Failed Blitz: The Official Baltimore Ravens Thread

[Adam Dayton]

whatsup guys, our team looks pretty bad this year. After watching the Ravens throughout the preseason, the number one concern I have is simply.......the defense. More specificially, Rex Ryan's play calling! How many times are we gonna see blitzes that fail to get pressure only to have the qb rocket a perfect spiral into the arms of a wide open reciever. Guys, the qb's look robotic with completion pecentages that are way too high. You can blame it on Cmac and Samari being out, but honestly this is not a new pattern, as it has been present since Ryan took over, but obviously more prevelant the past few years. I can take the offense being horrible because it always has been horrible, but I refuse to accept the horrible defensive calls. The staple and identity of the Ravens seems to be turning into a liability. We are in trouble, and extreme trouble if any of our starting corners don't go at least 12 games (which they won't).

If Cmac and Rolle are in fact out, don't look to see Ryan adjusting the playcalling that much as he will still bring the house and leave the likes of Frank Walker and Corey Ivy on an island. Anyone else tired of blitzing EVERY play and not registering ONE sack the entire game?

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

I wanted to start this thread a few times but instead tried not to think about what I just saw in a preseason game, lol.

With that said I couldn't disagree with you more.

What we're seeing in the preseason is identical to what we saw last year... the lack of depth at important positions. Lets start at the one you mentioned... corner. First, Rolle is done as a shutdown corner, healthy or not. I think Walker will start for the most part so that's not so much of an issue, but CMac needs to have a healthy year... period. That's definitely a concern. Going along with that, we haven't had a pass rush b/c Suggs has been holding out. The last preseason game was his first out there and he only played a couple of downs. Pryce hasn't played much either (and remember he was hurt for most of last season after double digit sacks the year before). These two aren't a concern b/c they're not hurt. It'd be nice to see more from them at this point but I wouldn't be SO worried about it. With a better pass rush, the secondary won't have to do so much so overall the pass D will be better than what we've seen.

I agree, how much better is still unknown. I also agree that Ryan will need to be more flexible if injuries occur to key positions this year, but last year I think he adjusted more than you remember. They played a lot of soft coverage last year but there were just so many injuries it didn't matter.

Another name not mentioned is Ed Reed who is questionable for week 1. I don't think I have to go into how important he is to the defense being successful. Anyway, overall I think the D will be solid as long as everyone generally stays healthy. Not number 1 but can be top 5-10. There are very serious depth problems though, and we saw the result of that last year.

As for the offense, it really bothers me that both Qbs battling for the starting spot were out for the 3rd preseason game. I'm curious to see how they're used in the 4th game. I'm also pretty worried about McGahee b/c of his injury and the fact that he really hasn't been around at all with this new offense. I expect big things from Rice so that's not as big of an issue. Finally, the oline has tobe a concern. They haven't looked too bad in the preseason but bottom line is they're very young and it's a new, very different offense so they will make mistakes and cause whoever starts at QB to make mistakes or be put in tough situations.

I haven't given up hope but there are a lot of question marks.

Heh, I guess I don't really disagree with you all that much.

[Adam Dayton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Yeah I hear you man. I am actually basing this off of all the preseason, all last year, and parts of the 2006 season. I am so tired of blitzing multiple players only to have the opposing teams oline pick them up perfectly, and than the qb throws a pass to a wr who is wide open. Whenever you blitz there is obviously always a vulnerable area, and opposing qb's seem to find it a disproportionate amount of times. For the number of times we blitz per game, we average like 0-2 sacks. Complete bs. Ryan sucks at adjustments and I agree the lack of pressure is not all his fault (alot of injuries) but the "confusing offenses" with his creative blitz packages has gotten completely old (hasn't worked since the first half of the 2006 season). Its a shame we will go the majority of the season with at least one scrub backup corner, because they are playing under a defensive coach who does not know how to adjust. This goes along with his stubborn personality and philosophy. It will be interesting to see the interaction between Ryan and Harbaugh as the season progresses.

The offense is a mess and its not even worth commenting on. Heap Mcgahee and Williams haven't played at all and it will take time before they are adjusted into the Cam Cameron system. Look for Boller to start the season until he plays so ineptly (not necessarily turnovers, but failure to register points) that Smith takes over week 4ish. I would also not be surprised that as early as game one Smith might take a few snaps and share a little of the load. With that being said, here are my list of players who will not play over 10 games this season-

C Mac
Heap
Williams
Reed
Rolle
Pryce

Also want to point out that I don't care if the defense is ranked within the top 10, they have been absolutely ATROCIOUS at giving up yards, points,and not shutting offensive drives in KEY moments of the game. I want to see this improve drastically.

[Adam Dayton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Also want to add that I am in love with Yamon Figurs. By far the most exciting (and consistent) player this preseason. Special Teams is the only area that is looking solid as hell. Figurs is amazing, Koch has shown improvements in his game, and Stover is money as he has been the past 20 years. Another thing that I am very excited about- on kickoff and punt coverage they seem to be way more aggresive in getting downfield in addition to finding a nose for the ball which is a wonderful thing after giving up alot of yards last year.

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

I do hear you man, but I also believe key injuries created a lot of those situations. Last year was obvious... there were injuries all over the field. But the problem has been depth for a while. CMac, Reed, Suggs or Pryce go down and you can be sure the entire D will take a HUGE step back. If this is the defense these guys are learning, I don't really expect Ryan to completely swithc it all around for one guy going down but that's all it takes to screw everything up. Plus, with the state of the offense, they will need to be aggressive on D to win games so it's a high risk/high reward thing.

I've always liked Figurs... that's why they let BJ Sams go. I don't want to extend an ongoing, virtually meaningless conversation over here, but this is why kick returners don't get paid that much money. If a team focuses on special teams (like the Ravens always have) it's not that hard to find a very good returner. Figurs certainly can't be compared to Hester at this point (if ever) but he'll have a borderline probowl year this year.

[Adam Dayton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

I do hear you man, but I also believe key injuries created a lot of those situations. Last year was obvious... there were injuries all over the field. But the problem has been depth for a while. CMac, Reed, Suggs or Pryce go down and you can be sure the entire D will take a HUGE step back. If this is the defense these guys are learning, I don't really expect Ryan to completely swithc it all around for one guy going down but that's all it takes to screw everything up. Plus, with the state of the offense, they will need to be aggressive on D to win games so it's a high risk/high reward thing.

I've always liked Figurs... that's why they let BJ Sams go. I don't want to extend an ongoing, virtually meaningless conversation over here, but this is why kick returners don't get paid that much money. If a team focuses on special teams (like the Ravens always have) it's not that hard to find a very good returner. Figurs certainly can't be compared to Hester at this point (if ever) but he'll have a borderline probowl year this year.

Def. When they released BJ Sams I was pissed because I didn't understand why they couldn't at least keep him as a backup because he would have been a cheap contract like any other returner. But, now I see it would have been a waste of a roster spot. Figurs is looking better than Sams as he seems to possess the breakaway speed we need (Sams was great at field position but as I recall he did not have too many td's). If Figurs goes down you have Ross, Reed, Clayton, Zibakowski, etc, so it would be pretty useless keeping Sams and not allowing that roster spot to go to another key position. Figurs has to be one of the top 3-5 fastest players in the league, and arguably the fastest in terms of being able to hit top speed in the shortest amount of time. Fun as hell to watch.

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

He's also a WR. I don't know if he'll ever be a good one but that's a step up if it turns into a contract situation. KC is trying to test Sams out in the passing game but it's just not going to happen. If Jermaine Lewis had more than 2 brain cells he probably could've stuck on as a fringe WR and kept going to pro bowls as a returner but he just wasn't too bright. Not trying to be mean, just not a very smart guy.

[Adam Dayton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Looks like Boller's shoulder injury might be season ending. If this is the case look for the team to release him. I knew we should have signed Pennington when we had the chance. On top of that there is a possiblity Ed Reeds injury might also require season ending surgery if he elects to have it (he is currently going over his options). Damn.

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Signing Pennington would've been a bad idea. I actually like Chad, but the line is too bad for him... would've been similar to Grbec around here b/c signing him would've raised expectations. He's better off in Miami where there's no pressure. Don't be surprised if they look at Culpepper which would also worry me.

I don't know about Reed. I think it's safe to say the cry you'd hear from his surgery room would be the fat lady singing, lol. Unbelievable.

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Ravens bring Marques Douglas back.

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

It looks like the Ravens worked out Chris Simms and then SIGNED Joey Harrington. Boller's still weighing over getting surgery to fix his shoulder or wait it out. Either way, doesn't look like he'll be taking the field any time soon. Smith seems healthy, but lost a lot of weight from his tonsilitis or whatever it was. He could probably start week 2 if Flacco (newly named starter for week 1) screws up. If Flacco plays well, I think they'll leave him in and roll with him for a while.

Harrington is said to be in as a backup bc there aren't any other healthy QBs in week 1. I hope one of these guys steps up big time, or Harrington would probably be thrown in the mix of risky QBs.

[arseniotall]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

I need a shoulder to cry on.......

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

What's up, fellas!?! Maybe I should just say Adam, lol.

We've got some more Ravens fans around here... hopefully they'll start creeping out soon. Maybe Flacco's shoulder proved strong enough for arseniotall to stick around.

Seriously though, I'm not that surprised with the game yesterday. Our strengths played well against Cincy's weaknesses. Our D is healthy which is bad news for their banged up O (and suspended... Henry traditionally torches the Ravens) and our O is focused on running and their D sucks at stopping the run. The lack of turnovers was the difference.

Flacco looked very cool but he didn't have an incredible amount of pressure. Boller looks just as good when he's got time to go through his reads. So far it looks like Flacco can do the job for now though. Losing Heap AGAIN is big, especially in Cam's offense. I have a feeling he'll be injured throughout the year... AGAIN. I don't think the WRs stepped up either. I expected more from Williams and Clayton this year with both being healthy. Flacco was being forced to check down more than not seeing open men.

Rice looks as good as advertised. McClain should enjoy his 15 mins and then get back to focusing mostly on blocking. McGahee and Rice will be a nice 1-2. If the D stays healthy we can be in the mix of the division while probably finishing a game or two short of the playoffs. One serious injury to the already shaky guys (Pryce, CMac, Rolle, Reed) and we'll look like last year.

[Adam Dayton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Wwharton you proved me wrong and I am very happy for it. We have not seen this team healthy at all last year (except for the Patriot game) and Sunday they showded that when healthy they are a top 3 defense. Flacco's mannerisms and comfort level impressed me the most from yesterday's game. Rice was great and I am loving Mcclain's power style. Willis might need to find a new home next year. I agree that we are one injury away from defensive mediocrity. I forgot how much of a force Pryce is, and how great Cmac and Rolle can be. Heap pissed me off more than anything last game btw. Always good ot have a division win and its good to get the Bengals monkey off of our back (we always matchup poorly against their offense). Great game!

[wwharton]

Re: Failed Blitz: The Official 2008 Baltimore Ravens Thread

Yeah I think it's a bigger loss for the Bengals than people think. Even when the Ravens were at the top and the Bengals were still trying to break through, they gave the Ravens fits. This was a pretty uncharacteristic game for them... but who cares about them?

Washington should be back next week... the former first round pick who lit it up in the preseason... maybe another player can be saved from the hell going on in Oakland right now. I think he can be huge for the Ravens.

Also not mentioned were the impact of Neal and Anderson. Neal put a crushing block on one of Rice's runs and Anderson seems motivated. So far so good... now just all stay healthy, please.