Next up: Browns

[PurplePassion824]

I was browsing through the Browns forums and it seems like the Browns fans think this will be an easy W for them after beating the Saints.  Seems like that one win went to their heads.  They seem to also think we have no run game since Rice is gone.  They obviously haven't seen us so far this year. Our run game isn't the best, but its much improved despite loosing our former #1 running back.  Im predicting a low scorer possibly decided by a turnover or a late drive.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

It's early in the season, we've got a younger, less experienced defense, and a new scheme on offense with some very experienced players. So, do we have enough on tape on the Browns to really know what they have? Do they have enough on us?

By the end of the season we'll have a pretty good idea of what we have in this team, and what our opponents have as well.

But right now, it's something of a coin flip. For everyone.

Welcome to parity, where most teams are now 1-1. Including us and them.

[Static]

Will Hill at FS, Stewart at SS , Elam at CB.

No?

[izvoodoo]

Will Hill at FS, Stewart at SS , Elam at CB.

No?

If Asa and Webb can both play I see no reason not to start Hill, Elam, Webb, Smith and Jackson at Nickel

[Militant X 1]

No, the key in the NFL is to be a balanced football team that can win anywhere. Do I expect us to win every home game and every road game? Of course not, nor would I expect the balance to be equal.

 

When your point differential at home is +483 and your point differential on the road is +9, there is no sort of balance whatsoever. I agree that 23-25 isn't a terrible road record, but nobody can objectively say that we've been "pretty good" on the road, because there isn't a single statistic that supports that. Points scored goes down, points allowed goes up, and we lose more games... on the road.

 

Its difficult for good teams to beat other good teams on the road. What shouldn't be difficult, if you're a good team, is for a good team to beat a mediocre or bad team on the road. By my count, of the 25 road losses since 2008, 9-10 of them have come against teams who were 8-8 or worse in that season.

 

No realistic team, no matter how good they are, can expect and bank on going 8-0 at home.

 

Yes, and as we learned last season, when you don't have a 12-4 or 11-5 team, 1.5 losses per season to bad road teams is the difference between a playoff and non-playoff team. Remember, that's not 1.5 road losses per season TOTAL... thats 1.5 road losses per season to a BAD or at least inferior football team. No team, home or away, can afford losses to teams that are at least perceived or end up being inferior.

 

I mean look at last season... we were 6-2 at home, which is basically what we are most seasons. Nothing changed there.

The difference... a 2-6 road record, including losses at Cleveland and Buffalo.

 

For me, I find it amusing when people come in here saying "we are going to spank this team" and "Ravens will win by 30". I find this naive at best. Could it happen? Sure, just like us losing by 30 could happen. But there's nothing from any season recently that I've seen that suggests we are in a position to stomp ANY team on the road, regardless of whether they are a 2-14 team or a 14-2 team. If I'm a realistic Ravens fan, I'm looking at Sunday's game and expecting to have to play really well to even win 7-10. If we play like we did against Pittsburgh, we probably win a pretty close game. If we play like we did against Cincinnati, we probably lose easily.

 

I agree with this!

 

P.S. I quoted this earlier and just put it in red with a gif.  Can't believe that that got deleted in here.  For what reason?

 

@Mili

[Militant X 1]

I was browsing through the Browns forums and it seems like the Browns fans think this will be an easy W for them after beating the Saints.  Seems like that one win went to their heads.  They seem to also think we have no run game since Rice is gone.  They obviously haven't seen us so far this year. Our run game isn't the best, but its much improved despite loosing our former #1 running back.  Im predicting a low scorer possibly decided by a turnover or a late drive.

 

And when browsing our forums some Ravens fans think that this will be an easy W for us after blowing out the Steelers.  And it seems like that one win went to their heads as well.  So, things balance out!

 

@Mili

[Inqui]

I agree with this!

 

P.S. I quoted this earlier and just put it in red with a gif.  Can't believe that that got deleted in here.  For what reason?

 

@Mili

We're not allowed pics in this neck of the woods. Disappointing, but such is the law of the jungle.

[Inqui]

And when browsing our forums some Ravens fans think that this will be an easy W for us after blowing out the Steelers.  And it seems like that one win went to their heads as well.  So, things balance out!

 

@Mili

Someone's going to get woken up in a harsh way, and I hope it's not us.

 

(For the record, I still think we match up well with them and I really like our chances. It's good that a bit of doubt is creeping into the fan base again this week)

[izvoodoo]

Honestly I think the teams are close.  I think if Will hill can play it'll change the balance.

[Ravenslifer]

We should be able to run better against Cleveland than in season's past, but our own run defense hasn't been that great early on either.  I think the biggest difference in this game will be the TEs - the Browns have two very good corners, but I don't know if they have the personnel to consistently match Pitta and Daniels.

[rmcjacket23]

Honestly I think the teams are close.  I think if Will hill can play it'll change the balance.

I have no idea when fans decided that Will Hill was even likely to play this weekend, but I think this talk needs to end. There is absolutely no indication whatsoever thus far that his suspension will even be reduced, let alone wiped away all together.

 

AND not to mention the fact that the guy hasn't practiced or worked out with the team in weeks. And last time I checked... guys just don't roll out of bed and start for professional football teams.

 

I'm honestly having trouble wrapping my head around why fans are even referencing Will Hill in regards to this Sunday's game.

[Militant X 1]

We're not allowed pics in this neck of the woods. Disappointing, but such is the law of the jungle.

 

Yeah!  One of the modes PM'ed me to explain the situation.

 

Someone's going to get woken up in a harsh way, and I hope it's not us.

 

(For the record, I still think we match up well with them and I really like our chances. It's good that a bit of doubt is creeping into the fan base again this week)

 

I agree!  I hope it is not us either.  For me; it's not about doubt though but it's about...what has and has not been proven yet.  We have yet to see how our boys will play on the road and this Sunday we'll get our first glimpse of that.  Then...based off of that....I can make the proper assessment of the Ravens without offering premature praise beforehand.  Of course, I am hoping for a "W" on their part but they have to go and get it!

 

@Mili

[GrimCoconut]

Yeah. I don't see Will Hill playing for us this weekend regardless if his suspension is reduced and he is eligible. He'll get a few weeks to at least get his conditioning under way. If he is on the 53 this week, I don't expect him to play until week 6 at the earliest. 

[PurplePassion824]

I have no idea when fans decided that Will Hill was even likely to play this weekend, but I think this talk needs to end. There is absolutely no indication whatsoever thus far that his suspension will even be reduced, let alone wiped away all together.

 

AND not to mention the fact that the guy hasn't practiced or worked out with the team in weeks. And last time I checked... guys just don't roll out of bed and start for professional football teams.

 

I'm honestly having trouble wrapping my head around why fans are even referencing Will Hill in regards to this Sunday's game.

 

Yeah. I don't see Will Hill playing for us this weekend regardless if his suspension is reduced and he is eligible. He'll get a few weeks to at least get his conditioning under way. If he is on the 53 this week, I don't expect him to play until week 6 at the earliest. 

 I agree with both of you, I have seen a lot of fans reference Will Hill.  I don't think he even played in the preseason.  Not to mention they have never announced whether he will have his suspension reduced or dropped under the new drug policy.  Week 6 sounds about right if he can get his body back in football shape.

[funky141]

The issue of this game against the Browns is it's in Cleveland and the Ravens are not as stout when playing away. I'm thinking a defensive battle at first, then things open up in the second half.

[BmoreBird22]

So far, Joe Haden is PFF's worst rated cornerback, and Justin Gilbert hasn't been terribly better. Teams have targeted Haden 12 times with 8 completions for over 120 yards and two touchdowns through two games.

 

Could be a good game for Flacco

[DomMcRaven]

So far, Joe Haden is PFF's worst rated cornerback, and Justin Gilbert hasn't been terribly better. Teams have targeted Haden 12 times with 8 completions for over 120 yards and two touchdowns through two games.

 

Could be a good game for Flacco

And we got some targets too. I'm definitely feeling a little more confident in this game now so long as the team doesn't overlook the Browns.

[BmoreBird22]

And we got some targets too. I'm definitely feeling a little more confident in this game now so long as the team doesn't overlook the Browns.

This isn't a team to be taken lightly, but Hoyer isn't exactly a great player or quarterback. As long as the Ravens can force some early incompletions, get some early hits or sacks, then this game should be a good one for the defense

[BrownsFan]

Really trolling on Tuesday? See ya' Sunday, we got other things to do, baseball! Oh and I ca't let this go, aren't we who you used to think you are? L.A. is your next home, seriously good luck. After all the injuries so far we both got off easy! Just been awhile since I've had to rib a Cleveland fan!

 

So... I'm pretty sure this post is in joking nature but I have to admit I have no idea what the hell you're talking about with the trolling and "L.A. is my next home" comments.  Maybe I'm getting old and don't get the jokes like I used to.    I would like to think I'm far from a troll on this forum that's for sure.

 

Rib away all you want though!  I'm not one of those fans who thinks Cleveland will win every game and that every game is an easy "W."  I hope we win but I certainly won't be that let down if we don't - especially being a Browns fan.

[BrownsFan]

So far, Joe Haden is PFF's worst rated cornerback, and Justin Gilbert hasn't been terribly better. Teams have targeted Haden 12 times with 8 completions for over 120 yards and two touchdowns through two games.

 

Could be a good game for Flacco

 

The only defense I will give Haden is against the Saints it is EXTREMELY unfair to ask him to cover Jimmy Graham one-on-one.  He lost that battle every single time and most (if not all) CBs would too.  The first game against the Steelers he was indeed not playing well at all.

[GrimCoconut]

The only defense I will give Haden is against the Saints it is EXTREMELY unfair to ask him to cover Jimmy Graham one-on-one. He lost that battle every single time and most (if not all) CBs would too. The first game against the Steelers he was indeed not playing well at all.

Yeah he's at a clear height disadvantage on that one. Even with the best coverage it would be a challenge for any CB to cover Graham. Jimmy Smith might be able to considering his height but unless the CB has a great vertical jump that's hard to defend. It will be interesting to see if we can get Haden in another mismatch like the Saints did but I doubt it. He'll be on either of the Smiths.

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

So... I'm pretty sure this post is in joking nature but I have to admit I have no idea what the hell you're talking about with the trolling and "L.A. is my next home" comments.  Maybe I'm getting old and don't get the jokes like I used to.    I would like to think I'm far from a troll on this forum that's for sure.

 

Rib away all you want though!  I'm not one of those fans who thinks Cleveland will win every game and that every game is an easy "W."  I hope we win but I certainly won't be that let down if we don't - especially being a Browns fan.

Just was kidding! Glad you have a sense of humor!  to be honest, I don't know how to act after the Orioles, well did anything! Much respect and again thanks!

[Blackbirds Rule]

Yeah he's at a clear height disadvantage on that one. Even with the best coverage it would be a challenge for any CB to cover Graham. Jimmy Smith might be able to considering his height but unless the CB has a great vertical jump that's hard to defend. It will be interesting to see if we can get Haden in another mismatch like the Saints did but I doubt it. He'll be on either of the Smiths.

Seattle showed the blue print to defend Graham. You have to press him with a line backer right at the LOS. This disrupts his pattern and the timing of the routes. You have to be extremely physical with him. Torrey had a good day the first time he went up against Haden if I'm remembering correctly. I think the key to the game isn't through the air but on the ground. If we can get our running game going where they have to put more men in the box. We can then exploit that and get our passing game going down the field. We can't use the Cincy gamplan against Cleveland.

[The Raven]

Seattle showed the blue print to defend Graham. You have to press him with a line backer right at the LOS. This disrupts his pattern and the timing of the routes. You have to be extremely physical with him. Torrey had a good day the first time he went up against Haden if I'm remembering correctly. I think the key to the game isn't through the air but on the ground. If we can get our running game going where they have to put more men in the box. We can then exploit that and get our passing game going down the field. We can't use the Cincy gamplan against Cleveland.

 

That's exactly it. Punch Graham in the mouth at the LOS and he's worthless. You start hittin him, and he starts quittin'. When we played the Lions last year, they sometimes put Calvin in the slot. When they did that, we often had a linebacker or Elam press him. I remember once Upshaw pressed him at the line and then blitzed. I think Elam trailed Calvin after the bump. I expect we'll have a similar strategy against Graham. 

 

We're going to use a TON of zone stretch and play action against Cleveland. Their DL is fat, so we should stretch them out and get the fatties moving. They'll get all tired out. I expect our tight ends to get more involved this game. I also think we hit Torrey deep once off play action. 

[Blackbirds Rule]

That's exactly it. Punch Graham in the mouth at the LOS and he's worthless. You start hittin him, and he starts quittin'. When we played the Lions last year, they sometimes put Calvin in the slot. When they did that, we often had a linebacker or Elam press him. I remember once Upshaw pressed him at the line and then blitzed. I think Elam trailed Calvin after the bump. I expect we'll have a similar strategy against Graham. 

 

We're going to use a TON of zone stretch and play action against Cleveland. Their DL is fat, so we should stretch them out and get the fatties moving. They'll get all tired out. I expect our tight ends to get more involved this game. I also think we hit Torrey deep once off play action. 

yeah I can't wait for this game. I look forward to watching both the offense and defense come to play. Week 1 the defense played and the offense tried to play catch up. Week 2 the defense came to play and the offense improved. i think week 3 we may get a big ST play and watch both the def and off come to play.

[GrimCoconut]

Seattle showed the blue print to defend Graham. You have to press him with a line backer right at the LOS. This disrupts his pattern and the timing of the routes. You have to be extremely physical with him. Torrey had a good day the first time he went up against Haden if I'm remembering correctly. I think the key to the game isn't through the air but on the ground. If we can get our running game going where they have to put more men in the box. We can then exploit that and get our passing game going down the field. We can't use the Cincy gamplan against Cleveland.

Sounds like a great time to have Arthur Brown and Courtney Upshaw playing coverage against Graham.

[The Raven]

Sounds like a great time to have Arthur Brown and Courtney Upshaw playing coverage against Graham.

 

Exactly what I was thinking. I was gonna say press him at the line with Upshaw or Suggs and then have Brown (or maybe Mosley) cover him. 

[Blackbirds Rule]

Sounds like a great time to have Arthur Brown and Courtney Upshaw playing coverage against Graham.

Yes it does. I remember the guy we lost in FA to the patriots a few years back. His name escapes me but he was the best we ever had at pressing the TE's and running with them.

 

 

Edit Adailus Thomas it just came to me.

[rmcjacket23]

Exactly what I was thinking. I was gonna say press him at the line with Upshaw or Suggs and then have Brown (or maybe Mosley) cover him. 

Much, much, much easier said than done.

Its not like other NFL teams don't have this exact same information, and many have tried and rather spectacularly failed at what is essentially a bump and run technique using two defenders.

Make no mistake... if we do exactly what fans are asking us to do, Brees and Graham will have no issue completing passes.

[BrownsFan]

Just was kidding! Glad you have a sense of humor!  to be honest, I don't know how to act after the Orioles, well did anything! Much respect and again thanks!

 

Ok I *thought* so but wasn't entirely 100% sure LOL.

 

Kudos to the Orioles too.  Obviously I'm a Tribe fan and would prefer they be heading to the playoffs but it's been a long time for the O's and good for them on making it.