Game Plan

[SuggsNotDrugs]

Earlier I made some points in the "Cam Cameron's Conservative Play Calling Almost Cost Us Another Win" topic. I don't think he almost cost us wins, but he did play ultra-conservative towards the end of the season, and in the first two playoff games.

He didn't want to take any chances, and went with what we know will work. He minimized the chances of turning the ball over and making costly errors, however it also makes for much tighter games score wise. The Steelers are a different scenario though. They've seen us, twice already. Both times we were ultra-conservative, especially after Flacco threw picks and lost a fumble in the first match-up. We were close in both wins, but with conservatism comes tighter scores, and that left us prone to getting hurt if we gave up a big play; which we did...

We need points, we need them early too. We need to build a lead, THEN play conservative football to protect that lead. Flacco only seems to be allowed to show his stuff when it's crucial, or late in the game. I think we need to mix things up otherwise the Steelers know exactly what's coming and how to stop it.

P.Rivers passed for over 300 yards and 3 TDs.

Flacco needs to see 25+ attempts, to alleviate the pressure from our running game. The Steelers blitz Flacco A LOT. We cna take advantage of that by having short passes for 5-10 yard gains. Flacco needs to be allowed to play as a real QB, not just a hand-off machine for 80% of the game.

We also need to get Troy Smith some reps where he actually passes the ball! The large majority of T.Smith's plays wind up as a hand-off or running himself, he barely gets to pass. We haven't used the Wild Bird offense at all in the post season, bring Troy in and let him throw!

I swear if I see run on 1st, run on 2nd, pass only on third (if they don't run it again!) and we lose this game; I'm going to be pissed! We have the talent, we need to utilize it!!

[Shawn`]

We know how to win, we don't need a new playbook. It's about execution.

1st game vs the Steelers in Flacco's primetime debut did incredible but we lost in overtime in a VERY close game.
2nd game was close enough to be decided by a single call.

If there's any gameplan it's no prevent defense if the Steelers need a last minute drive to win, if it comes down to it just use the same defense we've been using all through the game and Ben won't travel 90 something yards to score.

Other than that, execution. That's it.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

[quote name='Shawn`' post='129471' date='Jan 14 2009, 04:48 PM']We know how to win, we don't need a new playbook. It's about execution.

1st game vs the Steelers in Flacco's primetime debut did incredible but we lost in overtime in a VERY close game.
2nd game was close enough to be decided by a single call.

If there's any gameplan it's no prevent defense if the Steelers need a last minute drive to win, if it comes down to it just use the same defense we've been using all through the game and Ben won't travel 90 something yards to score.

Other than that, execution. That's it.[/quote]

We played well, but we lost both. Would more of the same with a more banged up team really be wise? They know the Raven's game plan. The ultra conservatism is typical Ravens. We've seen how it matches up against the Steelers, not well. We need to try and get some scores. Play like we aren't scared of them, play with a multi-faceted offense like we know we can! The pieces are there, we need to make them click!

[raven46]

I agree that it's about execution, but saying Flacco has to have 25+ attempts is just stupid.

[raven46]

But yes we do need to mix up our play calling especially on 1st downs.

[raven46]

And....WHY would you want to let troy smith pass in a game this big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Maybe if we tried it more in the regular season but not now. He only had a couple of trows back then.

[Shawn`]

[quote name='raven46' post='129595' date='Jan 14 2009, 05:25 PM']And....WHY would you want to let troy smith pass in a game this big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Maybe if we tried it more in the regular season but not now. He only had a couple of trows back then.[/quote]

I agree, stuff like that may fly against teams like Oakland, but running gadget plays against the Steelers is like the Phins running gadget plays on us.

[purple52-92-20pain]

[quote name='raven46' post='129589' date='Jan 14 2009, 06:23 PM']I agree that it's about execution, but saying Flacco has to have 25+ attempts is just stupid.[/quote]


Disagreed

[SuggsNotDrugs]

[quote name='raven46' post='129595' date='Jan 14 2009, 06:25 PM']And....WHY would you want to let troy smith pass in a game this big!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Maybe if we tried it more in the regular season but not now. He only had a couple of trows back then.[/quote]

One or two throws tops, what's wrong with that? You don't think he could catch them off guard for a gain? I'm not syaing he has to get a TD or throw a 50 yard bomb, but what I do think is that we need some diversity. Don't forget Troy Smith started against the Steelers last season AND WON. That should mean he can make a pass if it's there, if not throw it away, it's better than another run up the middle

And Flacco will need 25+ attempts, otherwise it'll be another close loss for the Ravens. That formula hasn't won all season, it won't win in a game of this magnitude. We can't sit back and hope our defense will do it all for us. Rushes on 1st and 2nd down followed by 3rd down only passes will get us nothing but a low scoring affair, and we need points. Take off the training wheels, it's time Flacco graduates to some pull ups over his diapers. Still keep him controlled, but allow him a little freedom

[Chi_Town_Raven]

[quote name='SuggsNotDrugs' post='129662' date='Jan 14 2009, 07:42 PM']One or two throws tops, what's wrong with that? You don't think he could catch them off guard for a gain? I'm not syaing he has to get a TD or throw a 50 yard bomb, but what I do think is that we need some diversity. [b]Don't forget Troy Smith started against the Steelers last season AND WON. That should mean he can make a pass if it's there, if not throw it away, it's better than another run up the middle
[/b]
And Flacco will need 25+ attempts, otherwise it'll be another close loss for the Ravens. That formula hasn't won all season, it won't win in a game of this magnitude. We can't sit back and hope our defense will do it all for us. Rushes on 1st and 2nd down followed by 3rd down only passes will get us nothing but a low scoring affair, and we need points. Take off the training wheels, it's time Flacco graduates to some pull ups over his diapers. Still keep him controlled, but allow him a little freedom[/quote]
No offense to T. Smith, but he didn't win a real game. More like battle of the backups.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

ok so everyone wants to write Troy Smith off, he can't even complete one pass in a game, it just isn't possible? Fine guys be content with the ultra conservative, ultra predictable, ultra boring, and mildly affective Raven's offense we've seen the past decade, and late this season. I however prefer the 20-30+ points per game we were putting up midway through the season when it seemed like things were clicking. You can blame it on poor match ups, but I say we need to do something that won't be expected. One or two passes from Troy Smith will not lose the game for us. Have some faith, he's a good player

[funky141]

[quote]I agree that it's about execution, but saying Flacco has to have 25+ attempts is just stupid.[/quote]

No its not stupid, Flacco will need to move the ball vie pass, he will need to toss it quite a few times Sunday if they want to win.

[Chi_Town_Raven]

[quote name='SuggsNotDrugs' post='129670' date='Jan 14 2009, 07:48 PM']ok so everyone wants to write Troy Smith off, he can't even complete one pass in a game, it just isn't possible? Fine guys be content with the ultra conservative, ultra predictable, ultra boring, and mildly affective Raven's offense we've seen the past decade, and late this season. I however prefer the 20-30+ points per game we were putting up midway through the season when it seemed like things were clicking. You can blame it on poor match ups, but I say we need to do something that won't be expected. One or two passes from Troy Smith will not lose the game for us. Have some faith, he's a good player[/quote]
Your misunderstanding me! I never said anything like that. I just said that wasn't a real game.

[RavensPunkXVX]

I think Flacco should look for more the players on the field such as Clayton and Heap. When he needed for them to come up big, they did. Heap did drop one, but he made up for it. I also think they should rotate our RB's and run some no huddles to tire out the defense. I would even say throw some screen to lorenzO' Neal. Hes a beast let him plow his way through for 5-6 yards. Maybe screens to Rice and maybe run a couple of reverses.

But just like everyone else, Im tired of seeing.

1st down - Run.
2nd down - Run.
3rd down - Pass.

[SuggsNotDrugs]

Good call with the screens to Rice, and no-huddles.

See there's a bunch of different changes we can make to come up with a totally unpredictable game plan for the Steelers. None of them require us going that far off from our regular plan. So here's what we want to see:

No-huddle offense
Screens to Ray Rice
More rotation in RBs including Neal and Rice
Some Troy Smith (key-word: some lol)
Trick Plays (flea-flicker, reverses to WR)
Maybe having a few plays designed where Flacco intends to run the ball (instead of only running when plays break down) Dude may be goofy, but he's got legs!

Throw in a handful of those and the predictability factor drops significantly

[Revolution]

Turnovers and Special Teams will determine this game. The kicking game and the return teams are huge here.

[SteelersDave]

As a Steeler fan, I am hoping you guys bring out Boller for a few passes.
Personally I think we play pretty conservatively against your team as well. Maybe we are just supposed to have ferocious defensive battles against each other. Can you imagine a game between us going 42-38 or something like that? That'll be the day defense dies lol.

[Crow-Magnon]

[quote name='Heaaap86' post='129679' date='Jan 14 2009, 07:54 PM']I think Flacco should look for more the players on the field such as Clayton and Heap. When he needed for them to come up big, they did. Heap did drop one, but he made up for it. I also think they should rotate our RB's and run some no huddles to tire out the defense. I would even say throw some screen to lorenzO' Neal. Hes a beast let him plow his way through for 5-6 yards. Maybe screens to Rice and maybe run a couple of reverses.

But just like everyone else, Im tired of seeing.

1st down - Run.
2nd down - Run.
3rd down - Pass.[/quote]

I'm not bad-mouthing anyone's opinion, but Cam's play-calling has gotten a rookie QB and HC to the AFC Championship.

Let's have a little faith, people!

[RavensPunkXVX]

[quote name='Crow-Magnon' post='129685' date='Jan 14 2009, 08:04 PM']I'm not bad-mouthing anyone's opinion, but Cam's play-calling has gotten a rookie QB and HC to the AFC Championship.

Let's have a little faith, people![/quote]

I do have faith and I agree, but if it wasnt for our defense against the Titans, is it safe to say we would have lost? Because we really didn't have an offense.

So how safe is it going to be when we play against a defense that is right up there with us and with an offense of that caliber. We have to play conservative as we did against the titans because we cant give up points but we cant be predictable as we were with them.

[PIG 20]

[quote name='SteelersDave' post='129684' date='Jan 14 2009, 08:03 PM']As a Steeler fan, I am hoping you guys bring out Boller for a few passes.
Personally I think we play pretty conservatively against your team as well. Maybe we are just supposed to have ferocious defensive battles against each other. Can you imagine a game between us going 42-38 or something like that? That'll be the day defense dies lol.[/quote]

Both offenses get conservative for two reasons. Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu.

Two more reasons, the #1 and #2 pass defenses in the league.

Turnovers decide who wins and who loses. We were smoked statistically by the Titans in every area except one. Turnovers!

[macbrak]

and points.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

[quote name='SuggsNotDrugs' post='129670' date='Jan 14 2009, 07:48 PM']ok so everyone wants to write Troy Smith off, he can't even complete one pass in a game, it just isn't possible? Fine guys be content with the ultra conservative, ultra predictable, ultra boring, and mildly affective Raven's offense we've seen the past decade, and late this season. I however prefer the 20-30+ points per game we were putting up midway through the season when it seemed like things were clicking. You can blame it on poor match ups, but I say we need to do something that won't be expected. One or two passes from Troy Smith will not lose the game for us. Have some faith, he's a good player[/quote]
Seems like every time we bring Troy into the game we need to call a timeout - Every player seems to be confused. Why make crazy plays when Cam has the offense in position to keep the game managed

[raylewismvp]

Here is what I say the steelers are expecting a conservative team to come out and run 2 times every 1st down maybe even 3 times. The key to beating the steelers start out the game passing the whole way down the field and doing a no huddle. There run defence will be on the field as Flacco as throwing and picking apart the defence get us a quick 7 and that will keep the steeler defence WAAAAAY off track. I say that when we do get down into the 10 yard line IF McClain cant make headway and get in I say you bring in Troy Smith to do the option. I think this would be a great game plan what are your thoughts?

[hallmark]

I like the idea of a no-huddle. I like the idea of letting Flacco loose a little bit. I think it's important to make a defense feel like you are running an offense that they haven't prepared for. Shcok them early and make them less confident in their own gameplan.

Flacco is going to get sacked. We know this. But he CANNOT drop the ball on Sunday. Same with Heap and the running backs. Pittsburgh is going to hit our receivers the moment they catch the ball and we have to act like they do against us...HANG ONTO THE BALL!! I honestly think that has been what has set the two teams apart lately. Ben evades the rush at the last moment and completes the pass. Our guys don't do that against them. That has got to change.

I'd love for there to be a handful of gimmick plays thrown in, but I don't want Troy to hit the field unless they are super confident that the play is primed to beat the defense.

As far as the run game goes, we have to make a couple of first downs early. Ideally, we get two 15+ runs in the first quarter. If we can't force Pittsburgh to respect the run early then it be a very long day for Flacco and the O-line.

[RavensFanMvp]

The Ravens need to win the turnover and time of possession battle in this game to win. Against the Titans, the defense was on the field longer then I have seen all season. We can not expect our defense to play like they played last week because the team basically haven't had a bye all season and they could get tired playing another physical team in two straight games. So the team is going to have to get Ray Rice involved in the game plan. That's the only way the Ravens have a chance of winning this game by two scores or more. If he don't play, expect a similar type game against the Steelers, like the one we saw against Tennessee. Plain and simple. They need to stop running screens and throwing out the backfield to Neal, McClain and McGahee, and start running these plays for Rice. That's the main reason why the offense looked so predictable towards the end of the year, verses the way it looked during the middle of the year. It's no coincidence that the offense was toned down after Rice got hurt. He brings a dimension to the offense that the other two backs can't bring. And with McClain being banged up, this hopefully is going to be the week we see more of Ray. And as far as the turnover battle goes, the Ravens had done a good job of forcing turnovers and not turning it over themselves in the playoffs. The ravens need to stick to the same game plan they been using, they just need to mix up the play calling. Don't be so repetitive with what you're doing. Pass on first downs 40-50% of the time and keep the Steelers D off balance but at the same time they don't need to come out and throw 30+ times either. It's not about how many times a team throw. It's about how effective the pass is. If you're only throwing the ball deep, that's all the defense is going to focus on. What happened to the screen passes and the runs to the outside? What happened to the misdirection and the gadget plays? It's all Rice. If you don't have a back that can do these things then you're not going to run it. Although I thought Willis could also do some run some of those plays, he haven't showed it so far by dropping passes and all. If the Ravens can keep Flacco attempts to 25 or under, we should be ok as far as turnovers, moving the ball and time of possession goes.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Revolution' post='129683' date='Jan 14 2009, 08:02 PM']Turnovers and Special Teams will determine this game. The kicking game and the return teams are huge here.[/quote]


THIS IS IT!!!! RIght here - turnovers and special teams.

Its gonna be a game of field position and whoever has those handful of big plays (pick 6, special teams TD, turnovers etc)

Ravens win turnover battle (first two playoff games - 8 to 1 Ravens) and/or have a defnsive 6 = WIN!

[RavenFever]

[quote name='hallmark' post='129800' date='Jan 14 2009, 10:04 PM']I like the idea of a no-huddle. I like the idea of letting Flacco loose a little bit. I think it's important to make a defense feel like you are running an offense that they haven't prepared for. Shcok them early and make them less confident in their own gameplan.

Flacco is going to get sacked. We know this. But he CANNOT drop the ball on Sunday. Same with Heap and the running backs. Pittsburgh is going to hit our receivers the moment they catch the ball and we have to act like they do against us...HANG ONTO THE BALL!! I honestly think that has been what has set the two teams apart lately. Ben evades the rush at the last moment and completes the pass. Our guys don't do that against them. That has got to change.

I'd love for there to be a handful of gimmick plays thrown in, but I don't want Troy to hit the field unless they are super confident that the play is primed to beat the defense.

As far as the run game goes, we have to make a couple of first downs early. Ideally, we get two 15+ runs in the first quarter. If we can't force Pittsburgh to respect the run early then it be a very long day for Flacco and the O-line.[/quote]
'Flacco is going to get sacked'......... Not if the O-line holds up!! I'm looking for the offensive line to stand up to the challenge and give Flacco the time he needs and to open the holes for our running game.

Also looking for another excellent game from Leonard and Reed!!

[RavensFanMvp]

[quote name='RavenFever' post='129918' date='Jan 14 2009, 11:18 PM']'Flacco is going to get sacked'......... Not if the O-line holds up!! I'm looking for the offensive line to stand up to the challenge and give Flacco the time he needs and to open the holes for our running game.

Also looking for another excellent game from Leonard and Reed!! [/quote]
Yeah the O-line done at great job all season. I hope they can continue to play like they've played.