Ravens Vs Chiefs Scouting Report

[#1 D]

Haven't done this in awhile, but after seeing the Baltimore Sun doing it for awhile, I thought that i might as well give my point of view on the offensive and defensive matchups, and players to watch for. So, i'll take a crack at it:

[b]Chiefs Run Offense vs Ravens Run Defense[/b]

Larry Johnson was the last running back to rush for the century mark vs us since weve started that streak of not allowing a single running back to run for over 100 yards. But since 2006, he hasn't been the same. He did not contribute as much in the offense the past two seasons, not even coming close to the 1000-yard mark and not surpassing 200 carries. It will be interesting to see how he will fare considering the late success he's shown in the preseason. But, it will be hard to do so with a Ravens run defense which has improved from last years'. Combine Kelly Gregg and Ngata on the same playing field plugging up the middle, with the quick thumpers in Ray and Gooden, they will most probably be able to prevent Larry Johnson from having any success.

Edge: [b]Ravens[/b], by quite a bit.

[b]Chiefs Passing Offense vs Ravens Pass Defense[/b]

Coming off the bat here, we will not know whether Tyler Pigpen or Matt *$hole will start, considering the fact that Matt Cassell will now be a game-time decision for the patriots. Although both have shown some flashes of early success (although Cassell showing significantly more success), it will be hard to play against the Ravens pass defense. The pass rush will be crucial in setting the tone to make sure Cassell/Thigpen won't get enough time to find an open receiver, with Suggs and Pryce manning the edges. The defense should be able to apply consistent pressure with the 4-man front, allowing the linebackers or added defensive backs to help cover the open receivers. In short, it will most probably be a hard day for the Chiefs' QB for sunday.

Edge: [b]Ravens[/b], by alot.

[b]Ravens Run Offense vs Chiefs Run Defense[/b]

It's almost obvious that the Ravens will fare immediate success vs the run defense with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, two legitimate feature starting 'backs on any other team. Its also certain the running game will be successful, given that the Chiefs had the third-worst run defense in the NFL last year, allowing over 2500 yards and 5 yards per carry. Something interesting will also come out of this matchup, though, and that will be the offensive line. For our fans' point of view, the offensive line's communication, penalties, weak/strong links, penetration, time in the pocket, etc. things like that will be something us fans will look for in the line, especially Michael Oher and how he'll work with his jitters.

Edge: [b]Ravens[/b], by a huge landslide. almost pathetic on the Chiefs' behalf. lol

[b]Ravens Pass Offense vs Chiefs Pass Defense[/b]

None of us know this season where the ravens will stand in terms of the passing offense, given we finally have all the starters to begin with in the receivers and running backs. But, even if Joe Flacco can replicate what he did his first couple games as a rookie, he will fare alot of success and can manage a win,[u][i][b] to say the least[/b][/i][/u]. Given the Chiefs passing defense was ranked 28th last season, Joe Flacco can use this game as a good entrance and confidence-booster onto the 2009-2010 season, along with the receivers.

Edge: [b]Ravens[/b].

Result: Ravens, 34-10

The defense will help in scoring a couple of touchdowns in the field position battle, as well as a running TD by Ray Rice, and 1-2 passing touchdowns by Joe Flacco. Matt Cassell or Thigpen will probably get a lucky TD early in the game, but that would be about it, as we defeat them.

[u]Key Matchups: [/u]

WR Dwayne Bowe (6-2, 221lbs) vs Domonique Foxworth (5-11, 180 lbs)
-Right off the bat, we can see that this is just a physical mismatch waiting to happen. And, if none of us have even heard of Dwayne Bowe, this is a young receiver with talent, unfortunate enough to play for the chiefs and not get his name heard . He is a consistent, solid, physical receiver with hands and solid route running ability. Foxworth, given from what I've heard and some of what i've seen in the preseason, should be able to consistently cover Bowe, given that Foxworth does not try to press cover somebody over 40 pounds more than him. He will be able to use his speed and (hopefully) aggression to make sure no downfield throws are made.
[b]
Advantage: Even. [/b]I say this because Im truly hoping Foxworth can show his abilities as the speedy corner he is, although I can't really predict his success vs a receiver of Bowe's caliber, this early in the season. (just playin it safe)


What are your thoughts/opinions on the matchup?

[shaikh015]

It's good luck to win the first game of the season that is all I have to say about this...

[macbrak]

There have been few games I feel good about knowing the outcome as this one.

[img]http://homepage.mac.com/jeffade/img/ravens_chiefs.png[/img]

I can't see Cassel or Thigpen doing anything significant against us. I can't see the Chiefs stopping our run. That's just an easy equation for success. Ray Rice is going to make a lot of people who have him on their FF happy.

[Geno the booter]

yea, I see us just teeing off on them now.

[J-man]

Well last year in the Chiefs opener, the Pats were incredible favorites. Brady went down, and they almost won...just saying..

[#1 D]

Here's the baltimore sun's opinion on the scouting...interesting

[url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-ravensscout0912,0,7151680.story"]http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-ravensscout0912,0,7151680.story[/url]

[Moderator 3]

I'm a firm believer in "any given Sunday". I won't relax until the game is over and we've won.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Moderator 3' date='12 September 2009 - 05:43 PM' timestamp='1252791826' post='233276']
I'm a firm believer in "any given Sunday". I won't relax until the game is over and we've won.
[/quote]

Same here. So much football to be played. So many missed plays, injuries, ref mistakes, etc to occur.

We could be a great team, but still lose a lot of games by a margin of 2 points. You never know.

Come tommorrow at 4:30 is when I'm at peace (if we win).

[J-man]

[quote name='#1 D' date='12 September 2009 - 05:02 PM' timestamp='1252789348' post='233260']
Here's the baltimore sun's opinion on the scouting...interesting

[url="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-ravensscout0912,0,7151680.story"]http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bal-ravensscout0912,0,7151680.story[/url]
[/quote]

Thats more like it 17-0. With all these people thinking we are going to score 30something.

[Mick0311]

I think Fox will do ok against Bowe. I do think Bowe will get the better of him once or twice, but I think it will be inconsequential at day's end.

[EXEravenforlife]

hopefully this will be like an "extra" preseason game...i see the starters out by the fourth quarter

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='macbrak' date='13 September 2009 - 02:20 AM' timestamp='1252761607' post='233124']
There have been few games I feel good about knowing the outcome as this one.

[img]http://homepage.mac.com/jeffade/img/ravens_chiefs.png[/img]

I can't see Cassel or Thigpen doing anything significant against us. I can't see the Chiefs stopping our run. That's just an easy equation for success. Ray Rice is going to make a lot of people who have him on their FF happy.
[/quote]
I sure hope so, I'm holding Felix Jones on my bench in anticipation of Ray cutting loose for 130+ yards from scrimmage with a TD I also have Ravens DST but Dwayne Bowe as well I like your signature too by the way! The despisable Santonio Holmes has put me in a 19 point hole so I need Ray and our defense to fire!

Anyways back to the topic - I'm looking for a comfortable win, lets say 37-13 Ravens.