The Ravens cannot run the ball. The last team we played that couldn't run the ball was the Saints, we kicked the shit out of them. Their only weapon is Torrey Smith and Flacco is no Drew Brees. I actually like us in the match-up. You can run on Baltimore, they're ranked 11th against the run but they haven't played anybody with an above-average ground game yet. As long as we can get Ivory and Powell going I think we control the tempo of this game and steal one.
I agree that we'll completely shut down their run game, but I'm also concerned that they'll completely shut down our run game. It just hasn't been consistent all year. Could be a game between two one-dimensional offenses, and unfortunately they have a huge edge at QB. I give us a shot at stealing one, but MM will need to find a way to hit some big plays in the passing game. We REALLY need Holmes to show up in a big way on Sunday ... Or we need some huge turnovers to go our way.
We're ranked 8th despite the murkiness of the ground game in the first four weeks. Plus Ngata is either going to be banged up or not playing.
You really need to go by YPA ... And we're 12th or 13th but even that's a little skewed by 3 or 4 big runs from Ivory the last two games. Not having to deal with Ngata would be a big help.
not sure how 3 or 4 long runs SCEW a ranking in this case. i mean we're not talking about a QB dinking and dunking or something, the occasional big run is just a measurement of quality. how good is Baltimore's run game?
That's a good point, but remember, we beat the Pats because we just rammed the ball down their throat a bunch of times. Ivory wasn't averaging a high yard per clip, but we were slogging the ball down the field and controlling the game. I'd like to see Cribbs features some more again, I felt that the occasional Wildcat play has been largely positive. They're ranked 27th. Prior to last week I think they were close to dead-last. Rice is also by far and away the worst back in terms of YPC for qualifying starting running backs. Before exploiting a banged-up Chicago front he was averaging under 3 yards per carry and had only cracked 45 yards ONCE all year.
I'm sorry but I tend to disagree with the strategy of running the ball down their throats to win. Geno needs to make some throws on first down to open up their defense. Without a passing game we will face 8 on the box and they will rattle the shit out of Geno on second or third and long. Geno needs to step it up a bunch and so must the WRs. Separation by the receivers is key for the rookie to be successful. If we start from behind by a TD or more it could be a long, long day. Geno was totally off his game Sunday and it almost seemed to me even his confidence was shaken. Hope I'm wrong.
The fact that they can't run the ball is a fucking plus for them not a negative... They are going to have to pass and who the fuck is gonna stop T. Smith? They are gonna have a field day on this secondary.
Somebody named Stephen Hill has to get the fuck open. If he doesn't and Kerely doesn't play we probably won't win unless Holmes or Winslow goes off for 100+ yard game. Running the ball on the road won't be easy.
I honestly can't gauge this game. Everything points to a loss, so we'll probably win. Depends on which Flacco shows up
I have no idea what to expect from this game. Although, I do think the Ravens should be favorite by more than 4.
comments like this piss me off. its like saying whoever has the least turnovers or whoever scores more points. oh really?? thanks for the info.
If bad Flacco shows up and Bad Geno can be controlled they can win, but if Bad Geno impacts this game it's over.
