The Raven Offensive Assault

[Shawn`]

Rex Ryan left this off season and we all know he was a defensive mastermind, when he left we had two sides of argument. One being that it wasn't Rex, it was Lewis and the talent on D and the other side argued that without Rex our defense will change.

It's week 2 and so far, undoubtedly we have seen a change in our defense. It has given up more points and more passing yards, however, we've still won, because of the red zone defense, but more importantly the offense.

Take a look at these stats;

Offense Averages:
34.5Pts - Ranked 2nd
242 Passing- Ranked 13th
164 Rushing- Ranked 3rd
406 Total - Ranked 3rd

Compare these to our defense:

25 Pts - Ranked 23rd
290 Passing- Ranked 29th
41 Rushing - Ranked 1st
331 Total - Ranked 17th

Are we seeing the emergence of a new, redefined Ravens team?

Disclaimer: I'm only posting this to generate some thought and feedback, I'm not saying this is bad or good and I know its only the first 2 games but can it also be considered as a reflection of our upcoming season?

[JoeFlax]

I mean we've only really played 2 games and the Chiefs scored on INT and a blocked punt while Charger Offense right now would have scored 26 points on our last year's defense too. I think we're fine, even if we aren't we're basing it on too small of a stretch to really talk about anything.

[Shawn`]

I know its an incredibly small stretch of information to work with and we'll truly know about 3/4 way into the season.

The main issue is do these first two games foreshadow anything?

[theFRANCHISE]

Bottom line, this is an offensive league. Sad, but true for us fans of defensive football. You score points to win games, and even though we've seen plenty of offensive powerhouses fall, the Ravens are just too talented on defense to let that be their downfall.

Being a Ravens fan has always been an interesting dichotomy; we've been so spoiled by how great our defense has been, yet simultaneously frustrated by our lack of offense at the same time. But now that the offense can finally score at will and the defense has underperformed, we don't know how to react -- good thing winning cures everything.

Fact of the matter is, whether this is a reflection of the upcoming season is irrelevant so long as the team keeps winning. There's been an awful lot of nitpicking lately, and understandably so -- but at some point, when push comes to shove, will we complain so much that we forget to savor each victory?

I remember last season when each win was a blessing, and had smiles as wide as the weeks were long between Sundays. But now that we've seen the team transform overnight into a championship-caliber team, it seems as if we're getting to be a little bit spoiled by winning so quickly.

We'd do well to be careful how we approach our criticism of the team. After all, we don't know how much longer the wins will keep coming like this.

With that said, I think we'll find balance on both offense and defense and become a more complete team, but it'll take time. We'll continue to see the defense find itself (uncharacteristic, I know) for a while, but at least the offense is quickly finding its stride.

[Shawn`]

Franchise,

I agree with you thoroughly and frankly I don't care how we do it, as long as we get the W that's all that matters. I just find the change(?) interesting.

[Wacco4Flacco]

3 Backs are good! 3 Backs can start a game. So if one goes down an Injury others can step up and wont hurt us. Rice can produce 100 yards.MacGhee and McClain can do it too. Its like an 1-2 and 3 punch. Plus our O line can open holes to wear down other teams defensive line in 4th quarter.

[Wacco4Flacco]

Offense Averages:
34.5Pts - Ranked 2nd
242 Passing- Ranked 13th
164 Rushing- Ranked 3rd
406 Total - Ranked 3rd

Compare these to our defense:

25 Pts - Ranked 23rd
290 Passing- Ranked 29th
41 Rushing - Ranked 1st
331 Total - Ranked 17th

Sounds like the Colts! Colts can spark an offense but they cant play defense. Watch Miami run up the score as Mannings Colts will win with an high scoring game

[CorvusCorax]

Very well said Franchise. Couldn't put it better myself. Really. I couldn't.

That said, I still think it's too early to tell. This is only week 2 folks. We still have quite a schedule ahead of us. We are facing an NFC division that's going to seem to be very tough. Somehow I think Mattison is holding out a huge portion of the playbook on us. I think we'll see a modified form of what our defense. It's not going to be who we can trick, but who we can fool now.

I hope to expect to see some defensive emergence come Week 4.

[flynismo]

[quote name='CorvusCorax' date='21 September 2009 - 07:39 PM' timestamp='1253576383' post='239596']
I hope to expect to see some defensive emergence come Week 4.
[/quote]

I'd like to see it next week. I want our defense going to New England with it's usual swagger and confidence, not with question marks surrounding it.

[Shawn`]

[quote name='flynismo' date='21 September 2009 - 06:54 PM' timestamp='1253577281' post='239600']
I'd like to see it next week. I want our defense going to New England with it's usual swagger and confidence, not with question marks surrounding it.
[/quote]

After closely watching the Patriots I'm not worried that much. Their defense is terrible right now and our offense is on a roll right now.

I think we might be looking at a shootout.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Shawn`' date='21 September 2009 - 08:11 PM' timestamp='1253578303' post='239607']
I think we might be looking at a shootout.
[/quote]
I don't think I could handle another one like Week 2! Though, the Ray Lewis tackle to end the game certainly got one of the biggest reactions out of me EVER. Felt my heart skip a beat. Felt GOOD.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Shawn`' date='21 September 2009 - 08:11 PM' timestamp='1253578303' post='239607']
I think we might be looking at a shootout.
[/quote]

That's what I want to avoid. If you think Vincent Jackson gave us problems, I hate to think what Randy Moss will do.

[mhead66]

[quote name='flynismo' date='21 September 2009 - 07:54 PM' timestamp='1253577281' post='239600']
[b]I'd like to see it next week[/b]. I want our defense going to New England with it's usual swagger and confidence, not with question marks surrounding it.
[/quote]
I'm not sure next week's game will provide an accurate assessment of the pass D.

Cleveland's Offense is:

28th in Passing Yds.
27th in Rushing Yds.
29th in Points Scored.
32nd in Total Yds.

[flynismo]

[quote name='mhead66' date='21 September 2009 - 08:23 PM' timestamp='1253579025' post='239614']
I'm not sure next week's game will provide an accurate assessment of the pass D.

Cleveland's Offense is:

28th in Passing Yds.
27th in Rushing Yds.
29th in Points Scored.
32nd in Total Yds.


[/quote]


Ok, let me rephrase, lol.... I want us to tee off on the Brownies so that we can regain our swagger. Don't just stop them and win the game, but I want it all! 4 picks, 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a defensive TD, hold them to 3 points, and a Kelly Washington dance at the end of the game.

[Ravnet]

I think things will definitely balance out, but in the end, our defense will have taken a moderate step back with our offense moving one step forward.

The "shift" won't be incredibly dramatic, though, as the defense will settle down, and our receivers not getting open will trump Flacco's arm/Cam's playcalling.

[mhead66]

[quote name='flynismo' date='21 September 2009 - 08:27 PM' timestamp='1253579277' post='239616']
Ok, let me rephrase, lol.... I want us to tee off on the Brownies so that we can regain our swagger. Don't just stop them and win the game, but I want it all! 4 picks, 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a defensive TD, hold them to 3 points, and a Kelly Washington dance at the end of the game.
[/quote]
The spread is currently 14 points, and I think the Ravens cover, and then some... I think you'll get your wish.

[Alexir]

Even last year we struggled against the pass. If we start giving up Rushing yards then i would say we are a different team.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Alexir' date='21 September 2009 - 09:30 PM' timestamp='1253583004' post='239639']
Even last year we struggled against the pass. If we start giving up Rushing yards then i would say we are a different team.
[/quote]
Last year, the Ravens were 2nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed, with the 4th hardest schedule.

This year, they're 29th... granted, it's only 2 games. But it [b]is[/b] a significant dropoff, and potentially a serious cause for concern.

[BigMike]

[quote name='flynismo' date='21 September 2009 - 08:27 PM' timestamp='1253579277' post='239616']
Ok, let me rephrase, lol.... I want us to tee off on the Brownies so that we can regain our swagger. Don't just stop them and win the game, but I want it all! 4 picks, 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, a defensive TD, hold them to 3 points, and a Kelly Washington dance at the end of the game.
[/quote]


True enough. I would love to see the defense get their swagger back. This team would be unstoppable if that happen!! I'm going to be in NE to see the Ravens go 4-0. That's swagger!