Next Up: Ravens AT Patriots, Gillette Stadium, Monday December 12.

[stampedehero]

21 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

We've now moved up to #6 on ESPN's power rankings, up from #13 last week. Quite a jump. And in the explanation it even says don't fall too hard for Flacco's performance until he does it again. So i guess theyre basing it on the strength of our D and ST.

We're one spot behind the Steelers (#5) and four behind the Pats (#2). 

Was surprised to see us getting that sort of ranking; though not surprised to see the Steelers one spot above.

Even had us ranked above the Chiefs. The only NFC team we're ranked lower than are the Cowboys and Seahawks. Pretty interesting.

> I always believed the power rankings are an "ego" stat created by media, specifically a hack writer in Boston or Seattle.        

[rossihunter2]

6 hours ago, Tornado700 said:

So you think the Ravens can hang 31 points on a Patriot defense that is every good as ours? Both teams have allowed the exact same amount of points scored against us. I love your optimism but we gotta be real here. They are 9-2. We are 7-5. We are playing in Gillette stadium. It's supposed to have alot of rain there. About ten years ago, my wife and I went to New England to watch our Ravens. The game was played in a steady, all game down pour, Ravens got beat 21-3. As Mod 3 said, advantage goes to the home team. I know that everybody is jacked up because we thumped Miami pretty good. We played our best game of the year while Miami played their worst game of the year. This will be a defensive game. I love my Ravens, but got to be real here. Pats 20 Ravens10. Hope I'm wrong.

i think everyone is exaggerating how good the pats defense is because they have 1 or 2 good stats - the pats have not been playing well on defense this entire year and their linebackers especially seem even worse since jamie collins left - they have played terrible offenses in some cases and in others their offense (with its new run-oriented philosophy) has controlled the ball and the clock

now that's not to say that they wont be coached up to scheme against us but they havent shown throughout the year that they are a good defense

[JoeyFlex5]

6 hours ago, Tornado700 said:

So you think the Ravens can hang 31 points on a Patriot defense that is every good as ours? Both teams have allowed the exact same amount of points scored against us. I love your optimism but we gotta be real here. They are 9-2. We are 7-5. We are playing in Gillette stadium. It's supposed to have alot of rain there. About ten years ago, my wife and I went to New England to watch our Ravens. The game was played in a steady, all game down pour, Ravens got beat 21-3. As Mod 3 said, advantage goes to the home team. I know that everybody is jacked up because we thumped Miami pretty good. We played our best game of the year while Miami played their worst game of the year. This will be a defensive game. I love my Ravens, but got to be real here. Pats 20 Ravens10. Hope I'm wrong.

10 years huh? The salary cap must not be affecting these 2 teams much if theyre The exact same over a decade.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

6 hours ago, Tornado700 said:

So you think the Ravens can hang 31 points on a Patriot defense that is every good as ours? Both teams have allowed the exact same amount of points scored against us. I love your optimism but we gotta be real here. They are 9-2. We are 7-5. We are playing in Gillette stadium. It's supposed to have alot of rain there. About ten years ago, my wife and I went to New England to watch our Ravens. The game was played in a steady, all game down pour, Ravens got beat 21-3. As Mod 3 said, advantage goes to the home team. I know that everybody is jacked up because we thumped Miami pretty good. We played our best game of the year while Miami played their worst game of the year. This will be a defensive game. I love my Ravens, but got to be real here. Pats 20 Ravens10. Hope I'm wrong.

Ask Patriots fans how good they think their Defense is. They'll be the first to admit it's a liability. Now, theyve started to get some contributions from role players and theyre improving, but still not good.

I think the points against stat is a little misleading, because there are multiple things that go into that. As they sometimes say, the best defense can be a great offense. The Pats move the ball efficiently and therefore help limit the opportunities the opposing offense will have. So, conversely, a defense good enough to get some stops will help paint a more true picture.

On top of that, the Patriots offense converts in the red zone. They score TDs. That puts the opposing offense in a position to have to throw the ball more, take more chances, eschew FG's to try and convert 4th downs, etc... I dont have specific stats that speak to this (dont feel like doing the research) and it may not be a huge factor, but id imagine it certainly plays a part. So, this will give their D more opportunities to get off the field without surrendering any points... more opp's to get stops.

 

Their D surrenders a lot of yards. You can move the ball on them. It's a matter of putting the points up when you get in the red zone. The key will be scoring TD's when we have the opportunity, and not getting in a hole early so we can take the FGs when we're there and not have to play catch up.

If our defense can do their job and keep the Pats out of the end zone... stops are great but we have to limit them to FG's when they do move the ball... we SHOULD be able to move the ball on them. Need to get at least FG's when we cross mid-field (which we should be able to do frequently) and then get TD's when we get deep in the red zone.

[January J]

15 hours ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

The good thing is that the ravens are like Elsa from frozen. "The cold never bothered us anyway".

We play good football in cold weather. I think we can pull out a win but will keep it as a L for now. But I'd love to be wrong. Bellicheat probably has a mole within our organization.

 

But the way I see it, we need payback. Payback for the cheap crap they pulled against us two years ago. 

 

14 hours ago, frozen joe flacco fan said:

Pees will prevail. Our defense will set the tone. Joe loves playing in big games in Foxboro and will rise to meet the challenge. In the end,Tucker's golden toe will win the game. What else is there to say? Oh yeah!!!! Rex Ryan finds a way to ruin Big Ben's day. Go Ravens!!

Unless Pees is the Mole!!

12 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Trust our run game more than the Pats? No chance

I'm not so sure. On the outside looking in the pats seem better with Blount but we haven't been relying on our backs much so far...our guys are younger and def more fresh and have been steadily improving week by week. We haven't really seen them put the pedal to the medal yet. Dixon is destined for a breakout game very soon. The experience factor worries me a bit in a big primetime game in bad weather- so ball security will be essential. I have no idea who will come out on top but I guarantee this will be an awesome slugfest. And put it this way- I trust our run D more than their Run D- so I can see our running attack have the better performance.

Edited December 7, 2016 by January J

[HoldingCall]

Interesting! The Patriot and Ravens, both give up on average 17.2 points per game. 

[ravensnation5220]

22 minutes ago, HoldingCall said:

Interesting! The Patriot and Ravens, both give up on average 17.2 points per game. 

First to score 20 wins the game

[ravensnation5220]

Not that this means anything but i kept having a dream that the patriots absolutely destroyed the ravens.......i guess thats my biggest fear at this point lol

[VermontRaven]

1 hour ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Tornado700 said:

So you think the Ravens can hang 31 points on a Patriot defense that is every good as ours? Both teams have allowed the exact same amount of points scored against us. I love your optimism but we gotta be real here. They are 9-2. We are 7-5. We are playing in Gillette stadium. It's supposed to have alot of rain there. About ten years ago, my wife and I went to New England to watch our Ravens. The game was played in a steady, all game down pour, Ravens got beat 21-3. As Mod 3 said, advantage goes to the home team. I know that everybody is jacked up because we thumped Miami pretty good. We played our best game of the year while Miami played their worst game of the year. This will be a defensive game. I love my Ravens, but got to be real here. Pats 20 Ravens10. Hope I'm wrong.

Patriots only match us in 1 defensive category--that is points scored (which there are a lot of factors in that)...starting field position etc.  Ravens and Pats tied for 2nd best.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&conference=null&role=OPP&offensiveStatisticCategory=null&defensiveStatisticCategory=SCORING&season=2016&seasonType=REG&tabSeq=2&qualified=false&Submit=Go

Ravens 1st in Total Yards, Pats 9th

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&defensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&conference=ALL&role=OPP&season=2016&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=TOTAL_YARDS_GAME_AVG&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-n=1

Ravens 7th passing defense, Pats 12th

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&defensiveStatisticCategory=TEAM_PASSING&conference=ALL&role=OPP&season=2016&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=PASSING_NET_YARDS_GAME_AVG&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-n=1

Ravens 1st in rushing defense, Pats 10th

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&defensiveStatisticCategory=RUSHING&conference=ALL&role=OPP&season=2016&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=RUSHING_YARDS_PER_GAME_AVG&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-n=1

 

So, I'll take the Ravens D over the Pats D any day!!!  Not sure the Ravens can put up 31 against them, but I'm definitely not sure the Pats can put up that much on our defense.  Personally, I expect a much lower scoring game than that.  Hopefully, the Ravens pull out a low-scoring nail biter on the leg of Tucker!

 

Edited December 7, 2016 by VermontRaven
typo

[AsianRice]

Win or lose; I really do enjoy taking on the Pas on MNF, especially we are healthy for once at the end of the year...

 

This is like preview of AFC championship game right there...

 

We have to start fast on offense and defense need to get on Brady's skin asap; if those are done, we will win convincingly.....

 

I think this is going to be the best MNF ever for me.......especially we suffer plague of injures last year and we are coming back healthy and ready to compete at one of the most important games of the season.....

 

I can't wait MNF!!!

 

[usmccharles]

49 minutes ago, VermontRaven said:

So, I'll take the Ravens D over the Pats D any day!!!  Not sure the Ravens can put up 31 against them, but I'm definitely not sure the Pats can put up that much on our defense.  Personally, I expect a much lower scoring game than that.  Hopefully, the Ravens pull out a low-scoring nail biter on the leg of Tucker!

I really hope Pees changes things up drastically and gives a lot of new looks, his own take on 'organized chaos'  Nothing more would I love to hold the pats to 10 points, but I know BB will have some tricks up his sleeves and that's what worries me.  We need to really bring heat on Brady early on and get a good hit on him.  If it is a rainy day, im not very confident in our chances. 

[Tank 92]

6 hours ago, Marcus_Aurelius said:

If you see them up close they're pretty menacing and big !  I'm pretty sure they're considered as Birds of Prey, same grouping as eagles, falcons etc even though they're a Crow. If you go walking in the Highlands in Scotland you see them a lot, always in pairs, beautiful creatures. 

They are widespread in the US but I've personally only seen them in California while hiking in the Sierra Nevada. They aren't considered raptors but do eat meat. I didn't think they would go after lambs.  Pretty crazy! 

[Tank 92]

I have a bit of respect for belicheat's football mind, but despise the patsies and all they are. Man I hope we kick their butts.

[VermontRaven]

2 minutes ago, Tank 92 said:

I have a bit of respect for belicheat's football mind, but despise the patsies and all they are. Man I hope we kick their butts.

I have ZERO respect for cheaters.  I have absolutely no respect for the Patriots.  I can't stand the Steelers, but I respect them.  I would LOVE to beat down the Patriots at their place twice--Monday night, then again in the playoffs!

[January J]

18 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

I really hope Pees changes things up drastically and gives a lot of new looks, his own take on 'organized chaos'  Nothing more would I love to hold the pats to 10 points, but I know BB will have some tricks up his sleeves and that's what worries me.  We need to really bring heat on Brady early on and get a good hit on him.  If it is a rainy day, im not very confident in our chances. 

We have to have a plan B..along with C and D. One thing the patriots are able to do so well is make in-game adjustments. They do it better than anybody in the league.. they see what your bringing to the table - and then they adapt and change colors like a chameleon at the drop of a dime. One thing that drives me crazy is pees inability to make adjustments at halftime. He comes up with some really good game plans- but making adjustments or having a plan B when things go awry? Not so much. I don't know if he's just hardheaded or what it is- but to beat a team like the pats its absolutely essential to make in game adjustments... IMO that's the key to winning this game- along with keeping the mistakes to a minimum. You CANNOT give a qb like Brady extra possessions- BC he will capitalize every single time.

[usmccharles]

5 minutes ago, January J said:

We have to have a plan B..along with C and D. One thing the patriots are able to do so well is make in-game adjustments. They do it better than anybody in the league.. they see what your bringing to the table - and then they adapt and change colors like a chameleon at the drop of a dime. One thing that drives me crazy is pees inability to make adjustments at halftime. He comes up with some really good game plans- but making adjustments or having a plan B when things go awry? Not so much. I don't know if he's just hardheaded or what it is- but to beat a team like the pats its absolutely essential to make in game adjustments... IMO that's the key to winning this game- along with keeping the mistakes to a minimum. You CANNOT give a qb like Brady extra possessions- BC he will capitalize every single time.

If we have to rely on coaching to win this game, I don't think we can.  That's not a knock on John or Dean, but BB and McDaniels are a step above in my opinion,  Like you said, their in game adjustments are crazy good and I think that's where we will see a struggle.  I wouldn't be surprised if it was a less scoring repeat of the playoffs 2014, we look like the better team but they make a couple plays here and there to jump ahead. 

[rossihunter2]

I just think that of all the years we've faced the pats this is the year we are best equipped to deal with them - there's nothing about the pats that really scares me this year with gronk out

this is all assuming that the ravens offense continues its upward trend - im not crazy enough to assume it will be like miami last week but if it is a steady serviceable offense and we dont crap the bed then we are in the best position we've been in since 2012 vs the pats

[Rav'n Maniac]

1 hour ago, ravensnation5220 said:

Not that this means anything but i kept having a dream that the patriots absolutely destroyed the ravens.......i guess thats my biggest fear at this point lol

That's not a dream, that's a nightmare.

[rossihunter2]

1 minute ago, Rav'n Maniac said:

That's not a dream, that's a nightmare.

the only way that isnt a nightmare is if we lose big, make the  playoffs and then get revenge in foxborough

[usmccharles]

Hopefully non of that ineligible receiver crap happens again.

[January J]

15 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

If we have to rely on coaching to win this game, I don't think we can.  That's not a knock on John or Dean, but BB and McDaniels are a step above in my opinion,  Like you said, their in game adjustments are crazy good and I think that's where we will see a struggle.  I wouldn't be surprised if it was a less scoring repeat of the playoffs 2014, we look like the better team but they make a couple plays here and there to jump ahead. 

Ofcourse our players have to execute and make plays- but out coaching them is a huge part of beating the pats. Like you said their coaches are crazy good- which is why they make average and pedestrian players look so good. We have more weapons - and we are better than them on paper. If we can out strategize them- we WILL win this game.

We've had their number in the past and are the only team that's able to CONSISTANTLY hang with them. Its always a chess match. In 2014 we outplayed them but they  outsmarted us. In the end they did just enough. This time we have smarter , quicker and more witty players on defense to read that kind of stuff- lead by Weddle. Its up to the offense to put up enough points to get the job done. Plain and simple. Put up 24 or more and we should win. This is a game I could literally see going any which way. We could get stomped- we could stomp them- or it could be a nail biter. Im leaning towards the latter. The weather will play a big role- and both teams are fit for cold, December football. Rain-Snow-Sleet- may the best team win.

[rossihunter2]

3 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Hopefully non of that ineligible receiver crap happens again.

that play worked because we had no secondary - rashaan melvin was in coverage and the safeties had no idea what was going on

[January J]

4 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Hopefully non of that ineligible receiver crap happens again.

We will be ready for it. They'll have to reach reeeeal deep into their bag of tricks to get by us with any of that Tom foolery.

[Rav'n Maniac]

18 minutes ago, rossihunter2 said:

I just think that of all the years we've faced the pats this is the year we are best equipped to deal with them - there's nothing about the pats that really scares me this year with gronk out

this is all assuming that the ravens offense continues its upward trend - im not crazy enough to assume it will be like miami last week but if it is a steady serviceable offense and we dont crap the bed then we are in the best position we've been in since 2012 vs the pats

Agree totally. Plus I doubt Amendola will play with the high ankle sprain. That's two receiver weapons out for them.

[VermontRaven]

7 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Hopefully non of that ineligible receiver crap happens again.

I think the NFL has fixed that issue, but you can be sure that there will magically be some "technical error" with just the Ravens headsets.

[Rav'n Maniac]

6 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Hopefully non of that ineligible receiver crap happens again.

Or Edelman fleaflickers. That play killed us.

[Cillmatic]

Edelman is throwing the ball atleast once, our CB's need to stick to their assignments until the whistle blows for all throws behind the LOS

[rossihunter2]

1 minute ago, Cillmatic said:

Edelman is throwing the ball atleast once, our CB's need to stick to their assignments until the whistle blows for all throws behind the LOS

i cant see them trying the same trick again - our secondary has been very disciplined this year keeping almost everything in front of them - they try an edelman throw, weddle will be waiting for the free pick

[usmccharles]

27 minutes ago, January J said:

Ofcourse our players have to execute and make plays- but out coaching them is a huge part of beating the pats. Like you said their coaches are crazy good- which is why they make average and pedestrian players look so good. We have more weapons - and we are better than them on paper. If we can out strategize them- we WILL win this game.

We've had their number in the past and are the only team that's able to CONSISTANTLY hang with them. Its always a chess match. In 2014 we outplayed them but they  outsmarted us. In the end they did just enough. This time we have smarter , quicker and more witty players on defense to read that kind of stuff- lead by Weddle. Its up to the offense to put up enough points to get the job done. Plain and simple. Put up 24 or more and we should win. This is a game I could literally see going any which way. We could get stomped- we could stomp them- or it could be a nail biter. Im leaning towards the latter. The weather will play a big role- and both teams are fit for cold, December football. Rain-Snow-Sleet- may the best team win.

Yea, Ive said the same thing as well.  Now I do agree that we have way more playmakers, I don't think its even close.  No doubt we can win this game and im very excited for it.  I could see a 24-21 game. 

26 minutes ago, rossihunter2 said:

that play worked because we had no secondary - rashaan melvin was in coverage and the safeties had no idea what was going on

 

25 minutes ago, January J said:

We will be ready for it. They'll have to reach reeeeal deep into their bag of tricks to get by us with any of that Tom foolery.

 

22 minutes ago, VermontRaven said:

I think the NFL has fixed that issue, but you can be sure that there will magically be some "technical error" with just the Ravens headsets.

I meant the one where we had a lineman do it and it was completely ignored, or am I thinking of the wrong game?

[January J]

2 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

Yea, Ive said the same thing as well.  Now I do agree that we have way more playmakers, I don't think its even close.  No doubt we can win this game and im very excited for it.  I could see a 24-21 game. 

 

 

I meant the one where we had a lineman do it and it was completely ignored, or am I thinking of the wrong game?

That happened against Arizona with urschel but was pretty sure you were talking about the 14' divisional