Ravens Will Shock The Patriots & The NFL
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 22, 2012 1:00 PM EST
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PrintEveryone who follows the NFL is keenly aware that the league is definitely not rooting for the Baltimore Ravens to beat the New England Patriots in today's AFC Championship Game. The league would greatly prefer to see the Patriots end up facing the New York Giants, combining the prospect of the biggest TV market with what should inevitably be an offensive shootout that most casual Super Bowl fans would prefer.
The Super Bowl is the league's biggest moneymaker and make no bones about it, the Patriots will be a bigger draw than the Ravens would be. Combined with the Giants rather than the San Francisco 49ers, this Super Bowl match-up would make the NFL the happiest. A Ravens-49ers Super Bowl might satisfy the pure, old-school football fans but a 17-13 possibility would pale in comparison to a 44-34 Pats-Giants game.
Unfortunately, the Ravens will be disappointing pretty much all interested parties other than their own fans. The Patriots will be facing a Ravens team that did not lose to a single tema with a winning record in the regular season while the Pats did not beat a single team that finished the regular season with a winning record. The Patriots played a very similar team in the Pittsburgh Steelers and could not figure out their confusing defensive schemes that they threw at Tom Brady all day.
Don't be surprised if the Ravens use that game as a blueprint for success against New England. While Baltimore has not played such a prolific offense like the Patriots, they have the hope that they can slow down, yet not stop Brady and his offense The biggest fear is not so much preventing the Pats tight ends from catching the ball, it's limiting their yards after the catch that should concern them.
On the Ravens offensive side, if New England tries to focus on stopping Ray Rice and stacks the box with 8-9 defenders, QB Joe Flacco will gladly take that dare and throw deep against a very vulnerable secondary. With the sure-handed Anquan Boldin and the speedy rookie Torrey Smith, theRavens can throw short and deep and would be thrilled if they could "introduce" their two solid tight ends to the viewing audience.
Despite being more than a TD underdog on the road, the Ravens are road-tested and battle ready and have proved over the past three years that they can go on the road and win against a top seeded playoff team. Baltimore's offense may have faltered against a top ranked Houston Texans defense, but this is not nearly a similar defense they are facing to day and should be able to move the ball and put points on the board.
Keeping Joe Flacco and Ray Rice on the field means that Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski stay off of it and the more time and points the Ravens offense can put on the field and scoreboard, the less time the Pats offense can do the same. Expect Flacco to quiet and possible shut up a lot of his critics and whether or not he has a great game truly doesn't matter to him as long as his team wins. Which they will.
RAVENS: 28-24
(See my prediction on SB Nation's NFL page here)
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2 years ago I said the Ravens are going to get killed in Foxborro......no chance..Brady is too good
we see how that turned out…..If Ngata can get pressure up the middle on Brady….you guys can win..If Brady has time….Pats win…I honestly hope that Rice busts another one up the middle to just silence the whole darn country
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
I'd love that too.
Thanks.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 22, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
using the same blueprint as the steelers will lead to a patriots win
if the ravens use the same plan as the steelers then they will diff…..lose ……brady has seen it all ready he will pick it apart
I think the Pats are counting on that.
Brady “missed” practice on Wednesday, which tells me they spent the day game-planning a ground game. They might have seen something on the film or are anticipating lots of nickel.
It is what it is
I just want to add
WTF is up with the media and Flacco…..Give me a F——g break….He is not Johnny Unitas but he makes plays when he has too and had a pretty good game last week….The time that Flacco did nothing(last week) ….he didnt have to…he had a f____g lead…was managing game….ESPN analysts….are just dying for SOMETHING to talk about…..just pathetic…tired of hearing about how Flacco has soo much to prove……
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:21 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
nitpicking point
The Ravens didn’t lose to any playoff teams, but they did lose to a team with a winning record – the 9-7 Titans.
I'd rather lose to a playoff team
than to the Jaguars.
It is what it is
uhhhh who have the Pats beaten this year......just sayin
You have lost to every good team you have played…I guess the Eagles and the Jets are good though right…dont even get cocky Pats fan….
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
The Ravens have gotten to this point because of a solid balanced team
I know the D has carried the team a little…I was at the Ravens/Bengals game,,,,Ray Rice won that game…not the D….You guys have gotten here because of Brady..period….your team = Colts….Brady is gone…so are your chances of anything big
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Not disagreeing.
The D has stunk all year and the Pats only just put their first full 60 minute game together against the Broncos. However, in the last 7 quarters they’ve been utterly dominant at 94-10 for points scored/allowed. We’ll see if it’s a trend or a fluke. At first glance, Pats look to be heating up at just the right time.
It is what it is
this is true
I just go back to that game 2 years ago…I was positive the Pats were going to stomp you guys….I would have bet my life savings on it….but we know how that turned out….I think the Ravens know that this MAY be the last shot for Rey and Reed…I look to those guys to come out hard……
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Again, over the past seven quarters the Pats have played:
- A college offense.
- A team coming off a win that the entire world said was impossible that wasn’t mentally ready for Foxboro.
- And the Bills.
I’m sorry but the past seven quarters thing is a bad stat and arguement.
"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 22, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
college offense
lol….
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
my point is
This is going to be a great game….This is why I love the NFL…the parity…the personalities and the history….the fans and bloggers….I love it….Cant wait
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Ridley, vereen and ochostinko inactive… That means Hernandez gets carries again? Who are their other tailbacks
GO BALTIMORE
by Evan Skev on Jan 22, 2012 1:42 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Hernandez is going to be stopped
Hernandez has never faced the likes of Ngata, Cody, and Lewis up the middle. He’s gonna get stoned walled
Ngata, Cody, and Lewis have never faced the likes of the Boston TE Party.
Been saying it; no team has had an answer yet for the Gronk/Hernandez duo.
Woodhead isn’t a bad back, and BJGE is as reliable as they come for short-yardage.
It is what it is
it's the same thing every year.
“Oh no, you’ve never played these guys before, they’re a new breed!”
They’re football players, and they can be tackled.
"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."
And we will tackle them.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 22, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ocho might still be in Florida for his father's funeral.
It is what it is
Surprised about both Ridley and Vereen being inactive.
It is what it is
I know, I'm happy but...
I question the timing of this. Whoever leaked this one right before the AFC championship is a d-bag
this is true
bad timing…we even consider this right now….The Ravens could win the darn superbowl…and we are talking about changing coaches….
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe it’ll give Cam some fucking motivation to grow some balls and put together a good game plan with adjustments and whatnot. He does well today and his stock rises after this season to go to another club.
"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 22, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
fear ==== the most powerful motivator
Just like the media is saying about Flacco (which is bullsh____)….this is his chance to prove himself
"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"
by ticalcaldwell on Jan 22, 2012 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
To be fair
Wasn’t last week just as much a chance to prove himself?
Alex Smith made tough throws that put his team in the championship game, I didn’t see Flacco doing that.
I understand why Ravens fans get hacked off when people doubt their quarterback, but you really can’t deny all of it. He could have a huge game today and silence some critics, but as of right now, the critics are not wrong in saying he has not performed all that well overall.
Granted, the bar today is set so ungodly high, it’s unfair to say a guy not putting up Brees and Brady’s numbers isn’t any good, but he left a lot of throws on the field against Houston.
It’ll be interesting to see what he’ll do today, because I think the decision to either cut the cord on the passing game or let it rip will be the determining factor in the game.
The only way Baltimore will lose this game is if they leave Brady on the field for too long. If I’m Cameron, my entire game plan is going to be exactly what they did against Cleveland the first time they played. Suck the air out of the ball, don’t let Brady set foot on the field for a second longer than physically possible. Five scoring drives – two TDs, three field goals – and 35 minutes of possession are winning stats today.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
Hue Jackson, right?
Wasn’t he with you guys a few years ago? I would think any news stating Cameron is out at the end of the year would suggest they already have their guy lined up.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Consider the source, coolo…
Enjoy the game today
by Evan Skev on Jan 22, 2012 1:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Consider what source? I was just asking a questions.
And don’t post your crazy profane rants on my Facebook page anymore, psycho.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
They source of the info, Einstein
Don’t flatter yourself
by Evan Skev on Jan 22, 2012 2:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
No clue what you’re talking about, again, I was simply asking Ravens fans their thoughts on whether Hue Jackson would return to Baltimore.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
And I was thinking about friending him for the comedic value…
"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."
Control yourself, jack… Unless you want my attention
by Evan Skev on Jan 22, 2012 3:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i wouldn't be so sure
You have to think there would be a long line of offensive coordinators who would love to coach offense for a team with a solid defense, great GM, and a stable QB situation.
Hue Jackson I would doubt sincerely. I hope we move away from the Air Coryell.
"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."
You went out and got a big-arm QB for this offense, though.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder if this could affect his game, and if so, how.
I guess he has to look at this as a job interview for other positions.
"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."
While I'm glad to see it the timing sucks.
Hopefully Cam either ignores/doesn’t even see it or takes it as motivation. If we win the SB I can guarantee he is going nowhere.
yeah who knows
I wouldn’t guarantee he goes nowhere but I would hope he still expects to win a super bowl and keep his job.
"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."
Which are:
(1) end arounds
(2) wildcat
(3) deep passes with 1 receiver running a route.
Yep, we’re set.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 22, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
Paranoid much?
Everyone who follows the NFL is keenly aware that the league is definitely not rooting for the Baltimore Ravens to beat the New England Patriots in today’s AFC Championship Game. The league would greatly prefer to see the Patriots end up facing the New York Giants, combining the prospect of the biggest TV market with what should inevitably be an offensive shootout that most casual Super Bowl fans would prefer.
You think they need to pit certain teams against each other in the Super Bowl to get people interested? Hundreds of millions of people watch that game, regardless of who’s in it.
It’s their business to maximize revenues. They ensure one of two scenarios plays out… A lot of money or a ton
by Evan Skev on Jan 22, 2012 2:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
there's great stories all around
a Har-Bowl would be a great story, as would a NYG-Ravens rematch. I don’t see the NFL trying to alter the outcome of this game.
"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 NFL will not alter the game but
They will be sitting in their Madison Avenue office silently rooting for the Giants and Pats.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 22, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
I hear what you’re saying, I don’t see any rational reason why they’d root for anyone, though.
If you lose, will you watch the Super Bowl? Yes, you will. My team already lost, and not only am I planning to watch the Super Bowl, but I’m even watching the freakin conference championship games.
Probably 90 percent of the people watching the Super Bowl have no vested interest in the outcome. It’s a party. Ratings are going to be sky-high as usual. No team’s participation, and not even a cultural figure like Tim Tebow, will change that.
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
Remember that statement when we get our first of 4 PF calls for sneezing Brady’s direction…
Cam Cameron - the creator of the Prevent Offense™, and best-selling author of "150 Short Runs Into the Line on 3rd and 10"
re: Big Ben - "God can have his soul. His ass is mine." - Terrell Suggs
by GrumpyOldBird on Jan 22, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
What's the over/under on personal fouls for blitzing brady today?
"Lord help my poor soul" Edgar Allen Poe's last words
I’d put it at 2. One will be a warning shot, both from the officials and from the Ravens defense letting Brady know he’s not going to be very comfortable. Question is whether it will stay at one.
I think the Ravens will win if they get two or more of them, assuming the hits were hard enough to shake Golden Boy up a bit (not arguing legitimacy here, just the fact the penalties will be called, I’ve given up trying to understand what a personal foul is and isn’t).
by Neal Coolong on Jan 22, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Well my dream scenario is for the Ravens and 49ers to lose
not because I like any of the 4 teams involved in the playoffs (I hate all 4) but because I don’t want a d-bag like a Harbaugh to get to the Super Bowl. There are two players left in the playoffs that I have any respect for (Cruz and Rice) and for that reason alone, I would not mind a Ravens/Giants super Bowl. However, I would prefer a Pats/Giants Super Bowl because nothing makes me happier (other than the Steelers winning a SB) than watching Brady lose a SB.
draftdatabase.wordpress.com
Follow @steelersrule124
by seton hall and steelers on Jan 22, 2012 2:34 PM EST reply actions
Asshole
Cam Cameron - the creator of the Prevent Offense™, and best-selling author of "150 Short Runs Into the Line on 3rd and 10"
re: Big Ben - "God can have his soul. His ass is mine." - Terrell Suggs
by GrumpyOldBird on Jan 22, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hello, everyone!
New to the blog and the area….go Ravens!
"I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all."
twitter @sirensofsilence
by sirensofsilence on Jan 22, 2012 2:55 PM EST reply actions
Bears fan here
Go ravens! Put an end to the golden boy brady’s season and leave those obnoxious Boston fans crying. Let’s see a real defensive team in the super bowl!
48 minutes of intensity
by dsenchi on Jan 22, 2012 2:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions
KC Chiefs fan here...
and I’m rooting for you guys big time today! Not just because I got Ravens +7.5 (!) but because it’s time for a real football team to expose the Patriots and their 1970’s two TE set.
It is pretty rare to get TWO BYES into the AFC Championship game, and get to host it, but that’s exactly what happened for the Patriots. (bye, Denver; same thing) So MAKE THEM PAY!
It is time to anoint the Stanzi. He is The One.
I'm a Chiefs fan as well
Moved from KC this past year and now live out east.
"I was a victim of a series of accidents, as are we all."
twitter @sirensofsilence
by sirensofsilence on Jan 22, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty close prediction.
In some universe, we won that game 27-23 on a Lee Evans TD catch. And in some universe, I’ve morphed into another species.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 22, 2012 7:07 PM EST reply actions
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