[News] Strength vs. Strength: Ravens' Top-Ranked Run Defense Readies For NFL Rushing Leader Ezekiel Elliott

[BR News]

The Ravens pride themselves on not giving up yardage on the ground and have the league’s No. 1 run defense. The Cowboys have heavily invested in their offensive line and running back Ezekiel Elliott, and have the league’s No. 1 rushing offense. Which one will prevail Sunday?

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[sami]

the exact quote is "to be the best , you have to BEAT the best", not just play them. Our secondary is going to have to sharp also in case EE slips thru the the DL and LBs.

[Purple Dawg 96]

Do not blitz play the Cowboys the same way you play the squeelers! CJ the "SPY" search and destroy! I got Love for Big Zeke REPPIN them Buckeyes Lol so don't hurt him too bad! LETS GO!

[n#7]

The main difference between the 2000 crew and today's is the front of yesteryear had 4 legit. D lineman, with the two beefcakes in the middle and McCary & Burnett on the ends as pass rushers. Of course having a Ray Lewis patrolling from sideline to sideline behind them didn't hurt as well. This week will be The big test for our D.

[The Greek]

this one will be tough but if the offense can get off to a better start than normal than they have a chance on the road.

[huntrgathrr]

On paper and by comparing records the Cowboys are and should be favored but their edge stops there. The Ravens match up very well with Dallas. This will be a knock down, drag out type of game...just the type the Ravens have a good chance of winning. We have better special teams and better coaching. Our offense also has a good chance against an average Dallas defense. In this type of game the best defense usually wins. Turnovers will be key. If we shut down the run it will be interesting to see how effective Prescott can be. My guess is he will make a lot of mistakes without a run game to depend on. I like our chances if we don't turn it over and generate some offense.

[Crusader]

It would be funny for the Baltimore Bullies to go to DALLAS and win against America's Team. Just as shocking as the election.

[Ravenseconbeast]

You got to stop their Oline first. Tough task. But we are the only team capable of doing it in NFL.

[Saxxin]

It would be funny for the Baltimore Bullies to go to DALLAS and win against America's Team. Just as shocking as the election.

Like in 08 after they were hand selected because Jerry thought they'd be an easy win to close that stadium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTVEv71BCbk

[jravens1313]

I love this matchup. This is what football was supposed to be about before Rodger and Co. ruined the NFL with all these pass happy, protect the QB rules. Reminiscent of Ray Lewis vs. Eddie George.

[sizzlingdoom]

the exact quote is "to be the best , you have to BEAT the best", not just play them. Our secondary is going to have to sharp also in case EE slips thru the the DL and LBs.

Yeah, considering their lack of weapons in the passing game aside from Dez, esp. with Jimmy matched up on him, I wouldn't be surprised if Weddle spies Zeke on suspected running plays at times. That would really really help what you're talking about. And I agree

[sizzlingdoom]

I love this matchup. This is what football was supposed to be about before Rodger and Co. ruined the NFL with all these pass happy, protect the QB rules. Reminiscent of Ray Lewis vs. Eddie George.

Exactly

[The Ez Factor]

I have the crazy feeling that the Ravens are going to win this one. I know the Cowboys ran all over the Packers top ranked run D (at the time) but anyone who pays attention knows that the Packers defense are always phony's. Soft, soft unit there. Not so much with the Ravens front line. Dallas might open a few holes but the D will keep it tight for most of the game and I think the offense will be able to take advantage of Dallas' lack of a pass rush. This will be a good game.

[RaRaRavens]

No doubt our defense will not let the Cowboys run over us like they have done to most teams, but they will put up some points for sure. The real question is, can our offense put up more. They have to play like they did in the second half vs the Browns, if we want to win.

[BigUgly]

Zeke may get his 100 yards, but they will come in 3 yard chunks and take all day. I think the Ravens can contain the Cowboys offense so long as Moseley and J Smith are healthy. The real question is, can the offense put up more than 24 points to take advantage and keep the defense rested? If so, I think the D can hold Dallas to 20 points and manage to nab a pick off of Dak.

[Rav'n Maniac]

This is the classic battle, brute strength against brute strength. If our history has taught us anything, this type of battle usually ends with the defense having the upper hand. We have proved it before and now we need to do it again.

[KidNme]

I believe this game will come down to whoever makes the most splash plays. I believe we have that edge on those but Dak can throw the ball very well and they have a varied playbook to get guys open in space. I just hope we aren't in Zone D all game and if that IS the game plan, I sure hope our guys are studying game film till the wee hours so we can pick off a few!

[sizzlingdoom]

Zeke may get his 100 yards, but they will come in 3 yard chunks and take all day. I think the Ravens can contain the Cowboys offense so long as Moseley and J Smith are healthy. The real question is, can the offense put up more than 24 points to take advantage and keep the defense rested? If so, I think the D can hold Dallas to 20 points and manage to nab a pick off of Dak.

Agree. I think we put up between 24-30 with D/ST getting 6. You mentioned a pick off Dak. I see a bit hit and FF in the backfield. Something similar to the hit Ngata put on Mendanhall in the 33-7 route of Pitts a few years ago at home. Just makes me think how much softer and less imposing of a team we would be without Big Mike. Pierce and Young have lifted this Defense back to being the Baltimore Ravens Defense. I'm just praying that Ozzie doesn't see BWILL as expendable with Pierce around. We need those 2 to stuff the run for YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! Both get backfield penetration too which is so awesome considering they almost weight 700 pounds together.

[lowcountryraven]

Everyone watching will know the name of the Dallas Cowboy's punter after this Sunday!  He will be icing his foot on Monday in the training room!

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Just the men to do the job.

[The Greek]

  3 hours ago, BigUgly said:

Zeke may get his 100 yards, but they will come in 3 yard chunks and take all day. I think the Ravens can contain the Cowboys offense so long as Moseley and J Smith are healthy. The real question is, can the offense put up more than 24 points to take advantage and keep the defense rested? If so, I think the D can hold Dallas to 20 points and manage to nab a pick off of Dak.

Agree. I think we put up between 24-30 with D/ST getting 6. You mentioned a pick off Dak. I see a bit hit and FF in the backfield. Something similar to the hit Ngata put on Mendanhall in the 33-7 route of Pitts a few years ago at home. Just makes me think how much softer and less imposing of a team we would be without Big Mike. Pierce and Young have lifted this Defense back to being the Baltimore Ravens Defense. I'm just praying that Ozzie doesn't see BWILL as expendable with Pierce around. We need those 2 to stuff the run for YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! Both get backfield penetration too which is so awesome considering they almost weight 700 pounds together.

agreed 100% must keep b. williams

[Halshayeji]

10 hours ago, sizzlingdoom said:

Yeah, considering their lack of weapons in the passing game aside from Dez, esp. with Jimmy matched up on him, I wouldn't be surprised if Weddle spies Zeke on suspected running plays at times. That would really really help what you're talking about. And I agree

They actually have a good TE in Whitten and Beasley is not too shabby himself. Just my humble opinion but our front 7 need to handle the run game without much help if we're gonna pull this one off. 

[Halshayeji]

3 hours ago, lowcountryraven said:

Everyone watching will know the name of the Dallas Cowboy's punter after this Sunday!  He will be icing his foot on Monday in the training room!

Looooooooooooool

I see what you did there. You my friend just won the Internet

[Halshayeji]

5 hours ago, BigUgly said:

Zeke may get his 100 yards, but they will come in 3 yard chunks and take all day. I think the Ravens can contain the Cowboys offense so long as Moseley and J Smith are healthy. The real question is, can the offense put up more than 24 points to take advantage and keep the defense rested? If so, I think the D can hold Dallas to 20 points and manage to nab a pick off of Dak.

Call me crazy but I'm extreemly optimistic. I saw Flacco do things last week that he hasn't done all year.

1- we used screen passes when the D showed obvious blitz.

2- Joe used his check downs whenever the Oline was outnumbered and gave his RBs a real chance.

3- I saw a few times that Joe threw it to his 3rd read! He went through progressions because he actually had a hot read and an intermediate route and a deep route.

4- we stuck with the run!

this team finally played as a unit. Now let's cut down on mistakes and continue to improve

[Crusader]

  5 hours ago, BigUgly said:

Zeke may get his 100 yards, but they will come in 3 yard chunks and take all day. I think the Ravens can contain the Cowboys offense so long as Moseley and J Smith are healthy. The real question is, can the offense put up more than 24 points to take advantage and keep the defense rested? If so, I think the D can hold Dallas to 20 points and manage to nab a pick off of Dak.

Call me crazy but I'm extreemly optimistic. I saw Flacco do things last week that he hasn't done all year.

1- we used screen passes when the D showed obvious blitz.

2- Joe used his check downs whenever the Oline was outnumbered and gave his RBs a real chance.

3- I saw a few times that Joe threw it to his 3rd read! He went through progressions because he actually had a hot read and an intermediate route and a deep route.

4- we stuck with the run!

this team finally played as a unit. Now let's cut down on mistakes and continue to improve

"I saw Flacco do things last week that he hasn't done all year. " Yea, he look like he came out MAD after the half.

[Crusader]

Some were saying (NFL Network) Ravens had an easy scheduled but when I compared the two there was not much difference on the opponents they played. Dallas played Bears and 49ners. Who wants it more? Who needs it more?

[araveninwaconc]

Some were saying (NFL Network) Ravens had an easy scheduled but when I compared the two there was not much difference on the opponents they played. Dallas played Bears and 49ners. Who wants it more? Who needs it more?

did a little research and you are correct in every way. Dallas and Baltimore schedule were no different! Good pick up! We got this game more that people realize. Did you know we are the only team Dallas has never beaten!

[araveninwaconc]

  On ‎11‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 8:58 AM, lowcountryraven said:

Everyone watching will know the name of the Dallas Cowboy's punter after this Sunday!  He will be icing his foot on Monday in the training room!

Looooooooooooool

I see what you did there. You my friend just won the Internet

Now that's deeeeeppppp!

[araveninwaconc]

  On ‎11‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 1:44 AM, sizzlingdoom said:

Yeah, considering their lack of weapons in the passing game aside from Dez, esp. with Jimmy matched up on him, I wouldn't be surprised if Weddle spies Zeke on suspected running plays at times. That would really really help what you're talking about. And I agree

They actually have a good TE in Whitten and Beasley is not too shabby himself. Just my humble opinion but our front 7 need to handle the run game without much help if we're gonna pull this one off. 

Oh they can do it and will do it! I think Brandon, Timmy, and Lawrence like being #1!! and I think they plan on staying there?

[araveninwaconc]

  On ‎11‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 8:53 AM, sizzlingdoom said:

  On ‎11‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 6:57 AM, BigUgly said:

Zeke may get his 100 yards, but they will come in 3 yard chunks and take all day. I think the Ravens can contain the Cowboys offense so long as Moseley and J Smith are healthy. The real question is, can the offense put up more than 24 points to take advantage and keep the defense rested? If so, I think the D can hold Dallas to 20 points and manage to nab a pick off of Dak.

Agree. I think we put up between 24-30 with D/ST getting 6. You mentioned a pick off Dak. I see a bit hit and FF in the backfield. Something similar to the hit Ngata put on Mendanhall in the 33-7 route of Pitts a few years ago at home. Just makes me think how much softer and less imposing of a team we would be without Big Mike. Pierce and Young have lifted this Defense back to being the Baltimore Ravens Defense. I'm just praying that Ozzie doesn't see BWILL as expendable with Pierce around. We need those 2 to stuff the run for YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!! Both get backfield penetration too which is so awesome considering they almost weight 700 pounds together.

agreed 100% must keep b. williams

Yea it sounds like a plan to keep them but you know how it is we find talent rookie contract over they are gone another team gets them and they are used as hybrids