Baltimore Ravens Fan Here

I'll take a shot at this

1. Ready or not, he has to. He certainly won’t be Mario, but I think he can be good enough to where it won’t be catastrophic to have him out there. Also with him out there, the blitz is hidden better so that might help him out.

2. J.J. “honey badger” Watt has been impressive so far, he doesn’t currently have the stats for it, but he could be a good candidate for DROY by the end of the year.

3. Yes. Has he made it a world beating defense that is so amazing that a scrub QB like Trent Dilfer could win a super bowl behind it? No, but there aren’t words to describe how much better the defense is this year compared to last year.

4. The addition of Joseph and Manning has led to there being a secondary in Houston.

5. Absolutely. James Casey has been better than many imagined he would be. I for one don’t miss Vonta Leach at all when James Casey is out there. Unfortunately for the Texans, he will almost certainly miss the next game, so we will get to find out what Lawrence Vickers can do as a starter.

by Bobbythegreat on Oct 13, 2011 11:58 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks for stopping by!

Bobbythegreat pretty well summed it up, but it is impossible to understate how much of an upgrade Johnathan Joseph has been for us. He is playing far better than expected and has really helped our secondary.

So far Wade Phillips seems to have completely turned this defense around. Its night and day compared to last year.

by WhiskeyR on Oct 13, 2011 12:03 PM CDT reply actions

I disagree with the emphatic statement that Wade Phillips has turned the defense around

He has improved it. It can be very good at certain times and against certain opponents. But, the defense still makes major mistakes and has series where the opposing offense can have their way with it that contribute to it being a mediocre defense. It is better, but it has not moved into the realm of being considered completely turned around. How much can you do with it when Jason Allen and Kareem Jackson are both considered “starters” by the HC? How much can in be considered completely turned around when Shaun Cody gets most of the snaps at NT?

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Oct 14, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

True but

Those are personnel issues. The question was about Wade, and I think in terms of scheme there has been a world of difference. With one more offseason to improve our depth I think we will see a major difference next year.

All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader? -Hakeem Olajuwon

by SlatonShuffle on Oct 14, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions

Really?

Wade has turned the defense around

Considering the salary cap – they have done a superb job with the defense.

Allen missed a tackle that went for a TD – that can happen with cover zero and a blitz.

Watt, Reed, Joseph and Manning are all playing defense this year that were not last year. That is a major change. From the worst in the league to a top 10 defense is a turn around.

Let's all panic, slit our wrists , fire the coach, fire the quarterback BECAUSE OMG WE LOST A GAME!!!!!!1111!!!!111!!!!

by Barryfromtexas on Oct 14, 2011 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions

How much can you do with it when Jason Allen and Kareem Jackson are both considered "starters" by the HC?

Both are not starters. Jason Allen is the backup who is playing when the starter (Jackson) is hurt. And what does Kubiak have to do with this?

my Z key can't take another free agent flurry

by texanphil on Oct 15, 2011 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Jason Allen is the starter now

Kareem is the backup

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."

by The Night Owl on Oct 15, 2011 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm sorry. You seem lost.

Giving up 2 TDs in the last 2 games is much better than giving up 2 TDs in a quarter which we were doing last year. You can’t expect any defense in the nfl not to give up a td or two per game. Don’t take away what the defense has done this year aside from that ONE quarter in NOLA. I am absolutely shocked by the quick progress that our defense has made in such a short amount of time. Going from the worst defense in the league by a wide margin to a Top 10 D without a regular off season is a very impressive feat. Wade deserves all the credit in the world for this.

Now. Our D will be suffer a bit now that Mario is out for the season, but I feel like we can stay as a Top 15 defense especially since Brooks gives Wade more versatility as he will be able to hide the blitz better than with Mario(since he was blitzing every down)

by steelblue on Oct 15, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Excellent points.

I would like to see someone do some research on the best/biggest turnarounds in NFL history for defenses. I just don’t have the time.

by Mikus318 on Oct 15, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Hi there

1) I think Reed can be an adequate starter. He will obviously not be a fully adequate replacement for Mario, but I think he could end up with around 8 sacks this year. He is very good at getting to the qb, it’s when he’s asked to do more than that where I think he’ll struggle.

2) JJ Watt has obviously been pretty spectacular for us so far. Reed has played OK when he’s been on the field. I guess the other impact rookie has been Brett Hartmann, our UDFA punter. He hasn’t been perfect, but I think he has shown himself more than capable of being our punter for a long time.

3) In a word: duh. In a nicer word: yes. Honestly, our defense was destined to get better simply with addition by subtraction when Frank Bush was fired. However, Wade has been great at bringing an aggression to this defense that didn’t exist before. We hit hard, we make plays, we make mistakes, but I don’t worry whenever our defense goes out onto the field.

4) We saw the difference he makes during the Dolphins game. Joseph makes the rest of the secondary better with his mere presence on the field. He has helped organize and teach the rest of our defense how to play.

5) The running game hasn’t really been slowed by Leach’s departure (last week it was the O-line that led to a poor day on the ground) and Casey has done more receiving than Vonta ever did. This week we’ll get to see if Vickers can run block as well as we expect him to, but I think we are set at the position.

Questions for you:

How do you feel about Flacco? Is he the guy to lead you to the promised land? What are his strengths and weaknesses? I’ve heard he has been struggling with the deep ball this year.

What happened against the Titans? Do you think it was just a let down game following the big win against Pitt? What weaknesses were exposed in that game?

How much does Ray Lewis have left? Is this his last year? Are you happy with his play?

All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader? -Hakeem Olajuwon

by SlatonShuffle on Oct 13, 2011 12:03 PM CDT reply actions

"What happened against the Titans?" is really an excellent question

I’d like to know the answer to that too, especially since they are a division rival of ours. I tend to think they’re an illusion and will not win 6 games this year, but I would be interested to know what Ravens fans think of them and what they attribute the loss to.

by WhiskeyR on Oct 13, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

How do you feel about Flacco? Is he the guy to lead you to the promised land? What are his strengths and weaknesses? I’ve heard he has been struggling with the deep ball this year.

I really like Flacco and I feel like he will become elite quarterback either this year or next year. I believe that he is the guy to help take this team to the superbowl. Flacco strength is his accuracy he can throw a very accurate ball that only the wideout can only get it at times also I think flacco mobility is a strength as well because he can dodge defenders to give him more time to make a play.

Flacco has struggle with deep balls but I think it comes from the lack of chemistry he has had with rookies and some other players on the offense are fairly new to the offense.

What happened against the Titans? Do you think it was just a let down game following the big win against Pitt? What weaknesses were exposed in that game?

In the titans game the ravens had some valueable players injuried such as Lee Evan, Dominque Foxworth, jimmy smth,Ben Grubbs, and Chris Carr. I would say the ravens should had won the game against the the titans but if you want to know why the titans won then I would say because the raven secondary was missing key players and the ravens offense didnt have reliable deep threat at the time since Lee Evans was hurt.

The titans expose our weakness within the secondary and they knew lee evans wasn’t healthy enough to stretch the field vertically so they litterally shutdown the short passes and middle of the field also Flacco not noticing Torrey Smith when he was open hurt as well.

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Oct 13, 2011 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions

torrey smith?

Best sig ever, reason 1, reason 2

by Ice0ne (CAJ) on Oct 18, 2011 12:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Flacco has missed on a number of deep passes this year, but not by much. He has been an excellent deep ball thrower in the past, even without a deep threat. Timing on deep patterns has been off, but I expect that will work out eventually. Remember that he is working with a whole set of new receivers on short time. Flacco is a good (very good?) QB who still has a lot of potential. I don’t know that he’ll ever be great, but he is already the best Quarterback in our team’s short history.

Titans. On defense, the Titans had the magic pill that kills the Ravens offense. Lots of zone coverage with a consistently effective 4-man rush. Flacco can use his arm to get the guy in single coverage in man coverage, but it takes him time to read a zone coverage, and that leads to him holding on to the ball for too long or making bad decisions. He tends to perform much better against 3-4 defenses. On offense the beat-up secondary had no answer for Kenny Britt and the pass-rush wore down over the course of the game. The Titans also made some really stunning plays including a fantastic long catch by Craig Stevens. The coverage on Stevens was there, but Hasselbeck got it exactly where it needed to be for Stevens to make a highlight catch.

Ray Lewis has been playing really really well. He still hits like a Mac truck and gets to the ball quickly. His coverage responsibilities have been reduced over the years, but he’s being used as a pass rusher more this year and he’s a very smart player, so his blitzes are well timed. Ray Lewis was a star based on his physical ability in the past, but as that has declined, he has shifted into one of the smartest players in the game.

by math_geek on Oct 13, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions

1. He had a pretty solid preseason dominating 2nd and 3rd team players so there’s promise he will be a pretty good starter. He did a good job keeping the pressure on Jason Campbell after Mario left (he’s no Mario of course). But overall it’s just wait and see for us fans right now.

2.DE JJ Watt no doubt has been the best rookie on the team and really the only one that is seeing a lot of play time any ways. Of course now Brooks Reed will be getting a lot of time.

3.Simple answer: YES! The pass rush has been exceptional and guys like Brian Cushing and Antonio Smith have been FEASTING out of this new scheme. Some weakness on the weak side CB play but compared to last year this is a complete 180.

4.Massive. He’s has been every bit the shut down Corner we were hoping for and more. He brings a lot of physicality to the secondary as well.

5.We did with James Casey who could not only be a great blocker but was extremely explosive as a receiver and far more versatile than Vonta ever was but his injury as forced Lawrence Vickers into the starting role so there’s no telling what he’ll be capable of doing. Hopefully he makes up for his dropped TD in the Raiders game.

Thanks for stopping by and asking questions.

Prediction: 11-5 AFC South champions.

by Ethan Matz on Oct 13, 2011 12:10 PM CDT reply actions

Ill add an opinion.

1. No I do not. I loved the pick, but do not think he is ready to start. Hopefully his raw talent and potential will help him fill the void mario left.

2. J.J. Watt. While he has been quiet his last couple of games, He is due for a resurgence.

3. WORLDS better. He has simplified the scheme, allowing for pressure to be the main focus on the pass rusher.

4. We can’t even measure how much the guy as well as Manning have helped our secondary. They add ball hawking play makers to the field. As well as the actual presence of a corner back and a safety.

5. James Casey. Although he has been hurt lately. Vickers is our back up, and while capable, has also dropped a sure td pass.

PUT IT ALL BEHIND US!! LEARN, AND MOVE ON! LETS GET AT BALTIMORE NEXT WEEK AND COME OUT WITH A WIN!

by Carter Liles on Oct 13, 2011 3:32 PM CDT reply actions

CB2

Joesph has been so good, that the opposing QB just doesn’t even look his direction. In fact they just throw at the CB2 position (Check Raiders and Saints game tapes)

2 Defensive Scores are in the Karma Bag
"Wade aid has lean in it, just saying"

by WreckNTexan on Oct 13, 2011 5:19 PM CDT reply actions

Raiders threw three times in his direction that I can recall

All three ended in incompletions, one nearly could have been picked off had a lineman not blocked his vision on the ball

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."

by The Night Owl on Oct 13, 2011 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

has BP broke it down like this yet in baltimore?

lol
http://youtu.be/3HDhEjBnk3M

"my momma was the Mike Vick of ass whuppin. side arm delivery, no wasted motion.. and very mobile." - @doobieman21

youtube/chrisdogan

by chrisd21 on Oct 13, 2011 5:27 PM CDT reply actions

Question for Ravens fans

What is game day experience like at M&T?

What is game day experience like for a visiting fan?

I’m in the DC area and will be heading up for the game.

I am Sancho

by HoustonTransplant on Oct 13, 2011 6:45 PM CDT reply actions

What is game day experience like at M&T?

What is game day experience like for a visiting fan?

I’m in the DC area and will be heading up for the game

’

I honestly have not been to M&T stadium but I know for sure that a game day experience at M&T is very loud mostly every ravens fans will be loud and I think it will be entertaining especially when you see ray lewis come out doing his introduction dance.

I dont know what game day experiences are like for visiting fans and you just will have to find out when you get there

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Oct 15, 2011 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions

The Titans game..

Was a bit of everything.. It was the Titans home opener and they were pumped up. The Ravens on the other hand were flat due to their highly emotional victory the week before. Tennessee came out with a great game plan and saw the mismatches. They effectively got the Ravens D on their heels by exploiting areas in which they were thin. i.e. CB. Once things got rolling in the Titans favor and the crowd got behind them that was all she wrote. I do not think the outcome would be the same 8 out of 10 times. However I do not think there are too many teams that could have beaten Tennessee that day, Hasselbeck was on a mission!

Don't let my defense dictate your offense..

by lastcallbmore on Oct 13, 2011 8:08 PM CDT reply actions

1) Do you feel like second round pick Brooks Reed is ready to step in as a starter?
Brooks Reed is ready. He’s not Mario, but he will produce well in Wade’s system. He has a “high motor” and great instincts. Coming out of a great camp, we expected to see him get a lot of reps this year. If we didn’t have so much depth at DE and LB, he’d easily have been a starter.

2) What rookie so far has stepped up to make plays?
JJ Watt is our “Honey Badger” (search YouTube) and is having a DROY contending year. He just doesn’t stop, and hammers on every play. By far our best rookie, although now that Reed is starting it will get interesting to see who finishes strongest.

3) Is your defense much better with Wade Philip as the defensive coordinator?
I’ll use pictures to signify the difference:
Before Wade was here:

With Wade:

4) How has Johnathan Joseph impact the secondary?
Before Joseph and Manning, we had parking cones for a secondary:

After Joseph and Manning:

5) Since Vonta Leach departure has the team found a answer at fullback?
This is worth some background to put “Leach” into proper perspective. First, we love Leach! He’s great for morale, and the best pancake KTFO guy our offense ever had. But, despite his Pro Bowl selection last year, he is not the reason Foster earned the NFL rushing title last year. Most of Foster’s yards came from his ability to time gashing cutbacks against the defense and extend deep into (or beyond) the second level, and most of the yards and big burst breakaways happened with Leach on the sidelines. Leach was on the field for a small percentage of the offensive schemes. Sure he was amazing, but it wasn’t the cornerstone of the running game that many concluded from stats for Foster.

We picked up Vickers at half the price of Leach’s new contract. Casey is filling the FB starting role and doing an incredible job with far more versatility (TE sets, HB sets, etc).

Additional Note:
The guy to watch out for who is leading the team in tackles every week so far and really coming on as the new leader of the defense is Brian Cushing:

Texans 2011 Defense is evolving into an epic force to be reckoned with. I dub thee "Bayou Blitz" !!

by MeMongo on Oct 14, 2011 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs

Great photos

But why show Daniels when talking about the SAF/THoR?

Let's all panic, slit our wrists , fire the coach, fire the quarterback BECAUSE OMG WE LOST A GAME!!!!!!1111!!!!111!!!!

by Barryfromtexas on Oct 14, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I was about to say that as well

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."

by The Night Owl on Oct 14, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Damn! It copied the wrong link....

It was supposed to be this one:

Texans 2011 Defense is evolving into an epic force to be reckoned with. I dub thee "Bayou Blitz" !!

by MeMongo on Oct 14, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

cool and creative

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes

yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz

by jazz20 on Oct 14, 2011 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

rec'd

for the classic bloody face Cushing on the television photo with visible window blinds glare on the screen.

I love when people take pictures of their television, upload videos to youtube of personally camera recorded videos of their television, or even (most heinous) the video taping of youtube on the computer monitor uploaded to youtube. It’s the inception of multimedia. Quality stuff.

REDRUM, Peyton Manning... REDRUM
Why do we fall down? So, we can learn to pick ourselves up.

by BRBUSAFTexan on Oct 15, 2011 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions

oh ya

The Baltimore Sun expects SS Bernard Pollard to match up with Owen Daniels Sunday.

Yes Please!

I wish we could hire coaches without "having grown up in Houston" being a job requirement.

by DaGoaT on Oct 15, 2011 11:36 AM CDT reply actions

That Would Be Amazing

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Oct 15, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Will it matter if Matt is running for his life the moment the ball is snapped?

Not sure you remember, but last years game ending interception came as a result of Matt having to get rid of the ball quickly from his own endzone whenNgata ragdolled the double-team.

"Eat Well, Stay Fit, Die Anyway" - Ancient Chinese Proverb

by Hugh Jarce on Oct 15, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions