Next Up: Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks

[T3rp]

I think Joe knows what he needs to do for this game and will get it done, maybe even 300+. We're all worried about another Jacksonville game but I just cant see it happening this week, especially with Seattles middle of the road pass defense. Granted though, I said the same thing before Jacksonville too...

[1/28/01]

[quote name='AmericanSatire' timestamp='1320886801' post='862311']
[size=3][font=comic sans ms,cursive]And the Cardinals.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=comic sans ms,cursive]It's not perfect, but as the Ravens organization carries on and it gathers more data, it should only get better at predicting scores. Right now, it's doing a fantastic job of just predicting wins-losses. Takes a lot of work to keep it up to date however.[/font][/size]
[/quote]
Yeah, overlooked the Cardinals game (ha, as did the Ravens). Keep up the good work

[AmericanSatire]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1320886950' post='862317']
Yeah, overlooked the Cardinals game (ha, as did the Ravens). Keep up the good work [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png[/img]
[/quote]
[size=3][font=comic sans ms,cursive]The main reason it isn't predicting many games over a 7-point difference is because the Harbaugh-era is right inline with that.[/font][/size]

[size=3][font=comic sans ms,cursive]In 2008, Ravens outscored teams by an average of 9-points. In 2009, an average of 8-points. In 2010, an average of 5-points. And so far this year, they are outscoring teams by an average of 10-points. So, (9+8+5+10)/4, equals just 8.03-points on average for all four seasons.[/font][/size]
[right][i][size=3][font=comic sans ms,cursive](Another tidbit, on a "Points Forced vs. Points Allowed" scale; Harbaugh is the best coach the Ravens have had. Billick was up-and-down, his ten-year average was only 2.07-points. And don't get me started on Marchibroda; -2.5-points.)[/font][/size][/i][/right]

[mrwideout]

This is the ultimate trap game. This is the same game we`ve played and lost, 2 times already.

On the road in Seattle. This team has the same cover 2 defense that we have failed to produce 200 passing yards against in 2 tries. But it is better then the other 2. And has atleast 3 potential pro bowlers on it. They stuff the run better the other 2. They rush the passer better.

DE Chris Clemons. Only has 5 sacks. But he is third in the league in bringing pressure, with 26. That`s 9 more then Jared Allen and Demarcus Ware, the 2 league leaders in sacks.

DT Alan Branch is as good at stuffing the run as anybody in the league.

SS Kam Chancellour is making multiple mid season pro bowl teams.

They also have a number of other defenders that are playing really well.

Their run defense allow just 3,4 yards per carry. Same as the Ravens, and only the Bengals allow less. And with our bad O-Line, we`re below league average in rushing, so logic dictactes we would get less then that.

They don`t get alot of sacks, but neither does Jacksonville or Tennesee, and they seemed to do pretty well against us.

Im afraid we`re gonna see alot of Flacco standing in the pocket looking around, while we`re wondering what the F is going on. Are the reicevers not getting open? Is Flacco not seeing them? Who`s to blame Cameron or Joe Flacco? The doom threads are coming back next week, unless some things have changed.

This did not start with the Tennessee game. This happens every year when we play the Bengals and the Colts. So it`s been going on for a while.

[CalvinSmoke]

It's such a shame. We completely handle 3-4 defenses, because our offense see's on of the best of them every week in practice. But that Tampa 2 gives us problems. We have to attack those seems but it's obviously easier said then done, especially if the corners are allowed to bear hug our receivers like J-Ville did.

Our defense can win us this game if we shut down Marshawn Lynch. Can't let him "Put the team on his back dough"

[bmore187]

Ravens 20 Seahawks 10........

[Blex64]

[quote name='mrwideout' timestamp='1320887398' post='862323']
This is the ultimate trap game. This is the same game we`ve played and lost, 2 times already.

On the road in Seattle. This team has the same cover 2 defense that we have failed to produce 200 passing yards against in 2 tries. But it is better then the other 2. And has atleast 3 potential pro bowlers on it. They stuff the run better the other 2. They rush the passer better.

DE Chris Clemons. Only has 5 sacks. But he is third in the league in bringing pressure, with 26. That`s 9 more then Jared Allen and Demarcus Ware, the 2 league leaders in sacks.

DT Alan Branch is as good at stuffing the run as anybody in the league.

SS Kam Chancellour is making multiple mid season pro bowl teams.

They also have a number of other defenders that are playing really well.

Their run defense allow just 3,4 yards per carry. Same as the Ravens, and only the Bengals allow less. And with our bad O-Line, we`re below league average in rushing, so logic dictactes we would get less then that.

They don`t get alot of sacks, but neither does Jacksonville or Tennesee, and they seemed to do pretty well against us.

Im afraid we`re gonna see alot of Flacco standing in the pocket looking around, while we`re wondering what the F is going on. Are the reicevers not getting open? Is Flacco not seeing them? Who`s to blame Cameron or Joe Flacco? The doom threads are coming back next week, unless some things have changed.

This did not start with the Tennessee game. This happens every year when we play the Bengals and the Colts. So it`s been going on for a while.
[/quote]

The Cover 2 is a scheme. Every team in the league uses it at various points.

The issues we have with the Colts and Bengals (that showed up in the Tennessee and Jacksonville games) stem from a 4-3 with a solid 4-man rush when combined with a Cover 2. Our zone-stretch scheme is less efficient against 4-3's as well (we can't cut 2 of the linemen, something that wrecked the Steelers' front 3 so hard week 1 they thought we cheated).

Our Oline is substantially improved, and I think quite strong with Grubbs back. We only have a 2-game sample size, and both are against the Steelers, but we should be fine. Even if we have some offensive struggles, (I don't think we will, but if) the Defense should absolutely smash this game.

[CalvinSmoke]

[quote name='Blex64' timestamp='1320899251' post='862545']

The Cover 2 is a scheme. Every team in the league uses it at various points.

The issues we have with the Colts and Bengals (that showed up in the Tennessee and Jacksonville games) stem from a 4-3 with a solid 4-man rush when combined with a Cover 2. Our zone-stretch scheme is less efficient against 4-3's as well (we can't cut 2 of the linemen, something that wrecked the Steelers' front 3 so hard week 1 they thought we cheated).

Our Oline is substantially improved, and I think quite strong with Grubbs back. We only have a 2-game sample size, and both are against the Steelers, but we should be fine. Even if we have some offensive struggles, (I don't think we will, but if) the Defense should absolutely smash this game.
[/quote]
Speaking great knowledge there, i respect it.

[wayne]

Also, I'm sure those Seahawk teams we played when we barely won and lost, Hasselback was the QB and we have problems against him period so that has to be factor into the whole " we struggle our last few games " deal.

[Bmoreazfan]

Going into Seattle and coming out with a W is never an easy task IMHO. I have been up there a few times and that place is rocking and the Seahawks will come out fired up against the team that just swept the Steelers. Do I think they have a chance against beating a fired up Ravens team? Hech no, but do the Ravens always come out fired up against not so good teams?

[mrwideout]

[quote name='Blex64' timestamp='1320899251' post='862545']

The Cover 2 is a scheme. Every team in the league uses it at various points.

The issues we have with the Colts and Bengals (that showed up in the Tennessee and Jacksonville games) stem from a 4-3 with a solid 4-man rush when combined with a Cover 2. Our zone-stretch scheme is less efficient against 4-3's as well (we can't cut 2 of the linemen, something that wrecked the Steelers' front 3 so hard week 1 they thought we cheated).

Our Oline is substantially improved, and I think quite strong with Grubbs back. We only have a 2-game sample size, and both are against the Steelers, but we should be fine. Even if we have some offensive struggles, (I don't think we will, but if) the Defense should absolutely smash this game.
[/quote]

The problem has not been the pressure, it`s been the coverage. They bring only 4. Sometimes they get there early, but alot of the times Flacco just stand around looking and nothing is open. Eventually the pressure gets there or Flaccos internal clock explodes and he starts dancing.

Our O-Line is still bad though. Grubbs is not 100%. And while he is an upgrade over Gurode he didn`t have a good game against the Steelers. The running game just as bad as it`s been. And he gave up a sack, a hit, a pressure and had a false start.

I agree that even if our offense struggles we should still win this. They`re offense is bad. And looking closer at their defense, I believe they might not be as good in coverage as I thought. So maybe it wont be so bad. We will struggle on the ground, unless the passing game opens that up for us.

[Neal Could Block the SUN!!]

I believe this is the game that Cam finally hits his stride and runs a West Coast O for the plan.

Be nice to see Rice really blow up, but if Evans comes back Cam will be testing the waters. I think with Torrey, Evans, and Laquan out there will be a lot of down field attempts.

Heard Torrey say that his dropped end zone pass was because he didn't realize Joe Cool's cannon was that strong. He felt that Joe being on the run would take a little off the pass. If he makes this adjustment and Joe gets his speed calibrated........

good things to come[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/ravensquote.gif[/img]

[Twistidfunk]

I really don't see the Ravens taking another team lightly all season.

I think we can keep the offense rolling. That Cards game we really came out with the adjustments we needed and we did it again in Pittsburgh. I loved what Cam did against Pitt (I know, I am surprised saying it). Sure we had trouble running the ball in terms of yardage but we ate up the clock, kept Ben off the field and beat up the defense. It was smashmouth football in the first half of the game and we continued into the second half.

We really only started passing when we had to and our o-line played out of their minds. Anyone saying this o-line is bad really should take another look at what they did all night and with the blitzes Pitt brought. Other than that sack fumble on Flacco they were excellent.

[AmericanSatire]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1320900190' post='862553']
Also, I'm sure those Seahawk teams we played when we barely won and lost, Hasselback was the QB and we have problems against him period so that has to be factor into the whole " we struggle our last few games " deal.
[/quote]
[size=3][font=comic sans ms,cursive]Hasselback was indeed the QB for the last two encounters.[/font][/size]

[colljb9]

While yes Gabbert was a rookie, both Kolb and Gabbert in my eyes are better than tavares jackson whose been attempting to do something in the nfl for at least 5 years now. We have grubbs back who, while he may struggle a little bit with his toe, helps Mckinnie pick up blitzes i think better than gurode did because he was learning the position on the fly. Our defense is also much healthier for this game and in the last 6 quarters of play Flacco has been playing some of the best football ive seen him play. Yes in no way can we overlook the seattle but at this point in the season a lot of our players are coming back healthy and our team is really starting to take off. Also this is a different game because in our two previous losses after wins we absolutely dominated the team forcing 7 turnovers against the steelers and 3 defensive touchdowns against the jets. This last win was a hardfaught stalemate where the offense found a way to get it done. That type of game is truly something you can build on because Flacco led the team to victory...i dont see us laying an egg against seattle after that

[chesapeakeaviator]

Don't think we're going to put up 4 TDs on Seattle's D, but I think Seattle may have trouble putting up a single one against us. It seems like the O started to finally figure some things out in the second half of the Arizona game and has been clicking well enough to win this one.

That being said, that stadium is awful to play in and they have truly passionate fans, win or lose. I respect them a lot because even when times are rough, they tend to rally around their troops better than most East Coast fans do.

[PuRock]

[quote name='colljb9' timestamp='1320942255' post='862828']
While yes Gabbert was a rookie,[b] both Kolb and Gabbert in my eyes are better than tavares jackson whose been attempting to do something in the nfl for at least 5 years now.[/b] We have grubbs back who, while he may struggle a little bit with his toe, helps Mckinnie pick up blitzes i think better than gurode did because he was learning the position on the fly. Our defense is also much healthier for this game and in the last 6 quarters of play Flacco has been playing some of the best football ive seen him play. Yes in no way can we overlook the seattle but at this point in the season a lot of our players are coming back healthy and our team is really starting to take off. Also this is a different game because in our two previous losses after wins we absolutely dominated the team forcing 7 turnovers against the steelers and 3 defensive touchdowns against the jets. This last win was a hardfaught stalemate where the offense found a way to get it done. That type of game is truly something you can build on because Flacco led the team to victory...i dont see us laying an egg against seattle after that
[/quote]

IDK. Right now I'd probably want Tavares over Kolb or Gabbert. Long-term I agree. Gabbert has done absolutely nothing. His passing arsenal consists of dink passes. Kolb has flashes. Tavares has put together some nice games behind a struggling O-Line.

In all honesty I don't want any of those guys now or the future. But don't underestimate Tavares being able to put together some nice drives.

[Gtown Purple]

I can see Jackson's mobility giving us problems too.

[Blex64]

[quote name='mrwideout' timestamp='1320909550' post='862611']

The problem has not been the pressure, it`s been the coverage. They bring only 4. Sometimes they get there early, but alot of the times Flacco just stand around looking and nothing is open. Eventually the pressure gets there or Flaccos internal clock explodes and he starts dancing.
[/quote]

I disagree. Its both. We've struggled with the coverage mixed with good 4-man rushes. Joe/the receivers don't have enough time with a loaded midfield for a play to develop, partially because the protection hasn't been there. LeVoir was starting the Titans game too, which didn't help at all.

Grubbs should be better this week, presumably, and hopefully Evans plays too.

I'm hoping were back to full speed for the Bengals game, we need to get that bye week down the home stretch, but we shouldn't theoretically end up with anything lower then the 2nd seed, probably first.

[FerrariFan87]

Joe should play 60-65% from the shotgun week in and week out... he's proven to be $$$.

[robermar]

The offense was beyond anemic when we played Jacksonville.

Their two starting corners played man and Boldin and Smith were supposedly not getting open all game. They were pretty big. Both 6-1, 193 lbs.

And, their front 7 stuffed our run.

So, this week...another 4-3 team that is good at stuffing the run. I believe 2nd best in the league when you look at yards per carry allowed. And you know how we have fared in the past against 4-3 Cover 2 type teams that stuff the run well. Bengals, Jaguars come to mind.

And, their two starting corners are massive.

Richard Sherman is 6-foot-3
Brandon Browner is 6-foot-4

That's pretty big. They'll probably man up all day.

Now, their pass rush is not good, which might allow Torrey Smith's speed to come into play getting the ball down field as I don't know how fast those two big corners are.

But, taking into account everything else, is our offense in trouble again?

[FerrariFan87]

I'm not trying to be mean, but I've never heard of those guys... guys that big probably can't keep up with someone like Torrey Smith though.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1320947934' post='862959']
I'm not trying to be mean, but I've never heard of those guys... [b]guys that big probably can't keep up with someone like Torrey Smith though.[/b]
[/quote]
Torrey has a "Rams-like" first quarter and then it opens it up for Boldin for 3 quarters!

[PuRock]

I don't think it was so much the size of the corners but the scheme of the D. They do play a similar defense but a lot of things have to go right for Seattle just like they did for Jacksonville. The turnovers do not help. And the lack of Ben Grubbs did not help.

I can see us struggling but not anywhere on the scale of Jacksonville. Plus Jacksonville (players & fans) really got up to play on national tv.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1320948460' post='862971']
I don't think it was so much the size of the corners but the scheme of the D. They do play a similar defense but a lot of things have to go right for Seattle just like they did for Jacksonville. The turnovers do not help. And the lack of Ben Grubbs did not help.

I can see us struggling but not anywhere on the scale of Jacksonville. Plus Jacksonville (players & fans) really got up to play on national tv.
[/quote]

Agreed. Grubbs coming back is huge, and I think we're undefeated right now if he doesn't get hurt.

[Seahawks12]

I'll comment on the way Seattle brings pressure. Out of our 4 starting d-lineman, only Chris Clemons is a truly dangerous pass rusher, he plays our 'leo' position (at times he will stand up in a 2 pt stance). The other three, Brandon Mebane NT 311 pounds, Alan Branch DT 325 pounds, and Red Bryant DE 323 pounds, are primarily run stoppers, and will control the line of scrimmage.

They really generate pressure by mixing up the blitz packages, sending corners and safeties has been very common this year.

We're running pretty much the 4-3 Under defense Carroll ran at USC.

[url="http://www.fieldgulls.com/2011/5/31/2191847/the-pete-carroll-4-3-under-defense-part-i-an-introduction"]http://www.fieldgulls.com/2011/5/31/2191847/the-pete-carroll-4-3-under-defense-part-i-an-introduction[/url]

We run this with a variety of cover packages, not always cover 2, cover 1 a lot as well. Earl Thomas can cover a ton of ground.

[big hits and ball hawks]

The most important thing that could come out of this game is getting the W. I'd prefer no struggle, but it's a tough place to play and the Seahawks aren't all that bad. I think the defense will shine the most in this one.

[arnie_uk]

doesnt matter what size you are... size doesnt mean your good at the bump at LOS, Rashean Mathis has made a bit of a career out of it (from what i read, have never seen him play expect that game, hes at Jax what do you expect lol).. if you not polished at it, the bump at LOS can actually kill the cb.. see Pitts CB trying to by physical with Smith on the TD, smith just went around him and was open.. if they try to be agressive a smart and savvy WR can get around and behind them quite easily if the CB unles sthe CB is very very good at it, eg revis, mathis etc.. These CBs are pretty much unknowns, which leads me to believe they may not be that great and therefore, play normal coverage..

[PuRock]

[quote name='Seahawks12' timestamp='1320948685' post='862980']
I'll comment on the way Seattle brings pressure. Out of our 4 starting d-lineman, only Chris Clemons is a truly dangerous pass rusher, he plays our 'leo' position (at times he will stand up in a 2 pt stance). The other three, Brandon Mebane NT 311 pounds, Alan Branch DT 325 pounds, and Red Bryant DE 323 pounds, are primarily run stoppers, and will control the line of scrimmage.

They really generate pressure by mixing up the blitz packages, sending corners and safeties has been very common this year.

We're running pretty much the 4-3 Under defense Carroll ran at USC.

[url="http://www.fieldgulls.com/2011/5/31/2191847/the-pete-carroll-4-3-under-defense-part-i-an-introduction"]http://www.fieldgull...an-introduction[/url]

We run this with a variety of cover packages, not always cover 2, cover 1 a lot as well. Earl Thomas can cover a ton of ground.
[/quote]

I've always been a fan of Clemmons & Bryant. You definitely have a lot of weight on the front line. Almost better for a 3-4 if you had the linebackers. But they definitely are doing a good job with stopping the run. Hard to find running room.

That's why we have to get Rice w/ some screens and get him to the outside.

[Seahawks12]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1320949275' post='863002']

I've always been a fan of Clemmons & Bryant. You definitely have a lot of weight on the front line. Almost better for a 3-4 if you had the linebackers. But they definitely are doing a good job with stopping the run. Hard to find running room.

That's why we have to get Rice w/ some screens and get him to the outside.
[/quote]

A lot of people call it a 4-3/3-4 hybrid defense, when Clemmons stands up and they shift, Mebane becomes the nose, and Bryant and Branch are your typical 3-4 defensive ends. It really is a hybrid defense, at that point it looks likes a 3-4.

Though this year Clemmons has been in a 3 pt stance most of the time.

Red Bryant is a beast, he really is an invaluable part of this defense, both with his on field ability, and his leadership. When he went down last year, the defense never recovered.