Ravens VS Bucs: good news-bad news

**Art-Florida** · 08-21-2006, 12:20 PM

The bad news...we are away and we know how that's been lately. Also, we always seem to start off slow at the beginning of the season.

The good news...Simms will be starting against our restocked defense. That's going to be a nutcracker for all quarterbacks who face us this year. I think we can beat Simms in another of our patented low scoring affairs.

I firmly believe that before the season is very old, you will see Bruce Gradkowski as the Bucs' starter. This kid has been tearing it up so far and has looked All-Universe. His accuracy is incredible. There has only been one quarterback in the history of the NCAA to have consecutive 70% completion ratios. You guessed it; Gradkowski.

Before the draft, that accuracy number really jumped out at me and I was hoping Ozzie noticed. From the third round on, I was praying we'd grab him. Sigh...

We had a good, maybe an outstanding draft, but there are three or four players we drafted where Gradkowski would have been a smarter choice. It sucks being negative, but I just don't see St. Pierre and Olson ever being the answer. If Kyle Boller eventually goes ( I hope not, I'm a hugger) we are going to be right back at page one in a few years...

**RavenScallywag** · 08-21-2006, 12:24 PM

Game 3 will be the most accurate showing of the team in pre-season, but remember, this is JUST preseason.

All this will do is show us which on the bubble guys are staying for the Redskins game and which ones will be given their walking papers. Also, we'll see how some position battles shake out.

**Bez513** · 08-21-2006, 12:34 PM

I would not sell Sims short just yet. Gruden said this about Simms 10 days ago "He took a team to the playoffs last year, he engineered three dramatic come-from-behind victories for us, and he has put together one unbelievable offseason," Bucs head coach Jon Gruden said. "This guy didn't just run around his block and lift weights. He was fanatical in his offseason work. This is really important to him. I just know he'll be one heck of a player as long as I don't screw it up."

Having said that we can still beat them.

**Losac** · 08-21-2006, 12:36 PM

I think it should be a low-scoring affair with 2 strong defenses. Hopefully McNair wins the QB battle with Simms and we can get just enough big plays to win.

Looking forward to seeing Cadillac trying to run on our D!

**BaltimoreRon** · 08-21-2006, 01:14 PM

The other good news is the Gruden is 1-3 in Tampa home openers.

And the bad news is that we have never beaten the Bucs.

**BirdFan** · 08-21-2006, 01:41 PM

But the good news is that we know how to win a big game in "Raven James" stadium.

**StingerNLG** · 08-21-2006, 01:48 PM

And don't underestimate Gruden. He doesn't mess around. I expect this to be a hard fought battle, but I don't think it's going to come down to McNair vs. Simms.

I think it comes down to Jamal Vs. Cadillac, MA or Musa Vs. Alstott. This game is going to be won on the ground.

**RavenScallywag** · 08-21-2006, 01:58 PM

Jamal won't be playing, so it would be Cadillac vs MA, Alstott vs Musa...

I hope we don't take the game too seriously and try some new things. Work out some trick plays, log some MA at FB, basically just do things we won't want to try in the regular season. Although, if we do win a road game, that could be the needed boost to really get this team flying for the season.

**funkmd** · 08-21-2006, 02:03 PM

Jamal won't be playing, so it would be Cadillac vs MA, Alstott vs Musa...

and you are basing this on...?

**RavenScallywag** · 08-21-2006, 02:10 PM

http://ravens.scout.com/2/558912.html

"Jamal sidelined for rest of the pre-season"

**FellsPointRaven** · 08-21-2006, 02:12 PM

Scallywag - this is about Ravens vs Bucs - first game regular season. We play the Vikings in pre-season, for which Jamal will be missing.

**RockyMRaven** · 08-21-2006, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by funkmd

and you are basing this on...?

Jamal is being kept out for 2 weeks to let his hip flexor soreness heal.

**StingerNLG** · 08-21-2006, 02:18 PM

Jamal is being kept out for 2 weeks to let his hip flexor soreness heal.

Two weeks still puts him playable against the Bucs. We still have two preseason games left (@Vikings, @Redskins)

**highwater** · 08-21-2006, 02:18 PM

Jamal has not been ruled out for the opener, but even if he does miss it, we have capable replacements.

**GreenWave52** · 08-21-2006, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by StingerNLG

Two weeks still puts him playable against the Bucs. We still have two preseason games left (@Vikings, @Redskins)

And then we have a long week before the start of the season (9 days). Unless Musa looks downright dominant the next 2 weeks and Jamal is still in a lot of pain I expect to see Jamal out there.

**RavenScallywag** · 08-21-2006, 02:33 PM

d'oh...I knew skipping breakfast did something to me today...sorry guys.

Personally, I think the key to this game is grit and determination, and that's something that ALL of our team has. The defense is fired up to have Ngata and Pryce on the line, Ray in the middle, and Reed in the backfield. The offense is fired up to prove they aren't lackluster and show that McNair is going to drive us to success here.

McNair being here has really installed a new air of confidence in a lot of our guys.

**RavenTD** · 08-21-2006, 02:54 PM

This is a heavy weight fight,big blows landing,and lets see who is still standing in the 4th quarter.Yep lowscoring smashmouth football,what better way to open the new season.This is going to be a real test from the get go for our O'line.

Hopefully Steve McNair should give us that extra dimension when needed and should give us the edge.

you will see Bruce Gradkowski as the Bucs' starter. This kid has been tearing it up so far and has looked All-Universe.

Absolutely,this guy looks like he has been in the NFL awhile already.Plus Alstott seems to have renewed life.Lets make Chucky pull some faces.

**RavenScallywag** · 08-21-2006, 02:57 PM

yeah...Gradkowski is another guy I pulled for us to draft. Granted, he may not look so seasoned against our D, but he'll definitley give us a run for our money.

**GreenWave52** · 08-21-2006, 03:07 PM

I really, really, REALLY wanted Gradkowski. From the fourth round on I was repeating his name right before our pick came up. With accuracy like he has, at the least he will be a great back-up in the league, but I thought he had starter potential. There is something about smart and accurate QBs that Ozzie seems to dislike.

**Sports Steve** · 08-22-2006, 12:22 PM

The bad news we are playing in Tampa in front of some wild fans.

The good news I really don't think Simms will be able to handle the rushing defense that can come at you from any angle. The vets are ready to have a successful season. Baring any serious injuries to key starters between now and then I think we win. 28-17

Put the hammer down Ravens