Half Way

**BcRaven** · 11-09-2011, 03:19 PM

In the 2000/01 playoffs, nobody wanted to face the Ravens (especially their historic defense). Now in 2011, our team is gelling into a mixture of defense (always strong), and offense (Joe's capable arm), plus an effective running game. Can you guys see this team, while it is still maturing (Torrey Smith, Q Wms, our 2 TEs, Jimmy Smith, McPhee, Kruger, etc.) elevating to the highest level? Well, I sure can... Bc

**Ravenswintitle** · 11-09-2011, 03:24 PM

I think their setbacks (TN, Jax) are a thing of the past. They won't look past Seattle or anyone else. We will find out this Sunday but I can see this team going a long way this year, maybe all the way!

**BcRaven** · 11-09-2011, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I think their setbacks (TN, Jax) are a thing of the past. They won't look past Seattle or anyone else. We will find out this Sunday but I can see this team going a long way this year, maybe all the way!

rwt, I believe your post says a lot. Sometimes it's better to lose an early game so as to wake up to the late season. I see this 2011 Ravens team, especially after beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh, keeping their heads on straight... Bc

**festivus** · 11-09-2011, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I think their setbacks (TN, Jax) are a thing of the past. They won't look past Seattle or anyone else. We will find out this Sunday but I can see this team going a long way this year, maybe all the way!

I think the Jacksonville and Tennessee teams both posed matchup problems. On defense we didn't have anyone who could handle Britt, a physical specimen, at wide receiver. On defense we were just not scheming to stop the aerial attack at all.

On offense we weren't ready for whatever-the-hell they were doing. I didn't see people getting open, I didn't see anything working. I think we went into that game with the wrong toolbox.

Which I also think was the problem in Jacksonville. They were a top 10 defense and they sure as hell played like it.

But I do think we're better now than we were then.

**Ravenswintitle** · 11-09-2011, 03:52 PM

I'm not saying I expect an undefeated season from here on out, just that there won't be any more trap games. Time will tell...

**iggyman555** · 11-09-2011, 03:59 PM

if the ravens lose to Seattle i don't think we are going far in the playoffs. BUT i think we will beat them without a problem.

**houstonravensfan** · 11-09-2011, 05:12 PM

Let's see how we do against Cinci. They look a lot better than Tenn or Jax!

**Kevlar** · 11-09-2011, 05:18 PM

I think the Ravens lack of a power running game may come back to haunt them. The line doesn't seem to be able to make big holes, and while Rice is a nice dual threat, he isn't really a 3 yards and a cloud of dust type back, and neither is Ricky any more.

As long as Joe is on his game the Ravens can beat anyone.

But they seem to have a tough time eating clock and protecting a lead. Last second victories are exciting, but when you need them to overcome two teams who aren't even playoff material (Cards and Stoolers) it doesn't bode well for the caliber of teams you will be facing in January.

Unfortunately the Ravens are only a pick 6 away from losing to bad teams. The good teams are going to make those pick 6's.

**wickedsolo** · 11-09-2011, 05:40 PM

14-2.

It's happening.

**Kevlar** · 11-09-2011, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

14-2.

It's happening.

I think San Francisco and the Bungles will have something to say about that.

**houstonravensfan** · 11-09-2011, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by Kevlar

I think the Ravens lack of a power running game may come back to haunt them. The line doesn't seem to be able to make big holes, and while Rice is a nice dual threat, he isn't really a 3 yards and a cloud of dust type back, and neither is Ricky any more.

As long as Joe is on his game the Ravens can beat anyone.

But they seem to have a tough time eating clock and protecting a lead. Last second victories are exciting, but when you need them to overcome two teams who aren't even playoff material (Cards and Stoolers) it doesn't bode well for the caliber of teams you will be facing in January.

Unfortunately the Ravens are only a pick 6 away from losing to bad teams. The good teams are going to make those pick 6's.

IF/WHEN Grubbs is fully healthy, we'll have two solid O'linemen (with Yanda). Oher make 2 1/2. Maybe that will be enough? When Oher is on his game, we SHOULD be able to run to the right. McKinnie certainly has not been a standout, and Birk is just winding down a fine career.

**Downhill Raven** · 11-09-2011, 05:55 PM

Cam has tweeked the offense with a degree of creativity that I did not think he had in him after the Jacksonville game. As though he has opened a door and Joe has walked through. The last six quarters of offense have been exceptional. I am humbled recalling the anger I had towards Cam after Jax.
Here's hoping they keep it up.

**Kevlar** · 11-09-2011, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by houstonravensfan

IF/WHEN Grubbs is fully healthy, we'll have two solid O'linemen (with Yanda). Oher make 2 1/2. Maybe that will be enough? When Oher is on his game, we SHOULD be able to run to the right. McKinnie certainly has not been a standout, and Birk is just winding down a fine career.

It should get better. Still, Rice isn't exactly a bruiser who is going to move the chains consistently. As much as I didn't like him MaGahee, was a better power back. I haven't seen anything from Williams to build any confidence that he is going to be able to play that role.

Rice is great for the big gains, but can he keep the chains moving consistently enough to wear down defenses in the 4th quarter to protect a 3 point lead? It hasn't been working out that way.

**EdReed4HOF** · 11-09-2011, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by Kevlar

I think San Francisco and the Bungles will have something to say about that.

And we'll have something to say about them having something to say about it

**CincyCat** · 11-09-2011, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I think their setbacks (TN, Jax) are a thing of the past. They won't look past Seattle or anyone else. We will find out this Sunday but I can see this team going a long way this year, maybe all the way!

Seattle is LOUD. Practice silent count.

Originally Posted by houstonravensfan

Let's see how we do against Cinci. They look a lot better than Tenn or Jax!

Much obliged.

Originally Posted by Kevlar

I think San Francisco and the Bungles will have something to say about that.

True.

Originally Posted by EdReed4HOF

And we'll have something to say about them having something to say about it

LMAO. Good luck guys.

**ballhawk** · 11-09-2011, 07:35 PM

i am more than a little worried about cinci. flacco has looked awful the past 4 games against them. they play the 2 deep defense better than tenn or jax.

a split with them and we should still be good for the division, but even that won't be easy.