Merged Discussions Of Raven's D

[TheGreatBrownie]

It seems our defense has slipped a little bit. Some people may argue that we held the Browns to three, but - come on. They're Cleveland. I mean, we've faced quite possibly the two worst offenses in the league - KC and Cleveland - and at KC, we got lucky that our offense stepped up.
Then, at SD, we got lit up. Obviously, our older defenses could have wrapped that one up and help them down, but we could barely contain. Now, with the Pats coming our way, I can almost guarantee it's going to be a loss. Not going to lie, I have faith in our team. But, dang, our defense has really lost a lot of it's great pressure.
I mean, our defense isn't all that bad, but in comparison to some of our prior years, it isn't doing that great. What do you guys think?

[flynismo]

SD game aside, our defense has played very well.
Let's see what happens next week. That will put a lot of worries to ease (for a couple weeks, anyway)

//Edit

In fact, there was a lot of good in the SD game as well. Not nearly as bad as it may seem.

[AwakenTheDemon]

It's going to be a loss how? Overall, as Fly said, the defense HAS been good. You're reading way too much into the San Diego game, like most people have. Let's face it, the Patriots have not been as excellent as everyone thought they would be this year. It's going to be a good game, for sure, but it's far from a "guaranteed" loss.

[REEDrulesall]

The defense has changed since Rex left, but overall it's been airtight inside the red zone, and lately it's been creating lots of turnovers- two of the most important indicators for any defense. Plus, obviously the defense has a higher margin for error with our newly found explosiveness on offense. Trevor Pryce puts it best: [quote]Ravens DT Trevor Pryce said he doesn't expect the team's defensive players to put up impressive statistics this season if the offensive continues its stellar play - and that's fine by him. "We won't get big stats because we won't play that much," he said.[/quote]
As far as the Patriot game goes, no way they'll be able to run on us, and Tom Brady is gonna need to shake off a whole lot of rust if he wants to carry his team to victory. If our secondary can stay with the Patriots' receivers, we'll beat them, simple as that. Easier said than done, but with our new offense, our defense doesn't have to be perfect like it did in the past, which makes things way easier.

[Terrellb2007]

[quote name='REEDrulesall' date='28 September 2009 - 07:12 PM' timestamp='1254179524' post='243952']
The defense has changed since Rex left, but overall it's been airtight inside the red zone, and lately it's been creating lots of turnovers- two of the most important indicators for any defense. Plus, obviously the defense has a higher margin for error with our newly found explosiveness on offense. Trevor Pryce puts it best:
As far as the Patriot game goes, no way they'll be able to run on us, and Tom Brady is gonna need to shake off a whole lot of rust if he wants to carry his team to victory. If our secondary can stay with the Patriots' receivers, we'll beat them, simple as that. Easier said than done, but with our new offense, our defense doesn't have to be perfect like it did in the past, which makes things way easier.
[/quote]


I believe our defense just had to knock some dust off and get used to the new players that we have. Our D-line is great. If they get push up front on the inferior NE line we are good, our Backs are going to skin Brady alive. I like Tom Brady as a player but our defense hasn't lost any of it's key players. It seems like a pretty good swap if you ask me. Welker will probably be our problem because Tom Brady will look for short routes and whatever the defense gives him which will not be a lot at a time. For the first season I can say with confidence that our Offense will show up.

[Ed_Reed20]

Even with Bart Scott gone, the front seven is just as good as it was last year in my opinion if not better with everyone healthy. Reed and Landry are fine in their respective safety positions. The key is the corners. To me, neither Foxworth or Washington will ever be true #1 corners like McAlister was but both can be very good. I can't remember who said it but someone described them as "technicians" which is an accurate. Neither one of them is very physical but they gave good balls skills and can be trusted to stick with their man on an island. I think both of them will improve as they get more comfortable but this people can't expect the same cornerback play we saw from C-Mac and Rolle a few years ago.

[Fred Sanford]

[quote name='TheGreatBrownie' date='28 September 2009 - 06:46 PM' timestamp='1254177963' post='243923']
Then, at SD, we got lit up. Obviously, our older defenses could have wrapped that one up and help them down[/quote]

Not necessarily. Even that vaunted defense of 2000 gave up about 500 passing yards to Vinnie Testaverde in Week 17. The Chargers of 09 have a better offense than anyone we played that year.

What's bigger than the yardage is if guys are getting burnt. We were in position and close to breaking up a lot of their big plays, other than the Sproles one. It's not a huge adjustment to go from that to actually making the play. Sometimes, when you just get Rivers with a career day and humangous targets like Jackson, the best you can do is just keep them out of the endzone.

The key stat of that game isn't the 400+ yards, it's the 0 for 5 touchdowns in the redzone.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='flynismo' date='28 September 2009 - 06:48 PM' timestamp='1254178124' post='243930']
SD game aside, our defense has played very well.
Let's see what happens next week. That will put a lot of worries to ease (for a couple weeks, anyway)

//Edit

In fact, there was a lot of good in the SD game as well. Not nearly as bad as it may seem.
[/quote]
I know man! we stopped them in 5 redzone visits. What else can you ask for? If I had to choose between gettin (lit up) vs (not getn scored on), it's obvious for anyone to prefer not allowing any points.

[Alexir]

If you are going to call out the Ravens defense, atleast specify. I think our front 7 are doing awesome! number 1 rush stopping defense! As for the secondary, they have the talent but right now lack the communication. I think Fox will do a pretty good job shutting down Moss. Not sure how Fabe is gonna handle Galloway and Welker. Worried about his tackling.

[Integrity]

People are quick to discredit the Browns and Chief's offenses, but then those same people don't give the San Diego offense the credit they deserve. San Diego has a very talented offense. There's no shame in giving up some yardage to them. The only stat that matters is the score, and we did a hell of a job keeping them out of the endzone once they got close to it.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

Most stats for our D are down this season, because they spend alot less time on the field since our O is eating up the clock and scoring points. D is still strong in the redzone. Stats don;t win the game, playmakers do - and we have several plymakers on our D.

[funky141]

I keep reading excuses for the sluggish defense so far. But excuses are just that... excuses. Last game was a total destruction of Cleveland but it was Cleveland. Kansas City game was tied 24-24 late 4th quarter, how does KC score 24 points with a back up QB? (punt block or not its still 24 pts)
San Diego game, Rivers tourched the Ravens secondary, there is a trend here guys. The Ravens defense is getting older and are just not playing up to way they usually play. Do they have a defensive TD yet? By now I would think they would have at least 2 TD's.
Facing Brady and Moss, even being a little off so far (Brady) he is due for a breakout game and it might or might not be this Sunday but for the Ravens they better hope not.

The Ravens' offense can only carry the team so far. Thats funny saying that, since it's usually the other way around.

[JoeFlax]

[quote name='funky141' date='29 September 2009 - 07:49 PM' timestamp='1254268164' post='244503']
I keep reading excuses for the sluggish defense so far. But excuses are just that... excuses. Last game was a total destruction of Cleveland but it was Cleveland. Kansas City game was tied 24-24 late 4th quarter, how does KC score 24 points with a back up QB? [b](punt block or not its still 24 pts)[/b]
San Diego game, Rivers tourched the Ravens secondary, there is a trend here guys. The Ravens defense is getting older and are just not playing up to way they usually play. Do they have a defensive TD yet? By now I would think they would have at least 2 TD's.
Facing Brady and Moss, even being a little off so far (Brady) he is due for a breakout game and it might or might not be this Sunday but for the Ravens they better hope not.

The Ravens' offense can only carry the team so far. Thats funny saying that, since it's usually the other way around.
[/quote]
punt block or not it's still 24 points.. haha yeah that makes total sense because our defense gave up all those 24 points, right? how are we going to blame the Defense on that if they're not even the ones who allowed it?

and by your last sentence, you're talking about the Ravens like it's the same old defensive team in 2006, no this is a different team. Our offense won it for us in SanDiego and it will again in New England if in fact Brady does get in rhythm.

[mpplaya07]

[quote name='funky141' date='29 September 2009 - 03:49 PM' timestamp='1254268164' post='244503']
I keep reading excuses for the sluggish defense so far. But excuses are just that... excuses. Last game was a total destruction of Cleveland but it was Cleveland. Kansas City game was tied 24-24 late 4th quarter, how does KC score 24 points with a back up QB? (punt block or not its still 24 pts)
San Diego game, Rivers tourched the Ravens secondary, there is a trend here guys. The Ravens defense is getting older and are just not playing up to way they usually play. Do they have a defensive TD yet? By now I would think they would have at least 2 TD's.
Facing Brady and Moss, even being a little off so far (Brady) he is due for a breakout game and it might or might not be this Sunday but for the Ravens they better hope not.

The Ravens' offense can only carry the team so far. Thats funny saying that, since it's usually the other way around.
[/quote]


It was actually less that that..... Flacco threw a pick six and special teams gave up a TD.. so if you did the math its only 10 pts

[flynismo]

[quote name='funky141' date='29 September 2009 - 07:49 PM' timestamp='1254268164' post='244503']
[b]The Ravens' offense can only carry the team so far[/b]. Thats funny saying that, since it's usually the other way around.
[/quote]

This, coming from a Colts fan? I don't see the defense being anywhere near as off as some people try to make them out to be.

I look at it like this....Over the past year, our offense has scored more points than Indy's. More than ANY other team except the Saints, in fact.
Combine an elite offense with a defense that is STILL RANKED 7TH AFTER THE WORST PERFORMANCE IT WILL HAVE ALL YEAR, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see where this team is headed.

[BloodRaven]

Bend but don't break much?

[b]W W W[/b]

[PuRock]

[quote name='funky141' date='29 September 2009 - 07:49 PM' timestamp='1254268164' post='244503']
Do they have a defensive TD yet? By now I would think they would have at least 2 TD's.
[/quote]

Wait until they do start putting TDs on the board. Whoa Boy!!! This team will be unstoppable and a team for the ages.

This D ain't old. Ray Lewis might be getting up there. But what about Suggs, Ngata, Landry, Foxworth, Gooden. They are about ready to shine.

Fabes and Fox are going to get in the groove. They will start playing like a Raven. And uphold the great D tradition. It's the way the organization is built from the top down. Not the bottom up (See Redskins).

I couple days ago. I thought we'd have a tough time winning against the Pats. I'm on the bangwagon now. It's time to pass the torch Pats.

[BloodRaven]

[img]http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/764/82211057158168017179775.jpg[/img]

This LOL topic was brought to you by the Lolskins. Showing the world how fail is done.

[Wacco4Flacco]

Passing defensive secondary isnt agressive enough unlike our linebacking and offensive line is. Wanna stop the passing game? Then bring back the blitz. Start blitzing the QBs often.

[funky141]

[quote]It was actually less that that..... Flacco threw a pick six and special teams gave up a TD.. so if you did the math its only 10 pts [/quote]

The math is 24 pts as a team, not what Flacco did or special teams gave up, just my point earlier...excuses are excuses.

I like to see the Ravens defense show up Sunday at New England. Hold the Patriots to under 17 points and a pick 6.
If they do this then I will say they are good.

[flynismo]

lol @ this thread.

Even after the worst game we'll have all season, we are still ranked #7 overall, and yet people still question whether our defense is good.

Make fun of Cleveland all you want, but when was the last time YOUR defense picked off four passes and held a team to three points in the same game? Any team at all, I don't care who it is.

Thought so.

[rastaman831226]

No one wants to touch the subject of the Ravens D dropping from a top #3 over the last few years to the ranking in the 20's of late. Yes, I know much of this current ranking has to do with lack of a consistent pass rush in combination with poor performances by our secondary, but with the exception of Foxworthy, the defensive personnel remains the same as in the glory days of 24/7 max blitz Organized Chaos. My question is why hasn't the media and Ravens fandom been more vocal about getting Mattison to return to this exciting shutdown philosophy of defensive football?

[Alexir]

This subject has been touched plenty of times.

[i]<Mod note: keep it clean>[/i]

[wbirkhead]

[quote name='rastaman831226' date='30 September 2009 - 11:56 AM' timestamp='1254326181' post='244769']
No one wants to touch the subject of the Ravens D dropping from a top #3 over the last few years to the ranking in the 20's of late. Yes, I know much of this current ranking has to do with lack of a consistent pass rush in combination with poor performances by our secondary, but with the exception of Foxworthy, the defensive personnel remains the same as in the glory days of 24/7 max blitz Organized Chaos. My question is why hasn't the media and Ravens fandom been more vocal about getting Mattison to return to this exciting shutdown philosophy of defensive football?
[/quote]

I don't know what blog you're looking at but there have been a hundred threads about or D and Mattison and missing Rex. As for the media, I don't read any local papers, and barely listen to talk radio, but Anita Marks has talked a good bit about how she misses Rex and that the D is slipping.

[PuRock]

We've been touching on this more than Rothlisberger with unwilling participants.

We were the #3 defense over a 16 game season last year. We've only played 3 games so far. Let's talk in a bit.

[BloodRaven]

Not sure if you noticed this but after 3 weeks the Broncos are the league leader in total defense. Maybe we should copy their exciting shutdown philosophy of defensive football?

[LilyRaven]

1. As PuRock said, it's only Week 3.

2. If they keep winning, I don't really care where the defense ranks. The only numbers that count are the score.

[WinnipegRaven]

Ravens current defensive rankings....

PTS - 17.7(11th)
YDS - 282.7(7th)
PASS YDS - 231.7(17th)
RUSH YDS - 51.0(1st)

nowhere in there is a mark in the 20 rankings so I'm not sure what you mean when you say our D is in that range. To me that looks like a solid top 7-10 (we are actually 7th overall according to Nfl.com)
Mattison is just getting his feet under him and with any luck will make the transition to a top tier DC by the end of the season. Give it a bit of time. If Brady doesn't have a good week this Sunday, consider our D to be on the rise.

[PuRock]

A round of applause for Philip Rivers outstanding passing clinic which leads everybody to question on pass D.

Rivers was on point and on a mission - too bad he ultimately failed. Foxworth and Fabian when it's all said and done will be just fine.

Didn't we jump from like #28 passing D to #17. One game changes the rankings to fast early on. You have to let the dust really settle before questioning.

[BaltimoreRavens88]

The Ravens are first in the league right now in rushing yards allowed per game, and I think they're like second or third in takeaways(7 int I guess). Of course when you're stuffing the run you're going to make opponents pass on you, which opens up weaknesses in the secondary. Not saying that they're playing at the top of their game right now, but just wait and see. Don't want the defense playing their best right now anyway, save it for December.

Why isn't anyone commenting on the superbowl champ's defense? They aren't in the top 5 in any categories, and last year they were better than us. Well, probably because it's only week 4 and there's plenty of football to be played.