[News] Eisenberg: Strong Ravens, Tough Schedule Butt Heads

[BR News]

Many believe the Ravens are the team to beat, but their schedule might be their biggest challenge.

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[ksk316]

Why does everyone believe we are the team to beat? We sure don't look like that looking at our injuries and our aerial attack. Sure we were 1 game away from the championship game last year but this year is going to be different under a new OC. We just have to wait and watch the first few games to know how the team fares this season.

[Ravensfansince03]

For the first 7 weeks we only have 2 home games.

Edited September 8, 2015 by Ravensfansince03

[cobrajet]

Well we will have to keep a positive attitude. Hopefully our guys are up to the challenge this year.

[dama108]

If we get off to a strong start and not have injuries destroy our secondary again we will be in a race for Homefield advantage!!!

[Ravensfansince03]

If we get off to a strong start and not have injuries destroy our secondary again we will be in a race for Homefield advantage!!!

 

Im starting to realize that injuries are inevitable. We just have to hope that the next man up can carry the load.

[salamander]

With the first part of the season being the most difficult, it's critical that we stay within a narrow margin of our AFC North rivals. If so, I think we will be in good shape to come on strong and dominate down the stretch to take the division. Also, we cannot fall asleep at the wheel or be lackluster and blow games against those teams we should beat to reach the goal of home field advantage. Hoping SSS is going out with a bang and can help this team stay mentally amped to keep the intensity and avoid that deadly trap which could cost us dearly in the playoff hunt.

Edited September 8, 2015 by salamander

[FloridalovesRavens]

You have to play the teams you are assigned so you do the best you can. I believe the Ravens should win at least 3 of the 5 road games and the home games will take care of themselves. I think the most important part of this season is to secure a home playoff game. It will be tough but it can be done. Don't think for one moment the Steelers are going to lay down or the Browns either. Cincinnati will bungle their way through as usual. Go Ravens.

[ellicottraven]

Go 2-2 in the first 4 games and we'll make the playoffs. Go 3-1 and we'll have a home playoff game. Go 4-0 and we'll have a first round bye and a home playoff game. Anything less, than that is stated above, we are in trouble. It's really that simple.

[TheSim]

Lets get it straight: we don't stretch defenses. We compress them. We win at the LOS, get blockers to the 2nd level, and force them to keep their secondary close and then Joe drops the bomb on them. Having a burner is a luxury in this scheme, not a requirement.

Edited September 8, 2015 by TheSim

[rmcjacket23]

For the first 7 weeks we only have 2 home games.

From Tuesday October 27th until probably Sunday November 29th, we literally don't leave the city of Baltimore.

 

3 of the last 4 at home (including three in a row), 6 of the last 9 at home.

 

Get through the first 4 weeks in decent shape, and we will be in decent shape.

[Godfather A]

Two issues in the first 5 games. One is the overall record and the second is the division record. Even a 3-2 overall record would be poor if both losses were in the division. However, a 3-2 record with all three wins in the division would look a lot different at that point.

[steelcityraven]

2 things: 1. There really are no games in the NFL and given our history / I sometimes worry more about the Jags and teams like that...we seem to get up for the big games. 2. if we cannot beat good teams in the regular season... how are we going to do in the post season. That tough schedule leaves you battle hardened (if you stay healthy) and tested. A great way to prepare for the grind that is the NFL playoffs. We have the talent for success. We have the experience, the leadership and the coaching staff. Now we just have to execute. I believe that Harbs will have them ready like always. Last...I just hope that the rest of the league looks at us and says... ohhh no.. the Ravens are on the schedule!

[djbones]

Is it just me or i am worry about the new OC coach. We will have to see but after a really good year with Kubiack i am not sure Trestman will make the same impact. I sure hope so but i have a bad feeling about him. Best luck to us #RavensNation

[Barry S]

They always play well when their backs are up against the wall and it's a must win situation. So their motto should be for every game, we need to win every game it's a must win to get into the playoffs,  play like a Raven RELENTLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For home field advantage!!!!!!!! GO Ravens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited September 8, 2015 by Barry S

[terpmaniac]

After watching a lot of preseason football, particularly our rivals in the north, we are in pretty good shape by comparison. The Bengals look like, the Bengals(good Dalton, bad Dalton, back to good, here comes bad Andy again). The Steelers have NOT fixed the issues they were having defensively, NOT AT ALL. But as a friend of mine a Pittsburgh native said to me(not making this up) "if we(the Steelers) only allow no more then 27 points a game(yes he said 27)they should be fine. TWENTY-SEVEN! Really? Not even gonna discuss Cleveland but I do like their defense, too many other issues however. This is a very good Ravens team and we will go as far as our talent takes us.

[Raven'evermore]

 I hear the talk about how well we do or don't do in the beginning of the season, but don't forget; while some teams may fair well in the first part of the season they don't always have the stamina to last in the later part thus making it possible for other more durable and better teams to make a run. That also is a reality on the opposite end where teams do poorly first.  How many times did people count out the patriots in the beginning of a season only to see them come back and make the playoffs or better? 

 

 Cons:  1st round draft pick injured til maybe Oct.

             6 rookies who will no doubt be making rookie mistakes.

             As stated before, not many home games in first half of season.  And on, and on ,and on...

 

Pros:  First rate Coach and front office. 

          Superbowl winning MVP quarterback who knows how to points on the board.

          Offensive line intact from a year ago.

          We've been there before.  Maybe not this particular team, but the staff knows what it has to do.  And on, and on, and on...

[stuckonaboat13]

This defense vs a fresh week 1 Peyton Manning? Lets be honest here folks our chances are slim to none. But I can live with that because while our schedule is tough I dont think its anything this team can't handle especially when we get perriman and his speed on the field. 0-1 is going to happen but I think we follow it up with some Ws and finish this year out 11-5.

[Nick04263]

A fresh pass rush versus a very questionable offensive line. I expect short passes from Manning with a lot of runs mixed in.

 

This defense vs a fresh week 1 Peyton Manning? Lets be honest here folks our chances are slim to none. But I can live with that because while our schedule is tough I dont think its anything this team can't handle especially when we get perriman and his speed on the field. 0-1 is going to happen but I think we follow it up with some Ws and finish this year out 11-5.

[birdseye]

I also believe Denver will be a loss, really tough environment and team to prepare for week 1. I think more than anything in week one I'll be happy if we have noticeably improved secondary play, and continued success on the ground. If we can slow a peyton manning passing attack and run of the Bronco's defense that bodes well for us in the long run. Of course I want the W as well but if we lose, lets hope that at least those two facets of the game look good. If our secondary is improved we have a possible top 5 defense, and if our running game produces you know our offense will be effective enough to make the tourney and just talented enough to ignite in the playoffs per usual

[Bruce_Almty]

Alexander A. Pyles ‏@aapyles 1h1 hour ago

"Analysis of roster data shows Ravens are among slowest and heaviest teams in the NFL."

 

Speed wins but so does talent. Ravens are not old-slow but just don't have many burners.

 

The Ravens to me look like a 5-3 and 5-3 club with a real possibility of squeezing out 1 more win .... even tho analysts think they are slow. 

 

Been Waiting All Day for Sunday Afternoon.

Edited September 8, 2015 by Bruce_Almty

[SorryNotSorry]

I bet our secondary plays well... probably won't get but 25-30 passes though. I expect them to run it 40 against our unproven d-line. My only real concern with this team. Haloti Ngata's indeed do not grow on trees.

[3-4ravdef509]

We played the NFC South last year John, not the NFC North.

[ellicottraven]

Bottom line is we are only going to have 8 away games just like last year. If we can block out the order in which we have those 8 away games, I don't see what the big deal is??

[glen ferguson]

Quite frankly im more worried about the week 2 game against Oakland than week 1 against Denver. Denver's offensive line in my opinion is below par. Our offensive line on the other hand should be able to hold up against their pass rush. I see peyton getting hit a few times or hurried and in so doing throwing a couple interceptions. Remember they wont have Ward for our game. I see us winning this game. Oakland Raiders, Jacksonville, Bills, Jets and Miami are gonna get more than their fare share of wins this year.. I believe the AFC East will be the tightest division in football this year. It would not surprise me one bit if the patriots get 10 wins or less this season.

[rayvens5252]

I Think it is crap we have to play in denver again. Somebody tell me how that is fair. Anyway we need the steelers to get whooped thursday by the pats. That will boost our run to the playoffs..

[CQ1]

ONE game at a time, please.

Re THURSDAY"S GAME: I can't help it. I have to root on both defenses to beat the snot out of each other- thus maybe a tie ?!

[steelcityraven]

Ravenevermore.... I agree with what you wrote and I will add to it. CONS: 1. The schedule is tough. 2. There are some key players with durability question marks (Jimmy Smith, L Webb, Timmy Jernigan, BPerriman) 3. Our DC has not yet made the most of the talent that he has. 4. Flaccos career has been marked with inconsistency. and 5. A ton of young players in key roles (all three TE's, Timmy, CJ, Perriman, Campanaro).

PROS: 1. It don't matter how tough the schedule is... if we win the division. We are more talented then the Browns, More complete then the Sqeelers and have the leadership that the Bengals lack. (so regardless of how hard our schedule is... we are the best team in the division and simply need to win the division). 2. We do have some key players with Durability issues... but they also have a ton of talent and will contribute in a big way when they are healthy. when they are not we have added depth that leaves us more likely to overcome losing them for anytime (this season moreso then last and we went pretty far last year). (RMelvin and KArrington along with KLewis makes our DB more formidable- While CDavis, KLM and LGuy make our DL rotation and depth legitimate). 3. I don't think DPees has made the most of the talent that he has but we have still proven that we can win a super bowl with him). 4. Flacco has been inconsistent throughout but he has never had this many weapons and we will protect him this year. Joe has shown steady improvement over his entire career... I expect this year for him to take the big leap forward. and 5. We do have a lot of 1st and 2nd year players playing key roles but we have a ton of talent in those players and a ton of leadership to help bring them along. Yes we have Perriman but opposite him is a 37 year old HOF WR. Yes we have 3 young and raw TE's but we have a savy veteran in Pitta still around to help mentor them. We have a young DL with CDavis and TJernigan but veterans like Canty and BWilliams to mentor them. Suggs, Dumervil, Flacco, Forsett, Yanda, Will Hill - we have high character guys at every position to help maintain a winning culture and develop a winning expectation in all of these youngsters. We have a great mix and this year can be special.

[jrubin80]

I'm getting furious at Ozzie. He is doing nothing and not trying to get a solid veteran wr until perriman comes back.We are going to be bad this year and he is going to ruin our team. This is a team that wants to win their division but they don't look like they want to by their actions or lack there of!

[objective view]

I am a solid Ravens fan, can't wait for Sunday however I think John's report above is a classic case of SPIN. Until we get a solid number 2 receiver and our starting offensive line healthy I am not so sure how well we will move the ball versus Denver in that Environment.

After watching pre season I do not worry too much about our front 7 even without the Big shoes of Haloti but I am not sold on the Secondary. I see everything after Jimmy Smith questionable and fear Peyton will pick us apart like Brady did in the 2nd half of the playoffs last year. HOPE I AM WRONG!