Thanksgiving Dinner With The Niners: Harbaugh Vs Harbaugh

[Blex64]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1321903597' post='880471']
I'm in Nags Head, NC...any idea/thoughts if it will be aired out here? Didn't even think about it and I will be LIVID if I cannot watch this game. I cannot even remember the last game that I did not watch a Ravens game!!!
[/quote]

It'll be on NFLN...its primetime...

[HawaiianRaven]

We need Ray to save the day

[Romo Ravens]

I just don't see us losing this game, unless Flacco makes a lot of mistakes, and we all know that isn't necessarily hard for him to do

[1/28/01]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1321903999' post='880483']

no nfl network game no game my dude.. Ill teach u my methods though to help u make it through this trying time
[/quote]
Oh, I have my ways to watch it online, just don't want to watch it from the laptop thru the TV. Just not the same when not in HD! DAMNIT!!

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Blex64' timestamp='1321906406' post='880553']


It'll be on NFLN...its primetime...
[/quote]
The house in Nags doesn't have NFLN. Laptop it is! At least I brought a VGA and audio cable with me. So, I guess its laptop onto a TV in poop clarity it is

[BenDufusberger]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1321913033' post='880685']
Oh, I have my ways to watch it online, just don't want to watch it from the laptop thru the TV. Just not the same when not in HD! DAMNIT!!
[/quote]

You still have time to get a laptop with an HDMI port.

C'mon , what's money for if not for this ?

Food? No contest.

[codizzle]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1321913033' post='880685']

Oh, I have my ways to watch it online, just don't want to watch it from the laptop thru the TV. Just not the same when not in HD! DAMNIT!!
[/quote]
I cant sends u a message

[RavensAllTheWay]

Don't know if it's been said already, but when Joe starts on Thursday Night, he will officially have started against every other team in the league. Harbaugh will also have gone up against every other team in the league.

[berad]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1321916124' post='880753']
Don't know if it's been said already, but when Joe starts on Thursday Night, he will officially have started against every other team in the league. Harbaugh will also have gone up against every other team in the league.
[/quote]

Wow, really? That's pretty cool - 4 years and time flies.

[Marvin49]

Greetings Ravens Fans,

No Trolling here. I'm just as curious about the Ravens as you guys are about the Niners.

Just to give my 2 cents on your upcoming ooponent...

1) Alex Smith has been underrated for a few years now. Thats not to say he's been good, he just hasn't been as BAD as most thing he has. In the final 6 games of LAST season, he threw 8 TDs and 1 INT. His problem is and has always been COACHING. This year, you guys are totally correct that he has been "managing" the games (just don't tell Jim Harbaugh that...he may hurt you). That was true until last week. The Niners came out throwing in each of the past 2 weeks. It almost as if they had pretty much wrapped up the Division and have started to kinda "practice".

2) I've read about games the Niners "almost" lost. Thats not really accurate. The Niners DOMINATED the Seahawks, Browns, Redskins, Cardinals, and Bucs. The games were nowhere near as close as tha scores would indicate. They have gotten into a bad habit of dominating early and then taking their foot off the gas late. Thats also what got them beat against Dallas. They had a 14-0 lead and lost in overtime. The only games that were truly close were Cinci, New York, Detroit, and Philly. Those 4 also featured 4th quarter comebacks.

3) It really easy to simply look at the stats and be really confused about why the Niners are winning. The best way to explain it is Scoreability and Bendability (stats on website I can't recall). Essentially, the Niners score on fewer yards than any other team and force teams to gain the most yards per point scored. Basically, they are very, very efficient and they don't beat themselves. They don't turn the ball over. Its also important to note that the Niners aren't a boring running team. They strive for balance. Additionally, they are INNOVATIVE in the run game. Its not just keep banging your head against a wall. Odd formations, multiple shifts, lining up 3 extra 300 LB players to one side and running the other way....I could go on and on.

4) DEFENSE: Those number a a bit scewed as well. I don't want to compare it to the Ravens D because the Ravens have been doing it much, much longer. they seem lopsided tho for a few reasons....They are SOOOOO good against the run that the other team is unable to run and then passes instead. They then get more passing yards late in games when its pretty much over. At halftime vs the Cards the Niners had 300 yards and the Cards had 52. They are also a league best +17 in turnover ratio. They haven't allowed a 100 yard rusher in 32 games and have yet to allow a rushing TD this season.

5) EVERY team has come into the games saying "stop Gore, you win". Its a trap. It doesn't work. First, the Niners will deploy SEVEN offensive Linemen and then play a 300 LB DT as a FB. When you stack the box, you don't outnumber them. The Giants put...no joke.....TEN men in the box. Thats one of the reasons that Gore was hampered early on. Its also the reason the Niners started throwing the ball early and often and forced the Giants out of that defense. Thats how Kendall Hunter broke loose for a TD late.

6) Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman are the best ILB tandem in the NFL. Seriously. I love Ray Ray and I can't call another player better than him straight up (Willis is close), but the TANDEM of Willis and Bowman are rediculous. Its not just me saying it either. The NFL is starting to notice.

The Niners are GOOD. The record isn't a mirage. They are an overtime loss from 10-0. Thats not luck.

They CAN be beaten tho.

Weaknesses:

1) They are still learning the offense and defense. Alex and the WRs are very often not on the same page (Braylon in particular...tho he isn't his regular self....he's playing hurt). On D you will see a guy from time to time running WIDE open because someone missed an assignment. Its bad because they leave points on the field, but if they can ever work it out.....look out....

2) They seem to have trouble scoring in the Red-Zone. They are moving the ball between the 20's, but keep bogging down in the red-zone. David Akers is having a great season (until this past week). If the Ravens can put some TDs up, the Niners MAY not be able to keep up.

3) The DBs are good, but not great. Dashon Goldson is a good Safety, but he isn't even sniffing Ed Reeds class.

The best way to beat the Niners? Stay in standard sets (2 wide with a TE), pass the ball (to the TE in particular...Witten ate them up) and hit them just as hard as they are hitting you (something I think the Ravens are more than capable of).

Another thing tho...I've read a few peeps say that you just need to get up by 10 and then make Alex beat you. That doesn't work either. The Niners were down by 23 to the Eagles and never stopped running the ball. The Eagles aren't the Ravens I'll grant you, I'm just saying that you need to thrwo conventional wisdom out the window on this one. Harbaugh isn't conventional.

This should be a great game!! Good Luck!!!

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1321910460' post='880639']
I just don't see us losing this game, unless Flacco makes a lot of mistakes, and we all know that isn't necessarily hard for him to do
[/quote]

I think that's the sad thing that even coming off of a good game we still aren't sure whether the Jekyll or Hyde of Flacco and the rest of the offense will show up.

[theFRANCHISE]

This should be a wonderful, wonderful game, no matter the outcome.

Two good teams playing one another with a backstory straight out of Hollywood. Opposite coasts, same bloodline, different journeys in getting to this game. The best part? There's no bad blood between the teams. This is just old-fashioned football with only pride on the line. No hatred and nothing but respect for one another.

[bauer77]

Just found out, Im getting tickets to go to the game! Im pretty excited, i havent been to a game since like '98.

[BenDufusberger]

[quote name='Marvin49' timestamp='1321916906' post='880766']
Its also important to note that the Niners aren't a boring running team. They strive for balance. Additionally, they are INNOVATIVE in the run game. Its not just keep banging your head against a wall. Odd formations, multiple shifts, lining up 3 extra 300 LB players to one side and running the other way....I could go on and on.

[/quote]

Don't waste your breath. It's not you , though , it's us. What you say there may as well be about quantum mechanics , it just doesn't compute for us Ravens' fans. We share in common a tragic defect : Cam-induced atrophy of the football brain.

[MontanaRavensFan]

This is gonna be one Heckuva battle!! I'm stoked!! Beings that my brother is a hard core 9ers fan and me a RAVENS fan, its gonna get interesting!!!
Has anyone heard if #52 is in or out for Thursday? I've been surfing all over the net with zero results... just that he could be out for 2 games but he was at the field 2 hours early on Sunday getting checked out cuz he wanted to play.

[Marvin49]

[quote name='BenDufusberger' timestamp='1321919286' post='880800']

Don't waste your breath. It's not you , though , it's us. What you say there may as well be about quantum mechanics , it just doesn't compute for us Ravens' fans. We share in common a tragic defect : Cam-induced atrophy of the football brain.
[/quote]

LOL. No worries. Its not just you guys tho. We are just starting to break free of the Mike Nolan/Mike Singletary years with Jim Hostler and Jimmy Raye as OCs.

Complete. Lack. of. Imagination.

The Niners have been talented for some time now. The problem is that their coaches have been completely clueless. Sing is a GREAT LB coach, but he should never be allowed to be a HC again.

[Tank 92]

Earlier on nfln there was a SF talking head saying the niners want to come to Bmore and make a statement to show they hit as hard as the Ravens. Man, I love that talk. If we get hit in the mouth, we get mad(focused) and play our best football.

Game on!!!

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1321917110' post='880770']

I think that's the sad thing that even coming off of a good game we still aren't sure whether the Jekyll or Hyde of Flacco and the rest of the offense will show up.
[/quote]

When the play calling is good, Joe is good. Go figure! Get a new OC!

[MontanaRavensFan]

[quote name='Romo Ravens' timestamp='1321922951' post='880862']

When the play calling is good, Joe is good. Go figure! Get a new OC!
[/quote]
The OC does suck but whats the explaination of Flacco leading the league in fumbles?

[1/28/01]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1321916056' post='880748']
I cant sends u a message
[/quote]
Inbox cleaned....send away

[1/28/01]

[quote name='BenDufusberger' timestamp='1321914910' post='880727']

You still have time to get a laptop with an HDMI port.

C'mon , what's money for if not for this ?

Food?  No contest.
[/quote]
have HDMI, just where I get the games from doesnt broadcast over the net in HD, so a VGA cable just stays in the laptop bag.

[BenDufusberger]

It sounds like codizzle might be able to fix you up with a streaming HD source. I think he knows a guy that knows a guy .... [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/268213.gif[/img]

[scrock]

<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">On the surface you could say these teams have many of the same strengths and weaknesses but if you look deeper and understand how the game will be played. You can come to some conclusions about how the game may be played out. </span></span>The 9'ers are a running team first and foremost and the passing game is used only when needed and to compliment the run game. The Ravens Defense is notorious at being good against the run. The Ravens will shut down Gore and the 49'ers running game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left">Alex Smith will have to go from game manager, dont make mistakes, dont put him in pressure situations to limit his mistakes....Well this is a game that he will be under pressure to perform. Our secondary has played great lately...the problem though with the Ravens D is the lack of pass rush, guys just aren't getting there like they were in the beginning of the year. This is a concern and things will be tough to improve those numbers against one of the best OLs in the league. The 49'ers were bad for so long now they have so many playmakers on both sides, its no wonder they finally started to win some games. At first I thought most of their wins was because of who they play in their division. The Cowboys beat these guys and the Boys aren't exactly a very good team.</p>
<p style="text-align: left"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">I think the Ravens D shuts down their run game, forcing Alex Smith to beat the Ravens on his arm, thats some pressure, and Im not so sure he can handle it, does some magical light some on in year 6 that makes the QB turn the corner and become ELITE? I dont think so, I think it was perfect situation, perfect time, and a great defense and run game. The 9'ers are where they are because of their physical style of play NOT because of Alex Smith..has he made some nice plays? sure bu all QBs in this league can make nice plays.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">Now for the Ravens, I believe they will run the ball to keep their defense honest, they are #1 against the run, that doesn't matter, you have to respect Ray Rice's ability to make people miss and take a hit and keep on going. Lets assume the Niners shut down the Ravens run game, its a good possibility...then it comes down to the Ravens OL and how well they protect the QB, Joe will throw it with accuracy to his receivers, its then up to them to catch the ball...if Rice can't get going in the run game work hhim into the passing game. Ray Rice average over 50yards a game receiving...if thats not tops in the league it's pretty close.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"> </p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">I have way more trust in Joe Flacco being able to win a game than I have in Alex Smith. Both teams played Sunday and the Niners have to travel across country to play the top team in the AFC, tough challenge indeed....The odds are against the Niners winning this game, I don't see them being able to beat us. The Niners defense would have to play a lights out game to win...because I don't see the Niners offense doing enogh to beat us....for the reasons I have already mentioned</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">Should be interesting and if the Ravens come out of this game victorious we are 1 step close to a top seed and a home playoff game, where the Ravens haven't been beaten at all year. The fans errr the 12th man at the stadium makes a huge different, they have to call timeouts they wish they didnt because of crowd noise. So if you are going to this game it is your duty to return to home or wherever you will be headed to return with no voice....scream like someone stole your Battlefield 3 or MW3 video games.....target acquired, eliminate target, San Francisco 49'ers......eliminated</span></span></p>
<br />
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #ff0000"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,cursive"><strong>My prediction: Ravens 20, 49'ers 10</strong></span></span></span></p>
<br />
<br />
<p class="bbc_indent" style="margin-left: 40px;"><span style="color: #808080"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif">Sorry I may have repeated myself, I got up and came back and wasn't sure what I had already covered. Should be a fun game to watch....but in the end I think veteran experience wins out, not only that but the young guys are no longer rookies and we have the perfect mix, kind of reminds of the 2000 Ravens....we all know how that ended up</span></span></span></p>

[scrock]

Im sorry, I dont know what happened, somewhere in that mess was the message I wanted to express....

The tools I used totally ruined it....but if u take the time to read it, I just gave my thoughts on the Ravens/Niners game.............kind of aggravated right now....these forums are a pain in the butt...maybe i should practice with what everything does in the future.

[sflegend89]

I live out in Northern California and watch probably more 49er games than anyone on here. If the Niners game doesn't conflict with when the ravens game is on, I'll watch it every week. The Niners are my 2nd favorite team (not saying much because I'm a die hard Ravens fan, but since they are NFC and I live here I can enjoy the 49ers success.).

My HONEST opinion.. Not Impressed. Not to say they aren't a great team because they are very good, but not as good as their record indicates. If you can shut down Frank Gore their offense becomes very predictable and pedestrian (Sort of like our offense if you shut down Ray Rice but we have better wr's). Frank Gore is the key to this game. We need our front 7 to swarm to the ball early and make the Niners beat us through the air. Alex Smith is the west coast's Mark Sanchez. He's the definition of a game manager and that's how they win games. Make Alex Smith become more than the game manager and we'll win. Make him continually have to throw to move the ball and there's no chance for their offense to out score us. Every game I watch Smith relies on Gore and Hunter to keep the D off balance and rack up yards on 1st and 2nd down to make 3rd downs very manageable and Smith can throw check downs for 1st downs.

Stopping their run game is easier said than done though. If any team can do it, it's the Ravens. We're better than every team they've faced so far. They aren't the best team we've faced. Who have they beat Detroit (appears to be overrated now), Giants (Again showing they are overrated), and Cincy (early game before Dalton got it going, still good win).

We beat Houston, Pitt twice, NYJ (overrated). We have beat better teams than they've faced all season. I got Baltimore 24-20 as a fan of both teams.

[cursona pirate]

i read it. took me a bit but i got it. I agree with everything you say. We need to use Rice and milk the clock and set up play action and just ruin the 49ers dfence. Force the niners offense to pass and test Alex Smith.

[worm]

gonna be a real slugfest but we will come out on top i think its close at tha start and maybe til halftime but we will eventually pull ahead and win by 10 i jus think our defense and our home crowd will force tha niners into a couple turnovers. The fans are gonna be rowdy and i dont think the young 49ers are ready plus the gotta travel all the way here in a short week dont help i think our ravens make a statement agianst one of the best teams in the league.

[H8R]

Sorry, no I'm not worried. Let's see if the Niners can beat an Elite Ravens team at home! This will be a test for Alex Smith, he's do for a bad one. Frank Gore isn't the type of back that gives the Ravens problems. I'm not worried , I really mean that.

[PuRock]

[quote name='H8R' timestamp='1321929988' post='880994']
Sorry, no I'm not worried. Let's see if the Niners can beat an Elite Ravens team at home! This will be a test for Alex Smith, he's do for a bad one. Frank Gore isn't the type of back that gives the Ravens problems. I'm not worried , I really mean that.
[/quote]

I think it'll be a good test for our O-Line. That's what worries me the most. We seem to have success when the O-Line protects well. It'll be interesting to see what O-Line shows up to play.

[ball hawkin 20]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1321930244' post='881000']

I think it'll be a good test for our O-Line. That's what worries me the most. We seem to have success when the O-Line protects well. It'll be interesting to see what O-Line shows up to play.
[/quote]

Only thing that scares me in there pass rushers are Justin Smith and Aldon Smith. I'm pretty sure we can be effective against them.