I predict our defense will be the key

[RayClay]

Obviously, we have a great offense, but Baltimore has a great, experienced defense. I don't care how they rank this year, they will pounce on mistakes, that's for sure.

Our defense looked great last week and this offense isn't likely to expose any weakness in the secondary (let's face it, the new look [MC s/c], Chung back, Sterling Moore might be fine, might not - this isn't Peyton, Brees, Rodgers though).

I feel like we can prevent the big play, get pressure with or without blitzes and stone the run. If we do that, Brady can go into conservative mode, probing for the weaknesses, even if we need to punt.

As long as we can hold them down, we are going to eventually start pouring points in, it's been proven this season. No one can stop our offense once we start moving the defense around, I'm convinced of that. Mixing in some runs and safe passes is going to eventually make them take chances and open men mean quick passes which negates the pass rush.

That's the way i see it. I think this defense is peaking and looked like a pack of wild dogs last week. We don't need to open up a big lead and we sure don't want to turn the ball over, as i imagine the Ravens, if they see what i do, are going to try to win it on some defensive opportunism.

Thoughts?

 

[NEP4Life]

I wonder if we'll see a lot of soft zone coverage?

The Ravens had good success in the 2010 game running WR screens and quick outs against the Pats' soft zones. Of course, the middle was open in some of the Pats' squishy cover-2 looks as well.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Both defenses will play with a lot of intensity. I seriously doubt we can run on them. Therefore, I wouldn't bother trying. But, I think our run defense will perform well and be the key to the game. Spikes and Chung coming back toughen that unit up. Put them in obvious passing downs and keep them from controlling the ball. If we do that, we will win. I feel we can get 24+ on them.

 

[Serafino07]

Agree completely that our D is the key. We all know what the Offense is capable of doing. It's the D that is really the unknown at this point. If the D comes up big, we win this game. We don't have to shut them down, but I would say limit the long, sustained drives that keep the ball away from Brady and get off the field on third downs. Focus on shutting down Rice (the Jaguars did that earlier in the season) and make Flacco throw. Play with energy and enthusiasm and create some turnovers. Our D has been ridiculed all year and has taken its lumps. But it has been steadily improving and we are finally getting healthy and playing with more confidence now. I wouldnt be surprised if the D comes up big in this game.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Stop Ray Rice, stop him running the ball and on screens.

 

[deroc5050]

Obviously, we have a great offense, but Baltimore has a great, experienced defense. I don't care how they rank this year, they will pounce on mistakes, that's for sure.

Our defense looked great last week and this offense isn't likely to expose any weakness in the secondary (let's face it, the new look [MC s/c], Chung back, Sterling Moore might be fine, might not - this isn't Peyton, Brees, Rodgers though).

I feel like we can prevent the big play, get pressure with or without blitzes and stone the run. If we do that, Brady can go into conservative mode, probing for the weaknesses, even if we need to punt.

As long as we can hold them down, we are going to eventually start pouring points in, it's been proven this season. No one can stop our offense once we start moving the defense around, I'm convinced of that. Mixing in some runs and safe passes is going to eventually make them take chances and open men mean quick passes which negates the pass rush.

That's the way i see it. I think this defense is peaking and looked like a pack of wild dogs last week. We don't need to open up a big lead and we sure don't want to turn the ball over, as i imagine the Ravens, if they see what i do, are going to try to win it on some defensive opportunism.

Thoughts?

Obviously we have a great defense? What games were you watching this year? I don't agree with the many people who think its an awful defense but it certainly wasn't great.. at times it wasn't even good. But getting Chung and Spikes back helps and maybe switching McCourty around from Safety to Corner adds another positive dimension for our D.

I think at this time of year a lot of its mental.. are they going to be swarming, a lively punch you in the mouth like attitude defense? I don't know. I honestly don't know what to expect out of our defense which is scary. I wouldnt be surprised if they completely shut the Ravens down.. I also wouldn't be surprised if Flacco makes some big plays and Rice goes over 100 yards. I think if they bring the intensity against this particular offense and be aggresive.. could be a long night for the Ravens.

I do agree with you that are Defense will be key from here on out. They need to step up.. unless the offense pulls out another Denver performance. But we know counting on just offense in the play offs spells doom and a long off season...

 

[RayClay]

Obviously we have a great defense? What games were you watching this year? I don't agree with the many people who think its an awful defense but it certainly wasn't great.. at times it wasn't even good. But getting Chung and Spikes back helps and maybe switching McCourty around from Safety to Corner adds another positive dimension for our D.

I think at this time of year a lot of its mental.. are they going to be swarming, a lively punch you in the mouth like attitude defense? I don't know. I honestly don't know what to expect out of our defense which is scary. I wouldnt be surprised if they completely shut the Ravens down.. I also wouldn't be surprised if Flacco makes some big plays and Rice goes over 100 yards. I think if they bring the intensity against this particular offense and be aggresive.. could be a long night for the Ravens.

I do agree with you that are Defense will be key from here on out. They need to step up.. unless the offense pulls out another Denver performance. But we know counting on just offense in the play offs spells doom and a long off season...

Try that first line again, my friend.

Obviously we have a great offense

Our offense might have improved tremendously with Spikes and Chung, but it certainly wasn't a strength, at least in the secondary. I think what i actually wrote was pretty valid.

 

[Kontradiction]

Good prediction. Let me make one. I predict the sky will be blue tomorrow.

 

[supafly]

Stop Ray Rice, stop him running the ball and on screens.

While I agree that will be key, they have to do it properly or it will expose a big gap area and make Flacco's reads a lot simpler, as the safeties will likely come up to try and help the run.

I don't know the answer off hand, but I'm sure they'll have to switch on the fly at some point.

Let's hope that Belichick is up to the test this week, and that the D comes up with intensity and swagger as they did in the game on Saturday.

That was the most intense I have seen them all yr, jumping up and down, swarming to the ball, they were extremely riled up and ready to go.

Obviously we have a great defense? What games were you watching this year? I don't agree with the many people who think its an awful defense but it certainly wasn't great.. at times it wasn't even good. But getting Chung and Spikes back helps and maybe switching McCourty around from Safety to Corner adds another positive dimension for our D.

I think at this time of year a lot of its mental.. are they going to be swarming, a lively punch you in the mouth like attitude defense? I don't know. I honestly don't know what to expect out of our defense which is scary. I wouldnt be surprised if they completely shut the Ravens down.. I also wouldn't be surprised if Flacco makes some big plays and Rice goes over 100 yards. I think if they bring the intensity against this particular offense and be aggresive.. could be a long night for the Ravens.

I do agree with you that are Defense will be key from here on out. They need to step up.. unless the offense pulls out another Denver performance. But we know counting on just offense in the play offs spells doom and a long off season...

I don't think they can shut down Rice 100%, or Flacco and the WR/TE's for that matter.

I think it's fair to assume that Rice may go over 100 yds, and that Flacco may have at least a mediocre game too.

I am hoping for the defense to try and continue to limit them to FG's, and for something around 20 or so...maybe the early 20's.

Unfortunately, I do think it will come down to the offensive line protection, the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and the hurry-up to hopefully stump them.

I sincerely think we'll need to score somewhere in the high 20's to win the game, so that's about 13 or 14 pts each half.

Hopefully the offense will be up to the task.

The D causing a key turnover or two will help tremendously.

 

[RayClay]

While I agree that will be key, they have to do it properly or it will expose a big gap area and make Flacco's reads a lot simpler, as the safeties will likely come up to try and help the run.

I don't know the answer off hand, but I'm sure they'll have to switch on the fly at some point.

Let's hope that Belichick is up to the test this week, and that the D comes up with intensity and swagger as they did in the game on Saturday.

That was the most intense I have seen them all yr, jumping up and down, swarming to the ball, they were extremely riled up and ready to go.



I don't think they can shut down Rice 100%, or Flacco and the WR/TE's for that matter.

I think it's fair to assume that Rice may go over 100 yds, and that Flacco may have at least a mediocre game too.

I am hoping for the defense to try and continue to limit them to FG's, and for something around 20 or so...maybe the early 20's.

Unfortunately, I do think it will come down to the offensive line protection, the ability to get rid of the ball quickly, and the hurry-up to hopefully stump them.

I sincerely think we'll need to score somewhere in the high 20's to win the game, so that's about 13 or 14 pts each half.

Hopefully the offense will be up to the task.

The D causing a key turnover or two will help tremendously.

With Spikes added, I see no reason we can't keep them from piling up first downs. I couldn't care less what rice gets for the game, within reason, as long as we make them fight for first downs early.

 

[RayClay]

Good prediction. Let me make one. I predict the sky will be blue tomorrow.

Could rain. We are by far considered more an offensive threat this year, so i don't understand your post. For example, one could say the key is getting up early by a couple TDs as an opposing view.

 

[supafly]

With Spikes added, I see no reason we can't keep them from piling up first downs. I couldn't care less what rice gets for the game, within reason, as long as we make them fight for first downs early.

Agreed on the yardage output, no doubt about that.

I am somewhat concerned with their overall scheme in attempting to stop Rice though. I do think some adjustments will have to be made. I am afraid that it will simplify the passing game for Flacco, by bringing the safeties up.

I'm also wondering if BAL won't try to come out throwing, as they may assume that Belichick will spend all week attempting to take Rice away.

So, dumb question---but for a decent X and O guy like yourself, what's the best approach (just personnel wise) to meet in the middle? In other words, to try and neutralize Rice but also limit the passing game?

 

[RayClay]

So, dumb question---but for a decent X and O guy like yourself, what's the best approach (just personnel wise) to meet in the middle? In other words, to try and neutralize Rice but also limit the passing game?

You've got the wrong guy there. I imagine they'll go 3-4 and i really think with Spikes and Chung added we don't need to overcompensate to play the run, we are pretty stout.

Seriously, though you have me confused with someone, I'm just a casual fan, I definitely know more about other sports from personal experience. I rely on the outstanding minds here at patsfans, as much as i can understand them.

 

[Kontradiction]

Could rain. We are by far considered more an offensive threat this year, so i don't understand your post. For example, one could say the key is getting up early by a couple TDs as an opposing view.

I was just being a smart ass. Defense wins championships. I think we all know that this is a the ultimate TEAM game and that the defense doing enough so that they offense can win it will be key.

 

[Ray'sYourDaddy]

Your D doesn't even compare to the Baltimore D. Enough said.

 

[supafly]

You've got the wrong guy there. I imagine they'll go 3-4 and i really think with Spikes and Chung added we don't need to overcompensate to play the run, we are pretty stout.

Seriously, though you have me confused with someone, I'm just a casual fan, I definitely know more about other sports from personal experience. I rely on the outstanding minds here at patsfans, as much as i can understand them.

Fair enough, RC..as humble as you are.

I have a short list of 'good' X and O guys that I have admired, and I believe that you have offered some decent insight..even if on a more basic level.

My only real experience with X and O (besides the "basics"--personnel, and some minor Madden reads--for whatever that's worth) was middle-school football; so I too must rely on the able minded fans here.

 

[supafly]

Your D doesn't even compare to the Baltimore D. Enough said.

You're right...our defense causes more turnovers and more sacks.

Your D is stout, no doubt, but our D is allowing 18 ppg at home too.

It's not as far off as you'd think..

 

[RayClay]

Fair enough, RC..as humble as you are.

I have a short list of 'good' X and O guys that I have admired, and I believe that you have offered some decent insight..even if on a more basic level.

My only real experience with X and O (besides the "basics"--personnel, and some minor Madden reads--for whatever that's worth) was middle-school football; so I too must rely on the able minded fans here.

Ha ha, humble. lol Believe me, I'm not technically minded and just try to pick up the basics here and there.

Sometimes watching without preconceived notions might give someone insight, i guess.

 

[RayClay]

Your D doesn't even compare to the Baltimore D. Enough said.

But we only have to stop you, not our offense.

 

[RayClay]

I was just being a smart ass. Defense wins championships. I think we all know that this is a the ultimate TEAM game and that the defense doing enough so that they offense can win it will be key.

I know, I just don't think you got the gist. I'm not that smart, but I wouldn't start a thread that dumb either.

Point being, last year, we had to get up 2-3 tds and hang on. This year (this week? lol) our D seems to have come together late which could allow us to be conservative on offense, even if it means punts, as long as we don't turn it over.

subtle distinction