Things Looking Better For Monday Night

[FerrariFan87]

As the big Monday Night game vs. the Steelers looms, two of their Pro Bowl players (one from each side of the ball) will be OUT. RB Willie Parker and NT Casey Hampton will be on the sidelines on Monday night, with a rookie RB (Mendenhall) replacing Parker and Chris Hoke replacing Hampton. With a beat-up Ben Roethlisberger as well, I am really starting to like our chances this Monday, BUT we better be ready and focused because it's still at Heinz Field where they are pretty much unstoppable...

[url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3604561"]http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3604561[/url]

[POE]

Wow that is unexpected. I would rather battle them while their at full strength then when they are all beat up, but what goes around comes around..we were all banged up last year when they owned us and they took that as bragging rights. Too bad.

[Raven07]

though that is a plus for us for our team, the Steelers still have a bunch of other guys out there whom can be or are potential play-makers, they still have Ward, Big Ben, Troy, .......a then some. So yes this is good news as far as a competition contest is concerned but to think that we'll just roll over them (which i truly they put a whoopin on them hehe > ) but i think we all should keep in mind of the fact that the Steelers still have players out there to play and they have replacement players in place for those injured starters, whom can come in and perform relatively well and can make plays if it was to come their way and if the were to make the rght decisions.

So we mustnt count on this early on Injury front news to assume that this contest will be a Ravens win because they have 2 injured starters, though it does help us, we mustnt loose focus and let our mind(s) wonder elsewhere, there still a game to be played, a contest in which i believe the Ravens have a very valid chance in winning but it will have to take a combination of things from all sides of the football, Offense, defense, and special teams in order to make it work to its fullest potential. Im sure that the 2 losses to the Steelers last season are fresh in our players minds, and you can bet that they'll use that fact as motivation, not only that but also play hard and fierce for their injured teammate Landry, the defense would surely not allow the opposing offense to march down the length of the football field with Landry back there, so you can bet they will do the exact same thing without landry with extra motivation behind the driving forces.

in order for this team to win this game at the end of the day, its going to take a combination of efforts, starting with the Offensive Line, whom over the past 2 games/weeks of the young season, have maintained their blocks and driven their man/men up off the ball, and out of the play, allowing a miniscule 1-2 total sacks versus the NFL's 3-4-5 and 6 sacks so far. The Offensive line must maintain their dominance at the line of scrimmage and keep things driving and afloat. Coupled with a healthy rotation of runnning backs with McGahee, McClain and Rice, its ever so crucial for our rushing attack to grind it out, wear them down and keep picking up those yards for first downs...moving down the field at a quick pace is all nice and flashy but it doesnt wear anyone down and it gives the ball to your opponent with a chance to go downfield and score, so with the way our offense is right now and with our powerful rushing attack displaying its dominance and wearing the defense don enough to make a difference...we lead the entire NFL in time of possession, so we also need to keep that trend going and going good.

Our Defense needs to maintain its stout playing ability and keep driving, keep hitting, keep forcing the opposition into those situations in which they must make plays while on the move, and requiring that quick decison process, a process that often times (as we all have seen) turn out for the offense, to be rather castastrophic. Maintaining a steady flow of pressure so that we can force those types of situations is also key, and one to which this defense will surely look to enforce, these Players want pay back, these Raven Players are out for blood for what the opposition did to us last season in any and all our contests this season, and so i believe a strong defensive showing to show up come game night. I would expect our secoondary to maintain its dominance and do their job(s) the proper way in which they continue to blanket the opposition's recivers and not allow the them to get open under any circumstances and pick up positive yardage. i would strongly think that Ryan will use various blitz packages and zone coverages in which to try to confuse the opposition and make them think one thing, then do the opposite and suprise them with a blitz and just bull rushing the Offensive line or dropping back 1-2 more lineman into coverage......confusion is a vital key in any game.

As far as our Special Team's point of attack goes for us, we need them to create and maintain a steady flow of returns (both kick off and punt) and keep those 30-40 yard (if not longer) returns in the Game plan. One aspect that will surely help that point of attack is the return of the Yamon Figurs, who's speed and vision will serve as a vital weapon in the game of field poessession for our offense to utilize.

[rayvenfan_52]

All I know is this evens out the playing field. They said we lost because of whatever last year during MNF. Now they can feel what we feel when they dont have everyone they need to get it done. Im gonna enjoy watching this game.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='67969' date='Sep 23 2008, 02:32 PM']Now they can feel what we feel when they dont have everyone they need to get it done.[/quote]

My thoughts exactly.

The only problem is, this gives the Ravens NO EXCUSE to lose this game.

But, this certainly makes the dynamic of Monday's game more interesting, and this is essentially an eye-for-an-eye.

[rayvenfan_52]

With this I believe our team will give em a loss at their precious Heinz field. Did they lost a home game on MNF yet? If no then this will be the one...

edit - the conditions look somewhat similar.

2007 2008
Trevor Pryce Casey Hampton
Steve McNair* Ben Roethlisberger* *Both were/will be playing injured
Chris McAllister Deshea Townsend

Thats not as much as we had. We had a lot more and at more key places then they have. So theyre actually lucky. I didnt feel like naming all of ours because it would be a crapload more then they have. This should be enough.

[Redreed]

Exciting, because my buddy says that Mendenhall is a good back, but has struggled picking up NFL pass protection schemes. Really? Someone better stay awhile after practice this week then.

Not exciting, because Eddie doesn't have his tackling form and you can tell he is struggling to get guys down (that missed arm tackle on the back up Browns back last week that went for a TD was the worst I've ever seen Ed look trying to tackle a guy) and Mendenhall is a load. Also, with Landry out, our SS will be a 5'10 185lbs. guy who isn't exactly known for big hits. So, I don't like that match up, but they may not even get Mendenhall past the DL all day.

Even if we lose, it is not the end of the world. We got alot of young guys, and our QB has never played a road game before, let alone gone into Heinz field on a MNF road trip. The offense may press early in this game. We can't fall behind early like we did last year.

As far as everything else goes. I don't care who is out there, for us or them, the game still counts towards the standings and everything else. Go Ravens.

[FerrariFan87]

Raven07, I never assumed a Ravens win was now guaranteed whatsoever, I am just pointing out the fact that w/o 2 Pro Bowl players at key positions for the Steelers, the Ravens have a better [i]chance[/i] just like Pitt did last year when WE were stricken with numerous injuries...

[rayvenfan_52]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='68000' date='Sep 23 2008, 10:27 AM']Raven07, I never assumed a Ravens win was now guaranteed whatsoever, I am just pointing out the fact that w/o 2 Pro Bowl players at key positions for the Steelers, the Ravens have a better [i]chance[/i] just like Pitt did last year when WE were stricken with numerous injuries...[/quote]

Whoa dude.. I think you forgot about something else to.

They have a couple of their other key players that will be playing with injuries... Lets name em

Ben Roethlisberger
James Farrior
Deshea something... their CB

thats pretty big if you ask me.

[Raven07]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='68006' date='Sep 23 2008, 03:32 PM']Whoa dude.. I think you forgot about something else to.

They have a couple of their other key players that will be playing with injuries... Lets name em

Ben Roethlisberger
James Farrior
Deshea something... their CB

thats pretty big if you ask me.[/quote]

yea lol i just couldnt name them off the top of my head, though ben is expected to play, though who knows how he'll perform or whether the injury will effect performance.

[Ravens52]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='68006' date='Sep 23 2008, 03:32 PM']Whoa dude.. I think you forgot about something else to.

They have a couple of their other key players that will be playing with injuries... Lets name em

Ben Roethlisberger
James Farrior
Deshea something... their CB

thats pretty big if you ask me.[/quote]

Deshea Townsend

Also, Is Polomolu injured? I think I'm just thinking of last season

[PuRock]

[quote name='Redreed' post='67998' date='Sep 23 2008, 03:25 PM']Not exciting, because Eddie doesn't have his tackling form and you can tell he is struggling to get guys down (that missed arm tackle on the back up Browns back last week that went for a TD was the worst I've ever seen Ed look trying to tackle a guy) and Mendenhall is a load. Also, with Landry out, our SS will be a 5'10 185lbs. white guy who isn't exactly known for big hits. So, I don't like that match up, but they may not even get Mendenhall past the DL all day.[/quote]

They should be testing the run game on the left side of the field all-day. The Steelers love running to the left. We should be effective in stopping the run for the most part, before it breaks into our secondary.

I'm not too worried about Rashard getting to the secondary. But if he does, knowing Reed (the ball hawk that he is), he's going to see if Rashard practiced/improved his holding onto the football skills.

We will need to watch the screen passes to him if we bring the blitz on a consistent basis. After watching us get burned on a 3rd and 9 for a TD, I'm a bit skeptical. We are going to need to mirror him with a linebacker, no flat protections from our CBs. Rashard can break a few tackles as you noted and we will need a linebacker as our first line of defense on the screens.

[Raven07]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='68000' date='Sep 23 2008, 03:27 PM']Raven07, I never assumed a Ravens win was now guaranteed whatsoever, I am just pointing out the fact that w/o 2 Pro Bowl players at key positions for the Steelers, the Ravens have a better [i]chance[/i] just like Pitt did last year when WE were stricken with numerous injuries...[/quote]


i never said you did, you jumped to that conclusion yourself lol i was just stating everything with noone in mind, just for everyone to see in general

[bossman419]

[quote name='POE' post='67961' date='Sep 23 2008, 12:59 PM']Wow that is unexpected. I would rather battle them while their at full strength then when they are all beat up, but what goes around comes around..we were all banged up last year when they owned us and they took that as bragging rights. Too bad.[/quote]yeah the ****ts burg fans are still getting off on how little ben torched our practice squad secondary last year so they should learn that stuff happens

[Troy SmiTH Xx]

Look for the Steelers to air it out more. With a Rookie RB getting his first start this season against one of the best run defenses in the league, the running game won't be much of a factor for them. But also remember that our pass defense is immensely improved. First in the league against two very good pass offenses. Still going to be a tight one. But I still see us squeezing out of Pittsburgh with a win.

[r.lewis52]

ya i think this will be a battle but we will pull through. their running game is not goin to do to good with our defence playin like they are now. we have a better defence then phillie has and they were doing what we would be doin in a game against them. i think roethesberger is goin to be injured by the time were done with him

[PuRock]

[quote name='Troy SmiTH Xx' post='68034' date='Sep 23 2008, 03:29 PM']Look for the Steelers to air it out more. With a Rookie RB getting his first start this season against one of the best run defenses in the league, the running game won't be much of a factor for them. But also remember that our pass defense is immensely improved. First in the league against two very good pass offenses. Still going to be a tight one. But I still see us squeezing out of Pittsburgh with a win.[/quote]


I would doubt that. The Steelers have issues with their OL, that was even apparent in the Browns game. In order to counter this, they will need to turn to their running & short pass game.

If they do turn to their passing game, they are in for a long game. Mendehall's pass protection is weak, our DB's are playing in great form and us throwing masked blitz packages at them all day, I can't see how they will turn to their pass game (at least the long pass).

I am looking for them to try and establish their run game. And also counter our blitzes with screen passes and flats. They will bring in Mwelde Moore and work him in with screen passes.

Their number one objective is to get rid of the ball quickly. They do not want Ben sitting back in the pocket during this game it only spells disaster.

[bmorefan80]

This is going to be a great defensive game. I don't see much happening on either sides of the ball on offense. There will be a bunch of 3 and outs in this game.

My prediction of the outcome is determined which team commits the most turnovers, is the team thats going to win. I strongly think that it will be us, considering their will be non-stop pressure on Worthlessburger.

Oh, and Hines Ward is going to get JACKED UP too! I'm sure he knows it too...

I'm giving Ben to the third quarter and he will be taken out of the game. They pay him the big bucks but get rid of his O.line, LOL.

[#1 D]

to bmorefan80, i hope Hines Ward's teeth get knocked out of his mouth and his dope smile gets wiped out when we manhandle their offense and torture their defense. Rock on, RAVENS!!!

[mcgaheewillrunyourassover]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='67954' date='Sep 23 2008, 12:27 PM']As the big Monday Night game vs. the Steelers looms, two of their Pro Bowl players (one from each side of the ball) will be OUT. RB Willie Parker and NT Casey Hampton will be on the sidelines on Monday night, with a rookie RB (Mendenhall) replacing Parker and Chris Hoke replacing Hampton. With a beat-up Ben Roethlisberger as well, I am really starting to like our chances this Monday, BUT we better be ready and focused because it's still at Heinz Field where they are pretty much unstoppable...

[url="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3604561"]http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3604561[/url][/quote]

ok...do you really lack that much confidence in our team that we need 2 of their players out to win...seriously

willie parker has like 100 career yards against the ravens
willis will run wild though,with no casey hampton
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29094&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2006&week=REG16"]http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=2909...&week=REG16[/url]

uh unstoppable? last time we were healthy we did that
and we are healthy now

[Ravens52]

[quote name='mcgaheewillrunyourassover' post='68123' date='Sep 23 2008, 06:52 PM']ok...do you really lack that much confidence in our team that we need 2 of their players out to win...seriously

willie parker has like 100 career yards against the ravens
willis will run wild though,with no casey hampton
[url="http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29094&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2006&week=REG16"]http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=2909...&week=REG16[/url]

uh unstoppable? last time we were healthy we did that
and we are healthy now[/quote]

What was the score of those 2 games one time? 58-7?

[bmorefan80]

The only thing Parker could do against the Ravens is help pass block for Ben. I'm sure that is what they expect Rashard to do too. Like Tomlin said, there main focus is to help protect Ben.

Again this is a rookie back and he will make mistakes against our D He better be studying our tapes now, because he will have no idea where the blitz will be coming from. Poor Worthlessburger.

Heres a sample of what to expect [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHIXQzY-TEw"]Click Me![/url]

[Corvus]

I personally think this is pretty big for us. With Hampton AND Keisel out, hopefully our offensive line will be able to manhandle their defensive line and make some big lanes for McGahee, McClain, and Rice. And with Willie Parker out, maybe we can help restore Mendenhall's "fumblitis." Poor kid is not gonna know what to do when he sees Ray, Ngata, Pryce, Scott, Suggs, Bannan and Johnson barreling at him.

[rayvenfan_52]

[quote name='Corvus' post='68135' date='Sep 23 2008, 02:24 PM']I personally think this is pretty big for us. With Hampton AND Keisel out, hopefully our offensive line will be able to manhandle their defensive line and make some big lanes for McGahee, McClain, and Rice. And with Willie Parker out, maybe we can help restore Mendenhall's "fumblitis." Poor kid is not gonna know what to do when he sees Ray, Ngata, Pryce, Scott, Suggs, Bannan and Johnson barreling at him.[/quote]

If I probably saw all 7 of those guys Id throw the ball backwards.

[EdReedisthebestsafetyeva20]

Were they ever looking bad? Our rush offense is amazing and our defense.... well its Baltimore lol. We are killing it right now and Jim Leonhard looks good. I say we should dominate and we can probly put up some points if we look at the eagles game and find some mistakes. I say we are gonna win 20- 7

[Ravensman5220]

I don't like the fact that parker and hampton aren't playing. I wish they were playing because I think we can beat them at full strength. The steelers don't scare me. I don't know why everyone is so worried about them. All you got to do is line up and punch them in the mouth. Thats exactly what philly did. Does anyone think that philly is a tough physical team. Not really. But they out physicalled pitt. So I say play parker and hampton. Hell play lambert, bradshaw and harris for all I care. Ray Ray will knock out the rest of lamberts teeth.

Count on this we will dominate the steelers. The players aren't going to forget what the steelers did to us last year on primetime. Expect a good old fashion beat down.

[#1 D]

[quote name='EdReedisthebestsafetyeva20' post='68138' date='Sep 23 2008, 07:37 PM']Were they ever looking bad? Our rush offense is amazing and our defense.... well its Baltimore lol. We are killing it right now and Jim Leonhard looks good. I say we should dominate and we can probly put up some points if we look at the eagles game and find some mistakes. I say we are gonna win 20- 7[/quote]
honestly speaking, this seriously reminds me of the 2000 season. dominating defense, with a dominating running game. only difference is that the run game is 3-Dimensional instead of 1-dimensional and our QB, who is already solid, can only get better. i can only see good things coming in the future.

[EdReedisthebestsafetyeva20]

yeah, and todd heap will warm up. But we need to get Yamon back so we can have that special teams game like we did in 2000 as well

[Ravensman5220]

[quote name='#1 D' post='68143' date='Sep 23 2008, 07:42 PM']honestly speaking, this seriously reminds me of the 2000 season. dominating defense, with a dominating running game. only difference is that the run game is 3-Dimensional instead of 1-dimensional and our QB, who is already solid, can only get better. i can only see good things coming in the future.[/quote]
The things that are similar about this defenses and that one is the physicality, the pressure on the quarterbacks and turnovers. That defenses was a base 4-3 and they ran mostly cover 2. They just beat teams will pure ability and physicality. You couldn't run that type of defense now in the NFL and expect to be that dominate. Our defense now is about getting pressure with exotic blitzes that don't require us to send everyone, getting to the ball punishing whoever is holding it and forcing turnovers and looking to score once we do.

By the way no matter what all the critics say that 2000 team was the best defense in NFL history.