Next up: Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium 9/11/16

[jboy19]

I think this is going to be a rough game. The Buffalo Defense is no joke, even without Marcell Dareus, I still think that they're an above average defense. The DBs are good (likely better than the Raven WRs). I think that the Ravens are going to need to have a good day running the ball and attacking the LBs in the passing game. 

The Bills offense could be interesting, if Sammy Watkins gets going, this game could quickly get out of hand for the Ravens. I think containing Tyrod is not going to be a problem and I think that The DL is going to give McCoy a bad day. Ultimately, if Watkins gets going and this game turns into a shootout, the Ravens are unlikely to win, but since Watkins has had some struggles with injuries this offseason, I don't think he is going to be playing out of his mind in week 1. 

Score: Ravens 24, Bills 20

[Militant X 1]

9 hours ago, sibelius said:

Not at all. It's based on a sample of about 10-15 of your recent posts. A couple years ago you were far more optimistic but I get being jaded after last season. And even more so, being jaded about the Pees era since even when his system works it doesn't dominate like the Ravens of old.

That aside, personally I have faith in the organization and I like the moves we've made. I do agree that it remains to be seen, but I choose to anticipate the best rather than hedging my bets with low expectations.

Just a personal preference but I've found, as a fan that has no impact on the outcome of games, that being optimistic is more fun than a "show me" attitude. I just don't think the team "owes" me anything. If they're great, amazing. If not, changes will be made. I can only control myself and I like feeling good about the team. 

You're correct!  

A couple of years ago, I was far more optimistic!   But over a period of time and mostly due to their horrendous game play in games, I realized that being "only" optimistic about my team isn't the proper balance.  There are highs and lows, ups and downs, thick and lean years of course.  And, I am a faithful Baltimore Ravens fan through them all.  And yet, at the same time, there are times when I just needed to face the music and be honest about the team. Balance to me says, that if I can praise them and speak well of them when they are doing well, I should be able to be pissed off about and criticize them when they play below my exalted view of them-that being one of the most consistent and dangerous teams in the NFL. 

As far as the "show me" attitude?  Absolutely!  There is a very well known statement that says; "Actions....speak louder than words!"  So, Mili says to the Ravens..."SHOW ME".

Go Ravens!!!

[Deflated Football]

Doesn't Watkins have a case of the dropsies from time to time? I'm not really worried about the Bills' offense. Tyrod ain't beating us with his arm. Spy him all day with CJ. I'm a bit worried about Shady though. Our run defense has look suspect in the preseason. 

[Sami84]

1 hour ago, Deflated Football said:

Doesn't Watkins have a case of the dropsies from time to time? I'm not really worried about the Bills' offense. Tyrod ain't beating us with his arm. Spy him all day with CJ. I'm a bit worried about Shady though. Our run defense has look suspect in the preseason. 

 

Shady seems past his prime..fingers crossed. Oh if we play a run set of williams and pierce he isnt getting through that meat. Thats almost 700 pounds in the middle lol

[Billsfan75]

1 hour ago, Deflated Football said:

Doesn't Watkins have a case of the dropsies from time to time? I'm not really worried about the Bills' offense. Tyrod ain't beating us with his arm. Spy him all day with CJ. I'm a bit worried about Shady though. Our run defense has look suspect in the preseason. 

No. He doesn't drop anything. If the ball is in his catch zone, he will win the contested ball just about every time with the DB. He is an amazing receiver.  

Edited September 6, 2016 by Billsfan75

[rmcjacket23]

7 minutes ago, Billsfan75 said:

No. He doesn't drop anything. If the ball is in his catch zone, he will win the contested ball just about every time with the DB. He is an amazing receiver.  

Has a drop rate of roughly 3% in his first two years, which is very good compared to the rest of the league.

[Deflated Football]

31 minutes ago, Billsfan75 said:

No. He doesn't drop anything. If the ball is in his catch zone, he will win the contested ball just about every time with the DB. He is an amazing receiver.  

My misunderstanding. Thought I saw somewhere that he drops the occasional pass. Must've been someone else. Good luck on Sunday (just kidding). 

[Tank 92]

Watkins broke his foot and had surgery during the off season.  He played one series preseason, didn't catch a pass. 

[trevorsteadman]

So after Steve Smith retires playing WR this season can we bring him back at safety just to bring nastiness into the defense?

Clearly this is a joke but I think it would be interesting watching Steve Smith try to cover another NFL receiver.

[BmoreBird22]

44 minutes ago, Billsfan75 said:

No. He doesn't drop anything. If the ball is in his catch zone, he will win the contested ball just about every time with the DB. He is an amazing receiver.  

 

2 hours ago, Deflated Football said:

Doesn't Watkins have a case of the dropsies from time to time? I'm not really worried about the Bills' offense. Tyrod ain't beating us with his arm. Spy him all day with CJ. I'm a bit worried about Shady though. Our run defense has look suspect in the preseason. 

To add to this- Watkins was targeted 96 times and only dropped four passes across the entire season.

[StampedeCity]

Bills fan here just checking on rival predictions - also here to let everyone know that I absolutely hate Cleveland, Ohio. This game will be a toss up. Hopefully injury free. #BillsMafia

[757RavensFan]

On 9/3/2016 at 0:27 AM, ravensdfan said:

Well not predicting anything here. We haven't seen that much of the offense to know what's what and our defense so far has not shown me anything to say they are anything more than they were last year.

 

So we wait and see in real game time.

This here.  I know Joe was limited to 2 or 3 series all pre-season, but that only resulted in 3pts.  Based off the limited sample size, I can only go by what we've seen in previous season.  I do think we'll win vs Buffalo though.  

[trevorsteadman]

8 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

This here.  I know Joe was limited to 2 or 3 series all pre-season, but that only resulted in 3pts.  Based off the limited sample size, I can only go by what we've seen in previous season.  I do think we'll win vs Buffalo though.  

Wasn't it 2 series that produced 6 points? They moved the ball quite well until they got to the redzone. Already showing more than last season. That is without the #1 wide out. I wouldn't be too worried yet.

[trevorsteadman]

39 minutes ago, StampedeCity said:

Bills fan here just checking on rival predictions - also here to let everyone know that I absolutely hate Cleveland, Ohio. This game will be a toss up. Hopefully injury free. #BillsMafia

We hope and pray... Last thing either team needs is injuries. 

[Billsfan75]

52 minutes ago, Tank 92 said:

Watkins broke his foot and had surgery during the off season.  He played one series preseason, didn't catch a pass. 

 Sammy has been practicing for three weeks and declared himself 100% ready. 

[757RavensFan]

1 minute ago, trevorsteadman said:

Wasn't it 2 series that produced 6 points? They moved the ball quite well until they got to the redzone. Already showing more than last season. That is without the #1 wide out. I wouldn't be too worried yet.

2 series that produced 3 pts.  The last series they were out of FG range and went for it on 4th down.  He missed Wallace on the left side due to miscommunication.  

[trevorsteadman]

7 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

2 series that produced 3 pts.  The last series they were out of FG range and went for it on 4th down.  He missed Wallace on the left side due to miscommunication.  

You are correct I remember now. But I'm stil not that worried because on those two drives we moved the ball better than most years in recent memory. I'm used to seeing a bunch of 3 and outs on half the drives. The offense seemed more consistent on dinking and dunking this year and I think it will produce better than years we had to rely on the big plays. Plus the offense was rankd 14th in the NFL last year through all of its injuries. The offense is probably more stable this year than the defense. 

[Tank 92]

16 minutes ago, Billsfan75 said:

 Sammy has been practicing for three weeks and declared himself 100% ready. 

K

[Militant X 1]

55 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

This here.  I know Joe was limited to 2 or 3 series all pre-season, but that only resulted in 3pts.  Based off the limited sample size, I can only go by what we've seen in previous season.  I do think we'll win vs Buffalo though.  

I agree with this.  And that has left a bad taste in my mouth that only their game play this season can eliminate.

44 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

2 series that produced 3 pts.  The last series they were out of FG range and went for it on 4th down.  He missed Wallace on the left side due to miscommunication.  

That's what I'm saying.  Poor productivity from the offense....again!  Been there and done that far too many times.

35 minutes ago, trevorsteadman said:

You are correct I remember now. But I'm stil not that worried because on those two drives we moved the ball better than most years in recent memory. I'm used to seeing a bunch of 3 and outs on half the drives. The offense seemed more consistent on dinking and dunking this year and I think it will produce better than years we had to rely on the big plays. Plus the offense was rankd 14th in the NFL last year through all of its injuries. The offense is probably more stable this year than the defense. 

Agreed!  And to be honest, I'm not sure that any of that has changed UNTIL this group can consistently show on the field that they have the heart to keep the chains moving.  I know other teams offenses stall at times as well but I don't care about other teams offenses...just the Ravens!

[Rav'n Maniac]

Has anyone seen any info on injuries yet or who is not practicing? I thought Harbs mentioned in a presser the the injury report comes out on Weds.

[berad]

1 minute ago, Rav'n Maniac said:

Has anyone seen any info on injuries yet or who is not practicing? I thought Harbs mentioned in a presser the the injury report comes out on Weds.

You might not - practice was closed to the media today. Harbs might be tight-lipped, too. You may not know until tomorrow.

[Ravens4Real]

1 minute ago, Rav'n Maniac said:

Has anyone seen any info on injuries yet or who is not practicing? I thought Harbs mentioned in a presser the the injury report comes out on Weds.

If the injury report remains the same, we could have some problems on defense this week. Z. Smith and Dumervil are questionable I'd say, at this point. I believe Orr is nursing something. So that is a huge hurt on the LB core, that will be needed because we did not look good against the run this preseason.

On the offensive side of the ball, I honestly have no clue about the WR core. Will Steve Smith be able to handle a full workload? Same goes for Perriman. The Bills have a very good secondary so we will need everyone to be competitive.

I won't even get into what will happen with the RB's. I'd guess that all 3 of, Forsett, Allen and West will get some run in this game.

[StampedeCity]

1 hour ago, Ravens4Real said:

If the injury report remains the same, we could have some problems on defense this week. Z. Smith and Dumervil are questionable I'd say, at this point. I believe Orr is nursing something. So that is a huge hurt on the LB core, that will be needed because we did not look good against the run this preseason.

On the offensive side of the ball, I honestly have no clue about the WR core. Will Steve Smith be able to handle a full workload? Same goes for Perriman. The Bills have a very good secondary so we will need everyone to be competitive.

I won't even get into what will happen with the RB's. I'd guess that all 3 of, Forsett, Allen and West will get some run in this game.

Gilmore is overrated and I'm pretty sure the Ravens know that. Darby is fantastic. Watch Flacco go deep on Gilmore a few times.

[757RavensFan]

per Jeff Zriebec,  Dumervill and Z. Smith might not play vs the Bills. 

[TheRavenouseD2008]

Note to ALL Central PA Comcast  This is not being Broadcast in Central PA due to CBS 21 Protesting being told this year they are to be First market range for baltimore .  So most of us will not see the game  in this Region.

Edited September 6, 2016 by TheRavenouseD2008

[Inqui]

3 hours ago, Billsfan75 said:

 Sammy has been practicing for three weeks and declared himself 100% ready. 

It can take a few weeks for a player to get back to themselves again after a foot or a knee injury (a couple of our guys struggled for the entire season last year after 2014 foot injuries), so I wouldn't be surprised if Watkins has a few cobwebs this week - also from not getting game time yet. Hopefully he's back up to speed for whenever you guys face the Cheetahs though.

[Inqui]

1 hour ago, StampedeCity said:

Gilmore is overrated and I'm pretty sure the Ravens know that. Darby is fantastic. Watch Flacco go deep on Gilmore a few times.

Interesting, I'm expecting Mike Wallace to have a resurgence this season and already his connection with Joe reminds me of Torrey Smith. Not just for being a speed guy, but they also connected on a few of the same short and intermediate routes Joe used to target Torrey on. That could be an interesting matchup, especially if Wallace beats him deep once or twice early on.

[Billsfan75]

12 minutes ago, Inqui said:

Interesting, I'm expecting Mike Wallace to have a resurgence this season and already his connection with Joe reminds me of Torrey Smith. Not just for being a speed guy, but they also connected on a few of the same short and intermediate routes Joe used to target Torrey on. That could be an interesting matchup, especially if Wallace beats him deep once or twice early on.

Gilmore is not overrated. Absurd comment by other Bills fan.  The Bills secondary is their main strength and Gilmore is their best and still getting better. The other Ravens poster got it right. You beat the Bills by attacking the middle of the field through the run and the pass. We're not big in the middle without Dareus. One other note, last year the linebackers were terrible at defending running backs but that might have been communication issues that Ed Reed was brought in by Rex to fix. You guys have not mentioned it, but having Ed Reed is an advantage when playing the Ravens.

Edited September 6, 2016 by Billsfan75

[BmoreBird22]

9 minutes ago, Billsfan75 said:

Gilmore is not overrated. Absurd comment by other Bills fan.  The Bills secondary is their main strength and Gilmore is their best and still getting better. The other Ravens poster got it right. You beat the Bills by attacking the middle of the field through the run and the pass. We're not big in the middle without Dareus. One other note, last year the linebackers were terrible at defending running backs but that might have been communication issues that Ed Reed was brought in by Rex to fix. You guys have not mentioned it, but having Ed Reed is an advantage when playing the Ravens.

I will agree wholeheartedly with the bolded part, but I can't say Gilmore isn't overrated if you think he played better than Darby last season.

[StampedeCity]

10 minutes ago, Billsfan75 said:

Gilmore is not overrated. Absurd comment by other Bills fan.  The Bills secondary is their main strength and Gilmore is their best and still getting better. The other Ravens poster got it right. You beat the Bills by attacking the middle of the field through the run and the pass. We're not big in the middle without Dareus. One other note, last year the linebackers were terrible at defending running backs but that might have been communication issues that Ed Reed was brought in by Rex to fix. You guys have not mentioned it, but having Ed Reed is an advantage when playing the Ravens.

Gilmore is getting better but still gets flagged way too many times for pass interference. Darby is the man.

Edited September 6, 2016 by StampedeCity