We're Going To Be Tough To Beat

**PurpleRulz** · 08-18-2006, 05:47 AM

I know our play was sloppy and that we failed to complete all but one of our drives in the 1st half, but I can chalk those things up to preseason. After all, McNair is still getting adjusted to us, Ngata is still getting adjusted to the speed of an NFL game, and our defense was just too fired up last night.

We are a good football team. Our OL play can improve, but hey they first unit has done pretty good. McNair had plenty of time to throw, and that is the reason we dominated the time of possession. He can't do that without the help of pass protection. Mike Preston even believes the "play of our first string OL has been well in both games." (I know). (Those sacks in the second half once again came off of OL that won't be here: Salazay and Kracalik).

Look at our running game. Musa is beast and Jamal looks like he is back. I have not even mentioned Mike Anderson (who IS an ugly mother...shut your mouth. Too many camera close ups).

Folks, we have DEPTH at WR. The days of Frank Sanders and Ron Johnson are gone. Hallelujah!

Our defensive depth is incredible on the line, at linebacker, and in our secondary. Hell, just look at the play of our 2nd string and 3rd string at that.

Also, McNair sounds like a leader. Just reading his quotes in the paper, and the things he and the offense must work on to improve, you get that sense of command that he brings. I have seen that around here since Trent Dilfer. I get the sense that the redzone problem will work itself out. All we need is for Boller to get his head together and be ready if he is needed. (If Boller has to play two, three or four games, all I ask for is 1-1, 2-1, or 2-2).

Now, I am not going to make any predictions on records. I am taking this one week at a time, but I am feeling like Ray when he said that he "does not believe that there's a team that can beat us." I am not proclaiming an undefeated season, but our team is pretty damn good.

**Irishraven** · 08-18-2006, 06:08 AM

Great post - I think the biggest surprise has be Musa Smith! We finally have some balance between passing and running and some nice depth too!!!

I haven't heard too much about Tsizzle...whats he been like?

**Hooper** · 08-18-2006, 07:05 AM

I listened on Sirius Radio on the way home from work and all I can remember is the Ravens play by play guy saying O for 4 in the red zone.

I think Boller will be a good backup. You fiqure he'll start at least 3 games.

**Heap86** · 08-18-2006, 07:22 AM

I listened on Sirius Radio on the way home from work and all I can remember is the Ravens play by play guy saying O for 4 in the red zone.

All I can say is that I am happy just to see them get there. We have'nt seen hardly any three and outs with McNair behind center so far. I'm sure they will improve in the red zone, its still early.

**RavenScallywag** · 08-18-2006, 07:25 AM

Mike Anderson's best use as I can see it right now is as a FB. Musa Smith is not only earning my vote as 2nd string RB, I can see him maybe challenging for a starting spot next year!

**UKRavenStockers** · 08-18-2006, 07:40 AM

Great to see Musa Smith finally showing why Billick and Newsome banded about so much that they gave him a first round grade when we drafted him. It's fantastic to see him finally free from injury in the NFL and showing what he can do.

**Losac** · 08-18-2006, 08:31 AM

I was a little concerned with the sloppy play, penalties, and lack of success in the red zone. But I HOPE it's all due to preseason and it can be corrected in practice.

Second team (Boller) looked good, and man - MUSA! If he can stay healthy this year, it could be a breakout season for him.

**camdenyard** · 08-18-2006, 08:40 AM

Look at our running game. Musa is beast and Jamal looks like he is back. I have not even mentioned Mike Anderson (who IS an ugly mother...shut your mouth. Too many camera close ups).

There's a reason. He's been somewhat of a disappointment.

**braven98** · 08-18-2006, 09:06 AM

we are going to wear teams down...

**BaltimoreRon** · 08-18-2006, 12:56 PM

Second quarter TOP - Ravens 12:15 Eagles 2:45

We are sustaining drives. This is definitely a very good thing. A rested 'D' is going to be a very tough 'D'.

**Ravens0587** · 08-18-2006, 01:00 PM

Is it just me or can anyone else see him Competeing with Jamal (Mr. 2 plays and I need a breather) Lewis for the majority of the carries?

**Losac** · 08-18-2006, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by BaltimoreRon

Second quarter TOP - Ravens 12:15 Eagles 2:45

We are sustaining drives. This is definitely a very good thing. A rested 'D' is going to be a very tough 'D'.

I agree. Sustaining long drives is HUGE, but we have to come away from them with 7 points. Settling for a field goal or nothing at all is kind of deflating.

**BaltimoreRon** · 08-18-2006, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by losac

I agree. Sustaining long drives is HUGE, but we have to come away from them with 7 points. Settling for a field goal or nothing at all is kind of deflating.

That's true. I remember a MNF game where Dan Dierdorf was arguing the TOP was the most important stat. I remember thinking at the time that I might not be as football savvy as Dan, but I'll take the points every time.

**PurpleRulz** · 08-18-2006, 02:36 PM

I ask again if we should think of trading Mike Anderson. He seems to be the odd man out right now. It would also be a little foolish to keep MA while losing a Daniels or Ross.

It seems as if the 1 and 2 punch are Musa Smith (who needs a contract) and Jamal.

**Losac** · 08-18-2006, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by PurpleRulz

I ask again if we should think of trading Mike Anderson. He seems to be the odd man out right now. It would also be a little foolish to keep MA while losing a Daniels or Ross.

It seems as if the 1 and 2 punch are Musa Smith (who needs a contract) and Jamal.

No, MA should not be traded. If Jamal went down, we would be hanging our hats on him and his injury concerns, and PJ Daniels who hasn't shown squat.

It's kind of NICE having this depth at running back.

**Ravensarge** · 08-19-2006, 08:13 PM

First off, I'm a HUGE Ravens fan, but after hearing all the hype shoved down my throat last year (wern't we shoo ins for the Super Bowl?), all i say to people who ask how are we gonna do is, " We'll see after the Tampa game." It's almost like a must win in my eyes.

**PurpleRulz** · 08-19-2006, 09:41 PM

Originally Posted by Ravensarge

First off, I'm a HUGE Ravens fan, but after hearing all the hype shoved down my throat last year (wern't we shoo ins for the Super Bowl?), all i say to people who ask how are we gonna do is, " We'll see after the Tampa game." It's almost like a must win in my eyes.

Every game in the NFL is "must win." You can't take any opponent for granted. Being tough to beat is not an indication of our record as much as it is of what type of opponent we will be.

When you couple an offense that can control the clock (the points will come) with a smothering and punishing defense, that makes for a very tough team to beat.

My hope is that folks will disrespect our passing game and stack the box. My hope is that teams in the AFC North will look past us. Chad Johnson proclaimed, in May, that the Bengals would run away with the AFC North.

We are a dangerous team.

**AZRAVEN** · 08-19-2006, 10:11 PM

After the last two seasons I am NOT buying into any preseason hype. On paper we look virtually unstopable but I'll wait until at least the fourth game of the season to formulate any opinion. Everything is hunky dory right now but we haven't suffered any injuries yet, had any heartbreaking losses; after last seasons meltdown I want to see how this team responds to adversity before I start bragging them up. When times get tough will they weather it as a team or will we have the same every man for himself attitude that surfaced last season. I must admit based on what I've seen so far it's hard not to drink the koolaid but I'm just not going to do it yet.

**Merlin** · 08-20-2006, 06:56 AM

I am very optimistic and looking forward to Tampa Bay -- if we win and the road monkey is off -- look out!

However, if we take the rose color glasses off -- where are the big vulnerabilities?

1. Age and its potential effect on injuries (e.g., McNair)

2. Defense -- actually think that McAlister and the nickel back position will be the concern. Our blitzing schemes expose the corners and CMac hasn't had his head in the game since his contract year. Look at KC Joyner's Pro Football 2006 stats on CMac -- last year his actual performance (forget reputation) was middle of the pack

3. O Line -- will the coaches / front office forget about its sunk costs (e.g., Mike Flynn ) and allow the youth movement to happen? Or will we not let them get experience and find at the end of the year that we've run out of gas?

I'm hoping for a 10-6 or 11-5 year, believe me -- but those are my biggest worries

**Brandon** · 08-20-2006, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by AZRAVEN

After the last two seasons I am NOT buying into any preseason hype. On paper we look virtually unstopable but I'll wait until at least the fourth game of the season to formulate any opinion. Everything is hunky dory right now but we haven't suffered any injuries yet, had any heartbreaking losses; after last seasons meltdown I want to see how this team responds to adversity before I start bragging them up. When times get tough will they weather it as a team or will we have the same every man for himself attitude that surfaced last season. I must admit based on what I've seen so far it's hard not to drink the koolaid but I'm just not going to do it yet.

I completely agree here. I am taking the wait and see approach to this team this year. We haven't won a road game in over 1 1/2 season, and that was just about given to us by Herm Edwards.

If we start winning some road games, and take care of the home games, then I will believe that we are starting to turn the corner.