Playoffs - First Up: Patriots

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' date='05 January 2010 - 03:27 PM' timestamp='1262723273' post='331923']
While I'm leery of the penalties, why don't the Ravens try to turn the tables on the Pats? If I were Cam, on second and short, I'd bring out Demetrius and throw a bomb to him deep. His deceptive speed gives DBs trouble and he has a knack for making circus catches.
[/quote]

He also has a penchant for drawing pass interference calls, which is just as useful as a catch.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='05 January 2010 - 04:23 PM' timestamp='1262726629' post='331979']
He also has a penchant for drawing pass interference calls, which is just as useful as a catch.
[/quote]

Exactly. He's drawn three this year despite barely playing.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Demetrius has a real chance here to show what he can do, but one thing is certain - without multiple receiving threats we won't win. It's good that Todd Heap has come on in the last few weeks, if we have Mason, Heap and a combo of Williams, Clayton and Washington - we'll do well.

I'm concerned about our coverage against four wide receiver sets, given the lack of depth at defensive back. Front four pressure is key!!!

[teddy17]

I think how the weather is looking there is going to be snow on the ground and it is turning out to who has the best running game and i have not heard a thing from them all season on there ground game i see the Ravens running the ball down the pats young defence throat and making Brady put a skirt on (RODNEY HARRISON) if you guys remeber that pus call on suggs by touching brady and him getting that big 15yd flag well thats not new for are team this year i see if we keep the 15yd flags to 0 or just 1 we win this game by 7 or less it will be a close one no doubt about that but i hope are D steps up this week

[ravencraze09]

I think the biggest thing we need to do is play physical but clean. we saw in pitt 2 weeks ago, we dominated them but shot ourselves in the foot with silly penalties. This team has the potential to go the distance! Maybe we should bring back "who let the dogs out"! haha It worked in 2000!

[BigMike]

Just a few words...RUN THE BALLLLLL!!!!

[Militant X 1]

many media cats are sleeping on our Ravens this game. they are jumping on the Patriots bandwagon and predicting a Ravens loss! i say that the Ravens can and will win this game and end the Pats unbeaten at home streak of 8 wins this season. if they decide to pass...Flacco needs to [b]"SPREAD THE BALL AROUND!" [/b]Mason, Clayton, Washington, Williams and Heap need to get considerable amounts of touches each. other than that....here are 3 more keys to their succes on Sunday:


[b]1. RUN THE BALL!!
2. RUN THE BALL!!
3. RUN THE BALL!![/b]

[TheRavenouseD2008]

There was this story of a man named brady ,
who was nursing 3 very broken ribs,
His coach like a morn Denied those ills,

Till Sunday when this brady met these Ravens,
And he realised this game was not just for frills,
he went to pass but was sacked,
for wes welker he had lacked ,

then the ball was given to joe flacco ,
to which bradys coach cried "oh no",
and he proceed to score a touchdowm more then twice,
with the help of rice.

tom brady sucks
Tombrady sucks
this is how we will learn tom brady sucks

then on the next series tom met mr sizzel ,
and that play sure did end up a fizzel,
for when ray found the ball it was a score
and the tears did pour,

Tom brady sucks
tom Brady sucks,
this why we now know he realy sucks

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' date='05 January 2010 - 09:36 PM' timestamp='1262745389' post='332206']
There was this story of a man named brady ,
who was nursing 3 very broken ribs,
His coach like a morn Denied those ills,

Till Sunday when this brady met these Ravens,
And he realised this game was not just for frills,
he went pass but was sacked,
for wes welker he had lacked ,

then the ball was given to joe flacco ,
to which bradys coach cried "oh no",
and he proceed to score a touchdowm more then twice,
with the help of rice.

tom brady sucks
Tombrady sucks
this is how we will learn tom brady sucks

then on the next series tom met mr sizzel ,
and that sure did end a fizzel,
for when ray found the ball it was a score
and the tears did pour,

Tom brady sucks
tom Brady sucks,
this why we now know he realy sucks
[/quote]

+1, for what I don't know, but you thought of it, and thats darn near worth three +'s

[TheRavenouseD2008]

sorry man my friend and I were on our way back from best buy today and I had to write the song
it got in my head lol

[shaikh015]

I always think we are going to win. Yes I also think we are going to win again...

[darklight1216]

[quote name='PuRock' date='05 January 2010 - 10:09 AM' timestamp='1262704175' post='331697']
1. Pressure Tom Brady
2. Test Patriots Secondary

[b]That's all I keep thinking.[/b]

If we don't get sufficient pressure on Brady, he will hit the open man whoever that might be. They could throw out their practice squad rookie and make him seem like a superstar against us come Sunday. Our secondary will not be able to compete when they roll out their spread offense. Which they will be doing all day against us. Front four pressure specifically.

Spread offensive w/ an ineffective blitz = we lose

Joe has to win us this game point blank. Belichick will focus on shutting down Rice and the run game. Test their secondary. This means we have to see some D-Will to stretch the field.
[/quote]
All I keep thinking is that I'm going to see this:
1. Pressure on Joe Flacco. Exotic blitzes are the bane of his existence at this point.

2. Testing of the Ravens secondary. Between Chris Carr and Frank Walker, if you just toss the ball in any direct, you should get a huge gain or at least an automatic first down. Just for fun, throw in an injured Ed Reed and you can pretty much pass at will.

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='05 January 2010 - 02:57 PM' timestamp='1262721436' post='331898']
Right, and the Pats would never expect it which is [i]why[/i] this would be the perfect time to utilize it!
[/quote]
I've yet to see any sign that the Ravens are going to make significant changes before next season. This would be the perfect time to stop getting stupid penalties, but that's not going to happen either.
[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='05 January 2010 - 03:15 PM' timestamp='1262722523' post='331913']
If we draw Walt Coleman or Ron Winter's crew, we're in trouble.
[/quote]
If we play in Foxborough, we're in trouble... oh wait.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

my predicition we break the foxboro visitor curse , but sadly it might cause some one a career, unless the pats pay off for no massive holding calls . our pass rush is much inmproves since last time. and pass protection is alot better not perfect by far but much improved. last time welker was out brady had only 1 weapon and he was a non factor . it will be ugly I say 26-17 we will see a rookie get a sack or get held for the 2

[Ryba01]

Welker being out is a plus we all know that. With him out they have to play a rookie in that spot who may struggle. The most important thing our defense needs to focus on is not giving up the Big ball.....aka Brady to Moss......can't happen. I have a good feeling we should be able to stop it but two players of that caliber really makes me think. also Flacco needs to continue to stay composed. He needs to work on getting rid of the ball faster and or throw it away. He cannot continue to take those hits like he has the last couple of weeks. Our running game is looking great going into the playoffs and I like that! I would also like to see Kelly Washington used more. JOE loves to use him on 3rd down and he has been great....but I would love to see him used more throughout! I am excited for this game....I feel our Ravens are going to come out on top, however its going to take some work. The Patriots are hard to beat at home and we cant expect these injuries to make this an easy game. GO RAVENS!

[Raven0311]

I think we should always employ the strategy we used to get to the SuperBowl the first time: If there is a QB who can beat you, break them. Rich Gannon was one of our victims, and Brady should be the next. Or Moss. I am not picky.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Raven0311' date='06 January 2010 - 11:20 AM' timestamp='1262794833' post='332425']
I think we should always employ the strategy we used to get to the SuperBowl the first time: If there is a QB who can beat you, break them. Rich Gannon was one of our victims, and Brady should be the next. Or Moss. I am not picky.
[/quote]

The difference with this and the Super Bowl team is that the pass rush simply isn't there. Pryce, Gregg and Barnes have brought the heat recently but nothing like what we saw in 2000.

On top of that, Brady was only sacked 16 times all year. Part of that is his o-line and his own ability to move around in the pocket.

Still, the Ravens have to find a way to bring pressure or the back end will exposed.

[steelydan]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='05 January 2010 - 11:52 PM' timestamp='1262749948' post='332254']
All I keep thinking is that I'm going to see this:
1. Pressure on Joe Flacco. Exotic blitzes are the bane of his existence at this point.

2. Testing of the Ravens secondary. Between Chris Carr and Frank Walker, if you just toss the ball in any direct, you should get a huge gain or at least an automatic first down. Just for fun, throw in an injured Ed Reed and you can pretty much pass at will.


I've yet to see any sign that the Ravens are going to make significant changes before next season. This would be the perfect time to stop getting stupid penalties, but that's not going to happen either.

If we play in Foxborough, we're in trouble... oh wait.
[/quote]

Flacco, like any second year QB, will occasionally struggle with multiple looks and blitz packages. But this becomes more a function of whether the O line picks up these blitzes. If they protect him- his confidence improves and he adjusts. Simple as that. If they don't, he hears footsteps all day and misses opportunities. We did a good job of pass protection during our first meeting. This has to do with how our personnel and schemes match up. I believe that, although the Pats D will have its opportunities, that our offensive line can protect him. Does this mean Flacco will pass for 300 yards? Perhaps not. But it does mean that he will opporunities to move the ball. Combine that with a strong running game that matches up well against their run D and we have a chance to put up some points.

As to our secondary... The pass rush has improved slightly and this will help our undersized corners, but I agree that it represents a weak spot for Brady to exploit. Nevertheless, Ed Reed at 75% is better than ANYBODY else at 150% and will help out the secondary as well. The bottom line is that Brady will have some chances to air it out and move the ball- but if we play our game and move the football as we can then we have an excellent chance to win.

NE has not looked as unbeatable as they had in years past and this Sunday represents the best opportunity to beat them. Factors in their favor: 1) they are at home 2)The league rules favor marquis QBs and WRs and 3)They have alot of playoff experience. Factors in our favor: 1) We are younger and healthier 2) Flacco has some playoff experience under his belt and 3) we have a running attack that can be punishing at times.

We are the 6th seed with no media expectations. If the Ravens can stay loose and play well as a unit then they have a very good chance to win a close one in enemy territory.

[kidrock]

[quote name='steelydan' date='06 January 2010 - 12:52 PM' timestamp='1262796746' post='332447']Nevertheless, Ed Reed at 75% is better than ANYBODY else at 150% and will help out the secondary as well. [/quote]

I would have to completely disagree with this. Reed not 100% but still gambling and blowing coverages kills our defense, not help it. I would take Tom in there ant day over Reed now.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='steelydan' date='06 January 2010 - 11:52 AM' timestamp='1262796746' post='332447']
Flacco, like any second year QB, will occasionally struggle with multiple looks and blitz packages. But this becomes more a function of whether the O line picks up these blitzes. If they protect him- his confidence improves and he adjusts. Simple as that. If they don't, he hears footsteps all day and misses opportunities. We did a good job of pass protection during our first meeting. This has to do with how our personnel and schemes match up. I believe that, although the Pats D will have its opportunities, that our offensive line can protect him. Does this mean Flacco will pass for 300 yards? Perhaps not. But it does mean that he will opporunities to move the ball. Combine that with a strong running game that matches up well against their run D and we have a chance to put up some points.

As to our secondary... The pass rush has improved slightly and this will help our undersized corners, but I agree that it represents a weak spot for Brady to exploit. Nevertheless, Ed Reed at 75% is better than ANYBODY else at 150% and will help out the secondary as well. The bottom line is that Brady will have some chances to air it out and move the ball- but if we play our game and move the football as we can then we have an excellent chance to win.

NE has not looked as unbeatable as they had in years past and this Sunday represents the best opportunity to beat them. Factors in their favor: 1) they are at home 2)The league rules favor marquis QBs and WRs and 3)They have alot of playoff experience. Factors in our favor: 1) We are younger and healthier 2) Flacco has some playoff experience under his belt and 3) we have a running attack that can be punishing at times.

We are the 6th seed with no media expectations. If the Ravens can stay loose and play well as a unit then they have a very good chance to win a close one in enemy territory.
[/quote]
You make some valid points, except for the Ed Reed part, which is debatable. His presence does inspire caution in any opposing team, but if he's not one hundred percent, it might be better to have a back-up who is.

[DeOliveira]

for the ravens to win this game they have to establish there running game with ray rice.you cant run against the ravens so pats are going to have to go to the air.with tom brady hurt and wes welker hurt they can double up on moss.defensively the ravens shoudlnt have any trouble.

[steelydan]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='06 January 2010 - 01:24 PM' timestamp='1262798651' post='332476']
You make some valid points, except for the Ed Reed part, which is debatable. His presence does inspire caution in any opposing team, but if he's not one hundred percent, it might be better to have a back-up who is.
[/quote]

I understand what you are saying regarding Ed Reed and I won't dispute that 99% of the time I would solidly agree with your point. Most of the time it [i]is[/i] better to have someone who is 100% in for a variety of reasons. But this is a playoff game. Thus I believe that the x factors (such as his leadership and ability to read defenses) will be invaluable to the success of the defense, not to mention the morale boost it gives to the unit to have Ed Reed playing center field instead of cheering from the sidelines. If he's healthy (even if not 100%) he can change the tide of games with a single play. Brady can do that for the Pats and so we truly need our big playmakers in this game.

[FerrariFan87]

I like what I have seen from Barnes this year.... his sack-fumble on Russell saved our season.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='steelydan' date='06 January 2010 - 12:37 PM' timestamp='1262799446' post='332493']
I understand what you are saying regarding Ed Reed and I won't dispute that 99% of the time I would solidly agree with your point. Most of the time it [i]is[/i] better to have someone who is 100% in for a variety of reasons. But this is a playoff game. Thus I believe that the x factors (such as his leadership and ability to read defenses) will be invaluable to the success of the defense, not to mention the morale boost it gives to the unit to have Ed Reed playing center field instead of cheering from the sidelines. [b]If he's healthy (even if not 100%) he can change the tide of games with a single play.[/b] Brady can do that for the Pats and so we truly need our big playmakers in this game.
[/quote]
That is so true. Ed Reed has 5 interceptions and a touchdown in 5 postseason games. He seems to get really hot when it gets cold.

I just hope he doesn't aggravate his injuries.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='06 January 2010 - 01:08 PM' timestamp='1262801285' post='332518']
That is so true. Ed Reed has 5 interceptions and a touchdown in 5 postseason games. He seems to get really hot when it gets cold.

I just hope he doesn't aggravate his injuries.
[/quote]

Yeah, we are going to need at least one Reed INT on Sunday, and if not a pick, he needs to at least shut down the middle of the field where we were exposed last week... by Charlie Frye and Chaz Schilens

[darklight1216]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='06 January 2010 - 01:41 PM' timestamp='1262803271' post='332552']
Yeah, we are going to need at least one Reed INT on Sunday, and if not a pick, he needs to at least shut down the middle of the field where we were exposed last week... by Charlie Frye and Chaz Schilens
[/quote]
Yeah, that performance was pretty ugly especially for a must win game. When Chris Carr is your starter, you can only expect so much from your pass defense.

Maybe this has been overdone, but : "Was it perfect?" "No." "Was it pretty?" "No." "No, but it was us."

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

I'm not worried about this game one bit. I have a good feeling we're gonna whoop their [i]<whiny behinds>[/i]

[steelydan]

[quote name='darklight1216' date='06 January 2010 - 02:44 PM' timestamp='1262803476' post='332556']
Yeah, that performance was pretty ugly especially for a must win game. When Chris Carr is your starter, you can only expect so much from your pass defense.

Maybe this has been overdone, but : "Was it perfect?" "No." "Was it pretty?" "No." "No, but it was us."
[/quote]

You can't get tired of that quote! Incidentally, I would say that Chris Carr has performed more adequately at CB than I would have suspected. He certainly didn't deserve that awful pass interference call he drew against Oakland last week. That was actually good coverage. I grant that he is certainly no-one's first option... but at least he hasn't completely embarrassed himself.

I still contend that no matter who you have in the secondary (even if you have nothing but all pros) they will only be as good as the pass rush. It starts with the front four and we sadly have not been outstanding in that department this year. If you give the QB time he will find ways to exploit coverage.

Bottom line is that we can take the CBs we have left and make them much better if we get consistent pressure on the QB.

[JEEPercreepermd]

[quote name='steelydan' date='06 January 2010 - 02:01 PM' timestamp='1262804479' post='332568']
You can't get tired of that quote! Incidentally, I would say that Chris Carr has performed more adequately at CB than I would have suspected. He certainly didn't deserve that awful pass interference call he drew against Oakland last week. That was actually good coverage. I grant that he is certainly no-one's first option... but at least he hasn't completely embarrassed himself.

I still contend that no matter who you have in the secondary (even if you have nothing but all pros) they will only be as good as the pass rush. It starts with the front four and we sadly have not been outstanding in that department this year. If you give the QB time he will find ways to exploit coverage.

Bottom line is that we can take the CBs we have left and make them much better if we get consistent pressure on the QB.
[/quote]
I agree completely. I've been saying all along that despite having to play Carr and Walker at CB, If the LB's can make one more play every game, if the Safeties can step it up, if the Dline can get just a little more pressure, if the Offense can stay on the field just a little longer, it will take a ton of pressure off of those guys

[FerrariFan87]

Carr has given us excellent field position at least 3 times via Punt Return, and all 3 times it has been called back due to a penalty. We clean that up, and we'll be in business. He is due to break one... Parmele too (what a find he was)

[Raven0311]

And if we can stay out of penalty trouble... this is what has been killing us.