Is Anybody A Little Nervous Because It's Flaccos First Monday Night And Away Game?

[ravensgirlx88]

I have to say, Im confident going into week 4,steelers didnt look like anything special agianst the browns OR the eagles.. Ben always has his face in the dirt. BUT is anyone else maybe a LITTLE nervous that this is Flaccos first monday night AND first away game?.. I have confidence in him 100% wacco for flacco.. BUT I wonder if he understands JUST how important this game is for us..

[EXEravenforlife]

i think we will be fine if we establish the running game, manage the clock and flacco cuts down on the turnovers.

[Ravensman5220]

We don't rely on Flacco to win us games. We rely on the best defenses in the NFL and a rushing attack that pounds people into submission. All Flacco has to do is manage the offense and just don't make the mistake that will kills us.

[blackbandana]

lol ya i think flacco will have some mistakes but i realy am extra confident that we will win this one... just because of the fact that their O-line is a mess and i know rex ryan will exploit It. After taking 8 sacks from the eagles and having ben get injured ive seen all over steeler forums that the fans acually fear us and the steelers might acually let leftwich play in this next game. ++

the only problem i see us having is how we should establish our running game im geussing we are just going to mix plays up with alot of playing action and moslty run plays with mclain and willis getting busy.

(oh and im sure they will never forget the game when the big guy in the number 57 jersey demolished their star QB )

[Ravensman5220]

I wish people would take a little bit of a deeper look at Flacco's prefofmance to see what is really going on. I am sure that everyone is a little on edge because he threw 2 picks yesterday but you have to understand what went on with each one. The first one was on Flacco. It was a mistake alot of quarterbacks make especially rookie quarterbacks. He starred down his 1st receiver (Heap) and did not read the zone correctly and backer followed his eyes to the football. His second read was open on the play. The second pick was on Cam. It was a trick play that took to long to develop and by the time Flacco went to throw the receiver was to far down the field and Flacco couldn't lead him. Should Joe have thrown it probably not but it amounted to a punt so no harm.

What you might not have noticed is that one of Cam's favorite plays so far this season is the double move on the outside. He sets it up early and often going to the deep dig/hitch baiting the corners to jump it and then springs the pump fake and double move on them. What looked like Flacco's 3rd interception should have really been his 1st NFL touchdown if it wasn't for a holding call. It was set up and executed to perfection and Mason would have strolled into the endzone if it wasn't for the holding.

So don't worry about Flacco. He's a rookie and he will make some mistakes but Cam doesn't get tricky or ask Flacco to do to much until they get close to or past the 50 yard line.

[theFRANCHISE]

Ever since Joe Flacco got the start in Week 3 of preseason against the Rams and showed marked improvement from the first two games, I circled Week 4 of the regular season against the Steelers, in Pittsburgh, on Monday Night Football, as his national coming out party.

This is the night where he can show the nation why he was drafted 18th overall. [b]This is the night where the nation can see that Baltimore has an offense, and that the Ravens have found their QB of the present and future.[/b]

[b]This is the night where Flacco[/b], in the biggest game of his young life, in the city where he was cast off in favor of Tyler Palko, where this journey to Delaware and then the NFL draft all started, [b]can make the biggest statement of his rookie season, short of winning a divisional title or winning a Super Bowl.[/b]

To set this stage against the defending division champion Pittsburgh Steelers, arguably the Ravens' most hated rival, is like something out of a movie. For it to be televised on Monday Night Football, where the nation is watching, is even greater.

It's the battle of two physical football teams that have, for the past few years, been mirror images of one another. And now, it's time for one of those teams to separate itself from the other to claim first place in the AFC North. [b]And for the Ravens, it's a chance to possibly wrap up the divisional title before the halfway point of the season is even reached.[/b]

[b]I am not afraid of Flacco failing in this game.[/b] Should the Ravens not pull off the upset, it's not of great consequence, as the Ravens will still be 2-1 in the division while the Steelers will not play another divisional game until Week 7 and will therefore remain tied for divisional wins until that week.

But should the Ravens go 3-0 in the division, they will not get a chance to go 4-0 (and essentially wrap up the division title) until Week 9 in Cleveland. But considering how dysmal Cleveland and Cincinnati have been, it is unlikely that neither team will be able to adversely affect the Ravens' AFC North title run, if Baltimore can just pull out the win on Monday night.

[b]All it takes is one more win, and the job is nearly halfway done.[/b]

[Redreed]

I'm not really really nervous. I am pumped.

It's a total revenge game for our defense. Trust me, these guys want to embarrass the Squeelers on national TV, much like they did to us last year. Plus, it will be a real barometer of where we are as a football team. First road game, best team we've played so far, nation spotlight, revenge game, early division lead on the line, not to mention it is the ******ing ****tsburg Squeelers, hated rival.

Should be fun. Can't be any worse than last year.

[bossman419]

i want to see smarter shots down field... establish the run then unleash the play action. no more garbage flea flicker stuff, run deep routes and give flacco a chance to bomb the steelers secondary. hes got ice in his veins, he will be okay

[rayvenfan_52]

I am looking at this game as revenge for our Defense. I seriously want "Ketchup" Ward lying on the field in pain. After what he did to Reed and Scott. Im sorry but I seriously with this dude gets what he has done to our guys. Then we'll see if hes smiling on the field or not.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='67772' date='Sep 22 2008, 04:35 PM']I am looking at this game as revenge for our Defense. I seriously want "Ketchup" Ward lying on the field in pain. After what he did to Reed and Scott. Im sorry but I seriously with this dude gets what he has done to our guys. Then we'll see if hes smiling on the field or not.[/quote]

I'll say that this is more of a [i]redemption[/i] game for our defense than a revenge game. If we go into this game planning on taking shots and all the guys who wronged us last year then we're going to lose focus on the true goal of winning the game. The best revenge is to beat these Steelers and hurt them where it hurts the most . . . on the scoreboard where everyone can see it.

[K-Dog]

Yes I am nervous.

Not worried, but nervous.

[POE]

I have not been nervous for this kid at all so far. Not even when he threw those two picks Sunday. Now if that would have been Boller or McNair I would have almost turned over and croaked but Flacco has this way about him that is calming. Even the team around him looks more confident, it is really amazing to me. Even though he may have bad games he just seems he will get over them and come back even stronger. It has also seemed that he is getting better and more confident the more time he gets behind center. Keep it cool, calm and collective Joe..go out and make us proud!!!

[ravensfan2430]

NO.


Excited

[RavensJeff]

I'm excited but very nervous about because of his first interception and that fumble in the red zone. Mistakes like that with the steelers could cost us the game.

On the other hand Flacco has a very calm demeanor and has been very impressive for a rookie. Making some big passes on big downs. Even though his stats don't show it he has been good at managing the game. He and Cam seem to have this offense going in a good direction. Instead of the short routes of the billick era now we actually take shots and complete passes over 10 yards.

GOOOO FLACCO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tiz]

[quote name='POE' post='67803' date='Sep 22 2008, 06:05 PM']I have not been nervous for this kid at all so far. Not even when he threw those two picks Sunday. Now if that would have been Boller or McNair I would have almost turned over and croaked but Flacco has this way about him that is calming. Even the team around him looks more confident, it is really amazing to me. Even though he may have bad games he just seems he will get over them and come back even stronger. It has also seemed that he is getting better and more confident the more time he gets behind center. Keep it cool, calm and collective Joe..go out and make us proud!!![/quote]


The first drive of the Mcnair era here in Baltimore consisted of an 80 yard scoring drive against Tampa. Because of that I was never really nervous that season knowing that we had his poise at QB. The come back against SD further cemented that. Right now I'm feeling the same as I did the year before Mcnair got here in that you hope that a lucky play by an opposing team doesn't give them that one score they need to put the game just out of reach for our offense.

Because we have not had the type of offense that could put up points in bunches I am almost always nervous going into the fourth quarter knowing that we are relying on our defense to win the game. We play very aggressive on defense which means that a lucky play by an opponent can lead to a score as we will be out of place defensively.

[Ravenoid]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='67743' date='Sep 22 2008, 06:19 PM']I have to say, Im confident going into week 4,steelers didnt look like anything special agianst the browns OR the eagles.. Ben always has his face in the dirt. BUT is anyone else maybe a LITTLE nervous that this is Flaccos first monday night AND first away game?.. I have confidence in him 100% wacco for flacco.. BUT I wonder if he understands JUST how important this game is for us..[/quote]
he'll be OK as long as he doesn't forget his teddy. Can you say "Sarcasm."

[slugz]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='67743' date='Sep 22 2008, 05:19 PM']I have to say, Im confident going into week 4,steelers didnt look like anything special agianst the browns OR the eagles.. Ben always has his face in the dirt. BUT is anyone else maybe a LITTLE nervous that this is Flaccos first monday night AND first away game?.. I have confidence in him 100% wacco for flacco.. BUT I wonder if he understands JUST how important this game is for us..[/quote]
im looking for this game to be won by our offense beacuse rashard mentorundownthehall is a marked man who might cough up the ball twice with a forever fo sure pick by Reed and i say bout either the same amount of sacks as the eagles or more and i'll offense will have the ball alot so its up to them to play that steelers D and beat them

[Ravnet]

I'm kind of weary about this quarterback that we've wanted for so long to "manage" games. Wasn't Kyle Boller supposed to do that? Steve McNair was brought in to let the defense do all the work as well. Just look at our playoff loss to the Colts: our defense held the prolific Indianapolis offense to 15 points, yet we lost the game. You can insert any quarterback that we have had post Trent Dilfer and say that his only job was to manage the game. Even though our defense is still a top caliber unit, we will never again have anything like we did in 2000; no longer can you have the leader of the team be a guy who completes the ball 15 times whilst simply trying not to mess up. For us to be a truly competitive team, you need Flacco to establish a passing attack so that this team isn't so one dimensional.

[macbrak]

I can't say that I don't want (or the Ravens don't need) Flacco to take the next step and develop a more explosive offense, but give him time to learn.

Anything I've seen shows that Flacco seems to be the type of person not to get worked up by opposing fans or MDF Lights.

[TXRaven]

Not really... even if he does have a few miscues our defense will bail him out just as they have done for every other QB that has taken a snap in the Black and Purple. Of course he does not have to win the game just manage it and minamize turnovers.

[Ravens52]

[quote name='Ravnet' post='69086' date='Sep 28 2008, 02:48 AM']I'm kind of weary about this quarterback that we've wanted for so long to "manage" games. Wasn't Kyle Boller supposed to do that? Steve McNair was brought in to let the defense do all the work as well. Just look at our playoff loss to the Colts: our defense held the prolific Indianapolis offense to 15 points, yet we lost the game. You can insert any quarterback that we have had post Trent Dilfer and say that his only job was to manage the game. Even though our defense is still a top caliber unit, we will never again have anything like we did in 2000; no longer can you have the leader of the team be a guy who completes the ball 15 times whilst simply trying not to mess up. For us to be a truly competitive team, you need Flacco to establish a passing attack so that this team isn't so one dimensional.[/quote]

Don't forget that those 15 points were field goals....

Gah! I'm so mad about that game.

[kazzatfu]

[quote name='TXRaven' post='69096' date='Sep 28 2008, 07:54 AM']Not really... even if he does have a few miscues our defense will bail him out just as they have done for every other QB that has taken a snap in the Black and Purple. Of course he does not have to win the game just manage it and minamize turnovers.[/quote]

I do agree with this, but at some point in time, he will have to take the next step and win it. That will be the proverbial crossroads as to whether he will be an elite quarterback or just another starter.

P.S. I am always nervous before every game I watch, anything can happen...

[march4superbowl]

I think Flacco will have a breakout week and impress. Then the media will praise him and we can all have something to smile about

[Macadamia]

Pound the rock, keep "Big Benched" on his back, and force their rookie RB to cough up the ball a couple times. Ravens win and Flacco's performance becomes mostly a non-issue.

I'm also looking for Figurs (if he's healthy) or Leonhard to return a kick for a TD.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

the key to not being nervouse is know cam has demolished the steelers in almost every meeting he has had with them , he will use flacco and the running committee to get them on the ropes and if a mistake does happen ray and the boyz of the ravenouse D can step up and show ben what his predicessor saw before he came in that fateful game in pittsburg when we knocked maddox out and ben came in. now its time to focus fans because they need us anyone venturing into heinze field I say good luck thier fans are not the nicest in the league anyone at home watching I suggest if you are religious pray before kick off that we dont hurt thier players too bad this one could get nasty 2 smashmouth teams and the # 1 and 2 def going at it, but the downside for thier D possibility of no polamalu because last report I heard he got an injury in practice this week. is anyone READY for SOME FOOOOOOOOTTTTTTTBBBBAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!


We are a Plague upon thier Defense, They will score NEVERMORE!

[neepo13]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='67743' date='Sep 22 2008, 06:19 PM']I have to say, Im confident going into week 4,steelers didnt look like anything special agianst the browns OR the eagles.. Ben always has his face in the dirt. BUT is anyone else maybe a LITTLE nervous that this is Flaccos first monday night AND first away game?.. I have confidence in him 100% wacco for flacco.. [b]BUT I wonder if he understands JUST how important this game is for us..[/b][/quote]

I'd rather he didnt think this game was so important. I'd rather he approach this as just another game. Calling the game important adds pressure to make plays and we end up with bonehead plays like the ones Boller used to make.

[neepo13]

[quote name='Ravnet' post='69086' date='Sep 28 2008, 02:48 AM']I'm kind of weary about this quarterback that we've wanted for so long to "manage" games. Wasn't Kyle Boller supposed to do that? Steve McNair was brought in to let the defense do all the work as well. Just look at our playoff loss to the Colts: our defense held the prolific Indianapolis offense to 15 points, yet we lost the game. You can insert any quarterback that we have had post Trent Dilfer and say that his only job was to manage the game. Even though our defense is still a top caliber unit, we will never again have anything like we did in 2000; no longer can you have the leader of the team be a guy who completes the ball 15 times whilst simply trying not to mess up. For us to be a truly competitive team, you need Flacco to establish a passing attack so that this team isn't so one dimensional.[/quote]

I think the thing you havent factored in was playcalling. I dont blame that loss to the Colts on anyone but Brian Billick. So far, Cam Cameron has done a great job at coaching this offense. Calling plays that work to the strenght of our personal and not being afraid to let the defense win the games. We can win with a QB just managing the game, if the coaches call the right plays.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='march4superbowl' post='69106' date='Sep 28 2008, 11:16 AM']I think Flacco will have a breakout week and impress. Then the media will praise him and we can all have something to smile about [/quote]
WHEN Flacco does have his breakout game, not sure it will be Monday night, I wouldn;t count on him getting too much love from the media! If he does have his breakout game on monday night, the media will say it was due to injuries on the Steelers side of the ball, the weather or any other excuse they can come up with as to how the Ravens won the game they weren;t supposed to win!

GO RAVENS! LET'S GO FLACCO

[r.lewis52]

hell ya im nervous i dont kno wut to expect from Flacco it could go good or bad u neva now until he is out there