Does Anyone Really Think This Team Is Ready For Week 1?

[ratedr]

I've gone on the record saying I think we'll win in [b]week 9[/b], and I still strongly believe that. But I honestly don't think we'll be ready for week 1. McKinnie said it himself, the OL will need 3-4 weeks to gel. Flacco still isn't completely in sync with his receivers, either. I think Jimmy Smith will end up being the best CB out of the 2011 draft, but it's asking a lot for him to be ready for Ben/Hines/Wallace and company from the start. I, frankly, don't expect him to be.

On the flip side, the Steelers didn't really lose anyone in terms of personnel, and their offense is looking better than ever. I don't think their D is as imposing as it once was, but that's just a matter of them being, say, the 3rd best defense instead of 2nd.

I'm already bracing myself, because I think the first few weeks of the season are going to be relatively disappointing.

I'd like to hear other opinions.

[Alexir]

Not overly concerned about it. Just the same amount of concern as any other time we play Pittsburgh. McKinnie is the only one that needs to Gel.

Grubbs and Yanda will be great. Yanda is back at his natural position. If Birk is truly healthy then I have nothing to worry about from him either, and I like our interior 3 versus Hampton and the others.

Oher is a natural Right Tackle. Don't care what Sandra Bullock or Tim McGraw say. That guy likes to hit people and block for running backs. So right there, 4 of 5 of our offensive line man are where they should be and if Healthy will help Joe and Ray a lot.

McKinnie will struggle but I am hearing that Harrison is not in football shape so he won't exactly be his 2008-2009 self. Plus we have Leach and Ricky there to keep Joe on his back if someone gets past.

I am not saying the Steelers defense will crumble against our line, I just don't see it being an onslaught on our line by their defense. Think both teams will win some in the trenches.

Evans and Boldin are better than any corner they have on their team. Period.

On Defense, their receivers are pretty fast so we will have to worry about that but Im not worried about our front 7 versus that makeshift offensive line.

Mendenhall toting the rock on 9/11 after the remarks he made in an away game at a rival stadium full of Fans that will be shouting "USA" everytime he gets a touch? Yeah, gonna put that up their with the infamous Ray Rice Text of things not to do to get Ray Lewis and company fired up.

[Whitty Hutton]

NOPE. Atleast not for the Steelers. If it was against a middle of the pack team i'd be confident

[PuRock]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1314981499' post='774385']
I've gone on the record saying I think we'll win in [b]week 9[/b], and I still strongly believe that. But I honestly don't think we'll be ready for week 1. McKinnie said it himself, the OL will need 3-4 weeks to gel. Flacco still isn't completely in sync with his receivers, either. I think Jimmy Smith will end up being the best CB out of the 2011 draft, but it's asking a lot for him to be ready for Ben/Hines/Wallace and company from the start. I, frankly, don't expect him to be.

On the flip side, the Steelers didn't really lose anyone in terms of personnel, and their offense is looking better than ever. I don't think their D is as imposing as it once was, but that's just a matter of them being, say, the 3rd best defense instead of 2nd.

I'm already bracing myself, because I think the first few weeks of the season are going to be relatively disappointing.

I'd like to hear other opinions.
[/quote]

Stop being Negative Nate and enjoy some football. RIght now its 0-0 and we are tied for the divisional lead. The Ravens and Steelers always play close games, no matter what the handicaps are. I expect more of the same next week.

While we have concerns. The Steelers have concerns as well. O-Line is in shambles (w/ injuries), CBs aren't very deep and Taylor is coming back from injuries, Harrison is apparently looking sluggish and their defense is aging as well.

It's all a wash and it will be another classic in the Steelers-Ravens rivalry

[Perfekt]

This game will be close but what game with them isn't. I really think some fans are way to concerned. Are we going to have a perfect season.... nope but we will be good. I think with the talent we have we should be just fine. My concerns are still the same as last years what the offensive game plan will be because I'm not trying to see another year of Cam ball.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1314982306' post='774406']

Stop being Negative Nate and enjoy some football. RIght now its 0-0 and we are tied for the divisional lead. The Ravens and Steelers always play close games, no matter what the handicaps are. I expect more of the same next week.

While we have concerns. The Steelers have concerns as well. O-Line is in shambles (w/ injuries), CBs aren't very deep and Taylor is coming back from injuries, Harrison is apparently looking sluggish and their defense is aging as well.

It's all a wash and it will be another classic in the Steelers-Ravens rivalry
[/quote]
I couldnt say it better myself. The Steelers are media darlings and yeah they have looked better on offense, but their Offensive Line is still in flux. Pouncey isnt 100% and their guards are underwhelming. Look for Ngata and Suggs to have monster games against them once again. ESPN loves to show Antonio Brown having a huge game against Atlanta, but frankly if Ben makes those throws against Ed Reed they are more likley Ints than TDs.

My only concerns are if McKinnie can get back into football shape by week 1 and is Lee Evans really injured.

[Purple Nurple]

I dont think we are ready but I dont think we will be crushed either. Close game as always methinks. Either team can win this one as usual.

[FlaccoFlicker]

Im a little nervous but always am on gameday.and when it's Pitt it's even more stressful!But remember to all you newer fans mainly.If we lose it isn't the end of the world.We have 15 more games...though I still see this board imploding.
I think we can win.I think this team thinks they can win.Can we just make sure Troy P. doesn't come in three times untouched again

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1314982306' post='774406']

Stop being Negative Nate and enjoy some football. RIght now its 0-0 and we are tied for the divisional lead. The Ravens and Steelers always play close games, no matter what the handicaps are. I expect more of the same next week.

[color=#FF0000][b]While we have concerns. The Steelers have concerns as well. O-Line is in shambles (w/ injuries), CBs aren't very deep and Taylor is coming back from injuries, Harrison is apparently looking sluggish and their defense is aging as well.[/b][/color]

It's all a wash and it will be another classic in the Steelers-Ravens rivalry
[/quote]

While this may be true, I hate to say it but in the pre-season games that I've seen them play, they look WAY more season-ready than we do at this time. So to answer the OP's original question, as of today we don't look ready to beat them.

[ratedr]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1314982306' post='774406']

Stop being Negative Nate and enjoy some football. RIght now its 0-0 and we are tied for the divisional lead. The Ravens and Steelers always play close games, no matter what the handicaps are. I expect more of the same next week.

[b]While we have concerns. The Steelers have concerns as well. O-Line is in shambles (w/ injuries), CBs aren't very deep and Taylor is coming back from injuries, Harrison is apparently looking sluggish and their defense is aging as well.[/b]

It's all a wash and it will be another classic in the Steelers-Ravens rivalry
[/quote]
The Steelers having a bad OL is not the same as us having a bad OL. Ben is actually better when the pocket collapses. Joe, on the other hand, is a prototypical pocket passer and needs good protection to succeed. Without it, he's toast. The Steelers' weak secondary won't matter if Flacco doesn't have enough time to throw.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1314983198' post='774444']

While this may be true, I hate to say it but in the pre-season games that I've seen them play, they look WAY more season-ready than we do at this time. So to answer the OP's original question, as of today we don't look ready to beat them.
[/quote]
We also havent fielded anything close to our starting Oline once all preseason. Flacco has looked good and is already locked in with Evans and Ray RIce has looked [i]GREAT. [/i]

[Alexir]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1314983198' post='774444']

While this may be true, I hate to say it but in the pre-season games that I've seen them play, they look WAY more season-ready than we do at this time. So to answer the OP's original question, as of today we don't look ready to beat them.
[/quote]

Forgot how Awesome they looked versus the Redskins...

They played 2 soft defenses and exposed them. Redskins are a pretty good defense and they struggled the whole game.

I am not worried about Pittsburgh above the normal amount of worrying I do because somehow we can't beat them when they are at their best and it annoys me because usually we are winning those games lol.

[PuRock]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1314983440' post='774452']
The Steelers having a bad OL is not the same as us having a bad OL. Ben is actually better when the pocket collapses. Joe, on the other hand, is a prototypical pocket passer and needs good protection to succeed. Without it, he's toast. The Steelers' weak secondary won't matter if Flacco doesn't have enough time to throw.
[/quote]

I would say that our O-Line is ofcourse something to be concerned about. It is an enigma. It could also prove to be very good come game 1. We just don't know. That's why they play the game. Anything could happen during Game 1, so I find it hard to be worried about it.

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1314983442' post='774453']
We also havent fielded anything close to our starting Oline once all preseason. Flacco has looked good and is already locked in with Evans and Ray RIce has looked [i]GREAT. [/i]
[/quote]

Not disputing anything you just said, but if you look at the pre-season performances of both teams, I feel they're farther along than we are as of today.

[PuRock]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1314983198' post='774444']

While this may be true, I hate to say it but in the pre-season games that I've seen them play, they look WAY more season-ready than we do at this time. So to answer the OP's original question, as of today we don't look ready to beat them.
[/quote]

I also see reasons why we should beat them. We now have a deep threat. Our starting O-Line (even though hasn't played together) is still better than what we've fielded against them last year. Rice is on a whole new level. Young guys are stepping up on D. We've added Leach.

Grass is green (or brown) on both sides. I'm not to worried about what the PS has shown.

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1314983547' post='774455']

Forgot how Awesome they looked versus the Redskins...

They played 2 soft defenses and exposed them. [color=#FF0000][b]Redskins are a pretty good defense and they struggled the whole game.[/b][/color]

I am not worried about Pittsburgh above the normal amount of worrying I do because somehow we can't beat them when they are at their best and it annoys me because usually we are winning those games lol.
[/quote]

I never said they looked awesome and if I recall correctly we struggled against the Skins also.

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1314983749' post='774460']

I also see reasons why we should beat them. We now have a deep threat. Our starting O-Line (even though hasn't played together) is still better than what we've fielded against them last year. Rice is on a whole new level. [color=#FF0000][b]Young guys are stepping up on D.[/b][/color] We've added Leach.

Grass is green (or brown) on both sides. I'm not to worried about what the PS has shown.
[/quote]

This is a concern of mine, our young corners going up against; Ward, Wallace, Young, and Emanuel.
You couldn't ask for a bigger test for our young CBs going against those receivers and a QB
who can extend a play when the pocket breaks down.

[PuRock]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1314983957' post='774466']

This is a concern of mine, our young corners going up against; Ward, Wallace, Young, and Emanuel.
You couldn't ask for a bigger test for our young CBs going against those receivers and a QB
who can extend a play when the pocket breaks down.
[/quote]

I agree its a tough matchup. That is why we must get the pass rush going early and often. Suggs is always red hot against the Steelers and he looks to be in top form again. Redding has been playing solid. Kruger is making plays. We need to take advantage of the Steelers O-Line being hobbled and new as well. Keep them from the long bomb.

[Raving_Heathen]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1314981499' post='774385']
I think Jimmy Smith will end up being the best CB out of the 2011 draft, but it's asking a lot for him to be ready for Ben/Hines/Wallace and company from the start. I, frankly, don't expect him to be.
[/quote]

Anyone who expects JS to come in immediately and be a Revis/Asomugha shutdown corner is insane. How many CBs in the NFL modern era have really been an impact player and difference maker their rookie year? Charles Woodson is the only person who comes to mind for me. And with how pass-happy the league has become over the last 7-8 years, CBs are always at a disadvantage now, especially press guys like JS. So I agree with you. I think JS's season will be up and down a lot this year. I just hope fans don't overreact to him having a bad game or two, even late in the year. Lardarius Webb was the best thing since sliced bread his rookie year, then he gives up some big plays the following season, and suddenly he was a bum in the eyes of some people. [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/eyes.gif[/img]

[AsianRice]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1314981996' post='774397']
Not overly concerned about it. Just the same amount of concern as any other time we play Pittsburgh. McKinnie is the only one that needs to Gel.

Grubbs and Yanda will be great. Yanda is back at his natural position. If Birk is truly healthy then I have nothing to worry about from him either, and I like our interior 3 versus Hampton and the others.

Oher is a natural Right Tackle. Don't care what Sandra Bullock or Tim McGraw say. That guy likes to hit people and block for running backs. So right there, 4 of 5 of our offensive line man are where they should be and if Healthy will help Joe and Ray a lot.

McKinnie will struggle but I am hearing that Harrison is not in football shape so he won't exactly be his 2008-2009 self. Plus we have Leach and Ricky there to keep Joe on his back if someone gets past.

I am not saying the Steelers defense will crumble against our line, I just don't see it being an onslaught on our line by their defense. Think both teams will win some in the trenches.

Evans and Boldin are better than any corner they have on their team. Period.

On Defense, their receivers are pretty fast so we will have to worry about that but Im not worried about our front 7 versus that makeshift offensive line.

[b]Mendenhall toting the rock on 9/11 after the remarks he made in an away game at a rival stadium full of Fans that will be shouting "USA" everytime he gets a touch?[/b] Yeah, gonna put that up their with the infamous Ray Rice Text of things not to do to get Ray Lewis and company fired up.
[/quote]
lmao....That would be cool!

[rlh445]

Without reading the original post, my answer is yes. Have a good day!

[codizzle]

Yea im nervous for this game cause we have so many new pieces but i know its a long season and we will be fine in the long run win or lose week 1..

With that said we still gonna win on the 11th

[ravensfan2430]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1314981499' post='774385']
I've gone on the record saying I think we'll win in [b]week 9[/b], and I still strongly believe that. But I honestly don't think we'll be ready for week 1. McKinnie said it himself, the OL will need 3-4 weeks to gel. Flacco still isn't completely in sync with his receivers, either. I think Jimmy Smith will end up being the best CB out of the 2011 draft, but it's asking a lot for him to be ready for Ben/Hines/Wallace and company from the start. I, frankly, don't expect him to be.

On the flip side, the Steelers didn't really lose anyone in terms of personnel, and their offense is looking better than ever. I don't think their D is as imposing as it once was, but that's just a matter of them being, say, the 3rd best defense instead of 2nd.

I'm already bracing myself, because I think the first few weeks of the season are going to be relatively disappointing.

I'd like to hear other opinions.
[/quote]

Our O line cant be too much worse week one then it was preseason weeks 1-3 and parts of last year. They dont need to play perfect to win, just need to be good on a couple of series and average on the rest.

[flynismo]

I understand the concerns...the lockout really hurt.

But although we have some big concerns heading into this game, so do the Steelers. The only threat they have on their OL is hurt, and Harrison appears to be far from 100% ready to go.

I guarantee Pit is worried about how their secondary will hold up, and if they will be able to generate enough of a pass rush to mask it with Harrison not being ready.

Just another day in the office..

[ellicottraven]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1314981499' post='774385']
I've gone on the record saying I think we'll win in [b]week 9[/b], and I still strongly believe that. But I honestly don't think we'll be ready for week 1. McKinnie said it himself, the OL will need 3-4 weeks to gel. Flacco still isn't completely in sync with his receivers, either. I think Jimmy Smith will end up being the best CB out of the 2011 draft, but it's asking a lot for him to be ready for Ben/Hines/Wallace and company from the start. I, frankly, don't expect him to be.

On the flip side, the Steelers didn't really lose anyone in terms of personnel, and their offense is looking better than ever. I don't think their D is as imposing as it once was, but that's just a matter of them being, say, the 3rd best defense instead of 2nd.

I'm already bracing myself, because I think the first few weeks of the season are going to be relatively disappointing.

I'd like to hear other opinions.
[/quote]

The way I am reading this is you are basically conceding week 1 to the Steelers. I don't see it your way at all. I think the Ravens or for that matter the steelers are going to be rusty in the first game.... I do believe the O-Line is going to hold up fine... With Yanda moving back to guard and Oher manning the right side, I feel the right side is pretty good for opening up running lanes... this is going to be a run-intensive game from the Ravens stand point and our defense is going to be able to stop the Steelers offense just enough for us to eke out a win. It won't be a pretty game, but we will win!

[bpytnjr58]

Pittsburgh has been fortunate schedule wise in playing elite teams early on and winning those games..I think if they would have played Atlanta later in the season last year the result may have been different. It will be another close game next week but i feel week nine the team will be 100% in sync. No predictions here for week one.

[berad]

What determines if they're ready? A win? A mistake-free game?

The Ravens will make mistakes in Week 1, Week 17, and beyond. It's football, it's life. I think they'll be ready to roll.

[Ravenseconbeast]

I think its about time Steelers ran out of their lucky charms.

[Ravenslifer]

We always seem to play the Steelers tough. We haven't really been blown out by them that I can remember in the Harbaugh/Flacco era. I don't see that changing much. It will be a physical, low scoring game. I'm hoping that Lee Evans and the young tight ends can be real difference makers and open things up for us more on offense. I will say this though. From what I've seen, the only way to really beat the Steelers is to throw the football a lot and spread them out. When the Pats beat the Steelers last year, Brady threw over 40 times and connected with at least eight different receivers, four of them at least 4 times. When the Packers beat the Steelers, Rodgers thew it 39 times and connected with eight receivers. The way I look at it, the Ravens always try to establish the run, and I don't think it works well against the Steelers at all. We have to throw the ball to beat them.

[ball hawkin 20]

I'm just praying. I'd cry in happiness if we won, which is all possible.