nittanylion
Footballguy
What happened to you guys?
FTR, if he transitions well, y'all are gonna love Urschel...
FTR, if he transitions well, y'all are gonna love Urschel...
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*****Official Baltimore Ravens Thread***** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Uruk-Hai
- Start date
Revised - June 2014 - Guys that seem to have solidified starting gigs in bold
I guess the last remaining battles to be decided are RB3, QB2 possibly, CB3. Too bad they had just signed Ross and Franks and didn't land Flowers.
Be interesting to finally find out how much use we'll have of Ray Rice this year. Looking good in camp supposedly.
I guess the last remaining battles to be decided are RB3, QB2 possibly, CB3. Too bad they had just signed Ross and Franks and didn't land Flowers.
Tanner9919
Footballguy
someone is going to be a very productive RB in Balt., my money is on Ray Rice..great ADP value.. as his pending suspension looms , his draft stock falls..but he's a blue-chip stock..you have to be excited about Pitta, Flacco, Rice, T. Smith is a Gary Kubiak offense.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
So, some pie-in-the-sky dreaming here with no thoughts to ramifications, need, or whether it makes sense.......
Andre Johnson's situation in Houston screams "trade to the Ravens" to me. I know they have the Smiffs, Jacoby, Brown, Pitta, and Daniel.......but, Lordy, would he look good in purple and black
(in reality, I'd trade half the names listed above for a top-flight O-lineman).
Andre Johnson's situation in Houston screams "trade to the Ravens" to me. I know they have the Smiffs, Jacoby, Brown, Pitta, and Daniel.......but, Lordy, would he look good in purple and black
(in reality, I'd trade half the names listed above for a top-flight O-lineman).
I think the Zuttah move was masterful. Would like better OT depth but I think Wagner will be fine. In a world of hurt with an injury or two though.
I agree. Johnson would be awesome and I'd be surprised if we weren't one of the 4 teams that inquired. But sounds like he isn't going anywhere due to dead cap space.
Kinda starting to wonder about Kubiak and ex Texans. Is it because of familiarity with system? If the offense is that difficult to digest, how worried should we be?
I agree. Johnson would be awesome and I'd be surprised if we weren't one of the 4 teams that inquired. But sounds like he isn't going anywhere due to dead cap space.
Kinda starting to wonder about Kubiak and ex Texans. Is it because of familiarity with system? If the offense is that difficult to digest, how worried should we be?
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
After last year's disaster, I'm not too worried about the change as far as the O Line goes. I am interested in seeing how Flacco adjusts, though. He never struck me as a WC offense kind of guy.
I think the D has a chance to be filthy. If Mosely is as advertised and Art Brown has come along as well as everyone's saying, they have as good a LB corps as anyone. Just need one more good year out of Ngata.
I think the D has a chance to be filthy. If Mosely is as advertised and Art Brown has come along as well as everyone's saying, they have as good a LB corps as anyone. Just need one more good year out of Ngata.
So where are we. . .
Offense looked solid vs. SF. Zone blocking paying immediate dividends. Someone is going to be a huge fantasy value in the backfield. I was in the camp that thought S. Smith Sr. had lost a step, but he appears to be looking really, really good so far.
Mosley looked like a monster out there.
DE Lewis Moore injury is devistating with Urban out with ACL also. With Canty 31 and only finishing 2 seasons in the last 5 years, terrified about DE depth. Gonna have to really fill out position through camp cuts.
Offense looked solid vs. SF. Zone blocking paying immediate dividends. Someone is going to be a huge fantasy value in the backfield. I was in the camp that thought S. Smith Sr. had lost a step, but he appears to be looking really, really good so far.
Mosley looked like a monster out there.
DE Lewis Moore injury is devistating with Urban out with ACL also. With Canty 31 and only finishing 2 seasons in the last 5 years, terrified about DE depth. Gonna have to really fill out position through camp cuts.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Running game was awful in the 1st half last night. Granted, Washington was loading the box but still - 2 4th-&-1s failed. Pierce had his brains knocked sideways and Rice was a decoy for one play IIRC. Forsett & that human mass of forward-motion they drafted did much better in the 2nd half against the Skins' B-listers. I think the FB with no vowels in his name could be a nice weapon.
I thought Flacco looked pretty sharp when not hobbling for his life - the TD to Smith SENIOR was pretty (though, in real time, I thought an OPI was due there). Hell, Tyrod's TD pass (!!!!!!) to Thompson was gorgeous. I think Smith SENIOR, regular Smith, Jones, Camanero (or whatever the #### his name is), and Thompson make up a decent WR corps.
After Morris' opening run, I thought the D was really good. That kid playing NT was a wrecking machine and is already 20 times better than Mt Cody. Dumervil was an assassin and I'm sure RGIII is still having nightmares starring Elvis. Rookies Brooks, Jurnigan, and Mosely were very active. Mosely has "STUD" written all over him - I think he and Daryl Smith cover ground as well as any pair of ILBs in the league. The backup CBs played their asses off in the 1st half and Elam was fine as a nickle CB.
I thought Flacco looked pretty sharp when not hobbling for his life - the TD to Smith SENIOR was pretty (though, in real time, I thought an OPI was due there). Hell, Tyrod's TD pass (!!!!!!) to Thompson was gorgeous. I think Smith SENIOR, regular Smith, Jones, Camanero (or whatever the #### his name is), and Thompson make up a decent WR corps.
After Morris' opening run, I thought the D was really good. That kid playing NT was a wrecking machine and is already 20 times better than Mt Cody. Dumervil was an assassin and I'm sure RGIII is still having nightmares starring Elvis. Rookies Brooks, Jurnigan, and Mosely were very active. Mosely has "STUD" written all over him - I think he and Daryl Smith cover ground as well as any pair of ILBs in the league. The backup CBs played their asses off in the 1st half and Elam was fine as a nickle CB.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
So.....predictions for the season?
Outside of catastrophe or extreme good luck, I'm thinking somewhere between 8 & 11 wins. Win 6 or 7 at home and split the road games too fanciful?
I have to think (hope?) the o-line, Flacco, and the run game will have to be better. Won't it? WON'T IT???? They are fine with the receiving options if Joe doesn't get decapitated and the run game is at least average.
I think the defense has a chance to be nasty. Webb & Smith staying healthy is an absolute must, though, and I'm starting to worry about Webb's ability to do so. The only D player who is clearly in decline is Ngata and he's still pretty good in rotation. I think Suggs and Smith are almost at the tipping point but have 2 more good years left. I REALLY think they're gonna miss Ihedibgo, though I think the kids at S are going to eventually be fine.
Gut prediction: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincy all end up around 9-7 or 10-6 with Cincy vs Pitt in week 17 having a major say in who wins the division.
Outside of catastrophe or extreme good luck, I'm thinking somewhere between 8 & 11 wins. Win 6 or 7 at home and split the road games too fanciful?
I have to think (hope?) the o-line, Flacco, and the run game will have to be better. Won't it? WON'T IT???? They are fine with the receiving options if Joe doesn't get decapitated and the run game is at least average.
I think the defense has a chance to be nasty. Webb & Smith staying healthy is an absolute must, though, and I'm starting to worry about Webb's ability to do so. The only D player who is clearly in decline is Ngata and he's still pretty good in rotation. I think Suggs and Smith are almost at the tipping point but have 2 more good years left. I REALLY think they're gonna miss Ihedibgo, though I think the kids at S are going to eventually be fine.
Gut prediction: Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincy all end up around 9-7 or 10-6 with Cincy vs Pitt in week 17 having a major say in who wins the division.
Split with Bengals and Steelers, 2 W's vs. Browns
W's - Panthers, Bucs, Falcons, Titans, Dolphins, Jags, Texans
L's - Colts, Saints, Chargers,
Agree with you, 11-5 looks likely. Worst case scenario is probably 9-7 unless CB depth is exposed with further injury early on or o-line falls apart. Hard to envision wins at Colts or NO, two tough, tough venues.
W's - Panthers, Bucs, Falcons, Titans, Dolphins, Jags, Texans
L's - Colts, Saints, Chargers,
Agree with you, 11-5 looks likely. Worst case scenario is probably 9-7 unless CB depth is exposed with further injury early on or o-line falls apart. Hard to envision wins at Colts or NO, two tough, tough venues.
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Wise Old Owl
Footballguy
I like this prediction but its hard not seeing them losing a very winnable game (like bills last year). I could see us dropping one to Ten or TB just because we seem allergic to home field advanage
Restricted
Footballguy
Good luck guys. I'm GB with fiancee, friends and family Ravens fans. If they win they are happy and I am. Kinda a second team. Really think Flacco is going to have a bounce back year.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Oof. Nice coupla days, huh?
About half way through the 3rd quarter, I thought to myself that there's no "there" there. The Ravens are just kind of "meh" - like the Rams or Dolphins or Titans. Who is the heart of the team? It's not the QB (or maybe it is, woe unto Ravens fans). It's not the coach. There's no sizzle (speaking of whom, nice job pressuring Dalton yesterday TS) - that's fine if you're loaded with efficient players (oops). They're just a team with some good players who will win their share of games.
I know the above will seem like an overreaction based on one game, but this stretches back through last year.
As for Rice, if the Ravens saw the video released today several months ago and only had a change of heart because it became public THEN decided to cut Rice - shame on them. I waffle on the punishment but, if they had all of the info back then, the change of heart today looks really, really bad.
About half way through the 3rd quarter, I thought to myself that there's no "there" there. The Ravens are just kind of "meh" - like the Rams or Dolphins or Titans. Who is the heart of the team? It's not the QB (or maybe it is, woe unto Ravens fans). It's not the coach. There's no sizzle (speaking of whom, nice job pressuring Dalton yesterday TS) - that's fine if you're loaded with efficient players (oops). They're just a team with some good players who will win their share of games.
I know the above will seem like an overreaction based on one game, but this stretches back through last year.
As for Rice, if the Ravens saw the video released today several months ago and only had a change of heart because it became public THEN decided to cut Rice - shame on them. I waffle on the punishment but, if they had all of the info back then, the change of heart today looks really, really bad.
Well, that certainly could have gone better vs. Cincy. Still, a couple plays and they win that game with Flacco attempting 60+ passing. Insane.
Will leave the Rice stuff alone, covered enough elsewhere.
I agree, they aren't a contender and with a few key injuries could land a top 10 pick. But I also agree that they can roll out of bed and win 8-9 games.
I think it starts tonight. Baltimore is going to have their way with the Steelers in one of the highest rated TNF games to date.
Calling 34-27 Baltimore:
Flacco - 225 2 TD's
Pierce - 100 combined yards, 2 TD's
Forsett - 75 combined yards
Torrey - 75 yds, 1 TD
S Smith - 75 yds
Pitta - 60 yds, 1 TD
Will leave the Rice stuff alone, covered enough elsewhere.
I agree, they aren't a contender and with a few key injuries could land a top 10 pick. But I also agree that they can roll out of bed and win 8-9 games.
I think it starts tonight. Baltimore is going to have their way with the Steelers in one of the highest rated TNF games to date.
Calling 34-27 Baltimore:
Flacco - 225 2 TD's
Pierce - 100 combined yards, 2 TD's
Forsett - 75 combined yards
Torrey - 75 yds, 1 TD
S Smith - 75 yds
Pitta - 60 yds, 1 TD
8 w's in last 9 home prime time games. Pierce looked slow with limited vision but is going to be the workhorse. Forsett had a good run and is definitely the COB back. Pitta and Steve Smith were money. Torrey wasn't even targeted much. Dunno on that one. Daniels TDs were pretty wide open in short yardage situations. O line held up well in pass protection but Steelers D still looks terrible.
D was aggressive and fast. Bell had a good game but he had to work for everything. was afraid the cornerbacks would get abused without webb but they held up well. Antonio Brown got injured early and was obviously not a hundred % though.
D was aggressive and fast. Bell had a good game but he had to work for everything. was afraid the cornerbacks would get abused without webb but they held up well. Antonio Brown got injured early and was obviously not a hundred % though.
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The_Man
Footballguy
The RBs are nothing to write home about, but the O Line looked really good. I see a lot of upside with this offense. Flacco looked like post-season 2012 Flacco last night, not 5 INTs vs. Buffalo Flacco that we got last year (and a lot of Week 1).
The defense - well - we might have just seen their best game of the year. They are super stout up front and hard to run through, but they aren't great on the edges at all (as Gio Bernard and Bell have now shown). The tackling and screen pass defense - once such staples of the Ravens D - are really shoddy.
Very worried about Suggs. He seems to have not much left, and is guessing and cheating to the inside to make up for it, leaving the edge very exposed. Mosley looks like the real D, though. Very excited to see him play. With him and Smith behind a really good looking interior D line, it's no wonder teams are looking to the edges. Maybe Pees can start to scheme for that a little.
Fingers crossed that Webb is back after this 10-day break leading up to the Cleveland game. Jimmy Smith looks outstanding, the Safties are just average, and the other CBs are not good.
Still think this is a 10-6 team that will be playing a lot of 27-24 games that come down to the final possession.
The defense - well - we might have just seen their best game of the year. They are super stout up front and hard to run through, but they aren't great on the edges at all (as Gio Bernard and Bell have now shown). The tackling and screen pass defense - once such staples of the Ravens D - are really shoddy.
Very worried about Suggs. He seems to have not much left, and is guessing and cheating to the inside to make up for it, leaving the edge very exposed. Mosley looks like the real D, though. Very excited to see him play. With him and Smith behind a really good looking interior D line, it's no wonder teams are looking to the edges. Maybe Pees can start to scheme for that a little.
Fingers crossed that Webb is back after this 10-day break leading up to the Cleveland game. Jimmy Smith looks outstanding, the Safties are just average, and the other CBs are not good.
Still think this is a 10-6 team that will be playing a lot of 27-24 games that come down to the final possession.
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Mosley's gonna be a stud. Guy was around every play. One of those guys who's seemingly everywhere.
I know huh? I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, the epic meltdown in the Steelers thread or Big Ben's admitting it was the hardest he's been hit since that Scott hit.
Big road game this week. Should be able to run on Cleveland with the way Pitt and NO did, and the o-line is opening decent holes. Averaging 5 yards per carry through 2 games.
Hopefully we can keep Kruger off Flacco and he can find that Torrey Smith guy for a long bomb or two even though he'll likely draw Haden.
If Jernigan misses time, we are so so light at DT.
The_Man
Footballguy
Don't know the exact story, but lots and lots of innuendo in the Baltimore sports media that the Ravens/Ray Rice saga is about to get even way worse. I think that can only mean Ozzie or Harbaugh or someone saw the tape and still supported bringing Ray back. I have enjoyed this season for exactly 3 hours so far - from kickoff to the final gun of the Steelers game.
It's got to be Ozzie. He attended the meeting with Rice and Goodell and has steadfastly maintained Rice never lied to Goodell. This link indicates to me that Ozzie filled in Bisciotti about what transpired which is why the Ravens stood behind Rice for as long as they did. I'll bet Bisciotti never knew about the full tape and is likely pissed at what he saw as opposed to what he was told happened by Ozzie. I am speculating like crazy but it makes unfortunate sense to me.
Bracie Smathers
Footballguy
Sigh.
Sad to say that Ozzie is a big piece of the story.http://m.espn.go.com/general/story?storyId=11551518&src=desktop&rand=ref~%7B
Harbaugh looks to be the most consistent and sane one of the story.
Very sad to see the role Ozzie played here.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
If these latest reports are true, I find it tough to believe that this FO and this coach can continue as they are for any amount of time. I'm sure Harbaugh will play good soldier in public for as long as he can (hell, he's already done so longer than I probably could), but there has to be a huge amount of mistrust amongst these guys now.
For Harbaugh, it's one thing for this to happen and have the details kept secret, but to have it come out in public is different. "How can I work for people who would cover up something like this and overrule me doing the right thing?" has to run through his mind at least a little. It wouldn't surprise me if, at some point, Harbaugh (a guy who preaches integrity) steps down over this.
If one person has to fall on his sword, I think Cass is the one who's gone. From a PR standpoint (which seems to be Bisciotti's main worry), sacrificing Cass is much easier than cutting Ozzie loose. No one cares about Cass - hell, I bet 80% of Ravens fans didn't even know who he was before this.
That said - again, if this stuff is true - I think Newsome needs to go, too. I guess Cass can try to absolve Ozzie of all blame if he takes the fall (I'm sure Cass will get some sweet parting gifts to take the brunt of things), but the stink of this will still be on Newsome for anyone with half a brain.
I'm not sure what to think about Bisciotti at this point. He's smarter (& slipperier) than anyone else involved in this and I'm not naive to that. I just wonder if he didn't get blinded a little and deferred to a man he seems to love and respect (Oz), thinking this was a manageable situation. Oops.
For Harbaugh, it's one thing for this to happen and have the details kept secret, but to have it come out in public is different. "How can I work for people who would cover up something like this and overrule me doing the right thing?" has to run through his mind at least a little. It wouldn't surprise me if, at some point, Harbaugh (a guy who preaches integrity) steps down over this.
If one person has to fall on his sword, I think Cass is the one who's gone. From a PR standpoint (which seems to be Bisciotti's main worry), sacrificing Cass is much easier than cutting Ozzie loose. No one cares about Cass - hell, I bet 80% of Ravens fans didn't even know who he was before this.
That said - again, if this stuff is true - I think Newsome needs to go, too. I guess Cass can try to absolve Ozzie of all blame if he takes the fall (I'm sure Cass will get some sweet parting gifts to take the brunt of things), but the stink of this will still be on Newsome for anyone with half a brain.
I'm not sure what to think about Bisciotti at this point. He's smarter (& slipperier) than anyone else involved in this and I'm not naive to that. I just wonder if he didn't get blinded a little and deferred to a man he seems to love and respect (Oz), thinking this was a manageable situation. Oops.
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Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I think it's always been hypocritical. It's just that it used to be easier to turn a blind eye to things like this. I made my peace with my hypocrisy in rooting for sports teams long ago - mainly because I selfishly want to continue to enjoy watching sports and don't have the balls to take a real stand at the expense of that enjoyment.
You know, a lot of us here are also Orioles fans and we've had a blast talking about their success this year. But don't stats show that 1 in 4 (maybe it's higher - too lazy to check) relationships include domestic violence? That means that at least half a dozen dudes in that dugout have probably abused a partner (or a kid). But, like most fans, I don't want to think about that until I'm made to. And even then, I can delude myself into getting past it.
I dunno. I'm kind of rambling. This whole, sordid thing has got me exhausted.
But I'll be rooting for the Ravens this Sunday.
Tom Skerritt
Footballguy
If the OTL report is accurate, Harbaugh's best move is probably to resign. Hold a press conference, tell people you advocated to release Rice from the beginning. Walk away. Wash your hands of this mess.
Next year Harbaugh will get picked up by another team.
Assuming the reports are 100% accurate of course.
Next year Harbaugh will get picked up by another team.
Assuming the reports are 100% accurate of course.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I doubt Harbaugh would do that.
For one, it doesn't seem like him.
Two, it could hurt him getting another job.
I think his resignation speech would be incredibly vague, no matter what his real reasons are.
Bracie Smathers
Footballguy
I don't know what the fallout will eventually be but its shocking to get a peek behind the curtain knowing that virtually EVERY NFL team has 'likely' made decisions along these lines but we're only hearing about this case due to the graphic and undeniable visual evidence and national exposure, blow-back, and investigative journalism that will find every excruciating detail.
This is much bigger than the Ravens and its going to change the face of the NFL and hopefully it will change other sports in a positive manner. The exposure is painful but the band aid had to be ripped off eventually.
Time to fess-up, face the music and heal the shameful wound of domestic violence that has been swept under the carpet, denied and ignored for too long. I hope they don't scape goat a few sacrificial lambs and carry-on with business as usual.
Hopefully we see real change here going forward.
This is much bigger than the Ravens and its going to change the face of the NFL and hopefully it will change other sports in a positive manner. The exposure is painful but the band aid had to be ripped off eventually.
Time to fess-up, face the music and heal the shameful wound of domestic violence that has been swept under the carpet, denied and ignored for too long. I hope they don't scape goat a few sacrificial lambs and carry-on with business as usual.
Hopefully we see real change here going forward.
The_Man
Footballguy
Kubiak's offense and the O Line will dictate how this season turns out. The defense is deeply mediocre, though Jimmy Smith is playing some inspired football right now. I think Luck will slice and dice them next week.
But the Ravens looks like they can score with most anybody. I feel like the most overlooked thing in all of football is pass protection. During Flacco's 2012 post-season, nobody laid a finger on him and he shredded defenses. The same was true yesterday. Meanwhile Matt Ryan was getting pressure on every dropback yesterday and he looked terrible. Remember how mediocre Brady looked in the first Giants Super Bowl when he was constantly being harassed by a four-man rush?
Right now, the Ravens are protecting very well. The interior of the O line is excellent, and they can give the young Tackles enough help with TEs and RBs.
But the Ravens looks like they can score with most anybody. I feel like the most overlooked thing in all of football is pass protection. During Flacco's 2012 post-season, nobody laid a finger on him and he shredded defenses. The same was true yesterday. Meanwhile Matt Ryan was getting pressure on every dropback yesterday and he looked terrible. Remember how mediocre Brady looked in the first Giants Super Bowl when he was constantly being harassed by a four-man rush?
Right now, the Ravens are protecting very well. The interior of the O line is excellent, and they can give the young Tackles enough help with TEs and RBs.
James Daulton
Footballguy
This is a very good summary. Plus it seems like Kubiak's offense seems to suit Flacco and Kubiak is able to make adjustments during the game to exploit what's working or to go a different direction if necessary. I think the D will improve as the season goes on since most of the secondary is young. At least that's what I tell myself...
The_Man
Footballguy
Did you see Kubiak sitting with Flacco on the sideline, and laughing together as they were looking over photos of formations? I'm not exaggerating when I say that I have NEVER once seen Flacco interact with an offensive coordinator that way before. Also loved his emotion after that TD strike to Torry Smith.
James Daulton
Footballguy
I saw Flacco sitting with Kubiak earlier in the year and I agree I've never seen Joe looking at pics before. I wonder if Joe has a new ceiling with Kubiak. Maybe he'll almost be worth his contract.
The_Man
Footballguy
At 3-1 this team is probably right where they should be. I don't think they're a 12-4 team, but 10-6 is definitely realistic. Looks like the right season to be playing the AFC and NFC South. Feeling like Cincy and maybe San Diego are the class of the AFC this year.
Gets tough now with 4 of next 5 on the road, a stretch that ends with back-to-back trips to Cincy and Pittsburgh. If they can go 3-2, including a split of their division games, I will be happy.
Gets tough now with 4 of next 5 on the road, a stretch that ends with back-to-back trips to Cincy and Pittsburgh. If they can go 3-2, including a split of their division games, I will be happy.
Agreed. I just don't know why they are putting him in position to fail. He's the definition of "in the box" safety. He is a younger Bernard Pollard. I don't understand why Brooks isn't even active. Surely he's a better cover safety. You play your best players but if he starts to get eaten up, you have to swap him out.
Brooks was active yesterday for first time all year, playing half the snaps (35/69). Stewart lost 11 snaps, after only losing 2 the entire first 3 games. Hopefully he will get more coverage snaps, and they move Elam back up to his natural position.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Merry Game Day, y'all.
I think Luck is gonna go the #### off today, but will also take a beating.
Ravens have to run the ball well (I know, I know - every team says that). I think Baltimore can score some points through the air, but it's gotta be because the run game is doing its thing.
I think Luck is gonna go the #### off today, but will also take a beating.
Ravens have to run the ball well (I know, I know - every team says that). I think Baltimore can score some points through the air, but it's gotta be because the run game is doing its thing.
The_Man
Footballguy
Where we at with this team? I'm starting to think they might be better than I gave them credit for (a 10-6, fighting for the Wild Card-type team).
The defense is getting better every week. Brandon Williams is a huge difference-maker at Nose Tackle. Teams now have to double-team on the interior vs. him and Ngata, which is why the OLBs are suddenly going crazy with pass pressure. Not to mention McPhee rushing from D Tackle in passing situations. Jimmy Smith is playing at a very high level, and Hill could be the Free Safety this team needed, since they seem to have about 4 Strong Safeties.
The offense under Kubiak is unlike any Ravens' offense I've ever seen. Crossing routes, bunch formations, play action rollouts - it's like having a real NFL offense! If they can do this with a pair of scrub rookies making up the left side of the O Line, I'm really looking forward to seeing what Flacco can do once Osemele and Monroe are back at LG and LT, respectively.
But let's not get too excited - the NFC South seems like a genuine dumpster fire this year. I'm not going to rehash the whole Ryan vs. Flacco debate, but I don't think Ryan's numbers would be as good as they are if he had to play 38 percent of his games vs. the defenses and weather of the AFC North, instead of the tropics of the NFC South. He looked very uncomfortable throwing in the moderate wind yesterday - and then looked much more uncomfortable after getting hit in the mouth a half-dozen times.
Huge statement game this week at Cincy. They can put a solid grip on the division with a win, or take a huge step backward with a loss.
The defense is getting better every week. Brandon Williams is a huge difference-maker at Nose Tackle. Teams now have to double-team on the interior vs. him and Ngata, which is why the OLBs are suddenly going crazy with pass pressure. Not to mention McPhee rushing from D Tackle in passing situations. Jimmy Smith is playing at a very high level, and Hill could be the Free Safety this team needed, since they seem to have about 4 Strong Safeties.
The offense under Kubiak is unlike any Ravens' offense I've ever seen. Crossing routes, bunch formations, play action rollouts - it's like having a real NFL offense! If they can do this with a pair of scrub rookies making up the left side of the O Line, I'm really looking forward to seeing what Flacco can do once Osemele and Monroe are back at LG and LT, respectively.
But let's not get too excited - the NFC South seems like a genuine dumpster fire this year. I'm not going to rehash the whole Ryan vs. Flacco debate, but I don't think Ryan's numbers would be as good as they are if he had to play 38 percent of his games vs. the defenses and weather of the AFC North, instead of the tropics of the NFC South. He looked very uncomfortable throwing in the moderate wind yesterday - and then looked much more uncomfortable after getting hit in the mouth a half-dozen times.
Huge statement game this week at Cincy. They can put a solid grip on the division with a win, or take a huge step backward with a loss.
James Daulton
Footballguy
With all their new pieces, the team should be getting better each week. I have to say that I'm getting pretty optimistic about the rest of the season.
Where did McPhee come from? He's a beast. The team is also getting Timmy Jernigan back soon. Depth and talent on that line.
I agree with you on Williams making a huge difference on the back end. If they go into Cinci and take care of business, I'll be pretty confident that their for real.
Where did McPhee come from? He's a beast. The team is also getting Timmy Jernigan back soon. Depth and talent on that line.
I agree with you on Williams making a huge difference on the back end. If they go into Cinci and take care of business, I'll be pretty confident that their for real.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
The defense looked really fast. CJ Mosely was flying all over the field.
Ryan basically admitted after the game that they had no idea how or from where the pressure was coming.
Other than the 2 interceptions and the rookie LT's 43 penalties - which prevented a complete blow out - I thought the offense looked sharp.
Ryan basically admitted after the game that they had no idea how or from where the pressure was coming.
Other than the 2 interceptions and the rookie LT's 43 penalties - which prevented a complete blow out - I thought the offense looked sharp.
