No cake walk next week

[nowayback]

time for a blow out. suggs with injury is no Watt in pass rush. webb also a big loss. only ellerebe impressed me on defence. ngata who was a prob with rush up the middle, seems to have a problem. Remeber how he used to throw koppen like a rag doll...not anymore

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

We really don't know the status of either teams' injuries. There has been no current team to team match up/analysis. Baltimore's offense is being run by a new OC, what are his tendencies? Against Denver the Ravens relied on running on first down and the deep ball, is this their expected approach on Sunday? How does our secondary that has not been together as a group very long play against teams that rely on the long ball? Have we revisited the first Raven/Patriot game to see what we did wrong and are we now doing those things better on a routine basis (same question about the Ravens)? What have the Ravens been susceptible to over the last 4 to 6 weeks and do the Patriots happen to be proficient at that?

Seems like many things need to be analyzed/discussed before making a game prediction. So a 'It won't be a cake walk' made within minutes after the Patriot victory seems suspiciously based upon 'just plain nerves'

 

[JoeShmoe]

The ravens d is banged up, it's ageing and it ought to be tired. Go hurry up, spread them out and I can see them tiring pretty quickly, not sure they have the depth on D that the Pats do

 

[Haterproof]

So a 'It won't be a cake walk' made within minutes after the Patriot victory seems suspiciously based upon 'just plain nerves'

I think the OP was acknowledging the fact that this game is no gimme. I've a ton of respect for the Ravens (especially Ray). I know some people have grown tired of the Ray drama these last two weeks. I respect greatness when I see it. Should be a very great game next week. Brady's a legend & Ray's a legend! Something has to give.

 

[dannydyn]

All things aside, if Flacco goes aerial assault on our secondary like he just did on the Broncos with their two pro-bowler corners, game is over early for us. I don't care how improved our secondary is....

 

[RoughingthePasser]

With all of these injuries...this game is going to come down to 1 or 2 key plays as it usually does when these two teams play...a TO there or a fumble there...could be the game.

But why do ravens fans think they have our number?

It's going to be a very tough game-no doubt about that.

The only thing we can do is PREPARE.

The Baltimore defense has shown us quite a bit over the last couple games and our offense has the ability to change gears (no huddle) -we need to hit the gas when we need to. They are more banged up and tired than we are.

We need HERNANDEZ to stay healthy!
Pollard needs to get a shank in the throat if pulls anything...

Torrey Smith is a nuisance and count on some bombs from joe fluke-o.

We need our DB's to INT this clown

I'm mad-i want woodhead,jones and gronk back for the 49's SB!

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

The ravens d is banged up, it's ageing and it ought to be tired. Go hurry up, spread them out and I can see them tiring pretty quickly, not sure they have the depth on D that the Pats do

I think the last 2 games took alot out of them. Indy was an emotional home game and you can tell they went all out. Denver even moreso, they just can't have that much left in the tank right now. We've got to take advantage, I think it's a blessing in disguise that Gronk will be IR'd instead of trying to play on that arm again if that injury play didn't happen. He never looked comfortable with the cast and it was just a disaster waiting to happen eventually. This way we can fully gameplan without him and attack that Ravens D which I feel is vulnerable right now.

We had alot of success on them in week 2 and that was in their house, would've beat them if not for replacement officials. We're better now and they're worse. They lose Webb/McClain and add a hampered Suggs. Lewis is not full strength. They've got to be tired/hurting right now after a 5+ quarter game. We lose Gronk who wasn't full strength either week 3, but add Hernandez, Vereen. Defensively we're MILES better.

 

[RhodyPatriot]

All things aside, if Flacco goes aerial assault on our secondary like he just did on the Broncos with their two pro-bowler corners, game is over early for us. I don't care how improved our secondary is....

You're kidding right???


"Pro-bowl corners" in reputation only. Ask Jacoby Jones.
The ONLY thing that will keep this game close is Patriot mistakes/turnovers.
The Ravens have some weapons on offense but Flacco has some passing tendencies (deep ball always on right side) that can be exploited.
Ravens defense is old and Brady and Co will up tempo them into submission.
The ONLY way the Patriots loss this game is if the Patriots beat themselves.
NOT HAPPENIN'!!!!!
Mr. Brady is on a mission every bit as much as Ray Ray and maybe even more. But unlike the dancing fool, Tom is quietly intense about his mission.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

One could also argue that we've only lost to them twice (2009 playoffs and 2012 regular season) out of all of the times they've played.

I thought at one point Brady was 6-1 or close to it (not sure about the specific record, so forgive me) vs Baltimore though, actually stating that they "sure talk a lot for a team who's beat us once in 9 years." Of course that number has changed now with each side going 1-1 since.

There's also an argument that the odds would favor Belichick in a rematch, with each side going 1-1 in the current season.

Not meaning to sound argumentative at all, just pointing out some numbers that would show the other side of things.

From your lips to God's ears! :singing:

I was just pointing out that Ravens' fans aren't off the wall if they think they're number might come up this time.

 

[chasa]

I honestly think the ravens are going to come out flat.

The are physically and emotionally spent after that comeback vs the broncos in double overtime.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

I think the OP was acknowledging the fact that this game is no gimme. I've a ton of respect for the Ravens (especially Ray). I know some people have grown tired of the Ray drama these last two weeks. I respect greatness when I see it. Should be a very great game next week. Brady's a legend & Ray's a legend! Something has to give.

Yep I was able to crack that code and glean the OP was saying this isn't going to be a gimme.
The point I was driving at is a post stating the obvious possibility of the game will not be a blow out posted shortly after a very important win is just based on apprehension about the outcome. No need to enjoy the victory even for the rest of the evening, there is plenty to worry about!

So why is it going to be a "great game"? It can't be just because an all time great MLB is retiring (he's quite obviously not the force he once was). Is it because the offenses are closely matched? I don't think they are. I think the Patriot offense is markedly better. Is it because the Raven defense is so much better then the Patriot D? In years past I would say that was definitely the case. As of January 2013 especially with the losses the Raven D has taken, I don't think they are (the PPG definitely backs that opinion up). The Ravens have a played A LOT of football in the last week - by a defense that is old by league standards (or at least that is what I have heard repeated) - playing a Patriot team that will run them around/reduce their sub packages as much as the Ravens have ever seen. The Patriots are at home where they lose very infrequently. They are favored by a wide margin according to power rankings.

What I said above is not homer-ism, that is all fact or reasonable estimations. So while a great, close game is certainly possible, there is plenty of evidence to suggest the game will be much like yesterday's game. A game where the Texans never really threatened to win, they only threatened to make it close during a modest (at best) portion of the game.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

All things aside, if Flacco goes aerial assault on our secondary like he just did on the Broncos with their two pro-bowler corners, game is over early for us. I don't care how improved our secondary is....

I don't know what game you were watching, but Champ Bailey is not the same guy who gave Brady nightmares in 2005. He only had two picks all season and a handful or so of defended Passes; he is still very effective in midfield and off the Line of Scrimmage, where he makes a lot of tackles, but he's definitely lost a step down-field.

Bailey still has the name recognition to get elected to the Pro-Bowl, but he was way out of position on the first long bomb and got lucky on one other that was dropped. The TD that tied the game was the result of a complete breakdown in prevent coverage.

Not taking anything away from Flacco, who has a cannon for an arm and will no doubt account for at least two TD's on Sunday, but I think our guys will do a better job in coverage.

 

[PatsSox363804]

I don't know what game you were watching, but Champ Bailey is not the same guy who gave Brady nightmares in 2005. He only had two picks all season and a handful or so of defended Passes; he is still very effective in midfield and off the Line of Scrimmage, where he makes a lot of tackles, but he's definitely lost a step down-field.

Bailey still has the name recognition to get elected to the Pro-Bowl, but he was way out of position on the first long bomb and got lucky on one other that was dropped. The TD that tied the game was the result of a complete breakdown in prevent coverage.

Not taking anything away from Flacco, who has a cannon for an arm and will no doubt account for at least two TD's on Sunday, but I think our guys will do a better job in coverage.

No kidding. That TD that tied the game was garbage. The ball hung up there forever and somehow the safety let Jones get behind him which was just inexcusable. I can't imagine McCourty being that stupid given the situation.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Stat of the week from Peter King's MMQB:

When the Patriots and Ravens met in 2010, Flacco and Brady each completed 27 passes.
When the Patriots and Ravens met in the conference title game last season, Flacco and Brady each completed 22 passes.
When the Patriots and Ravens met in September of this season, Flacco and Brady each completed 28 passes.

Expect lots more jumping on the Flacco bandwagon this week. Looking forward to Brady re-asserting himself against these guys.

 

[PP2]

I think the last 2 games took alot out of them. Indy was an emotional home game and you can tell they went all out. Denver even moreso, they just can't have that much left in the tank right now. We've got to take advantage, I think it's a blessing in disguise that Gronk will be IR'd instead of trying to play on that arm again if that injury play didn't happen. He never looked comfortable with the cast and it was just a disaster waiting to happen eventually. This way we can fully gameplan without him and attack that Ravens D which I feel is vulnerable right now.

We had alot of success on them in week 2 and that was in their house, would've beat them if not for replacement officials. We're better now and they're worse. They lose Webb/McClain and add a hampered Suggs. Lewis is not full strength. They've got to be tired/hurting right now after a 5+ quarter game. We lose Gronk who wasn't full strength either week 3, but add Hernandez, Vereen. Defensively we're MILES better.

On top of which our D has a very different complexion now with the addition of Talib. I think we'll play plenty of nickel because the strength of the Baltimore offense are pretty much in their receivers.

I really hope we continue what we started with Vereen as far as flexing him out, giving him the screen. That is going to be a major headache for Baltimore because it stretches the field which is not what they want.

I don't even think it will be close. I look forward to seeing Ray Lewis's career come to a close at the Foxboro graveyard.

 

[MoneyFX]

As for the Texans game, I'm not overly confident nor fearful about this game. It will be a hard fought game as well. I do think this is where one of the bigger weaknesses of this team will be tested, the deep ball defense. This is where we'll see how it holds up with McCourty at safety and Talib at corner compared to what it was last time with McCourty at corner.

The defense has stabilized since Talib was acquired and McCourty shifted to safety. And hopefully Jones gets healthy to help rush the passer. I do believe this is a much better defense than the one Flacco faced in week 3 and even last year in the AFC title game.

To succeed, you must overcome your biggest fears. It's only fitting that a team that strikes deep like the Ravens is the one thing in between the Patriots and Super Bowl 47. The Patriots have to stop that deep ball from Flacco to the speedsters in Jones and Smith to get to the Big Easy.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

On top of which our D has a very different complexion now with the addition of Talib. I think we'll play plenty of nickel because the strength of the Baltimore offense are pretty much in their receivers.

I really hope we continue what we started with Vereen as far as flexing him out, giving him the screen. That is going to be a major headache for Baltimore because it stretches the field which is not what they want.

I don't even think it will be close. I look forward to seeing Ray Lewis's career come to a close at the Foxboro graveyard.

I think we should win by double digits as well. The first game was clearly headed in that direction until the refs took it over. As long as that doesn't happen or a barrage of turnovers/ST breakdowns, we should be good. As both of us pointed out, we are a much better team on both sides of the ball since that game. They are worse if not the same (they have been playing very good football lately so I'll give them the benefit, but they're certainly not tougher. And they're alot less rested than us)

 

[dannydyn]

No kidding. That TD that tied the game was garbage. The ball hung up there forever and somehow the safety let Jones get behind him which was just inexcusable. I can't imagine McCourty being that stupid given the situation.

You're absolutely right... McCourty won't let him catch it, but I'll bet my balls McCourty gets flagged with a PI inside the 5 yard line - which is as good as a TD

 

[crew1954]

I thought this was pretty good....



— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell)

Called that yesterday:

Re: ****** Official Patriots v. Texans post game thread ******

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by skspikex2
Special team needs to get their act together.

After watching the Ravens STs KO coverage against Denver and ours today, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility to see back to back kick off returns for TDS.

 

[Gronkandez]

You're absolutely right... McCourty won't let him catch it, but I'll bet my balls McCourty gets flagged with a PI inside the 5 yard line - which is as good as a TD

Shame on you for knocking him..

Now that McCoury is a Safety he doesnt turn his back on the ball and slam into the receiver every time the ball is thrown deep to his man.

Originally Posted by skspikex2
Special team needs to get their act together.

After watching the Ravens STs KO coverage against Denver and ours today, it wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility to see back to back kick off returns for TDS.

Please dear god will they please squib kick it this week? How about a short "pop fly" do the up guy around the fifteen yard line????