[News] Late For Work 9/30: 42 Analyst Predictions In Ravens' Toughest Matchup Yet

[BR News]

Roster changes expected with Darren Waller’s return next week. Khalil Mack coming to town as Ronnie Stanley misses second consecutive practice. Drew Bledsoe appreciates nod from Terrell Suggs. Joe Flacco to be inducted into Delaware Hall of Fame.

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[Ravenshine]

I miss the old stoic quarterbacks too. It's like you could hear the theme from "the good, the bad and the ugly" playing while they stood there in the pocket.

[Raven1995]

6-1 record is incorrect. Besides last year we lost to Oakland in 2003, 20-12 when Rod Woodsen was on their team.

[jboy19]

The Waller situation intrigues me. I think Buck Allen is the obvious choice for release when Waller is back, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a guy like Price since most of Waller's value is on ST at this point. Seemed like the switch to TE was nominal as I think Waller was playing split out for most of the preseason. 

[fusuymada]

6-1 record is incorrect. Besides last year we lost to Oakland in 2003, 20-12 when Rod Woodsen was on their team.

I believe they are talking about the home record against Oakland.

[Bruce_Almty]

Ravens toughest matchup was 2 weeks ago when they spotted Cleveland 20 pts and had to make a comeback on the road. Admittedly, the Raiders have a more talented roster but the Ravens have travel and home field advantages.

[fusuymada]

Waller is a must to return. No doubt. He is valuable on special teams and he showed an incredible knack for finding the open spots and gaining YAC during the preseason.

[bioLarzen]

I agree with Mink on the Waller-siotuation. He's gonna be cut and re-brought to the PS.

Neither Gillmore nor Maxx Williams are gonna be cut to make place for him - and I don't think there's place for 4 TE's on the 53... Waller didn'tr really do enough to make other teams jump fopr him once he gets cut, so I think there's a more than fair chacve he'll go through the waiver wire and come back on the PS.

[ellicottraven]

I have a feeling that one of these two will no longer be on the 53. Waller or Buck Allen. However, if they clear waivers they'll definitely be added to the PS. Frankly I expect both to clear waivers but you never know how needy other teams really are at WR/TE and RB.

[Drew P]

Not a big fan of Waller but depending on Hesters performance Sunday he could be on the chopping block

[Bat-mite]

Not seeing anybody I would cut to keep Waller right now. Will probably cut Buck to keep Dixon.

[jboy19]

2 minutes ago, Bat-mite said:

Not seeing anybody I would cut to keep Waller right now. Will probably cut Buck to keep Dixon.

They don't need to cut anybody for Dixon. He's on the roster already. Thinking Buck could be cut for Waller since Buck won't do much with Dixon coming back. 

[bioLarzen]

16 minutes ago, Drew P said:

Not a big fan of Waller but depending on Hesters performance Sunday he could be on the chopping block

For ONE drop?

[Steve32]

Not a big fan of Waller but depending on Hesters performance Sunday he could be on the chopping block

Not happening.

[Purple Dawg 96]

Please do not waste time on 1st down trying to run! The Ravens need to play Oakland like they did the 49ers in the 1st half of the Super Bowl and that was slinging that Rock to our TEs! Or is that too much like rite?! Joe hit them up so bad they shut off the power! Or was that a bad thing?! WE THE BEST!

[Drew P]

27 minutes ago, bioLarzen said:

For ONE drop?

So far.

[steelcityraven]

looking forward to Waller and Dixons return!

[balfan23]

13 minutes ago, Drew P said:

So far.

You can say that, but if Hester were on the chopping block ... who's replacing him? Dixon?

Yes, Hester had a muff ... yes, there is no guarantee that he won't have another - but who do you trust more? A guy who has been doing that particular job half his life or one who is totally new to the job (never even returned kicks or punts in college let along the NFL). The only way Hester is getting replaced is with a different kick/punt return specialist. Since the question is about whose spot will be taken by Waller and Dixon ... Hester is not the answer. 

[ellicottraven]

This home stand with the Raiders and the Redskins is critical to our success for the season. In my view, we need to defend our home field because we are going to have some really tough road games coming up. If we can win 7 home games and 4 road games, we'll make the playoffs for certain. It begins with beating the Raiders Sunday at M&T.

Having said that, we can't afford a slow start nor can we afford to have lulls in the game. I think we need to begin having complete games from all three facets. The D, ST and O all need to be well oiled and working well starting now. The offense needs to pick it up because frankly if they continue to play like they've been, we are not going to win many more games because the D can only do so much.

[hen826957]

Please do not waste time on 1st down trying to run! The Ravens need to play Oakland like they did the 49ers in the 1st half of the Super Bowl and that was slinging that Rock to our TEs! Or is that too much like rite?! Joe hit them up so bad they shut off the power! Or was that a bad thing?! WE THE BEST!

I agree play action on 1st down. If it's short for the 1st down run on 2nd down.

[trevorsteadman]

What forgets to be also mentioned is this is Oakland's toughtest opponent so far as well. Should be a good game.

[Ravenshine]

This home stand with the Raiders and the Redskins is critical to our success for the season. In my view, we need to defend our home field because we are going to have some really tough road games coming up. If we can win 7 home games and 4 road games, we'll make the playoffs for certain. It begins with beating the Raiders Sunday at M&T.

Having said that, we can't afford a slow start nor can we afford to have lulls in the game. I think we need to begin having complete games from all three facets. The D, ST and O all need to be well oiled and working well starting now. The offense needs to pick it up because frankly if they continue to play like they've been, we are not going to win many more games because the D can only do so much.

I agree.

[harfordravenfan]

Didn't realize it was their second cross country game in a row. That definitely can't be over looked and makes me feel at least a little bit better about our game.

Still predicting another nail biter for most of the game with us coming out as winners at the end

[Drew P]

11 minutes ago, balfan23 said:

You can say that, but if Hester were on the chopping block ... who's replacing him? Dixon?

Yes, Hester had a muff ... yes, there is no guarantee that he won't have another - but who do you trust more? A guy who has been doing that particular job half his life or one who is totally new to the job (never even returned kicks or punts in college let along the NFL). The only way Hester is getting replaced is with a different kick/punt return specialist. Since the question is about whose spot will be taken by Waller and Dixon ... Hester is not the answer. 

Dixon is already on the roster.

[stixfix69]

Waller would never clear waivers.....He had a beast of a training camp...

[steelcityraven]

The OL scares me a little right now. Would love to start to solidify this area... Wagner and Yanda look steady and solid as usual. Zuttah is scaring me but I wonder how much that has to do with a rookie playing beside him? Hope Urschel can come in and settle that down a little. Finally -really hope that Stanley is healthy enough to go!

[January J]

2 hours ago, bioLarzen said:

I agree with Mink on the Waller-siotuation. He's gonna be cut and re-brought to the PS.

Neither Gillmore nor Maxx Williams are gonna be cut to make place for him - and I don't think there's place for 4 TE's on the 53... Waller didn'tr really do enough to make other teams jump fopr him once he gets cut, so I think there's a more than fair chacve he'll go through the waiver wire and come back on the PS.

I disagree. Ofcourse maxx or crock wont be cut - but waller is looked at as more of a hybrid WR anyway- and we really only have 5 wrs not including Hester. The original plan was to have 4 tight ends on the roster anyway ( or so it seemed) so with Buck being inactive the first 3 games and likely this week and with Dixon slated to return- I think its a strong possibility Buck could be let go. Who knows, maybe we could even get a conditional 6th or 7th round pick for him to a RB needy team as well. Either that or maybe Forsett could even be in play.

Edited September 30, 2016 by January J

[jravens1313]

InOzzieWeTrust! Dixon will give our running game the splash plays we have lacked, and Doom will add to our arsenal of pass rushers. I can't wait until this team comes together. There is too much talent and locker room guys to fail.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

Tough call for Waller. I would love to see him in game action. Honestly though it's been hard getting to ball around to all the players already on the roster. Unless someone already on the roster is dogging it hard out there, I cannot see someone that would be scratched to make room for him.

Buck does not make much sense since he is basically a younger version of Forsett. Forsett also commands a larger salary. IMHO they are pretty much identical as far as skills/ability. Forsett obviously has experience.

After going out of their way to sign a return specialist, it seems far fetched to think they would part ways so soon, even on the back of a muff.

If someone at depth and playing ST, starts dogging it hard out there, that would be the candidate for potential roster changes.

[Ravenous_Ravens]

Didn't realize it was their second cross country game in a row. That definitely can't be over looked and makes me feel at least a little bit better about our game.

Still predicting another nail biter for most of the game with us coming out as winners at the end

It is much different playing on the road vs at home. Road game get noisy when you need it quiet(er). Home games get noisy when you need it most. Also Oakland is far enough away the bank wll be mostly home team fans anyways.