Next up: Houston

[3-4ravdef509]

14 points won't get it done.

Need to open it up more. Run game isn't going to get going on it's own, we need to pass to set up the run. Way too many
3Rd and long situations. That said Joe
Played clutch yesterday, converting 3
rd downs with ease at times, nice tto see him play well

[ellicottraven]

Ed Reed will play and hopefully Joe Flacco doesn't follow receivers with his eyes, because if he does, Ed Reed will make him pay. I am just hoping for a great game from our offense and that we get a W!

[Sami84]

14 points won't get it done.

Need to open it up more. Run game isn't going to get going on it's own, we need to pass to set up the run. Way too many
3Rd and long situations. That said Joe
Played clutch yesterday, converting 3
rd downs with ease at times, nice tto see him play well

well if tucker made 2 fg and f we decided to take one at the end from 36 yards instead of kneel it would have been 23 .

[BMORElegacy]

Is Reed a gametime decision again this week? 

[The Raven]

Hopefully the oline remembers to play like they did in the playoffs or this will be a loss.

[Poes Crows]

Winning Ugly is certainly better than 0-2.

 

It was the Browns, but the Raven's got a win when they needed one badly.

 

Pittsburgh should be humiliated tonight, so bring on the Texans and we'll take our chances.

[AsianRice]

To the end, we win and I like to win......

[Purple_ICE 81]

Its going to be another TOUGH battle, I guess its better to get the hard matches out of the way early however. Plain and simple our offense has to step up. So far this season we have not ran the ball well or passed the ball well and that NEEDS to change. Players need to step up and stop making Joe Look bad with all the drops. I feel like Flacco is going to get beat up by the pass rush...seems like Bryant Mckinnie is out of shape or something, definitely not in playoff form. With Rice questionable Im not sure how effective Pierce will be against a tough d-line. So Flacco is going to have to go back to January 2013 and pull out some of that playoff clutchness and dependability.

 

As for our defense we have a stout run D, but a leaky pass D. Andre Johnson (if he plays), Nuke Hopkins, and Owen Daniels will destroy our secondary if they dont cover well, and we allowed some big plays against the Browns last week so Schaub will likely have his chances to pick at our weak pass D. Hopefully Suggs and Doom will get after him and wreak havok to give our secondary sometime.

 

Bottom line...I think Texans get us 27-20. Our offense just doesnt seem t have the traction it needs just yet...even our running game whch is quite surprising. But we'll get there. Still think we are a 10 win playoff contending team though.

[reediddy]

We have an elite run defense from what we can deduce over the last two games, but the pass D leaves a lot to be desired. Hopkins looks like the real deal and stepped up big once Dre left with his concussion yesterday. Smith on Hopkins should be a good matchup, with Webb getting Dre if he's cleared to play.

 

It's gonna be tough sledding for our offense if we don't iron out the problems from this last game

[Puntit]

That simply isn't true. People hear these things that a coach here or there has said and then somehow they become a mantra. There was actually an entire discussion a few years back about the whole "run to open up the pass" being a complete myth and false

 

I'm not saying we need to air the ball out and throw deep all the time. We do need some quick outs, slants or screens (basically a running play) rather than this running up the gut crap we are currently enamored with for some odd reason. Running on 1st & 2nd downs IS indeed our problem. We gain no ground and are constantly in a 3rd and long situation. It allows the opposing defense to pretty much sit back and know exactly what we are doing. It's beyond foolish..

 

Rice doesn't need X amount of carries. Joe doesn't need to stay under X amount of passes. You go with what the defense is giving you and trust me, Houston is more likely to give us ground in the air than on the ground.

 

We'll see. It's only my opinion but if we don't get rid of this idea that we have to establish the run in order to pass we lose to Houston.

Its not a mantra. Football is like a chess match. You have a finite number of pieces (11) and you have to make sure they are in position to stop what you think the other team is going to do. If you think he's going to run, you keep extra pieces near the line of scrimmage. If you think he's going to throw, you can keep people back off the line. But if you don't know, then you sometimes end up with guys out of position to make the play. And that's why establishing the run opens up the passing game. And that's actually the case even if the running game isn't very effective because when Cleveland keeps an extra body or two at the line to stuff the run, even when they are effective at it, that's still one or two fewer bodies to double cover a receiver. T Smith isnt someone you are going to catch up with after you realize the Ravens aren't running it -- you have to commit before the snap. So running keeps them honest, and divides their coverage.  The problem is that when you get into a 3rd and long situation, everyone knows what you are going to do. But that's a small price to pay for single coverage on early downs later in the game.

 

I don't know what was discussed in the prior thread you describe, but this really isn't a new concept in organized football, isn't simply myth, and has been proven and adopted many times over by countless coaches in the NFL. That fans on this site don't buy into the logic doesn't really make it a myth.

[Ravenslifer]

My biggest concern is Joe's pass protection - the last 3 times we've played the Texans (since 2011) they've sacked Joe 11 times, and hit him a whole bunch more.

[Militant X 1]

the Ravens offense hasn't shown me anything significant after 2 games.  now, can we win this game?  absolutely!  however imo, the Ravens offense needs to play with purpose and stay true to their identity of being a smash-mouth and controlling the clock by pounding the rock team that mixes in killer play actions.  imo, their personnel is built for that!!  their offense is struggling because they clearly get away from that and try to cram the air-assault down teams throats and it doesn't work for them.  pound the rock!  establish the run and play action and great things will happen for this team.

 

~Mili

[callahan09]

My biggest concern is Joe's pass protection - the last 3 times we've played the Texans (since 2011) they've sacked Joe 11 times, and hit him a whole bunch more.

Indeed.  The offensive line can't let Joe get pressure the way he was in last year's game, or it will be another long game with no positive results.  It's all about the trenches.  The game plan needs to include ways for Joe to get rid of the ball quickly and/or to avoid the pressure that will get through.  Max protect probably isn't the answer... we just need to find ways *around* the pressure, rather than to try to stop it and inevitably fail.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Hope our run game is rdy. Best way to keep our D rested and eat the clock away from texans explosive offense.

[Purple_Polo89]

Honestly I think we have a very good chance at winning against Houston. Lets not forget how they tore us a new one last season. I think we should pull a page from Peyton's book and get us some good old fashion revenge. Not saying we could see a 7 TD game from Flacco but if the Jake Locker and the Titans can give the Texans fits I see no problem why our offense can't do the same. I see a beast game from Pierce along with Brown and Smith both getting some catches maybe a TD for them both. I really wish Dickson would get some more looks, but after that drop the only other good TE catch was from my man double B. 

[edreedfromtheu]

This should be an easy game.  Ed Reed will be back on the field for Houston, and as you all have said... Ed Reed can't tackle.  He can't cover, and just gambles.  It should be a really easy week and the Ravens should be able to extend this winning streak to 2!

[edreedfromtheu]

Hopefully the oline remembers to play like they did in the playoffs or this will be a loss.

I'd be more concerned with Flacco returning closer to how he was playing in the playoffs.  Offensive line has been no worse than any other offense in the league that has been putting up a lot more points.

[Worthy]

We better figure out how we can get the ball out quickly this game!  Joe is a rhythm QB and you need to get him started early!  I wish we would have used this Cleveland game as a idea if we can use Juice lining up over the slot catching those though over the middle catches!  When Dallas Clark went down, I thought for sure we'd see a little bit of Juice -- but I don't think he got any snaps on offense -- if he did I don't recall it.  

 

With Rice gimpy, we better sign either Berry or Allen for this game because I'm not sure if you can expect Bernard to handle every snap!

 

We need to utilize the play action pass!

 

I believe our receiving core can drastically improve stretching the field if we can get Deonte Thompson back this week.  With Thompson, and Torrey split wide and allowing Marlon Brown in the slot I believe we can run a lot of 3 WR sets, however we have to remember that we won't have the time to wait for deep routes unless we get our run game going!  So stick to fast slants, quick outs, and for those times we want to go deep -- we gotta go play action pass to gain a few seconds in the pocket for Joe!

 

Normally we could go with a standard (3 WR / 1 TE / 1 RB) set, however it's obvious that our TE position is truly lacking. 

 

We might also want to look at going 4 WR sets with Leach in the backfield (as pass protection / outlet receiver instead of Pierce) if Rice can't go this week.  I trust that Leach can block a whole lot better than Pierce and we'll need that extra back blocking for this game!

 

It's going to be a tough game, however I believe we can beat em if we play within ourselves! 

 

Fix Bayonets!

[ravensdfan]

Its not a mantra. Football is like a chess match. You have a finite number of pieces (11) and you have to make sure they are in position to stop what you think the other team is going to do. If you think he's going to run, you keep extra pieces near the line of scrimmage. If you think he's going to throw, you can keep people back off the line. But if you don't know, then you sometimes end up with guys out of position to make the play. And that's why establishing the run opens up the passing game. And that's actually the case even if the running game isn't very effective because when Cleveland keeps an extra body or two at the line to stuff the run, even when they are effective at it, that's still one or two fewer bodies to double cover a receiver. T Smith isnt someone you are going to catch up with after you realize the Ravens aren't running it -- you have to commit before the snap. So running keeps them honest, and divides their coverage.  The problem is that when you get into a 3rd and long situation, everyone knows what you are going to do. But that's a small price to pay for single coverage on early downs later in the game.

 

I don't know what was discussed in the prior thread you describe, but this really isn't a new concept in organized football, isn't simply myth, and has been proven and adopted many times over by countless coaches in the NFL. That fans on this site don't buy into the logic doesn't really make it a myth.

 

"

Myth: Establish the Run to Set Up the Pass

 

Myth: If a team gets the ground game going, they can open up the passing game.

Reality: Effectively establishing the running game during a quarter has no effect on the passing game in the following quarter.  Furthermore, a successful rushing play or plays have no obvious effect on a subsequent passing play.

Conclusion: [Busted] This one was a shocker.  After all, we hear this all the time.  "Wow, they are doing so well in the air because the ground game has been great."  So, how could we be so wrong?  Perhaps this is an example of confirmation bias.  We highlight and remember games that  conform to this myth, and forget the games that do not."

 

It goes on to show actual graphs & charts and statistics that prove it's a myth.

 

 

http://www.nflstatsblog.com/2011/08/myth-10-establish-run-to-set-up-pass.html

 

As for your comment in bold, please. You don't get single coverage later because at that point you're so far behind they know you aren't going to run. lol

 

If you run, run 3rd and long...the opposing defense knows exactly what you're doing the entire time. No chess there.

[The Raven]

I'd be more concerned with Flacco returning closer to how he was playing in the playoffs.  Offensive line has been no worse than any other offense in the league that has been putting up a lot more points.

 

Ha okay. 

[StingerNLG]

I'm going to say something that is going to probably not sit well with some.   But maybe part of the issue with the run game is how it's being played.    I'm I the only one still noticing Ray Rice only goes between the tackles, and doesn't try to hit the holes anymore?    And he never runs outside.    He's great in the passing game and I think we're going to miss that because I don't see Pearce catching balls.   But his running style seems to fit our run blocking scheme very well and we may have more ground success with him as the 2 down back.

 

I hate to say it, but maybe right now Rice is the problem with the run game.  

[Tank 92]

Is Reed a gametime decision again this week?

Now that's a good question.

Not taking into account his injury; Do you think he wants to play? I don't know.....he can't be in game shape and you know he doesn't want to lay an egg in Bmore. Then again, you never know with old sly Ed. He could be layin' low and waiting for this game. I hope that's not the case. Don't know how I would feel with him trying to beat the Ravens.

[admartian]

If the Broncos can get "revenge" against us, then I hope we get it against the TExans for last year. I'm still worried about their D zeroing in on Torrey and Marlon. And with Rice not playing to his best (injury or not) I'm hoping we don't get shut down again.

 

Prove me wrong guys. :D

[doc108]

Hey Texans fan here. Not sure if you remember me here from the last few years but I was here. Just wanted to know how confident you guys are in a few match ups.

Hopkins/Dre vs Ravens secondary. This is assuming Hopkins plays well next week. He may play bad rookie WR's can be inconsistent.

Our TE's vs your Linebackers and safeties. Our TE's can be big threats especially in the red zone. Of the 5 TD passes Schaub has thrown 4 have been to TE's. They aren't huge threats when not in the red zone but they can make some of the crucial catches you need for first downs but not big threats there.

Our Oline vs your Dline. We haven't played great recently on the line and you guys have a great pass rush. How do you think this goes in both the run and pass game?

Our Dline vs your Oline. Our line is playing great and I know nothing about your Oline. How do you predict this going?

[admartian]

Hey Texans fan here. Not sure if you remember me here from the last few years but I was here. Just wanted to know how confident you guys are in a few match ups.

Hopkins/Dre vs Ravens secondary. This is assuming Hopkins plays well next week. He may play bad rookie WR's can be inconsistent.

Our TE's vs your Linebackers and safeties. Our TE's can be big threats especially in the red zone. Of the 5 TD passes Schaub has thrown 4 have been to TE's. They aren't huge threats when not in the red zone but they can make some of the crucial catches you need for first downs but not big threats there.

Our Oline vs your Dline. We haven't played great recently on the line and you guys have a great pass rush. How do you think this goes in both the run and pass game?

Our Dline vs your Oline. Our line is playing great and I know nothing about your Oline. How do you predict this going?

The only thing I'm confident about is that both Our Dlines (should) dominate (or at least beat) the other's olines. And if our TEs can't catch, they need to be wielding crowbars to the back of Watt's leg to make themselves useful! :P (I kid of course).

 

 

Hopkins being a rookie, is a wash. The real threat is AJ (if healthy - if I were Kubiak, just move AJ on Smith - although Jimmy had a better game, albeit against lesser WRs) and/or Daniels across the middle. We also tend to be soft on screens or swing-type routes, so Arian could have a big day there should he (and Tate) not be so successful against our strong (as of now) run D.

[Rav'n Maniac]

What happened to that up tempo, high flying offense that started last season off. You remember the beating we gave the Bengals 44-13. Where has that offense gone? Ok, a couple of the receivers faces have changed, but outside that, everyone is still the same.

Come on Jim. It's time to get creative again and kick it up a notch or two. Let the Steers know they have to play us at our pace. Back them into the fire and we'll have steak for dinner.

[Sami84]

gino has been the death to our rungame. he honestly is a liability.

[StingerNLG]

What happened to that up tempo, high flying offense that started last season off. You remember the beating we gave the Bengals 44-13. Where has that offense gone? Ok, a couple of the receivers faces have changed, but outside that, everyone is still the same.

Come on Jim. It's time to get creative again and kick it up a notch or two. Let the Steers know they have to play us at our pace. Back them into the fire and we'll have steak for dinner.

 

We don't have the personnel for it.   MAYBE Marlon Brown and Torrey Smith now, but when you can't get any production out of the TE position and people keep dropping the ball, it's very hard to get into a rhythm much less go up tempo.

 

It's not just that a couple of receivers changed, it's that our entire corps below Smith is different from last year.

[beanfigger]

[quote name="doc108" post="1588622" timestamp="1379370397"]
Hey Texans fan here. Not sure if you remember me here from the last few years but I was here. Just wanted to know how confident you guys are in a few match ups.

Hopkins/Dre vs Ravens secondary. This is assuming Hopkins plays well next week. He may play bad rookie WR's can be inconsistent.

Our TE's vs your Linebackers and safeties. Our TE's can be big threats especially in the red zone. Of the 5 TD passes Schaub has thrown 4 have been to TE's. They aren't huge threats when not in the red zone but they can make some of the crucial catches you need for first downs but not big threats there.

Our Oline vs your Dline. We haven't played great recently on the line and you guys have a great pass rush. How do you think this goes in both the run and pass game?

Our Dline vs your Oline. Our line is playing great and I know nothing about your Oline. How do you predict this going?[/quote]Your receivers vs. our corners: Tough matchup for us. We have the talent to handle it, but we have been inconsistent, at best. You have a great receiver tandem.

Your TEs vs. our LBs and safeties: Our LBs are very capable defenders in the passing game. Our safeties have also been inconsistent, and we have already shuffled our starters at that position once this season. We have really struggled against TEs so far, but I expect us to really focus on that area. Daniels has always been a favorite of mine, but I hope we can handle him.

As far as our lines match up, neither of our O-lines will be able to shut down the others' D-lines. That is another area we have struggled this year. I think both running games will be in for a long day, an both QBs will have pressure in their face the whole game. Because of this, turnovers could become a huge factor. Our D hasn't forced any this season, but we are always a threat for that. I wouldn't be surprised if a turnover or two becomes the difference or turning point of this game.

[quote name="StingerNLG" post="1588676" timestamp="1379372801"]
We don't have the personnel for it. MAYBE Marlon Brown and Torrey Smith now, but when you can't get any production out of the TE position and people keep dropping the ball, it's very hard to get into a rhythm much less go up tempo.

It's not just that a couple of receivers changed, it's that our entire corps below Smith is different from last year.[/quote]I also think we have to look at the kind of shape our line is in. If they can't keep up with a fast tempo, than the other factors don't matter too much.

[Rav'n Maniac]

We don't have the personnel for it.   MAYBE Marlon Brown and Torrey Smith now, but when you can't get any production out of the TE position and people keep dropping the ball, it's very hard to get into a rhythm much less go up tempo.
 
It's not just that a couple of receivers changed, it's that our entire corps below Smith is different from last year.

Well, lets see. The line is the same except for Gino @ C. Same backfield, QB & kicker. Dixon's still here, same as Torrey & Doss. OK we lost Q & Pitta (who accounted for 14 of those 44 points with 30 coming from elsewhere) and weren't the fastest guys on the team. Stokley looked good and had a couple 1st downs against Cleveland, Brown is showing promise and we haven't even seen Juice yet. But, we don't have the personnel for it. Bull. I say we do.

Up tempo has more to do with keeping a D on their heels and not allowing them to sub, wearing them down till they make a mistake and then pouncing. You do that with a combination of runs and short to intermediate passes. If someone isn't catching it, you don't throw to them but in all cases they still have to be accounted for.