When does a loss feel like a win? When your ball club’s long awaited answer at quarterback marches the team down the field 80 yards in 12 plays with a nice mix of run and pass while taking off 7:22 of the game clock on his very first drive – that’s when!
Todd Heap was certainly caught up in the moment:
“The most exciting part about [the game] is I can’t remember the last time we took the first drive of the first preseason game and went down and scored. And it was real smooth. You saw Steve and how calm he was back there and the whole offense kind of feeds of that.” That’s from a very excited Todd Heap who went on to say, “When you see [McNair] come into the huddle he demands that respect.” Perhaps the most interesting thing about Heap’s comments is what he didn’t say and the message that lies between the lines.
For years the Ravens defense has carried the team. For years they’ve been asked to bail out an inept offense. Despite injuries to key players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Dan Cody, Will Demps and Anthony Weaver the Ravens still managed to rank fifth in the league last year while seldom playing with a lead and while often being asked to force turnovers or even score. The Ravens were the only defense ranked in the top 6 not to go to the playoffs.
With a healthy Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Dan Cody plus the additions of Trevor Pryce and Haloti Ngata plus an efficient offense, there’s reason to be optimistic.
On that initial drive, there was great tempo, confidence, poise and perhaps most importantly a nice rhythm on the offensive line. The Ravens varied their sets and with McNair as the trigger man, they kept the Giants off balance. When an offensive line can beat an off balanced opponent to the punch, they gain momentum. It’s the equivalent of damaging body blows in boxing – eventually the opponent succumbs and they are vulnerable to the knockout punch.
In its totality, last night’s game had to be the most boring 17-16 game I’ve ever witnessed. In essence it was a double header in which the Ravens first unit decidedly beat the Giants first unit and for the most part, the Giants’ second/third team beat the Ravens’ reserves, particularly on the line of scrimmage.
With that in mind, here’s the Good, the Bad and the Ugly from last night’s game:
THE GOOD
Ø After observing Mike Smith’s performance, I couldn’t resist the temptation to think about another Texas Tech Red Raider selected late in the draft (154th pick overall in ’96) who resides in Miami and has played in 6 Pro Bowls. Of course such thoughts are very premature but there’s a buzz about Mike Smith. Players know players and the word around camp is that if and when Mike Smith really begins to understand and read offenses, his work ethic and tenacity could help shape him into a very solid pro and a very capable replacement for Ray Lewis once he decides to pass the torch. Last night was certainly a step in that direction.
Ø Aaron Elling certainly made a statement last night sending 2 kicks into the end zone, one to the goal line and another to the 2.
Ø Jamal Lewis in his first real live contact looked quick and most importantly decisive.
Ø Justin Green was solid at fullback, sealing on backside pursuit during a Jamal Lewis cutback behind zone blocking, taking on DE Justin Tuck. He also looked good as a lead blocker.
Ø Musa Smith continues to impress particularly with his quickness. He has shown very good hands throughout camp and as I’ve stated on these pages and on air, if Musa stays healthy, he will make everyone forget about Chester Taylor.
Ø Kyle Boller delivered an excellent pass to Mark Clayton for a gain of 22 yards on 3rd and 10. The pass was just beyond the reach of one defender and just in front of another defender in pursuit.
Ø The first team offensive line was solid despite the absence of Jonathan Ogden. They were dominant on the first drive.
Ø Demetrius Williams was impressive and continues to show a unique ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls. He made a very good catch at the end of the first half to pick up 24 yards at the 0:24 mark. He nearly made a spectacular catch in the end zone on another poorly thrown pass from Kyle Boller.
Ø Daniel Wilcox played well and did a solid job of blocking from the H-Back position.
Ø The hard count is something the Ravens have worked on throughout training camp. It’s a rather inexpensive weapon to keep the defense off balance. McNair used it like a champ on third and 5. McNair used the “free” play to hit Todd Heap for a gain of 17.
Ø The new High-Def scoreboard that now adorns the stadium fascia looks great and when the operators work out the kinks, it will certainly add to the fan experience at The Vault.
Ø Aubrayo Franklin was solid with the first team in place of Haloti Ngata. At this point, he’s ahead of Dwan Edwards who still appears to be a bit sluggish on his initial step. Franklin’s play adds to the depth at the DT rotation as does that of Justin Bannan whose grit, determination and high motor doesn’t allow opposing linemen to pace themselves.
Ø Ronnie Prude did a decent job in nickel and dime situations and covered well from the slot. He was a bit late at times yet there are signs that he will make the necessary adjustments.
Ø "It’s a good feeling to have a great bunch of guys out there, offensively working hard, especially in the first preseason game. All we wanted to do tonight is just come out and execute, get into a rhythm early, and we did that. I think it’s a good sign." That’s your QB Steve McNair.
Ø "The first drive was one perfect drive," tight end Todd Heap said. "The main thing was it was a smooth drive. Everything was fluid."
THE BAD
Ø The Ravens young corners played soft particularly Evan Oglesby and Duvol Thompson. Derrick Martin was completely overmatched by Plaxico Burress.
Ø Adam Terry needs to hold down the left end and be more aware of stunting linemen. Terry collapsed to the middle of the line and allowed a stunting DT to come around and knock McNair to the ground. Later Terry was beaten deep in the red zone on third down giving up a sack.
Ø Kyle Boller is still locking on his receivers in the red zone, which makes scoring that much tougher in the compressed end of the field. Boller also locked in on a swing pass to Mike Anderson that fooled absolutely no one in the stadium. Boller also needs to be more mindful of down and distance.
Ø Reserve offensive tackles Rob Droege, Michael Kracalik and Robin Meadow were overmatched most of the night. The Ravens have depth issues at tackle. Keydrick Vincent has played some tackle as a Steeler and it might not be a bad idea to give him some reps there as a Raven.
Ø Although Todd Heap was called for a false start on the goal line on the first drive, it was really Quinn Sypniewski who started too soon on third and goal from the one. That’s a mistake that needs to be eliminated.
THE UGLY
Ø Sam Koch’s and Leo Araguz’ punting leaves a lot to be desired, particularly when compared to the booming punts of the Giants’ Travis Dorsch. The Ravens net punting average last night was an abysmal 23.5 yards. It will be interesting to see how Frank Gansz, Jr. addresses the special teams this week in practice.
Ø Bumbling and tumbling…Kyle Boller falling twice with Jason Brown at center. It’s interesting to see that Boller steps back initially with his left foot given that he’s right handed. This is just part of the frenetic body language that Boller exudes. Nearly every snap with Boller under center still feels like a struggle. After 3 full seasons, you’d think that the hyperventilating might stop. Boller also missed on end zone passes to Williams and Sypniewski. Had he led them both, the results could have been different.
Ø PA Announcer Bruce Cunningham mistakenly referred to Ronnie Prude by the last name of Purdue, not once, not twice but three times! Frank sends his regards and an oven stuffer roaster…
Ø Tim Johnson flapping his wings after a rather uneventful tackle? C’mon Tim…show up on tape in other ways.
Ø Kyle Boller’s two minute drill to conclude the first half was hardly a symphony. On three consecutive plays Boller threw short between the hash marks with 1:00 to go. After finally going downfield to Demetrius Williams for 23 yards, the offense wasted 14 valuable seconds by running to the line of scrimmage to dirt the ball when a timeout would have been more appropriate. That left the team with just 10 seconds to work with meaning just one play before a field goal attempt. Those 24 ticks could have provided at least two shots at the end zone.
Ø The Officials’ uniforms…why not add a bow tie?
