[Merged] Jimmy Smith & Cary Williams (Week 2 Preseason)

[jdynamite]

I felt that Cary Williams showed up strong in the preseason last year, but never saw action on the defense in the regular season when we were shuffling corners in out the lineup. I think the suspension did hurt his chances of playing too.

It's nice to see Cary get some PT hope he continues to improve, so that we can have depth and potential at cb position.

Jimmy smith really plays tight man to man, but I want to see how his awareness is if he was covering like a Reggie Wayne, double move see how Jimmy turns and reacts with a great route runner...

[jdynamite]

I'm glad to see Cary williams get a chance to play now, because the last 2 offseasons I was really on Williams and kj Gerard ( no longer with team) bandwagon because I kept reading about them making plays at practice. While I'm watching frank walker r Fabian wash, make errors.

Webb seems like he is dominately a zone corner when he is at the 1 r 2, so he gives a up a lot of cushion underneath, but he is a sure tackler. In his rookie year he seemed like more of natural playmaker driving in and locating balls to make swats or int attempts. ( I had hopes of him being Duane Starks 2.0 ).

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='jdynamite' timestamp='1314000738' post='759605']I felt that Cary Williams showed up strong in the preseason last year, but never saw action on the defense in the regular season when we were shuffling corners in out the lineup. I think the suspension did hurt his chances of playing too. It's nice to see Cary get some PT hope he continues to improve, so that we can have depth and potential at cb position. [b]Jimmy smith really plays tight man to man, but I want to see how his awareness is if he was covering like a Reggie Wayne, double move see how Jimmy turns and reacts with a great route runner[/b]...[/quote]

Good point, a lot of corners say they prefer to cover big physical guys over explosive route guys because it's easier to land a jam on bigger receivers. Reggie Wayne would be a real litmus test.

[magna481]

I like both guys. I just wish we still had wilson.

[Radinho84]

[quote name='magna481' timestamp='1314157190' post='762060']
I like both guys. I just wish we still had wilson.
[/quote]
so do i, bro!!

[B Reb]

Wilson is gone and we are better now. If Wilson stayed he would have been a dimeback halfway through the season to fox and Jimmy with Carr in slot. we Also would've never got to see Cary if Wilson was hear running with the ones with Jimmy Plus I saw in the first preseason game Pitt vs wash Wilson got burned deep twice to Wallace.

[D_UP]

From my timeline on twitter the Raven insider Aaron Wilson reporting Cary Williams has won starting cb position.
"Cary Williams starting isn't a secret based on how he played and how he was utilized in preseason. He earned this shot."

[RavenousBG]

These two look to be on a course where they will end up on the field together. It may not be week one, because I think Jimmy needs a little more polish, a little more awareness. Once he gets good at locating that ball, he is going to blast off. I think C Williams is ready to make his move and start. He will get better with start time. I think these two guys are a big part of our future

[Ravensfan23]

Seems like both Fabain Washington and LeRon McClain still have a lot of interest in whats going on here in Baltimore, based on their tweets.



[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=RavensInsider"]RavensInsider[/url] @[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=LeRon_McClain44"]LeRon_McClain44[/url] The guy has really improved, and you can't teach size, range.



[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=LeRon_McClain44"]LeRon_McClain44[/url] @[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=RavensInsider"]RavensInsider[/url] I been saying C. Williams should of been starting. Great corner..

[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=RavensInsider"]RavensInsider[/url] @[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=FABEWASH31"]FABEWASH31[/url] Yeah, Cary has worked really hard. How you doing down there? Sorry to hear about you going on IR.

[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=RavensInsider"]RavensInsider[/url] @[url="http://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=LeRon_McClain44"]LeRon_McClain44[/url] They are really deep at corner this year. How are you liking KC? You hit Jack's Stack Barbecue yet?

That's from Aaron Wilson account.

[Ed_Reed20]

I'm really looking forward to seeing how Cary performs as a starter. He's turned quality performances in the pre-season two years running, and has finally gotten his chance.

[The Black Bird]

[quote name='D_UP' timestamp='1315189631' post='777404']
From my timeline on twitter the Raven insider Aaron Wilson reporting Cary Williams has won starting cb position.
"Cary Williams starting isn't a secret based on how he played and how he was utilized in preseason. He earned this shot."
[/quote]That's good news.. he clearly outperformed our other corners and deserves a starting spot.

[mhead66]

PFT just put out an article that says Jimmy Smith & Cary Williams will start at CB, and Zbikowski will start alongside Reed.

Just remember, it is PFT... [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/05/ravens-set-to-debut-new-secondary-against-steelers/"]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/05/ravens-set-to-debut-new-secondary-against-steelers/[/url]

[Ravens Beast]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1315282681' post='778590']
PFT just put out an article that says Jimmy Smith & Cary Williams will start at CB, and Zbikowski will start alongside Reed.

Just remember, it is PFT... [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[url="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/09/05/ravens-set-to-debut-new-secondary-against-steelers/"]http://profootballta...ainst-steelers/[/url]
[/quote]
I actually want Pollard starting opposite Reed. Other than that I'm happy.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Ravens Beast' timestamp='1315283404' post='778599']
I actually want Pollard starting opposite Reed. Other than that I'm happy.
[/quote]
I'm pretty sure most do, but I think the jury's still out... and I don't think PFT knows what the coaches have decided. They throw stuff out there and see if anything sticks...

It's a matter of Pollard being the heavier hitter & better blitzer vs. Zibby (perhaps) being better at coverage... At least that was my assumption going into preseason.

[Natty Boh]

[quote name='magna481' timestamp='1314157190' post='762060']
I like both guys. I just wish we still had wilson.
[/quote]

Would be nice to still have Josh Wilson but the money he got from the Redskins was money the Ravens probably weren't prepared to offer him.

[PuRock]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1315305755' post='778649']
I'm pretty sure most do, but I think the jury's still out... and I don't think PFT knows what the coaches have decided. They throw stuff out there and see if anything sticks...

It's a matter of Pollard being the heavier hitter & better blitzer vs. Zibby (perhaps) being better at coverage... At least that was my assumption going into preseason.
[/quote]

Since we are going with the youth movement at CB, it is only wise to start Zibby. As much of a fan I am of Pollard, we need to hedge our bets in the secondary. We'll still see plenty of Pollard this game.

[H8R]

I hope they're wrong about Zibby starting... All he this preseason is push guys from behind after that made it to the sticks or to the endzone. He's too damn small IMO, not physical enough to be a solid SS. I think Zibby lost a good bit of bulk to get into boxing shape.

So, is Chris Carr Healthy now????? Is he going to be the 3rd corner? Pittsburgh runs a LOT of 3wide 4wide/bunch/flex whatever you want to call it.

[Free Agent]

I really like Cary Williams and Jimmy Smith starting at CB, but I want Pollard to start next to Reed. We need to assemble the most physical defense possible to face the Steelers.

[mhead66]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1315317902' post='778735']

Since we are going with the youth movement at CB, it is only wise to start Zibby. As much of a fan I am of Pollard, we need to hedge our bets in the secondary. We'll still see plenty of Pollard this game.
[/quote]
I think you're right. Pollard is very popular here, much more so than Zibby - and for good reason, he plays violently, and intimidates. However... I agree with you - neither RR or Mendenhall will rush for many yards. The Steelers won't drive up & down the field running the ball - the danger is the passing game, of the young kids they've got at WR. And, whether the fans like it or not, Zibby (IMO) is better at coverage, at least from what I've seen. Both will play, but on passing downs, I'd bring in Zibby.

[colljb9]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1315317902' post='778735']

Since we are going with the youth movement at CB, it is only wise to start Zibby. As much of a fan I am of Pollard, we need to hedge our bets in the secondary. We'll still see plenty of Pollard this game.
[/quote]

just with the youth movement, Pollard is only 26 so im not sure why you say it is only wise to start Zibby. But i agree pollard should start, he is a lot better in coverage then the reputation he had coming into baltimore. I know zibby probably is better in coverage, and with our newfound aggression with Pagano, which i love, we will need guys that can cover. That being said i just think pollard is the better whole package and deserves to start with reed. Zibby has started before, and every single review i read about him is that he filled in for reed. Never have i heard he overly impressed, was the player of the game on defense, or had a direct impact to a win. Pollard has started for 4 years and i think we give him at least the first chance to start and adjust from there

[PuRock]

[quote name='colljb9' timestamp='1315344976' post='779232']

just with the youth movement, Pollard is only 26 so im not sure why you say it is only wise to start Zibby. But i agree pollard should start, he is a lot better in coverage then the reputation he had coming into baltimore. I know zibby probably is better in coverage, and with our newfound aggression with Pagano, which i love, we will need guys that can cover. That being said i just think pollard is the better whole package and deserves to start with reed. Zibby has started before, and every single review i read about him is that he filled in for reed. Never have i heard he overly impressed, was the player of the game on defense, or had a direct impact to a win. Pollard has started for 4 years and i think we give him at least the first chance to start and adjust from there
[/quote]

Meant youth movement at the CB position not safety. Meaning that our young CBs guys will need some support in the pass defense category. I agree that Pollard gets a bad rap for poor coverage since he was on a team with no CB support. But Zibby is still better in that department mostly because of his size. The Steelers have some fast quick receivers.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1315345291' post='779247']

Meant youth movement at the CB position not safety. Meaning that our young CBs guys will need some support in the pass defense category. I agree that Pollard gets a bad rap for poor coverage since he was on a team with no CB support. But Zibby is still better in that department mostly because of his size. The Steelers have some fast quick receivers.
[/quote]

Also for what it's worth, when he played the Steelers in the second '09, Zibby picked Ben off in the last few minutes and returned the ball into FG range. It was nullified by a classic Frank Walker penalty (this time it was BS), but it could have won us the game.

He'll be playing SS this time but it's nice to know he has a good track record against Pittsburgh.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1315344264' post='779212']
I think you're right. Pollard is very popular here, much more so than Zibby - and for good reason, he plays violently, and intimidates. However... [b]I agree with you - neither RR or Mendenhall will rush for many yards[/b]. The Steelers won't drive up & down the field running the ball - the danger is the passing game, of the young kids they've got at WR. And, whether the fans like it or not, Zibby (IMO) is better at coverage, at least from what I've seen. Both will play, but on passing downs, I'd bring in Zibby.
[/quote]

I wouldn't so sure about that. While I'm not a guy that puts a huge stock into preseason numbers, I revert back to last preseason and the ugly trend I saw.

Last preseason, I saw teams have a good deal of success running the ball against the Ravens starting defense. Now at the time I was just like, hey it's the preseason, guys are working on new things, he'll be back to being dominate once the regular season starts.

Well as we know, once the season started, the Ravens had issues with run defense.

Now fast foward to this year's preseason. I saw the Steelers 1st and 2nd team defense get pushed around a lot in the running game this year. Like not because of a new scheme but pushed around to the point where they just looked like they got stuck on blocks and didn't look like the Steelers run defense.

Now I'm not saying we are primed to rush for 100 yards against them, although Rice was the last guy to do so against them. However, I would not be at all surprised if the Ravens had some success early on, just enough to allow us to push the ball down field.

I actually think the Ravens will be able to run the ball enough to be balanced and that will go a long way.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1315346207' post='779277']

I wouldn't so sure about that. While I'm not a guy that puts a huge stock into preseason numbers, I revert back to last preseason and the ugly trend I saw.

Last preseason, I saw teams have a good deal of success running the ball against the Ravens starting defense. Now at the time I was just like, hey it's the preseason, guys are working on new things, he'll be back to being dominate once the regular season starts.

Well as we know, once the season started, the Ravens had issues with run defense.

Now fast foward to this year's preseason. I saw the Steelers 1st and 2nd team defense get pushed around a lot in the running game this year. Like not because of a new scheme but pushed around to the point where they just looked like they got stuck on blocks and didn't look like the Steelers run defense.

Now I'm not saying we are primed to rush for 100 yards against them, although Rice was the last guy to do so against them. However, I would not be at all surprised if the Ravens had some success early on, just enough to allow us to push the ball down field.

I actually think the Ravens will be able to run the ball enough to be balanced and that will go a long way.
[/quote]
I hear ya', and I saw Hightower run it down their throats in the Skins game - and it was the first team D. IF that holds up, then that would be huge in shifting the balance. If we can run, all bets are off, and it wil only help set up Evans on the fly

But RR had 20, 32 and 32 yards in the three games last year. I think they'll run him - especially with Leach leading - this year - but I'd be surprised if he gets 75 yards.

With the new kickoff rule, teams will (frequently) have to go 80 yards, which - short of big plays - means 6-8 first downs to get a TD. Pittsburgh had lousy kickoff STs, so this change helps them, and their D is built to keep everything in front, not allow big plays, and make a team get all those first downs to score.

As a result, if on half of the 6-8 series', teams get the run shut down, you will have 3-4 2nd + 3rd and long.. which is where their pass rush comes in. The key to their D is to stop the run on first and/or 2nd down, and put teams in that position.

I'd rather see Cam open it up, and use the pass to set up the run - keeping their LBs & Polamalu off the DLine, playing back more, to respect the pass. Then, RR can get some rushes, or screens.

[wayne]

I want Pollard to be the starter too and yea, the bad rep of him being able to cover comes with being on bad defensive units. If Pollard doesn't perform like they think he will, always have Zibi and Naku in the cut ready to fill in the starting duties.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1315347570' post='779318']
I hear ya', and I saw Hightower run it down their throats in the Skins game - and it was the first team D. IF that holds up, then that would be huge in shifting the balance. If we can run, all bets are off, and it wil only help set up Evans on the fly

But RR had 20, 32 and 32 yards in the three games last year. I think they'll run him - especially with Leach leading - this year - but I'd be surprised if he gets 75 yards.

With the new kickoff rule, teams will (frequently) have to go 80 yards, which - short of big plays - means 6-8 first downs to get a TD. Pittsburgh had lousy kickoff STs, so this change helps them, and their D is built to keep everything in front, not allow big plays, and make a team get all those first downs to score.

As a result, if on half of the 6-8 series', teams get the run shut down, you will have 3-4 2nd + 3rd and long.. which is where their pass rush comes in. The key to their D is to stop the run on first and/or 2nd down, and put teams in that position.

I'd rather see Cam open it up, and use the pass to set up the run - keeping their LBs & Polamalu off the DLine, playing back more, to respect the pass. Then, RR can get some rushes, or screens.
[/quote]

Yea I hear ya. Maybe its the Raven fan in me, but I think back to 09 when we actually had a oline that could move people off the LOS. In 09' RR rushed for totals of 88 and 141 against the Steelers with a 4.6 yard average.

Last year our oline couldn't move a high school team off the LOS.

So I guess the question becomes, which oline shows up Sunday at 1pm?

As far as the approach, i actually think we'll open it up with the pass. If you look at our approach the last 2 seasons, we've actually had success throwing the ball early against the Steelers.

In the last 2 home games vs the Steelers Flacco has passed for 289 yds 1 TD 100.9 passer rating (09) and 266yds 1TD 88.7 passer rating (10). Not sure what that means for this game, but I like that trend.

I've mentioned how I like the number of bunch formations we ran this preseason and I think that will be our game plan.

The Steelers defense is all about creating confusing for the offense. Well the bunch formations is our way of fighting fire with fire.

Between the bunch formations and 2TE sets, I think the Ravens will be able to keep those LBs and Safeties on their heels just enough for us to take advantage of the big play down field.

I really can't explain it, but, I feel extremely confident about this Sunday's game and the Offense is the reason.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1315347609' post='779319']
I want Pollard to be the starter too and yea, the bad rep of him being able to cover comes with being on bad defensive units. If Pollard doesn't perform like they think he will, always have Zibi and Naku in the cut ready to fill in the starting duties.
[/quote]

I think Pollard will play so much, that it'll seem like he is the starter anyway.

I expect Chuck to attack that Steelers offense by being physical on the outside with man coverage, and blitzing Ben heavy.

Those Steelers WRs are fast, but not very physical. Both Cary and Jimmy have proven to be physical tacklers so far, and Pollard is a beast.

So I think the plan will be to get the ball out of Ben's hand as quick as possible, and make sure physical tackles. Hopefully grounding those fast WRs and making them frustrated.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1315351799' post='779422']

Yea I hear ya. Maybe its the Raven fan in me, but I think back to 09 when we actually had a oline that could move people off the LOS. In 09' RR rushed for totals of 88 and 141 against the Steelers with a 4.6 yard average.

Last year our oline couldn't move a high school team off the LOS.

So I guess the question becomes, which oline shows up Sunday at 1pm?

As far as the approach, i actually think we'll open it up with the pass. If you look at our approach the last 2 seasons, we've actually had success throwing the ball early against the Steelers.

In the last 2 home games vs the Steelers Flacco has passed for 289 yds 1 TD 100.9 passer rating (09) and 266yds 1TD 88.7 passer rating (10). Not sure what that means for this game, but I like that trend.

I've mentioned how I like the number of bunch formations we ran this preseason and I think that will be our game plan.

The Steelers defense is all about creating confusing for the offense. Well the bunch formations is our way of fighting fire with fire.

Between the bunch formations and 2TE sets, I think the Ravens will be able to keep those LBs and Safeties on their heels just enough for us to take advantage of the big play down field.

I really can't explain it, but, I feel extremely confident about this Sunday's game and the Offense is the reason.
[/quote]
Yep, the OLines of each team will decide the winner - barring a flurry of turnovers on either side.

The Steelers are weak at OLine, as usual - but Roethlisberger is difficult to contain & take down. Our OLine is a huge unknown - sure, Grubbs, Yanda & Oher are money, but both Birk and Gurode's knees are questionable, and McKinnie... well, we'll find out if he returns to his '09 level.

But who can protect their QB will determine who wins, IMO.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1315352635' post='779442']
Yep, the OLines of each team will decide the winner - barring a flurry of turnovers on either side.

The Steelers are weak at OLine, as usual - but Roethlisberger is difficult to contain & take down. Our OLine is a huge unknown - sure, Grubbs, Yanda & Oher are money, but both Birk and Gurode's knees are questionable, and McKinnie... well, we'll find out if he returns to his '09 level.

But who can protect their QB will determine who wins, IMO.
[/quote]

I think you hit that one on the head.

I think a lot of people are down on our oline right now and see them as a problem.

I don't view them that way. I view them more as a question.

A problem is something that needs to be fixed in order to maxiumize the potential success of the situation.

A question is just something that is yet to be answered.

The Ravens have a really big, strong and talented oline, the question is how will those guys play together.

Well we've seen the success of Oher and Yanda on the right side. We've seen the success of Yanda and Birk working together. We've seen how well Birk and Grubbs can work together. So the biggest question is McKinnie.

Well the LT position is one that's played on an island anyway, so an out of shape McKinnie has to handle an out of shape Harrison.

I don't think this oline can play any worse then last year, and the Ravens were the only team to hold a tie or lead in the 4th quarter of every game. So even with a poor oline, the Ravens were still in position to win every game, included the 3 against Pit.

IF and that's a nice size IF, but if the oline can protect Joe and give Rice, Ricky and Leach just enough room to run. I think the Ravens will make a huge statement on Sunday, and not just because of a win, but the fashion in which the game is won.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1315354189' post='779463']

I think you hit that one on the head.

I think a lot of people are down on our oline right now and see them as a problem.

I don't view them that way. I view them more as a question.

A problem is something that needs to be fixed in order to maxiumize the potential success of the situation.

A question is just something that is yet to be answered.

The Ravens have a really big, strong and talented oline, the question is how will those guys play together.

Well we've seen the success of Oher and Yanda on the right side. We've seen the success of Yanda and Birk working together. We've seen how well Birk and Grubbs can work together. So the biggest question is McKinnie.

Well the LT position is one that's played on an island anyway, so an out of shape McKinnie has to handle an out of shape Harrison.

I don't think this oline can play any worse then last year, and the Ravens were the only team to hold a tie or lead in the 4th quarter of every game. So even with a poor oline, the Ravens were still in position to win every game, included the 3 against Pit.

[b]IF and that's a nice size IF, but if the oline can protect Joe and give Rice, Ricky and Leach just enough room to run. I think the Ravens will make a huge statement on Sunday, and not just because of a win, but the fashion in which the game is won.[/b]
[/quote]
Wouldn't that be nice! No more squeaked out, 3 point, last-minute wins. A statement game, a win by 17 points, would silence the critics, energize the fan base, build confidence and show the national media that we're serious contenders...

Like you said, it's up to the OLine and limiting turnovers.