and we have some chances to jump routes. You always have to gamble a little bit to beat Brady, we just gotta trust our defensive playmakers to make the right adjustments.
But I wouldn’t put it past Bellicheck to tailor a new offensive gameplan for us, knowing that Gronk and Hernandez can actually play outside where San Diego beat us so handily. All I know is that there is a great mutual respect between that New England offense and this Baltimore Defense, and it will be an incredible chess match.
As for the O-Line, man, Houston was pretty nasty. I’m sure New England is pretty damn good too but I have a hard time believing they’re better than H-Town. Those guys were friggin elite. Their best lineman will face Ngata, which is good for them, but I expect to see Suggs over the rookie RT at times. Really, I expect us to move guys around quite a bit more than we did against Houston.
They get good work from their RB committee but I think we can all agree that they don’t amount to a Foster/Tate combo. Once again, those guys were sick.
Wouldn’t surprise me to see the Pats get decent pressure most of the game, as has been the case most of the year. We’re a coverage sack machine with all these verticals.
All in all though, I think Bellicheck knows he won’t be caking up the YAC in this game. We tackle. Pats will find other ways to matriculate that ball downfield.
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
However, the deep middle has been a thorn
just over the top of our slower LBs and in front of the real deep centerfield that Reed plays has been open. However, it is also a place where picks can come from.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 17, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
In a 34, Pats 2 gap but when they play in a 43, they truly don’t have a pure 3 tech DT to get instant middle pressure. Our two 3 tech DTs, Mike Wright and Mryonn Pryor, got IR in week 1 and 2 and since then, there hasn’t been that inside pressure constantly and quickly.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 17, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
Not saying that Solder will have an easy time with Suggs...
…but he has faced elite pass rushers (Cameron Wake, Robert Mathis) who are within eye-shot of where Suggs stands on the pantheon of elite pass rushers. Solder’ll definitely have his hands full, but he’s definitely earned his helmet and is battle tested.
by Richard Hill on Jan 19, 2012 2:58 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks for doing a post like this, it’s good information for sure. I’d say a lot has changed on offense for us while our defense has remained pretty much the same with an upgraded secondary. Here’s some stuff that I think is worthy of discussing:
1.) Our receivers are a revamped group entirely. Boldin has been great for us, not spectacular, but solid. He makes some great tough catches and is a reliable target for Joe. He’s tough and durable and coming off of knee surgery a few weeks ago, he looked awesome against HOU. Torrey Smith has given us a true deep threat and the rookie has had a great year playing as WR2 with 50 rec./841 yds./7 TDs/16.8 YPC. And Lee Evans finally showed up this weekend and had a monstrous one handed grab. He’s a bit of a wild card, just don’t know what we’re really going to get out of him. If he makes a couple of big plays that sway the game this weekend, he was worth a 4th round pick IMO.
2). TEs are pretty solid. Both young and here to replace Joe’s old security blanket, Heap.Ed Dickson has great athleticism for a TE, but suspect hands as of late and isn’t a great blocker. Dennis Pitta has great hands and is probably the superior route runner, and seemingly Joe’s more popular target of the two.
3.) Ray Rice, he’s just Ray Rice. He can break off a big run, get the tough yards, be pretty good in the RZ and split out wide. Always look for where he’s lining up. Our offense is mostly built around him. Ricky Williams has been a pretty good back up. Nothing phenomenal, but a hard runner that allows Rice enough time to rest. And our FB Leach has been paramount to our team this year. He plows ahead for Rice and makes some punishing hits in the process.
4.) Our D front is still one of the best with Ngata, Cody and Redding all playing solid ball. We added rookie 5th rounder Pernell McPhee who has played very well with 6 sacks rhis season. Our LBs are doing great a run stopping but have shown some weakness in coverage with the exception of Suggs, who just does it all. He’s had a DPOY type season. Our CBs went from a rag tag group of guys to now, where we have a lot of up and comers playing wonderfully. Most of all Webb, with 7 INTs this season and allowing no TDs. Jimmy Smith projects to be a future shut down guy, and Cary Williams has played well, but is prone to getting beat deep. Bernard Pollard has been great too, heavy hitter, and not a liability in coverage usually, which is the one knock against him I heard when he came here.
5.) Our DC Chuck Pagano has gotten us back to our old days of swarming to the ball, getting sacks, and forcing turnovers. He has a lot of creative blitz schemes up his sleeve and each week there’s a new wrinkle. He likes to bring pressure in a lot of different ways by shifting Suggs around, blitzing corners (Webb in particular), Pollard and Reed also blitz on occasion.
This is a huge post, so I apologize. No need to read the whole thing, 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 17, 2012 10:07 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
If Leach can find Mayo, Rice will have a good day.
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
Unless Brandon Spikes has something to say about it.
It is what it is
at that point we’re not talking about blowing up the gap anymore. We’re talking about at least a 4-yard gain.
That’s that 34 theory though, the Ted has to find the FB before the FB finds the Mike.
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
by jackmca on Jan 17, 2012 8:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If Leach connects with Mayo...
…then the Patriots defense has already failed. Spikes is the main run plugger who will try to engage with whatever lead blocker/guard is trying to get to the second level. Mayo’s job is to clean-up whatever is left. If Leach is getting to Mayo, then Spikes is already washed away and Rice has a clear shot into the secondary.
by Richard Hill on Jan 19, 2012 3:01 AM EST up reply actions
We can only hope.
And wait.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 19, 2012 5:03 AM EST up reply actions
Our DC Chuck Pagano has gotten us back to our old days of swarming to the ball, getting sacks, and forcing turnovers. He has a lot of creative blitz schemes up his sleeve and each week there’s a new wrinkle. He likes to bring pressure in a lot of different ways by shifting Suggs around, blitzing corners (Webb in particular), Pollard and Reed also blitz on occasion.
Also gotta give the paisan credit for really switching things up against Yates and only bringing 4 most of the game, when on the regular season we were one of the teams that brough 5 most frequently. They showed Yates something he hadn’t seen on tape, and it beat him. Also, it gives Brady and Bellicheck something else to think about now knowing that they can’t exactly be sure what situations we will bring heat in. Brady, obviously, is far more wiley than the young Yates, but it still will be important to show phantom pressure and keep his wheels turning in his head.
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
Just gotta remind him of '09.
I have little doubt he still remembers that game, mostly in his nightmares.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
What I remember most was Randy Moss quitting on literally every play, and not even caring enough to stand in the huddle. They’d break the huddle and Moss would ask Edelman the play.
Brady played pretty badly as well but Moss was just a total cancer.
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
Needless to say,
I don’t expect us to win another 33-14 game.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Hence why he's gone.
New York Jets should take note regarding Santonio.
It is what it is
Yea, very true. Pagano’s game plan was interesting once you looked at it after the game. Even Kubiak supposedly said that they weren’t prepared for the lack of more than a four man rush most game. The plan to force Yates to beat solid coverage all game long worked well resulting in three INTs, which should/could have been six. It’s nice to see a conscious effort towards game planning to the weakness of opponents unlike some coordinators I know….
I also think looking back that while he put that game plan together to suit the HOU game, he didn’t want to put a ton if his new stuff on tape incase we made it to the AFCCG, but that’s just speculation.
"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 17, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
Coordinators definitely save certain looks for certain games. Obviously you don’t totally let your foot off the pedal in the playoffs or you won’t have a next game, but I think Pagano has definitely saved some special pressure packages for Brady that we haven’t unveiled yet.
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
Yea, the game plan from a pressure stand point was very vanilla. I expect that we’ll be more aggressive and creative with blitzes this weekend. Although, I think we’ll be dropping into coverage a lot as well to try and blanket everyone as much as possible. I’m not worried about giving up rushing yards, that won’t beat us. Hell, we basically conceded Foster those 100+ yards if you really think about it. We’ll do a good job of mixing pressures and trying to make Brady uncomfortable while doing our best in coverage. I think it’ll be a mix of new blitz schemes and a lot of what we saw against HOU too, dropping several extra in coverage at times.
"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 17, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
I somehow doubt Ray Lewis concedes a single inch, let alone over 100 yards.
I think the Pats will try to throw off the Ravens and run 40-50% of the time.
It is what it is
Do you really think the Ravens O is going to suddenly turn on full-power
and out-score the Pats?
It is what it is
If Brady throws INTs, its not of the realm of possibilty.
The pats will run it this game though. Balance is something they like.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
If the Ravens O is going to be given gifts like that,
much like the two big gifts the Texans rewarded them, then they deserve to lose.
It is what it is
Brady throwing an INT is not something to count on. Of course.
But like i said IF Brady starts throwing an INT or two, we COULD be down some scores. Not to mention the Light vs. Suggs matchup is going to be great. I hope Brady doesn’t get strip sacked from him, or anyone else. Any turnover looses momentum for the pats. Its one of the things that is going to be in my keys to the game post at the pulpit.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Well, no, our D didn’t just say: “Here ya go Foster. Have the most yards rushed against our D in playoff history.”
We dropped more into coverage than we have all year and rarely rushed more than 4. That tells me that we were willing to let Foster get his yards, and dare Yates to beat us. It worked out well in the end getting 3 INTs, but to HOUs credit they do have a good O Line.
"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 17, 2012 9:10 PM EST up reply actions
Question, why does Flacco have a 70s porn stache?
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 17, 2012 10:36 AM EST reply actions
Chicks dig it?
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 married. I thought it was some bet he had with his linemen or something.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 17, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Him and Pitta made running jokes about it and eventually they were just like, “F-it. Lets get Manchus,” so they both grew em.
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
Ngata is lighter, faster and stronger. McPhee is a machine and Kruger is right with him. New CBs, WRs OL and RB. Flacco is more capable, confident and healthy.
The pass rush will be in full effect with CBs playing man… Marsha gets rattled when she gets touched. Won’t be pretty… Unlike her wife
by Evan Skev on Jan 17, 2012 2:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
The more feminine QB
Would typically be the one whining and complaining to the media about how he doesn’t get enough attention, methinks.
Can I Scream?
I know it's difficult.
Fans of teams in the AFC North see a good-looking QB instead of the inbred ogres those teams typically trot out and they get all hot-and-bothered and uncomfortable about their own sexuality.
It’s all good; you can keep the handlebar mustaches. We can win the big games. Feel better?
Can I Scream?
You're dancing around the point here
Your QB posed with a goat for a glamour magazine – and you called our “ogre” more feminine.
No Ravens fan will ever say they are in the same stratosphere as a QB – that’s not what was being discussed.
We can win the big games. Feel better?
Well, it would be about damn time. One of the best QB’s of all time and you’ve lost your last three big games.
I'm just messing with you dudes
But I will say Brady’s three colossal failures are backed up by three colossal rings. So we’re not that angry at him. Even Joe Montana lost a handful of big games before adding two more pieces of hardware to the collection.
Can I Scream?
Three rings and a $500K fine along with the loss of a draft pick and the burning of the evidence
You can’t come here and mess with us or you end up sounding like a squealer. Marsha is the most womanly QB in the league… She’s earned that title and you have to live with it.
by Evan Skev on Jan 17, 2012 3:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
But the Thing
Is, I don’t care if my QB cross-dresses on his off-day. If he wins me three rings, he can parade around The Castro in his birthday suit for all I care. The Thing is The Ring -and that is all the matters. Nothing succeeds like success. And while Brady is one of the easiest targets out there, and deservedly so, you can’t argue with the results.
I am sure 99.99999% of Boston is okay with Brady being a “girlie man” -he has won the big one multiple times. If Unitas is John Wayne, Brady is Justin Bieber…
"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
by vlad755 on Jan 17, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
He had plenty of help from his video assistant to get those rings.
Remember… I’m not saying he isn’t a great QB, I’m saying he has no problem begging & pleading with the referees for calls when his prep & skills aren’t enough to get the job done. That may be ok with you since the method is just a means to an end, as you stated. It isn’t ok with me because if I can’t apply the most basic Kantian moral theory to my actions and conclude that I’m doing the right thing, I don’t want the reward.
I’m a huge Baltimore fan. I’m not an NFL fan and not a Ravens fan. I’m all about my hometown. The day Baltimore brings a chick in to whine and cry when necessary in order to enjoy success in pro team sports is the day I stop being a fan. Same goes for if they cheat or do anything else with which I can’t abide.
Stopping…
by Evan Skev on Jan 17, 2012 3:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Whining and crying is only bad if on the field? As long as it’s in the media, it’s ok?
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
rothlis is a close 2nd behind marsha when it comes to drama
if you agree, rec this
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Good think that you have a fully functioning brain that is able to communicate coherent thoughts to your fingers. Otherwise people might think you’re a complete idiot that has nothing to add to anything at any time. So, be thankful for that
Of all the obvious strengths of your amazing brain, I’d say that your ability to answer simple questions, and your ability to avoid making irrational/ridiculous claims are my favorites.
I don’t think anyone even knows what the hell “rothlis” is. I googled it, I didn’t find a damn thing.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Hey there Frank, see my last post
just wanted to say take care, i think ur prolly a good dude. Bean andhis cronies are shuttin me off, but its cool, im leaving anyway..wanted to say thanks for the back and forth, my best to you and yours..hopefully the burgh will bring home a 7th soon…be well, stay safe and go steelers!
In Communist China and Russia, you have 1 choice of "Kool Aid": RED
In America, you have 2 choices of "Kool Aid": RED (republican), AND BLUE (democrat)
The difference is, in China and Russia THEY KNOW IT’S KOOL AID.
I appreciate the comment and all, but what is so bad about just trying to be part of the community? I see your point from your post, but I also see their point. People like Bean and Neal aren’t really sensitive themselves, but they kind of have to be for the sake of other members. Either way, same to you (about your last couple lines)
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
And we did have a pretty boy QB with a model wife in Kyle Boller
He just happened to be terrible at football.
I Just Don't
Think glamor plays well in cities like Baltimore and Pittsburgh…
Unitas, Bradshaw -not exactly cover-boy material. Maybe Bert Jones back in the day because he had the Glen Campbell thing going for a while, but even that is reaching…
"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
Didn't the O's have Anna Benson around for a year or two...
she had quite the display mammalian protruberences if I recall…but was little on the whiny side
by RavensfaninTX on Jan 17, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
Which 'big games' have you won recently,
even with your ‘good-looking QB?’
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 8:29 PM EST up reply actions
Although Tebow is not good throwing the ball
They have the best running game in the NFL, a very good OL, and a very good Defense.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
well an above average defense
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I honestly think their D is a bit overrated. Not trying to diminish your win, but I have heard a lot about them and haven’t been that impressed. You can run on them all day long and while Champ is solid, Goodman and the safeties can definitely be beat. They just have 2 extremely talented pass rushers and when you have 2 guys who can get after the QB they will have some games that they will dominate which will elevate the rest of the D and cause turnovers. Not that I think they are a bad D, but they aren’t consistent and I saw plenty of holes in the defense that could be exposed. Their pass rush wasn’t on last game and look at the result.
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
Yes that is true. They are not too consistent.
They do have great pass rushers, bit against the run they are alrght. Their CBs are good though. Safeties? meh. Their LBs are pretty good in coverage too.
But yeah, I will say their D is good. Not great. Just only good. Great when they can get to the QB, but that can be said of most teams I think.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
This got a rec?
Seriously?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 10:34 PM EST up reply actions
Someone else seems to have thought you were.
It saddens me that Brady vs. Tebow got to the point that someone, somewhere thought that Tebow had more than a snowflake’s chance in hell.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Yep. Analysts can be stupid...
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Dear Lord
That is horrifying.
Marsha, put down that goat
by RavensfaninTX on Jan 17, 2012 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
Hey - what about the cheerleader pics??
Tom Brady has male-model looks – who really gives a damn ?
More important than Brady’s good-looks is he ability to throw the football… this is where he makes Joe Flacco look ugly.
by profootballfan on Jan 17, 2012 5:57 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
The above question still stands.
Where are Baltimore’s cheerleaders?
It is what it is
I deftly parried…ignored that question. You still haven’t addressed the cheating and the whining… and you won’t… so we can drop it…and we can forget about the goat picture. All good
Now… what’s the O/U on how many times Brady begs the refs for a flag? There must be a prop bet at one of the big bookies
What's the O/U on how long it takes
before Gronk spikes Ed Reed into the endzone?
See what I did there?
It is what it is
by Middlesex on Jan 17, 2012 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey... does Baltimore have any female cheerleaders ??
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
What does this even mean?
You can’t actually want the obvious answer of “of course” could you?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
he dumped his preg girlfriend for a new one… maybe he’ll dump his wife for a man? there’s hope for you
Moynahan was batshit crazy, apparently
You’re acting like the guy pulled out a gun and shot somebody in a night club, or something!
Can I Scream?
Does shooting one's self count as shooting somebody?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 17, 2012 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
False
Get your facts straight.
He broke up with Bridget. 2 months later, she found out she was carrying a baby and didn’t tell Brady for another month. By that time, Brady was dating Giselle. Brady pays child support. Kid lives with him for 50% of the time.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 18, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
brady and hot chicks
New England fans are also upset by the fact that Tom Brady gets a lot of beautiful women, not as concerned as you guys but, we don’t think its right either.
I mean really… what man would want to marry a super model with millions of dollars ? …me either.
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
respect is a two-way street.
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
by jackmca on Jan 17, 2012 8:13 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
This I completely agree with.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
LOL
I’m cool as long as rival fans are respectful
Your like the fans that talk shit on another teams game thread for the entire afternoon and then once it ends you say “Great job guys, your team played great.”
Ceteris paribus
The pitt team that the Ravens beat at home and on the road beat the pats team that you’re in here talking up. Jack’s description of the pats defense makes them sound like the second coming of the 85 Bears. I make marsha sound like a QB in a skirt. Whateverhisnameis tries to make Flacco seem like less than he is.
The fact remains that there is more talent on the Ravens side. You don’t have to acknowledge or admit that but whether I’m Mr Popularity here or not, not one of the guys who likes to bag on me will disagree that anyone of us would take the pats HC & OC in a heartbeat.
Now… does that translate to a win at home for NE? Hell no… your QB is going to have to deal with tremendous pressure and hit his targets against one of the best secondaries in the game. Pats D is going to have to contain Ray Rice while trying to keep Torrey Smith and Lee Evans in front of them. Hernandez at tailback was cute but it won’t work against the Ravens. You hope Gronk gets loose but he won’t find space against the Ravens like he did versus the donkeys. The blueprint to beat the pats is well-known and Baltimore has the personnel and the DC to do so. Will Cam Cameron cooperate and devise a plan that’s effective against one of the league’s worst Ds?
If so, pats lose… if Ravens WRs are streaking 35 yards downfield all game and Ray Rice is ignored, pats win.
My money is on Baltimore in NE… again.
The pitt team that the Ravens beat at home and on the road beat the pats team that you’re in here talking up.
The pats beat the chargers that beat the ravens. See what I did thar? You can’t do things like that. There is no coherence. No logic (in fact I think that is a fallacy).
Jack’s description of the pats defense makes them sound like the second coming of the 85 Bears
You forgot where I said:
Forgive me if I made them out as a top 10 defense. I want to get out that I think they are average at best, but when Chung and Spikes are in, and they are in the 3-4, they look a lot better. More natural in a way (this was the first year we went to a 4-3 base defense, but now it looks like we are switching back). I expect the ravens to put up 20+ points still though, and the Pats have to play mistake free if they are going to beat a team like The Ravens. Against a top 5 defense too. This game is gong to be very tough, and I am looking forward to our re-match.
The fact remains that there is more talent on the Ravens side. You don’t have to acknowledge or admit that but whether I’m Mr Popularity here or not, not one of the guys who likes to bag on me will disagree that anyone of us would take the pats HC & OC in a heartbeat.
You guys do have a lot of talent. So do the pats:
Gronkowski, Hernandez, Solder, Cannon, McCourty, Chung, Mallett(meh), Vollmer, Spikes, Mayo, Love, Deaderick, Pryor (if he can stay healthy), Fletcher, Ninko
Im not going to do a side by side comparisons. Bottom line is that both of our teams are very talented. If you guys don’t want BB or O’Brien (or mcdaniels) thats fine. We can keep them. :)
Now… does that translate to a win at home for NE? Hell no… your QB is going to have to deal with tremendous pressure and hit his targets against one of the best secondaries in the game. Pats D is going to have to contain Ray Rice while trying to keep Torrey Smith and Lee Evans in front of them. Hernandez at tailback was cute but it won’t work against the Ravens. You hope Gronk gets loose but he won’t find space against the Ravens like he did versus the donkeys. The blueprint to beat the pats is well-known and Baltimore has the personnel and the DC to do so. Will Cam Cameron cooperate and devise a plan that’s effective against one of the league’s worst Ds?
I agree that this game will be very tough for the Pats on defense, and especially on offense. But please don’t take the pats defense, or offense for that matter, too lightly. You guys are very good, but I know that your team has struggled greatly on the road this season (loosing to the seahawks, Titans, Jaguars, and chargers 3 of which aren’t even good teams). One thing I am puzzled on is when you said the scheme to beat the pats is well known. If so, then why hasn’t anyone else dialed up on it, and taken advantage of the scheme?
I know you have a great hate for the pats. I could tell through this post. And I believe you think most of us pats fans are up-stuck individuals who think we are the most unstoppable team in the NFL. Or something like that. Listen, we know this is no walk in the park. I expect a very well hard fought game on Saturday. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
by Jack'sAxe on Jan 17, 2012 11:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Evan
Baltimore is not good on the road – they’re tough at home but, they simply haven’t played well on the road this season. Titans, Jaguars, Seahawks & Chargers – all road losses – highest Raven’s point total in any of these games was 17… 17 points !! Baltimore averaged less than 13 in these four losses. These teams were not exactly the iron of the NFL either – highest rated defense was Seatle at # 7 – lowest was San Diego at 22nd best. The New England defense was 15th best in the regular season.
Don’t put too much $ on Baltimore, as I’m fairly certain that New England will score a bit more than the 34, that a Philip Rivers-led, Charger team hung on the Ravens in week 15.
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
So we get to pick the 4 games that matter
and ignore the other 4? Aren’t we forgetting when they went to Pitt and beat the Steelers on Sunday night? Or when they closed out the regular season with a division-clinching win over the Bengals? They looked pretty good in both of those games, as well as when they beat the Rams and Browns. So, sure, let’s pick our sample to prove the claim we decided we wanted to prove before looking at the data.
I highly doubt the Pats score 34. We may lose, but I don’t think we give up that many points.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
organized
Fair enough…
Pats have won their last nine games – they were held to under 31 on one occassion… once. It would not surprise me at all if New England put up 34 on this bunch.
Can’t deny that Joe Flacco’s team has beaten a string of teams with winning records – something that the Patriots did not do this season. So… you got that going for you.
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
“This bunch” is the Baltimore Ravens
Not the Broncos or bills or dolphins or … Whit else did the pats beat?
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 3:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You had one of the easiest schedules,
both down the stretch (thus, last 9 games) and the whole season, of any team in the NFL, if not the whole NFL. Of course you’ll score a lot against the worst. The question is, can you score a lot against the best (methinks the answer is no).
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
Baltimore is not losing this game
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 2:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You guys are 3/7 on the road. At least 3 of those losses were against bad teams.
thats a stat that needs to be considered. Not saying it will happen on Saturday. Just something to point out. I don’t think this game is going to be easy for both sides.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
we are 4-4 not 3-7. Another stat for you is 7-0 against playoff teams. Pats 2-2 both against the Tebows I mean Broncos.
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
Your right, 4/8. My mistake.
Its still not that great though. Also not that great that the pats did not beat a very good playoff teams, which I know. But it would be a mistake to think that the pats are as good as their record let them.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Just as I am sure with the road regular season games for you guys.
In both of our accounts, both are things to take note of.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
That stat was more in reference to you saying we can’t ignore our road record. If that stat is relevant I think the playoff stat is even more relevant considering we are all playing playoff teams and some of those wins came on the road for us.
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
Can't ignore?
Not saying it will happen on Saturday. Just something to point out. I don’t think this game is going to be easy for both sides.
Its just something to point out. Thats all really.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
That’s kind of Harbaugh’s recipe for getting to the playoffs though. He’s even said something to the effect of: Split the road games, Win at home and win inside the AFCN and AFC. That’s kind of the coaches’ formula for getting to the playoffs the last four years. It’s not an excuse for losing to lesser teams, just a realistic view on how to get as close to ensuring a playoff spot as possible.
"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 18, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
Harbaugh's formula is to not let road games matter?
I don’t believe it. Winning on the road is very important. Im sure Harbaugh would want to win as much games as possible and get home field advantage in the playoffs.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
But you believe pats D formula is to lull teams to sleep by letting them average 400 yards per game?
I’m sure your HC & DC would want to shut down opposing offenses… But ok
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 3:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Look below
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I told you, it’s a realistic formula for getting in the post season. I’m not sure if what I wrote is exactly what was said, but it’s close to it.
And of course the team and coaches think it can beat any other. That’s not what I was saying at all. Is it more realistic going into the season and saying “Holy fuck! We better go 16-0!!!!” (Lewis Black voice) or saying to “take care of business at home, in the division and conference, and split road games.” He’s not aiming to split them, just so happened that’s the way it went this year. Winning each game is important and btw, this was said a couple of years ago.
"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 18, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
that’s not exactly Harbaugh’s formula. The idea winning all your home games, splitting road games, and winning your division is as old as football
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Well, tell that to Axe. It might not be John’s, that’s fair. I’m corrected, thank you. But for some reason he (Axe) doesn’t buy that theory.
"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 18, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
It's one of the best fucking ideas in football.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Yep, I’m pretty sure it’s every coaches goal at the beginning of the year. There aren’t too many times when that philosophy being executed doesn’t get you at least the two seed.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
I checked back into recent history,
and sadly there aren’t very many instances of a team going 8-0 at home. When they do, they generally lose a game in the division.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
If you find out what you’re good at and become great at it, you’ll elevate other aspects of your game as a result of it as well.
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
Hmm?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 20, 2012 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
Its a winning forumla sure
but I refuse to believe Harbaugh would tell his players its okay to lose on the road as long as you win the important ones. =/
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
no one tells a team when to win, but any coach goes through a season knowing if that’s what they do, they will most likely have a first round bye.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
I think Harbaugh would want his team to win as much games as possible though and get a home field advamtage throughout.
Like I said though, its a good formula, but I don’t think he would want that.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Like Im sure harbaugh
would rather face the pats in the ravens stadium. Idk its just fishy..
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
How is it fishy? This is something the guy said around the time he got the job. He’s a realist! Of course he wants to win every game, BUT, Survey Says?……you most likely won’t. He didn’t say it to his players, it was a press conference. I’m not understanding what you’re not understanding. But, it’s not worth fighting over.
"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 18, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
Of course he wants to win every game, BUT, Survey Says?……you most likely won’t.
So your saying he takes the bare minimum, and doesn’t care about some of the road games? Sorry if im not getting this…
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
This is similar to your defensive lull argument then?
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 4:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
BB wants to win games.
He just does it differently. No difference at all.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Exactly. Thanks Frank. That’s all I was trying to say. Was that with that mindset for a realistic coach, if you do all that you should get a bye.
"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 18, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
West
I think there’s something to this Harbaugh “recipe” – how else do you explain a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars ?? The coach told the guys to lose this one ‘cause he didn’t want to win too many road games – it all makes sense now ! And I had thought all along that the Ravens were no better than a 500 road team – man do I feel dumb.
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Really? Read the rest of the thread. I was stating a fact. Lots of people hate the way John coaches, especially Pitt fans….he must be doing something right. You want to be an ass that’s cool with me. Must be nice having the Pats play in a Division where no one else is a playoff team.
I bet as soon as the Pats locked up that one seed you couldn’t move fast enough to hop on for the ride.
"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 18, 2012 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
Pittsburgh fans don’t have an issue with his coaching, it’s the whining to the refs and media about penalty calls so often that people don’t like.
If you’re getting back to the shower thing, that’s not really on Harbaugh.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Eh, I don’t really care how people view him. If he bitches to refs for a questionable call that’s fine. I actually think that’s part of his job. He has to have his players’ back and I think that’s all he’s really doing. I, for one, feel lucky to have him. 4 playoff trips in 4 years with an offense as up and down as ours….with the NFL favoring offenses. Pretty solid to me.
I didn’t mean any offense to you. I don’t care for your coach’s style much. Condolences btw to Steeler Nation on the passing of Tomlin’s father. He seems tough as nails though so I’m sure he’ll handle it his best.
But yea, nothing against you, or any particular Steeler fan. You guys make fun of him and mock him a lot….but it’s hard to deny the season he’s had and the first 4 years he’s had.
"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 18, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Refs some time, that’s one thing, but when you get interviewed during halftime and the reporter asks you what you need to do to get it together in the second half, and your answer is “well, we’re not going to win if we don’t get some holding calls” That was from the San Diego game, and it’s not the first time he’s done it.
The problem with that incident, to me, is that he’s not only whining about officiating, he’s saying his players aren’t good enough to win the game.
But as you said, can’t argue with the team’s success, I’m just saying, that’s what non-Ravens fans have a problem with.
And by the way, what did you say that could be taken offensively? I certainly wasn’t offended by anything you said.
Out of curiosity, what about Tomlin’s style don’t you like? It would be nice to hear an outside perspective on this.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
I’ll agree with the SD thing. That was….interesting. I actually didn’t see it because I was probably chain smoking my balls off outside in that game due to frustration, but I get that one. I have a feeling if he could, he’d probably take back saying that. He’s human and his future depends on W/L.
As far as Tomlin. He’s obviously done a great job with your team. Maybe some oversights on offensive stuff like the line. Not all on him but I’d be hard pressed to find a Steeler fan that wouldn’t be upset about that.
Other than that, I just think he’s a little too statue-esque. I can see the fire in him, but I never see that come alive on the sideline….if that makes sense. He seems a bit like he’s puckered up with anger….I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile. Have you? Seriously, have you?
I guess it’s that lack of emotion, I know it’s there but I never see it. I like the out spoken ness of John. I like that he gets fired up….you can tell that he truly loves football as a game and sport. I think Tomlin saves most of that for the locker room, that would be my guess.
Does that help at all?
"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 18, 2012 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know who I can blame on the line problems. I’d like to think they are all working together, but I can’t say that for sure.
As far as him going nuts on the sideline, it has happened, but not very often. Mostly it’s the BB, Tom Coughlin, Chuck Noll poker face type of thing. He has seemed relaxed on the sidelines at times, as well as the way you describe. I’m pretty sure once they are in the locker room, all bets are off. Especially after week 1, he looked like a volcano ready to erupt, and I’m sure he did erupt as soon as he got in there.
As far as him smiling, yes, a few times. After SB43, a couple times when back ups made unexpected plays in preseason, and a few others. I assure you, there is no lack of emotion with him, it’s a lack of demonstration of emotion, which is fine, that’s kind of the way it’s been in Pittsburgh (outside of the chin’s flare ups).
LOL, Now I see at the end that you said he saves it up for the locker room. I typed my thing before reading that part.
And yes, it does help, thank you.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Ahhh, the Chin. Yea, I can def. see it in him. That passion. I just never see it. I’d like to and I don’t know how the hell having such a stressful job anyone could stand there as still as he does and not explode with energy sometimes. I know I couldn’t contain if but I’m fucking crazy. Haha.
I just like the way Harbaugh talks about football. Most of the time, it’s doesn’t seem like its a job to him. He’s having fun and I think that’s important whether it’s little league or pro.
"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 18, 2012 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
stand there as still as he does and not explode with energy sometimes
He is a student of Sun Tzu’s teachings. I can see that he does explode with energy, it’s just contained. Usually what happens is visible in his eyes, as they start protruding from his skull lol. He’s definitely given refs an earful, he just doesn’t do it all the time. But you having a QB who takes those same criticisms, I’d think you’d understand that some people just express things differently.
I do believe that both styles have their place. The whining part, I’m not a fan of. Especially all that bitching about the Lynyrd Skynyrd song on the PA? Come on man, that song is played at every Steeler game
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Haha. Was that song thing this year or last year? I honestly can’t remember. I don’t get bothered by that stuff, it’s all part of the rivalry. Which is no question, the best in the NFL. We all seriously, at our roots…..fucking hate one another. I think that’s a beautiful thing. Haha.
But yea, the whole statue thing I do understand some cause of Joe. But I think it works for him, he’s rarely bothered and it’s not that he doesn’t care, but if he gets hit, he just stands up. I can probably count on one hand how many times I’ve seen him wince since he turned Pro. I like that in Joe, just not in the coach. The coach is directing traffic and putting the puzzles together all while people are screaming and looking to him for answers. I just can’t imagine standing there so still. I think it works for Joe cause he takes a hit and has to face his guys in ten seconds, call a play, and execute. It’d be like showing a rabid dog your fear….if they can tell you’re rattled then maybe they don’t follow as well. Just a thought I guess.
"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 18, 2012 8:08 PM EST up reply actions
it was this year, during the st/offense swap before your last drive, the song “what’s your name” by skynyrd came on, and Harbaugh bitched about it in the press conference and somewhere else.
But yeah, I personally don’t see an absence of fire and passion in Tomlin, and it’s very obvious it’s fun for him out there (unless the game is going shitty) He’s almost always the first guy waiting to congratulate a player when he gets back to the sidelines, and after every game he goes to the door before anyone, and shakes every players hand as they walk through to the locker room.
And he be ridin on 26’s foo Chrome errrthangg Escalade (or something like that)
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
26 inch rims huh? Well, I hear Harbaugh is rocking 28 inch spinners on his whip. Haha. I’d pay to see that.
Obviously Tomlin is a great coach. He’s achieved a lot in a very short period of time. I guess I just prefer Harbaugh. Either way, I’m glad both teams have good coaches and will (hopefully) continue to be competitive with eachother for many many years to come.
What are we going to do with out respective OCs though? 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 18, 2012 8:49 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know if they are 26 or not, but he definitely has a truck that is thugged out.
as to your question….I better not say….
I’ve said this before, I think it’s a conspiracy by the NFL. They force us to keep these know nothings. Keeps either of our teams from maximizing their offensive potential. They think “well, they already have the defense…a good offensive plan would all of our parity plans”
Either that, or our FO’s are stubborn, or blinded by loyalty. I don’t know
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
I like the conspiracy theory. It would make sense. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have an OC that maximized the talents of the team. Too good to be true I guess. A NO offense with a BAL/Pitt defense would wreak havoc. It’s like something you’d see in a video 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 18, 2012 9:14 PM EST up reply actions
You guys have a very very tough division. Toughest in football imo.
So John coaches that some road games are not as important..? I can’t seem to wrap my head around that. Is he just going for the bare minimum? Thats fine and all, but wouldn’t he rather try and get home field advantage throughout? Doesn’t mean he should be going undefeated. Just try and win every game, and get home advantage throughout the playoffs. =/
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
you are definitely doing two things here. 1) looking too much in to it and 2) assuming that because that’s their preseason goal, that for some reason they just say “screw it” before certain games.
This is very simple. At the beginning of the year, your goal is to AT LEAST follow this formula.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Yes AT LEAST.
But I would figure that John would want to do more than that. Wouldn’t he want his team to go out and beat as much teams as they can, and try to get home field advantage throughout playoffs? So according to the formula, does Harbaugh think the other 4 losses on the road does not matter, or does some raven fans and you think it doesn’t matter? I have a hard time believing that. I think every game matters. Yeah you guys beat Pitt and the Bengals (?) twice, but how often will you guys rely on doing that for multiple years? I have a hard time believing that Harbaugh doesnt think that every game is not important enough that it could mean losing a bye week in the playoffs, and have to race in the wildcard.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Right. AT LEAST
But I would figure that John would want to do more than that. Wouldn’t he want his team to go out and beat as much teams as they can, and try to get home field advantage throughout playoffs? So according to the formula, does Harbaugh think the other 4 losses on the road does not matter, or does some raven fans and you think it doesn’t matter? I have a hard time believing that. I think every game matters. Yeah you guys beat Pitt and the Bengals (?) twice, but how often will you guys rely on doing that for multiple years? I have a hard time believing that Harbaugh doesnt think that every game is not important enough that it could mean losing a bye week in the playoffs, and have to race in the wildcard.
So tell me how those 4 road losses are part of Harbaugh’s plan (with lack of a better word atm)?
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
you are clearly missing the point. I can’t imagine how I could have made it any clearer than I did in the entire comment my last block quote came from.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
I clearly am. But do you see what Im saying?
I remember this comment here:
That’s kind of Harbaugh’s recipe for getting to the playoffs though.
Recipe? I understand thats all he has to do, but I’m not going to excuse 4 road losses by saying “its part of his recipe for success.” Those road games are very important. So I guess what Im trying to say is is that I cannot see how getting the bare minimum would excuse those road losses.
Unless I am missing something.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
he did say
It’s not an excuse for losing to lesser teams
So I have been completely off base here. Sorry guys. I understand that you meant that all Harbaugh cares about is getting into the playoffs, which is fair to say that is completely fine, and I understand that it is NOT an excuse.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
It’s not an excuse for losing to lesser opponents. I said that at the very beginning. It never was or will be an excuse. It’s more or less your contingency plan heading into the season if you don’t go 16-0. It’s just a mind set that’s proven to work. You don’t live or die by it. It’s just an idea.
"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 18, 2012 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
Look above. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
West
Why am I an ass – I didn’t bring up the idiotic idea that Harbaugh only wants to win some of his road games.
The Patriots play in the division the NFL puts ’em in and they win it most every year. With a win on Sunday, New England will play in its 5th Super Bowl in 11 years – they may earn their 4th such victory. When the Pats locked up the no. 1 seed, I suspected it would be important and that it would help this team get to the Super Bowl.
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
Look pro, I don’t enjoy getting in troll wars with opposite fan bases. I’m not patient enough. You can assume whatever you like. You can take whatever I say and make it sound how you want. Belichick is an outstanding coach, has a tremendous record and the SB wins are great. Terrific. If you don’t understand the whole: win home, in division, split road thing. That’s on you. It’s pretty cut and dry. So that’s how Johnny H wants it and he got it done. I just hope that all those exhibition games your beloved Pats played come in handy.
Good day!
"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 18, 2012 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
i want to make such a bold prediction but cams face appears like the wicked witch of the west in my farmhouse window.
Can't blame it all on Cam.
With that said, I’d expect the Pats to roll out their 3-4 scheme with pressure off the edges. They’ll want to put their big guys up the middle for the run but use speed against those tackles.
It is what it is
ha ha..yes i can blame it all on cam. his play calling last week was a thing to behold. it almost matched the Jags game. at the very least, cam needs to let our defense actually have a seat on the bench for a spell…at least give Cody time to take his helmet off and rap for teammates. i’m surprised you pats fans haven’t asked about our secret weapon – David Reed.
I’m still laughing at the David Reed comment. Fucking hilarious!
"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 18, 2012 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
Should be interesting.
Points scored
Patriots: 3rd — 32.0 avg.
Ravens: 12th — 23.6 avg.
Points against
Patriots: 15th — 21.3 avg.
Ravens: 3rd — 16.6 avg.
Third-down offense
Patriots: 5th — 89 of 194 (45.9%)
Ravens: 7th — 97 of 229 (42.4%)
Third-down defense
Patriots: 28th — 87 of 202 (43.1%)
Ravens: 2nd — 71 of 221 (32.1%)
Turnover differential
Patriots: 3rd — Plus-17 (34 takeaways, 17 giveaways)
Ravens: Tied-11th — Plus-2 (26 takeaways, 24 giveaways)
Red zone offense (TD percentage)
Patriots: 2nd (47 touchdowns/72 trips)
Ravens: 17th (25 touchdowns/49 trips)
Red zone defense
Patriots: Tied-21st (34 touchdowns/61 trips)
Ravens: 1st (16 touchdowns/42 trips)
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 18, 2012 10:54 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Everything Seems
To be opposite: points scored vs. points against, red zone offense vs. red zone defense, etc. Not to sound too much like a Ravens homer, but I wonder if that TO differential for New England is a little deceiving in that it is from teams trying to come back from behind and therefore throwing a lot of picks…
The one telling stat, and of course I am gloaming onto it because it favors the Ravens is the 3rd down defense. If the Ravens can get Brady off the field and if Joe/Rice can convert on a regular basis, wow, that is huge… Continuing this thought, Brady can convert third and 12 as easily as third and 3; the key will be how well does Rice do on first and second down, to keep the Ravens in third and shorts all day? Third and shorts, I like our chances; lots of third and longs, not so much < apologies for stating the blatantly obvious >
"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
the stats are beyond subjective… Marsha made a pretty stat line at the cotillion against some of the ugliest debutantes
Ravens are taking a street fight to fox… And no one on that D can cover Rice or Smith
If cam calls a good game, it won’t be close… If he hands it to them, it will be painful to watch
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 2:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
And no one on that D can cover Rice or Smith
We shall see. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Or you can name them now… I don’t see anyone on the roster
Or maybe you’re hinting that this emoticon will hover and destroy on Sunday :)
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 3:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Spikes, Chung, Moore, Mayo, Ninko, McCourty.
I can show you vid if you like.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Not stirring up shit or anything, just would like to say that Torrey had Revis beat a couple times this year. Joe just couldn’t get it there. Still fun to watch IMO.
"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 18, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Welker beat Revis too.
Torrey is a very good WR. Just with Chung back there, our secondary is a lot tougher. He is in the rodney harrison mold and even put up harrison numbers last year. This year he was injured for most of the season, but he is healthy now.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Welker even beat revis deep on one occasion this year. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
It’s fun watching Revis get beat isn’t it? You guys get to see him two, three times a year.
"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 18, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
yeah. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Yeah but only b/c of Rex.
Revis is the best CB in the game right now.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 18, 2012 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
But have they won games against teams
that have faster WRs than Torrey Smith? He may not be a #1 receiver, but that doesn’t matter when he jets by a DB for a TD.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 9:06 PM EST up reply actions
DHB had 4 catches
for 115. I wouldn’t be surprised if Torrey bests that. Campbell also threw 2 picks. If Joe throws 2 picks, I think we’re pretty much done. I can scarcely imagine a scenario where we have more than 1 turnover and have a legitimate shot to win the game (I don’t expect NE to turn the ball over very much).
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions
but I wonder if that TO differential for New England is a little deceiving in that it is from teams trying to come back from behind and therefore throwing a lot of picks…
Its a little of that and the pats defensive scheme. By the offense scoring a lot of points, the other teams will try and catch up. The pats defense, while giving up a lot of yards, will let the offense go into a false sense of security, and create a turnover. But you also have to understand that turnovers don’t just mean INTs. I can’t find the stat, but I know the pats can cause fumbles too.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I just looked at it Jack
The Pats forced 23 INTS & 10FFUM. The Ravens 15INTS & 21 FFUM.
So the teams are fairly well matched in Deffense TO production, just from different areas.
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 18, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
Yep.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
You just said the D let’s the O go into a false sense of security… Do you believe the things you think because that’s more ridiculous than your description of the pats D as all world from Monday
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 3:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Its all true. Im sorry if you don't believe it because of your hate for the pats and their fans.
And im sorry if its not something you want to hear.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Well I wouldn't say true more than an observation from a guy who has watched the pats all season.....
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
And I know your going to say its a crap observation
but it goes to show you that you know nothing about the pats, or their defense evan. All you have is your hate, and you would spew out anything you can if it infringes the pats, or says anything bad about them.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Never argue with an idiot - people might not know the difference
and never play leap frog with a Unicorn – but you’ve probably figured that out already
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 18, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
yeah im done. he can believe whatever he wants.
Its not like what any of us says will be a definite on saturday anyways.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Sorry I don’t agree that a defense “lets” an O average 400 yards per game to lull them to sleep…
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 3:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
They don't let.
Their defense is all about preventing the big play. As they get closer to the redzone the stiffen up. You want a stat to back it up? 31st in pass yardage, but only 14th in giving up points.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Who have you played that scores a lot of points… Or maybe ask raven to answer that for you
Let the O get downfield before you start playing D… Ok… If you say so pal
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 4:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We play the same defense for guys who dont score and guys who do score.
I know you look at last year, but we have done this for years.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
* I know you look at this year
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
The red zone is easier to defend… This is basic football. Lulling O to sleep by giving up most of the field isn’t in anyone’s defensive plan… And stiffening up is a myth…
Your D is either great or it isn’t… an opposing O is either capable or it isn’t
Think about it and get back to me
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 4:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Exactly, and thats the point of our defense.
Not give up the big play, keep your man in front, and if they give up yardage stiffen up as you get closer to the redzone. This is why our CBs play about 7 yards away from WRs. To not give up the big play.
That has been our defense for years. But of course I don’t expect someone like you to acknowledge it.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Like last year
we are 25th in giving up yardage but we are 8th in giving up points.
And we faced playoff teams last year.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
which means your red zone d is decent while our red zone offense (the true signature of an offensive coord.) stinks. TD’s 1/2 the time with a guy like Rice and a tough receiver like Boldin. we should score much more often.
Yeah thats why our red zone D is good.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
But so is creating turnovers.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Because
The Ravens score a lot of points and will be the most dynamic offense NE has played this year? Give me a break. You like every other fan for the last 9 weeks will go into this game thinking your offense will hang 30 and when it doesn’t happen you will repeat the pattern of giving your players clemency and blaming the coaching staff.
Pats defense also has only givin up over 30 once.
as far as I know. They mostly just give up around 20 points (which is 14th best according to NFL.com) while the pats score 30. I don’t know if the pats will score 30 against the Ravens though. Thats stretching it quite a bit (I didn’t say you said that. Just adding my thoughts).
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
*given
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I don't care about my O hanging 30 tbh.
I just want them to score 1 more than the Pats. I also don’t think it will take 30 to do that.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
There was only one?
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 18, 2012 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
I love that you’re a Ravens fan now
Welcome to the Beatdown
by Evan Skev on Jan 19, 2012 2:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I know. :)
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I love how you became a Flacco fan the past week raven… Very convenient
by Evan Skev on Jan 18, 2012 4:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
im no flacco fan. he is what he is. he could be better without cam. with cam and no other alternative, i’d rather he just remain conservative if that means 0 turnovers. i won’t continue to blame flacco for who he is. i realize that’s not fair so i backed off. can we get by NE with only 2-3 deeper completions? i don’t think so. we need consistancy.
i dont think anyone is very confident about this game no matter the chest beating. the most outstanding part of this whole equation is the ravens are facing a HOF QB and possibly the greatest QB of all time. gotta limit his possessions. im preaching the ravens to run and some on ESPN say don’t run but go after the pats DBs early and often. not sure about that. that could give brady way too many possessions.
I agree with that assessment. I think the key to our offense this weekend is how we’ll manage down and distance. Usually I’d just be worried about third downs, but with Cam, all three or four depending, could be a crap shoot. We can’t put ourselves in holes trying to move the chains. Each down should count for something and continue to work towards as many first downs as possible. Even if the drive stalls with no points, as long as we wasted some clock and give them a loooong field to drive.
"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 18, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks For
The Info. What jumps out at me is the delta for you guys for picks vs. fumbles. I am liking my theory more and more…
"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
It could be atributed to the fact that teams throw more and therefore more INTs
The opposite side of the view on the FFUM is teams can’t run as much because we’re up big and therefore less run strip opportunities
GFY
by TFBismywingman on Jan 18, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
TFB
Hate to correct you but -
The Patriots had 34 takeaways and 17 giveaways this season – the Ravens had 26 takeways and 24 giveaways – so… these teams were not fairly well matched, New England holds a big edge in the total turnover category.
by profootballfan on Jan 18, 2012 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
dead on. downs are supposed to build on themselves. when you sacrifice momentum for a deep shot downfield you will most likely be taking a seat after the nest play. sooo many times we matriculate to the 40-30 yardline and then the Torrey bomb goes up on first down. drive over as the D now has obvious 2nd and 3rd pass downs. even with a 2nd and 10 down cam runs rice BUT a team can play pass and still recover to stop rice for a 5 yard game at best. 3rd and 5 then becomes the obvious pass down..
with a d like the texans that means trouble for flacco. BUT, flacco actually has a pretty decent 3rd down percentage against most teams. pretty amazing considering everyone knows whats coming. wonder how many rice screens have helped boost that %. thank gosh the pats DB’s play soft. it might play into cams wacky plans.
The Scary Part
Is your last phrase in that the patsies’ defense could make Cam look like a frickin’ Rhodes scholar. Look, I am all for the win first and foremost, but if Cam gets lucky early and does connect on a bomb/PI to Torrey, everybody will be talking about, “Look at how Cam opened up the playbook. Genius!” o_0 Pick your spot smartly and take one shot down field per half. If either work, maybe try another. But IF fail, THEN abandon.
I really think you are right: the game plan against New England is simple: run Rice until they can stop Rice. Yes, take the occasional smart shot down field (2nd and short) to try to cash in on NE’s corners, but control the clock. And, this even includes some easy slants, crosses, dink and dunk passes to Boldin, the TE’s between the numbers -keep everybody honest and in the game. But the vast majority of plays have to go the Rice & Ricky. Controlling the clock, grinding out first downs, 3,4,5 yards at a time -that is what we must do.
"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
NE uses the short pass like it’s a short run…high percentage play that loosens up a D
love your plan…
The Big 3, Welker/Gronkowski/Hernandez..
…earn many of their yards after the catch. Some of those short passes turn into huge plays. It’ll be fun watching the best free-safety ever trying his best to figure out how to stop an unstoppable force like Gronk on the run.
But don’t think the Pats will forget about their true wideouts(Welker is really a SR). With those three forcing so much attention inside the numbers, Brady will look outside the numbers to keep the Baltimore D honest. Ochocinco had one snap against Denver. In that single play, while he wasn’t thrown to, he got wide open. I expect him to have a chance for a great game on Sunday as the Big-3 get all the attention within the numbers. Deion Branch made several big plays last week vs. Denver including a decapitation of the Dener D, but he might have tweaked his knee so we’ll see.
It is what it is
How can you have a “big 3” and “true wideouts”
Scared?
by Evan Skev on Jan 19, 2012 2:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hey everyone:
For those wondering about the big yardage allowed by the Patriots, a lot of it does have to do with the Patriots having such large leads in games. You could see it in the 4th quarter of the Broncos game (although I wouldn’t blame anyone for not watching it). The Patriots, when they have the lead, are willing to let the opposing offense move the ball down the field to kill the clock. Unless the team’s going for a shut out, a win’s a win to Belichick and “Stats are for losers.” He only cares about wins and, if a record is in reach, letting his players make their mark on history.
I ran through some of the Patriots defensive numbers earlier in the season and 25% of the Patriots yardage allowed took place in garbage time (defined as all time after the Patriots had a 3 score lead in the 4th quarter), which was roughly 1/8th of the total game time. That means that the Patriots were giving up 25% of their yards in 12.5% of the game time. If the Patriots didn’t shift to a softer defense in garbage time, the amount of yards allowed would drop by around 800 yards (in theory). That would place the team roughly in the same position it stands for points allowed (16th or so). Average.
As for the turnovers, here are the numbers:
When Winning: 18 INTs, 6 FFR
When Losing: 3 INTs, 3 FFR
When Tied: 2 INTs, 2 FFR
Of course, you have to factor in the fact that the Patriots were leading for the majority of the time this season and I’m sure that the rates of TOs/time come closer. That said, I’d bet that the Patriots force more turnovers when they have the lead because opposing teams are having to make riskier plays to get back into the game.
While you have a point, this applies to almost all winning teams. We do the same thing after we get a decent lead in the first half.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Haha. Yup. It’s a guarantee to see the patented Baltimore Prevent Offense if we have a lead by the second quarter.
"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 19, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
Second Quarter?
Heck, if we a lead after the opening drive…
I may be joking, but look at what happened once we went up 17 – 3 on the Texans just last week…
"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
Yea, exactly. If we get a lead this weekend, I’ll be terrified as to what we do with it.
Good thing I just ordered more Xanax.
"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 19, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
"Looks Like
I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines…"
"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
That explains everything.
No wonder we lose games we shouldn’t: Cam think he’s winning, at least by his own backward metric.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 20, 2012 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
The Patriots, when they have the lead, are willing to let the opposing offense move the ball down the field to kill the clock.
You obviously watch more Pats ball than I, but I have a hard time conceiving of a defense “letting” a team march down the field on them. You still try to cover receivers and make tackles.
I ran through some of the Patriots defensive numbers earlier in the season and 25% of the Patriots yardage allowed took place in garbage time (defined as all time after the Patriots had a 3 score lead in the 4th quarter), which was roughly 1/8th of the total game time.
There’s a correlation vs causality issue here. Are they giving up 1/4 of their yardage in 1/8 of time played because they quote-unquote “stop trying,” as you’re arguing, or could it be because they’re simply tired and it’s late in the game? Or a combination of the two? I’m just saying, I have a hard time believing that a motivated team—which I consider the Pats to be—would just be like “ahhh F**k it we’re gonna win regardless.” That’s not how you finish teams off.
As for forcing more TOs when leading, that’s pretty intuitive. Teams have to take risks in order to score enough to beat you, because Brady puts a lot of pressure on opposing QBs.
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
What he means is
When the patriots have a comfortable and sizable lead they use implement a strategy on defense where the main objective is to get the offense to use a much time as possible (eating up the remaining time left and pretty much eliminating the chance of a comeback) and then stiffening up in the red zone. The defense isn’t blowing off the game, their are just conceding the short passes to the offenses and preventing the quick score. So a lot of the yards offenses have been gaining on the patriots is “garbage yards”. Teams with high scoring offenses often use this strategy (see Packers).
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
This
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
This Raider fan
asks pretty please, PLEASE, kick the shit out of those Patriots on Sunday. There is no worse fan base in the entire world than that of the filthy Patriots. Besides, having been living in Virginia, I have developed a real love of the Purple and Black.
Salute!!
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
by spec on Jan 19, 2012 6:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
spec
Speaking of the Raiders:
Today is a great day – in case you forgot, today is the 10th anniversary of the Snow Bowl game at the old Sullivan Stadium. I know you will agree – that 45 yard field-goal by Adam Vinatieri was the single best pro football play we’ve ever witnessed. …thing of beauty.
by profootballfan on Jan 19, 2012 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Still gloating
over a cheaply bought victory I see. It wasn’t even “tuck rule”, it was a fumble plain and simple——anyone with a brain knows that. Of course, I don’t expect real football IQ from a lame assed Patriots idiot.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
spec, not gloating - revenge
Sweet revenge for a victory handed to the Raiders back in the 1976 AFC Playoffs at the Coliseum.
Patriot defensive tackle, “Sugar Bear” Ray Hamilton, was called for a phantom roughing-the-passer penalty (by Ben Dreith) on Ken Stabler – the call set up the Raiders for a game-winning touchdown with a few seconds left in the game. Final score: Oakland 24 New England 21. Replays clearly showed that a penalty should not have been called, that there was little or no contact at all with the Raider QB. The Raiders, who had been beaten in the regular season by the Patriots, went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
What goes around… comes around and it finally came around for Oakland in the Snow Bowl game back in Jan. of 2002.
Smart as you are – you learned something today.
by profootballfan on Jan 20, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Wow 26
Years, that is a long time for karma to work its way through the universe…
"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
LOL Yeah... it was a long wait for redemption
I know how the Raider guy feels – that ‘76 Patriots team was a talented group (11 – 3) and as it turns out, their one shot (for the guys on that team) at the Super Bowl was stolen by an official’s call.
That said, I still believe that the tuck rule was the correct interpretation of the NFL rule in that situation (Snow Bowl Divisional Game). Funny thing is – Oakland fans howl about the injustice but, at least they still had a chance to keep the Pats out of field-goal range (they couldn’t) and Vinatieri still had to make a 45 yard kick in a blizzard with no timeouts on the clock (he did).
by profootballfan on Jan 20, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
but then again, Pats fans are good at rationalizing and justifying things. Just ask them about the cheating, they will tell you how it was really ok and they still needed to blah blah blah.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Hey!!
they were a “legal” drug back than and the Steriods don’t win championships and blah blah blah oops there I go again
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
No, I’ll leave the rationalizing and justifying to you guys. I will point out that there is no proof of what you’re saying though. (i.e, there were no fines, evidence destroying, or anything like in N.E) And will also point out that there have been many quoted as saying that it was a league wide problem, not a Steeler problem.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
What I don’t understand though, is why Pats fans can’t just say “it was a fumble” What difference does it make? It doesn’t change history.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Same play, same motion, was ruled in favour for the Jets against the Pats in 2000.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 9:06 PM EST up reply actions
Because the Tuck Rule exists dude
If it didn’t exist and was a blown call it is a blown, but your complaining over a correct interpretation of a bad rule. The call was right the rule is what people have a problem with
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
Also, if the player has tucked the ball into his body and then loses possession, it is a fumble.1
I’d say it was an incorrect interpretation. Even Brady said it was a fumble.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
He was clearly hit while
moving his arm, which initiated a forward pass
And the rule states
any intentional forward movement of his arm starts a forward pass, even if the player loses possession of the ball as he is attempting to tuck it back toward his body
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
That’s as funny as people using photos of Santonio Holmes feet as he was falling to say he didn’t make the catch. His arm was much closer to his stomach when the ball came out.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Whatever man
With the picture alone you could logically assume Woodson coming as fast as he did would have made Brady fumble that ball before Brady stopped pump faking completely. If you think Brady stopped moving his arm 0.001 second before Woodson hit him then well thats great for you but there is more than reason to believe he didn’t.
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
And there is no correlation to 16 players from the Steelers dynasty from the mid 70s-early 80s and their deaths right?
I mean, they all died of cardiac problems at the earliest age of 41 and the oldest age of 59 right?
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
In the 1991 book "False Glory: The Steve Courson Story" the former Steelers offensive lineman wrote that 75% of the offensive linemen on the Steelers Super Bowl teams in the late 1970s had used steroids.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
75% huh? of 5? Strange indeed. Only a small percentage of one of them did it I guess.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Ever heard of reserve linemen?.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
which 16 players? Did autopsies say they died from years of steroid use?
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Steeler Deaths from ‘Cardiac’ Causes
Jim Clark 58; 6-3 250; C/G; 71-78
Ray Oldham 54; 6-0 193; DB; 78 (training for triathlon)
Dave Brown 52; 6-1 195; DB; 75
Mike Webster 50; 6-1 260; C; 74-88
Steve Furness 49; 6-4 255; DT; 72-80
Joe Gilliam 49; 6-2 187; QB; 72-75
Tyrone McGriff 41; 6-0 270; G: 80-82
Ray Marshfield 55; 6-3 252; C; 64-76
David Little 46; 6-1 232; LB; 81-92 (died during bench pressing; had developed cardiac problems)
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
Died of non natural causes.
Others:
Steve Courson 50: 6-1 275; G; 78-83 (accident; admitted to steroid use)
David Little 46; 6-1 232; LB; 81-92 (died during bench pressing; had developed cardiac)]
Terry Long 45; 5-11 272; G: 84-91; (suicide by antifreeze)
Justin Strzelczyk; 36; 6-6 291; OT; (death in bizarre police chase; he drove headlong into a truck to end the chase)
Theo Bell; 6-0 185; WR; 76, 78-80
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Again…people that didn’t even play, I was really hoping you were going to come up with something that was relevant.
It’s really ok man, your team got caught cheating, but the scoreboard didn’t change. Who cares? You probably only have about 3 years of Pats fandom to go anyway.
Oh, and congratulations on your ten year anniversary .
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
They were still part of your roided team.
I like how you claim we cheated but yet filming from the spot where they were caught in 2007 was legal prior to the 06 season.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 10:10 PM EST up reply actions
But you said that’s the reason they won. How are people that never see the field a reason for the team winning? That seems ridiculous to me. Not as ridiculous as saying a guy died from steroids because he drank antifreeze, but you know. Or as ridiculous as claiming Mike Websters death was steroid related when it’s well documented what caused his death.
Come on kid, you can do better than that.
Oh… more justifications and rationalizations. The excuses you guys use is ridiculous. You really think they just “filmed from the wrong spot” You have to be joking. Just do what every other white guy does when he gets caught, say “I misinterpreted the rules”
Just be a man and admit it.
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Learn to read. I didn’t say that the reason Steelers won was b/c of Steriods.
And LOL at steeler fans claiming the high moral ground.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 10:23 PM EST up reply actions
So the autopsies said they died from steroid related issues? It’s strange that you bring up a bunch of players that rarely saw the field, (other than Webster, who’s death certainly had nothing to do with steroids) as well as a person with a huge coke problem that pushed him out of the league. I’d think if you were trying to somehow state that the Steelers won Super Bowls because of steroids, you’d look at players that…you know…played..
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
lmao coming from a raiders fan of all people
The Tuck Rule is a rule today, was a rule 10 years, and will still be a rule for the foreseeable futrue. Get over it!
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
The best fans in the whole world, my retarded friend.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
Smartest. Don't forget smartest fans in the world too
Raiders fans FTW!! lol
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
How are they the best? Is it how they love their team so much they’ll shoot or stab you for liking the other team?
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
That's 49er fans. XD
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Tell those VA residents
we don’t want their fairweather fanbase. We all know they’re former Redskin fans, go back to that crappy team they came from.
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
Thankfully
I’m back in God’s country now. There is a fine Raiders fanbase here. Now I have to show them the light that is the Ravens.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
I know not why
It is double posting me.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
Happy Tuck Rule Anniversary!
Enjoy another decade of irrelevance for your cesspool of an organization!
Can I Scream?
awe spec. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Wanted to get a Ravens perspective on this:
How do you think the Ravens will gameplan for Gronk, Hernandez, and Welker. Who covers who? Who gets the double-team? Who is left to cover Branch then?
Lakers and Patriots forever.
I think we will mix it up so it will be tough to say specifically, but my guess would be Webb on Welker, a LB with S help over Gronk, Then Jimmy and Cary on Branch and hernandez.
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 always going to be some form of bracket, never a straight up “double team” as that is just too easy for Brady to beat.
Webb covers welker, Smith and Williams play the outside, and a combo of Lewis/McClain/Pollard/Reed will cover Gronk/Hernandez depending on down, distance, and whatever look our coaches on the field are seeing.
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'm guessing
That they will want to check the TE’s at the line of scrimmage, trying to keep them from running a route. Welker could still present a serious problem, though, unless pressure is applied to Brady on every passing down.
Refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death
Webb on Welker will probably be our best matchup.
Or, it’s the matchup I am most comfortable with right now on paper.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 20, 2012 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
indeed
Webb is a real stud. I like to compare him to a younger Asante Samual, except for that he actually makes tackles.
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
Samuel… excuse me that was pretty bad spelling
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
No grammar police here I hope. D=
And yeah I can’t wait to see the webb welker matchup. Will be sweet.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
You trust Cary/Jimmy to matchup with Hernando? And Welker vs. Webb?
Lakers and Patriots forever.
it's a long story.
My dad is a Bostonian, I’m a Kobe Bryant fan, and I lived in Ohio for my early life. Hence the Indians and Buckeyes. My strongest allegiance has to be the Patriots. I barely watch basketball, baseball, and NCAA FB.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
Webb was graded as the highest ranked CB after Revis by many.
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
Revis is overrated
not saying he sucks, he’s still a very good player, but take away the jersey grabs and he gets burned on a regular basis, he’s better at being physical and winning battles that way, not running stride for stride. Not to mention every time he does get burned, he conveniently starts grabbing his hamstring and limping off the field.
I see...so Webb
plays on Welker
Reed and a CB play on Gronk
And Jimmy Smith plays on Hernando? Methinks that is a mismatch.
And don’t underestimate Branch/Ocho. If you single-cover, you will have problems.
Still, I am the most worried about this game since the Steelers game. Your defense scares me. I have massive respect for your D-line. I still have nightmares of that 2009 game.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
We most definitely will single cover Branch and Ocho. I’m sorry but they’re just not that good and they best way to cover them this season has been man-to-man.
I’ll take Smith and/or Williams on Hernandez, but you have to understand all of this will depend on who’s lining up where and on what downs. We’re not going to turn our defensive alignment inside out just to make sure we have those exact matchups because that would allow Brady to manipulate who lines up where. Our QBs of the defense, Reed and Ray, will have to make a lot of adjustments on the fly. This will be one of those storied chess matches.
Our defenders will be asked to do a lot of different things in this game. Most importantly for us, is that everybody is a sound tackler, so if/when Brady gets the ball in the hands of those dangerous runners, we can bring them down.
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 reason I think you might have problems with Branch is
that he absolutely crushed in his very first game back in 2010. He’d just been in NE like two days and got 1 TD, 98 yds. He was single covered a lot that game.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
Yep.
Plus Brady and Branch have a nice mental connection.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Branch has tennis balls on the tips of his cleats. That dude is an index finger away from 4 broken ribs.
lol whatever you say.
I hope the Ravens sleep on him. That’s what the broncos did and brady connected to him on a 60+ yard bomb for a TD….
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
lol…come on, ive seen elderly people sucker punch people on Youtube as well. it’s freak and only happens ounce. branch can rest now, he made his last big catch.
We shall see.
Branch is not out of it yet, and you are counting on him to be. Remember, Brady and Branch both have great chemistry with each other, and last I saw Branch can still run routes and catch like any other receiver in the league can.
I’m telling you. Don’t sleep on Branch.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I’m sure Cary Wiliams will take Branch very seriously. But we’re not going onto the field sunday going “WHERES BRANCH? WHERES BRANCH”
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
Think Pats will challenge Williams.
They think he’s a step slower, might try running Underwood at him.
It is what it is
A step slower than who? Dude ain’t slow. I’ve never heard that about him. I’m not telling you he’s as good as Webb, but he’s pretty good.
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
That's fine. There are other priorities first in the passing game of course.
Just don’t sleep on him. lol
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
believe me
we’re not sleeping on a single one of your 45 active players this week.
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
THe reason I think you might have problems with Branch is
that he absolutely crushed in his very first game back in 2010. He’d just been in NE like two days
that was in 2010 we have way more better corners now and ladarius webb is way better then he was when he covered branch.
Really? But we have also upgraded from 2010. Hernandez and Gronkowski are both capable of double teams, we have better RBs, and Welker is having his best season ever.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
In that game. Gronkowski still had catching issues and people thought he was just a blocker. Hernandez was inconsistent.
They both have evolved over the course of this year into elite receivers. They didn’t need double teams back then. Now they deserve them.
Lakers and Patriots forever.
Yeah they are 10x better this year. and both are healthy. herndo was hurt most of last year.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
It was extremely minor. It didn't do anything. lol
He is fine.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
haha, “minor” head injuries. During the playoffs, it’s no big deal.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
NO it was seriously minor. He is practicing fully last I checked.
He is fine.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I get that Branch is pretty good
and can hurt teams. But the guy does not demand a double team any more than any other #2 WR in the NFL.
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
He might not, he's down in Florida ATM.
His father died.
It is what it is
Yes he was,
but they only have 1 Webb.
It is what it is
Webb on Welker? Absolutely. I like that matchup a lot. Webb gets INTs and we want him on a guy who will be targeted often. He gives us the best chance at turnovers on our defense right now.
I’d trust Cary or Jimmy on Hernandez… but I’m not sure about Gronk. The only good news with Gronk is that we tackle better than really any team you’ve played yet, so we’ll limit his YAC (which has been insane as of late). But that guy is just a matchup nightmare, so I’m not really sure how you completely stop him from getting the ball. Just gotta stop him from breaking huge plays and wait until the field shortens and try to get some INTs.
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
Gronks might be the end of Ed Reeds neck. I hope Pollard lays this goofey jug head out. Maybe we can run Rex Ryans Terminator play on Gronks. Just spring Jameel on his ass when he’s not looking.
Yeah bottom line is Ray and Jameel need to hit Gronk really. Fuggin. Hard. That’s the only language that dinosaur speaks—violence. I’m not saying you can take him out of the game, but you absolutely have to get physical with that guy.
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
Gronk hits back,
and has some serious power to make defenders regret trying to jam him. All the same, I agree, Ravens need to jam up the Pats between the numbers.
It is what it is
I’m sure Gronk will get his. But I’m just saying we are not the Bills or the Broncos. Gronk will not blow through arm tackle after arm tackle against us.
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
Ummm... the Ryan Terminator play
was an offensive play, not defensive.
It is what it is
middlesex u love cheeleaders
dont u
okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider Stay humble in victory respect all fear none and finish larry soprano
"Sex" in his name should give it away. jk
Lakers and Patriots forever.
When the Patriots moved in front of us in the 2010 draft I thought for sure that they were going to take Sergio Kindle and was glad they didn’t. Flash forward to today and I wish that had actually happened.
would you be feeling that way if we got Gronk instead? who is actually the player the Pats moved in front of us for.
by Mayne_Event on Jan 20, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Even if we had taken Gronk, it’s not like he’d max out his potential in our offense. As far as Sergio, dropping back into the 2nd seemed brilliant at the time, but now it doesn’t. Either way, it’s not Ozzie’s fault. The kid had a freak accident that may or may not have been coupled by substance abuse, but hopefully we’ll be able to get him into games harassing QBs next year, with a full year of healing and a complete training camp.
"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 20, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, I get you. Since we did trade back, and Gronk has broken out to become a star, in regards to that draft do you remember who we were targeting in the 1st year? My memory is too bad, haha. All I remember is who we picked and at first being pissed that I had to wait until the next day to watch us draft someone. 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 20, 2012 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
I think we were hoping Dez Bryant or Gresham would fall to us. However that was the year we traded for Boldin so who knows if trading back was the plan all along.
Right! I remember now. You’re right, there was a lot of hype around Dez coming to us. Didn’t DAL snag him right before our slot and then we were offered the deal and traded back? Thanks for reminding me.
"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 20, 2012 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
I wasn’t in the room but I imagine something like that happened. If it weren’t for Tim Tebow, New England would have completely ruined our draft (traded the pick to Dallas that netted Dez, moved up to take Gronk before us, and drafted Hernandez before our pick).
Yea, I get what you’re saying. Even though Kindle hasn’t panned out yet I’m still glad that we were able to get Cody and hopefully Sergio will make an impact next year.
"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 20, 2012 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
Isn’t Kindle suffering effects from cracking his skull or something like that? I haven’t seen him on the field in any game I’ve watched this year, is there more information you can give me about this guy?
Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?
Yea, Kindle suffered a nasty fall down a flight of stairs when he got up in the middle of the night in an unfarmiliar house, just a few weeks before training camp after we drafted him.
He fractured his skull and obviously has missed signifigant time.
He was said to be a 1st round talent, but fell into the second because of lingering knee injuries and some off field incidents. As an OLB, I think we all hoped he would finally be the guy to plug in opposite Suggs.
He’s played very snaps as a pro, and mostly during pre season stuff and some special teams play. He’s been cleared to play for a long time but I think that his injury put him way behind the ball on picking up the D not to mention being out of “football shape” for so long.
"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 20, 2012 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
Ravens couldn't/wouldn't max out Gronk's potential?
He’s got massive hands, great instincts, power, and shocking speed for his size. In addition to being an elite receiving-TE, he’s also an elite run-blocking TE. The only area where he isn’t elite is pass-protection, and he’s not bad at that.
It is what it is
Have you seen how we use some of the talent we have? I’m obviously not saying Gronk isn’t great, he is and he’d make an impact on any team. But, yea, we don’t always max out the guys we have already.
"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 21, 2012 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
^ This
I don’t think you guys utilize the TEs much. Looks like you guys run a vertical passing game with 3 WRs. Kind of like the Raiders.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
We use our TE’s more than a 3rd WR. We basically have only had 2 WR’s even step on the field the whole 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
Yea, we use our TEs a fair amount. I wish we used them more especially on 3rd down. But we dont use them much in the way of crossing stuff, more vertical like always.
"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 21, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
Oh I see. 0.0
Well then yeah, its a question of HOW to use them I suppose….. unless I am mistaken?
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
pretty much
we use them vertically, like a 3rd WR. Very similar to that Raiders offense.
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
A LOT like the Raiders
because Hue Jackson is from the Cam Cameron coaching tree. Shit is retarded.
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
Back in 2010, most people thought the Pats had moved ahead of the Ravens to take Gronk. Albert Beer recently stated that the Ravens had Gronk off their board.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 8:57 PM EST up reply actions
Gronks will be out of football in 2 years. 6’ 7" guys don’t get over back injuries in football. It will catch up to him.
He just broke TE records. Yards and TDs.
I don’t think his back is a problem anymore unless someone decides to try and re-injure him. Keep in mind he would drag 1 or 2 defenders with him sometimes, and he gives it 100% every time he catches the ball and tries to get as much yards as possible.
If his back is still a problem, or going to be, I don’t see it.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
Giving 100% all the time takes years off players careers. Not that I don’t appreciate that as a fan, but it is what it is.
That can be said of every player in the league though.
Gronk doesn’t seem to have any lingering affects from his back injury. When he does, I’ll be there watching. Until now? He is healed. He is fine. And he is performing like a top 3 TE.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
The previous back injury has been fixed and it will not be a problem since they shaved part of the bone that was giving him problems.
by Revenge of the Fallen on Jan 20, 2012 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
why do they burn so much time on the stupid NFC game. a 90-10 split AFC coverage would be much better.
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