Have We Re-Found Our Identity?

[bdravens]

This was the first time this year that our running game has been existent, and look where it got us. We beat the defending super-bowl champions, who were rolling for 6 straight weeks. Not hating on our passing game, because it got the job done most of the time it needed to. I don't think its a coincidence that our first real, signature win of the year comes on the same day that our running game was revived.

[theFRANCHISE]

I think this whole thing about having an identity is overrated. There's nothing that dictates one must specialize in one area or the other to win a game. Rather, a team that can win with any method -- whether it's on the ground, through the air, with defense, or with special teams -- is the team that is most primed for a Super Bowl trip.

[VA_Fan]

I think Ray Rice said it best after the game when asked the same question. He said that "there is a team identity and if we have to run it 50 times or pass it 50 times to win then so be it". I think we may be seeing a new era in Baltimore. Now it's a what ever it takes attitude which I for one am excited about. I have never been a real stats guy so the Win is all that I need.

[wayne]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1292805765' post='581214']
I think this whole thing about having an identity is overrated.[B] There's nothing that dictates one must specialize in one area or the other to win a game. Rather, a team that can win with any method -- whether it's on the ground, through the air, with defense, or with special teams -- is the team that is most primed for a Super Bowl trip.[/B]
[/quote]
In a perfect world, I would agree with you but every team has some form of identify and they base alot of what they do around that. Running the football should still be our focal point but if teams stack 8 in the box to try and stop our identify , makes it much easier for other faucets of our game to open up.

[bdravens]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1292805765' post='581214']
I think this whole thing about having an identity is overrated. There's nothing that dictates one must specialize in one area or the other to win a game. Rather, a team that can win with any method -- whether it's on the ground, through the air, with defense, or with special teams -- is the team that is most primed for a Super Bowl trip.
[/quote]
I get where you're coming from, but what I kind of meant was that our running game has been our base for years, and we got away from that up until today it seemed like.

[Ed_Reed20]

Like Franny said, the emphasis on having an identity is overrated. I just want to see this team put up points regardless of the situation. Today's result was great but the offense could and should have salted game away on their second-to-late possession but it didn't happen.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='bdravens' timestamp='1292806163' post='581225']
I get where you're coming from, but what I kind of meant was that our running game has been our base for years, and we got away from that up until today it seemed like.
[/quote]

They didn't. The team has run the ball more this season than they did last season but holes simply weren't being opened nor were RBs ripping off big runs.

I'll agree there have been numerous situations where Cam passed when a run would have been the conventional thing to do but overall, the offense has tried to pound the rock a lot this season.

[McBoller]

I agree, "identity" is an overused cliche. Its right up there with "killer instinct"

You play as hard as you can and hope the coaches make the right calls to give you the best chance to win. I was sooooo happy the saints let off the throttle a little. I think it could have been ugly had they stayed in the spread the rest of the game.

[JoeCool#5]

Sad thing is we have been running the ball all season. Just never to this effectiveness. Welcome Back Running Game. Glad to see them pulling their weight. The OL finally got push off the LoS today and Rice is all the difference. Happy to sight to see.

[ravensdfan]

[quote name='bdravens' timestamp='1292805253' post='581196']
This was the first time this year that our running game has been existent, and look where it got us. We beat the defending super-bowl champions, who were rolling for 6 straight weeks. Not hating on our passing game, because it got the job done most of the time it needed to. I don't think its a coincidence that our first real, signature win of the year comes on the same day that our running game was revived.
[/quote]

You take what the defense is giving you. Period. This "identity" stuff IMO is what cost us a few of our losses. "Run first" blah blah blah. If the run is working, you stick with it until it no longer is working. Then you have to change the plan. And that is where we failed in our losses. We did not change the plan. Tonight, we did. When they stuffed the box to stop the run, we took advantage. We called more screens tonight. Also, I think the O line shuffle helped a lot. The protection was better and those gaps opened up which they hadn't been so far this season. We've all been doing some Coordinator bashing this season so let's give some credit where it is due tonight. Cam and Mattison had good game plans coming in and made adjustments where necessary in the 2nd half.

[Sugar Ray]

its all about finishing. we have not been finishing our games the past few weeks. and tonight we actually shut them down. i think thats where they are coming from with all the identity talk. finding who we are as a defensive team. the offense has been decent. but the defence has been struggling. and now that it seems we are back on track we can actually become a balanced team. good on both sides of the ball. as long as we have a plan, and actually follow it through the entire game, i think we can go places.

[flynismo]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1292806075' post='581221']<br />In a perfect world, I would agree with you but every team has some form of identify and they base alot of what they do around that. Running the football should still be our focal point but if teams stack 8 in the box to try and stop our identify , makes it much easier for other faucets of our game to open up.<br />[/quote]


We got Flacco, Boldin, Mason, TJ, Stallworth, Heap and an inconsistent defense ... if we insist on having an "identity", it should be a dominant pass game.

[jaege]

I am still hoping that we discover our identity is super bowl champs.

[JoeCool#5]

[quote name='bdravens' timestamp='1292805253' post='581196']
This was the first time this year that our running game has been existent, and look where it got us. We beat the defending super-bowl champions, who were rolling for 6 straight weeks. Not hating on our passing game, because it got the job done most of the time it needed to. I don't think its a coincidence that our first real, signature win of the year comes on the same day that our running game was revived.
[/quote]
The passing game has carried the load for the offense. The running game has been piss poor at best all this year. Thank god for the passing game or we would be below .500 easy. Just glad its finally being productive. Lets hope the running game is not a one week wonder.

[AsianRice]

Our identity is screw stats, screw fame, screw media, and screw any other things except bringing home a W from now on.

[Ravens for life]

[quote name='bdravens' timestamp='1292805253' post='581196']
This was the first time this year that our running game has been existent, and look where it got us. We beat the defending super-bowl champions, who were rolling for 6 straight weeks. Not hating on our passing game, because it got the job done most of the time it needed to. I don't think its a coincidence that our first real, signature win of the year comes on the same day that our running game was revived.
[/quote]

So, we saw the last year success come back into our offense today with Ray Rice leading the way! The Ravens have added so many weapons and players that want the ball and Flacco has so much pressure to spread the ball around. Bottom line is we need to stick to what works with Ray Rice, because he is basically our Barry Sanders. After establishing the Ray Rice threat, then Ken Cameron needs to release Joe's ability to use the deep threat with Boldin, Mason, and so fourth. There has been this void in the offense this season that needed to be established. I like the use of Ray Rice on the short pass to set up defenses to play more in and safe and then let Flacco put his Rocket to use!

[CorvusCorax]

The thing that I really like is that we seem to be clicking at the right time. We just need to win these 2 games and we are into the playoffs.

[ravensfan160]

I know Rice had a great game rushing the ball statistically, however I'm not ready to say our problems running the ball are over.

First, I don't think the Saints are a top tier run stopping team. They don't have that one big guy in the middle that could really give our small interior line trouble. Also, if you take away Ray's 50 yard run he is right back to averaging around 3.5 YPC.

Sure, we got it done when we needed to which is great, but I'll withhold judgement until the end of the season. I would like to see duplicate performances against the Browns and Bengals first.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1292867559' post='581869']
I know Rice had a great game rushing the ball statistically, however I'm not ready to say our problems running the ball are over.

First, I don't think the Saints are a top tier run stopping team. They don't have that one big guy in the middle that could really give our small interior line trouble. Also, if you take away Ray's 50 yard run he is right back to averaging around 3.5 YPC.

Sure, we got it done when we needed to which is great, but I'll withhold judgement until the end of the season. I would like to see duplicate performances against the Browns and Bengals first.
[/quote]

Going into the game, the Saints were ranked 16th in the NFL in run defense and like you said, they don't have any big-time run stuffers.

Yes, taking away Rice's 50-yard scamper drops his average significantly but it was still a well-executed play on all parts. And Wills getting 53 yards on only 7 carries is further proof the running game was in a groove.

I agree with your final point.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1292805765' post='581214']
I think this whole thing about having an identity is overrated. There's nothing that dictates one must specialize in one area or the other to win a game. Rather, a team that can win with any method -- whether it's on the ground, through the air, with defense, or with special teams -- is the team that is most primed for a Super Bowl trip.
[/quote]

Agreed. You do what gives ur team the best chance to win.

[rlh445]

Baaaaaaaaaaaah to this identity stuff. Our identity is a team that will do what it has to to win games..not sticking a feather into one particular cap that the fans find great. Running is not our identity. Throwing is not our identity. Defense is not our identity. Winning games IS our identity. We've been doing that a lot this year, as we're 10-4. I'm tired of hearing about it, frankly. If we can win running the ball, I applaud. If we spend all game tossing the ball around, i applaud that too. If we did want to have an identity, it would have to do with throwing the ball because that's the league we're in and that's what can win games.

[FerrariFan87]

The only identity I care about is winning. Whether we've had to throw it or run it to win, we've been able to do both this year. I'm ecstatic that our running game stepped up, and I think this is only the beginning of what this offense can do. Play-action is going to play a big role on Sunday. Book it.

[omar586]

all i want for x-mas is the ravens to play like the did yesterday, we'll b all right

[Alexir]

Our identity right now is special teams....

[kagejb]

I guess Ray Rice was right when he said they get much more big plays on the ground when against a 4-3 defense rather than a 3-4 defense. That definitely helped us out.

[Kwothdaraven]

I think whats more important is that the ravens have shown that they can win passing or running ball. If the running game isnt going the we got a 95rated qb who can throw with anyone

[H8R]

Our Identity is that of a "WINNING TEAM" I'll take it.

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

I thought we could have taken advantage of play action more, especially on 2nd down. We just kept on running most of the time though!

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL' timestamp='1292883266' post='582113']
I thought we could have taken advantage of play action more, especially on 2nd down. We just kept on running most of the time though!
[/quote]

Isn't that what you've been clamoring for?

[AsianRice]

[quote name='OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL' timestamp='1292883266' post='582113']
I thought we could have taken advantage of play action more, especially on 2nd down. We just kept on running most of the time though!
[/quote]
I think you are contradicting with your name.

PS: Old school football is running into their throat....