Bring on the Ravens

[Double TE]

I am not sure Gronk and the Law Firm are "finesse players". Just because the offense can look pretty at times does not make it finesse. What exactly is bone crushing about the Ravens offense? Rice is a 5'7 speed back. Boldin was once physical, not any more and Evans + Smith are finesse players. I doubt Flacco is going to run over anyone.

 

[PatsFan2]

Could very well be a factor.

The thing that gives me hope though is that two of the more physical teams the Pats played they lost to. (Steelers, Giants). Usually the physical team beats the timing driven finesse team.

Our Defense was still trying to find themselves then...i think the World is going to be Surprise by the Pats D...knowing now that it is not a abberration and its just that Good Now. Chung and Spikes Elevates this Defense to another level. Sure wish we still had Andre Carter...But Mark Anderson ain't no slouch himself. I think the Ravens are going to be surprised.

 

[Double TE]

I am not sure who is "smarter" but we are more grounded after reading some of the posts on the Ravens Message Board.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Thats what I mean't. That's the match up that's going to determine the game.

What matchup are you referring to? Pats O vs BAL D or BAL O vs Pats D.

Based on your posts, my sense is that you believe BAL D will shut down the Pats O and the BAL O will score at will vs the Pats D.

Is that accurate?

 

[NEPats1]

I'm reading all this stuff about Suggs and Reed comments on Flacco and seeing how he's struggled in the postseason and everyones talking about his game etc.

So I got this crazy idea that considering the first play vs Ravens in 2009 playoffs, what better way to try to catch Pats off guard and get confidence in their QB by trying to go deep on the first play?

I probably don't know what I'm talking about but just don't give up any big plays!!!

 

[Double TE]

Of course it seems that way to you because you guys have your take on things and we have ours.

We think we have the better chance and you guys think you do. Its really simple being that were all fans.

Well I just don't see four letter words or personal attacks here. Maybe I am missing it. I think the Ravens would have a much better shot if they were at home but even the most loyal Ravens fan has to acknowledge that NE is a much better home team and Balt. is not as good on the road. Also its not just us. The "experts" and Vegas have the Pats as a favorite. Does that mean they win? Of course not. But the Ravens lost to Jax on the road. Thats embarrassing. Alabama could beat Jax, LOL.

 

[Uncle Rico]

I'm reading all this stuff about Suggs and Reed comments on Flacco and seeing how he's struggled in the postseason and everyones talking about his game etc.

So I got this crazy idea that considering the first play vs Ravens in 2009 playoffs, what better way to try to catch Pats off guard and get confidence in their QB by trying to go deep on the first play?

I probably don't know what I'm talking about but just don't give up any big plays!!!

Pick by McCourty would be an awesome way to start the game.

 

[Double TE]

I understand that. I'm not disputing the fact that the Pats are favorites. They should be they are at home and the Ravens haven't been good in recent history on the road.

You could throw the fact out that the Ravens have lost to the Jags but I could also throw out the fact that they are 7-0 against playoff teams. Seems they play up or down to their competition which could be a bad thing for the Pat's

W-L PF PA HOME ROAD DIV CONF
BAL 12-4 378 266 8-0 4-4 6-0 9-3
NE 13-3 513 342 7-1 6-2 5-1 10-2

I am glad we are home!

 

[SVN]

I'm reading all this stuff about Suggs and Reed comments on Flacco and seeing how he's struggled in the postseason and everyones talking about his game etc.

So I got this crazy idea that considering the first play vs Ravens in 2009 playoffs, what better way to try to catch Pats off guard and get confidence in their QB by trying to go deep on the first play?

I probably don't know what I'm talking about but just don't give up any big plays!!!

i actually think they will come out throwing. Cam cameroon has that tendency to outthink himself sometimes(hopefully)

 

[Kid~Brady]

Tweet from Mike Reiss. This sums the game up.

Standout stat from Ravens: Surrendered just 16 TDs in red zone this year. Patriots O has scored NFL-high 47. Game will be won in red zone

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Tweet from Mike Reiss. This sums the game up.

Standout stat from Ravens: Surrendered just 16 TDs in red zone this year. Patriots O has scored NFL-high 47. Game will be won in red zone

yup...team that gets a stop or two in redzone, FG instead of TD or a TO..will win

 

[Double TE]

What the hell is that? We already established both teams are good at home and Balt is not good on the road.

I just think it makes a significant difference. You quote 7-0 but only two were road wins. One vs. Pitt (close one) but Pitt also lost to Denver? Cinci is young and were roasted by Houston. Even at home the Ravens barely beat Houston after Houston committed four TOs.

I just think that playing at home gives NE a significant lift. Also we are finally mostly healthy on D with Spikes and Chung back in there. Makes a significant difference as Ray Rice is Balt's biggest weapon by far.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

i actually think they will come out throwing. Cam cameroon has that tendency to outthink himself sometimes(hopefully)

Of course they will come out throwing...Pats pass D still sucks..they are going to test it with some deep balls to that speedy WR...Flacco has a strong arm..just not an accurate one

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

Balt is 9-0 when Rice carries it 20+ times

 

[Double TE]

Balt is 9-0 when Rice carries it 20+ times

d%#*!@t now I have to hope for 19 carries for him.

 

[The Brandon Five]

Keep telling yourself that.

No need for me to talk to myself about it, I can just come here and read posts from posters like yourself!

 

[everlong]

It's such a dichotomy. I'm simply cannot wait for this game to start. If they win the two weeks until the SB will be even worse. The anticipation is killer. But then I think..... but wait then it's over. Wait slow down and savor it. But I can't wait.............and round and round it goes. The best time of the followed by the worst. And people wonder why I love the draft. It gets me through.

 

[RodThePat]

Balt is 9-0 when Rice carries it 20+ times

If you are winning, you tend to run the ball more. If you get behind and have to play catch up, you throw it. They run because they are winning, they don't win because they are running.

 

[strngplyr]

The Ravens played a very Physical Game last Sunday i wonder how much that will play in the outcome. I mean we had a Laugher compared to them.

Having a laugher doesn't mean that we didn't play just as hard and that the Bronco's weren't hitting us just as hard. The only advantage the score of our game gave us is that we were able to limit the snaps for a few of our players towards the end, but most starters were in the game until the final drive or two.

 

[RobertWeathers]

If you are winning, you tend to run the ball more. If you get behind and have to play catch up, you throw it. They run because they are winning, they don't win because they are running.

The metric that I found interesting and I've published it in another post was that the Ravens are 11-0 when Rice has 23 or more "touches".

His value to the passing game cannot be overlooked.