Ravens fan here

[i82much]

Just been reading your threads and learned a lot, some good analysis on here. Still there are a few misconceptions about the Ravens here that I'd like to add my thoughts on.

1) This is the biggie. Everyone here seems to think Flacco is going to buckle under pressure if you blitz him. I've watched him for 16 games - ain't gonna happen.

That is not to say you shouldn't try to take advantage of a rookie qb. Flacco is vulnerable to misreading coverages. I think you would be far better off staying back in coverage and trying to bait him into mistakes. His instincts are too good when he's being blitzed but he doesn't have the experience to read NFL coverage schemes.

2) Ravens secondary. It's true McAlister was our best corner, but Fabian Washington has really stepped up and even Frank Walker has looked better of late. Don't try to beat us deep, your QB doesn't have a big enough arm and you can't be throwing 40 yard lollipops up in the air with Ed Reed back there.

A lot of you have the right idea - no-huddle, possession passing game, lots of quick hitters to keep the Ravens off balance and get Pennington into a rhythm. Set the run up with the short passing game, not the other way around.

3) Ray Lewis - yes he is older and slower and fatter. But he gained weight in the off-season intentionally, he's shedding blockers better this year and is actually playing really well. The days of Ray Ray running down Eddie George sideline to sideline are over but he will be in the right place at the right time.

Just my thoughts and your opinions will certainly vary.

 

[knoxpk]

Good post and welcome aboard.

Thanks for the insight but the Ravens are a playoff team. Weaknesses are few and far between at this point and teams have to use their BEST options against the competition.

While the Ravens CB's arent as bad as we might think, they are not a dominant force.
REED is a beast, we have to hope that we can catch him cheating close to the LOS.

As you said the short passing game and a steady running game might help us go downfield a few times.

I dont think it will be a shootout so a big play or 2 might be all we need.

 

[petefins]

I agree with all your points. However we won't know what will happen to flacco till tomorrow. As long as he doesn't let it get to his head he should be fine. (hopefully this doesn't happen) lol.

 

[feelthepain]

Just been reading your threads and learned a lot, some good analysis on here. Still there are a few misconceptions about the Ravens here that I'd like to add my thoughts on.

1) This is the biggie. Everyone here seems to think Flacco is going to buckle under pressure if you blitz him. I've watched him for 16 games - ain't gonna happen.

That is not to say you shouldn't try to take advantage of a rookie qb. Flacco is vulnerable to misreading coverages. I think you would be far better off staying back in coverage and trying to bait him into mistakes. His instincts are too good when he's being blitzed but he doesn't have the experience to read NFL coverage schemes.

2) Ravens secondary. It's true McAlister was our best corner, but Fabian Washington has really stepped up and even Frank Walker has looked better of late. Don't try to beat us deep, your QB doesn't have a big enough arm and you can't be throwing 40 yard lollipops up in the air with Ed Reed back there.

A lot of you have the right idea - no-huddle, possession passing game, lots of quick hitters to keep the Ravens off balance and get Pennington into a rhythm. Set the run up with the short passing game, not the other way around.

3) Ray Lewis - yes he is older and slower and fatter. But he gained weight in the off-season intentionally, he's shedding blockers better this year and is actually playing really well. The days of Ray Ray running down Eddie George sideline to sideline are over but he will be in the right place at the right time.

Just my thoughts and your opinions will certainly vary.

Do you honestly think Miami went from 1-15 to 11-5 playing every team the same? Miami is winnig because of good coaching. I think you need to look beyind the field and pay more attention to your coaching staff, that's where this game will be won or lost. Miami has preoven they can make in game adjustments to counter strenghts, schemes and wrinkles.

I don't think anyone here expects Chad to be throwing the ball in the Ravens game the way he threw the ball in the Jets game. I expect this to be a game of matchups, I see Miami getting even more creative with their plan to isolate and create mismatches.

Nothing wrong with you having confidence in your teams ability to win this game, but don't think it's gonna be as simple as you expect it to be. One of the biggest assests the Ravens have had as a Team has been their confidence and belief in each other. This Dolphins team is that same kinda team. If the Ravens win Sunday, they will do so walking away with a limp.

 

[Rev Kev]

Do you honestly think Miami went from 1-15 to 11-5 playing every team the same? Miami is winnig because of good coaching. I think you need to look beyind the field and pay more attention to your coaching staff, that's where this game will be won or lost. Miami has preoven they can make in game adjustments to counter strenghts, schemes and wrinkles.

I don't think anyone here expects Chad to be throwing the ball in the Ravens game the way he threw the ball in the Jets game. I expect this to be a game of matchups, I see Miami getting even more creative with their plan to isolate and create mismatches.

Nothing wrong with you having confidence in your teams ability to win this game, but don't think it's gonna be as simple as you expect it to be. One of the biggest assests the Ravens have had as a Team has been their confidence and belief in each other. This Dolphins team is that same kinda team. If the Ravens win Sunday, they will do so walking away with a limp.

Yes sir

 

[i82much]

Nothing wrong with you having confidence in your teams ability to win this game, but don't think it's gonna be as simple as you expect it to be.

Not sure where I came off as overconfident but if so that wasn't the intent. Despite the outcome in the first game this season I actually think you match up pretty well with us. Particularly having a smart, mistake-free QB like Pennington. I don't expect he'll make many mistakes and I think the Ravens will have to earn every point. Far different than say, the Cowboys in that regard.

As for coaching I agree with your point - I am certain your team will be well prepared.

Oh, one other thing - thanks for winning the division. I was really getting sick of the Patriots. Almost as obnoxious as the Red Sox.

 

[Rev Kev]

Just been reading your threads and learned a lot, some good analysis on here. Still there are a few misconceptions about the Ravens here that I'd like to add my thoughts on.

1) This is the biggie. Everyone here seems to think Flacco is going to buckle under pressure if you blitz him. I've watched him for 16 games - ain't gonna happen.

That is not to say you shouldn't try to take advantage of a rookie qb. Flacco is vulnerable to misreading coverages. I think you would be far better off staying back in coverage and trying to bait him into mistakes. His instincts are too good when he's being blitzed but he doesn't have the experience to read NFL coverage schemes.

2) Ravens secondary. It's true McAlister was our best corner, but Fabian Washington has really stepped up and even Frank Walker has looked better of late. Don't try to beat us deep, your QB doesn't have a big enough arm and you can't be throwing 40 yard lollipops up in the air with Ed Reed back there.

A lot of you have the right idea - no-huddle, possession passing game, lots of quick hitters to keep the Ravens off balance and get Pennington into a rhythm. Set the run up with the short passing game, not the other way around.

3) Ray Lewis - yes he is older and slower and fatter. But he gained weight in the off-season intentionally, he's shedding blockers better this year and is actually playing really well. The days of Ray Ray running down Eddie George sideline to sideline are over but he will be in the right place at the right time.

Just my thoughts and your opinions will certainly vary.

Welcome and good op... :up:

Beating a team at home twice is hard enough but our two NTs were not playing last time we met and that's huge..., the Wildcat was blitzed which is the way to defeat it..., so expect a few wrinkles..., RB is well rested and there is still a lot to prove... the Miami team as a whole doesn't look satisfied..., that's bad for the Ravens...

Flaaco had an easy time if it last game..., I expect a few Defensive wrinkles for him too...

I give the Dolphins the edge with Pennington healthy and much more experienced..., Flaaco is great but this is his first post-season game he could come unglued...

 

[PHANTASTIC 13]

HEY FEEL THE PAIN, that sig is totally BAD ***!!! FINHEAVEN should ask to use it for an avatar.:up:

 

[i82much]

The D line injuries in the first game were huge for you guys, no question. Ravens will have to earn every yard and every point in this game.

I'm not as sure about the wildcat though. The Ravens are a very fast defensive team that is far more disciplined under Harbaugh than they were under Billick. I think our D will stick with their assignments and has the athleticism to compensate where you are able to create mismatches. I really think your short passing game will be the key, but hey, I'm just a regular dude, not a pro analyst or anything.

 

[Rev Kev]

The D line injuries in the first game were huge for you guys, no question. Ravens will have to earn every yard and every point in this game.

I'm not as sure about the wildcat though. The Ravens are a very fast defensive team that is far more disciplined under Harbaugh than they were under Billick. I think our D will stick with their assignments and has the athleticism to compensate where you are able to create mismatches. I really think your short passing game will be the key, but hey, I'm just a regular dude, not a pro analyst or anything.

Don't beat yourself up..., dude..., I'm a minister :unsure:

 

[The Bopkin]

The D line injuries in the first game were huge for you guys, no question. Ravens will have to earn every yard and every point in this game.

I'm not as sure about the wildcat though. The Ravens are a very fast defensive team that is far more disciplined under Harbaugh than they were under Billick. I think our D will stick with their assignments and has the athleticism to compensate where you are able to create mismatches. I really think your short passing game will be the key, but hey, I'm just a regular dude, not a pro analyst or anything.

You know, it's nice when fans from other teams come on here and post their opinions in a thoughtful, respectful way. I'm tired of Jets fans(and you know who I'm talking about) coming in just saying crap to get stuff stirred up. I like hearing fans' objective, whether they're biased or not(but aren't we all?) perspectives.

I think this game tomorrow is going to come down to one thing: mistakes, in whatever form they happen to be. A dropped interception, a penalty that negates a sack, a pass interference that keeps a drive alive. Turnovers are obvious, I think it's going to be the other small mistakes that keep drives alive or change field position, lead to 3 points here or there that we look back on and say "if only so and so hadn't ...."
I think it's a close game, someone makes a play late, 24-19 final. You pick the winner.

 

[Rev Kev]

You know, it's nice when fans from other teams come on here and post their opinions in a thoughtful, respectful way. I'm tired of Jets fans(and you know who I'm talking about) coming in just saying crap to get stuff stirred up. I like hearing fans' objective, whether they're biased or not(but aren't we all?) perspectives.

quote]


Here Here..., where are they now anyway...?

 

[Pitbull13]

Just been reading your threads and learned a lot, some good analysis on here. Still there are a few misconceptions about the Ravens here that I'd like to add my thoughts on.

1) This is the biggie. Everyone here seems to think Flacco is going to buckle under pressure if you blitz him. I've watched him for 16 games - ain't gonna happen.

That is not to say you shouldn't try to take advantage of a rookie qb. Flacco is vulnerable to misreading coverages. I think you would be far better off staying back in coverage and trying to bait him into mistakes. His instincts are too good when he's being blitzed but he doesn't have the experience to read NFL coverage schemes.

2) Ravens secondary. It's true McAlister was our best corner, but Fabian Washington has really stepped up and even Frank Walker has looked better of late. Don't try to beat us deep, your QB doesn't have a big enough arm and you can't be throwing 40 yard lollipops up in the air with Ed Reed back there.

A lot of you have the right idea - no-huddle, possession passing game, lots of quick hitters to keep the Ravens off balance and get Pennington into a rhythm. Set the run up with the short passing game, not the other way around.

3) Ray Lewis - yes he is older and slower and fatter. But he gained weight in the off-season intentionally, he's shedding blockers better this year and is actually playing really well. The days of Ray Ray running down Eddie George sideline to sideline are over but he will be in the right place at the right time.

Just my thoughts and your opinions will certainly vary.

1. I don't care
2. I don't care
3. See 1 and 2
:shakeno:
This is Game Time Go Fins

 

[i82much]

I agree close game, but I think probably fewer points. Maybe 10-7, 13-10, something like that. I don't think either team will turn the ball over much and points will be hard to come by without the gimmes. I'm all for the Ravens but let's face it - Pennington ain't Tony Romo. I heard Chad had some ridiculously high accuracy number but I'm too lazy to go look up that stat again.

Don't mean to tie up your board w/a bunch of Ravens talk but I like hearing the other side. Could read a Ravens board about how Miami has no chance but would rather learn something.

 

[DFJR88]

this should be a great game. i'm ****ing pumped for tomorrow.