Next Up: Ravens vs Oakland Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium

[VermontRaven]

Jamison Hensley ESPN Staff Writer 

Ravens starting left guard Alex Lewis is in the concussion protocol. Ryan Jensen filled in for Lewis in the fourth quarter Sunday.

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29m

it'll be interesting to see if Lewis is ready or if Jensen or Urshel get the start

[January J]

We are getting back a healthy doom and possibly Dixon going back to Baltimore to face the 31st ranked defense in the league. Perfect recipe for another W. We have GOT to get the running game going if its the last thing we do. Maybe Jensen on the line and Dixon (possibly) returning will shake things up and provide a spark. I know we have said this the last two weeks but this could finally be a coming out game for us where we finally have a distinctive victory. Next two games at home against mediocre teams as we get last years sack leader back- no reason why we can't leave Baltimore 5-0 and in phenomenal shape for a run for the division title.

[HomeoftheBRAVENS]

17 minutes ago, VermontRaven said:

Jamison Hensley ESPN Staff Writer 

Ravens starting left guard Alex Lewis is in the concussion protocol. Ryan Jensen filled in for Lewis in the fourth quarter Sunday.

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29m

it'll be interesting to see if Lewis is ready or if Jensen or Urshel get the start

 

"Ryan Jensen filled in for Lewis in the fourth quarter Sunday."

 

I didn't notice that Lewis left the game.No wonder our pass protection fell off in the fourth quarter.

[wizard1]

1 hour ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

The Raiders havent been that impressive. Their D has been by far the worst in the league - historically bad.

Mack hasnt done anything. The key is bring over TE help, or chipping with a FB. He wins with power moves, and doesnt have the finesse/speed moves to effectively beat double teams on any consistent basis. I think Gillmore could have a big role chipping in on containing him. And I like Stanley against Irvin in pass protection. Should be a good matchup there. They havent gotten much if any interior pressure so Yanda may even be able to help out on Mack a bit which is a big positive.

Amerson had a great game this weekend but otherwise their secondary has been atrocious.

Carr is good. But without a run game theyll become too one dimensional. Jimmy can take Crabtree out of the game completely... and i actually think Wright matches up much better against someone like Cooper than he did against Robinson or Coleman. Coopers game is much more about technical precision and route running than pure athleticism and physicality - that bodes better for Wright.... While Jimmy can match whatever Crabtree brings. Add some safety help on Cooper, and our LBs have looked really good so not too worried about Walford.

Doom would be a big help against the OL. We're going to need to get home, and it may need to come from the edge bc their interior OL is one of the best in the league. Jernigan may not be quite as effective as hes been so itll be on Suggs, Judon, Z and hopefully Doom to get after Carr.

 

This game is coming at the perfect time for the offense - we get in stride and put up 30 points.

Defense isnt quite as dominant but we still hold them to 23 with a garbage time TD making it look closer than it really is.

Ravens 30-23.

Sorry To inform you but it's time to come back to earth. The Ravens wont score 30 pts in any game all season. We don't have a RB in the top 20. We don't have a WR in the top 20 and we don't have a QB in the top 10.   Without a running game, without solid WRs, and without pass protection we are going nowhere fast. Our defense will keep some of the games close but against the upper echelon teams we simply can't compete. There are basically 2 games left on our schedule where we will match up well. Cleveland and Miami and that's it. The rest of the games we will need luck like we got against the Jags and the Browns.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

23 hours ago, Ravenseconbeast said:

Joe Flacco making horrendous Oakland defense look 'elite' is the only thing Joe will do well on week4.

I predict Flacco will top his previous performance and go for 3 INT 0 TDs and the apologists will start blaming 'the running back and the offensive line' for back to back to back INTs in 1st half.  Then, we are forced to realize we can't do squat with Joe and our offense is (once again) forced to be 1-dimensional and run the rest of the game to kill the clock.   

Blame Cam Cameron, Jim Caldwell, Mark Trestman, and the next OC in 2017.  The results are always the same.

Great bargain we are getting giving Flacco a fat check 2nd time!  Hope you Flacco homers enjoy our tremendous investment on Mr.Flacco!

You're are unbelievable, Man! The QB for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers posted a 400 yard game yesterday in a losing effort. A breakout effort for our struggling offense starts with stellar line play from our O-line. Unless you have been watching different games than the three I've watched, we haven't had stellar pass blocking or run blocking yet. I know you're not a Joe Flacco advocate but get real. He completed 21 straight dink & dunk passes yesterday. But for a drop in the end zone on a perfect throw, it would have been 22 in a row, tying the Niffle record. Joe Montana made a career out of short dink & dunk passes. Of course, he also had a pretty good WR too. If Joe's O-line will find a way to give him the time to throw and for our backs to run, you'll see a breakout game. Here's another hint for you. How 'bout enjoying someone else's success in the same way you would want others to enjoy your success. Jersey Joe is successful. Yeah, get real or go back to playing your fantasy football, Mr. Ravenseconbeast! AND another thing, last I heard is that Cam Cameron had just been fired and in case you hadn't heard, Jim Caldwell's entry lost yesterday. Build a bridge and get over it, Flacco Hater!!!     

[Drew P]

19 minutes ago, wizard1 said:

Sorry To inform you but it's time to come back to earth. The Ravens wont score 30 pts in any game all season. We don't have a RB in the top 20. We don't have a WR in the top 20 and we don't have a QB in the top 10.   Without a running game, without solid WRs, and without pass protection we are going nowhere fast. Our defense will keep some of the games close but against the upper echelon teams we simply can't compete. There are basically 2 games left on our schedule where we will match up well. Cleveland and Miami and that's it. The rest of the games we will need luck like we got against the Jags and the Browns.

Huh?

The O line is the weakest link but they'll get better

[frozen joe flacco fan]

23 minutes ago, wizard1 said:

Sorry To inform you but it's time to come back to earth. The Ravens wont score 30 pts in any game all season. We don't have a RB in the top 20. We don't have a WR in the top 20 and we don't have a QB in the top 10.   Without a running game, without solid WRs, and without pass protection we are going nowhere fast. Our defense will keep some of the games close but against the upper echelon teams we simply can't compete. There are basically 2 games left on our schedule where we will match up well. Cleveland and Miami and that's it. The rest of the games we will need luck like we got against the Jags and the Browns.

Hey, Wizard! Lighten up !! It looks like we may go undefeated!!!

[PurpleCity5]

16 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

You know the only problem with us going 4-0, right? Right??? Do you know the pressure that will be on this team against the Redskins???

Good to hear. I saw the Jackson whiff. It was terrible and I honestly got so upset there. I was ready for Zuttah to be benched then and I don't like making emotional decisions but this is getting ridiculous now. Zuttah is a really big problem. We need a legit center and we need one bad. The poor play from the position has haunted us since losing Birk. I can't believe some people here wanted him gone. Maybe having a mauler run blocker like Jensen next to him will help Zuttah. Shoot, I wouldn't even mind putting Jensen at center and Zuttah at LG. Zuttah has played there before. We need a change on this OL, though, and at least if Zuttah is at LG you'd have Zuttah and Yanda book-ending Jensen and they can both make the calls there, so maybe that helps ease the transition.

Yeah I honestly think he's become a liability for the OL. Now Alex Lewis doesn't have the best run blocking but he's been solid in pass protection. Zuttah has honestly not be good at pass protection, in fact, among the front 5, he's easily been the worst. I'm done defending him, I used to be a supporter of Zuttah but I can't be anymore, now I know that doesn't mean a lot but even I myself has come to the realization of what Zuttah does not bring to this team. 

We need a C really bad and if we have to take one in the 2nd round then so be it. This is a big problem for this team. 

[wizard1]

1 minute ago, frozen joe flacco fan said:

Hey, Wizard! Lighten up !! It looks like we may go undefeated!!!

Your right!! We will be undefeated as long as we don't lose. We could have also given up our 1st rounder (Stanley) our 2nd rounder ( Correa )  given Flacco his walking papers, kept KO,  and traded up to get Wentz and saved ourselves around $80 million but then again who listens to me? Ozzie and the gang hard at work-Sheesh

[K-Dog]

You're.

"Wizard "

[Inqui]

2 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Carr is good. But without a run game theyll become too one dimensional. Jimmy can take Crabtree out of the game completely... and i actually think Wright matches up much better against someone like Cooper than he did against Robinson or Coleman. Coopers game is much more about technical precision and route running than pure athleticism and physicality - that bodes better for Wright.... While Jimmy can match whatever Crabtree brings. Add some safety help on Cooper, and our LBs have looked really good so not too worried about Walford.

To be fair to the Raiders, they actually have the best run game in the league atm (5.9ypa). Granted the Browns (5.7) and Bills (4.8) are 2nd and 4th respectively and we held them largely in check, but the Raiders' running game is legit and will be a tough match-up. They're not the Jags, who've neglected the OL and are paying the price - these guys won't get the same plaudits but their OL is arguably just as good as Dallas'. Again that's not to say that we'll get gashed like the Bears did last night, but I actually think that'll be the biggest match-up of the day.

I agree with pretty much all the rest - if our OTs do well Joe might get close to a career game in terms of yardage, and if our CBs can slow down Crabtree and Cooper I think we get enough stops (and limit the big plays) to win.

[Rav'n Maniac]

1 hour ago, Inqui said:

To be fair to the Raiders, they actually have the best run game in the league atm (5.9ypa). Granted the Browns (5.7) and Bills (4.8) are 2nd and 4th respectively and we held them largely in check, but the Raiders' running game is legit and will be a tough match-up. They're not the Jags, who've neglected the OL and are paying the price - these guys won't get the same plaudits but their OL is arguably just as good as Dallas'. Again that's not to say that we'll get gashed like the Bears did last night, but I actually think that'll be the biggest match-up of the day.

I agree with pretty much all the rest - if our OTs do well Joe might get close to a career game in terms of yardage, and if our CBs can slow down Crabtree and Cooper I think we get enough stops (and limit the big plays) to win.

I agree that their OL is pretty good, but they have run against teams that are mediocre to bad against the run. Tenn. being the best of the three and just held them to 17 points. All 3 of their backs have broken big runs which inflates the YPC a bit with 22, 30 & 75 yards respectively.

Hopefully we will be able to contain them better.

Edited September 26, 2016 by Rav'n Maniac

[reed20]

On 9/25/2016 at 4:55 PM, ThatsMyJoeTerback said:

I'm just stoked about the pass rush. Suggs looks like he has picked it up and Dumervil is coming back. 

I don't know if I can fully agree that Suggs has picked it up. Many of our sacks have been coverage sacks. The front seven has been stout against the run but they need to start finishing plays against quarterbacks.

[DomMcRaven]

54 minutes ago, reed20 said:

I don't know if I can fully agree that Suggs has picked it up. Many of our sacks have been coverage sacks. The front seven has been stout against the run but they need to start finishing plays against quarterbacks.

I agree. Very agonizing to watch almost sacks. 

[AppStRavenfan]

On 9/25/2016 at 4:09 PM, Inqui said:

Ronnie Stanley v Khalil Mack. I don't think I've ever been so excited and terrified about a match-up at the same time.

I think Crockett might be lined up over there more times than not

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

I'm glad the fans don't run this team

[AppStRavenfan]

This'll easily be the toughest game so far this year, Raiders definitely have the talent to be a darn good team but for some reason they just haven't been good so far. Carr is a good QB, they've got one of the best olines in the game, tons of talent on defense that just hasn't put it together yet - but could at any moment. I think this game could easily go either way with one big play possibly deciding it, I think we take this one at home 17 - 10 to get to 4 -0.

[Militant X 1]

On 9/25/2016 at 5:47 PM, OUravensfan said:

You're picking a good one to go to, the bank will be rocking at the prospect of going 4-0 after last year. I hope this is the breakout game for the offense, we shall see. 

Only 5 teams are 3-0 in the NFL right now and we're one of them!  

AFC East - Patriots

AFC North -BALTIMORE RAVENS

AFC West - Broncos

NFC East - Eagles

NFC North - Vikings

It's lonely at the top!  But, the challenge will be for us to stay there!  Got to get this "W" to keep this train rolling!

Edited September 27, 2016 by Militant X 1

[Maryland]

13 hours ago, wizard1 said:

Here we go as the tumble begins. I usually wait to see the final injury report to make my game predictions but this one is easy.

We don't match up well with the Oakland Raiders and even if we had doom ( who is at the end of his career ) it wouldn't matter. Derek Carr and his entourage of weapons are the #2 offense in the NFL and are way to much for us to handle and with us having the 25th rated running game in the NFL it will be easy for them to T-off on Flacco.

Tho the game will be slightly close in the first half  but the Raiders win this game handily 31-17 .

Am I the only one here who actually enjoys this dude's posts? If you take it for what it is--just some trolling from a division rival disguised as pessimistic fandom--then it's actually pretty funny. 

I actually look forward to his shtick. Every time he posts, I think to myself "oh boy, how are we going to lose this week?" lol 

@Ravenseconbeast is another one in this same mold, but he's not as funny.

Edited September 27, 2016 by Maryland

[Jacquouille]

The running gamme was much better when Jensen was in. Hopefully he gets more playing time. 

[AWOLFNATION]

Dumervil and Dixon possibly being back could help spark both sides of the ball. The defense has been playing very well, but having a pass rusher like Dumervil back will be a boon. Dixon might be the most explosive of all the running backs, but it all depends on if he is able to practice this week, and how much. This could very well be a higher scoring game than the first three have been, but the NFL is always unpredictable. Hopefully, the Ravens will be able to get the win at home.

[jboy19]

Perhaps we see 3 active RBs and more rushing if Jensen is starting bc of the Lewis concussion. The biggest advantage the Ravens have though is that Del Rio is a bad coach who routinely makes stupid decisions. 

[757RavensFan]

Did not realize that the Oakland defense is dead LAST in total yards allowed.  Their defense is allowing on avg 475 yds per game.   

Edited September 27, 2016 by 757RavensFan

[BmoreRavens732]

24 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

Did not realize that the Oakland defense is dead LAST in total yards allowed.  Their defense is allowing on avg 475 yds per game.   

And some how as usual we will find away to make them look like a first place defense.

[Gtown Purple]

Have confidence in Jimmy, feeling iffy on Wright in this matchup. 

[jboy19]

My Big Matchups to watch for this week are

The Right Tackles Oakland's Defense is a big question mark. They've played against some good offenses in the first couple weeks (Saints, Falcons) and their defense seems to have stepped up a decent amount in Tennessee. Mack hasn't been able to get going, but going up against two of the better RTs in the league (Shraeder, Conklin) might be a good reason for that, Wagner is not a huge drop off from these guys but that's an important match up to watch, I would put Wagner above Strief.  The flip side of this matchup is also intriguing as the Raiders may be starting Vadal Alexander at RT this week if Watson is out. Regardless of who is going to be lining up on the strong-side on passing downs (Dumervil, ZDS, Judon) this is going to be a good matchup for the Ravens. 

Shareece Wright on an island It's going to be extremely surprising if the Raiders aren't scheming to get Shareece Wright in one on one situations against Crabtree or Cooper. Though it can be argued that neither Cooper or Crabtree is as much of a full package as Allen Robinson or as physically gifted as Corey Coleman, this matchup will be a problem as Derek Carr is the best QB that the Ravens play up to this point.  I do worry about putting too much safety help on Cooper and Crabtree since Oakland has some talented RBs and a decent TE and Seth Roberts can make things happen if he gets open. 

Wallace and Perriman against physical corners- Wallace and Perriman are going up against larger, more physical corners this week and I believe that they have an advantage over Amerson and Smith since they should be able to separate more easily. Karl Joseph is going to be starting in the secondary, I consider him more of a box safety and if its only Reggie Nelson giving help over the top, then the Raiders must be tested deep early and often. Joseph should make things more difficult for intermediate receivers like Pitta and SSS, but since it's a rookie that might not be the case. 

I've browsed some Raiders forums and they're consensus is that they will win this game as long as their defense plays average. They believe that the secondary is sub-par (which is debateable, they have held up pretty well thus far despite Wright's struggles) and that Del Rio has them playing better on the road than at home (early to state thus far since they're 1-1 on the road and 0-1 at home). Considering the back-to-back East Coast away games, this should not be easy for them. 

The "Baltimore only plays bad teams" narrative may be getting overstated, we should be comfortable with the fact that the Bills and Jags might not be as bad as people think they are (Bills upset the Cardinals, Jags have played some decent football aside from the SD game) and that AFC North games have been and will likely always be hard-fought, ugly games. I'm not saying the Ravens are walking into a win, but it's not like the Raiders are some kind of Juggernaut Team, Our opponent's combined record may be 1-8, but the Raiders' opponents are only 2-7 because the Falcons and Saints played each other and one had to win. 

[ravensnick]

18 hours ago, wizard1 said:

Sorry To inform you but it's time to come back to earth. The Ravens wont score 30 pts in any game all season. We don't have a RB in the top 20. We don't have a WR in the top 20 and we don't have a QB in the top 10.   Without a running game, without solid WRs, and without pass protection we are going nowhere fast. Our defense will keep some of the games close but against the upper echelon teams we simply can't compete. There are basically 2 games left on our schedule where we will match up well. Cleveland and Miami and that's it. The rest of the games we will need luck like we got against the Jags and the Browns.

Buffalo just scored 30 points on Arizona, the whole premise of this is absolutely ridiculous. Offense has its moments, just needs to get in a groove.

[Cawtious]

18 hours ago, HomeoftheBRAVENS said:

 

"Ryan Jensen filled in for Lewis in the fourth quarter Sunday."

 

I didn't notice that Lewis left the game.No wonder our pass protection fell off in the fourth quarter.

He was in for 10 plays.  Last two series.  I didn't notice any issue from his side.  Wagner was beat, causing the deflection and interception.  Beyond that, I didn't see Jensen's appearance or Lewis's absence creating a drop off.

[Jacquouille]

36 minutes ago, jboy19 said:

My Big Matchups to watch for this week are

The Right Tackles Oakland's Defense is a big question mark. They've played against some good offenses in the first couple weeks (Saints, Falcons) and their defense seems to have stepped up a decent amount in Tennessee. Mack hasn't been able to get going, but going up against two of the better RTs in the league (Shraeder, Conklin) might be a good reason for that, Wagner is not a huge drop off from these guys but that's an important match up to watch, I would put Wagner above Strief.  The flip side of this matchup is also intriguing as the Raiders may be starting Vadal Alexander at RT this week if Watson is out. Regardless of who is going to be lining up on the strong-side on passing downs (Dumervil, ZDS, Judon) this is going to be a good matchup for the Ravens. 

Shareece Wright on an island It's going to be extremely surprising if the Raiders aren't scheming to get Shareece Wright in one on one situations against Crabtree or Cooper. Though it can be argued that neither Cooper or Crabtree is as much of a full package as Allen Robinson or as physically gifted as Corey Coleman, this matchup will be a problem as Derek Carr is the best QB that the Ravens play up to this point.  I do worry about putting too much safety help on Cooper and Crabtree since Oakland has some talented RBs and a decent TE and Seth Roberts can make things happen if he gets open. 

Wallace and Perriman against physical corners- Wallace and Perriman are going up against larger, more physical corners this week and I believe that they have an advantage over Amerson and Smith since they should be able to separate more easily. Karl Joseph is going to be starting in the secondary, I consider him more of a box safety and if its only Reggie Nelson giving help over the top, then the Raiders must be tested deep early and often. Joseph should make things more difficult for intermediate receivers like Pitta and SSS, but since it's a rookie that might not be the case. 

I've browsed some Raiders forums and they're consensus is that they will win this game as long as their defense plays average. They believe that the secondary is sub-par (which is debateable, they have held up pretty well thus far despite Wright's struggles) and that Del Rio has them playing better on the road than at home (early to state thus far since they're 1-1 on the road and 0-1 at home). Considering the back-to-back East Coast away games, this should not be easy for them. 

The "Baltimore only plays bad teams" narrative may be getting overstated, we should be comfortable with the fact that the Bills and Jags might not be as bad as people think they are (Bills upset the Cardinals, Jags have played some decent football aside from the SD game) and that AFC North games have been and will likely always be hard-fought, ugly games. I'm not saying the Ravens are walking into a win, but it's not like the Raiders are some kind of Juggernaut Team, Our opponent's combined record may be 1-8, but the Raiders' opponents are only 2-7 because the Falcons and Saints played each other and one had to win. 

Good read, vey nice opinion. Although if Cooper isn't the complete package, I don't know who is!

[jboy19]

2 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

Good read, vey nice opinion. Although if Cooper isn't the complete package, I don't know who is!

I'll admit that comment was a bit of a stretch, so to clear up what i said a little bit, i think that Cooper lacks the physicality of a guy like Robinson or Julio Jones. He's more in an AB mold, who is a receiver the Ravens have had a surprisingly good track record against. Cooper is obviously very good and i still consider him a top 10 WR and he's undoubtedly going to make some noise on Sunday, but physically the match up with him and Wright may not be as dire as many would think.