Next up: Indianapolis

[gabefergy]

Two little things I'd like to see more:

1. Getting Juice consistently involved. We saw how dangerous he could be against Cleveland. I'm confident he'll be used more due to injury but I would like to see him get a couple catches/targets every single game.

2. More screens. We've been good at these with Steve & our TE's, but I want Torrey and Jacoby to get some. Can't believe I'm saying this, but also some Jacoby end arounds. Just do something to break him out of his funk.

That's nitpicking though. The offense has already exceeded my expectations so early on. What's scary is I don't believe they hit their peak yet.

I'd love to see another Jacoby end-around. With the way defenses are committed to stopping our run a misdirection play like that could generate a huge gain.

[ravensdan]

Stats are useful and all, but he's calling me out for real analysis.

The thing with stats are they can be used to tell a lot of different stories depending on how you look at them. Looking at actual plays is a better indication of how a player or team is doing.

One of cossells quotes I like a lot when looking at QB play is there is no stat for throws not atenpted. While there are a lot of things to like about the offense now. We might stack up a ton of wins. High completion percentage etc. Will it hurt us in the playoffs when we need Joe to turn it loose.

[PlayLikeAFan]

This Sunday will be the true test for our secondary and how Peas prepares as a coach. Luck who leads the league in touchdowns and is at home will be tough to defend, but if we can keep them under 25 points we have a legitimate shot.

edit: does my post stretch off the page for anyone else?

[1/28/01]

This Sunday will be the true test for our secondary and how Pees prepares as a coach. Luck who leads the league in touchdowns and is at home will be tough to defend, but if we can keep them under 25 points we have a legitimate shot.

edit: does my post stretch off the page for anyone else?

Yes, you put in some weird font and that threw off the code. Here you go. (Also, spelled the DC's name correctly for ya)

[codizzle]

Yes, you put in some weird font and that threw off the code. Here you go. (Also, spelled the DC's name correctly for ya)

Peas and thank you

[stampedehero]

I agree with gordo52,...  Secondary players from each team are in the soup.   Whoever plays great and creates turnovers determines a large percentage of this game.  Joe has the weapons.  Luck has weapons.  This should be entertaining.   However, we can only see it on NFL red zone as coverage is restricted.   

[stampedehero]

This Sunday will be the true test for our secondary and how Peas prepares as a coach. Luck who leads the league in touchdowns and is at home will be tough to defend, but if we can keep them under 25 points we have a legitimate shot.

edit: does my post stretch off the page for anyone else?

 

No it is AOK   I agree the secondary is in the conversation.  I'm thinking we score more  than 30 to beat them  

[stampedehero]

Hey  Gordo52 is a Jus fan like me.  That guy is the secret weapon.   I have seen him in the right place, He's no ball dropper, He is a multi position player.  I said in a prior post that I would like him in at least 10 plays a game.  If he scores two TD's I'm sure some premiere polka band will feature him in their new action video. 

[Guest Omerta]

Not really. The first long TD, Joe had tunnel vision on Daniels and was lucky to get the result from the play. Torrey Smith was wide open in the middle of the field and would have been a big completion. I can't complain about the result, but Joe should have gone to Torrey.

 

 

Earlier in the 2nd Quarter, Joe takes a 3 step drop and has the ball out to Steve Smith for a short gain. If he goes through his progressions for a second he would find a wide open Juice on the wheel route.

 

 

On the TD to Torrey, Joe did not wait to let the play develop, because he didn't need to. He had three great options after the quick drop from the shotgun pass, and he didn't wait to get the ball out.

 

 

On this pass play to Juice, Torrey is coming wide wide open on the rub route. He even throws his hands up in disgust after the play is over. 

 

 

So like I said, Joe is getting the ball out very fast and the results have been good so far. I think it can get a lot better with a touch more patience and comfort in this offense.

 

I enjoyed the breakdown so a lot of credit to you for taking the time to set this up in a visible way. I agree with the analysis in part. I would like to add that the big play offense is suited to what we have on the team and that it is something that we have been trying to build for a long time.

 

HOWEVER,

 

I am just glad to see the offense producing at a level that is above a college level in the pros. Holding the ball is not something I am wanting at this point because what we are doing is working. Half of Troy Polamalu's highlights over the last 4 years have been because Joe is holding the ball too long waiting for a play to develop. Now who is to say that is because our o line was crappy or what have you, but with that play calling was also an issue. Cam Cameron is/was the worst OC in football for  a number of years and it was because of his pro form Coryell offense that was boom or bust. 

 

If we get to the endzone on a a 2 play drive for 80 yards or one that is 11 plays really makes no difference to me because the end result is the same. It also helps us in time of possession and gives our defense something they have not had in years, which is time to catch their breath. I  dont think it is a coincidence that the defense is looking dominant again but they are not on the field as much either. I prefer the system and Joe's execution of it at the current than trying to modify something that is working. I would love to be able to know that with 60 seconds left down by 4 that we are going to stand a good chance of getting the TD, but the offense we are playing now with the combined result of the defense we are not finding ourselves in that position which is a relief in it of itself. This is not to say that our offense is not capable of that because when need be our offense has been explosive and we are getting chunk yardage. WE just dont need to and we are staying balanced so there is something to be said for that. 

[stampedehero]

Callahan 09 has riveting visual proof that the Kubiak system works. With our personnel and schemes a win is expected not hoped for as it was under other OC's. Would you not agree that the relevance of Steve Smith creates opportunities for others?.  I'm a huge Jus fan and want more for him.   However, JJ can catch a few, get the ball into his hands and be successful.   TSmith and Brown have the options too. It appears Joes dilemma is choosing the right guy at the right time.  Hey thats not bad at all.  For comparison, look at how the Jets have starved. 

[Inqui]

Peas and thank you

Gotta mind your Pees and Qs.

 

(even though one's an offensive guy and one's defensive)

[gabefergy]

I enjoyed the breakdown so a lot of credit to you for taking the time to set this up in a visible way. I agree with the analysis in part. I would like to add that the big play offense is suited to what we have on the team and that it is something that we have been trying to build for a long time.

 

HOWEVER,

 

I am just glad to see the offense producing at a level that is above a college level in the pros. Holding the ball is not something I am wanting at this point because what we are doing is working. Half of Troy Polamalu's highlights over the last 4 years have been because Joe is holding the ball too long waiting for a play to develop. Now who is to say that is because our o line was crappy or what have you, but with that play calling was also an issue. Cam Cameron is/was the worst OC in football for  a number of years and it was because of his pro form Coryell offense that was boom or bust. 

 

If we get to the endzone on a a 2 play drive for 80 yards or one that is 11 plays really makes no difference to me because the end result is the same. It also helps us in time of possession and gives our defense something they have not had in years, which is time to catch their breath. I  dont think it is a coincidence that the defense is looking dominant again but they are not on the field as much either. I prefer the system and Joe's execution of it at the current than trying to modify something that is working. I would love to be able to know that with 60 seconds left down by 4 that we are going to stand a good chance of getting the TD, but the offense we are playing now with the combined result of the defense we are not finding ourselves in that position which is a relief in it of itself. This is not to say that our offense is not capable of that because when need be our offense has been explosive and we are getting chunk yardage. WE just dont need to and we are staying balanced so there is something to be said for that. 

Like I have already said, the way the offense is clicking right now is great, but there is room to get better. It's not like Joe is about to get sacked every time he releases the ball. If he scans the field for a second longer bigger plays would be available. That's still part of the current system, but right now it appears that getting the ball out fast is a priority as Joe becomes comfortable in it.

[K-Dog]

This Sunday will be the true test for our secondary and how Peas prepares as a coach. Luck who leads the league in touchdowns and is at home will be tough to defend, but if we can keep them under 25 points we have a legitimate shot.

edit: does my post stretch off the page for anyone else?

 

 

that is weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeird.

[sflegend89]

We'll learn a lot about the landscape of the AFC from this game. I see the Broncos as the clear #1 still but then there is a log jam behind them with the Ravens, Colts, Bengals, and Chargers. 

 

Andrew Luck is playing out of his mind but I'm not sold on that defense, I like Vontae Davis a lot but the rest of their secondary and run D is suspect. I see the Ravens as the more balanced team, Luck will probably still pitch 2 or 3 TD's but I'm picking the Ravens to pull this game out and get a hard fought W. 

[Cillmatic]

We'll learn a lot about the landscape of the AFC from this game. I see the Broncos as the clear #1 still but then there is a log jam behind them with the Ravens, Colts, Bengals, and Chargers.

Andrew Luck is playing out of his mind but I'm not sold on that defense, I like Vontae Davis a lot but the rest of their secondary and run D is suspect. I see the Ravens as the more balanced team, Luck will probably still pitch 2 or 3 TD's but I'm picking the Ravens to pull this game out and get a hard fought W.

Remember they've only beaten the two worse teams in the league.

[funky141]

Remember they've only beaten the two worse teams in the league.

And the Ravens beat the Steelers and Browns right!

[1/28/01]

And the Ravens beat the Steelers and Browns right!

Well, to be fair, they DID only beat two of the worst teams in the league right now. Granted, you play who's on your schedule, but I think its safe to say our three wins are more imoressive than the Colts two.

[sflegend89]

Remember they've only beaten the two worse teams in the league.

 

Like I said I'm picking the Ravens as I feel we are the more balanced and complete team but you can't count out Indy with how Andrew Luck has been playing. This isn't the same kid who came into Baltimore in the playoffs and got held without a TD. Our biggest issue on defense right now is communication in the secondary and giving up big plays.. This is the most potent passing offense we've faced so far by a mile and our secondary has to at least limit the big plays and give up FG's instead of TD's whenever possible.

 

I think our offense will have success moving the ball against their defense but we don't want this thing to turn into a shootout. It's expected that the Colts offense will put up some points but if we can keep the score reasonable I think it really bodes well for our offense to put together some nice scoring drives and come home with the W.

[allblackraven]

Apologies if this was already posted. I find some parts funny. And it's the Ravens at Team from Indianapolis, so on topic:

 

http://profootballmock.com/battle-boards-colts-ravens/

[PurpleReign92]

If our secondary can stand up to pressure like the guys up front then we can make it a long ride home for the colts. 

[HoldingCall]

Like I have already said, the way the offense is clicking right now is great, but there is room to get better. It's not like Joe is about to get sacked every time he releases the ball. If he scans the field for a second longer bigger plays would be available. That's still part of the current system, but right now it appears that getting the ball out fast is a priority as Joe becomes comfortable in it.

I think Joe is taking his adaption to this offense a step at a time, and that will be a good thing in the end. Barring major injuries the offense and Joe will get better.

[HoldingCall]

If our secondary can stand up to pressure like the guys up front then we can make it a long ride home for the colts. 

Colts are at home for this game.

[jaege]

We've seen literally thousands of posts of fans complaining on this web site that Joe doesn't get the ball out quickly enough... and now, we're getting posts asking him to hold the ball for an extra second so a potentially bigger play could happen?  It strikes me as a little odd... The longer he holds onto the ball, the more chance of the protection breaking down.  The longer he holds onto the ball, the more likely it is that someone who looks open in the moment you're seeing isn't open anymore when he gets rid of the ball to them, or that a route can be read and jumped for an INT.  This was happening to the golden boy Tom Brady against the Chiefs the other night.  He was holding the ball for an extra second and then that pick 6 happened because he was too late getting rid of the football.

 

I just see nothing to complain about with making quick reads and quick releases as Flacco has been doing.  Not only is there no problem with it, it's actually by design.  He is supposed to be doing that.  If he were holding the ball longer, he'd be doing so in order to make reads that Kubiak doesn't intend him to be getting to, he's supposed to get rid of the ball early.  The results are a higher completion percentage, fewer tackles for a loss, and fewer turnovers, and that's the game plan I'm happy to be seeing, even if it means not a lot of big plays are likely to be broken.  Ball security, time of possession, first downs, high probability plays, that's what we're getting for the first time ever, and it's working wonderfully, and here we have people nit-picking and asking for Joe to hold the ball longer, go through more reads, and wait for the big play to open up... which is exactly the failed strategy we all complained about through 6 years of Cam Cameron's system.

 

I have to agree. I am happy that Joe is getting rid of the ball. Better to throw it away that get sacked. Is there room for even more improvement? Sure. But I am happy with the direction things are going. I would say that most fans are.

[funky141]

Well, to be fair, they DID only beat two of the worst teams in the league right now. Granted, you play who's on your schedule, but I think its safe to say our three wins are more imoressive than the Colts two.

Yes you play who is on your schedule, but beating Carolina with no offensive weapons and a Steeler team with a very old defense is not the most impressive wins either I could argue.

[BmoreBird22]

Yes you play who is on your schedule, but beating Carolina with no offensive weapons and a Steeler team with a very old defense is not the most impressive wins either I could argue.

Everyone calls the Pittsburgh defense old, except for the fact that they've really focused on getting younger and more youthful with just a few veteran pieces here and there. That's becoming a really bad generalization, just like how the Ravens were old in 2012 for having Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, despite having no other players starting over the age of 30.

[funky141]

Everyone calls the Pittsburgh defense old, except for the fact that they've really focused on getting younger and more youthful with just a few veteran pieces here and there. That's becoming a really bad generalization, just like how the Ravens were old in 2012 for having Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, despite having no other players starting over the age of 30.

Understood, good point...I will change old to bad then...

[BmoreBird22]

Understood, good point...I will change old to bad then...

That's more fair. They haven't been the same at all this year.

 

They're pretty average, but I'm used to seeing top 5 AFCN defenses.

[Runnin Raven]

Yes you play who is on your schedule, but beating Carolina with no offensive weapons and a Steeler team with a very old defense is not the most impressive wins either I could argue.

Will be interesting to see how that game goes for you guys on 10/26 then.

[funky141]

Will be interesting to see how that game goes for you guys on 10/26 then.

I think we all will be watching....

[beasy2487]

I don't think the Colts will be able to match our intensity top to bottom for 60 minutes, putting even more pressure on Luck to carry the team (which he is fully capable of doing). They are stout up the middle on defense, but awful at getting pressure. I also think their rush defense stats are inflated by their division and the fact that their first two games were shootouts. I think we move the ball at will on this defense. Especially if they make the mistake of putting Vontae Davis on Torrey instead of Steve. In that scenario we'll essentially be able to take their only favorable matchup in the secondary out of the game and victimize their safeties, linebackers, and lesser defensive backs with Sr., Marlon, OD and Juice. We also know Chuck loves to blitz. Joe's been amazing against blitz pressure this year and I think Sr. has some big chances in those situations. Forsett's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield is going to be huge in this game as well, and then I see us introducing LT in a big way in the second half to wear them down.

 

That said, winning this game is all about Dean Pees. Can we apply pressure on Luck? Costanzo's been playing out of his mind of the left side, so can we scheme Suggs into some opportunities and otherwise let Dumervil and McPhee feast? We're very familiar with Richardson, but can we keep Bradshaw from beating us around the edge? Both Bradshaw and Richardson can be dispossessed. Can Smith and Mosley continue their one-two punch, stand those guys up and get the ball out? In the secondary, Luck is going to make plays but he's also going to take chances. Can we put our guys in position to make plays on the ball? And can our guys take advantage of those opportunities. We have to turn them over. We have to minimize mistakes on defense.

 

If we can answer those questions in a big way, I think we win decisively. If not, I think it's close either way.