Ray Rice

[blitzking33]

I understand a runningback is supposed to have vision, skills, and patience. But is RR trying to be too patient this year? He doesn't seem to be exploding through the line and running through the small cracks like he was doing last year. It seems like he is jogging around behind the line waiting for a big hole that may never happen this year.

[Ed_Reed20]

There have been times when I haven't seen him a small crease and stutter step a bit too much but it's tough for a guy to change his running style, even if the line isn't blocking as well.

[purple.n.black]

Yanda no longer being in the middle has really hurt him. He waits for a hole to open up at times but a lot of times nothing opens up and he just falls fforward for a couple. It is either that or he can try to bounce it outside and get lucky for a pickup of a yard.

[Twoo]

Last year he put up 1339 yards rushing. Right now he's tracking 1185 yards for this season. I'd say Ray is playing just fine. Have to remember he's not getting the ball as much this year and our O-line isn't what it was last year either.

[True]

They should setup more screens for him. When he gets out in space with blockers in front of him, he's dangerous with the ball with all those nifty moves he makes to elude defenders and extend the play after catch.

[berad]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1291163298' post='555626']
They should setup more screens for him. When he gets out in space with blockers in front of him, he's dangerous with the ball with all those nifty moves he makes to elude defenders and extend the play after catch.
[/quote]

True, Rice does very well reading his blocks on those screen plays. The referees, on the other hand, stink at them.

[Jamal]

Rice has missed Gaither more than anyone else.

[True]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1291163640' post='555636']
True, Rice does very well reading his blocks on those screen plays. The referees, on the other hand, stink at them.
[/quote]
Ugh, I look at that holding call and just shake my head. Ref didn't want to hear Rich Eisens awesome Ray Rice saying.

[berad]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1291164340' post='555652']
Ugh, I look at that holding call and just shake my head. Ref didn't want to hear Rich Eisens awesome Ray Rice saying.
[/quote]

He was probably playing Rice in fantasy, easy call for him!

Seriously, that wasn't a hold. But, difference was, our coaches and players didn't throw a pre-school hissy fit at the referees, afterwards. They just played their game. That's admirable. In stark contrast to Raheem Morris crying after a reasonable D-PI call - the safety was arm-barring Housh or Talib throwing curse words at an official.

Some calls, though, need to be contested. I had no problem when John Harbaugh karate-chopped that ref.

[ravensfan160]

I've seen a lot more happy feet than last year. I don't think his reduced numbers (especially YPC) are all a result of the offensive line. That said, our o-line isn't run blocking very well at all.

[blitzking33]

I think people complimented him a little too much on being patient in the run vs New England last year that he shifted his whole mindset into waiting. It's kind of obvious he's not running with the same intensity as he was last year. I miss when he would just run thru the line and any small creases he sees.

[reediddy]

More emphasis on the passing game this year for obvious reasons but our OL is not playing well this year either. He will get a heavy dose this week no doubt

[HaX]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1291164553' post='555660']

Some calls, though, need to be contested. I had no problem when John Harbaugh karate-chopped that ref.
[/quote]
..lol!

[berad]

[quote name='HaX' timestamp='1291181691' post='555956']
..lol!
[/quote]

deserves another look..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbNx9SldD2k

Just as good!

[Radinho84]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1291181861' post='555960']
deserves another look..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbNx9SldD2k

Just as good!
[/quote]
lol
he is a killer!!!

[BloodRaven]

O-line, Gaithers absence has been huge. Chester, Moll and Cousins are just stopgaps at best.

[ml63440]

not having Yanda at right guard really does hurt. the two guards and center position are so important for running the ball. Yanda and Grubbs are two of the better pulling linemen in the league. We are also throwing more this year. Rice is still playing well he is quietly averaging 74 ypg on the ground. A lot of those huge runs that we have gotten from our RBS the past few seasons have come later in the season, and that portion of the year is coming now. So hopefully as defenses are beginning to wear down the long games will come.

[Gucciswag1]

Well as far as this past Sunday's game,regardless of the win,it could've been a blowout if the ref would'nt. called that bull crap call on #81......but we now have to face off with our ((arch nemesis)) THE STEELERS......we got to make them bleed our color blood.......PURPLE-LETZ GO RAVENZ

[H8R]

I have to say, the run blocking hasnt been as effective. I may be crazy but Ray looks like he may have gotten a little belly on him. Maybe it was just a weid angle at the game the other day.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='H8R' timestamp='1291206845' post='556043']
I have to say, the run blocking hasnt been as effective. I may be crazy but Ray looks like he may have gotten a little belly on him. Maybe it was just a weid angle at the game the other day.
[/quote]
I don't know about the belly comment but I'll say this. It seems like in certain games we've seen a lot more of McGahee, especially early, than we did last year. Last year McGahee was almost exclusively a goal line runner if I remember correctly. I think that says something about Ray's effectivness whether its his fault or not.

[RL52TheGreatest]

[quote name='Twoo' timestamp='1291160674' post='555586']
Last year he put up 1339 yards rushing. Right now he's tracking 1185 yards for this season. I'd say Ray is playing just fine. Have to remember he's not getting the ball as much this year and our O-line isn't what it was last year either.
[/quote]
Also, wasn't Rice battling a knee bruise for one or two games earlier in the season? Either way, what you said is correct. The Ravens are more of a passing team this year and aren't handing off to Rice as much as a result. Kind of hard to match what he did last year when he's not getting the ball as much. Add to that, Gaither missing the season and forcing changes on the O-line and you get a less effective run game.