Bring on the Ravens

[Henroc]

Ridley may get his chances, but they'll be sparingly. Very sparingly. Even in the 4th quarter, trying to run out clock with a lead, Ridley will not see the ball too much. It would be a prime BJGE moment, as his ball security would obviously come first.

With Woodhead and BJGE getting the majority of the touches, and the Pats likely playing a primarily heavy attack passing game, I don't see too much opportunity for Ridley unfortunately.

His fumble certainly did not help his cause either. Belichick will not screw around, he will play the guy who holds on to the ball and has more experience.

Ridley may have ruined his chance to earn more touches this year in the postseason.

He may have ruined his chances and i would stick with the law firm just because of his ball security alone. The pats have to play sound football and should attempt to get a few runs in there which hopefully they can do. I only say this because if its a heavy passing attack soon enough theyll put more players in the box to disrupt TB and if the running game is non existent, the end result will not be pretty...

 

[JoeShmoe]

What worries me more than anything is Brady getting happy feet if the Ravens get pressure up the middle with Ngata, Suggs, Lewis and their safety's

If that happens and he gets twitchy and starts throwing poor balls were in trouble (see the last two playoff losses)

The O-line, esp the interior, need to have a good day. Lets see some screens and throws to the RB in the flat to slow them down

If Brady gets time and keeps his cool we win

 

[supafly]

That's what you guys said last time we met in the playoffs

How many real defenses did you play this year? PIT? How did that game turn out for you?

None of that has any bearing on the matchup that will take place on Sunday, and you know it.

As others have pointed out, the Pats beat all 4 conference championship opponents and both SB opponents last yr, and went 7-1 vs playoff teams...but a hungry Jets team took them out.

Both teams will bring their best games, and the winner will go to the SB.

If the Pats don't stop Ray Rice and protect the QB, they may very well lose.

I don't think there are too many taking the game "lightly" as you say, but you have to admit that the offense does have some very viable weapons. Whether or not they can properly execute and take advantage of those scenarios remains to be seen.

There's no use bringing up BAL's 4-4 road record, their losses to ridiculous teams this yr etc...b/c none of it will matter come Sunday. But don't kid yourself about NE's "lack of playing a tough defense." There have been many different looks and strategies employed against this offense, some by some of the hottest defenses at the time. Even lowly MIA went down the stretch with one of the touger defenses in the Nov-Dec period, not allowing a TD in over a month. You don't think they gave NE their best shot? You don't think that entire Jets team was pumped up when the so-called "changing of the guard" was supposed to take place this yr on MNF?

I'm not going to lie to you, I was honestly 50/50 torn as who I would've rather played next Sunday. I didn't even know who to root for in today's game. Everytime I thought that HOU would be a better matchup, their defense, pressure, and running game would make me wonder if BAL was a better choice...

I expect a dogfight to the end, but I think the fact that this game is in Foxborough certainly helps, as they have one of the best homefield advantages in the entire NFL--although that is underrated due to many other dome teams. I would like to see another team who has a starting QB that has won like (approx. give or take a game) 34 out of his last 35 regular season games at home?

It won't be an easy game for either team, as you will have to choose your poison as who to try and double team too..

And as much as you keep harping on this "terrible defense," they are giving up 18 points per game in Foxborough this yr. I think they can hold the BAL offense to around 20 pts for sure, and that should be enough.

 

[flynismo]

Well..stating the obvious like "Bring anything less than your A game, you're done." means nothing.

Is that obvious? Because the way most here talk, it seems less than obvious to them.

And yes you said the pats are favored only because they are at home. Tell me this honestly - if you think the ravens play the same quality of defense they played today vs the texans and iam just talking the quality...not those dumb picks t j yates threw, you can win next week? Arent you as a raven fan not concerned that yates was not touched today ? That he completed passes to wide open ken walter and andre johnson in the middle of the field in between his bone headed throws into double coverage with ed reed ? That with 1:37 to go in the game and 1st and 10 at your 40 yard line with 4 downs to go you expected him to throw a bomb in triple coverage...?

No, I'm honestly not concerned. You can pick and choose a few select plays that are bound to happen any game, but the bottom line is other than a couple busted plays, they did nothing through the air against us. 17 / 35 for 184 and 3 INT atest to the fact that we handled him like we should a rookie QB.

We didn't bring heavy rushes against them either. We're not like Pittsburgh who just send in 5 - 6 every play regardless of the opponent. We're just as likely to drop 8 into coverage, as we did many times today, as we are to send in the house. If you're wondering why the pass rush wasn't there today, there you go. Zero sacks is still inexcusable, but we weren't focused on stopping TJ Yates and risking getting burned deep.
Against Brady, better believe we'll take a different approach to him. He's a much different QB when he isn't sitting there in the pocket waiting for guys to get open.

Brady's legacy speaks for itself. So does our defense. And as we saw against BUF this year, he has had worse games against much lesser defenses. But I wouldn't be foolish enough to cherry pick that game and draw conclusions from it. I'm surprised that you Pats fans are trying to draw conclusions from this one.

Look, if the pats protect brady like they did vs denver they should win easily. If you think the ravens can play the same way and expect INTs then..maybe it may happen and pats do throw dumb picks and fumbles but less chance.

Denver is a fraud.

 

[supafly]

What worries me more than anything is Brady getting happy feet if the Ravens get pressure up the middle with Ngata, Suggs, Lewis and their safety's

If that happens and he gets twitchy and starts throwing poor balls were in trouble (see the last two playoff losses)

The O-line, esp the interior, need to have a good day. Lets see some screens and throws to the RB in the flat to slow them down

If Brady gets time and keeps his cool we win

One of the things I did notice last night on many occasions was a quicker release time from Brady on many of the throws. I would be interested in hearing others' opinions on whether or not that was simply my imagination?

I suspect that this aspect will be practiced over and over again this upcoming week.

 

[supafly]

Is that obvious? Because the way most here talk, it seems less than obvious to them.



No, I'm honestly not concerned. You can pick and choose a few select plays that are bound to happen any game, but the bottom line is other than a couple busted plays, they did nothing through the air against us. 17 / 35 for 184 and 3 INT atest to the fact that we handled him like we should a rookie QB.

We didn't bring heavy rushes against them either. We're not like Pittsburgh who just send in 5 - 6 every play regardless of the opponent. We're just as likely to drop 8 into coverage, as we did many times today, as we are to send in the house. If you're wondering why the pass rush wasn't there today, there you go. Zero sacks is still inexcusable, but we weren't focused on stopping TJ Yates and risking getting burned deep.
Against Brady, better believe we'll take a different approach to him. He's a much different QB when he isn't sitting there in the pocket waiting for guys to get open.

Brady's legacy speaks for itself. So does our defense. And as we saw against BUF this year, he has had worse games against much lesser defenses. But I wouldn't be foolish enough to cherry pick that game and draw conclusions from it. I'm surprised that you Pats fans are trying to draw conclusions from this one.



Denver is a fraud.

Not too many are taking your team lightly. I would expect that from some in any fanbase, but believe me...I think at the end of the day both teams know that it will be a fight.

 

[flynismo]

If Brady gets time and keeps his cool we win

That's all that needs to be said. That is the truth. I know damn well what will happen if we dont pressure him.

I also know what will happen if we do keep the heat on him.

We'll see who wins in the trenches next week.

 

[supafly]

That's all that needs to be said. That is the truth. I know damn well what will happen if we dont pressure him.

I also know what will happen if we do keep the heat on him.

We'll see who wins in the trenches next week.

I'm sure that the Ravens will get a couple/few sacks, and bring pressure on many occasions. However, there have been some 5 sack games this season against Brady, where NE still won pretty handedly.

What that may do is force NE to keep Gronkowski in more/longer, and utilize bigger sets with FB Polite picking up the blitz more etc.

The thing that I did notice was that they used the hurry-up a lot on Sat night, and with that Brady is able to get the ball out pretty quickly and keep the matchups on the field that he wants.

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

A good portion of this game will be determined by how well the Patriots match the physical play of the Ravens. I expect a prime aspect of the Ravens game plan will be one of out muscling and over powering both the O and D lines of the Patriots. The Raven pass rush will often attempt a 4 man rush predicated on rushing right through the Patriot O line and quickly collapsing the pocket. The Raven O will be predicated on straight up steam rolling over the Patriot D line and having Rice gouge us.
Obviously a good portion of this game will also be determined on how upright the O line keeps Brady (but imho that will be determined by the physical play as mentioned above).

(**provided they don't out muscle/over power us like they did 2 years ago**) If the Ravens play the Patriots like they performed yesterday against Houston, I feel good about the Patriots winning this game. But I suspect the Ravens know they won't beat any teams left in the playoffs with another offensive performance like that. I fully expect the Raven O/Flacco to be at least somewhat more effective than yesterday (though let's hope not ).

 

[jeman022004]

Brady > Flacco

Conversation over!

 

[TheBostonStraggler]

That's all that needs to be said. That is the truth. I know damn well what will happen if we dont pressure him.

I also know what will happen if we do keep the heat on him.

We'll see who wins in the trenches next week.

While it seems overly simplistic, I think you are correct. The single most important aspect of this game will be the Raven D line against the Patriot O line. The caveats I would add are turnovers (always the big wildcard) as well as the Patriot ability to contain the Raven running game (the Patriot D has been good against the run often but has struggled on more than several occasions).

 

[upstater1]

That's a great excuse.

Is it against the rules to stop us from scoring once in a while?

You asked the question. Accept the answer. It's a good one. When you ask, what did the offense have to do with it, then accept the proper answer. Oh, and they did stop the Ravens from scoring TDs on two of those turnovers. The Ravens got the ball at the 20 twice and didn't move the ball, just settled for field goals. 4 turnovers deep in Patriots territory, 2 TDs, 2 FGs.

 

[upstater1]

All else being equal (injuries, no BS penalties, etc), I'd have to say the Pats are favorites, simply because this is at home, and no other reason. I would say the same thing if this were played in Baltimore (we'd by favorites, only because it is at home).

As for Flacco not being able to throw to win, you haven't been following him at all, especially this season (not that I expect you to). I wouldn't put any stock into what the media says about him; that's been the downfall of many teams this season. He's not Brady, but if the Pats think he cant put this game on his shoulders and win it in crunch time, they'll be disappointed.

Flacco has the worst pocket presence since Jeff George. He is that bad in the pocket. Breathe on him and he turtles. He may be able to throw a ball, but he is the most gutless QB these eyes have seen in a decade.

 

[upstater1]

If we're playing on a short field so often, then logically we dont have the opportunity to put up flashy yardage numbers.

And I really dislike the injury excuse. Our entire defense plays banged up all year, every year. Ed Reed is a violent beer fart away from being crippled the rest of his life (and that's not exaggerating too much), but he's still out there making plays. Ray Lewis is still hampered by his turf toe, but I wont point to that as an excuse if we lose. It's the NFL man, we're all hurt. Next man up.

They're still playing. Welker tore his ACL. Big difference.

 

[scout]

x team did this to y team does not mean z team will be able to as well. SD's basketball player sized recievers have always presented a matchup hell for our DBs. Welker, not so much. Webb is an ideal matchup for a guy like him.

If Webb contains Welker, which is very possible, that lets us focus on taking out those TE. Then what? Is NE going to beat us on the ground? Not likely. Certainly aren't going to beat us with your defense.

This game isn't going to be the cake walk you people think it is.

I was waiting for the TE answer (don't want to talk trash, just curious). Webb looked good last game, but he is not Reevis. Reed might help on one tight end, but as the announcer stated last game, you cannnot double everyone. Which also leaves a rb out of the backfield (which hasn't been used too much lately) and Branch on the outside. Brady is on a mission. That could be said of Reed and Lewis, but it is easier for a qb to dominate. I believe it will come down to quick releases from Brady which will set up some major downfield plays.

 

[RIpats88]

I see some of you know this game is going to be close game. Whoever thinks the Pats are just going to roll the Ravens must not be paying attention. This is the AFC championship game. This game will come down to the last few minutes.

Also, I see alot Flacco bashing. Flacco had a good game yesterday against a very good Texans D. No he's not elite but all this hate for him is ridiculous. It's just seems like its the trendy thing to do anymore. Even with our fans.

One thing to keep in mind is the Texans defense is far superior than the Pats defense. Flacco will have time to throw and can pick apart a very poor Pats secondary.

Either way should be a good game. If we play our game I like our chances.

Flacco did not have a good game...Flacco is about on par(maybe a little better) with mark sanchez..

this game IMO is going to be decided by our O-line vs. your D-line and vice versa...if brady is kept standing like he was against the broncos and our D-line can get pressure against your O-line I like our chances of coming away with this

 

[RIpats88]

oh, and no team has stopped our TE tandem this year, what makes you guys think you will be able to?

 

[scout]

.

One thing to keep in mind is the Texans defense is far superior than the Pats defense. Flacco will have time to throw and can pick apart a very poor Pats secondary.

Either way should be a good game. If we play our game I like our chances.

Texans do have a superior defense. But if you want to go by the media's interpretation of the Patriots defense (second worst in NFL) your going to be shocked. The Denver game was one of the few games when the full complement of defensive players were healthy. Then, BB has switched a db to safety. I think Flaco can have a good day, but he is not going to be Brees or Rogers. Flaco is going to have to keep up with Brady, who will put 30+ points on the scoreboard.

 

[upstater1]

I see some of you know this game is going to be close game. Whoever thinks the Pats are just going to roll the Ravens must not be paying attention. This is the AFC championship game. This game will come down to the last few minutes.

Also, I see alot Flacco bashing. Flacco had a good game yesterday against a very good Texans D. No he's not elite but all this hate for him is ridiculous. It's just seems like its the trendy thing to do anymore. Even with our fans.

One thing to keep in mind is the Texans defense is far superior than the Pats defense. Flacco will have time to throw and can pick apart a very poor Pats secondary.

Either way should be a good game. If we play our game I like our chances.

Ravens defense scares me, mainly Ngata and Lewis up the middle, BUT as for Flacco, I don't think he had a good game. He literally shrivels in the pocket with any pressure. He takes his eyes off receivers and cowers. I don't think he bothers to try to move around much to keep a play alive.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Flacco did not have a good game...Flacco is about on par(maybe a little better) with mark sanchez..

this game IMO is going to be decided by our O-line vs. your D-line and vice versa...if brady is kept standing like he was against the broncos and our D-line can get pressure against your O-line I like our chances of coming away with this

Flacco is a superior QB to Sanchez. He is much more accurate and a better game manager. In his last 7 games, Flacco has completed 63% of his passes with a QB rating of 91.

I'd put him in the Matt Ryan catagory and nowhere close to TB, Brees and Rodgers category.