Next up : Patriots

[paulhs94]

I was just thinking about it and the Patriots secondary is probably the best secondary Flacco will have to face this season. How do you guys think he will do? Hopefully January Joe shows up and he has a solid game, but the more I think about it, the more I worry that he will have problems with this secondary.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Feeling a certain kind of way about a certain team owned by a certain drunk has no bearing on anyone's fandom one way or another.

 

Ray certainly did not intend disrespect - but that is because he doesn't look beyond himself enough to see the big picture on things at times. This is one of those times.

 

The statue of the man that was moved to make room for Ray's own statue would not find this okay - and no matter how many years had passed nor his affinity for their HC would have made him deliver any inspirational words during a playoff run - especially when the Ravens were also in that post season run.

 

I felt a certain kind of way when I saw it - I feel a certain kind of way that he did it and saw nothing wrong with it - and I will continue to feel that way.

 

I'm entitled to feel that way. I lived it, I watched it destroy Schaefer the man. Watched Unitas and others fight tooth & nail against the debacle of their records being cited as those of Indy - it is what it is and Ray was here at the beginning of the Ravens. He is well aware that some will feel a certain kind of way about it.

I truly, truly feel you. If it is a measure of disrespect or not - isn't it more healing to focus on what we can do and control now as oppossed to what this really means. We can beat these Patriots right now, on our own terms and without a speech. That's all that matters. If Ray did it to harm us, I think that he would have done it for the Patriots. I don't know.

 

After we play this one I'm sure we'll hear so much more. If all the adversity that happened to us this year hasn't stopped us from getting this far this surely won't. If I'm a Patriot fan right now - all that I'm hoping for is some kind of distraction.

 

Unfortunately, this is just another motivator for us. Mt friend: This is simply chess not checkers. It's okay to feel how you feel, but if it's not about this game and ending the Patriots...tomorrow night...you're missing the big picture. Don't lament on it too long. Just saying.

 

Oh...and one other thing...GO Ravens! End the Patriots!

[Alaska Alaska!]

Everyone is so focused on Revis, but their safeties are the real deal. Our success will have more to do with our WRs than with Joe.  Joe could have all day to pass, but if the WRs aren't open it won't matter.  

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Toast.

[hawkprey]

Sometimes our WRs make even average secondaries look like the best in the league. We've dealt with it before. Oh well.

 

Joe will just have to utilize the TEs and spread them out. Marlon in the slot vs Arrington is a good matchup. Browner will probably get flagged once or twice when we test him and that's good enough.

 

Worst case scenario, you have to check the ball down. It's not the end of the world.

[StingerNLG]

But Flacco has faced an imcomplete Patriot's team the last 3 games.. especially on defense, specifically on defense and an offense without Gronk...

And Edelman is the only real threat couch potato? please.. First off, LaFell is a legit deep threat and has almost 1,000 yards receiving and 7 TDs and is top 30 in receptions, and Tim Wright the 2nd TE has 7 TDs, and that's like 5th most amongst TEs... Secondly we can pound the rock with Blount and Gray, and provide mismatches with Vereen on safeties or linebackers along with Bolden... and Gronk will get us some one on ones on the outside no doubt... and I wonder how many sacks Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich will have? Or Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower.. and how many pics will Joe throw to Revis, Browner and McCourty.. and Collins? or Ninkovich? will be interesting to see...

Heck, even Amendola had a decent game last season vs the Ravens.. you guys were beaten by just Edelman and Amendola alone.. and that's without having to worry about Gronk, Wright or LaFell last season like you do now..

And you keep mentioning front 4.. will NO DUH.. is your front 4 better than Detroits? or Buffalos? or Denvers? both teams that beat Aaron Rodgers, because Brady put up a combine 119 points on both teams ... let me spell you out the names of both fronts that a healthy Patriots oline dominated in those games.. ready? Ok here goes... Marcell Dareus, Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Williams, Mario Williams, Nick Fairley, DeAndre Levy, Jerry Hughes (all pro), Demarcus Ware, Von Miller, Terrance Knighton and Ezekial Ansuh... guess what, all of those players were handled by the Patriot's offensive line so I'm pretty sure they will be fine and handle the front 4 again in this game and give Brady time to make a sandwich in the pocket.

Here is what is funny. In all this wall of text that you used to try and pump yourself up with, here are the facts.

The Steelers were 2nd rated offense in the league.

The Ravens shut down The Steelers offense, IN Pittsburgh.

Chew on that for a while.

[RavensPunkXVX]

First time poster here and a Pats fan.Forgetting all the BS, we both have great franchises to root for. I love the organizational excellence both  franchises have shown to continually be in contention year after year. Alot of posters on both sides like to throw slings and arrows but I for one respect your owner, gm and coaches for fielding solid teams. Tomorrow will be decided on the field by whichever team can impose it's will on the other. This game will be decided in the trenches, Ngata vs Stork is a critical matchup in my opinion. If he wins the battle in the middle it opens up everything to pressure Brady and throw him off stride. I see Dean Pees as a big asset for you. If the Pats can control the LOS I think we have a good shot. Flacco has been incredible in post season but I do feel our D is the best we have had in 10 years. Here is hoping for a well played, well officiated, hard hitting game.

 

You're one of the good ones! I hate when other fan bases come over and get mad when we get behind our team and hype them up. It is a Ravens board. If I'm going by what the other Pats fan is saying, I'm not even watching tomorrow. We're already beat.

 

I hate comparisons. Stats. Previous games. Both teams are full of talented professional athletes and the only stats/games that matter is the one tomorrow. Game of matchups! I'm excited. Regardless, I'm just happy we made it this far. 

 

On a side note. My dad was on the road, and was talking to someone in Virginia or Maryland I think. Mentioned about wanting to get back home to catch the games. Mentioned I was a Ravens fan. The guy he was talking to happened to be Marlon Brown's dad. Or so he said. 

 

Go Ravens!

[RavensPunkXVX]

Here is what is funny. In all this wall of text that you used to try and pump yourself up with, here are the facts.

The Steelers were 2nd rated offense in the league.

The Ravens shut down The Steelers offense, IN Pittsburgh.

Chew on that for a while.

 

But. Gronk is healthy. 

[Alaska Alaska!]

Sometimes our WRs make even average secondaries look like the best in the league. We've dealt with it before. Oh well.

 

Joe will just have to utilize the TEs and spread them out. Marlon in the slot vs Arrington is a good matchup. Browner will probably get flagged once or twice when we test him and that's good enough.

 

Worst case scenario, you have to check the ball down. It's not the end of the world.

Worst case scenario is that our WR are unable to make the catches and the ball flies into the hands of the defender.  We've seen that play out a couple of times this season.  Specifically with Torrey.  

[GrimCoconut]

Revis is terrific, obviously, but Browner can be beat. He's a PI magnet. I know wisdom says to put Brandon on Torrey, but if I was Bill (I'm not, so what do I know) I'd put him on Smith Sr with Revis on Torrey. Then I would put McCourty on Smith Sr as a security net for Brandon.

I think putting Brandon on Torrey sets you up for DPI too much, of which Flacco has made a point to recognize it and throw to get the DPI. I think you'll need safety help on whoever Brandon covers, due to his limited speed. Therefore, I'd put Revis on Torrey to shut him down, as he has really been big at times in our wins by scoring in the red zone. If Brandon is on Sr, then there's a chance his DPI could force Smith Sr to commit an OPI, negating any penalty he may execute.

That's what I would do if I was Bill, anyway.

[Footman DCXLV]

I think Joe's going to have to make some throws he doesn't usually make against tighter coverage. I don't mean he doesn't usually complete them, I mean he doesn't usually throw them. To me, that's one of the biggest differences between him and some of the quarterbacks that get more credit than he does. Joe doesn't really seem to throw guys open very often. Instead, he's somehow found a way to throw what is usually a 50/50 ball with wildly increased odds, or just decreased in terms of the defender coming out on top. But, to my original point, you always hear about how you can't defend a perfectly thrown ball. That's probably what it's going to take. Fortunately, that also seems to be one of the biggest differences between Regular-Season Joe and Playoff Joe.

[StingerNLG]

But. Gronk is healthy.

Man, without Gronk the Patriots would be a 5-11 team right?

[beasy2487]

I hope this is a great game. I hope this is a game we talk about for a long time, win or lose and for the right reasons.

[Jokerraven]

I have a real problem with it. He was here long enough to know that is a slap in the face to many long time Ravens fans, who were once fans of a team no longer here.

 

Not only that - they are an AFC team. Disloyal to me. Don't like it at all.

I'm with you on this one ! Sure he can do as he pleases but wow .

[Guest]

I don't see Brady coming back on the field after Upshaw puts his head into the turf.  Ben couldn't even spell his first name after that hit, forget about his last.

 

Big hit like that and Tommy he won't be coming back in so quick.

 

that was a nice rush and tackle by Upshaw............he did it with his hand..........he whipped big has ben around by his jersey and head planted him like a tomato into ketchup field.

 

Upshaw is gonna retire a couple before hes done

[Alaska Alaska!]

I hope this is a great game. I hope this is a game we talk about for a long time, win or lose and for the right reasons.

Exactly.  IF we lose, at least lose with dignity.  Make it a hard fought game.  Hell, taking it to OT would be ideal (that is, only if we lose)

[Jokerraven]

First time poster here and a Pats fan.Forgetting all the BS, we both have great franchises to root for. I love the organizational excellence both  franchises have shown to continually be in contention year after year. Alot of posters on both sides like to throw slings and arrows but I for one respect your owner, gm and coaches for fielding solid teams. Tomorrow will be decided on the field by whichever team can impose it's will on the other. This game will be decided in the trenches, Ngata vs Stork is a critical matchup in my opinion. If he wins the battle in the middle it opens up everything to pressure Brady and throw him off stride. I see Dean Pees as a big asset for you. If the Pats can control the LOS I think we have a good shot. Flacco has been incredible in post season but I do feel our D is the best we have had in 10 years. Here is hoping for a well played, well officiated, hard hitting game.

Thanks for being a respectful visitor. would like to add "injury free" to the above bolded statement

[allblackraven]

But. Gronk is healthy. 

It's worse - he is FULLY healthy.

[balfan23]

First time poster here and a Pats fan.Forgetting all the BS, we both have great franchises to root for. I love the organizational excellence both  franchises have shown to continually be in contention year after year. Alot of posters on both sides like to throw slings and arrows but I for one respect your owner, gm and coaches for fielding solid teams. Tomorrow will be decided on the field by whichever team can impose it's will on the other. This game will be decided in the trenches, Ngata vs Stork is a critical matchup in my opinion. If he wins the battle in the middle it opens up everything to pressure Brady and throw him off stride. I see Dean Pees as a big asset for you. If the Pats can control the LOS I think we have a good shot. Flacco has been incredible in post season but I do feel our D is the best we have had in 10 years. Here is hoping for a well played, well officiated, hard hitting game.

Absolutely, we have great franchises to root for.

 

Ravens fans get a little touchy, because we've often felt like our team's achievements have been right up there with the best in the AFC, but don't get the same kind of accolades as the Pats and Steelers. What people forget is that the national media goes for numbers and the Pats have a much larger market - all of the northeast outside of NY. The Steelers have the ancient legacy that drives a diverse fan base in far flung places with no NFL allegiances. It is always good to hear other fans of the NFL give us some of our due and not come on here and act like a troll. 

 

Pats achievements cannot be denied. The spygate thing gets way too much mileage from the haters. Bill is a football genius and Tom is world-class, although I would be lying if I didn't admit that his theatrics and working the officials is a major sticking point - one that hit home in a big way in that game some years ago when Suggs brushed his legs. I know he's just trying to help his team any way he can, but ... yeah, don't like it. 

 

So happy that our team has been one of the only that's really been able to stand toe-to-toe with you guys playing in your house in January. I hope we can continue that tradition tomorrow. 

[Guest]

^^^^^ Who else thinks this guy actually is really nervous and therefore is trying to pump himself up so much he might actually go through the roof?

 

sting, I think hes a kid and his entire future...career, success, love, marriage, family ...all of it is dependent upon the pats keeping it alive

 

if the pats go down he's likely finished

[Torreysmithforthewin]

I think we will force a fumble or two on them.

[StingerNLG]

It's worse - he is FULLY healthy.

 

I heard he catches bullets with his teeth!

[Cillmatic]

Ellerbe

Kruger

Cary

Ray

Ed

Jimmy

Pollard

Graham

Jones

So many missing pieces from that 2012 D

Ellerbe(recently benched by the Dolphins... Yes the Dolphins)

Kruger(over payed average player, would be a backup on our team)

Cary(currently getting burnt in Philly)

Ray(WAY past his prime)

Ed(was way past his prime)

Jimmy( IR)

Pollard (one hit wonder DB)

Graham(overplayed third string CB)

Jones(decent player)

[Guest]

 

 

They will most likely put Brandon Browner on Torrey Smith with a safety (Devin McCourty) over the top to double team him.

 

So don't be surprised if both Smith's are shut down in this game.  Maybe 2 catches each tops the whole game.  The weather will play a factor.   It will be 12 to 19 degrees (artic freeze) during the game, not good weather to throw deep.

 

The Pats rarely give up TD's in the 2nd half.

 

yeah...the colder the better.  more cold...more better.

 

the more cold the more wind the more only one of the quarterbacks will be able to long ball...two men throw the ball up...only one man's ball bores on

 

we been here before with the weather.........same old...same old

 

the over under for browner holds is 3

 

the over under for browner snaps is 15

[Cillmatic]

They're gonna be able to cover Steve and Torrey but they don't have corners to cover Marlon, Camp and Aiken, if Kubiak has a brain he'll have as many WR's on the field as possible. Spread the ball.

[darklight1216]

I heard he catches bullets with his teeth!

I've been told that when Gronk drives a car off the lot, it's value increases.

[Guest]

The more and more I think about this game, the more winnable I think it is.

 

I hate that!  I'm trying to keep my expectations as low as possible because I really don't think our team has shown enough for us to trust them quite yet.  Yes we played great last week, but its too soon to forget the sorry performances we put together during the last 3 games of the season.

 

I hope we see the team we saw last week, but I can't help but prepare myself to witness the team from a few games ago.

 

watch the tape of the wild card game in Pittsburgh again. isolate the play of our safeties....will hill and stewart were ballin..........almost hate to say it but they looked more dynamic than ed and pollard in 2012.....and that was against a qb with a better arm and the most dynamic receiver in the league.

 

this time around the weather is likely to chill their old man...remember 2012 and how the wind impacted the play?

 

if our the safeties play like they did in Pittsburgh this game is gonna be very very enjoyable

[hawkprey]

Ellerbe(recently benched by the Dolphins... Yes the Dolphins)

Kruger(over payed average player, would be a backup on our team)

Cary(currently getting burnt in Philly)

Ray(WAY past his prime)

Ed(was way past his prime)

Jimmy( IR)

Pollard (one hit wonder DB)

Graham(overplayed third string CB)

Jones(decent player)

Although Graham is pretty good and Art Jones was deserving of a big contract, the rest of them didn't add much. In addition:

 

Starting NT: Ma'ake Kemoeatu - out of league after the Super Bowl

Starting LCB: Chykie Brown - cut this year

 

I don't see any Pro-Bowlers on that defense except the ones who got in due to their reputation. This year, most of our starting front 7 probably could've made it.

 

I think both teams have reason to believe their roster has improved since 2012.

[Guest]

I've been told that when Gronk drives a car off the lot, it's value increases.

 

Once a rattlesnake bit him, after 5 days of excruciating pain, the snake finally died

[allblackraven]

I've been told that when Gronk drives a car off the lot, it's value increases.

Value of the car or the lot?