Biggest holes and questions headed into week 1

[The Prestige]

I don't start a lot of threads, but I was thinking there are a lot of macro questions that wouldn't necessarily fit into a preview of week 1. I figured I'd start a thread where Ravens fans can discuss multiple questions, many of which aren't completely about week 1.

I'll start:
[b]1. Is Dean Pees going to use different formations than what we saw last year? [/b]

My answer: I believe, yes. Will it be some of the crazy 3-safety, 3-CB, 1LB, 2-OLB, 2-DT sets I would like when the team gets a big lead? I don't know.

My biggest pet peeve of the Championship loss wasn't the early protection problems, nor was it isolated mistakes by single players like the Evans drop, the Cundiff miss or the dumb Flacco pick. It was that the Patriots got 12 for 153 yards production from the tight ends on them. It seemed like they got Lewis multiple times, and also stung McClain. These plays seemed to happen a lot on third down, and replays from behind Brady showed that had there been good coverage there, he would not have been able to get the ball off as he was about to get sacked. The Ravens knew two things about the Patriots going into that game: They loved throwing to their record-breaking tight end tandem, and they loved going "no huddle". The tight ends accounted for nearly half their yardage in a game where almost any one of those 12 receptions would have ended a drive in a punt or at least a longer field goal.

In my opinion, Belichick is a near-perfect mixture - I say "near-perfect" because he has no Super Bowl rings since Spygate - of old school rigidity (The Patriot Way, Bill's military upbringing) and outside-the-box thinking (McDaniels, using players to their unique skill sets), so he would not have employed Dean Pees for as long as he did if he wasn't strong at coordinator to the players' strengths. He was actually working with an older defense than the Ravens, too.

I LOVE Chuck Pagano - not past tense, I still love the guy -, but I think Dean Pees will be even better. This hire is a double-plus because he's been a coordinator before AND because he's been on this team for awhile.

[b]2. How will the pass rush be compared to last year? [/b]

My answer: I don't know. I need your help on this one.

I honestly was underwhelmed by the pressure applied last season. It was good, except when we really needed it. Suggs disappeared down the stretch, partly due to double-teaming, so - naturally - my reaction is to be MORE afraid for a team that won't have him for awhile. I trust the coaching staff to get the most out of Kindle, Upshaw and others, but I expect the biggest pass-rushing assets will be having a stout run defense that puts teams at 3rd and long and what seems like an excellent rotation at DT, where Ngata is back to his best weight.

[b]3. Do the Ravens have the best roster, top-to-bottom in the AFC North? [/b]

My answer: Absolutely. You never know what could happen in the next few years, but it certainly feels like it will be at least 2-3 years before a lot of the Bengals D-linemen and defensive backs reach their prime. Dalton, Green, Sanu and Gresham is a great offense but will also probably hit its prime in a few more years.

What do you guys and gals think?

I have a strong fear of thunderstorms (I know two people who've been struck by lightning), so - when I saw a storm coming, I planned to hide out in a room with no windows (and, unfortunately, no computer), so I printed out the 53-man rosters for all the teams in the North.

The Ravens have the highest number of athletic freaks (Bengals not far behind), highest number of elite special teamers, most dangerous group of wide receivers, and the least amount of positional weaknesses in the AFC North. The Steelers have the second-best roster (a lot of it on the backs of the safety tandem and receiving corps), but neither the Bengals nor Browns were as far behind as pundits make it seem (a lot of this depends on if you think Brandon Weeden is a good pocket passer and if you think Greg Little, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are match-up problems for other team).

[b]4. Who goes once David Reed comes off the PUP list? [/b]

My answer: I think it will be Tandon Doss or La'Quan Williams. I don't know if Deonte Thompson deserved to go undrafted, but it really looks like his speed and athleticism have set him apart. He really makes plays and I think is a notch above Doss and Williams in the intermediate and deep game.

Feel free to add any more questions, I was just intrigued by looking at the 53 for the teams in the AFC North and reassessing the Ravens schedule.

[lgcs27288]

I think we will struggle in the pass rush department, but it isnt as bad as people are making it out to be. Everyone thought we were doomed when Ray went down for several games last year, instead someone stepped up in his place.

I think we have a pretty solid team and I hope, hope, Cam Cameron gets more creative this year and dials up better plays for this team.

I think David Reed will go to IR after the pup list. I think we put him on the PUP just in case one of our other returners goes down. Other than that, he becomes a camp body next preseason and is cut soon after.

[hawkprey]

They haven't played a game yet, so I think everything should be a question at 0-0.

But,
Pees to me should be better at gametime adjustments than Pagano was because of his experience. Regardless of what pressure we get each week, I trust Pees to have a gameplan that is designed for the defense to succeed against that opponent.

I think the pass rush was a little over-glorified last year. We had games where we piled on sacks, and games where we really didn't get much or any pressure (Tennessee comes to mind). Before we go declaring the pass rush anemic without Suggs, I think Kruger is a dangerous weapon when getting to the QB and has some of the best pass rush moves I've seen. Ngata spent most of last year with a weird leg bruise that really hindered him after week 6 or so. We still have McPhee, and McClellan and Tyson have shown off abilities to get to the passer as well.

Right now you can't really predict who'll get cut after Reed comes back, but by then we might have a guy ready for IR or already there. Doss and Williams aren't going anywhere if healthy.

[berad]

How's the OL going to hold up? They varied between okay and awful in the preseason.

[cobrajet]

1. I believe Dan Pees will be a very good coordinator for the Ravens. I don't think he will be quite as aggressive as Pagano (something I liked about Chuck), but I think he will be more creative - like with some of the formations you mentioned. I think that will help us this year, because with the lack of pass russ this year we can't afford to be too aggressive. After the conservative Mattison, I was so relieved to have Chuck and I am excited see what Pees can bring to the table.
2. I agree, I think with the injury to Suggs, our pass rush will be lacking. Even though we were only seeing a vanilla defense in preseason, we had zero pass rush. I was really disappointed in Kindle, even against the backups he could not get any pressure.
3. After sweeping the AFC North, I think we have the best roster,even with the loss of JJ, Reading, and Zibby. I believe we upgraded with Tucker, Jones over Evans, and I believe a healthy Bobbie Williams is just as good as Grubbs. I think our biggest loss was because of the injury to Suggs and the retirement of Ricky Williams. I believe our Special Teams is much improved!
4. I think the Ravens are waiting to see how well our returners do before David Reed comes off PUP before deciding what to with him. I think if Jones is getting it done, David Reed might be let go,

[Crabcakes&Football]

Dean Pees has a very good pedigree and track record. He worked with less than what he's got here and still fielded top defenses. According to some players the Ravens will still play defense like the Ravens

Onto the pass rush. You can't just replace the reigning DPOY, you just can't do it. It's more than just 14 sacks, Suggs scared offenses and offensive coordinators. They gameplanned around him which affected what they could do on offense and what we could do on defense. And the intimidation factor if a QB sees him coming he gets rid of the ball. I doubt we're as good in that department this year. I think we'll get better as the year goes on. Mcphee and Kruger are key, as is Upshaw or McClellan. And when Suggs comes back hopefully he can retain some of his explosion.

And as for who goes once David Reed comes of IR, I hope nobody. [b]Certainly[/b] not Q2.

My biggest concern for the season is the O-line. The recent thing with Big Mac, the age of Birk and Williams. K.O. will be ready if Williams slows down, but if Birk goes down it's gonna be ugly, real ugly.

The good news is: look at the AFC, there isn't a single team without holes and questions, not one. We stand as good of a chance as anybody in this conference.

[Ravens4Real]

A healthy Bobbie Williams is as good as Grubbs?! That is down right laughable. Grubbs is one of the best G's in the game.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='The Prestige' timestamp='1346884135' post='1140204']
[b]4. Who goes once David Reed comes off the PUP list? [/b]

My answer: I think it will be Tandon Doss or La'Quan Williams. I don't know if Deonte Thompson deserved to go undrafted, but it really looks like his speed and athleticism have set him apart. He really makes plays and I think is a notch above Doss and Williams in the intermediate and deep game.

[/quote]


My answer, David Reed.

[BMORElegacy]

Two things jump out at me as major concerns headed into week one.

ONE: Can the front 7 find a viable pass rush, and if not, can the secondary defend against the gauntlet of playoff quarterbacks if they're allowed to sit back and wait for the open man to materialize.

TWO: Can the offensive line be a cohesive unit with the constant reshuffling from this preseason and training camp. Joe needs to remain clean since he is our best hope of heading to the playoffs and beyond this year.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1346887893' post='1140258']
My answer, David Reed.
[/quote]Agreed. I've been a David Reed defender but there is no chance in hell that either Doss or Williams is cut to make room for him.

[raybaby]

Biggest questions for me:

Will the OLBs get better discplined with setting the edge as the season progresses?[i] Especially[/i] Kruger?

And then the obvious how and how much pass rush much are they going to be able to generate?

How much will the offense use the no huddle? Are they going to revert back to the old philosphy at any point?

Special teams coverage? Are they going to allow these already good offenses have good field position?

[usmccharles]

1) Is cam cameron actually going to let Joe take over this offense and do what we think he can and what everyone else thinks he cant. Im not saying go out and attempt 625 passes next year, but joe needs more control and not treated like a game manager, especially since he proved that hes more than that. I think cameron is on the hot seat and if the offense struggles he will be gone, maybe even mid season depending on the production. There was times when i liked what he did...but thats not often, i hope he proves me wrong.

2) O Line- This is obvious as stated above, i was extremely worried when i read that we might let mckinnie walk after those contract issues. If our oline cant protect Joe, our pass game will struggle as well as our run game.

3) pass rush- every one knows these issues, i wont go into detail.

4) Tucker- i wouldnt say im worried by any means, just extremely excited to see a rookie get this chance, maybe we found our kicker for quite some time. ***not everything on this list has to be bad***

5) Boldin- First off, i want to say that i love this guy, pure tough competitor. Im worried that hes lost more than one step, i know he was never a speed guy, but that makes it even worse when he slows down. So with his issues creating seperation im really hoping him in the slot will help out, assuming thats the plan, im not aware of anything in that reguards.

In all honesty...i could see this season as a 9-7 with our brutal schedule or i could see us winning the superbowl....neither would shock me

[jusraven]

[b]1. Is Dean Pees going to use different formations than what we saw last year?[/b]
The Ravens are known for their defense so I wouldn’t expect much change unless they begin to falter.

[b]2. How will the pass rush be compared to last year?[/b]
Kind of dismal or average at best; hope I’m wrong.

[b]3. Do the Ravens have the best roster, top-to-bottom in the AFC North?[/b]
Impossible to tell since I am much more familiar with the Raven’s roster than any other team.

[b]4. Who goes once David Reed comes off the PUP list?[/b]
Unless someone really messes up, I say David Reed goes.

[jazz1988]

Im not really worried about the ravens o-line this year they were ranked 12th last year and i know grubbs is gone but for some reason i dont see the ravens o-line getting worse. I am more worried about the ravens pass rush and safety depth. The ravens know they have a pass rusher in Krugar, Mcphee, and Ngata but is that really enough? I personally think it is not enough and Im sure the coaches are looking to see if Kindle, Upshaw and Mccellan can be effective pass rushers and if not they will have to trade for a good pass rusher.


The safety depth concerns me because none of the back up safeties are known to be good in coverage and as right now are just known to be good at special teams( Christian Thompson is understandable since hes a rookie ).Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura were good at special teams but they also were good enough to be used on defense to give Pollard & Reed a break and they held their own against the pass.

[jazz1988]

[quote name='usmccharles' timestamp='1346896651' post='1140473']
1) Is cam cameron actually going to let Joe take over this offense and do what we think he can and what everyone else thinks he cant. Im not saying go out and attempt 625 passes next year, but joe needs more control and not treated like a game manager, especially since he proved that hes more than that. I think cameron is on the hot seat and if the offense struggles he will be gone, maybe even mid season depending on the production. There was times when i liked what he did...but thats not often, i hope he proves me wrong.

2) O Line- This is obvious as stated above, i was extremely worried when i read that we might let mckinnie walk after those contract issues. If our oline cant protect Joe, our pass game will struggle as well as our run game.

3) pass rush- every one knows these issues, i wont go into detail.

4) Tucker- i wouldnt say im worried by any means, just extremely excited to see a rookie get this chance, maybe we found our kicker for quite some time. ***not everything on this list has to be bad***

5) [b]Boldin- First off, i want to say that i love this guy, pure tough competitor. Im worried that hes lost more than one step, i know he was never a speed guy, but that makes it even worse when he slows down. So with his issues creating seperation im really hoping him in the slot will help out, assuming thats the plan, im not aware of anything in that reguards.[/b]

In all honesty...i could see this season as a 9-7 with our brutal schedule or i could see us winning the superbowl....neither would shock me

[/quote]



I think Boldin is going to have a very good season this year he was dealing with a injury most of the season last year which definately hurt his speed but if he stays injury free this year then I expect him to have atleast 1,000 receiving yards.

[The Raven]

Will the offensive line hold up?

Will the wide receivers strong preseason transfer into the regular season?

Will Joe be able to handle more responsibility of the offense?

Will the secondary live up to expectations?

Will we get pressure?

[usmccharles]

[quote name='jazz1988' timestamp='1346901445' post='1140608']




I think Boldin is going to have a very good season this year he was dealing with a injury most of the season last year which definately hurt his speed but if he stays injury free this year then I expect him to have atleast 1,000 receiving yards.
[/quote]

Thats a good point, i didn't think of that. Also, just thought if this, since i think torrey will be #1 wr that will open things up for Q more....like back in AZ. Ok ... Thats off my list

[The Prestige]

[quote name='jazz1988' timestamp='1346900910' post='1140593']
The safety depth concerns me because none of the back up safeties are known to be good in coverage and as right now are just known to be good at special teams( Christian Thompson is understandable since hes a rookie ).Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura were good at special teams but they also were good enough to be used on defense to give Pollard & Reed a break and they held their own against the pass.
[/quote]

I think James Ihedigbo and Christian Thompson have so enough athletic ability that - under their great coaches - they should be fine if someone is hurt. The Seahawks secondary is the only one close to the Ravens.

[arnie_uk]

So David reed is more important than our online..... Ok

[UMDan]

[quote name='awholelottahaloti' timestamp='1346887893' post='1140258']
My answer, David Reed.
[/quote]

I concur. Why are they hanging on to him? Injury prone and rarely good.

[Gordo52]

Biggest concern for me is the oline. The only way Joe can be successful is if he's protected. Bengals have one of the top 4-3 defenses in football. Our online [i]must[/i] give Joe time to throw.

I'm very excited to see how our defense looks. I won't judge Pees just off of this game, but I still want to see how much we decide to blitz, and how aggresive we are on Monday night.

Also excited to see Tucker. I want touchdowns, but I'll be happy with a couple of field goals this game. Especially if they're 50+ I want to hear the crowd after Tucker kicks in that first long field goal. And on Monday night against a division rival in his pro debut, he'll be under alot of pressure. We'll get to see how he handles it, and I cant wait.

[BMalan]

There is no chance we would get rid of LaQuan Williams for David Reed. Williams is a proven Special Team's player on this roster and has also shown to be a more capable WR than Reed.