Ravens vs. Texans Preview
by jackmca on Jan 9, 2012 7:51 PM EST
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PrintThis post will serve as the forum for this week's upcoming Ravens - Texans matchup.
Many Ravens fans see the Texans as a team with no chance of beating the Ravens on Sunday. In the two teams' first matchup this season in week 6, the Ravens scored 29 points against a Texans defense that allowed an average of less than 18. While the offense moved the ball effectively behind a Joe Flacco effort of 305 yards, points were difficult to come by inside the 20, which resulted in five field goals from Billy Cundiff. The Ravens may need better red zone production this time around.
Lending itself to Ravens fan's confidence is the fact that the Ravens held Houston's impressive offense to only 14 points in the previous matchup--and that was with star QB Matt Schaub. This time, the Ravens will face rookie T.J. Yates, who had a rough finish to the season before having a solid outing at home against the Bengals. In six games, Yates posted an impressive completion percentage for a rookie at 61.2%, but with 3 TDs and 3 INTs, his TD to INT ratio leaves something to be desired against a defense known for rattling rookie QBs and causing turnovers. The Ravens, with their considerable home field advantage, notched 33 of their 48 sacks at M&T Bank Stadium. Yates would do well to avoid 3rd and long.
How do the Texans keep their rookie QB in manageable down and distance situations? They give the ball to this guy named Arian Foster. You might have heard of him these past two seasons, provided you don't live on the moon and have access to SportsCenter. Foster notched 10 TDs on over 1200 yards rushing in 2011, and put up 153 yards against the Bengals in their first playoff game. But in the week 6 matchup, the Ravens limited Foster to 49 yards on 15 carries. The Texans will need more production from Foster, to say the least.
But that is easier said than done against a Ravens defense that is 2nd in the NFL against the run. The Ravens do, however, have one considerable weakness for the Texans to attack: runs to the outside. The Ravens allowed 5.97 yards per carry on runs around left end; third-worst in the NFL. On right end it's not quite so scary, at 4.0 yards per carry. (Credit goes to ESPN's John Clayton for those stats.) The Texans used outside runs very effectively against Cincinnati, and will certainly look to continue that success this weekend.
Texans fans can also look forward to a matchup in which they will be able to utilize all-world WR Andre Johnson, who was absent due to injury in the week 6 game. Johnson's importance to a rookie QB is rather self-evident, especially when Yates is preparing to face the toughest defensive side he's ever seen. The Ravens will likely put Pro Bowl snub Lardarius Webb on Johnson. While the 5'9" Webb gives Johnson about 5 inches, he remains the Ravens most complete corner and a solid tackler. Webb also has solid hands in the event of an errant pass from Yates, as he had 5 INTs on the season. The Ravens will assist Webb with safety help over the top to bracket Johnson. To do otherwise would be downright reckless.
On the other hand, the Texans may be without Yates' 3rd down security blanket in TE Owen Daniels. Daniels, a stud in his own right, will undergo an MRI on a possible broken hand that he suffered against the Bengals. As Ravens fans recall from Joe Flacco's rookie season, a consistent TE is a rookie QB's best friend, especially against the blitz. Missing him would pose a serious challenge for the young passer, but in all likelihood, Daniels will play. (UPDATE: Daniels to play, as per Head Coach Gary Kubiak.)
My personal prediction is that while the Texans may enjoy some success with the stretch plays and while the Ravens may get beat deep at some point by Andre Johnson, ultimately the Ravens are too good at home to let this game get away from them. Sooner or later Yates will find himself in a position where he is a long way away from the first down marker and a short way away from getting engulfed by a ferocious pass rush. In those situations, the rookie will not be successful, and the Texans will not be able to score when they need it most. I also expect Joe Flacco and Ray Rice to be able to move the ball consistently as they did in the first meeting.
M&T Bank Stadium is truly an electric place during the playoffs, and the Ravens will remain unbeaten at home in the 2011-2012 season. Ravens, 27-17.
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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Texans is a good team
their running game concerns me. If we can effectively shut down, or somewhat shut down that, we are in good position to win.
agreed. I have a lot of respect for the Texans team, but just don’t feel that Yates can beat us. Even if their run game gets going a bit I still think Yates will have to beat 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
It will be a classic smash mouth defense vs running game on both sides
I also think too many folks give Schaub more credit than he’s due. His accuracy and arm strength in the last two seasons has been sub-par. A ton of passes have been shoe laces or behind receivers. Far too many times Andre Johnson would beat coverage deep, and then have to stall to wait on the ball and get tackled inside the ten as the defenses catch him.
TJ was held back in the last three games of the year (only in for one series in the last game as Kubiak sat starters) and is looking like an upgrade in accuracy and arm strength. He is hitting receivers deep in stride. He just lacks experience.
Playoff experience and home field advantage should give the Ravens the edge, but the Texans will come with a young explosive roster on both sides and will play lights out led by a coaching staff that has significant experience in big games.
This should be a battle for 60 minutes.
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
I'd rather face
Yates with AJ
than
Schaub w/o TJ
If we beat them with Schaub once, we can certainly repeat it w/o him, despite the presence of AJ.
aka 'Rexx'
Your wish is granted
Good thing Schaub won’t be there to toss a pick six at the end of the game like last season.
Or to hit shoelaces and throw behind WR2s and WR3s like this last game.
Good luck, both sides will be battling it out!
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
I said this on the other thread
AJ made David Carr look like a QB, be careful what you wish for.
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
Great write up Jackmca and agree with all your points. We are also just so tough after the bye. Looking up our games after a bye in the Harbaugh era we are 4-0 as many know, but have a combined score of 113- 41. We truly have came out and put on dominant performances following the bye.
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
Even if they get over 100 yards I don’t care. Between Foster and Tate they may have 20 carries a piece. As long as they average about 3 yards a carry I’m cool.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 9, 2012 8:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions
MJD averaged about 3.5 yards a carry,
got his 100 yards. A game like that wouldn’t be cool.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 9, 2012 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
Would be fine as long as Mr Rice gets his… Ravens O will score 30
by Evan Skev on Jan 9, 2012 10:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Regardless of what people think
The past is quite relevant. It’s called a trend. Something that happens and continues to happen. It’s cool if you can’t see the Ravens have the Texans number. But lets be honest for a sec.
Your playing the Ravens at home.
Let me further break that down. Your playing a very good Ravens team at home where they are 8-0.
Lets even further break this down. TJ Yates is a rookie. In a hostile environment. Against Ed Reed. I feel bad just for typing that.
I love my mom, my girlfriend, nachos and the Ravens. In that order. Except on game days. Then it's subject to change.
Trends end...
Example: Bell bottom jeans, slap bracelets etc. Oh, they may come back in style, but they’re going to go off the radar for awhile. So, if the Ravens get a little too sure of themselves, if they under estimate us a little too much, there’s our window of opportunity. It only takes one big play to change the momentum of a game. :) That said, this should be an awesome match up. Two great defenses going head to head. Isn’t that what football should be all about? Yay, FOOTBALL SEASON!
Here's Another
Trend for you: non-AFC North teams are 2 – 18 at Baltimore over the past four seasons, including this season: 0 – 5. And one of those two was the Titans back in 2008 and Tennessee used to be in the same division as Baltimore.
I don’t see a .100 batting average trend ending anytime soon.
"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
You might not see carbon dioxide coming either. That doesn’t mean it isn’t lethal and on its way into your Charm City home. After Sunday, those past stats may be all you have to cling to. I’m not saying that’s going to be the case, but I feel good about my CURRENT team-the one that’s going to show up in Baltimore on Sunday. Last season or week 6 mean nothing now. The slate is clean and winner takes all. I’m not focused on what some stats about other teams and past games say. I’m interested in creating some new ones. I’m also interested in seeing 2 awesome defenses go at it. I’m interested in seeing how Rice and Foster perform. I’m interested in seeing which Flacco shows up and if Yates will be able to avoid pressure and move the ball. Those are the things that are going to decide this game-not past stats.
" I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the
line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Former Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips
*monoxide
" I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the
line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Former Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips
Glad You
Caught that and corrected it as I was about to get rid of all my house plants…
But seriously, more than the players you mentioned, it will be the O-lines and D-lines of both teams along with the DB’s that determines who wins. That and Cam Cameron, whose (lack of) ability trumps all…
"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
Cam Cameron
Can’t hold a Stick to Kubiak when it comes to offensive play calling/ or lack there of. Texans offense under his reign has had a player lead the league in yards for his postion. QB/RB/WR have all at one time lead the league in their respective categories..
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
He’s not paying Cam a compliment. Most of us hate Cam and he’s saying his bad play calling could affect the outcome.
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
one of the guys over on BRB
said that the idea of Pagano calling his first ever playoff game has to be a scary thought.
“No,” i said, It has honestly never occurred to me before. Cameron, on the other hand…
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
And
This is Cam’s fourth year in a row in the playoffs-! And we still as a collective community have our severe doubts! The only saving grace with Cam is that he has performed very well after a bye over the last four seasons.
Not worried about Pags, he’ll be fine.
To WreckTex above -if Bob McN ever has a brainfarq and fires Kubiak, would love to see him on the Ravens staff. But I am not holding my breath for that one. In fact, I have a vague recollection that Kubiak was a possible candidate for the Ravens HC gig at some point -but I could be remembering incorrectly.
"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
Politician you are
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
Someone is hammered! Yeehaw! Pass the bottle ya inbred coonass and stop lookin at yer sister like that, boy! WOOOOOOOO! Who would.have won… Rich Flair or Dusty Rhodes in his prime in a steel cage match or in a no holds barred championship for lowest credit score?
by Evan Skev on Jan 10, 2012 12:12 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Dusty Rhodes
hands down (assuming there is no interference or BS involved). I met Rick Flair once, dude was small! Im a short guy (5’8" barely) and he was about my height. oh, he wasnt very nice either…
He was all like “WOO! Get out of my face fanboy! You need to take a look around and see who’s REALLY the man around here! WOO!”
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 10, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
texans fans
I really think you’re underestimating the importance of home field, the bye week, and the fact that our team plays in the divisional round every year and yours has never been here before. Experience + unbeaten @home + bye week to plan and rest = strong advantage ravens.
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 10, 2012 6:21 AM EST via mobile reply actions
We average over 4 sacks per game at home. That’s how you stop andre johnson, especially with a rookie QB.
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 10, 2012 6:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
HFA
We just blew the roof off our own stadium, I hope the fans understand how important that type of atmosphere is.
The Texans climb is vastly up hill, there is no doubt. But only when doubters doubt can they be proven wrong.
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
nope not underestimating any of that.
we know we can hang with your team, just need to pull it off. I respect the ravens and what they have done. One thing ppl are not paying attention too is, Ray lewis got voted into the probowl over Cushing, when Cushing had the better season. I know probowl is a pouplarity contest, but Cushing feels disrespected and will show the nation.
I think Cushing is a stud but due to his positive ‘roids test, people—including players and coaches—are holding a bit of a grudge. But he’s definitely a beast.
Likewise, we here on this blog will be the first to tell you that Ray Lewis isn’t the player he once was, but for him to still be as solid as he is at age 36 is nothing short of amazing.
You’ll need to play 60 minutes of solid ball, and while I believe most of your team is capable of that, I don’t believe Yates can. Not against this defense. You may be ranked one higher in terms of yards allowed, but 33 sacks at home is just vicious.
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 Cushing roids issue...
To me, it’s a bit of a scar that shouldn’t exist. From what I’ve read, he tested positive in 1 of 2 tests for masking agents(not necessarily steroids). Also, other players have tested positive for masking agents and steroids and don’t carry the stigmata that Cushing carries.
In my opinion, I think it’s a little unfair that he gets the criticism he gets while others(including Duane Brown of the Texans) don’t receive the same treatment. Either it should be overlooked for all or all should be equally chastised. But that’s just my opinion.
I've got nothin'...
I don’t doubt that its unfair. And a lot of these guys take supplements to try to burn fat that can show up as diuretics which may be considered masking agents. But I wouldn’t be too worried, because Cushing’s level of play speaks for itself. Guys usually get the Pro Bowl nod the year after they deserve it. It happened to Ngata, I believe it’s happening to Lardarius Webb, and I’m nearly certain that’s what’s going on with Cushing.
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
Then it should be applied to all players...
I just don’t fully comprehend why everyone talks about Cushing’s history when plenty of others have done the same.
And I wouldn’t be surprised if the first picture is from his first USC offseason and the second is from right after his last USC game. Pictures can be misleading without some form of reference.
And I have seen people get that big without using any kind of juice. It’s all about supplements and knowing which ones work for your body, which ones don’t, and which ones are illegal.
I've got nothin'...
And I wouldn’t be surprised if the first picture is from his first USC offseason and the second is from right after his last USC game. Pictures can be misleading without some form of reference.
The suspicion was there for some time. People talked about how Cushing absolutely BLEW UP once he got to USC. And trust me, I know some dudes on roids, and that picture on the right is all I needed to see.
I don’t doubt that other players got away with it, but still…
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
You do realize that college football programs and the NFL have optimized weight development programs right?
FACTS (for the dramatically uninformed):
He tested positive for elevated hCG, not steroids.
The substance he used which was suspect in this test result was in September 2009, and his case was evaluated in May 2010 resulting in the four game suspension in 2010.
The level he tested at would have been legal in the NFL the prior year.
As a result of the positive test, he is subject to more regular testing than other players to ensure compliance.
He has not failed a test throughout the entirety of the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
Suspect and speculate all you like if it adds drama to your day, but the facts have been reviewed, addressed and presented.
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
by MeMongo on Jan 10, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
haha okay…
hCG is a female fertility drug human, chorionic gonadotropin, which is typically used by steroid users to restart their bodies’ natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Barry Bonds, Jason Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.
I don’t know why you guys care if Cushing is clean or not. NFL fans don’t give an eff about character. All we care about is winning.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Yes
it’s known as a PCT, or a Post-Cycle Treatment, and for anyone with even a casual knowledge of steroids it’s pretty much a dead giveaway.
As for the levels of the drug having been legal the prior year, I would say that the NFL is finally getting its shit together on its understanding of steroids and what to test for and at what levels. They want to introduce an HGH test too, which would be perfect for NFL players to use since it dramatically speeds up your body’s ability to heal from injuries.
Again man, Cushing can play for my team ANY day, as long as he doesn’t pop hot for any banned substances again. I don’t judge the guy. But I’m also not burying my head in the sand.
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
It's because it's brought up quite a bit...
People refuse to look past that one blemish on his record. Anytime you say, in a public forum, “Cushing should’ve been All-Pro.” You get “STEROIDS!” Every time… never fails… quite annoying.
I've got nothin'...
People will look past it next year if he doesn’t test positive again. I’m guessing his snub this year had little to do with the roids test. Didn’t writers vote to not take away his rookie of the year award even after they knew he tested positive? Writers, players, and coaches don’t care. Fans may care, but they’re only 33% of the vote.
The reason he didn’t get in this year is because 1st time Pro Bowlers usually don’t get voted in till the year after they’re supposed too (Unless they’re a fan / media favorite. Being a top 10 pick helps too.).
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
by El.Dude on Jan 10, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd for reason.
Thanks.
I've got nothin'...
You do realize that college football programs and the NFL have optimized weight development programs right?
Yes, and YOU do realize that in these programs trainers often times imply or openly suggest that players use performance enhancing substances while also providing them with step-by-step instruction on how to get clean again? Do you think a rocket scientist like Bill Romanowski figured out on his own how to do steroids? What to stack with what, what doses of each to take, how many times per week to use them, what PCTs to use, how long to continue those for, and how much time to wait between cycles? Players get caught but their use doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
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
My buddy told me
There was a one month heads up, under the table style, when the test would be.
So the players had time to flush their system, but then again this wasn’t a major program
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
there are a lot of problems with testing
in both NCAA and 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
What positive roids test?
Oh you mean the positive test for a masking agent, when he was at a level that would have passed the previous year.
Yeah, that roids test. /rolls eyes.
.................
whatever you say chief. I’m looking at that picture on the right, and while you might think that a human being can naturally go from that picture on the left to the picture on the right, I’m telling you it doesn’t happen. Not in 4 years, not in any period of time, not without something to help you.
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
You're absolutely right...
A person can’t go from the picture on the left to the picture on the right in four years naturally(without any kind of outside help). However, the league does allow certain supplements to get your body into better shape than it can naturally.
I have a friend that has dropped TONS of body fat and gotten trim and muscular off nothing but supplements and exercise. Trust me, it’s not impossible. People talking about how he certainly used steroids know nothing more than any other person on the topic. The only person that knows for sure is Cushing.
I've got nothin'...
Bro, cutting fat is one thing. If you do enough cardio and restrict your caloric intake, you will burn fat. It’s that simple.
But look at Cushing in that photo. Seriously man, that’s a lot different from cutting fat. You don’t have to believe me if you don’t want to but I know what I’m looking at and what I’m talking about.
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 not saying you're not right...
I’m just saying you can’t be certain about it. Yeah, sure, to the untrained eye it looks like he might’ve used steroids, but I guarantee there are plenty of people who’re ripped like that that haven’t used steroids.
There was a true life on MTV about people who were working out without steroids trying to get ripped for muscle shows(yeah… THOSE muscle shows… yikes). The guy on there was doing a good job without juicing and looked similar to Cushing in that picture.
I’m not forgiving him, burying my head in the sand, etc. I just think we don’t know for sure if he does or did. One test was positive and another was negative. That’s certainly not 100% indicative of steroid use.
I've got nothin'...
I'm with you Jack
I’ve been working out with weights for the better part of 12 years (27 y/o now) and a transformation like that isn’t natural – even in four years. Back when stronger pro hormones were legal 1-AD, Andro and such, I played around with them a couple times. At age 19 (was too young to take this stuff but you couldn’t tell me that at the time) I gained 19lbs and increased my bench 110lbs in 8 weeks. I have good genetics but I’m lean naturally 6’3" 185lbs – and I just can’t put on the strength and weight like that naturally without many, many years and an extremely regimented diet.
The before and after from Cushings picture is not impossible but maybe .01 % (1 in 10,000) of the population has the genetics to pull it off, and judging from Cushings man boobs in the first pick, he isn’t one of the extremely lucky ones for which that is the case.
by DT711 on Jan 10, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you. That was a pretty honest post. I’ll just say that I’ve never done a steroid, PH, or HGH cycle or anything of the sort, but I have tried a few borderline supplements with mixed results. Bottom line: I don’t look like Brian Cushing. But I have friends who do, and I know how they got that way.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
It’s being reported Wade Phillips has an interview for the Bucs HC job this friday. Glad he’s completely focused on 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
C’mon-he’s still focused on us. Of course I don’t want to see him go and none of our players do. Maybe that will have them playing that much harder on Sunday-so he won’t want to leave (he’s already said he’s happy to be in his home city). ;) It’s understandable that he wants to be a head coach, though. Hopefully Bob will come up with something to make him happy.
" I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the
line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Former Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips
Wade
The guy is a proven monster as a DC, and a proven lame as an HC. If I were Bucs nation, I’d be praying for Mike Sherman.
As for the Texans, I’m not at all surprised he turned your defense around immediately. He knows what he’s doing.
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
Wade has a winning record as a HC.
The only reason he has a blemish on his record are because of his years at Buffalo and Dallas(even though he won a playoff game… yes even with Romo as QB).
His Dallas tenure was unfairly judged, IMO. With an owner like Jerry Jones who likes to undermine his head coaches decisions at will, it’s easy to see why Wade wasn’t given the chance to excel. Jason Garrett was and always will be “Jerrah’s Boi”. At the first given chance, he knew he would expel Wade and insert Jason. My conspiracy theory is that Jason knowingly botched the offense to prevent Wade from being a great HC.
And about him being a DC: the main point of approval is that all of the defensive players have seemingly bought into what he’s selling. When Wade has complete control, he seems to do his best work. It’s been great being a Texans fan this year. I, surely, hope he sticks around thru his 3 year contract.
I've got nothin'...
I know he had a winning record
but he also had some pretty damn talented Cowboys teams that underachieved—largely due to his lack of leadership IMHO. That guy totally lost his team last year. I think that’s very hard to overlook.
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
When you coach for Jerrah...
Your leadership is constantly under durress. The best Cowboys teams were led by coaches that didn’t take Jerrah’s crap. Wade didn’t fall into that catagory, unfortunately, and has been kinda unjustly judged because of it. He wanted to please Jerrah instead of do what a HC should do. So if there’s any knock to his HCing ability, that would be it. Not enough balls to tell the owner to let him do his job that he was hired to do…
I've got nothin'...
That's the key to coaching
And about him being a DC: the main point of approval is that all of the defensive players have seemingly bought into what he’s selling.
You’ve got to be a salesman. Harbaugh isn’t a genius by any stretch but players buy what he sells and it gets results. You can run the most vanilla defensive scheme imaginable but if your players stay motivated and fundamentally sound and you have playmakers at a few positions, you will succeed. Not calling your defense vanilla at all, but merely speaking to the sales aspect of it.
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 understand.
They’ve been using lots of blitz packages this season. I’ve honestly never seen them blitz as much as they have until this season. Although, during the Bengals game, I don’t think they used it that much(probably because they didn’t have to after the half).
But I got what you were trying to say… he could sell vanilla ice cream to Ben and Jerry’s.
I've got nothin'...
I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with him wanting to be a HC. The problem is leaving to go interview 2 days before the biggest game in your franchise history.
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
Actually they are coming to him
On Friday on his personal time off. Rest assured he will have the Defense ready.
It’s less about the practical readiness of the defense and more about the message it sends. You could say, “no thanks, I’m trying to win a Super Bowl here,” or you could say, “I want to win a Super Bowl but I also have to look out for number one here.” He said the latter.
It definitely doesn’t serve as a predictor of failure or anything, since Charlie Weis’ offense in New England did just fine when he was interviewing for the Notre Dame job, but it does set a bad example in my opinion.
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’s using his off time (everyone knows that the coaches players use Friday night for friends/family). There’s no message being sent here except that Wade is using personal time to interview for a head coaching position he deserves. he’s being interviewed because he has done a STELLAR job for us. But if it makes you feel better to think he’s not focused (after sooooo many years of coaching experience and an amazing record), go ahead and think whatever puts your mind at ease.
" I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the
line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Former Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips
You can't say that it doesn't get in the players' heads though.
I think that’s the main, immeasurable factor of his interviewing during the post-season. If I were a player that saw or knew about my DC interviewing, I’d question their integrity(probably only to myself, however).
I've got nothin'...
Maybe it will make them play harder…so he’ll stick around. The farther we go, the better our chances are at keeping him…maybe.
" I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the
line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Former Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips
Phillips already changed the culture of your D. If he leaves, the Texans will promote one of his assistants and probably continue on just fine.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Not necessarily true...
When Wade went for surgery and the linebacker coach was promoted, he seemed to not know what to do in the Panthers game. Given an offseason, he might’ve done better, but throwing him out there like that was pretty bad.
I've got nothin'...
Cam Newton is a new breed in the NFL. I wouldn’t hold it against the guy.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
The guy is legit for sure...
Plus they have a good run game aside from just Cam. Once they get some WRs and a better defense, they’ll be a tough out in the NFCS.
I've got nothin'...
Or the harder other teams fight and the more they offer to get him...
If the defense falls on their face Sunday, teams may not interview him… THROW THE GAME! :D
I've got nothin'...
Lol. No, sir! (But can we put that away in our excuse file?) :)
" I done drew the line. Just like the Alamo. You're either on one side of the
line or the other. I don't want to ever leave Texas again." - Former Houston Oilers coach, Bum Phillips
Our excuse file has little room considering all the injuries this season...
But I think we can squeeze it in somewhere :D
I've got nothin'...
Flying to Houston
Visit him in is living room, I’d imagine he wears his Snuggie
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 11, 2012 7:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Probably the deep blue and silver one with stars on it...
I've got nothin'...
It's definitely a point of contention around Houston.
A lot of people are up-in-arms about him taking the opportunity to interview in the middle of a playoff run. I think most would be fine if it were after the post-season, but it is what it is. The Bucs FO is coming to Houston to his home to speak with him. He won’t be travelling and it’s during his down-time, as well. So, it won’t affect his coaching of the team at all. The only thing it may do is affect his mind-set during the game Sunday(which, if he is of the cloth that Bum cut, he should be fine).
I've got nothin'...
not to talk trash but
A lot of people are up-in-arms about him taking the opportunity to interview in the middle of a playoff run.
I’d be pretty incensed if Chuck Pagano was flying down to Tampa this friday as well. You need to be brainwashing yourself on your opponent’s tape Clockwork Orange style.
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
my bad
The Bucs FO is coming to Houston to his home to speak with him.
missed that part. Still though, the right thing to do is to show loyalty to your team. He’s clearly thinking that the Bucs might make a move at HC very soon and he wants to be in the mix, which is understandable, but you can’t be that selfish.
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
It's cool. No worries.
It really seems like the Texans’ players have really been delving heavily in tape for the playoffs. They seem to be taking it very seriously. Seeing the DC take a bit of time off to interview does NOT set a good example for the rest of the players. Wish he would’ve thought about that before scheduling an appointment to fill his time.
He really does like Houston and has lots of ties to it, but methinks he wants to be the HC for Houston more than anything else. If he sticks around and Gary doesn’t take the team to the playoffs next season, I could see him making a play for the gig.
I've got nothin'...
From the "mothership"...
This is how the HC is taking it, but he’s known to be an emotionless leader(for the most part). I’m thinking underneath it all, he’s probably upset to a slight degree, but doesn’t want to let on to anyone. They really do pull for each other like that over there. There’s hardly any bad feelings about players or coaches leaving(unless your name is Dunta Robinson).
(on if defensive coordinator Wade Phillips interviewing is a distraction) “I don’t look at it that way. I think it’s a compliment. We all know Wade’s track record and the job that he’s done. That’s not a surprise at all that somebody would want to visit with him about the head coaching job. I look at it different than probably a lot of people. I think it’s a huge compliment to (linebackers coach) Reggie Herring, (defensive backs coach) Vance (Joseph), (assistant head coach/defensive line) Bill (Kollar), the defensive staff and it’s a big compliment to our defensive players because of the job that Wade’s done. Those are the guys that have helped him do that job. We’re proud of any opportunity any one of our coaches would get. It will not be a distraction. Like I said, it’s a compliment. We’ll get ready to go.”
(on fans being upset that Tampa Bay is asking for permission to interview defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in the middle of the playoffs) “That’s just part of it. There’s a window. I don’t know the exact window. I couldn’t tell you. (General manager/executive vice president) Rick (Smith) could answer that better but there is obviously a window where they have to ask for permission to talk to your guys and then you try to make it work within your normal schedule. Nothing will change about our schedule. We’ll go through our normal week and Wade will visit them sometime Friday evening. He’ll still be working Friday evening while everybody else is getting a break Friday evening. Nothing will change about what we do, so I want everybody to understand that.”
I've got nothin'...
There’s hardly any bad feelings about players or coaches leaving(unless your name is Dunta Robinson).
It’s not about bad feelings as much as it’s about leadership and setting the right example. Of course Kubiak won’t throw his DC under the bus and say “what a shitbag for taking this interview,” but I’m sure he wishes the Bucs hadn’t called in the first place. He’d never admit that, like you said, but it would at a minimum have spared them all this speculation. Classic “coach-speak.”
But clearly Wade is aware that Tampa could make a decision on their coach sooner rather than later and he doesn’t want to get passed over.
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 agree, Kubiak is probably hating this situation
while publicly he will say the right thing and be supportive, it’s hard to deny that it causes a distraction at a terrible time. Everyone realizes there is an optimal window to rebuild the coaching staff, but the NFL should restrict recruiting until the season is over.
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
the NFL should restrict recruiting until the season is over.
I actually disagree. It would put teams with new coaching regimes at a severe disadvantage. If they hire Wade, their GM now knows before Wade ever enters the building that he can start getting ready to play 34 defense, for one.
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
Would help out the teams losing their coaches as well,
as they can begin to look for a replacement earlier. Otherwise, they’re in a similar boat to the team getting the new coach.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
No Idea
Where to go after that. Almost afraid to hear your application of the “Ol’ in-out” analogy to the game…
"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
Pulling out a win like Bruce Willis pulled Ving Rhames out of the dungeon in Pulp Fiction. He was morally obligated to do it.
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 10, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm Just Impressed
That you worked a good “Clockwork Orange” reference into the BB, and then followed it up with “Pulp Fiction”-!
"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
rec'd for clockwork orange and pulp fiction references
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
Agreed. I would be furious if any of our coaches did that. I guess it’s a little better they are coming to him, but while he’s interviewing I would be surprised if we aren’t studying tape.
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
likewise
I thought it was AWESOME how DeCosta not only turned the other jobs down, but also declined to interview. Just putting up a sign saying, “I’m not available” shows pride in your organization and that trickles down to everyone involved.
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
Exactly and he’s not even a coach. Even though they say it’s no distraction I find it hard to believe that it doesn’t at least cause a little bit.
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
Read Between the Lines
Kubiak pats Wade on the head and then practically credits everybody except the team mascot… Kubiak may be an emotionless blank slate like the Texan fan posted above, but reading between the lines he does seem a little perturbed, at least at the situation. I think if you sent Kubiak to Gitmo, he would admit that yeah, I wish Wade had said, “Thanks, but no thanks; I have a job to do first” to Tampa.
Most organizations actively help to get their folks promoted up and out -just the way the NFL works. It is the timing that organizations try to control better. And for Houston, this timing sucks. Interview Friday, probably not a decision rendered until next week. Let us say the Texans win and Wade gets an offer. As little a distraction this is allegedly going into the game in Baltimore this week, it would be the exact opposite next week going into the AFCG…
"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
exactly
IF he gets the job, he is unquestionably less invested in the Texans than everyone else on the program is.
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'd battle you over that comment.
Cause all he does is battle out there. Always battling. Kubiak is notorious for coach speak. He’s good about keeping his cards close to his chest, but it does get annoying at times.
I've got nothin'...
we flew off the handle when Rick Dennison returned to Denver for HC interviews and in the Denver airport said to a local reporter
“I bleed Orange and Blue”. Man that really stung Texans fans. We’re glad to have him back after not getting the job up there. That interview was mid-January as well, so I guess this is just the time of year when these things happen.
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
All I gotta say.
Simulated madden preview.
24-10 ravens.
by lsg2131 on Jan 10, 2012 12:18 PM EST via mobile reply actions
well that settles it.
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
Amp
Is developing a simulation on the old UNIVAC in his backyard. When he gets it perfected, he will run it a few trillion times on the IBM Blue Gene/L ’Dawn" out at Lawrence Livermore. Then we will have our answer. Amp would have used the Cray XT5 “Jaguar” at Oak Ridge National Labs, but Filmstudy is hogging all the cycles on generating his latest analysis…
"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
I'm sold... no reason to watch the game.
Thanks for the chat today, Ravens fans. See you next season.
I've got nothin'...
Oh come on now you still gotta watch.
Side note. All the confidence the texans fans have I can totally understand. When we beat the the steelers..wait I’ll rephrase. When we stomped the steelers week one I was riding so high I thought we would go undefeated. Quickly got shattered the next week like all the texans fans dreams will.
by lsg2131 on Jan 10, 2012 12:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, because the Texans have no chance whatsoever, right?
That’s what the Jaguars, Titans, and Seattle fans thought earlier in the season too, right?
My point is, they play the games for a reason. No fan of any team should ever think they don’t have a chance to pull out a victory. The thing that damns me the most is Ravens fans that think there’s no possible way that the Texans can win. The reality is that both teams are evenly matched up on offense and defense. Texans – strong D with a strong running game = Ravens – strong D with a strong running game.
I’m not here to say that the Texans will definitely win, but if you don’t give them a thought that they could, if they DO win, you’re setting yourself up for a huge disappointment.
We’re confident because the Texans didn’t just beat the Bengals. They humiliated them after JJ Watts’ interception/TD. The Bengals have a pretty good team and will have a damn good team next season. However, confidence should be tempered with realism. I’m realistic that the Ravens will probably win this game. But I give the Texans a 30% chance to pull out a W. And whoever is victorious will only be victorious by at the most a touchdown.
It’s all my opinion. I just think it’s silly not to give the Texans the respect that is due of a team that has advanced to the second round of the playoffs despite the mountains they’ve had to overcome this season.
I've got nothin'...
Do explain this KC syndrome you guys constantly speak about?
If it’s basically a decent-bad football team thinking they can beat anybody, you’re sadly mistaken. The Texans are not a decent-bad football team.
I've got nothin'...
It’s more of how KC got into the playoffs last year and talked about how they were built similar to us and play the same style and then we demolished them in the playoffs. Some of the arguments brought up by you guys are a lot of what we heard last year from KC fans. Although IMO you guys are a lot more solid than KC from last 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
How does KC getting into the playoffs compare to how Texans got into the playoffs?
Texans are 4-2 division (injury and resting players in the last 3 games resulted in 2 division losses), 8-4 in conference and had the #3 seed locked up with 3 games left in the regular schedule (translation: the last 3 games were meaningless)
KC was 2-4 in division, 6-6 in conference and needed help to get to the playoffs at the end of the season
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
It’s not so much how they got in as much as they thought they could play the same physical style we play just as good as we can only to get beat badly. Like I said myself, as well as most probably believe you guys are a lot better than that KC team, but it’s just a lot of the same arguments we heard from them.
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
Well, some arguments are based in reality while others are based in fantasy.
The reality is that these two teams are quite evenly matched. And to say that someone is corrupted with “KC syndrome” is quite rude.
I’m sorry that I’m fan of my team and think they have a shot at being as good as your vaunted Ravens, Evan skev. I’ll never think my beloved Texans are anything near resembling the Ravens. Heaven forbid the Ravens actually have to face a stiff competition to make it to the Super Bowl… (not directed at you AV, BTW)
/sarcasm
I've got nothin'...
Here are the facts....
Regular Season Ranking in NFL (from NFL.com):
Rushing Defense: Ravens #2, Texans #4
Passing Defense: Texans #3, Ravens #4
Scoring Allowed: Ravens #3, Texans #4
Yards Allowed: Texans #2, Ravens #3
Overall Defense: Texans #2, Ravens #3
Rushing Offense: Texans #2, Ravens #10
Passing Offense: Texans #18, Ravens #19
Overall Offense: Texans #13, #15
HERE ARE THE KEY STATISTICS (NFL.com):
These two teams are VERY closely matched in nearly every category. The advantage favors the Ravens with home field and a QB with more experience. After that, it’s a battle of who makes the least mistakes. Anyone thinking this Texans team compares to last year’s Chiefs is incredibly uninformed.
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
by MeMongo on Jan 10, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great…now pack up your reg season stats and fly to Baltimore to play football
The Ravens will welcome you to the postseason
by Evan Skev on Jan 11, 2012 11:15 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
You mean like they have in their recent home playoff games
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0-5
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Recent? We haven’t had a home playoff game since 2006. There’s very few players who were even on that team. Nice try though to boost your confidence.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I Could be Wrong
But I believe the Ravens are 2 – 2 lifetime in home playoff games. WIns in 2000 and 2001; losses to the Titans and Dolts. Please correct if I’m wrong.
"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 sounds about right. It’s funny to hear Texans’ fans talk about playoff records when they’ve only played in one playoff game in their entire history.
These Texans fans remind me of the 2007 Browns fans when the Browns went 10-6 with Derek Anderson. I remember Browns fans telling me that the Browns defenders were better than the Ravens defenders. They even went so far as to say that Shaun Rogers was better than Ngata, D’Qwell Jackson was better than Ray Lewis and that Sean Jones was better than Ed Reed.
Fans of these perennially crappy/underachieving teams don’t know how to act when their team has the slightest bit of success.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 11, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hence,
KC syndrome.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 11, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
I think most Texans fans are actually talking shit.
I think we’re just saying the Texans of 2011 deserve more respect than some of you guys are giving them. They’re in no way, shape, or form, comparable to the 2010 Chiefs.
Just like the Ravens are in no way, shape, or form, comparable to the 2007 Patriots.
See how much sense that makes when you read it?
I've got nothin'...
I think we’re just saying the Texans of 2011 deserve more respect than some of you guys are giving them.
Nobody disrespected them. This is a Ravens blog where we’ll always have confidence in our team. Every regular on this board is usually very gracious to fans of other teams who come here (except Evan and Pitt fans haha…that’s just not a good mix) but when you guys have 5-10 fans come over here IMMEDIATELY after the Bengals game and still now saying that all of our players suck and you guys are better at every position but 1 or 2 and you’re gonna beat our ass….that’s surpassing confidence and friendly sparring and becoming arrogant, uninformed trash talk.
I'd like to see the posts you just referenced
The ones I have provided and read from others showed respect to the Ravens and the strong likelihood they’ll win, but provided reasonable facts that it will be a tough game only to get dismissed and compared to some crappy KC team from 2010.
Week 19 Texans > Week 6 Texans….and I can’t wait to see the look on some Ravens faces when that reality hits home!
this guy is an ahole
he thinks it will be 37-10 ravens
the rest of these fans are pretty knowledgeable, especially ad23 or whatever
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
It's been on almost every single thread since the Bengals game ended
Not saying all of you have been like that, but there was a flood of “TEXANS ARE WAY BETTER, YATES MAKES FLACCO LOOK LIKE RYAN LEAF TEXANS D WILL SHUT DOWN EVERYONE WOOOOOOO” type of posts. I’m expecting a hard fought game, but I expect the Ravens to win. You guys have a good team, and should have a strangehold on that division for a while now with the Manning situation/every other team sucking ass. You guys play the style of football that we appreciate here in Baltimore, and I wish you guys luck for years to come (as I hate the Colts and Titans and actually do like the Texans, always have even when they sucked)…just not this Sunday.
Yeah, I haven't seen those posts either...
If it was by Bullybully… he’s just a troll and is apparently banned from BRB. I’ve never seen him there even though he has 400+ posts there. It just seems to me that Raven nation seems to be sleeping on the Texans, especially on ESPN’s AFCN blog. It’s ridiculous.
We do have some better players in certain positions(WR1, RB1… very slightly, but I think he’s better, and O-Line), but overall the Ravens have a better squad.
I've got nothin'...
Yeah, I haven’t seen those posts either…
Probably because these people posted in the most random threads (being that there were no Ravens vs Texans threads immediately following the Bengals game) and it has definitely died down, and for the most part the Texans fans still left here are the reasonable ones.
We do have some better players in certain positions(WR1, RB1… very slightly, but I think he’s better, and O-Line),
I’ll give you AJ, that’s obvious, what we’re counting on in getting to Yates enough that AJ isn’t able to be much of a factor. We never worry about RBs, and Foster is very good, although I’d put him and Rice as equals. O Line…our O line is much better now than it was the last time we played you guys, but I don’t know enough about yours to compare the two groups. Gonna be a good game against pretty evenly matched teams, I think the biggest difference is QB and that’s where we can win it, along with Ray Rice making some big plays.
I don’t know enough about yours to compare the two groups.
See? It’s that easy. If you don’t know about another team, just say so. So many fans come on here talking about how our defense is old. Just come right out and admit that you haven’t seen many Ravens games and you aren’t familiar with our players.
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 really is such a huge misconception of our team as well is that we have an aging D. We have Ray at 36, Reed at 33, Redding at 31,JJ at 30, and Brendan at 35 ( but only plays in passing situations). Every single other player on D is below 30.
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
Ngata
Of course, but also Cody, Webb, McPhee and who knows how good Kruger and (Jimmy) Smith will be.
And you mix in not over the hill solid veterans like Redding, Pollard, (Cary) Williams, JJ; then top it off with Your 2012 DPOY- Suggs, I would say we are in great shape; for Sunday, the rest of the playoffs, and years to come.
"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
This defense has been one of the best for years
and this year we’re top 3 in almost every category, and guess what….it wasn’t because of Lewis or Reed. We have so much talent at every other position that when those guys leave, we won’t miss a beat. They are 2 all time greats, but they aren’t what they used to be and the defense is still incredible.
And you can bank on Ozzie murking the draft year after year. And DeCosta after that.
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 11, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah... the Rice/Foster argument isn't an easy one...
I usually put them as equals as well. Especially this year. I waver between being only a sliver better(like 89 to 90) and putting them even.
About TJ… he’s a rookie and is such an unknown in this game. From watching him play this year, he seems like he’ll be ok. But again, we’ll see on Sunday. I can’t wait. It’s gonna be a great game. And yes, I’ll come give congratulations if/when the Ravens win.
I've got nothin'...
Funny thing is...
we’re playing closer to our potential this year than any other year.
But keep equating the Texans to the crappy Kansas City Chiefs. It gives you more reason to find excuses on how the “crappy” team won if they pull off the unthinkable.
I've got nothin'...
I'm not sure where you're getting that none of us think the Texans have a chance.
I agree with your 30% (and am wavering up to 35% even). There are a lot of factors that go against your team (I listed them elsewhere, in a comment similar to this one, can’t remember the page).
I do think, however, that a Texans win will likely have more to do with the Ravens than the Texans. That may be where all this animosity and anger is coming from. Perhaps we’re just a bit too high on our own team. I personally can’t imagine this team losing a game in which they play well, especially in this matchup.
We both want to run the ball, convert third downs, control the clock. We both have deep threats that can break it on any play (AJ will catch it over anyone, Torrey will be 10 yards behind everyone). We both have strong defenses, which will look to force 3 and outs. The difference is, we’re at home, our crowd will be rabid (think Harbowl x2). That’s where this game will be won: our OL vs. your DL and your OL vs. our DL. I think we get the edge in each battle off of crowd noise alone. Although a big ST play from Jones could put all this to bed.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. Obviously anything can happen on sunday, but we are simply stating the reasons we believe we will win. It’s also not like we are going over there claiming how much better we are or trolling like that. We have given a number of logical reasons as to why we feel we will win this game. That should be expected on our blog.
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
Don't get me wrong at all, please...
I think most every Texans fan sees this game as an uphill battle more than anything. And I don’t want you guys to think that I’m declaring a Texans victory, by any means. I have the utmost respect for the Ravens considering their recent 9-10 year dominance. The Texans have yet to garner such a large level of respect.
There are a few that I’ve seen that seem to be completely blowing off the game like it’s just a speed bump in a range of mountains.
That kind of thinking is dangerous because if the Texans win, then the mountain comes crashing down. I perfer to view each game as a huge game. In fleeting glances do I look past any team as to what could potentially be if my team wins. But it seems more rampant in these parts… but I guess that’s what you’re awarded when your team is considered perenially winners.
This morning on Mike and Mike, one of the Mikes was already talking about the Ravens/Patriots match up. Kind of infuriating for a fan of a team like the Texans who get very little respect, typically.
I've got nothin'...
To brighten your day,
this is what happened to us when no one thought we could win.
Now, I hope that doesn’t happen, but it may.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
And that is one part of what keeps me hanging on with hope...
One of those cliche “Any given Sunday” things… And the fact that I think the Texans match up well with the Ravens.
P.s. By match up well, I don’t mean “They’ll beat the Ravens.” I mean “They’ll play a good, close game with them.”
I've got nothin'...
I certainly hope it's not close,
but I’m neither naive nor stupid enough to think it won’t be. Just hoping we kick that last-second field goal, not you guys.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
You're kind to give us a 35% chance.
LoL. Your crowd will definitely make a huge difference. Watching the Texans game Saturday showed what a loud, raucous crowd can do for you.
The thing I’m looking forward to is seeing two teams play with a lot of heart, hunger, and desire. The Texans will be hungry to finally notch a win against the Ravens. It’d be sweeter for them if it was in the playoffs at the Ravens’ house. Ravens will have the hunger and desire to make it to the AFCCG again to match a team that they will be most certainly favored over again(whether it be Pats or Broncos).
BTW, if the Ravens win, they’ll likely be the team I follow into the Super Bowl unless they play the Saints.
I've got nothin'...
I hope they wouldn't play the Saints.
Gotta hope we get SF again, although I’m not sure how we do without our home field advantage.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
SF
Will get blown of their own field. They have Zero chance to beat the Saints.
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
I posted this in the 'A Guide to Bye Week Cheering' post, but it should have been posted here... Sorry about that.
I went back and watched the game versus Houston in Week 6. Had it not been for a fluke interception (fluke because it first bounced off the hands of a Ravens receiver), a fumble that bounced into the end-zone and was luckily recovered by Houston for a touchdown, the game probably would not have been as close as it was. Here are a few of my observations…
DEFENSE:
The Ravens did get lulled to sleep defending the passing game with Jacoby Jones, who beat Reed for a long touchdown, but they completely shut down the Texans running scheme. It seems to me that the Ravens have an easier time stopping the zone-blocking schemes—like Houston—than the power, man blocking schemes—like Jacksonville and Cleveland. They also seem to struggle more versus power backs than speed backs or one-cut, zone-style running backs like Foster. They were particularly effective in flowing to the ball and shutting down Houston’s outside zone running game—which is obviously one of their biggest strengths on offense.
On top of shutting down Foster, he Ravens defense was also able to bring enough pressure on Schaub to hamper his ability to set his feet and throw. This was a big factor in the game, because there were some open receivers that Schaub simply couldn’t throw the ball to because of the collapsing pocket.
OFFENSE:
The Ravens offense was also surprisingly effective. This was the point in the season where the offense was still relying on Flacco more than Rice, and Flacco was very accurate and on-time with his throws all game. He finished the game with a 60.6 percent completion percentage—if you remember he had a sub-50-percent completion percentage going into that game.
The Texans were able to put some pressure on Flacco, but it wasn’t consistent pressure. Instead of blitzing constantly, Wade Phillips actually called strategic blitzes—overloads and stunts—that were designed to get sacks at opportune times for the Texans. That strategy worked well at times, and just about every sack or QB hit that they had was on one of those blitzes. However, one thing that I saw in the game was Flacco making the Texans pay for blitzing him. This happened on two long passes in the second half—a 56-yarder to Boldin and a 51-yarder to Smith, and in my opinion, was the key to the Ravens winning the game. It’s also worth noting that the protection was very good on the plays where Flacco was able to punish the Texans for blitzing.
All in all, the Ravens played a great game against the Texans on both sides of the ball. Another overlooked factor in this game is that Cam Cameron used to coach with Wade Phillips in San Diego, and it seems to me that Cameron has a good game-plan against Phillips’ coached defenses. He also called a very good game against the Cowboys in 2008.
The Texans play a very similar game to the Ravens—strong running game with a aggressive defense, and we’ve seen it time and time again, it’s extremely difficult to beat the Ravens at their own brand of football… especially this season. The 49ers found that out the hard way. If the Ravens can prevent quick scores and not give the Texans short fields, I think they will win this game and have a very strong showing at home.
by BAL_Hawk on Jan 10, 2012 12:42 PM EST reply actions 6 recs
You should have made a fanpost about this BAL_Hawk. That’s good stuff.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I concur.
Quality analysis of how the game in Week 6 played out.
I've got nothin'...
Andre Johnson
Changes EVERYTHING
As does Reed not playing in his first game.
Week 6 MEANS LESS than nothing
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
by AllenOU on Jan 10, 2012 1:41 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Notice I said quality Week 6 analysis...
Not quality Divisional Round Playoff predictor. LoL.
I think both teams are dramatically different than they were in Week 6. Andre definitely changes the way the Ravens’ D has to play the Texans’ O. If I recall correctly, the Ravens put 8 in the box quite a few times because we trotted out Jacoby Jones who demands nothing more than man to man.
There are lots of Ravens fans here who seem to have quality analysis of their team and the game.
BTW, Ravens fans, who was it that was absent from the Week 6 game that’s playing now? I’m thinking an O-line guy?
I've got nothin'...
Grubbs
Is the guard you are thinking of. Good guards are kind of like pinky toes -you do not think much of them, and you do not realize how important they are until they are missing…
We were also missing Lee Evans. Yes he is indeed a Baltimore Raven. Hopefully he puts it together (finally) on Sunday. And our very good, very physical rookie CB Jimmy Smith was also out. Not sure how Smith will be used as even though physically he matches up well with Dre, I cannot see putting a rookie on AJ for too many plays.
"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
Yeah, I meant to point that out but forgot. Grubbs’ presence will be huge for the Ravens—especially in pass protection—against the Texans’ pass rush.
The Texans are an edge rushing team
And Grubbs is a guard, while he will be important against the LB Blitzes, and DL stunts. I don’t think he will be as important in the pass protection, as his presence will show more in the running game. Which I think Bmore will try to stuff down our throats
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
Last game your pressure didn’t really come from the outside. Most of your quick pressures came up the middle. I believe we did a good job on your edge rushers for the most part.
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
Grubbs is HUGE for the Ravens pass protection. The entire offensive line is important in pass protection, and while you’re right that tackles are more important versus the edge rush, they’re not everything. Many times—and I did see this in the Week 6 game—the edge rusher will simply run off the tackle so that it squeezes the offensive line. This opens things up for the inside linebackers and tackles.
Grubbs has been the Ravens’ best lineman for the last few seasons, and his talent changes the way the Ravens offense plays. Think about this… the Ravens allowed 15 of their 31 total sacks in the 6 games that Grubbs missed—nearly half of their total sacks in less than half the games. Grubbs presence is huge for pass protection.
Smith
Is from Houston, played at La Marque I’m pretty sure, I also saw him play at Colorado
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
He’s pretty raw this year, but next year, once we get him polished up, he could start looking like one of the premier corners in the league.
For now, Dre will likely draw Lardarius Webb.
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
Smith
Wasn’t a super star at Colorado, but that team stunk.
He definitely has the attributes to be a good NFL corner.
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
Jake Delhomme...
He looked pretty good in Week 17 versus the Titans. Granted it wasn’t a W for the Texans, but they weren’t necessarily playing to win. Just playing to not get too many injuries.
Yeah, that’s who it was that I was thinking of BTW… Grubbs. Apparently he’s a major upgrade over what the Ravens had last time the Texans played the Ravens. The only positive that I can see on the D-line and LB corps for the Texans is the fact that it was Reed’s first time to start for the team and the defense hadn’t necessarily hit its’ stride yet.
With Grubbs in the line, how well does the line protect against pass rushing/pass protecting? I’m expecting Flacco to get pressured, maybe sacked 2 or 3 times, but nothing exceptionally out of the ordinary. The Texans have gotten really good at putting their hands up in the air lately, but if the Ravens are airing the ball out, it won’t necessarily work as well.
I've got nothin'...
Line has been 10 times better with grubbs on the line. If I remember correctly most your pressure last game came up the middle and a large part of that is Grubbs backup was horrible. Our line was a mess at that time of the year and since Grubbs has been back they have been pretty consistent and have done a great job.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I think the fact that Johnson is playing does change things, but I’m not sure that Yates can utilize Johnson the way that Schaub can. I also don’t think that Yates could make many of the tight throws that Schaub was making in tight windows. There were several throws—that extended drives—that I cannot see Yates even attempting.
Obviously, this is a new game, and Houston has evolved as well as the Ravens. I watched Houston beat Cincy, and there are a few subtle differences in how the Texans are playing. It looks like their defense is a bit hotter than they were in week 6, and they seem to be relying on their running game more and throwing much less. Other than that, they are the same team basically.
I consider the loss of Schaub harder to overcome than the absence of Johnson, so I think the Texans will have a tougher time than they did in Week 6 if anything. I could be wrong, but that’s what I’m thinking right now.
I could see how someone could think losing Schaub is harder to overcome...
but, personally, I don’t think it’s right. With Jacoby Jones in the line-up, he seems to give up on routes too soon and forget the routes he’s supposed to run. He wasn’t targeted nearly as much as Johnson is when he’s in the game even though he took over the WR1 position. Instead, Schaub and Yates have been going to WR2 and TE1/2 and the RB(normally Foster).
I don’t see a huge drop off from Schaub to Yates with the exception of NFL experience. Yates has made some great sideline throws in a few situations(like in the Bengals game and the Falcons game to Johnson). His tendency is to throw high and/or behind, but Andre is good at grabbing those regardless of position(unlike Jacoby Jones). About half of his passes aren’t on target, but when it’s a clutch throw, he’s more on than not.
I think this game is going to be one to be played on repeat many times regardless of who wins. It’ll be a great show of football fortitude, for sure. ALLITERATION FOR THE WIN!
I've got nothin'...
I don’t see a huge drop off from Schaub to Yates with the exception of NFL experience.
Which is directly correlated with your team’s likelihood of winning in the playoffs.
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
Meh...
It is what it is. But considering his college(UNC) played the same offensive system, the experience directly correlated to that is near equivalent to Schaub’s experience. The only experience difference would be in HUGE game scenarios such as Sunday’s game. But he’s shown to be able to cope with those situations so far(just none with the magnitude that Sunday has).
I've got nothin'...
Less about the offensive system,
more about the defense.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
heh, scroll up and look at the facts regarding both
not speculation, but facts right off the NFL.com website
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
not to nitpick
but if you got really sick with it and adjusted yards for strength of opponent, and if you counted your rankings in away games versus ours in home games, you’d get a pretty different picture.
Again, I’m not telling you that your team is a joke or that you don’t deserve to be where you’ve arrived at this week, but there is a clear favorite here.
In any case, what chaos52 was saying wasn’t about rankings, it was about the fact that Yates has never faced a defense like this in his life, nor has he ever played in an environment like Baltimore during the playoffs. I think you’ll be impressed with how we do things.
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
Having watched the NFL since the mid 70's
I’m quite familiar with how this works. We get it. It’s a rookie QB up against a great defense. It’s home field advantage. All great points. The Ravens have the edge. The game doesn’t end there though.
There are other factors to consider in this game. This Texans team is not the 2010 Chiefs. It’s also not the 2011 Texans you saw in week 6 where:
Foster was coming off a hamstring injury, Mario was missing for the first time, ‘Dre was out, Brooks Reed was starting for the first time, and Connor Barwin was moving over to fill Mario’s spot for the first game.
It will be a battle, not a blow out. Count on it. Good luck.
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
It’s all about match-ups.
What you may not realize is that the Ravens usually dominate teams that try to beat them at their own brand of football. The best way to beat the Ravens is to do what San Diego did—spread them out and have an elite quarterback pick them apart—basically force them to play 7-on-7.
Teams like the 49ers—who are clearly better than the Chargers in my opinion—have an extremely hard time beating the Ravens because they’re trying to beat them where they are strong—on the defensive line and with the running game.
That’s what it seems to me that the Texans are doing right now. They have a good, aggressive defense and a powerful running game, but I just cannot imagine the Texans going on the road—with a rookie quarterback, no matter how good—and beating the Ravens at their own game. I suppose crazier things have happened (like Tebow beating the Steelers), but I just don’t see how Texans fans can come over here and act like their victory is likely. If the Texans beat the Ravens, it would be a huge upset in my opinion.
Agreed. I understand teams being confident, but the over confidence I have seen is ridiculous. I will admit I am very confident, but I think given our experience, home field, bye week and our talent that we are the clear favorites. While I have heard Johnson will completely change the game and ignoring we weren’t that healthy either our first match up. I also get the sense that they don’t really understand the difficulty of a rookie QB going on the road in the playoffs against an elite defense. Prime example is look at Dalton last week. He had to go to Houston against their D and threw 3 INT’s. Yates did well at home against a young cincy, but it will be a completely different atmosphere coming into an experienced Baltimore.
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
While I have heard Johnson will completely change the game and ignoring we weren’t that healthy either our first match up.
They also seem to be ignoring the fact that Johnson cannot throw himself the ball.
TJ is scary good on the long ball...
He’s got a better arm for deep passes than Schaub does. Watch the first quarter of the Falcons/Texans game for proof.
I've got nothin'...
Philllip Rivers is elite?
News to me…
I've got nothin'...
That dude is elite. He had a bad year because his OL was decimated, but I’d take him on my team all effing day.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
I'd take him for sure
Week 19 Texans > Week 6 Texans….and I can’t wait to see the look on some Ravens faces when that reality hits home!
I think it's the picture that is burned into my mind that changes my opinion... You know the one...
I've got nothin'...
Isn't
That Sloth from “The Goonies”?
"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
Have you seen the mouth eyes pictures?
I’d post them here, but you guys are good peoples and don’t deserve such a horrible thing.
I've got nothin'...
Furthermore...
I don’t think any Texans fan has said the Texans will likely win(unless in sarcasm). I think most of them think it will be close with the Ravens winning and actually giving the Texans just a slight CHANCE to win… unlike SOME Ravens fans… like yourself.
I've got nothin'...
You haven’t been reading much of the comments then because I have seen a number of Texans win predictions from a number of Texans fan with ultimately nothing more than this team is special or any real reasoning behind 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
And none of them are predicting blow outs...
Most of them are saying it’ll be very close if they do win. Is it so wrong to have faith and pride in your team without disrespecting the other team? I’ve seen Texans fans be much better about paying homage to their opponents than I’ve seen here…
KC Syndrome? Gimmie a break.
I've got nothin'...
here you go
23-22 texans
while the two best D players on the field are ngata and suggs, I believe the texans defense is better AS A WHOLE.
this will be a low scoring game, which will let the texans keep running the football. you wont see kareem jackson 1 on 1 with torrey smith, and if you DO, well we will lose
texans are playing with house money!!!! they will be loose with nothing to lose.
the best player on the field on O or D wears a texan uniform, and his name is Andre Johnson.
You will never understand the impact he makes on the field, in the locker room, and on TJ yates confidence.
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
AJ is not the best player on the field right now. He’s coming off injuries to both his hammys. He didn’t look like his normal self last week. The best players on the field are probably both starting RBs.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
Yes this is correct
Rice and Foster are the best players on the field.
Then it is a crap shoot.
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 11, 2012 11:06 PM EST up reply actions
No,
what I meant was, it’s less about Yates having experience in the offense, more about Yates not having faced a defense like the one he’ll play Sunday.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 10, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
grubbs, jimmy smith, *lee evans(notice the asteriks), zbikowski.also torrey smith making only his 3rd start
NOT EVEN CLOSE
all those dont even = the loss of Andre to this team
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Loss of Schaub > Absense of Johnson
So you guys are still coming into this game about as strong as you were in week six. The Ravens are completely healthy and everyone is expected to play, so injuries/health aren’t exactly an argument I’d make in the Texans favor.
False statement is false...
Andre is a game changer… Schaub is not.
I've got nothin'...
Keep telling yourself that. QB is the most important position on the team and you went from having a top-10 QB to having a rookie. I’m amazed at how many of you think that somehow the rookie norm won’t apply to Yates in the most hostile and aggressive environment he’s played in to date.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
I think we know our team better than you
actually im certain of it
Andre playing is more important than schaub at this point
Its really not that close
its not like schaub was brady or rodgers
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
it’s not at all like you went 7-3 with schaub and then finished 3-3 without him. Yeah that never happened.
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
They didn't want to win in the last 3 losses.
You come at the king, you best not miss.
by organizedchaos52 on Jan 11, 2012 7:11 PM EST up reply actions
Well in all fairness
We have lost a player to IR almost every Win this year. We played a lot of rotation during those last three games. Allowed Johnson to rest an additional couple of weeks. While still giving Yates a little experience, granted I wished for more passing attempts on the road as to test the young rookie.
Division Champion Houston Texans
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
by WreckNTexan on Jan 11, 2012 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
You haven't seen him play like we have...
We’ve watched plenty more film on the Texans than Baltimore fans have(more than likely). He’s shown poise in highly intense situations. Am I saying he won’t get rattled? No. But I’m at least giving him the benefit of the doubt considering what I’ve seen. None of you are. Probably because you haven’t seen him play like we have.
I've got nothin'...
He’s shown poise in highly intense situations.
So has Andy Dalton.
Yates looks like a gamer to me. But he’s also a rookie. You can dance around that fact all you want, but even an above average rookie is still a rookie. An amazing rookie is still a rookie. Rookies don’t win at M&T.
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Agreed. Andy Dalton had a very good year for a rookie and then look what happen on the road against a good D. 3 Int’s.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
Like I Posted
Rookies don’t win at M&T
Elsewhere, not just rookies, but also first year QB’s, second year QB’s -all of those young QB’s are 0-fer in the last four years in Baltimore. Like 0 – 9.
"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
Trends are meant to be bucked...
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the only constant is change. Not saying the Texans WILL go in and win, but until the end of this game(or if Denver and Baltimore both win) lossless at home is not certain.
I've got nothin'...
schaub is an OK QB
we arent replacing big ben or manning here
andre makes all the difference, and its not so much because he is great, which he is, but more so the fact that THE REST of the WRs are not very good, especially with the deep ball
I bet youve watched three texans games all year, pit, bal, and cinci
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Schaub
When healthy and in his prime (he might be just beginning to age a bit) is/was a top five QB. Had he stayed healthy this year, the only ones this season I would have taken over him would have been Rodgers, Brees, Brady and Ben. Too many B’s… Maybe Eli also, but only because Eli is having a career year this season.
"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
You're one of the few that believe this...
I’m a Texans fans and I wouldn’t even put him in the top 5 lol. I’d put him around 7 or 8, when healthy and in his prime.
I've got nothin'...
Incorrect
So you guys are still coming into this game about as strong as you were in week six.
Foster still wasn’t 100% coming off a hamstring injury
Barwin moved over to fill Mario’s position for the first time in week 6
Reed started for the first time in week 6
The defense hadn’t yet settled into Wade’s new system
This is apparently pointless to discuss with you guys. OK I surrender. The Texans are a horrible team full of injured slow ass miserable meat shields led by a cub scout pigmy QB with no arms or legs who are about to get road paved by the most incredible team in NFL history!!!!!11111ONE ONE ONE ONE ONE
Week 19 Texans > Week 6 Texans….and I can’t wait to see the look on some Ravens faces when that reality hits home!
by MeMongo on Jan 11, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Arguing with them
Is like trying to teach a retarded kid how to dribble a basketball
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
We are obviously wasting our time to have any type of discussion or debate based on reality and facts
They are clinging to generalizations, assumptions and dismissive retorts.
I tried to show respect, offer up recognition of their success and likelihood of winning at home this week coupled with comparisons using facts that the teams are very similar coming out of THIS season. It is pointless. The Texans do not exist as far as most of the NFL is concerned.
You know, the term “Texans playing with house money” actually was something I could live with. After all, we should just be satisfied in making the post-season, after a decade of pain and suffering to build a franchise from the ground up, much less winning the first playoff game. I could have lived with a loss in a well fought game against them on the road with our rookie QB. Head high, good season, start the FA and Mock-Draft threads.
But after all of this arrogance and dismissive attitude, I hope the Texans go up there and explode on the field for every underdog that ever existed. Blow them off their own field 28-0 at half time and 42-3 final. NO RESPECT at all from this arrogant market.
Peace, out!
Week 19 Texans > Week 6 Texans….and I can’t wait to see the look on some Ravens faces when that reality hits home!
YEP YEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AV23, youre cool in my book. good luck to you sir
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Yes AV23 is cool
I honestly hate that the early threads have been like this. There’s a lot we have in common. Our teams are like twins of each other in style and how they ranked this year in measured categories, but more than that both fan bases (for the most part) hate the Steelers.
I’m starting to wonder if sparring with Steeler fans developed this tone. They were by far the worst fans we dealt with at BRB and at the game.
Anyway, love some of the Ravens players (Pollard, Leach) totally respect the team and where they should go this year, and wish everyone the best in this game.
Week 19 Texans > Week 6 Texans….and I can’t wait to see the look on some Ravens faces when that reality hits home!
I appreciate the kind words fellas, but I think the reason some of us are getting a bit hostile is because it seems like Texans fans are getting mad when we argue our points. Most don’t think it’s going to be a blowout, but many of us do feel confident in a win.It’s not trying to be disrespectful it’s just there is a lot of evidence suggesting why we should be strong favorites in this game. I could see if we went over to Texans blog talking about you guys have no chance or saying stuff like that, but being on the Ravens site of course we are going to be very optimistic. Many of us will acknowledge the Texans are a solid team, but I think the reason many of us feel very confident comes down to the QB situation. No matter how good the rookie is nothing a coach can say or do can prepare a rookie to come into an elite defense’s house on the road in the playoffs. Rookies don’t have a strong record of doing that not only against us, but in the whole league in general. That is the #1 factor why we are so confident because we have seen how tough it is to do since we have a young QB 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
I actually have alot of respect for the Texans, and I feel like we’ve been pretty fair overall. I don’t feel like we’re that arrogant—not most of us… We’re just confident. The main reason is because the Texans are starting a rookie quarterback. If Schaub was planning to start, you’d be talking to some nervous fans. Believe me… Ravens fans are not above acting like the sky is falling.
If you truly knew the history of Baltimore football and our defense, you would know that the Ravens do not lose to rookie quarterbacks at home. It’s something that simply does not happen. When and if it does, I’m sure the sky will start falling around here.
the Ravens do not lose to rookie quarterbacks at home. It’s something that simply does not happen. When and if it does, I’m sure the sky will start falling around here.
No kidding. You could start with Cameron, but I’m sure there would be hell to pay all around. It would be unacceptable to lose on Sunday. On the other hand, Bob McNair would still be pretty happy with him team if they lost.
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
Owen Daniels will play FYI
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
by AllenOU on Jan 10, 2012 5:05 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Figured as much
I’ll update the post accordingly. Was the MRI negative or only a small fracture (non-compound)?
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
Can you link me the news that makes this official so I can have some kind of source in the post?
I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR
Here you go
Texans head coach Gary Kubiak answered questions from the media Monday afternoon at Reliant Stadium. The following is a transcript of his press conference.
Head Coach Gary Kubiak
(on TE Owen Daniels’ injury) "Owen does have a hand issue. First off, it’s not going to keep him from playing. He’s fine. He’ll be back on the practice field when we get started on Wednesday. That’s nothing that’s going to hold him back. Still kind of in an evaluation process, but he went back in the game and he will be ready to go. It’s not an issue from that standpoint."
(on if there are any other injuries) "No, we actually came out okay. (Mike) Brisiel, he ended up playing about three quarters of the game, got a little fatigued late. (Antoine) Caldwell went in, but Mike should be even better this week I would think. Other than that, we just got some nicks. (Bryan) Braman came out okay. He should be ready to go. We’re thinking that Troy Nolan has an excellent chance to be ready to contribute this week. For the most part, we came out as clean as we could."
"Never Never Never Give Up!" Winston Churchill
Either way
We have to be careful about not getting too over confident just because Yates is starting. Granted the Ravens D is absolutely nasty but the fact still remains Yates has so many weapons. I think it will mainly come down to who has the better D and who can stop who. In that scenario the Ravens have the clear advantage. If Flacco can remain “Joe Cool” and if Rice has a big day I can imagine a pretty clear Ravens victory. Question though who exactly is going to be covering Andre Johnson because that’s going to be a huge factor. I’m sure our D-Line and LB corp can handle Foster.
#HireSpags
Come on Andy
Shady McCoy is Still Dirty
Ravens 4 SB '12
The Texans will put more points up then Kobe the last two games combined
True arrogance has been displayed here- WestministerRavensfan or something
Hi My name is Jack, why don't you help me off?
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