[News] John Harbaugh: We're A Blitzing Team

[steelcityraven]

I have no problem with bitzing and I like the fact that we are a blitzing team. (although that has not been Pees MO) but I hope we remain aggressive but Typically when you blitz you press the WR's, play bump in run or move to a short zone. Holding the WR's up long enough to allow the pass rush to get to the QB. If not.... there is little sense in blitzing. When you play 7 yards off of the WR's and blitz the QB releases the ball quickly or hit the hot routes... When we don't put our players in an advantageous position we get taken advantage of.... time and time and time again. I hope we blitz and stay consistent there. we have the athletes and the versatility... but "IF" we are going to do that then we need to put them in a position to be successful with it! Pees!

[thegooddoc456]

I've never seen so many unsuccessful blitzes in my life. No element of surprise(whooah, our inside backers are gonna come up the A-gap and the whole stadium can call it before it happens!), no timing, no spacing(seen our own blitzers running into each other as they attacked the same gap). Seen guys strolling into the blitz, I mean just waiting to be blocked. Last beautifully executed blitz I saw was McClellan against Denver....he delayed that thing just enough for the gap to open, then flew threw like bat outta hell to drop Peyton with a serious hit. Manning never felt comfortable in the pocket the rest of the game. Point is, are we just blitzing to say we blitzed or are we actually getting the desired results of blitzing? Sure, we got 10 sacks, but far too many times(especially on 3rd downs) we weren't even able to make the QB even blink.

P.S Pleased to know u watch tape Harbs. While u are at it, feel free to dig up the old tapes of Ravens D under Rex Ryan, and don't hesitate to implement some of his blitz packages. I hear they worked very well.

[ReginaldColeman1]

Three calls back vs 64% completion ratio at almost 15 yards per successful pass. And that includes big plays they'd like back? It's their call but it sounds like they're butting their heads against a brick wall. The QB rating of 122 alone sounds like the film room has a different game than the one that was played if they still believe they're doing it right. Hey, good luck and let's play some more like that.

[joeyclark3994]

We've went up against some very good offences lines,even the browns line has got pretty good, but you have to hide better, more safety and corner blitzes, there a lot quicker to the quarterbacks!

[Old School Smash Mouth FB]

Baltimore has always been a Blitzing Team, until this year. The only player on the field playing with heart and passion is SSS. Everyone else is just going through the motions. It is obvious by our pathetic attempt at tackling this year. Until we get back to playing Baltimore style Ray Lewis/Vonta Leach/Terrell Suggs smash mouth football, I guess teams like the Browns will continue to eat our lunch at home.

[RavensBlood2Bone5220]

How come the Panthers were able to get Jared Allen for a 6th round pick and we had to waste time with Babin. I know Ozzie loves his draft picks as he should but 6th round for Allen is a steal. I know he's on the wrong side of 30 but he can still provide a pass rush or just simply line up correctly without getting penalized.(Jason the idiot Babin).

[GENE2407]

Problem is, you can't blitz if your corners can't cover.

[EliteRavens]

Its the way we blitz. Mix it up and there will be success.

[picke]

And one more thing, guys. Don't forget. You have to wait for the snap.

[picke]

I think all of us see the obvious weakness to our blitz packages. Too much cushion for the wideouts will negate a blitz so quickly if the opposing QB is worth anything at all. I would prefer getting beat deep 2 or 3 times than watch them dink and donk their way down the field like we are a PS.

[Crusader]

We were until somebody came up with another bright idea of getting rid of Ngata who is also taking up large cap space. John and Ozzie has this team so young and inexperienced that they will be handing out passafier in training camp next year.

[UnitasWeStand19]

Not a scheme fit. Which is why he asked out of Chicago as they recently switched to a 3-4 defense. He tried to be a good soldier throughout mini-camps, Preseason & first couple games of the regular season but it just wasnt working. Asking Allen to play in space at this point in his career was just a bridge too far. He needs to play DE in a 4-3. If fact, the list he submitted to the Chicago front office that he requested to be traded to were 4-3 teams only.

[BillyD]

Problem is, you can't blitz if your corners can't cover.

Well..I think that statement is too general.  You can, and it's always a risk.  But if you mix it up, disguise it so the QB can't adjust the protections, identify where the outlet is and make sure that's covered, you can make it work.  BUT...in our scheme we don't do that.  We have our corners WAY off the line, we walk a blitzer to the line, no disguise whatsoever, no stunt, etc.  There's no attempt to confuse the QB or the O line...so we're just very vanilla in our approach.  And this is especially true in key situations.  You can't be considered to have a weak pass rush when you are tied for 5th in the league with 15 sacks.  So we can generate pressure.  But that's early in games and when the opposing team adjusts, we kind of fall back and get really soft.  I don't get it. 

[BillyD]

How depressing. Out of 90 defensive plays, Pees and Harbs only found 3 plays where they feel they should have run a different play? Does that mean that the coaches put the failures within the other 87 plays totally on the players, meaning it's all player technique and execution rather than rethink some of the other plays called also? I realize that the level of play is less than stellar some times but only 3 plays out of 90 were because of bad or ineffective decisions by the DC? How discouraging to read this.

I love this comment and it is so on point!  I had the same thought when I read that.  Are you kidding me???  Three plays you would have called differently?  What did those three plays account for, 50 yards?  How about the other 400 passing yards the D allowed?  If Harbs and Pees would have only adjusted on three plays, there is a serious issue here IMO.

 

I was also taken aback by Harbs' comments in his press conference yesterday when he was asked about discipline as it relates to committing penalties.  The reporter asking the question mentioned that some in the press and some fans were questioning whether discipline was an issue.  Harbs got into defensive mode, says he doesn't listen to anybody or "that stuff", and then proceeded to highlight two special teams penalties that he felt were a result of bad technique.  But he had also pointed out the two offside penalties that were "inexcusable" and a hands to the face that was inexcusable.  So he highlights three of 12 penalties that were "inexcusable", which I personally interpret as undisciplined play, and tries to counter with a hold and a block in the back on special teams that are "technique issues".  Give me a break.  A hold, maybe you could consider that a technique issue, but that block in the back he was referring to was a boneheaded play plain and simple.  It had nothing to do with technique. 

 

This team does not lack talent.  We've been in every single game this season. They do lack scheme and discipline.  Harbs should just man up and take a look in the mirror.  Quick.

Edited October 15, 2015 by BillyD

[BillyD]

We were until somebody came up with another bright idea of getting rid of Ngata who is also taking up large cap space. John and Ozzie has this team so young and inexperienced that they will be handing out passafier in training camp next year.

I hear you.  Inexperience is always an issue.  But, in the words of Booger McFarland this morning on Sirius NFL Radio, who was speaking about another young defense in the league whose DC accepted responsibility for that defense's poor play thus far this season, "Who else would be at fault besides the DC?  Of course it's the DC's fault".  He went on to point out that of course inexperience will be an issue, but as a coach you need to ensure that your scheme fits your players and that your players are in position to make plays.  Booger should know...he spent plenty of time on some great Tampa defenses in his time.  Inexperience can be overcome for the most part through scheme and coaching.  The problem we have is we currently lack experience, scheme, AND coaching.  Triple threat....recipe for disaster.

[riseNConquer81]

Problem is, you can't blitz if your corners can't cover.

 problem is, no corner can cover forever anyway, so if you dont blitz and the pass rush never gets there, its a moot point.

 

I think all of us see the obvious weakness to our blitz packages. Too much cushion for the wideouts will negate a blitz so quickly if the opposing QB is worth anything at all. I would prefer getting beat deep 2 or 3 times than watch them dink and donk their way down the field like we are a PS.

yeah, cuz letting them score quickly and frequently will totally help us win...

The NFL isnt a ppr fantasy league, you have to get in the endzone to score.

Edited October 15, 2015 by riseNConquer81

[salamander]

I love this comment and it is so on point!  I had the same thought when I read that.  Are you kidding me???  Three plays you would have called differently?  What did those three plays account for, 50 yards?  How about the other 400 passing yards the D allowed?  If Harbs and Pees would have only adjusted on three plays, there is a serious issue here IMO.

 

I was also taken aback by Harbs' comments in his press conference yesterday when he was asked about discipline as it relates to committing penalties.  The reporter asking the question mentioned that some in the press and some fans were questioning whether discipline was an issue.  Harbs got into defensive mode, says he doesn't listen to anybody or "that stuff", and then proceeded to highlight two special teams penalties that he felt were a result of bad technique.  But he had also pointed out the two offside penalties that were "inexcusable" and a hands to the face that was inexcusable.  So he highlights three of 12 penalties that were "inexcusable", which I personally interpret as undisciplined play, and tries to counter with a hold and a block in the back on special teams that are "technique issues".  Give me a break.  A hold, maybe you could consider that a technique issue, but that block in the back he was referring to was a boneheaded play plain and simple.  It had nothing to do with technique. 

 

This team does not lack talent.  We've been in every single game this season. They do lack scheme and discipline.  Harbs should just man up and take a look in the mirror.  Quick.

Harbs saying that he and Pees reviewed the game video, finding only 3 bad play calls out of 90 defensive plays they should have called differently, is the most troubling and scary comment from Harbs I have heard this whole season. You mean 87 plays, many of the failed plays where we got blown up, are ALL solely on the players?

[BillyD]

Harbs saying that he and Pees reviewed the game video, finding only 3 bad play calls out of 90 defensive plays they should have called differently, is the most troubling and scary comment from Harbs I have heard this whole season. You mean 87 plays, many of the failed plays where we got blown up, are ALL solely on the players?

That's what Harbs is apparently saying. I don't buy it.

[ohio gasman]

I'm new to the forums.  That said.. I love football and as far as this season is going it's uncharted waters. There is a fine line between winning or losing and in the NFL more so.

I remember the Dallas game when Ray got injured. If you would have asked  if the Ravens would get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl after that game the answer would have been no way.  Coaches made adjustments and put players/schemes in place . Players stepped up. Players made plays.  The ball bounced our way. I believe what Coach Harbs is telling us. There is no reason not to.  When you're losing you look at everything and then look again.  I know this is being done and I have confidence in the coaching staff and players.  I'm not liking the hate but I don't like most TV commentators either. .  Go Ravens!

[BillyD]

I'm new to the forums. That said.. I love football and as far as this season is going it's uncharted waters. There is a fine line between winning or losing and in the NFL more so.

I remember the Dallas game when Ray got injured. If you would have asked if the Ravens would get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl after that game the answer would have been no way. Coaches made adjustments and put players/schemes in place . Players stepped up. Players made plays. The ball bounced our way. I believe what Coach Harbs is telling us. There is no reason not to. When you're losing you look at everything and then look again. I know this is being done and I have confidence in the coaching staff and players. I'm not liking the hate but I don't like most TV commentators either. . Go Ravens!

Yep, not giving up on my Ravems either. I will root for them, win or lose. The O really carried us to the SB in 2012. We've lost a lot on O, receivers, backs, TEs, etc. Not to mention the OC coaching carousel. That being said, the O this season, while inconsistent, is showing it can produce. We've been scoring. We've had leads. Now, on the defensive side of the ball, we've lost players and have had injuries. But the recurring theme on D is losing leads. And I think that's why people are voicing frustration. Not only because we are accustom to a top 5 D in Balto, but because the current DC has a history of losing leads, especially in big games. It's frustrating. I'm not saying there aren't multiple factors for the struggles this season. One play here or there and we are easily 4-1 or 5-0. But at the end of the day we're not, and the one thing that is continually pointed out is that we had a late lead and lost it. Someone is going to take the brunt of the fan frustration.

Let's get one today and start righting the ship. GO RAVENS!