MERGED: Loss To The Titans - General Observations

[lowrider]

Point one: People who are overly critical about Flacco for one game should be removed from the message board. Because obviously they didn't have a point last week so they didn't say anything about getting rid of Flacco last week.......

Point two: Everyone sucked. There is no way we can do this again.

Point three: I think it is time for Kindle to get some reps. We need another fast pass rusher. And Kindle deserves an opportunity.

Point four: Everyone sucked.

Point five: Cornerback injuries are catching up to us. And we really need Jimmy Smith to contribute this year.

[Kwothdaraven]

[quote name='wizard1' timestamp='1316401605' post='797613']
We will see next week in St. Louis. As much as I love my Ravens-we stunk up the joint. It was a total embarrassment. My guess is we are finally beginning to see the unraveling. For three years we have been making excuses for Flacco-saying he has nobody to throw to-that he has to mature, it's a this and it's a that. Well I for one am just tired of excuses. This team has been middle of the road since Flacco and Harbaugh came on board. Oh sure we get into the playoffs but last time I checked it's the other teams winning the Super Bowls. I am no longer content with these lackluster performances and hoping we somehow survive into the playoffs. I want a super bowl winner in Baltimore and I'm not going to get it with Flacco and this tumbleweed offense. JOE MUST GO!!!!
[/quote]

What? Look through flaccos last 16 regular season games and tell me who in this league has been better. Go ahead, ill wait. You will get to your ring figer before you can't come up with anyone else.

[Lawbrum]

I was at the game, and it was frustrating, but we will be fine. I did notice that Joe didnt take many shots down field. A lot of 10 yard out patterns. Of course the line had him running for his life. I would have thought some quick slants and screens to Rice would have slowed the Titans down, but it just didnt seem to happen. Britt is the prime example for why we needed a Jimmy Smith. Would have been nice to at least have him as an option out there. We re-group and get back to work and we should be fine. Its merely a speed bump on our way to the Playoffs.

[Kwothdaraven]

The most annoying part about our offense is that our wrs have 8 combined catches this season. That's pathetic. Cams offense is so boring

[scrock]

We got off some 45 plays...they had over 70..they controlled the clock on offense

Their leading tackler had 4 tackles...our leading tacklers were our two CBs..which is bad, u never want a CB with a lot of tackles..means our secondary was getting lit up

We shut down their run game...Chris Johnson had 24 carries for 53 yards...a 2.2 average...we didnt get any pressure on the QB and he had time to find the open guy and make the throws.. completely opposite of what we did, our D couldnt get pressure all day

its a team loss, both sides of the ball didnt play well..i look forward to next week and getting back in the win column

[JamesRules]

Some of you people don't have anything positive to say and act as if the franchise collapsed over one game. One game, and they all think the Ravens are set up to end the season 1-15. Has anyone ever heard of a bad game? Even the Patriots had one for when they played the Browns last year. Give it a rest.

[Fe Caprino]

What I was most concerned about was the complete lack of urgency and intensity. We cannot simply accept that a QB that plays good and has a quick release and a good game goes out there and beats us, because things didn't turn out right for us... I thought this game wasn't going to be easy, but it would be like the Bills or the Texans last year, when we didn't play great, but we could the W because we kept intense. I hope it was just a let down and we will build on from this.

[reediddy]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1316405189' post='797700']
We got off some 45 plays...they had over 70..they controlled the clock on offense

Their leading tackler had 4 tackles...our leading tacklers were our two CBs..which is bad, u never want a CB with a lot of tackles..means our secondary was getting lit up

[b]We shut down their run game...Chris Johnson had 24 carries for 53 yards...a 2.2 average...we didnt get any pressure on the QB and he had time to find the open guy and make the throws.. completely opposite of what we did, our D couldnt get pressure all day[/b]

its a team loss, both sides of the ball didnt play well..i look forward to next week and getting back in the win column
[/quote]

I guess we met our main goal coming into the game, other than winning of course. But that lack of pass rush was baffling. Hasselbeck, and any other good QB in this league, will rip us up if we can't solve that. Maybe throw in Kindle, maybe McPhee, but something has to happen on that front. Even when Pagano sent the blitzes we were stonewalled

[The Prestige]

[quote name='JamesRules' timestamp='1316405425' post='797709']
Some of you people don't have anything positive to say and act as if the franchise collapsed over one game. One game, and they all think the Ravens are set up to end the season 1-15. Has anyone ever heard of a bad game? Even the Patriots had one for when they played the Browns last year. Give it a rest.
[/quote]
EVEN the Patriots? Their defense has had back-to-back-to-back bad games.

These are my relaxed thoughts, as my opinion that the Ravens are the best team in the NFL hasn't changed.

[b]1. The Ravens needed this NOT BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO COCKY, but because Chuck Pagano needed to see which groupings struggled against a good line.[/b] They needed to see that - just like in the Houston game - the offense needs to sustain drives to keep the defense fresh and they needed to see that Lee Evans shouldn't be playing if he isn't near 100%. I'd like to see Pollard and Zbikowski blitzing more frequently. This loss was more on the offense not giving the defense rest, and not attacking deep and fast enough to nullify the Titans' pass rush.

[b]2. What was so great about the offense in the Steelers game? The protection was better but there was also at least one series of up tempo.[/b] As long as Cam Cameron wants to ignore what works for the best offenses - Packers, Patriots, Saints - and avoid "no huddle", spread and up-tempo, the offense will never take advantage of Flacco's great arm strength. As for Boldin not getting open, I can't see how they can't design plays where they catch him going laterally with a corner draped on him. He may not get as wide open as other receivers - and I'm personally not seeing anything bad on replays - and yet he is certainly not going to give up picks on throws in tight coverage.

[b]3. Fans of other teams need to chill out when calling the Ravens fans "whiners" for complaining about calls.[/b] First of all, mood should dictate whether someone is being petulant or not. The truth is, bad calls do happen in every game. However, there's nothing wrong with soberly pointing out - while also mentioning where the Ravens squandered opportunities and also mentioning where the Titans were good - where game-altering and game-deciding calls are. Sure, holding happens a lot, so I'm not upset that it didn't get called on the Ringer play. However, it's undeniable that effected the game. The same with the hook on Boldin.

The stereotype is that if you point out the missing PI committed on Pitta or the neutral zone infraction not called, that you are somehow acting like a baby. I'm friends with a Titans fan, I gave his team credit after it was over but he was surprised that I wasn't frustrated and sad as I was after the playoff loss. The fact is, I would much rather lose a game to a team where only a few new fixable weaknesses were exposed - DT size and depth, offensive line is still feeling things out - but the game would have been closer if not for a few calls, than to have a loss where I just know the other team is better and it makes me skeptical of a Super Bowl run. Before the draft, Jimmy Smith was my #1-rated defensive player. I think he'll improve this pass defense, too.

The way I look at it is that I still believe the Ravens are the best team in the NFL. Of all the things I dislike about the coaching, preparedness for a game after a loss is not one of them. The team plays with unrivaled intensity and energy after each one.

[JamesRules]

[quote name='The Prestige' timestamp='1316409492' post='797776']
EVEN the Patriots? Their defense has had back-to-back-to-back bad games.

[/quote]
It was just meant to be a point since those Patriots get off winning everygame somehow even when the other team seems to have the game in their hands(except in the playoffs, the Patriots always lose). Some teams don't matchup well against eachother, I'm sure it was a prime example today. I might be making excuses here. I don't know, I missed the game though I'm shocked the Ravens lost.

[Mick0311]

The biggest thing for me offensively was the lack of pace. Last week Joe was taking 3, and MAYBE 5 step drops and getting rid of the ball. The pace of the offense was very fast. Not no-huddle fast, but fast none the less. This week we appeared to try and let the routes develop a little more and the O-line showed some of their flaws. I'm convinced that Flacco just works better at a faster pace. I remember in his first year we ran the no-huddle against someone early in the year and I was shocked at how efficient he was. Last week, we were moving quick and he looked great. He didn't sit back and have to think it out, it looked all instinctive. I hope we pick up the pace more next week.

[berad]

[quote name='wizard1' timestamp='1316401605' post='797613']
We will see next week in St. Louis. As much as I love my Ravens-we stunk up the joint. It was a total embarrassment. My guess is we are finally beginning to see the unraveling. For three years we have been making excuses for Flacco-saying he has nobody to throw to-that he has to mature, it's a this and it's a that. Well I for one am just tired of excuses. This team has been middle of the road since Flacco and Harbaugh came on board. Oh sure we get into the playoffs but last time I checked it's the other teams winning the Super Bowls. I am no longer content with these lackluster performances and hoping we somehow survive into the playoffs. I want a super bowl winner in Baltimore and I'm not going to get it with Flacco and this tumbleweed offense. JOE MUST GO!!!!
[/quote]

No posts between Sept 10th (day before Steelers game) and yesterday (after Titans game). Wow.

And before the Steelers game you were predicting a blowout in their favor.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Every concern that we had before preseason (lack of pass-rush outside terrell suggs), secondary, O-line just came right back at us again. We looked like we are back to square one. It must not happen in Week2.

People like Paul Kruger/JJ/Pernell Mchpee NEEDS to step up and SHOW us something, ANYTHING.

Cary Williams did not look anything like he looked in preseason. Foxworth/Webb were both terrible.

Our O-line looked like the O-line of week1 vs. eagles on preseason. This time, Yanda/Oher/Levoir all stunk. YANDA, yes missed 2 blocks, and allowed a sack in 1st half.

Lee Evans of course is completely invisible for two weeks. If he has an nagging injury in week3, it's just not realistic for him to do any better than the first 2 against a dingy CB's of Steelers/Titans. He needs to completely rest and maybe come back to Jets game when we REALLY need him. Evans then, will be facing monsters like Revis/Cromartie. Having Evans in pain in worse condition than he is now wont help at all.

We also need to utilize other talents we found that were extremely successful in preseason. Please, for Rams game, bring in Doss and see what he can do. We still do not know what he has on regular season, and with David Reed/Evans banged up. Give the man a shot. Please..?

[1/28/01]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1316446591' post='798097']

No posts between Sept 10th (day before Steelers game) and yesterday (after Titans game). Wow.

And before the Steelers game you were predicting a blowout in their favor.
[/quote]
Yeah, that dudes a riot!! Can we check his IP?

[berad]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1316459940' post='798307']
Yeah, that dudes a riot!! Can we check his IP?
[/quote]

It's a mobile and, although I've been assured of his fanhood by himself, it's just a little suspicious. How do you skip out on the week after the Pittsburgh beatdown, it was one of the Ravens best regular season wins ever.

[latenighthero]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1316377385' post='796409']

Basically Finnigan left his man open twice. These things happen. When you have teams early on, you have no film. I think our goal should be to go 3-1 before the bye.
[/quote]
Yes but it's also conceivable to be 1-3 before the break. The Rams aren't a weak team and you will see that tonight. They are however a little banged up and that will be an advatage for us as well as them having a short week to prepare for us.

[Pitts200]

[quote name='Kwothdaraven' timestamp='1316402050' post='797624']

What? Look through flaccos last 16 regular season games and tell me who in this league has been better. Go ahead, ill wait. You will get to your ring figer before you can't come up with anyone else.
[/quote]

Um really?

As much as it pains me to say but no one is even on the same planet as Tom Brady and that includes Flacco.

[darklight1216]

I wonder why more teams don't use cover 2/ 4-3 defenses against Baltimore. It seems to be their kryptonite (after Roethlisberger and Manning).


[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1316469804' post='798546']

Um really?

As much as it pains me to say but no one is even on the same planet as Tom Brady and that includes Flacco.
[/quote]
Ain't that the truth. In his last 10 regular season games, Tom Brady has 10 wins, 10 straight games with passer ratings over 100, 29 touchdowns, and one interception.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1316469804' post='798546']

Um really?

As much as it pains me to say but no one is even on the same planet as Tom Brady and that includes Flacco.
[/quote]

I'll take aaron Rodgers everyday of the week. After that unfortunately I have to agree.

[wizard1]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1316446591' post='798097']

No posts between Sept 10th (day before Steelers game) and yesterday (after Titans game). Wow.

And before the Steelers game you were predicting a blowout in their favor.
[/quote]
I will be the first to admit I am a lousy predictor of final game scores. But that doesn't explain away yesterdays farce. I think it will take a loss to St. Louis to get you guys to see we are going nowhere fast. But there is something even more sinister going on here-cutting Jason Phillips and keeping Sergio Kindle are you kidding me? I'm not buying Harbs explanation for the field goal. That field goal was a total embarrassment -Bush League Bush League!!

[Pitts200]

[quote name='ArmyRaven52' timestamp='1316473641' post='798601']

I'll take aaron Rodgers everyday of the week. After that unfortunately I have to agree.
[/quote]

I'll agree but only because of the age factor.

But if you guys wanted to win one for Ray and Reed this year and had to pick, you'd have to lean towards Brady on your team, at least just for this year.

[wizard1]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1316469804' post='798546']

Um really?

As much as it pains me to say but no one is even on the same planet as Tom Brady and that includes Flacco.
[/quote]
Um I can name more than Tom Brady-How about Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers and now look at Stafford, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan. Give Joe Plenty of time in the pocket and he is a s good as anyone in the league but put pressure on him and he looks like he is lost. He is NOT going to take us to the promised land-EVER!

[Pitts200]

[quote name='darklight1216' timestamp='1316470059' post='798548']

Ain't that the truth. In his last 10 regular season games, Tom Brady has 10 wins, 10 straight games with passer ratings over 100, 29 touchdowns, and one interception.
[/quote]

Did you hear that on Colin this morning, I swear I heard that statistic this morning?

[darklight1216]

[quote name='Pitts200' timestamp='1316480525' post='798742']

Did you hear that on Colin this morning, I swear I heard that statistic this morning?
[/quote]
I read it in an article.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='wizard1' timestamp='1316479966' post='798729']

I will be the first to admit I am a lousy predictor of final game scores. But that doesn't explain away yesterdays farce. I think it will take a loss to St. Louis to get you guys to see we are going nowhere fast. But there is something even more sinister going on here-cutting Jason Phillips and keeping Sergio Kindle are you kidding me? I'm not buying Harbs explanation for the field goal. That field goal was a total embarrassment -Bush League Bush League!!
[/quote]
So wait...let me get this straight. You think Phillips is a good LB and Kindle shouldn't have made the team? Ha, okay, now I fully know you are just joking with everyone with your ridiculous rants and hatred for all things Ravens!

[omar586]

calm down people, its week 2, u dont win SB in weeks 1, or 2-17, we have 14 more games to improve and get better, all the ravens need to learn from this game is [i][b]how to adjust[/b][/i] during the game, thats all, people, dont forget the titans always plays us hard.

[Corvus]

My first and likely last thoughts on the game...

It all starts in the trenches and that is where we lost the battle on both sides. After stonewalling the Steelers lines last week, neither of ours showed up today, especially the o-line. Please tell me how 5 guys cannot pick up 4 guys all the time? Becausee 90% of the time the Titans only brought 4 (they are a 4-3 after all) and occassionally they even brought 3 and got good pressure (Flacco was sacked on a 3 man rush in the 3rd), VERY rarely did they bring a 5th guy and were able to drop 7 in coverage and take away everything by the way the game played out. They never show what the coverage looks like down the field so I don't know what Joe was seeeing the entire game, that first pick to Verner was a terrible throw by Joe though, he was underneath Lee's route the entire time. After a quarter or so, your o-coordinator should know what they're likely doing and start countering it with your own playcalling. It looked like one of the few things that worked was the RB screen pass, we should have seen several more of those called by Cam. That said, the o-line was the root of all offensive problems Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Titan's o-line was fantastic pass blocking, our 4 and 5 man rushs were immediately picked up, and deciding to play Kenny Britt so loose all game was just the nail in the coffin. Kudos to the Titans' front 4 though, they were the main difference in the game if you ask me. I hope our guys learned a lot from this game.

[RivenHale]

[quote name='Corvus' timestamp='1316519972' post='799037']
My first and likely last thoughts on the game...

It all starts in the trenches and that is where we lost the battle on both sides. After stonewalling the Steelers lines last week, neither of ours showed up today, especially the o-line. Please tell me how 5 guys cannot pick up 4 guys all the time? Becausee 90% of the time the Titans only brought 4 (they are a 4-3 after all) and occassionally they even brought 3 and got good pressure (Flacco was sacked on a 3 man rush in the 3rd), VERY rarely did they bring a 5th guy and were able to drop 7 in coverage and take away everything by the way the game played out. They never show what the coverage looks like down the field so I don't know what Joe was seeeing the entire game, that first pick to Verner was a terrible throw by Joe though, he was underneath Lee's route the entire time. After a quarter or so, your o-coordinator should know what they're likely doing and start countering it with your own playcalling. It looked like one of the few things that worked was the RB screen pass, we should have seen several more of those called by Cam. That said, the o-line was the root of all offensive problems Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Titan's o-line was fantastic pass blocking, our 4 and 5 man rushs were immediately picked up, and deciding to play Kenny Britt so loose all game was just the nail in the coffin. Kudos to the Titans' front 4 though, they were the main difference in the game if you ask me. [b]I hope our guys learned a lot from this game.[/b]
[/quote]

Right now, that's all that matters to me. Sometimes a loss is better than a win. Look at it this way: If I could have PICKED someone to lose to, the Titans would have been on the list. They aren't in our division, and they probably aren't going to be in the playoffs - so we likely aren't going to see them again.

As long as we grow from it (and with guys like Harbaugh, Lewis, Reed, and Joe on our team, we probably will) then I can stomach the loss.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='latenighthero' timestamp='1316469486' post='798537']
Yes but it's also conceivable to be 1-3 before the break. The Rams aren't a weak team and you will see that tonight. They are however a little banged up and that will be an advatage for us as well as them having a short week to prepare for us.
[/quote]

I know we can go 1-3. But the goal is 3-1.