Merged--Denver: Week 5

[flynismo]

[quote name='12and4' timestamp='1286521144' post='501674']<br />I read your post and still don't see how it is a good thing to play a divisional opponent in the first quarter of the season..<br />and its not like you demolished the steelers.<br />the only explanation you gave as to why its an advantage was because you get to see where your team is at... how would that be an advantage?<br />the chargers played the chiefs... i don't see how that coulda helped them in the other games.<br />the reason i think that divisional games are always tougher (which i agree with wholeheartedly) is because the teams study and prepare more for the game because they play the team 2 times each season... and because there is the grudge factor involved... &quot;grr, they beat us last season... grrr they swept us the past 4 years... Grrr... lets show them who's boss this season&quot;..<br />but yeah you really didn't explain it very well... or at all.<br />maybe someone can chime in?<br /><br /><br />he's not hurt. he was hurt a couple weeks ago but he hasn't missed a game... Goodman is probable from what i remember and knowshon is questionable i think.<br />the latest on champ has been that we stopped negotiating a contract with him and will wait till the end of the season (he will be a FA). People think its because we don't want to sign him or w/e... but i am not worried.<br />[/quote]

Okay, nm, I just got bad info, I was told he got hurt again in practice this week.

[PuRock]

[quote name='RavenWarrior11' timestamp='1286560507' post='501883']
The AFC division games alternate between home and away as well.

Each team will then play a separate AFC and NFC division that rotates every year.
(This is year we play AFC East and NFC South)

Each team will play 2 teams from the same conference, but from the divisions the team isn't
scheduled against, based on division standings from the previous year.
(2nd place of AFC South - Houston, and 2nd place from AFC West - Denver)
[/quote]

I never understood the AFC side of the scheduling but that helps explain things. Thanks.

[PuRock]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1286561245' post='501892']
I think we have the edge in special teams too, not because it is particularly good, only because on returns, we do a pretty good job with that. But our return game hasn't been nearly as effective as I'd like to see it.

Watch our punter, Sam Koch (hopefully you dont see much of him at all haha)! Dude is probably the best punter in the game, if ever it is fun watching a punt, it's when he's on the field.
[/quote]

Even if the Ravens flail on offense. Koch will make for some long Denver drives as well. Koch evens out our special teams with our poor returns.

[XxSizzleXx]

Wasn't every single punt that Koch had against the Steelers inside the 15? The next game he puts on a display like that we could say the other team got Koch slapped!

[macbrak]

here is a listing of the [url="http://www.johnnyroadtrip.com/schedules/nfl_future_afcn.htm"]schedule rotation[/url]

It does look like there are some typos in that do though with AFC/NFC division matchups

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1286561245' post='501892']
I think we have the edge in special teams too, not because it is particularly good, only because on returns, we do a pretty good job with that. But our return game hasn't been nearly as effective as I'd like to see it.

Watch our punter, Sam Koch (hopefully you dont see much of him at all haha)! Dude is probably the best punter in the game, if ever it is fun watching a punt, it's when he's on the field.
[/quote]

Also Cundiff has been really good on Kickoffs this season. He's either putting the ball deep in the endzone or right at the edge of the endzone, and that is pretty much forcing teams to drive the length of the field against our defense, which won't happen often.

I think Parmele has done a better job then what many give him credit for. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him break one this game, if given the chance too.

As for punt returns, i don't think we'll really get a spark there until Stallworth comes back and even then i don't know if u wanna have him back there, based on the foot and all. Zibby isn't a poor returner, it just seems like playing defense and being the returner is taking a toll on him right now. Maybe when Ed comes back he'll be a better returner.

[HardHitta52]

Honestly if your remember the last few times we played Denver we walked all over them, i think this game will be no different, they might have an average defense but we have also had a few new addition to our side of the ball

[MileHighFish]

[quote name='HardHitta52' timestamp='1286561936' post='501905']
Honestly if your remember the last few times we played Denver we walked all over them, i think this game will be no different, they might have an average defense but we have also had a few new addition to our side of the ball
[/quote]

There are also some new additions on the Denver side of the ball too. Obviously we can go back and forth all day about who will win and why and it has absolutely no bearing on the game:-D I am curious to see if we keep the rookie wide out Thomas back at kickoff returns. Did a good job last week. Has wheels and isn't a small guy.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='HardHitta52' timestamp='1286561936' post='501905']
Honestly if your remember the last few times we played Denver we walked all over them, i think this game will be no different, they might have an average defense but we have also had a few new addition to our side of the ball
[/quote]

Well like in most games in past years, the key will be the offense. Defensively we've dominated a lot of teams, but the offense just wasn't able to put points on the broad to put pressure on the opposing team.

Now this year we have great talent on the offensive side of the ball. I've been saying all week, the Ravens have played 3 defenses(NYJ,CIN,PIT) that are top 5-10 caliber. It's tough for well oiled offenses in mid-season form to move the ball on these defense, and the Ravens were forced to try and work out early season kinks vs these top notch defense.

Now you have a average to above average Broncos defense coming into the Bank. There should be some matchups Cam and Flacco should be able to take advantage of. They have a strong run defense imo but the balance of your offense will win out in the end.

I think the Ravens much come out and jump on the Broncos early and prove to be one of the elite teams in the AFC. Give Ray Lewis and the defense a double digit lead to play with and i think those turnovers we've be missing will start to show up.

[wayne]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1286561858' post='501903']
Also Cundiff has been really good on Kickoffs this season. He's either putting the ball deep in the endzone or right at the edge of the endzone, and that is pretty much forcing teams to drive the length of the field against our defense, which won't happen often.

I think Parmele has done a better job then what many give him credit for. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him break one this game, if given the chance too.

As for punt returns, i don't think we'll really get a spark there until Stallworth comes back and even then i don't know if u wanna have him back there, based on the foot and all. Zibby isn't a poor returner, it just seems like playing defense and being the returner is taking a toll on him right now. Maybe when Ed comes back he'll be a better returner.
[/quote]
Can we please stop the talk of putting Ed in any situation where he can be hit, the man has a possibly career ending neck injury, would be crazy to do anything remotely close to that, very crazy ( IDC how good he is back there ).

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1286563526' post='501937']
Can we please stop the talk of putting Ed in any situation where he can be hit, the man has a possibly career ending neck injury, would be crazy to do anything remotely close to that, very crazy ( IDC how good he is back there ).
[/quote]

I think you misread my post, or maybe i didn't make it clear enough.

When Reed comes back and takes over a safety, maybe Zibby will be a better returner.

Ed will never be a full time retuner.

[PuRock]

[quote name='MileHighFish' timestamp='1286563093' post='501930']
There are also some new additions on the Denver side of the ball too. Obviously we can go back and forth all day about who will win and why and it has absolutely no bearing on the game:-D I am curious to see if we keep the rookie wide out Thomas back at kickoff returns. Did a good job last week. Has wheels and isn't a small guy.
[/quote]

A denver win would probably mean you had a big day in the returns department. We've been pretty hit or miss on stopping punt returns. If your special teams can give you a short field enough it be monumental in Denver coming out with a win.

[CorvusCorax]

It seems like we are the test to see if the Broncos are the real deal or not. Last season they were undefeated until we played them. In any case the season is still early for both teams.

[MileHighFish]

After last year's start, every game we play this year will be a measuring stick. Sitting at 2-2, I wouldn't quite say this is the test to see if we are the real-deal or not. More along the lines to see how we are progressing without a running game and how the defense looks.

[Jabara]

What worries me about this game is not about Orton throwing the ball, it's about how do the Ravens prepare for, what appears to be, a team that is in a disaster.
The Broncos have had some misfortune this season, they've had some key players injured, and Orton is their leading rusher with something like an average of 2.9 yards per carry.
Apparently they are one dimensional, but I don't buy that, and I won't be shocked if they can run the ball a bit, they're going to have to try.
The Ravens won't just prepare to stop Denver's passing game, and give up on the run.
If Denver's run game is really that sloppy, how do you prepare for that, you have to prepare as if it's not just a disaster, and could be effective.
Denver has to know how dangerous it will be for them to pass the ball over 50 times.
Orton was sacked 6 times last week, so you'd think they have worked on protecting Orton this week.

I don't mean to insult any Bronco fans by saying they are playing sloppy, to a degree, I just think it's got to be more difficult to game plan and prepare for a team that isn't close to being a balanced football team. It kinda opens up the possibility for anything to happen, even more so to me, than the old, "any given Sunday" line.
That's the only thing I see that could derail what should be a victory for the Ravens, [b]the unknown slop factor. [/b]

[ravenanchors]

Stallworth is not built to be a returner either. He is too lean. You really need someone shorter and stockier who can make quick cuts and has a low center of gravity. A lot like Ray Rice. Too bad we can't clone R-Rice.

Prince Miller is our best choice except he is a rookie and would be dangerous to put him back there until he proves his ball handling skills.

This has definetly shown up as a weak point with the Ravens.

[SnOoPy]

I wanna see what Wilson can do! can't wait!

[Mick0311]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1286577517' post='502095']
What worries me about this game is not about Orton throwing the ball, it's about how do the Ravens prepare for, what appears to be, a team that is in a disaster.
The Broncos have had some misfortune this season, they've had some key players injured, and Orton is their leading rusher with something like an average of 2.9 yards per carry.
Apparently they are one dimensional, but I don't buy that, and I won't be shocked if they can run the ball a bit, they're going to have to try.
The Ravens won't just prepare to stop Denver's passing game, and give up on the run.
If Denver's run game is really that sloppy, how do you prepare for that, you have to prepare as if it's not just a disaster, and could be effective.
Denver has to know how dangerous it will be for them to pass the ball over 50 times.
Orton was sacked 6 times last week, so you'd think they have worked on protecting Orton this week.

I don't mean to insult any Bronco fans by saying they are playing sloppy, to a degree, I just think it's got to be more difficult to game plan and prepare for a team that isn't close to being a balanced football team. It kinda opens up the possibility for anything to happen, even more so to me, than the old, "any given Sunday" line.
That's the only thing I see that could derail what should be a victory for the Ravens, [b]the unknown slop factor. [/b]
[/quote]

Yep, just like last year when Stokely had that tipped ball he ran in for a TD and the win?

[XxSizzleXx]

Let's hope our running game gets rolling on this one, either way I see Flacco having a great game.

[Jabara]

[quote name='Mick0311' timestamp='1286599146' post='502226']
Yep, just like last year when Stokely had that tipped ball he ran in for a TD and the win?
[/quote]
I have no idea what you are talking about.

[JohnJohnson]

[quote name='SnOoPy' timestamp='1286592752' post='502162']
I wanna see what Wilson can do! can't wait!
[/quote]

Josh Wilson is a kickoff returner, not a punt returner. It seems like I hear this a lot, it's not Parmele we have a problem with, it's punt returns. As long as we hold on to the ball and don't lose yards on punts it's fine with me. I don't like Zibby back there, just doesn't seem to be a good fit.

[Jabara]

[quote name='JohnJohnson' timestamp='1286599554' post='502233']
Josh Wilson is a kickoff returner, not a punt returner. It seems like I hear this a lot, it's not Parmele we have a problem with, it's punt returns. As long as we hold on to the ball and don't lose yards on punts it's fine with me. [b]I don't like Zibby back there, just doesn't seem to be a good fit.[/b]
[/quote]
He's been pretty banged up this year and I would think it hindered his returns. He does typically have sure hands which is a solid choice as opposed to someone from the practice squad.
I'd love to see Wilson return some kicks this week, but I assume he's too valuable to lose.
It's strange how bad our return game has been.
Well, it's not bad, it's just as good as we are used to having.
I guess you have to have a weakness somewhere.

[macbrak]

[quote name='Mick0311' timestamp='1286599146' post='502226']
Yep, just like last year when Stokely had that tipped ball he ran in for a TD and the win?
[/quote]

[quote]I have no idea what you are talking about. [/quote]
in the Bengals/Broncos game

[T-Sizz]

We are going to run the ball down their filthy throats.

[Jabara]

[quote name='macbrak' timestamp='1286640735' post='502361']
in the Bengals/Broncos game
[/quote]
oh.
I don't follow the Bengals or the Broncos.
Nothing but the Ravens here...

[flynismo]

Cant wait! Time to go take those ponies for a ride!!!38-13 RAVENS

[Ravenmore74]

There is going to be a lot of holding calls on Champ he is getting old. Boldin is going to burn him..

[flynismo]

Where's that #1 pass offense boys?

[Orange&Blue19]

Yeah. You killed us. Straight up. I don't know where the hell our football team is, but you are destroying us.

All I can hope for now is..... [i]<McDaniels>[/i] gets fired. I can't stand him and especially his STUPID play calling.

I think it is safe to say game is over, still time left, but I don't see our football team out there.

Soo for now, congrats......

[Orange&Blue19]

Woo hoo. At least we scored.

Hell of a strike from Orton to Lloyd though. That makes this [i]<butt>[/i]kicking a little bit better