Next Up: Vikings

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ArtModells Moving Company' date='12 October 2009 - 03:38 PM' timestamp='1255376335' post='255464']
In the open field Peterson is incredibly elusive. And when he's not elusive he's flat out running someone over.
[/quote]

In the open field but the Ravens rarely let runners get into the open field and into the secondary.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 October 2009 - 01:11 PM' timestamp='1255374700' post='255440']
Peterson hasn't had a 100 yard game in the last 3 games, you keep him from cutting outside and you should be ok. If he can't put 100 yards on the RAMS why is everyone already shaking in their boots, some fans are sad.
[/quote]

He didn't put up 100 on the Rams because he only ran 14 times at 4.6 yards per carry. He also scored 2 TDs but teams are stacking the box to stop Peterson and letting Favre do as he pleases. That is not a recipe for success. The best way to stop the Vikings is to keep the offense off the field and wear down the defense with long sustained drives. The Vikings D is susceptible to quick throws/short drops, screens, draws and, as with any Cover2 defense, the middle of the field (especially the seam with the TE) is under-protected. Minnesota is a team built to play with a lead. If they get out in front and force Flacco to throw a lot he will find himself getting pummeled as the Vikings D line is one of the best and Jared Allen may well be the best DE in the league.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='mhead66' date='12 October 2009 - 01:43 PM' timestamp='1255376615' post='255468']
He's 2nd in the NFL in rushing, behind [size="1"][b]Cedric Benson[/b]...[/size]

AP led the NFL with 1,760 yds last year, and had 20 carries of over 20 yards.
[/quote]

Peterson is consistently playing against 8/9 man fronts. Teams are selling out the stop the run and, for the first time in years, the Vikings have a QB who is making teams pay for that and the OL is finally starting to pass protect. Favre is a statue and can be gotten to but he is making quick decisions and the Vikings are loaded with players who can run after the catch, meaning, that if teams become blitz happy Percy Harvin, Chester Taylor, AD, Bernard Berrian will start collecting short/quick/screen passes and take it to the open field where they all excel.

This will be the first time you've gotten a chance to watch Peterson go up against the Ravens defense. You'll get a chance to see how insanely good he is. He's a once-in-a-generation type back. The statistics do not tell the story. This will be the first real test for the Vikings and it should be an entertaining game.

[McDirty33]

Jared Allen is a one-man wrecking-crew, don't get me wrong. But that game he had against GB was once-in-a-lifetime and I think we'll slow him down with screens and swing passes. I think we match up well with Minny, as they don't have a marquee receiver to give us hell, like Moss or Ochocinco. I think Favre will throw 2 picks, AD will rush for < 75 yards, and we struggle to score. Overall, I predict the Ravens right the ship, Ray Rice to have a huge game, and a marginal victory for Harbaugh's crew.

I'll bet anyone 100 bucks that the purple team wins!

[XxSizzleXx]

That's exactly how you beat the Minnesota Vikings, those little dump off screens absolutely KILL the Vikings. It'll be a tough day trying to run against them if that's what we do.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='McDirty33' date='12 October 2009 - 02:18 PM' timestamp='1255378681' post='255504']
Jared Allen is a one-man wrecking-crew, don't get me wrong. But that game he had against GB was once-in-a-lifetime and I think we'll slow him down with screens and swing passes. I think we match up well with Minny, as they don't have a marquee receiver to give us hell, like Moss or Ochocinco. I think Favre will throw 2 picks, AD will rush for < 75 yards, and we struggle to score. Overall, I predict the Ravens right the ship, Ray Rice to have a huge game, and a marginal victory for Harbaugh's crew.

I'll bet anyone 100 bucks that the purple team wins!

[/quote]

While it's true the Vikings don't have a marquee receiver keep in mind that with Favre the ball gets spread around to everyone. Percy Harvin is always a threat where ever he lines up. Bernard Berrian is starting to come on after a slow start. Sidney Rice is having the best year of his career and even players like Greg Lewis can look world-class when Favre is on. Vishante Shiancoe is a fantastic receiving TE and Chester Taylor is Favre leading receiver right now. The Vikings passing game is dangerous not because of whose catching the balls but because Favre is playing like he's 32 not 40.

...and the Vikings will be in their road whites so your gambling lacks the prescience you were hoping for.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 October 2009 - 02:26 PM' timestamp='1255379215' post='255513']
That's exactly how you beat the Minnesota Vikings, those little dump off screens absolutely KILL the Vikings. It'll be a tough day trying to run against them if that's what we do.
[/quote]

That's true. The Vikings LBs aren't great in pass coverage though they are ok. Jared Allen will take some wide angles to the QB because of his speed and if a LB isn't in the gap Allen's created there is a big hole. Yesterday the Rams exploited the quick/short drop/screen pass with great success in the first half only to have it shut down after halftime. The Vikings Red Zone defense is the best in the league. As the field shrinks the Vikings become much harder to move against. The key though is getting the ball out of Flacco's hands quickly. If he stands back there too long very bad things will happen to the Ravens.

[ravensfolife]

if jared gaithers out we lose simple as that

[ravensfolife]

[quote name='cookie_KFAN' date='12 October 2009 - 12:22 AM' timestamp='1255321364' post='255044']
So are the Ravens going after Favre or Peterson?

The Rams went after Peterson and held him under 100 but he still got 2tds.
Obviously the Ravens are better than the Rams D but teams rarely shut Peterson
down without selling out for the run. Brett Favre has been feasting off that.
Ed Reed is a great weapon against Favre. It will be interesting to see if you
plan to stop Favre and take your chances with Favre. Eventually, teams will have to.
The Ravens might be one of the few teams in the league that could stop Peterson without
stuffing the box.

I think this is going to be a defensive dogfight. The Vikings defense hasnt played a complete game yet.
Our Pass rush might get in Flaccos face. I think we will be forcing Flacco to beat us through the air.
[/quote]
we dont stuff the box buddy, unless blitzing

[ravensfolife]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 October 2009 - 04:26 PM' timestamp='1255379215' post='255513']
That's exactly how you beat the Minnesota Vikings, those little dump off screens absolutely KILL the Vikings. It'll be a tough day trying to run against them if that's what we do.
[/quote]
thats great cuz sunday I think we broke a record for screen passes

[ravensfolife]

just put this here to get 200 posts....sorry

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='ravensfolife' date='12 October 2009 - 02:55 PM' timestamp='1255380919' post='255542']
we dont stuff the box buddy, unless blitzing
[/quote]

You will be this week.

[WhiteTeeMafia]

I've looked over the Vikings schedule and so far they have dealt with nothing but horrendous offensive lines in Cleveland, Detroit, Green Bay, and San Fran. This weekend will be their defensive lines greatest test this year, so far. Also perhaps we might get a leg up and Birk might know some of secrets to containing them. He did practice against them for quite a few years.

We need to overload the left side of our defense and attack their weak right offensive side. It's going to be a long day for whoever is in the trenches with Hutchinson and McKinnie.

[PuRock]

[quote name='WhiteTeeMafia' date='12 October 2009 - 05:05 PM' timestamp='1255381553' post='255552']
I've looked over the Vikings schedule and so far they have dealt with nothing but horrendous offensive lines in Cleveland, Detroit, Green Bay, and San Fran. This weekend will be their defensive lines greatest test this year, so far. Also perhaps we might get a leg up and Birk might know some of secrets to containing them. He did practice against them for quite a few years.

We need to overload the left side of our defense and attack their weak right offensive side. It's going to be a long day for whoever is in the trenches with Hutchinson and McKinnie.
[/quote]

Here's some stats to back up your claim.

The 5 teams that the Vikings have played have given up a combined 79 sacks. That's 15.8 sacks per team!

Currently the Ravens have given up 7 sacks.

Our OL is good. And has plenty room to grow. I expect Gaither to be back in this game. And I expect us to keep the Minny Pass Rush relatively quiet.

[PuRock]

Also Minny's got the confidence that goes with a 5-0 win streak. That confidence is being exuberated by their fans on here.

We're going to be a hungry team going into Minnesota. And it's a perfect chance to steal a win right from under their noses.

[WhiteTeeMafia]

Plus we can overload our on the left side of our offensive line. Ray Edwards is nothing to write home about and I'm pretty sure Kevin Williams lines ups mostly along side with Jared Allen. So the right side would just have to contain Pat Williams and Ray Edwards from getting to the QB, which won't take much effort, IMO.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 October 2009 - 05:17 PM' timestamp='1255382239' post='255566']
Here's some stats to back up your claim.

The 5 teams that the Vikings have played have given up a combined 79 sacks. That's 15.8 sacks per team!

Currently the Ravens have given up 7 sacks.

Our OL is good. And has plenty room to grow. I expect Gaither to be back in this game. And I expect us to keep the Minny Pass Rush relatively quiet.
[/quote]

Good information. Flacco was sacked twice but I really think the o-line protected him well. Minnesota's pass rush could be more fierce but the Ravens could slow it down with screens, draws and quick slant.

[WhiteTeeMafia]

One of them sacks we gave up yesterday was Flacco getting chopped in the chest by Geathers.

Yea since we run a lot of screens and dumps I expect Allen to be less aggressive coming off the edge. The Packers realized that screens would help them a little too late last Monday night.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='WhiteTeeMafia' date='12 October 2009 - 03:24 PM' timestamp='1255382680' post='255574']
Plus we can overload our on the left side of our offensive line. Ray Edwards is nothing to write home about and I'm pretty sure Kevin Williams lines ups mostly along side with Jared Allen. So the right side would just have to contain Pat Williams and Ray Edwards from getting to the QB, which won't take much effort, IMO.
[/quote]

Kevin Williams typically plays along side Ray Edwards. Pat Williams, Fred Evens, Jimmy Kennedy, Letroy Guion typically play on a rotating basis next to Jared Allen. Brian Robison comes in on obvious passing downs usually for Pat Williams but he also backs up either end and is an excellent pass rusher in limited duty. And while Ray Edwards is no Jared Allen he is a solid player who can both rush the QB and contain the run effectively.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='WhiteTeeMafia' date='12 October 2009 - 03:31 PM' timestamp='1255383102' post='255578']
One of them sacks we gave up yesterday was Flacco getting chopped in the chest by Geathers.

Yea since we run a lot of screens and dumps I expect Allen to be less aggressive coming off the edge. The Packers realized that screens would help them a little too late last Monday night.
[/quote]

The Packers went with screens and dumps almost right off the bat Monday night. Unfortunately for them, they fell behind by too much too quickly and had to abandon that approach. Same thing with the Rams yesterday. They started out doing exactly what you described from the get-go but fell behind so quickly that they had to move the ball down the field quicker. It's a great strategy if you can keep the game close which the Ravens should be able to do but it doesn't work well when you are behind.

[XxSizzleXx]

Green Bay had absolutely no trouble moving the ball down the field on the Vikes, WHEN RODGERS WAS PROTECTED. The only time they had trouble was with the quick pressure from their front four. If we contain the pass rush we win this game. Lets hope Gaither is ready to go.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ArtModells Moving Company' date='12 October 2009 - 05:56 PM' timestamp='1255384561' post='255596']
The Packers went with screens and dumps almost right off the bat Monday night. Unfortunately for them, they fell behind by too much too quickly and had to abandon that approach. Same thing with the Rams yesterday. They started out doing exactly what you described from the get-go but fell behind so quickly that they had to move the ball down the field quicker. It's a great strategy if you can keep the game close which the Ravens should be able to do but it doesn't work well when you are behind.
[/quote]

Good points. The defense should bounce back. The Vikings have some talented receivers but if Carr is replaced and the front seven can get some pressure on Favre, they should be able to limit them.

The screens and dump-offs make sense but I really think the team needs to go down-field. This is where protecting Flacco comes in but Minnesota's secondary isn't very strong. Winfield is good but he can give up play. Cedric Griffin is definitely beatable and so are both their safeties.

[WhiteTeeMafia]

The Vikings do have some talent at wide out, but nothing special. All of their receivers seem to be home run hitters and not so much possession. I think our corners will have an easier time this week.

Plus Favre will be Favre and I think 20 will have something to say.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='WhiteTeeMafia' date='12 October 2009 - 06:06 PM' timestamp='1255385212' post='255603']
Plus Favre will be Favre and I think 20 will have something to say.
[/quote]

Favre goes into his reckless gunslinger-mode when he's getting pressured. If the Ravens bring the heat, they should force a few interceptions.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='12 October 2009 - 04:14 PM' timestamp='1255385646' post='255607']
Favre goes into his reckless gunslinger-mode when he's getting pressured. If the Ravens bring the heat, they should force a few interceptions.
[/quote]

EXACTLY! The gunslinging Favre has got to return at some point. He is 40 years old and probably won't even be able to play once the Vikes make the playoffs. I'm hoping he returns this week as I want to see a live PICK 6 by #20.

[PuRock]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' date='12 October 2009 - 06:38 PM' timestamp='1255387118' post='255625']
EXACTLY! The gunslinging Favre has got to return at some point. He is 40 years old and probably won't even be able to play once the Vikes make the playoffs. I'm hoping he returns this week as I want to see a live PICK 6 by #20.
[/quote]

Haha. Yea Vikings fans better enjoy their wins now. Because when they start playing the real teams in cold weather. Favre is going to become a liability for them. Then a team will shut down the run and make Favre look like a fool for coming back.

[R3N]

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 October 2009 - 07:12 PM' timestamp='1255389170' post='255638']
Haha. Yea Vikings fans better enjoy their wins now. Because when they start playing the real teams in cold weather. Favre is going to become a liability for them. Then a team will shut down the run and make Favre look like a fool for coming back.
[/quote]

Why are you so confidant about that? Do you forget he played in the frozen tundra for 16 years?

[ShatterPt]

[quote name='PuRock' date='12 October 2009 - 05:12 PM' timestamp='1255389170' post='255638']
Haha. Yea Vikings fans better enjoy their wins now. Because when they start playing the real teams in cold weather. Favre is going to become a liability for them. Then a team will shut down the run and make Favre look like a fool for coming back.
[/quote]

Thats the take of a fan outside the Viking-Packer rival. Nothing logical that Favre can do now will make him look like a fool...because of the way the Favre-to-Minnesota situation played out and the games he has played. Thompson tried real hard to make sure it didnt happen, and it did anyways. Favre has already won his first game against our biggest rival..with game 2 in 3 weeks. To experience that game, and the SF game winning last play...awesome! If anything "bad" is going to happen..it better happen in the next 3 weeks (Baltimore, @ Pitts, @ GB)..because after that we have a bye and then 3 straight games at home..in a nice temperature controlled dome. I had us going 6-2 before the bye before the season started..but I am debating changing it to 7-1. Pittsburgh doesnt scare me as much as last year. I think we lose either to you guys, or @ GB. If I HAD to guess, I'd say @GB..because I like our chances at our own place...but you guys have a good football team so who knows...any given sunday right

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='WhiteTeeMafia' date='12 October 2009 - 04:06 PM' timestamp='1255385212' post='255603']
The Vikings do have some talent at wide out, but nothing special. All of their receivers seem to be home run hitters and not so much possession. I think our corners will have an easier time this week.

Plus Favre will be Favre and I think 20 will have something to say.
[/quote]

Both Harvin and Rice are excellent possession receivers with the ability to hit the home run especially in Harvin's case. Berrian is more of a home run hitter but he will get some quick slants (a Favre specialty) and a bubble screen or two thrown his way because he is an excellent open field runner. Against two excellent corners in Al Harris and Charles Woodson, Favre and the receiving core had no trouble beating them repeatedly. The Vikings receivers are better than most people outside of Minnesota realize.

[ArtModells Moving Company]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='12 October 2009 - 04:02 PM' timestamp='1255384933' post='255601']
Good points. The defense should bounce back. The Vikings have some talented receivers but if Carr is replaced and the front seven can get some pressure on Favre, they should be able to limit them.

The screens and dump-offs make sense but I really think the team needs to go down-field. This is where protecting Flacco comes in but [b]Minnesota's secondary isn't very strong. Winfield is good but he can give up play. Cedric Griffin is definitely beatable and so are both their safeties.[/b]
[/quote]

Yep. This has been the Vikings Achilles Heel on defense all season with the notable exception of defending the red zone. The Vikings have given up the fewest TDs to opposing teams in the red zone in the league. This is not atypical of a Cover-2 defense. It's bend but don't break mentality.