Titans Vs. Ravens

[PuRock]

I figured we need one thread where we can discuss the game, since we are all over the place.

1) What do we need to do offensively?
2) What do we need to do deffensively?

This should be a great game, maybe not for people that want sexy (offensive) football. But for us Ravens fans and purist, this is the game for us. The running game on both side, the great defenses, and probably a few turnovers should make this a physical game. This is not a game for us to take for granted however.

Offensively we just need to continue what we have been doing, moving the ball. They are #8 in run defense, but Peterson only had 18 carries for 80 yards. Steve Slayton also rushed just 18 times and had 116 yards. I would like us to give the Titans run defense a real run for their money. In the passing game, it will be key for us to spread the ball, that means other recievers need to get into the mix. Finnegan (CB) leads the league in INTs with 4.

Defensively it's very simple, just do what we do best, stop the run. Force Kerry Collins to beat us, we have had success against Palmer, Anderson and Rothlisberger. Do we believe that Collins and Gage can beat us? We just have to watch the screen passes to Chris Johnson. I'm not so worried about him in the run game, as I am in the open field after a screen pass.

We need to beat them in the turnover battle as well. Let me know your thoughts about the game.

[FerrariFan87]

Thankfully, Kerry Collins is basically a statue who can throw so we should be able to get some big sacks against him as opposed to bouncing off like we did on Monday... Offensively we need to get back to pounding the rock and setting up the passing game via play-action. Once again, Jason Brown has to deal with a beast at the DT position in Haynesworth who is even better than Shaun Rogers (by a lot) so our pass protection really needs to step up too. Being at home with our 12th Man in full force should give us the edge, ever so slightly. I am calling for a low-scoring, tough victory, along the lines of 17-13.

[PIG 20]

It's going to be the same exact game as last week. Only this time I hope we come out on top. Lets just hope we can make Kerry Collins make many mistakes.

The Titan's "D" will be trying to do just that on their end.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PIG 20' post='71532' date='Oct 2 2008, 10:50 AM']It's going to be the same exact game as last week. Only this time I hope we come out on top. Lets just hope we can make Kerry Collins make many mistakes.

The Titan's "D" will be trying to do just that on their end.[/quote]

But at least this time we are at home and not on primetime. There is a slight difference from our point of view. Overall the game play should be the same.

It's not like the Titans are going to go 10-0 this season. They have to lose some time, why not now?

[PIG 20]

[quote name='PuRock' post='71541' date='Oct 2 2008, 10:12 AM']But at least this time we are at home and not on primetime. There is a slight difference from our point of view. Overall the game play should be the same.

It's not like the Titans are going to go 10-0 this season. They have to lose some time, why not now?[/quote]

I agree 100%. They need to lose sometime, so why not now. I think 4 in a row is good enough to fit a loss in there.

[Corvus]

Keep in mind that Steve Slaton and Adrian Peterson have run all over this Titans' run defense, which we are well equpped to do. I'm not trying to discredit them because they are still an exceptional defense. But the differences between our defense and theirs is ours is better at stopping the opponent from advancing, period. Theirs is better at preying off of turnovers, which is not good for us. We have had 2 fumbles in 3 games returned for touchdowns in what has otherwise been a solid offense for us. That's 14 points of the 43 points we have allowed!

The keys to us winning this game are 1)Do not let them score off of turnovers (which will inevitably have a great chance of happening against the TItans) with Cortland Finnegan on a pick or one of their good linebackers on a fumble could EASILY do, and 2)No foolish penalties. What's in the past is in the past, but this has to change. I have seen our team give up games, year in year out that we were winning due to penalties.

All in all, I really do like our chances against the Titans. I live in Tennessee so I get every Titans game and have got to say we're pretty evenly matched as teams but by negating our turnovers and forcing a few on them, this game will be ours, because that is exactly how the Titans have won 4 games.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Corvus' post='71550' date='Oct 2 2008, 10:28 AM']Keep in mind that Steve Slaton and Adrian Peterson have run all over this Titans' run defense, which we are well equpped to do. I'm not trying to discredit them because they are still an exceptional defense. But the differences between our defense and theirs is ours is better at stopping the opponent from advancing, period. Theirs is better at preying off of turnovers, which is not good for us. We have had 2 fumbles in 3 games returned for touchdowns in what has otherwise been a solid offense for us. That's 14 points of the 43 points we have allowed![/quote]

I think their defensive stats are very misleading.

Even though they are #8 agains the run. Both AP and Steve Slayton were having success against them. Both players carried the ball [u]just[/u] 18 time each. Their teams were forced to abandon the run to play catch-up. Gus Frerrote ended up throwing the ball 43 times! and Schaub 37 times. If our defense had Frerrote throwing 43 times and we only came out with 1 interception, I'd be disappointed!

We just can't fall behind and abandon the run. Luckily we have a defense that will keep us close in any game. So we shouldn't have to abandon the run. Let's see how Tennessee holds up against McClain in the 4th quarter. They have yet to see the brute running game in the 4th. Infact I think that we can take an early lead, and force them to abandon the run.

[Raven07]

stats can and often are very mis-leading indeed, the stats dont do anything but mark down the things they did right and the things they did wrong, they do nothing for the team overall, they are just stats for people to vote for such things like the Pro Bowl and numbers for people to refer to/look off as the season goes go year after year. A Team could be progressing in the positive direction (so to speak) but the stats may not show it.....you want an xample? take Flacco's stats, they dont really depict a offense that is heading in the right direction right now, but everyone can see the "progression" he is making in his peformance on the football field, how calm he is, how poised he is out there in the pocket and the way he doesnt panic when things arent going as planned....its moments like that in which we see the progression of players like Flacco and its times like that in which we really see the chemistry and comfort level they may have and the relationship with their teammates (Flacco-Mason) you can surely bet that this team as well as the other younger teams out there, will get better as time goes on and they practice more and more AND as they develop relationships with the other players (fellow teammates) out there on the field.

[rayvenfan_52]

In this game we better hope they dont force us to play catchup or our team will be throwing up prayers.

[Sub-Zero]

The Steve Slaton and AP numbers are misleading, each had 1 long run against them but other than that they averaged about only 3 yards a carry. If were going to win we need to get good field position from our Defense and ST.

But with all this talk about Troy Smith getting used in some packages who knows. We might run a play were he throws a long bomb and catches it himself

[Baltboy]

12th man makes the difference in this one,IMHO.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Baltboy' post='71629' date='Oct 2 2008, 03:17 PM']12th man makes the difference in this one,IMHO.[/quote]

It gives Flacco that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I hope to be a part of the 12th man this weekend, as long as I receive my Fedex pack on Friday for the Post from the Pressbox contest. Looking forward to it. Although I am suppose to remain neutral, I believe.

[Baltboy]

[quote name='PuRock' post='71634' date='Oct 2 2008, 03:20 PM']It gives Flacco that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I hope to be a part of the 12th man this weekend, as long as I receive my Fedex pack on Friday for the Post from the Pressbox contest. Looking forward to it. Although I am suppose to remain neutral, I believe.[/quote]

I was thinking it would help with the no huddle also.

[Ravens52]

If we can force Big Ben to have an awful game, then we can force Collins to have a worse game.

[rayvenfan_52]

Time for Collins to start reliving the memories of the 2000 Super Bowl.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='71647' date='Oct 2 2008, 03:41 PM']Time for Collins to start reliving the memories of the 2000 Super Bowl.[/quote]

Yup! Those were the good ol' days

[PuRock]

We can't let Chris Johnson break a couple of big runs. We can't give up our consecutive games without a 100+ yard rusher.

I know our rush defense is great, but the Titans will not give up on the run. That's what they do. Even if they are getting a few yards here and there, they just keep pounding and pounding until they break away for a large gain.

We should start off the game by focusing less on the pass rush, focus in on their run game. They are going to come out handing the ball off. If we can stop the run earlier, and make them punt a few times, hopefully we can capitalize. Once we do that, they will turn to their passing game, and then we start the pass rush onslaught. Hopefully forcing a few INTs.

This is the game plan that the Titans employ, we need to give them a taste of their own medicine.

[ravensfan2430]

i dont think our linemen will slip off of collins like they do against Ben.... i think it will be a similar game but we win by a TD in regulation... oh and i like what i saw from the beginning of the game to the end of the game from flacco.... he threw 2 floaters deep at the beginning then im sure one of the coaches told him to make it more sharpe.... he then hit mason once or twice with a pass that had great trajectory... once flacco makes the read quicker he will start hitting people downfield a lot more.... go flacco!!

[rayvenfan_52]

It wont be slippery on the field like it was against the squeelers. We will have the advantage. Plus its not like Collins is a break tackle guy like Ben.

[PuRock]

Here's the updated Injury report from Thursday

[url="http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Player_Roster/Injury_Report.aspx"]http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Play...ury_Report.aspx[/url]

[u]Our Key Players[/u]
Rolle - Out
Landry - Out
Gregg - Out
Martin - Questionable
Figurs - Questionable

[u]Their Key Players[/u]
Lendale White - Doubtful
Justin Gage - Doubtful
Vince Young - Questionable

[PuRock]

Well If Rolle & Landry are both out again, I'm glad we are playing the Titans this week. Their passing game is little to worry about and it looks like Justin Gage might be out as well.

But imagine if Lendale White does not play. We have to defend the speedy Chris Johnson all day. Either two things will happen:
1) We welcome the rookie to the NFL like we did Mendenhall last wk. (I'm not suggesting injury by any means)
2) We let him bust loose on us and he breaks our streak of 23(?) Consecutive games without a 100+ rusher.

[z_keeper]

White will play.

What the league has been seeing for the past four games will again happen on Sunday.

Johnson and White will be sharing time on the field, book it.

[macbrak]

I agree they'll need Rolle more next week against Indy, sit him so he's healthy.

I think this game is going to be alot like monday.

Joe should yet again learn from his mistakes and be more productive but more importantly not make any mistakes. He's now thrown 2 tds, granted one didn't count but it is something to remember in the growing "explosive offense" factor, to two different receivers.

Also as much crap as we get for doing good against inferior opponents I'm not sure why the titans don't get the same. Their only good opponent is the Jags and they hadn't gotten their crap together for their first game yet.

[FerrariFan87]

After today's game, it is painfully obvious that we NEED a real WR to open up the offense. Demetrius is only good for maybe one catch a game, Clayton improved today, but is still not that big-play guy, and Mason is awesome but is only a possession receiver and can't get open downfield. If Ozzie doesn't go out and make a move for a WR soon this is going to be a looooooooooooong season, especially if we can't count on our D to stop a team from driving 80 yards in the final minutes

Now we go on the road for the next 5 out of 6...

[slugz]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='72782' date='Oct 5 2008, 04:21 PM']After today's game, it is painfully obvious that we NEED a real WR to open up the offense. Demetrius is only good for maybe one catch a game, Clayton improved today, but is still not that big-play guy, and Mason is awesome but is only a possession receiver and can't get open downfield. If Ozzie doesn't go out and make a move for a WR soon this is going to be a looooooooooooong season, especially if we can't count on our D to stop a team from driving 80 yards in the final minutes

Now we go on the road for the next 5 out of 6...[/quote]
yeah the way we are playing we are going to be 6-9

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' post='72782' date='Oct 5 2008, 04:21 PM']After today's game, it is painfully obvious that we NEED a real WR to open up the offense. Demetrius is only good for maybe one catch a game, Clayton improved today, but is still not that big-play guy, and Mason is awesome but is only a possession receiver and can't get open downfield. If Ozzie doesn't go out and make a move for a WR soon this is going to be a looooooooooooong season, especially if we can't count on our D to stop a team from driving 80 yards in the final minutes

Now we go on the road for the next 5 out of 6...[/quote]
Now is tha the other WR or the fact that Flacco is a rookie and may not be seeing the field fully at this time. Look at the Int's he threw. A bling man in the dark, with a key chain flashlight, with a low battery could have seen that there was no one open on those plays.

[noy]

[quote name='Marc2k6' post='72867' date='Oct 5 2008, 04:44 PM']Now is tha the other WR or the fact that Flacco is a rookie and may not be seeing the field fully at this time. Look at the Int's he threw. A bling man in the dark, with a key chain flashlight, with a low battery could have seen [b]that there was no one open on those plays.[/b][/quote]

You just proved the argument against you.

Our WR's cant get open, only Mason can. Notice how when Flacco prolongs the play that Mason is the only one wide open?

Hint Hint, WR next draft please.

[foreversunny23]

My thoughts about the game:

- I think Yamon Figurs hamstring is affecting him more than he realizes.
- Good to see Flacco throwing to multiple receivers. It's about time they stepped up and contributed more.
- What happened to Ray Rice? Is this committee a bit biased towards McGahee?
- What happened to our D in the 4th quarter? Collins had all the time in the world to pump fake and throw the ball.
- I'm beginning to question Stover's accuracy. That's three times he's missed from beyond 40 yards...

Our season isn't over, but it won't get any easier...

[PuRock]

[quote name='foreversunny23' post='72899' date='Oct 5 2008, 04:55 PM']My thoughts about the game:

- I think Yamon Figurs hamstring is affecting him more than he realizes.
- I'm beginning to question Stover's accuracy. That's three times he's missed from beyond 40 yards...[/quote]

I really think that Figurs didn't even really have many chances. Every time they kicked the ball, Figurs had to catch deep into our endzone. I do not remember many where he caught the ball with time to start the run. The Titans had excellent field position, and kept pinning us deep into our zone.

Stover has been struggling on 40+ yard field goals for a few years now. He still is solid under 40. If we are going to be kicking field goals again, we are going to need a guy that can get us a few 50+ on occasion. But I would still like to see Stover kick under 40. We did sign a guy with a long kick, but we dropped him like a week later.

[WhackoForFlacco]

[quote name='foreversunny23' post='72899' date='Oct 5 2008, 04:55 PM']My thoughts about the game:

- I think Yamon Figurs hamstring is affecting him more than he realizes.
- Good to see Flacco throwing to multiple receivers. It's about time they stepped up and contributed more.
- What happened to Ray Rice? Is this committee a bit biased towards McGahee?
- What happened to our D in the 4th quarter? Collins had all the time in the world to pump fake and throw the ball.
- I'm beginning to question Stover's accuracy. That's three times he's missed from beyond 40 yards...

Our season isn't over, but it won't get any easier...[/quote]Figurs really didn't seem to have the pop he's shown in the past. It very well could be that his hammy isn't close to 100%.

I'd love to know what happened to Ray Rice, and why he wasn't used at all. Similarly, I'd love to know why -- when it was clear that McClain was having a great game and McGahee was not, Cameron elected to go with McGahee in the final drive, in which he picked up nothing, rather than McClain.

I agree that it was good to see Flacco spreading the ball around to multiple WRs.

This problem with our D disappearing in the fourth quarter goes back to last year. It definitely appears to be a problem.

I've been questioning Stover's role since last year.