Game Thread -- Ravens @ Bengals (Pseudo Preseason Edition)

**HoustonRaven** · 12-30-2012, 11:05 AM

Bunch of starters are out.

This one is shaping up to be our 5th preseason game of the year.

Before this one starts, what are your thoughts and expectations now we are resting just about everyone who is meaningful?

Have at it folks ....

**StingerNLG** · 12-30-2012, 11:09 AM

Welp, my expectation level is pretty much down to zero. The Bengals defense is going to destroy our OL today without Yanda, and we're running WR's out there that have been inactive most of the season.

We're going into the playoffs on a loss gentlemen.

**Paintballguy** · 12-30-2012, 11:10 AM

I'm expecting a very vanillia game plan and a lot of backups playing.

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-30-2012, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

I'm expecting a very vanillia game plan and a lot of backups playing.

Yup

**Justlovemybirds** · 12-30-2012, 11:10 AM

Eh,

I'll probably be paying more attention to the other games today than ours.

**StingerNLG** · 12-30-2012, 11:13 AM

I'll say this. Sometimes it is near impossible to believe anything that comes out of John "We're gearing up to win this game like any other game" Harbaugh. Just come out and say you are going to rest everyone for the playoffs so that we don't make plans to go out somewhere with our son to watch a meaningless football game.

At least there will be other games on at Buffalo Wild Wings.

**Iscull** · 12-30-2012, 11:16 AM

I think were only gonna rest the guys who are injured and could use a game off. I wouldn't be surprised if Joe played more than a half today. Ray on the other hand may only play a series or two to keep his legs fresh.

**Ravenswintitle** · 12-30-2012, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by StingerNLG

I'll say this. Sometimes it is near impossible to believe anything that comes out of John "We're gearing up to win this game like any other game" Harbaugh. Just come out and say you are going to rest everyone for the playoffs so that we don't make plans to go out somewhere with our son to watch a meaningless football game.

At least there will be other games on at Buffalo Wild Wings.

The league would not look kinda on that. They want a full stadium and interested fans. He never said he wasn't going to rest players, just that they're going to try and win the game. Most of us saw right through it and he won't be the only coach to take this route in lieu of a bye week.

**CincyCat** · 12-30-2012, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by StingerNLG

I'll say this. Sometimes it is near impossible to believe anything that comes out of John "We're gearing up to win this game like any other game" Harbaugh. Just come out and say you are going to rest everyone for the playoffs so that we don't make plans to go out somewhere with our son to watch a meaningless football game.

At least there will be other games on at Buffalo Wild Wings.

You could go to Hooters so the day wouldn't be a total loss.

**lovefootball** · 12-30-2012, 11:28 AM

The cold will have an effect on the losing team amd the winnining team will be lucky if they leave the stadium without any injuries. If marvin wins, hope he doesn't cry outside, his tears will freeze up.Nfl will probably fine both teams if main players don't play today. Goodell will install new rule that says play to win or else. Steelers should have been fined several times already this year for the product they produce with their mighty br and team.

**akashicrecorder** · 12-30-2012, 11:32 AM

My interest in/excitement for this game has been totally zapped.

I understand Ngata, Ray, Sizzle and Boldin's being out because they're all injured. Even Rice, if only to give Pierce (who has looked good) and A.A. a chance. But if I see a total lack of fire/desire to win, I'm going to be mighty annoyed. Lulls and losses and half-hearted efforts tend to carry over into the postseason.

**Tyrian** · 12-30-2012, 11:32 AM

I can't deny that I'm very disappointed by the decision to take the bye. Yeah, maybe they win as the Bengals do the same, but... *shrugs.

Means we head into the playoffs with 4 losses in five.

Feel this is a mistake. However, we'll see how it plays out. We'll see how much Gruden and Zimmer have their minds on the job with HC opportunities potentially round the corner.

**Ravenalytics** · 12-30-2012, 11:38 AM

I'm excited to see what the backups can do.

**CincyCat** · 12-30-2012, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Tyrian

I can't deny that I'm very disappointed by the decision to take the bye. Yeah, maybe they win as the Bengals do the same, but... *shrugs.

Means we head into the playoffs with 4 losses in five.

Feel this is a mistake. However, we'll see how it plays out. We'll see how much Gruden and Zimmer have their minds on the job with HC opportunities potentially round the corner.

We will see how this shakes out. Best thing for Gruden and Zimmer would be a 50-0 win.

**lowrider** · 12-30-2012, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by StingerNLG

I'll say this. Sometimes it is near impossible to believe anything that comes out of John "We're gearing up to win this game like any other game" Harbaugh. Just come out and say you are going to rest everyone for the playoffs so that we don't make plans to go out somewhere with our son to watch a meaningless football game.

At least there will be other games on at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Well it's not like he lied about anything. I think they will play to win, but with some different players. It will be good to see Tyrod Taylor get some time, as well it will be good to see Pierce get most of the carries today.

**MD Boy** · 12-30-2012, 11:46 AM

MUCH more important to go on a playoff/SB run with a Healthy team than go all out and win a meaningless game.

Winning this game has No bearing on how they will perform next week, at home, in a playoff atmosphere.

We've seen what this team can do when healthy and that's what we'll need to make a run.

**akashicrecorder** · 12-30-2012, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by MD Boy

Winning this game has No bearing on how they will perform next week, at home, in a playoff atmosphere.

We've seen what this team can do when healthy and that's what we'll need to make a run.

Yes, we HAVE seen it, and we know that this team is about as streaky and hot and cold as they come.

I don't see how you can say this game has no bearing on the postseason when history tells us the opposite is true.

**bmorecareful** · 12-30-2012, 11:55 AM

The Ravens will lose and lose huge, possibly posting a goose egg on offense. The only upside will be that it never hurts to have a chance to evaluate the backups, particularly guys like Gino who might be asked to start next year. I'm disappointed that Doss is out as I would have really liked to see what he could offer as a starter.

I can never support a "play to lose" mentality, even in meaningless games, but I also don't mind giving guys like Suggs a chance to rest. The problem is that even if it's a fuzzy concept, momentum absolutely DOES exist, and they desperately need to grow and expand their momentum, especially on offense. A successful day on the road could be huge to an offense that needs to continue to work out kinks in rhythm and timing. They're squandering an opportunity today.

**Corey** · 12-30-2012, 11:57 AM

Don't really like this approach. The Steelers took this approach vs us in 2007 and they whooped at home the next week by the Jags. I don't like coasting into the post season, teams that do that almost never go all the way.