Running game or Passing Game?

[cobrajet]

I saw a report on ESPN last night that Pierce tried to participate in practice but could not go because of his knee and will be a game time decision. I don't think running Ray Rice up the middle against Wilfork is going to be very effective. I see Ray getting his touches but not via many handoffs. I would be OK with that because I prefer him catching the ball. We still have Vonta for short yardage if needed.

I think the key to winning in New England will be spreading the ball around to all our receivers, tight ends and both Rice and even Vonta on side screens running to the first down markers. With the way our O-line has been playing, I think they may be up to this task but I am the most worried about the matchup of Birk vs. Wilfork. I think we should see a lot of shotgun.

The other worry is if the passing game struggles early and we can't move the chains, it will wear the defense down. I think we are going to live or die with our passing game tomorrow. Hopefully Joe, his receivers, and our O-line is up for the task. I also think that New England is going to try to put emphasis on stopping the deep pass so we should look to the middle of the field. I was wondering if others were in agreement, because this plan would go against the usual winning formula for us which is being balanced in the run and pass? If we had a healthy Pierce I would feel a little different.

[Twistidfunk]

I kinda feel ya but with our speed we can get over the top of anyone. Jacoby and Torrey can blow anyone away.

After watching the Texans game I saw a much improved run defense but really the Texans run Foster out wide. Shut that down and you can really take him out of the game which the Pats did. Fortunately for us, we run inside the tackles and we all know about Ray in the flats. Dangerous. The Pats have a lot to be concerned with. We have weapons also.

I do think Joe spreads it around but I don't think we give up on our running game either. It will be hard fought yards but something we must be able to do to eat the clock.

I expect big games form Pitta and Boldin. The Pats are going to be concerened with Torrey. Fine, go ahead. We have Boldin and Jacoby, Dickson and Pitta.

[What'dIMiss?]

I don't think you want to test the middle of the field too often against the Pats. After they moved McCourty to safety and added Talib, the LB's started to play more disciplined (ie: they do their own jobs and don't worry about what's behind them as much). The deep ball and screens to Rice is still the best way to go against them. Flacco's biggest asset goes perfectly with the Pats' biggest weakness. To shy away from it would raise some pretty obvious questions if they happen to lose. If I were the Ravens, I'd go big pass after big pass all day long. Believe me, there will be more than a few PI penalties. The Pats' secondary still has a problem with tracking the ball in the air (or even turning around to look at it).

[NaveSenrag]

Ray Rice up the middle isn't going to work against the Pats. Wilfork doesn't even need to be as dominant as he was last championship to completely shut Rice down inside. If we're going to get Rice the ball, it needs to be outside runs, screens, and short passing situations. I'm not sure even Pierce could handle the Pats D-line, and if he isn't playing, then running inside is basically giving the Pats a free down.

[Militant X 1]

[quote name='NaveSenrag' timestamp='1358522432' post='1316481']
Ray Rice up the middle isn't going to work against the Pats. Wilfork doesn't even need to be as dominant as he was last championship to completely shut Rice down inside. If we're going to get Rice the ball, it needs to be outside runs, screens, and short passing situations. I'm not sure even Pierce could handle the Pats D-line, and if he isn't playing, then running inside is basically giving the Pats a free down.
[/quote]

i agree! Leach can also be used inside as well. keep Rice to the outside....get him out in the open space!

~Mili

[rlh445]

Eh, Leach doesn't get many touches and is usually used to squeeze a few yards out of the flats or at the goal....I hope somebody squirts some happy juice into Pierce's knee because we're deffo gonna need him.

[NaveSenrag]

[quote name='Militant X 1' timestamp='1358522578' post='1316485']
i agree! Leach can also be used inside as well. keep Rice to the outside....get him out in the open space!

~Mili
[/quote]
Only problem with Leach is that he isn't very fast. He's good for 2 or 3 yards before he gets caught. I'm also not comfortable having him run when the only way to take him down is to go for his knees and ankles. It seems like he gets one run or catch, and then he's out of the game with an injury.

[CalvinSmoke]

Bernard Pierce is going to play, but Rice will do just fine up the middle and every where else. We don't have problems running on the Patriots.

[gabefergy]

I'd like to see more of a pass-first approach to set up the run. More 1 back sets with 3 wides or 2 TEs. Our biggest mismatches are Torrey's speed and Rice/Pitta/Dickson on their LBs. We have shown that we can run out that 1 back look quite well.