Next Up: San Diego

[PuRock]

[quote name='I*Bleed*Purple' date='16 September 2009 - 12:31 AM' timestamp='1253075480' post='235718']
Does this possible blackout affect Sunday Ticket? Or is it just a local thing?
[/quote]


[quote name='lgcs27288' date='16 September 2009 - 07:37 AM' timestamp='1253101035' post='235762']
Its only a local thing in the home team's area. They black it out trying to get more fans to buy tickets
[/quote]

Exactly. It's only a local thing. It's a deal the NFL struck with the local broadcasters. It's a way to entice more fans to buy tickets to see the team, so that the NFL & owners make their dough.

So to see the game you would have to buy tickets or buy Directv Sunday Ticket - which the NFL gets a nice size kick back from as well.

Blackout deals really just screw with the broadcasters and their advertisers. The NFL is such a monopoly that they can do or say whatever they want, to ensure they get their loot.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='Rivers4MVP' date='16 September 2009 - 02:12 AM' timestamp='1253081535' post='235738']
Lets just set it straight before Sunday.

-The game will most likely be blacked out because of SD being such a tourist town. (I hate the poor number of true fans as much as anyone else)- you should be able to watch it as long as you don't live within 400mi of SD.

-your D-line will dominate for 3 quarters.

-Our run game will put up less than 125 yards.

-Rivers will get sacked 2-3 times and throw a pick or two.

-Willis and Ray will run over our D for the first half.

But...

We have THE BEST 4th quarter QB in the league, 2 of the top 5 dangerous runners in space, THE BEST TE in the league and though the secondary can be suspect and give up yards- are very capable of the pick-6.

So, your have exactly 3 quarters to shut us out. If by the 4th you're not protecting a 10 point lead, you should really be worried.

This is not going to be a pretty game. But the one thing the Chargers are capable of is that they can adapt to their opponents game. We've played the toughest Defenses heads up before. I don't think anything was tougher than the 07 Chargers-Titans OT playoff game.
[/quote]

This is a balanced overview; the second part reminds me of Pittsburgh, which isn't a good thing.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Rivers4MVP' date='16 September 2009 - 02:12 AM' timestamp='1253081535' post='235738']
-Rivers will get sacked 2-3 times and throw a pick or two.

-Willis and Ray will run over our D for the first half.

But...

We have THE BEST 4th quarter QB in the league, 2 of the top 5 dangerous runners in space, THE BEST TE in the league and though the secondary can be suspect and give up yards- are very capable of the pick-6.

[/quote]

Fair Enough.

But if we sack the QB 2-3 times with 2 picks. There is usually no way we lose that game. And Willis and Ray will run all over you during the first half. But come the 4th quarter, McClain will be beating down the door on your tired defense. Because we own TOP.

And I can't believe I'm going to say this. But you don't have the best 4th quarter QB in the league. He's in the AFC North, Ben Rothlisberger. I would take that guy in a 4th quarter over Rivers anyday of the week. (That was tough!)

I'm not saying this is a win for the Ravens. Just piggybacking on your comments. I think the Chargers will have to own the special teams, force a few turnovers and perfect the short passing game (since Hardwick & Vasquez might be out) to win this game. Antonio Gates is a nice big deep target down the middle. But it doesn't mean anything if you are going against one of the best pressure defenses without two key OL men.

On a side note. The Chargers need to get out of the AFC West. It really clouds people's judgments.

[Runnin Raven]

The D absolutely has to show up and impose its will on the Bolts. They do that, I'm confident the O will do its part, something I have rarely felt as a longtime Raven fan. Running the ball will be crucial as well.

[LongtimeSDfan]

Quick note on the home game sellouts in SD. Local economy aside (which is a real issue, no doubt) The trouble SD will always have is so many of the people in the city are not from there. The city has seen huge growth in the past couple of decades (probably not so much right now) and all the transplants bring their own team loyalties and have a passing interest, if any with the Chargers (who admittedly have not given anybody outside SD a real reason to give a bleep about them, with a few exceptions) - That's not to say there isn't a great core of hardcore Charger fans, but they are seriously diluted by fans from all over the place and bandwagoners who have brought into the recent success and believe the hype that this team is the best in football so they whine about *everything* that doesn't go right (you should see crying about the *win* in Oakland). Anyway, that's why SD is a great place to catch your team's away games. You'll have lots of friendly fans in the crowd and with a few exceptions (there's some in every city) you'll find the SD fans to be pretty laid back.

[Utah20Raven]

Good to hear the fans are laid back, I wouldn't want them to tear me apart limb from limb because I'll be in Raven's gear head to toe!

[LongtimeSDfan]

You'll be shocked by the amount of fans in Ravens gear. Of course it always pays to have a good attitude and be somewhat respectful in another team's stadium but I imagine you'll have a blast. If you go to Oakland however, you might want to tone it down a little.

[Raven07]

i think it really all depends on not only how well each aspect of the game (Offense, defense, special teams) plays out on the football field, and also how well each player involved, takes care of their jobs and gets what needs to be done, done and done right.

San Diego brings to us new challenges, as does each and every week, their Back field offers 2 diverse Runners with the potential game breaking speed, and if we are to stop them properly, our entire defense must be on the top of their game, able to hit every hole, make maintain every assignment and most of all, make the tackle when it counts. We all saw what our defense can do against proven stars like LJ, the style of stifling Ravens Defense is what needs to occur, Gang tackling and wrapping up the ball carriers is a necessity.

The Ability for our LB and DE's to maintain a steady flow pass rush on Rivers is also a Key to keep in mind here, we have seen what Rivers can do when allowed the time, our defensive guys (mainly LB/s and DE's) must get him out of his comfort zone and force him to make mistakes (one of the best thing this defense is known for doing)

As for our offense, Flacco's ability to Maintain composure and poise in the pocket, as he's been doing , is a major mainstay in the success of this offense throughout the course of the game, and his field of vision must be able to find the open guy (i think) a little quicker than last week, due to the Chargers D being potentially better, and quicker than that of the Chiefs game. Flacc's Deep threat is something i feel will come fully into affect in this game, testing the Chargers Secondary time and time again, and his ability to air it out, is a absolute must so it keeps the Oppositions defensive scheme on their toes, keeps them guessing, hince not putting 7-8-9 guys in the box to stop the run or anything of that nature, it'll keep them using a a more open approach to their defensive game plan, which (i think) opens our playing field that much more, with more of a 1-2 punch.

on top of that, both sides of the football, must maintain possession of the football, maintain ball control and Time of Possession. If we are able to do all of that, i can see us as being very successful throughout the course of this game, through all phases. But keep in mind, all aspects (offense, defense, special teams) must keep the hammmer down and keep the pressure on them, never letting up, because you never truly know what the opposition will do even if ONE side eases up a little because they think the game is won.....

GO Full throttle, pedal to the metal..... DURING all phases of the game, not just 1 or 2 or 3 quarters....this is a 60 minute Ball game.

[BaltimoreRavens88]

[quote name='Raven07' date='16 September 2009 - 11:53 AM' timestamp='1253119989' post='235846']
i think it really all depends on not only how well each aspect of the game (Offense, defense, special teams) plays out on the football field, and also how well each player involved, takes care of their jobs and gets what needs to be done, done and done right.

San Diego brings to us new challenges, as does each and every week, their Back field offers 2 diverse Runners with the potential game breaking speed, and if we are to stop them properly, our entire defense must be on the top of their game, able to hit every hole, make maintain every assignment and most of all, make the tackle when it counts. We all saw what our defense can do against proven stars like LJ, the style of stifling Ravens Defense is what needs to occur, Gang tackling and wrapping up the ball carriers is a necessity.

The Ability for our LB and DE's to maintain a steady flow pass rush on Rivers is also a Key to keep in mind here, we have seen what Rivers can do when allowed the time, our defensive guys (mainly LB/s and DE's) must get him out of his comfort zone and force him to make mistakes (one of the best thing this defense is known for doing)

As for our offense, Flacco's ability to Maintain composure and poise in the pocket, as he's been doing , is a major mainstay in the success of this offense throughout the course of the game, and his field of vision must be able to find the open guy (i think) a little quicker than last week, due to the Chargers D being potentially better, and quicker than that of the Chiefs game. Flacc's Deep threat is something i feel will come fully into affect in this game, testing the Chargers Secondary time and time again, and his ability to air it out, is a absolute must so it keeps the Oppositions defensive scheme on their toes, keeps them guessing, hince not putting 7-8-9 guys in the box to stop the run or anything of that nature, it'll keep them using a a more open approach to their defensive game plan, which (i think) opens our playing field that much more, with more of a 1-2 punch.

on top of that, both sides of the football, must maintain possession of the football, maintain ball control and Time of Possession. If we are able to do all of that, i can see us as being very successful throughout the course of this game, through all phases. But keep in mind, all aspects (offense, defense, special teams) must keep the hammmer down and keep the pressure on them, never letting up, because you never truly know what the opposition will do even if ONE side eases up a little because they think the game is won.....

GO Full throttle, pedal to the metal..... DURING all phases of the game, not just 1 or 2 or 3 quarters....this is a 60 minute Ball game.
[/quote]

I think you said it all, I agree 100%. Let's go Ravens!!!

[Runnin Raven]

Just did a quick search and was surprised to see San Diego had just the 31st ranked pass defense in terms of yards per game last year. Hmmm..

[Steelerkillers]

I just visited the Chargers Website to get their perspective of Sundays game. Of course it wasnt pretty. Pretty much expected them to talk trash as any fan would. They're predicting to beat us 24-3. I just laughed! They dont believe we can stop Phillp Rivers. I thought it was crazy how they thought so highly of their offense and O-Line after what happened to them monday night

[PuRock]

Or how about this thread.

[url="http://forums.chargers.com/showthread.php?t=70939"]Ravens D not as good?[/url]

Sound like they've been listening too many talking heads:

"Gave up 24pts to Brodie Croyle"
"I think the rvns d is older and can be had"
"Rex Ryan - Jets
Bart Scott - Jets
Jim Leonhard - Jets
Chris McCalister - FA"
"They didnt look stellar and I think it has a lot to do with Rex leaving"
"I know the D backs coach for the Ravens, they accept that they wont be able to single cover Jackson due to his size"
"They arent the same D as we remember from a few years ago"
"If you give up that many points to the chiefs AT HOME than there is something wrong."
"their offense didnt scare me at all"
"I like us in this one. Rivers in shotgun all day, taking whatever the Ravens D gives him"
"My thoughts is the ravens d looked tires and the chiefs young squad keep the
moving thus getting them tired."

The guys JCDavey & BoltBacker17oz are the only guy who actually knew what went down in that game. Much Respect to them.

Love this quote from ReggieF - CONGRATS!
"Ed Reed is one of the best players in the NFL. Then there's Ray Lewis in front of him and Ngata in front of him... they're still a dangerous team until proven otherwise."

[Steelerkillers]

See,this nonsense gets me hyped up before the games. all we can do is prove them wrong by Scoring and Finishing the game.

[Steelerkillers]

From the Outside lookin In, Those statements and assessments seem valid if you watch highlights on Espn vs watchin the game. These people could care less about Stats. They're callin it how they see it. The Cheifs scored points, but the Critics doesnt care how they scored. The sports world dont wanna respect the Ravens, But have high expectations of us beating other teams they dont expect to win games. If we dont beat them, then theres another step backwards in terms of respect in their book. But who cares about their thoughts? I dont. Lets jus prove'em wrong

[Pino]

... 3 more days of waiting... if i could sleep 'till sunday, i would

[funky141]

[quote]I just visited the Chargers Website to get their perspective of Sundays game. Of course it wasnt pretty. Pretty much expected them to talk trash as any fan would. They're predicting to beat us 24-3. I just laughed! They dont believe we can stop Phillp Rivers. I thought it was crazy how they thought so highly of their offense and O-Line after what happened to them monday night [/quote]

Thats what homer fans say in forums like these. I read the same from Ravens fans in here and the Colts fans in their forum. I like going to other teams discussion forum to read what they think of other teams and try to a get graps how NFL teams are. Everybody here (Ravens Forum) have the Ravens crushing the Chargers and vise versa.

To me its pretty even and simple, it all comes down if the Chargers can stop the run and if the Ravens can stop the pass.

[PuRock]

[quote name='funky141' date='16 September 2009 - 03:43 PM' timestamp='1253130195' post='235921']
Thats what homer fans say in forums like these. I read the same from Ravens fans in here and the Colts fans in their forum. I like going to other teams discussion forum to read what they think of other teams and try to a get graps how NFL teams are. Everybody here (Ravens Forum) have the Ravens crushing the Chargers and vise versa.

To me its pretty even and simple, it all comes down if the Chargers can stop the run and if the Ravens can stop the pass.
[/quote]

I agree 100%, but they're always enjoyable to read. Just like many comments made on here are pretty ridiculous. I do believe this game will be close as well. And it's too hard to predict scores in today's NFL. And you're right Ravens stop the pass - win. Chargers stop the run - win.

But I must admit, I like our chances much more today, than I did a week ago.

FYI - The odds have the Chargers as a 3 point favorite. Look's like all their getting is the 3 point home cushion.

[flynismo]

[quote name='funky141' date='16 September 2009 - 03:43 PM' timestamp='1253130195' post='235921']
Thats what homer fans say in forums like these. I read the same from Ravens fans in here and the Colts fans in their forum. I like going to other teams discussion forum to read what they think of other teams and try to a get graps how NFL teams are. Everybody here (Ravens Forum) have the Ravens crushing the Chargers and vise versa.

To me its pretty even and simple, it all comes down if the Chargers can stop the run and if the Ravens can stop the pass.
[/quote]

Thinking your team is going to win makes you a homer fan? Interesting...

[LongtimeSDfan]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='16 September 2009 - 10:45 AM' timestamp='1253126737' post='235886']
I just visited the Chargers Website to get their perspective of Sundays game. Of course it wasnt pretty. Pretty much expected them to talk trash as any fan would. They're predicting to beat us 24-3. I just laughed! They dont believe we can stop Phillp Rivers. I thought it was crazy how they thought so highly of their offense and O-Line after what happened to them monday night
[/quote]

That's only half the fans. The other half are all running around screaming to fire the head coach and GM after that W. Also, according to 'fans' "LT is a waste of a roster spot", "Rivers looks like a 3rd string QB" and "we'll be lucky to win another game all season".

[PuRock]

[quote name='LongtimeSDfan' date='16 September 2009 - 03:59 PM' timestamp='1253131168' post='235933']
That's only half the fans. The other half are all running around screaming to fire the head coach and GM after that W. Also, according to 'fans' "LT is a waste of a roster spot", "Rivers looks like a 3rd string QB" and "we'll be lucky to win another game all season".
[/quote]

Man I love message boards! You have the overly optimistic, the realists and the Debbie Downers.

[ravensinLA]

after our game against KC & SD's game over OAK I'm a little worried.
our secondary played terribly (I'm hatin' mostly on Washington he can never stick with the WRs!) vs SDs secondary played semi-well, granted it was against OAK & they did mess up on the long pass last quarter but, overall they played pretty well shutting down the run game & short passing.

[b]Offense:[/b]
We're going to have to pass alot & make most passes long. Doubt we're gonna be able to run much, looked like SD did pretty well stopping that game (then again Fargas is no McGahee/Rice). Also the short pass game got shut down so if Heap gets the same attention he's gonna have to keeps his hands like glue to get the yards. Overall I think our offense should be fine as long as Flacco plays like he did vs KC. Also if McGahee moves like he did.

[b]Defense:[/b]
We gotta shut down Rivers before he gets the bombs off, like 10000x's faster than we did with Croyle. Hopefully Gooden will be able to play, its obvious we really need him. Washington has gotta step up, Foxworth looked fine, but i really feel like Washington needs to be benched, is Rolle gonna heal? Also are we gonna play Kruger? He played amazingly in the preseason they need to get him in there! Overall the D will step up for this game because the lack of D last, but they really gotta step it up we need points from offense & D like the old days!

Then there's special teams... what the heck blocked punt to TD (has that ever happened to us before?!?). I know this wont happen again but seriously.

[MagicianCamille]

Both teams went up against teams that were disrespected and played us very hard. I have a new-found respect for the Chiefs and Raiders after watching them refuse to lay down and accept the media consensus of their capabilities.

I think this is going to be a close game, and I agree with the Chargers having the 3 point home cushion. I think we're an even match for the Chargers, but they ARE at home which gives them a slight advantage. We can definitely win this game, though.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='flynismo' date='16 September 2009 - 03:55 PM' timestamp='1253130925' post='235928']
Thinking your team is going to win makes you a homer fan? Interesting...
[/quote]
thinkin your team will win by an unbelievable margin while facing a top3 D should make you one! unless the Any Given Sunday thing comes true for them, If the homer fan character is a bad thing, I guess thats what they are. (I dont know what a Homer Fan Is)! Im assuming it's a bad or bias fan based on the context of your post.4give me if im wrong!!

[PuRock]

[quote name='ravensinLA' date='16 September 2009 - 04:20 PM' timestamp='1253132457' post='235949']
[b]Offense:[/b]
We're going to have to pass alot & make most passes long. Doubt we're gonna be able to run much, looked like SD did pretty well stopping that game (then again Fargas is no McGahee/Rice). Also the short pass game got shut down so if Heap gets the same attention he's gonna have to keeps his hands like glue to get the yards. Overall I think our offense should be fine as long as Flacco plays like he did vs KC. Also if McGahee moves like he did.
[/quote]

Que? Did you watch the game? San Diego was awful at stopping the run (148 rushing yards). Thier DL was man-handled by Oakland. Fargas didn't even play, he was inactive for the game due to injury. McFadden & Bush were running wild on them. Every throw was contested by the Raiders DL, and they were getting into Rivers head. Grant it, the chargers did get their stuff together by the end.

We won't have to pass more, we'll have to run more. The question is, can they stop us?

[r3con.]

Please don't listen to those guys over there. A lot of us older guys that have been around the Chargers boards for a few years actually have heads on our shoulders. Some of these new guys are very young and naive.

You guys are NOT going to be a pushover by any means. At this point the only advantage we have is the fact that we are playing at home. We had a few KEY injuries last week. People say "They let Brody Croyle get 24 points...", but they dont realize that they're defense and special teams got 14 of those, and contributed to the rest with long run backs and key stops.

The way I see it, Flacco looks amazing. Flat out amazing. Your offense is gelling and the defense, while not the 2000 Ravens, is not sub-par by any means.

That said, I do believe we will put up a better fight than we did against the Raiders. I think our guys went into Oakland thinking it was gonna be a pushover 51-0 win. Oakland came out playing smash mouth football and laid the wood to our guys. For 3 quarters they out coached, out muscled, and out played us. Once Norv and the rest of our guys realized that we were getting our asses kicked, they stepped it up a notch and started executing.

Whatever the case, I wanna see a clean fight with no injuries on EITHER SIDE of the ball. Heres to a good game next week. Go Chargers!

[LongtimeSDfan]

[quote name='PuRock' date='16 September 2009 - 12:26 PM' timestamp='1253132776' post='235956']
Que? Did you watch the game? San Diego was awful at stopping the run (148 rushing yards). Thier DL was man-handled by Oakland. Fargas didn't even play, he was inactive for the game due to injury. McFadden & Bush were running wild on them. Every throw was contested by the Raiders DL, and they were getting into Rivers head. Grant it, the charges did get their stuff together by the end.

We won't have to pass more, we'll have to run more. The question is, can they stop us?
[/quote]

Just a note on that... 86 or so of those rushing yards came in the 1st quarter when the Chargers were clearly getting blown up in all aspects. After the initial dust had settled, they held them to 64 or something yards the rest of the game. Inexcusable overall but not as bad as it looked like it was going to be during Q1. Also, Rivers was 10/12 for 144 and a TD in the 4th quarter so they weren't getting into his head that bad. He did get the taunting penalty but that was pretty specific to a particular play where the Raiders DLman kept coming well after the whistle (Hardwick got hurt after the whistle on a similar play)

[PuRock]

[quote name='LongtimeSDfan' date='16 September 2009 - 04:43 PM' timestamp='1253133807' post='235969']
Just a note on that... 86 or so of those rushing yards came in the 1st quarter when the Chargers were clearly getting blown up in all aspects. After the initial dust had settled, they held them to 64 or something yards the rest of the game. Inexcusable overall but not as bad as it looked like it was going to be during Q1. Also, Rivers was 10/12 for 144 and a TD in the 4th quarter so they weren't getting into his head that bad.
[/quote]

I realize that most of San Diego's poor play was in the first half. And I do realize that they got their stuff together by the fourth. But they did get some nice field position from Sproles return in the 4th. Fortunate for me, I stayed up and watched the clock tick to :00. So I saw the progression throughout the game. But the Raiders had plenty of opportunities to seal the deal - but alas - its the Raiders and they fail miserably.

It isn't as bad as its made out to be, yes. Just like the Ravens letting the Chiefs score 20+ points on them.

[ravensinLA]

[quote name='PuRock' date='16 September 2009 - 01:26 PM' timestamp='1253132776' post='235956']
Que? Did you watch the game? San Diego was awful at stopping the run (148 rushing yards). Thier DL was man-handled by Oakland. Fargas didn't even play, he was inactive for the game due to injury. McFadden & Bush were running wild on them. Every throw was contested by the Raiders DL, and they were getting into Rivers head. Grant it, the charges did get their stuff together by the end.

We won't have to pass more, we'll have to run more. The question is, can they stop us?
[/quote]

Yeah sorry I couldn't remember who was running for OAK. But after the first quarter SD started to shut down the run game pretty well. I think we'll be able to run if McGahee & Rice can find holes, which we should early. If we blow them out enough 1st 2nd quarter we'll hold them off for the last 2 quarters.

My real concern is just our secondary, because if Rivers gets his throws off their just gonna get getting completions & rack up the FG's & possible TD's. If anything's gonna make it a close game it's gonna be from our secondary especially covering Gates. Hopefully we get some huge sacks on Rivers to knock him out early or at least shake him up enough to mess up his throwing.

No doubt I want us to win & I know it was only game 1 but I just don't wanna get crap after the game from the SD fans.

[PuRock]

[quote name='ravensinLA' date='16 September 2009 - 05:01 PM' timestamp='1253134893' post='235983']
My real concern is just our secondary, because if Rivers gets his throws off their just gonna get getting completions & rack up the FG's & possible TD's. If anything's gonna make it a close game it's gonna be from our secondary especially covering Gates. Hopefully we get some huge sacks on Rivers to knock him out early or at least shake him up enough to mess up his throwing.
[/quote]

It's a good concern. That's why we need to get the pressure. Rivers can only go wild if he has the time to do so. Which is why Hardwick possibly being out is a big deal.

If the Chargers are going to beat us. I suggest short screen passes w/ the occasional long ball to Gates and Jackson. Our corners are going to struggle with tall physical receivers. That and they also need to get big things from their special teams and a few defensive turnovers.

I'm hoping that our front four gets the pressure needed on their own. So Pyrce, Suggs, Ngata and Gregg really need to have a great game.

[RAVENSDEFENSE]

Edit: We are going to go out there and have a good game and walk out of there with a victory. We have the best defense in the league...

[i]<Do not post in all caps.>[/i]