[News] Late For Work 9/12: Seven Takeaways From Ravens' Season-Opening Win

[BR News]

Ravens defense delivers NFL’s most dominant Week 1 performance. This was the type of game Ravens found a way to lose last year. Mike Wallace is not washed up. Secondary could be a big deal. Offensive line needs improvement, but don’t just blame the rookies. Top grades.

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[Bat-mite]

Where are all the Dean Pees bashers today? [chirp chirp chirp] Huh? Where are you? [chirp chirp chirp]

Man, it felt good to get a regular season win! Hadn't experienced that since 12/27/15. That's 258 days! Without a Ravens reg season win. Ay ay ay!

Way to go, D! Now, let's get those kinks worked out of the offense, and this may prove to be a very fun season. I see 0 threat from RGIII's Browns next week.

But, argh, that last minute FG to give Cincy the win was so frustrating! We should be sitting atop the decision right now.

[PalmBayRaven]

I really expected the Offense to play better. Joe is a 9 year veteran and not a rookie. Granted he is coming off of an injury but I thought he sucked last year too even before the injury. Really no excuses with the fire power we have now. Zuttah may need to be replaced and if Joe doesn't start playing better he may need to be replaced too. I keep expecting him to play better and time and time again it is the same old [profanity deleted]. So tired of the Offense going into a shell and almost losing the game.

[whobilly]

The Offense will get better. This is a product of a couple of things. Playing Starters for approx. one quarter in preseason, and yes, the other team gets paid as well to perform and the Bills D did a good job. FYI Ravens 1-0

[20306cab]

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

[Ravenshine]

Where are all the Dean Pees bashers today? [chirp chirp chirp] Huh? Where are you? [chirp chirp chirp]

Man, it felt good to get a regular season win! Hadn't experienced that since 12/27/15. That's 258 days! Without a Ravens reg season win. Ay ay ay!

Way to go, D! Now, let's get those kinks worked out of the offense, and this may prove to be a very fun season. I see 0 threat from RGIII's Browns next week.

But, argh, that last minute FG to give Cincy the win was so frustrating! We should be sitting atop the decision right now.

[chirp, chirp chirp] lol...exactly.

[BrooklynRavens]

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

I dont think it was anything against Ray Rice but more of a public image the Ravens are trying to upkeep.

[terpmaniac]

Now we hit the road against the Browns and Jags, two winnable games. The last 4 or 5 years this team always seems to play "down" to the competiton, that has got to end. I know its the Brown, I know RG-III is banged up, but damn it we gotta hit this team in the mouth and keep hitting. Let not forget that crappy Jags game last year that we lost, then won, then somehow lost again. These next two ROAD CONTEST and huge, but WINNABLE! And no..this Ravens fan has drunk the Jags Kool-aid.

[BmoreB]

Where are all the Dean Pees bashers today? [chirp chirp chirp] Huh? Where are you? [chirp chirp chirp]

Man, it felt good to get a regular season win! Hadn't experienced that since 12/27/15. That's 258 days! Without a Ravens reg season win. Ay ay ay!

Way to go, D! Now, let's get those kinks worked out of the offense, and this may prove to be a very fun season. I see 0 threat from RGIII's Browns next week.

But, argh, that last minute FG to give Cincy the win was so frustrating! We should be sitting atop the decision right now.

Dean Pees Basher here, front and center. Let's not get carried away with anointing DP as the best DC in football. It's one game, against a Tyrod Taylor lead team. Not exactly stiff competition. Let's see how things unfold, particularly when we play a quality opponent. Bend but don't break will rear it's ugly head again I'm sure.

[ryananth]

O-line should not take the blame for all of the sacks. Some were coverage sacks. Joe took the sacks in a close game instead of forcing a throw. Judon played really well and I was surprised after seeing stat sheet at how little he was in the game. He seemed to pressure Tyrod every time he was in there. I smell something good cooking in Baltimore this year.........

[TheRavengers]

If we go 3-0 over the first games of the season then I'm confident we should be okay for the rest of the year.

But our offense has to put more points on the board. They churned out some yards, sure, but they need to finish drives.

[ryananth]

  22 minutes ago, Bat-mite said:

Where are all the Dean Pees bashers today? [chirp chirp chirp] Huh? Where are you? [chirp chirp chirp]

Man, it felt good to get a regular season win! Hadn't experienced that since 12/27/15. That's 258 days! Without a Ravens reg season win. Ay ay ay!

Way to go, D! Now, let's get those kinks worked out of the offense, and this may prove to be a very fun season. I see 0 threat from RGIII's Browns next week.

But, argh, that last minute FG to give Cincy the win was so frustrating! We should be sitting atop the decision right now.

Dean Pees Basher here, front and center. Let's not get carried away with anointing DP as the best DC in football. It's one game, against a Tyrod Taylor lead team. Not exactly stiff competition. Let's see how things unfold, particularly when we play a quality opponent. Bend but don't break will rear it's ugly head again I'm sure.

The fact that Sizzle, Weddle, Smith, Wright, Webb,etc all said that Pees called a great game should be enough for the people who think they know something about coaching. Difference this year is Pees has a nice mix of vets who understand the nuances and what needs to be changed. Smart, veteran players allow coaches to mix things up and get a little more exotic. Pees has a proven track record with two of the best teams of the past 17 years. A healthy defense this year will show how good Pees is. Imagine just how much better things may have been yesterday had Dumerville been ready.

[Godfather A]

Lost in all the praise for the defensive stop and the offense running out the clock was the coach's decision to take 3 points off the board at the 7 plus minute point. The ensuing drive took two additional minutes off the clock before Tucker's repeat field goal. That's two less minutes for the offense to hold the ball at the end of the game.

[bioLarzen]

Now we hit the road against the Browns and Jags, two winnable games. The last 4 or 5 years this team always seems to play "down" to the competiton, that has got to end. I know its the Brown, I know RG-III is banged up, but damn it we gotta hit this team in the mouth and keep hitting. Let not forget that crappy Jags game last year that we lost, then won, then somehow lost again. These next two ROAD CONTEST and huge, but WINNABLE! And no..this Ravens fan has drunk the Jags Kool-aid.

The Browns definitely look beatable, even with the rusty O we saw yesterday. But the Jags will be a very tough nut to cracrk if the O doesn't improve. Of course we can win it - provided no major injuries occur... - but I don't think it will be an automatic gimmie.

[stixfix69]

No sure things in divisional games, they are always dog fights, the Jags have had a pretty solid D over the last few years, but i feel our weapons will soften up the 8 in the box teams have been playing against us.....Just loved the way the Defense was swarming to the ball, and Orr was very impressive, played sideline to sideline like i haven't seen in a while....When i watched the game, i thought J.Smith looked bad, but holding Watkins to 43 yards is a stellar job on a legit #1 WR....Keep a eye on two things that might happen in the near future....Buck Allen getting traded, and Urschel replacing Zuttah....JMO,....

[Wildwest Raven]

Good Job Ravens!!...Here's hoping the running game picks up next week, lets balance this attack.

[stixfix69]

Forsett 4.1 per carry, now thats what i'm talking about....He still has that burst, and West is very shifty, and can run with power as well....Once Dixon gets into the mix, we will be even better.....O-Line gets somewhat of a pass, as it was very evident Flacco wasn't mobile yesterday, hopefully as the season goes on, he will be able to roll out of trouble, but as expected he also has to shake of some rust, and trust the knee...Glad we have a grass field as turf can be heck on knees.....

[Ravenous_Ravens]

Forsett 4.1 per carry, now thats what i'm talking about....He still has that burst, and West is very shifty, and can run with power as well....Once Dixon gets into the mix, we will be even better.....O-Line gets somewhat of a pass, as it was very evident Flacco wasn't mobile yesterday, hopefully as the season goes on, he will be able to roll out of trouble, but as expected he also has to shake of some rust, and trust the knee...Glad we have a grass field as turf can be heck on knees.....

O line will improve as Flacco gets rid of the ball sooner. I want to see Trestman smacking Joe upside the back of the head (wearing a helmet) every time he holds onto the ball longer than 3 seconds in practice. Not to injure but to really go "HEY YOUR MOST LIKELY GETTING SMACKED AROUND NOW." Joe is tough but no need to take those extra hits, they pile up over the course of a long season and hopefully playoffs. I really enjoyed seeing the ball spread around so much. It will make game planning against the Ravens very difficult when there is no single WR to double or plan against.

[MichaelJ34]

I was very impressed with Forsett and West.... More so I think with West because of the elusiveness he shows combined with the power to just run people over and through arms tackles that bring down most RB's these days. I like Joe spreading thew ball around to 10 different receivers as it seemed he was kinda feeling out guys. I think much of the rust we had on offense and the lil rust we had on defense will work its way off as we continue to practice and prepare and play each week.
I take for granted sometimes the winning ways that we have had and automatically assume that we will be good and better than most and forget that other franchises do improve and will put up a tough test for our Ravens.
I am proud of the fact that our Ravens fought hard the defense was outstanding the only thing I hope they add is some turnovers, but I am sure they will start to come as the pass rush gets more consistent.
I am also very proud that the offense managed to kill the clock at the end instead of a typical 3 and out allowing the other team to have a chance to drive and win the game.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

No sure things in divisional games, they are always dog fights, the Jags have had a pretty solid D over the last few years, but i feel our weapons will soften up the 8 in the box teams have been playing against us.....Just loved the way the Defense was swarming to the ball, and Orr was very impressive, played sideline to sideline like i haven't seen in a while....When i watched the game, i thought J.Smith looked bad, but holding Watkins to 43 yards is a stellar job on a legit #1 WR....Keep a eye on two things that might happen in the near future....Buck Allen getting traded, and Urschel replacing Zuttah....JMO,....

Pretty sure healthy scatch of Buck Allen was a wake up call to pick up his game again. Preseason was quite lack luster as far a running. Yes he was given credit for his play last season, but cannot hang your hat on that all season. Gotta get going and we know he can. Do it!

[Ravenous_Ravens]

Dean Pees is still a better D Co-ordinator than given credit for. No he isn't the most blitz happy guy like a Rex, but he knows what he is doing. IMHO the last couple years were especially difficult as the Ravens transition from seasoned vets to young blood. Now that they have some solid talent and potential Pro Bowlers in the mix again, Pees has the tools to play more aggressively as needed. It certainly showed last night. Beware the upcoming trap game and stay grounded.

[stixfix69]

  38 minutes ago, stixfix69 said:

No sure things in divisional games, they are always dog fights, the Jags have had a pretty solid D over the last few years, but i feel our weapons will soften up the 8 in the box teams have been playing against us.....Just loved the way the Defense was swarming to the ball, and Orr was very impressive, played sideline to sideline like i haven't seen in a while....When i watched the game, i thought J.Smith looked bad, but holding Watkins to 43 yards is a stellar job on a legit #1 WR....Keep a eye on two things that might happen in the near future....Buck Allen getting traded, and Urschel replacing Zuttah....JMO,....

Pretty sure healthy scatch of Buck Allen was a wake up call to pick up his game again. Preseason was quite lack luster as far a running. Yes he was given credit for his play last season, but cannot hang your hat on that all season. Gotta get going and we know he can. Do it!

Just looking at the backs we have, as Forsett showed he still has it, and West showed he earned the PT, and both have good hands, add Dixon to the mix, just not enough carries or touches for 4 backs...I just think if we can get something for him, we should while we can...Love Buck, but its a numbers game IMO....And Buck deserves a shot at playing, just don't see a lot of touches for him here with the depth we have with the top 3....JMO...

[stixfix69]

  25 minutes ago, stixfix69 said:

Forsett 4.1 per carry, now thats what i'm talking about....He still has that burst, and West is very shifty, and can run with power as well....Once Dixon gets into the mix, we will be even better.....O-Line gets somewhat of a pass, as it was very evident Flacco wasn't mobile yesterday, hopefully as the season goes on, he will be able to roll out of trouble, but as expected he also has to shake of some rust, and trust the knee...Glad we have a grass field as turf can be heck on knees.....

O line will improve as Flacco gets rid of the ball sooner. I want to see Trestman smacking Joe upside the back of the head (wearing a helmet) every time he holds onto the ball longer than 3 seconds in practice. Not to injure but to really go "HEY YOUR MOST LIKELY GETTING SMACKED AROUND NOW." Joe is tough but no need to take those extra hits, they pile up over the course of a long season and hopefully playoffs. I really enjoyed seeing the ball spread around so much. It will make game planning against the Ravens very difficult when there is no single WR to double or plan against.

Agreed, teams just can;t play 8 in the box like they did last year, we just have to many legit weapons, and Morres 13 yard reception didn't get a lot of press, but how key was that, at that time of the game....

[stixfix69]

Saw Pierce and BW in at the same time, loved that look...No wonder our D-line wasn't getting pushed back....;)

[estrode154]

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

The pats had a VERY vocal an public Jersey exchange for Hernandez jerseys.

I think Ray Rice definitely deserves a second chance considering some players still in the league. But it was a foregone conclusion that Rice was going to be released once the video became public

[stixfix69]

RR got a raw deal, especially if the league allowed Hardy to play, and Josh Brown got 1 gamer...He did everything,before the courts or league imposed his punishment, and has continued counseling, and has done everything right. He won't get a chance with us, only because we have moved on, but i hope a team that needs help will give him a shot....

[eze17]

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

Please, not more of this again...if he get's another chance to play again, that's great to hear...but it doesn't change the fact he's a woman beater who repeatedly lied to the Raven's organization and the league front office...people just need to admit Rice threw HIMSELF under that bus.

[billiejean]

3 hours ago, 20306cab said:

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

You're embarrassing yourself 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-owner-team-lost-250k-on-aaron-hernandez-jersey-swap/

Edited September 12, 2016 by billiejean

[RRRRRavens]

  3 hours ago, 20306cab said:

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

Please, not more of this again...if he get's another chance to play again, that's great to hear...but it doesn't change the fact he's a woman beater who repeatedly lied to the Raven's organization and the league front office...people just need to admit Rice threw HIMSELF under that bus.

Wrong.

[20306cab]

34 minutes ago, billiejean said:

3 hours ago, 20306cab said:

Hope Rice gets a chance to play, and comes back to beat the Ravens. I've never seen an organization of any kind throw a loyal employee under the bus like the Ravens did to Rice. That national broadcast, party like atmosphere at Ray Rice jersey exchange day was embarrassing. I didn't see the Patriots do anything with Hernandez' jersey. I guess the Ravens had to cave to the ESPN's and CNN's of the world though.

You're embarrassing yourself 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-owner-team-lost-250k-on-aaron-hernandez-jersey-swap/

Well, it isn't the first time, and probably won't be the last. Thanks for the link. I had no idea the Patriots had a Hernandez exchange day. Probably cause the only place you can find out about it is some obscure site. I never saw the line of thousands of people circling Gillette stadium holding up their Hernandez jerseys, smiling at the cameras and primping for face time, for 48 hours on all the typical media outlets. Probably, 'cause in his case, it was ONLY murder.

Edited September 12, 2016 by 20306cab