The Ravens: Match-ups and Concerns
by Crackback on Sep 7, 2010 1:54 PM EDT
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Revis and the Ravens' No Huddle -- I've said it before, the Ravens didn't break out their new no-huddle offense in the 3rd pre-season game (where the starters play for an extended amount of time) unless they intend on using it early and often in the beginning of the season. Revis has missed all of training camp and may not be 100% football ready. If there ever is a time when he is vulnerable, now is that time. The Ravens going no-huddle will exacerbate that problem.
Potential Solution -- Use Revis on Boldin and Mason interchangeably, instead of assigning him to Boldin exclusively. This may relieve a little bit of the pressure on him and might even cause a little confusion for Flacco. But the no-huddle is definitely a cause for concern.
Ngata & Suggs vs. Brick & Slausson -- This can be problematic. Brick is built to handle speed rushers and I have confidence that he could take on Suggs in a one-on-one match-up. However, whats concerning is if they overload blitz and create a one-on-one match-up with Ngata on either Brick/Slauson and Suggs on a running back.
Potential Solution -- go double tight ends with Keller and Cumberland, with one/both of them in the slot on that side (i.e. the left side), and make Suggs drop into coverage. With Edwards split wide to that side, along with their poor corner play, the safety is likely going to stay back to protect against the deep ball. We should try to force Suggs to cover one of our speedy TEs in the open field and then we can double Ngata inside.
Our Running Offense vs Their Running Defense -- this is the classic unstoppable force vs the immovable object match-up and this is likely what will decide the game. If we can get our running game going against their very stout front (5th vs the run last year) we should win. Sanchez would be working with favorable down and distances and should be able to attack their weakness, their corners. But if they keep us in 2nd and 3rd & longs for most of the game, Sanchez will struggle even against crappy corners.
Potential Solution -- Go unbalanced right with Cumberland and Keller in the slot to the left, covered by Braylon on the outside. Harstock would be the TE to the right. With three TEs its a heavy run formation but two of the three TEs are much to fast for LBs in coverage. This should shift their safeties left, one dropping down in coverage on one of the slot TEs, the other playing deep help coverage. Or they can put LBs out on our TEs in the slot; but I'm thinking that would be unlikely because our TEs are too speedy and it severley weakens their ability to stop the run. But even with their shifting of their safeties, they should be prevented from cheating one of them into the box. Then, with Greene in a single-back set, we should run counter-plays to the right and bang it up the middle. We should be able to wash out their interior backers and get a pulling guard on the outside backer. This leaves a CB one-on-one with Greene to stop him from getting to the end zone if all goes well up front. Can also counter and pull to the left with the same effect. But it would be best to hit a couple passes on Suggs first to soften him up a bit.
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Bouldin's not your pototypical #1 WR
He’s a strong, sure handed possesion guy. So in thta point I agree that Revis does not need to spend 100% of his attention on him. I also like Cro’s baiting ability pitted against a young QB reguardless of the WR he is covering. So again switching coverage is fine with me.
One thing I don’t like is the physicality that will be asked of Revis, Cro and Wilson when dealing with the running game and strong agressive WR’s. Revis’ lack of game conditioning could result in him seeing limited time. Cro and Wilson are not run stoppers. The prime focus for the defense has to be the complex blitzes to speed up Flacco’s timing. The ends have to play solid contain to keep Joe from creating plays with his legs. Flacco could absolutly kill us with his rushing ability and dump off passing.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 2:59 PM EDT reply actions
*Boldin
"Dedication To The Don" Most Popular Post Of All Time On P&T. I Am Honored
by MikeTheIntern on Sep 7, 2010 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions
As usual, thanks for the unnecessary spell check.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I won't correct grammar or spelling (unless it's truly bad)
but spelling of somebody’s name is fair game, imo.
Just clearing things up for the lesser minded folks who read here.
Names of players are important.
"Dedication To The Don" Most Popular Post Of All Time On P&T. I Am Honored
by MikeTheIntern on Sep 8, 2010 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions
^^^^what they said
Although at least it wasn’t a Jets player’s name :P
Flacco could absolutly kill us with his rushing ability
Colin the man ran for 56 yeards last year and a 1.8 ypc avg, I agree he’s mobile, but he’s not Michael Vick, hell he’s not even Mark Sanchez running with the ball, this has never been their game plan, so I really wouldn’t worry.
Dump off passing is a worry though, I think the poorest aspect of our defense is our LB coverage.
Your missing half my quote judge.
The Jets play blitz heavy. Which in turn can cause d-backs to over persue leaving open running lanes and underneath passing if the offense has a capable QB. Which Flacco is. Broken plays during heavy blitzs can still work out for the offense. A QB running for a first down or a dump pass for a huge gain which we saw in the giants preseason game. I did not say, nor did I elude to Joe Flacco being Michael Vick. But he does however have the kind of skill set and RB that can take advantage of a blitzing Defense. Im just trying to say that the weakness is there to exploit. If he’s smart we would use it.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Flacco also had 2 td’s and 180 yards his rookie year. Im just trying to say it’s a weakness that plays to his strength. He has the ability. I don’t think Im so off by saying that.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
No I agree thats a weakness, I just don’t think he will ever look to run that much. His rookie stats were more a result of him just being a rookie and having nothing else to work with, so he would run instead of making a decision, I think he’s grown a lot since then.
Not trying to troll, would simply like to point out that after week 6 against the Vikings, Flacco had a lower body (hip, quad, ankle, it moved around) injury that greatly lowered his mobility. While he’s certainly not looking to run first, a la Troy Smith, he will take what he is given and run for yards when they’re there.
"Give us 10 points and the game is over...And they didn't score on us. Make sure you quote that. They didn't score on our defense."
by organizedchaos52 on Sep 9, 2010 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, you should be worried
If the Jets are in two deep man under. The defense will have it’s back to Flacco and the middle of the defense is wide open. Flacco should take that and force the Jets to adjust accordingly. Flacco is more than mobile enough to exploit a defense in this manner. It can be a gameplan buster.
Flacco's Wheels don't scare me really.
It won’t be so easy for him to break contain with Jenkins pushing the pocket. We don’t really have problems with QBs taking off. We bring the avalanche. If you hit the hot read quickly, you’ll fall under the crush.
I like Jenkins
He’s a player. He does concern me. Is he not more run stuffer than pass-rusher though.
he dropped 30 lbs and by what has been said he has a nasty back field push
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
I would guess that Revis plays every snap of the game.
Cornerback is really the one position you can step right in and play. Remember when we signed Ty Law and he played basically the whole game covering Randy Moss a couple years ago?
As for our offense, the Ravens secondary is their greatest weakness. Mark HAS to be ready for this game. If he can not protect and deliver the ball the way shotty wants we will loose this game. I promise. The game really does rest in his hands.
The defense is too tough inside to run counter and have it be very sucessfull. Like it or not this team is suspect at the Guard spot on running downs. Greene can run hard but pulling guards and creating holes and vacant spots in the interior line is the last thing you do with big D lineman. I like Greenes ability to get around the corner. He has deceptive speed that the Ravens will not be ready for. I expect to see alot of Big-on-Big blocking which can also set up a great draw play option. Conner is going to be fed to the lions come monday night. Im going to be watching the fullback the whole game.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 3:14 PM EDT reply actions
The macth-up that gives me the most concern is our passing offense against itself. The Ravens are a very over rated team IMHO, because they have such and awful secondary and defense against the pass. To win in the NFL with the current teams you either need a great passing defense or an offense that can keep up scoring with the like of Peyton, Brees, Rodgers, and Schuab to name a few. I don’t think the Ravens offesne, even with the improvements they’ve made are that good yet, and their secondary/passing D is one of the worst in the NFL (especially w/o Reed). The Jets should have an easy win, if they aren’t afraid to throw it on them, and don’t make mistakes if/when they do, and I really think that is the biggest hurdle. Otherwise the Ravens are going to be the one team that is tailor made to beat us, they are one of the few teams that can contain our running game, and our defense may have problems with Rice and Heap (no one else really worries me, people need to stop with all the Boldin talk up). This is a great confidence game for Sanchez and could really make the season, he should be able to throw on them, and that should be our game plan, now if he can execute that is the big question.
I agree that if we had a passing game we should be able to win easy. But I don’t think we do. So how do we win without a passing game?
I don't know what else there is.
The Wild Cat, if it’s still part of this game plan, is perfect for taking advantage of weak corners. LT has to come up big on broken plays and short passes. I am truly afraid that the WR’s on this team won’t have much to show for even if we win.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
The one thing going for us is they have big slower WRs
They are good but not with blazing speed
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
Also, Shotty's play calling.
It’s the teams true offensive strength. In the playoffs, Brian’s gameplan kept teams off balance. Misdirection, pitchouts, and wild cat draw plays. This has to be a part of every game plan, every week so we can continue to keep the pressure off of a slowly learning QB. Unless of course Mark has the coaching staffs complete confidence and it’s the best kept secret in the world.
by colinyoung on Sep 7, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we do Crack, I think you really sell Sanchez’s ability short, he is a lot better than you suggest, and the potential is there, he just has to do it. Thats not to say I don’t have my worries, but I think the jury is still 100% out on how good a QB he will be in the NFL. This is one of those games that is tailor made for him to prove himself, he just has to show up (menatally).
Overrated
You have got to be kidding! Your QB was hidden is your offense last season and carried by the ground game. Sanchez is a gunsliger at heart. Problem is Ryan does not trust Sanchez to make good decisions with the football (remember the yellow and green color code). If we (Ravens) get ahead can Sanchez carry the offense to victory? I have some serious doubts about that.
Most of us have serious doubts about it too. If he’s not much improved over last season with his pocket presence and decision making, falling behind early in the game could mean trailing by a lot late in the game.
by nationalist88 on Sep 7, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes overrated...
People are picking the Ravens to be an easy playoff team, with that secondary I just don’t see it, they had no ability to even stop Cincy last year, and this year have to deal with NO, NE, Houston, and Atlanta, all teams that will have there way with them through the air.
I agree I have doubts Sanchez can do it as well, we saw some of it last year, but not enough to feel confident. But a sorry secondary like this is the perfect opportunity, aside from the fact that we are missing two WRs.
I don't think it will be an easy win at all..the Ravens are a real good team imo
I love Flacco, I watched a lot of him at Delaware he has such a good arm. He is not an elite QB but he is in the next group. After Rivers and Rodgers he would be my next choice for a QB if I could pick one to start a team. Josh Wilson will be huge for the Ravens he is a good little player.
that being said I think Sanchez will have some good games and some bad games this year imo. But he does have all the tools to be a great QB. His youth and inexperience just puts him a year (or 2) away from taking huge steps towards a top QB. But the Jets can win with him if they do certain things. Simple passing game plan, good protection on the Jets part and Sanchez MUST be smart with the ball and stop telling DBs where he is throwing the ball.
But this game will be no walk in the park for either side imo
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
Flacco vs Sanchez
Flaccco has a chance to be an elite QB. He has all the tools to be upper echelon and that starts with the ability to drive the football down the field attacking all 5 field zones. Flacco has the arm-strength to make big-time throws breaking a defense down vertically. His problem has been a reluctance to throw the football inside the numbers. Fast forward to now. This should no longer be a problem. Big body WR’s like Boldin and Houshmandzadeh provide targets now.
In Sanchez, I see a player that needs the pieces of a puzzle in place ie. great OL, running game to be effective. I think he lacks the great physical tools of the elite QB’s in this league. You can win with him (obviously). I don’t think he can put a team on his back and carry it. Elite, franchise and good is how I like to rate QB’s. I think Sanchez, at his best will be somewhere between franchise and good. I lean towards the good category with Sanchez. (I have heard Sanchez will devote less time to endorsing product. A good career move if you’re trying to be elite).
Flacco has better tools. Starting with his size, the velocity of his throws, his field vision (does not need passing lanes), judgement, timing, anticipation, accurracy (ball location) and taking care of the football in the pocket while under duress ( limit fumbles). Sanchez does throw with better touch.
I agree, this will a tough game……not for the faint of heart.
…Sanchez is also more mobile, and better at avoiding the sack. I have to say you are hugely underselling Sanchez’s qualities, and slightly over selling Flacco. Also tools do not simply make the QB, two cases in point JeMarcus Russel, and Joe Montana. I however believe they both have the potential to be elite QBs, but doubt either will ever get there, they should both be solid franchise QBs, obviously Flacco is closer.
Also I don’t think TJ is going to have the impact you think he is he 33 and no where close to the player he was 3-4 years ago. There is a reason Seattle cut him, even though they owed him 7 million guaranteed for this season.
Either way with Sanchez it is to early to tell
Flacco had more time in college then Sanchez so that has to be taking in to consideration. Flacco has Arm Strength and size (which I love). With Flacco his second year you could start to see stuff that you like with him to be on his way to being real good. I just think it will take longer with Mark, I think we will be able to tell what he will be by his 3rd or 4th year.
.
Mark his excellent feet and great hands for gripping the ball.What you said you see Mark needs (O-Line Running game) were a lot of the same stuff Flacco benifits from. If Flacco needs a good O-line and running game to win, we can’t really say because he has had both since he has been in the league.
.
I think Sanchez had further to go coming into the league but its just to early to say how good he will be. Last season ending and into the playoffs showed me that in time he has all the tools required.
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
I appreciate real football discussion
Sanchez’s limited starts at USC does factor in and have impact in terms of developing into the kind of QB Jets fan and the New York media need him to be. The thing that would concern me too if I were a Jet fan…….during those cold weather games…….you must really be able to spin it. I just have questions about this with Sanchez. There are exercises to improve arm-strength. Sanchez should consider them in my opinion——in the off-season.
You are correct that all young QB’s benefit from a running game. Flacco is no different.
With a game on the line I trust Flacco more because of his great tools.
I agree you would trust Flacco more, but its because of the extra experience, and longer resume. Flacco has shown he belongs to some extent, Sanchez has barely shown glimpses. However, the tool difference is not as important, and much smaller than your making it out to be. I mean come on there is a reason why one was recruited by USC and the other went to Delaware.
They were ranked 8th against the pass last year, and they’ve added a few pieces. What the hell are you smoking? Check out the stats instead of just assuming.
Yea but look at the actual numbers
at #8 they were closer to #31 (the titans) than they were to #1 (the Jets) in yards per game, and still surrendering over 200+ yards through the air. And even that was all done by their great pass rush, not the secondary, which is one of the worst in the NFL, and without its best player (on the PUP whats that 4 or 6 games?). I also wouldn’t count adding Josh Wilson as adding something of any significance.
You obviously didn’t follow the Ravens last season. The Ravens had franchise low sack numbers. The lacking pass rush was one of the reasons that they had such a “horrible” pass defense (even though they still finished as a top-ten pass defense and top-three defense). That’s really been over-hyped honestly. It’s been the only outstanding negative thing that the media has had to talk about all off-season and was only exacerbated by the loss of Foxworth. I’m not worried about the secondary and consider myself an objective fan.
I’m more worried about the pass-rush. The buzz word in Baltimore has been “pressure” all off-season and during training camp, and from what we’ve seen so far, it looks to be working. Suggs lost 20 pounds and looks as ferocious as ever, and there has been non-stop pressure in the pre-season and training camp.
great pass-rush is not simply measured in sacks, also maybe the low sack numbers were do to the horrible secondary not having everyone covered.
The Ravens were not getting to the quarterback last season… period. They could not pressure quarterbacks with good offensive lines. They were much, much better towards the end of the season, especially in the playoffs versus the Patriots, but they were terrible at the beginning of the season. Much of that can be attributed to Greg Mattison, the Ravens defensive coordinator, learning how to use the hybrid players (Suggs, Ngata, Johnson) that Baltimore has.
As the Ravens pass-rush improved throughout the season, they had more interceptions and better coverage. In fact, the Ravens defense ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in the first half of the season but managed to finish in the top five because of the improvements. I actually wrote an article that analyzes how the defense steadily improved throughout the season… primarily because of the pass-rush.
The point is that the Ravens’ secondary isn’t nearly as bad as people have been hyping it up to be. Sure, they’re not the best in the league, but they’re certainly not in the bottom half either.
They are a boarder line unit at best and that was with Reed its best player, who won’t be back till week seven the earliest, and Foxworth (its second best, albeit a quite average player). The plus side is the only real high powered passing offense you have to face in that time is NE (and your achilles heel Cincy, if you want to count them), so you may get lucky. The point really is, is its a big weakness, and as good as you are in other areas, your team the way it is currently built is unable to stop an elite high powered passing offense, and your passing offense is not yet to the level that you can keep up in a shoot-out with those teams.
it stopped NE cold last year. Slowed down Peyton Manning. Carson Palmer just happens to be a Ravens killer. Z is more than capable at filling in for Ed Reed.
Its funny that you call Foxworth average at best, when you have.. Antonio Cromartie. Gholston. Pace.
Wow, football IQ = 0
Um Gholstons not a starter, and certainly below average at this point, why pick on a back-up DE.
Cro. is 10x more skilled than any CB on the Ravens or Foxworth, and is one of the most skilled CB’s in the league, he has underachieved the last two years, absolutely, but he’s also only two years removed from 10 interceptions and a Pro-Bowl, and is the worst player in the unit, not the best we also have Revis.
Pace, well he had more sacks than anyone on the Ravens last year, and that was with missing 4 games, he certainly isn’t a super star, but a well above avg. OLB
Oh and saying Zbikowski is more than capable of filling Reeds shoes is moronic, I think he could be a good safety, but he no where near the player Reed is.
And the NE game Brady still passed for 258 yards and that was with a less than a 100% Welker in his first game back from injury.
Cro. is 10x more skilled than any CB on the Ravens or Foxworth.
Based on what? Every GM in the league would take Lardarius Webb over Cromartie… and probably Wilson too. Cromartie may be a freak athlete, but he’s way overrated in coverage and versus the run.
Oh and saying Zbikowski is more than capable of filling Reeds shoes is moronic.
He didn’t say that Zbikowski is as good as Reed. He said that he could fill in, and I agree.
And the NE game Brady still passed for 258 yards and that was with a less than a 100% Welker in his first game back from injury.
You accuse him of having a low football IQ and then make a statement like that? The Patriots playoff game should be the last game you use as an example of the Ravens playing bad pass-defense. First, Brady only passed for 154 yards and most of those yards were in the second half when they were passing every play due to being behind. Second, Brady, an elite quarterback in the NFL, had a 49.1 passer rating in that game and threw three interceptions. For perspective, Brady threw for 310 yards and a touchdown with a 98.6 passer rating versus the amazing Jets’ pass defense only six weeks before that.
Finally, I’m done arguing with you. You’ve done nothing but make up statistics/facts and act like a know-it-all expert on subjects you clearly know nothing about.
Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.
Every GM in the league would take Lardarius Webb over Cromartie… and probably Wilson too. Cromartie may be a freak athlete, but he’s way overrated in coverage and versus the run.
Ok right there you join him, come on, Cromartie is two years removed from a pro-bowl and 10 int season, no GM would take him over Webb, and Wilson couldn’t even crack Seattle’s starting lineup. He’s one of the premier ballhawks in the league, I don’t think anyone is over rating his coverage skills (under rating if anything) and certainly not him against the run (where he has sucked, and everyone knows it) but to say he’s average, or to compare him to corners who wouldn’t start on most teams is a joke. You do realize he’s starting over Kyle Wilson for us, arguably the best corner coming out in the draft this year, and again probably more talented than any corner on your roster.
You accuse him of having a low football IQ and then make a statement like that? The Patriots playoff game should be the last game you use as an example of the Ravens playing bad pass-defense.
No I use both games, if we just were comparing playoff stats, I could sit here and say Mark Sanchez is a better QB than Flacco, and that certainly is not the case yet by your comparison it is. My point is you can pick and choose games all you want to prove your point.
Finally, I’m done arguing with you. You’ve done nothing but make up statistics/facts and act like a know-it-all expert on subjects you clearly know nothing about.
Make up, exactly what did I make up. Sorry if you didn’t want to argue, but why exactly are you trolling a NYJ site then?
I got to say Wilson is an excellent addition
I think Seattle just wanted to get some value for him before he walked in FA, most other GMs would not have made that trade imo.
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
Yea it does look like a good pick-up
Wilson is probably the most talented CB on their roster, still wondering why Seattle let him go so cheap, and why he’s still #3 on their depth chart. has to be more to it.
also John Schneider and Pete Carrol
do not like small corners what so ever to the point I don’t think Wilson ever had a chance to make the roster.
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
You’re a horse’s ass. Ever debated with someone before? It’s not wise to tell me I have a football IQ of 0 and call me moronic while you’re putting words in my mouth. You’ve done nothing but cherry pick arguments this entire time.
I never said Z was as good as Reed. I said he was capable of filling in for him. Understand the difference? You should, with your incredibly high football IQ.
Yes, Tom Brady and his amazing 258 yards, in a losing contest. Most quarterbacks that end up passing the entire second half because they are getting their ass whooped (to the tune of 3 ints) rack up over 400 yards.
Cro… two years removed from a fluke year. When you have 2 seasons of bad and 1 season of good, it’s not called being skilled. It’s called being inconsistent and a fluke.
You’re an absolute fuckwad and have ruined any sensible discussion in this thread. I’m out
Boo friggin hoo...
Cro… two years removed from a fluke year. When you have 2 seasons of bad and 1 season of good, it’s not called being skilled. It’s called being inconsistent and a fluke.
Proving my point
Oh and the "2 bad season"...
that where still both statistically superior to what Lardarius Webb did last year.
True, QB pressures are just as important
As Bal_Hawk has stated I do not think QB’s will be as comfortable this season.
What!
we were 8th in pass defense last year! I feel like no one knows that. We did good last year without Ed reed. Beleive it or not we have better corners this year than last year. The only time our pass defense gets shredded is against good quaterbacks. Sanchez …well even you guys know he isnt good.
by Bm0re blackout on Sep 10, 2010 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I really believe we will come out firing against the Ravens.
A lot of early high percentage throws for Sanchez. Another thing that really helps us is Mangold able to take their NT (Gregg?) one on one. I really believe the team that doesn’t turn the ball over will win.
I though Ngata
played end and Gregg manned the nose..I have seen Ngata line up at nose though, you would know better than me.
The Ravens run the most multiple front in the NFL. They have lineman and linebackers that can play almost any position in the front seven… That includes linebackers playing as defensive ends, defensive lineman dropping into coverage, defensive ends playing the nose and so forth. Ngata is the most versatile lineman in the NFL and routinely plays every position along the defensive line.
It’s that ability (along with Suggs ability to rush the passer, set the edge and drop into coverage with equal proficiency) that allows the Ravens to shift from a three man front to a five man front without changing personnel. That’s what makes their defense special.
Wow you guys must have had a great coach to build that system, and try all those players in different roles, lol.
Actually, Ozzie drafted the players.
Rex was fortunate enough to work for an organization that allowed him to work with the best talent in the business. Rex still looks for players that Ozzie has drafted or players in that mold. Ozzie was drafting great defensive players and the Ravens had a great defense long before Rex took over as the coordinator. Rex didn’t make the Ravens… They made him. In fact, every Ravens’ defensive coordinator (and two linebacker’s coaches) since Marvin Lewis has been a head coach. Rex was one of the best, but don’t think that he made the Ravens’ defense. That’s just ignorant.
Did I say draft the players, no, I said he built the system (the defensive system in place), and tried all those players in different roles. And OMFG whose defense are they running right now, its still basically the one Rex put in place, Lewis’ defense while great was a more traditional 4-3 centered behind two huge DT (Siragusa and Adams) and did not use players in different roles, that was what Rex brought to the team.
I’ll give you that Mike Nolan absolutely rode Lewis’ coat tails, but Rex completely redesigned that defense in his own mold the one that is still being used.
It’s true that Marvin’s defense was a traditional 4-3, but it’s not true that Ryan developed the Ravens’ defensive system. In fact, the transition began with Mike Nolan when he switched the Ravens’ scheme to a 3-4. At that point, Ozzie saw the power of a hybrid defense and began to draft versatile, multiple players to play in the hybrid scheme. He drafted Suggs, who may be the league’s best hybrid player, in 2003, which was two seasons before Ryan took over as defensive coordinator. Therefore, the hybrid defensive system was almost solely conceived by Newsome and Nolan.
Rex basically took the hybrid system that Ozzie and Mike developed and added the overload and ‘exotic’ blitzes to it. This obviously proved to be an extremely effective combination. However, to say that he developed the hybrid defense is extremely ignorant. The Ravens still run a hybrid defense but no longer use the overload and ‘exotic’ blitz packages. Ryan basically had a great play-book and was a master blitz-designer but did not develop the hybrid defensive system that the Ravens currently run.
Ok so now your crediting a former TE GM for developing the defense, OMFG. And Nolan he’s a frigging moron coat tail rider, yea he switched to a 3-4, but he had lost his two starting DT’s. Now tell me what constant was with the defense that whole time, who was Newsome (again a friggin former TE) consulting with about the DL, hmm let me think, the name escapes me.
If you want to credit Rex for developing Ravens’ defensive system, I wont stop you, but there are very few facts to back you up. I’m not saying that Rex was a bad coordinator. I still think he’s one of the best we’ve ever had and ranks right up there with Lewis. He may have the best defensive play-book in the business and is an expert blitz-caller and play caller.
However, saying that Ryan developed the Ravens’ hybrid system is another matter entirely. I don’t see what Ozzie being a tight-end has to do with anything. Sure, he was a tight end but has still managed to draft some of the best defensive players of our generation and build a great defense. Ozzie has always talked about finding defensive players that are versatile. Heck, I can remember reading quotes about that when he drafted Peter Boulware. Drafting versatile, multiple players is what Ozzie is known for and that was one of the biggest factors in the development of the Ravens’ defense.
The system was developed and molded around the players that Ozzie has drafted. Ozzie isn’t single-handedly responsible, but he certain played the biggest part and the Ravens’ team identity was almost exclusively created by him. Rex Ryan brought a great play-book and perfected the hybrid defense’s blitz capabilities, but Newsome played the biggest part in developing the team-mindset and scheme that became the hybrid defense.
Because a GM is never solely responsible for the draft, you don’t think Billick, Lewis, Nolan, Ryan, and Harbaugh had a huge say in who was drafted, and what they needed. A GM will have final say, but this is football, the majority of the work is done by the scouting and coaching staff. And ultimately the coach is the one that makes a pick a player. A player is only as good as the system he’s in. You honestly think Ozzie scouted Suggs (and others) and said boy look at this versatility this guy has, Mike change your whole defense around because we’re drafting Suggs and he has great versatility. Thats hogwash, they looked at him as a team, and I’m sure the defensive guys had all the input there (Newsome with final say of course). As for his versatility, and the way he was used, I’m sure it was the DC, and positions coach when they got him in and saw what he could do said lets try this. I’m not trying for a minute to credit Ryan for solely building the Ravens roster either, but he probably had close to as much input as anyone else. Now that wasn’t my point anyway, it was his idea on how to create that defense and how to use those players, the way they currently are, and Newsome very little to do with that.
Sure, Ryan had plenty of say over which positions he needed and the players he liked, but no more than any other coordinator or coach that has gone through Baltimore. There have been many coaches who come and go, but the team philosophy remains the same.
The team philosophy on defense revolves around being multiple and versatile. The point is that philosophy was ultimately developed by Newsome with the help of every coach or scout who has gone through the team management, but the constant is Newsome. He is the biggest reason why the Ravens even became a defensive team to begin with, and he certainly had the biggest say in the team’s evolution, including the development of the hybrid defense, which they still run.
Sure, Ryan had plenty of say over which positions he needed and the players he liked, but no more than any other coordinator or coach that has gone through Baltimore.
No actually more just simply because of the number of years he spent there, I mean lets face it he was the one constant on defense (as a coach) from Marvin Lewis on.
I understand Newsome plays a huge role, but lets face it this defense was built by Marvin Lewis originally, and further evolved by Nolan, and more importantly Ryan (who was there under both, before taking it over). Newsome has been around them so he picks up some, knows what they look for, etc. but don’t start giving an offensive guy credit for building the defense. And simply put Newsome may say he likes guys with versatility (but probably just was taught that by Lewis), he is not a defensive coordinator or coach and your giving him way to much credit.
He. Drafted. The. Players. For some jackass who has the balls to say I have 0 football IQ you don’t seem to know who makes decisions inside war rooms. You think that Rex Ryan is in there chillin’, just telling Ozzie Newsome who to take?
Sticks and stones
But apparently your reading comprehension is poor too.
A GM will have final say, but this is football, the majority of the work is done by the scouting and coaching staff.
they looked at him as a team, and I’m sure the defensive guys had all the input there (Newsome with final say of course)
I’m not trying for a minute to credit Ryan for solely building the Ravens roster either, but he probably had close to as much input as anyone else
But I guess trolling your just here to start crap, so reading isn’t a prereq.
We really need to make sure Haloti Ngata doesnt line up against Slauson. Sanchez would be running for his life.
by Bob_The_Friendly_Baker on Sep 7, 2010 5:31 PM EDT reply actions
I say the Jets have got to be worried about pass protection along with
run o vs run d.
In the preseason, which IMO is the least important thing in the world, Woody had some slip ups and Slauson had a couple bad pass protection plays. I think in order for the Jets to win the game they need to keep Sanchez up and buy him time. If Sanchez gets hurried and feels presure either A.) Sack and possibility of getting hurt or B.) forcing a bad pass into a injured, but still decent, Ravens secondary.
No turnovers and we win this game
I hate the Dodgers, Patriots, Dolphins, and terroirsts
Just curious I am confused
everytime I see your name I think your a Giants fan, but you post and seem to root for the Jets. Which are you? Either way is cool I just wanted to know.
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
SF Giants fan
NY Jets fan since birth buddy! I had an other account but my 12 year old brother got on it and posted really immature comments and I just stick with this one
I hate the Dodgers, Patriots, Dolphins, and terroirsts
by GiantsfaninNY55 on Sep 8, 2010 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh okay
I was pretty sure you were a Jets fan by your posts, I thought of the SF Giants but the NY in your name lead me towards the NYG. Good stuff go JETS!!!!
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!
I hate the Dodgers, Patriots, Dolphins, and terroirsts
by GiantsfaninNY55 on Sep 8, 2010 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
you don't believe me fine
but we aint talkin bout it. this blog is strictly for Jets material
I hate the Dodgers, Patriots, Dolphins, and terroirsts
by GiantsfaninNY55 on Sep 8, 2010 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions
One thing
I thought mason got traded? so it’s TJ we have to worry about
Speaking of matchups. . .
A.) Do you think John Connor will be used extensively?
B.) If so, can he truck Ray Lewis?
Opinions?
if they run the ball a ton then I am sure he will rotate with trich
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
Two words (Rashard Mendenhall)
He was the last player that talk about blowing up Ray Lewis. His reward was a broken collar bone and many games missed.
Um Connors is a FB, Mendenhall a RB, big difference there. Mendenhall shouldn’t have been talking because he is 225 and was carrying the ball, Lewis’ job was to tackle him. Now, Connors didn’t say anything, is 245, and it’s Lewis’ job is to actually stay out of his way so he can make the tackle on the ball carrier.
Ya but. . . .
Rashard Mendenhall is 225 pounds, and his position does’t specialize in blocking. John Connor weighs 246 pounds, (jus 4 shy of lewis) is shorter than Lewis, thus giving a lower center of gravity, and his speciality is blocking. I think it would be a very interesting matchup.
Yeah thats something i’m looking forward to myself. The psychological impact of that collision could win/lose the game. Think about what a let down that is for either side if somebody gets owned.
So true. This will be a physical game start to finish and the winner of this collision sets the tone!
by nationalist88 on Sep 7, 2010 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
sets the tone for what? the game? as the winner of the game, can you go back and then set the tone as you so please? another case of the victor writing history i suppose…
When you play a smashmouth style of football as both these teams do, it’s imperative to set the tone by winning the physical battles. If Ray Lewis got blown up by our rookie FB, it deflates a defense which relies on him to establish that physical dominance. Other players feed off that shit too.
by nationalist88 on Sep 8, 2010 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Would love to see Lewis laid out like that person Ray and his thugs murdered in front
of that nightclub.No one was ever convicted for this crime,including Gang’sta Lewis as an accomplice.C’mon Terminator!!
by Putnan Prince on Sep 7, 2010 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay
Name one LB in Jet land that plays with the physicality of Ray Lewis becuase I can think of one! Conner has great potential. Until he does it for real, in live NFL games that count, settle down. Way too much hype about a player blowing up Jet LB’s in training camp.
Touche.
Could you correct that to...
played with the physicality of Ray Lewis, this is not 2005, Grandpa Ray Lewis is not as physical as he once was and at 35 in the twilight of his career.
Definitely a wait and see on Connor though, he hasn’t even played an NFL regular season game yet, but the potential is certainly there. I just hope if he hits him Ray doesn’t break a hip or something.
I think I have under-estimated Crackback's football IQ, Good grasp
of what will happen Monday Night.Rex should know how to attack his old defense.
Yes it is a good post. Another option against the Ravens’ stout defensive front is mixing in some Brad Smith option plays like colinyoung suggested, or going four wide to spread them out and open up some running lanes. But Sanchez will have to hit some throws to keep them honest. Which brings me to MY biggest concern in this game: Sanchez versus himself. If this guy stops telegraphing his throws and forcing balls into coverage, makes good decisions and doesn’t turn the football over, we win the game. Simple as that. He doesn’t have to win the game by himself; just make some plays with his arm and the run game and defense will take care of the rest. But if he doesn’t come prepared, he is quite capable of losing this game. Sanchez is the X factor IMO.
by nationalist88 on Sep 7, 2010 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Crack has an excellent FB IQ, he’s just Revis’ agent.
by Judgegavel on Sep 8, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL I know, so glad the Revis thing is over now and the Crackmeister is back to normal!
by nationalist88 on Sep 8, 2010 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Technically . . .
Rex is the one who shaped that Ravens defense into what it is today, wouldnt it make sense that we will have superior game planning. Its a case of the master taking on the student in some ways. After all, Rex did also retain petine, scott, and jimmy over there. Its not really like the Ravens have any ex jets that are familiar with our system.
Rex is the one who shaped that Ravens defense into what it is today
I hate when people say that. Have you ever heard of Mike Nolan or Marvin Lewis?
"There's only one cure for what's wrong with all of us pitchers, and that's to take a year off. Then, after you've gone a year without throwing, quit altogether." -Jim Palmer
Unless you are to claim that you meant that Rex shaped what the modern Ravens are
And not their reputation as a defensive powerhouse over the past ten years.
"There's only one cure for what's wrong with all of us pitchers, and that's to take a year off. Then, after you've gone a year without throwing, quit altogether." -Jim Palmer
pretty sure thats what he meant we all know what Nolan and Co did down there
"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
No but it was a completely different defensive scheme...
and the one they use now is still essentially the one Rex Ryan put in place. Not the 4-3 that Marvin Lewis had in place in 2001, and subsequently used by Nolan after that.
Not worried
I understand boldin is a strong WR but Andre Johnson was no push over either im not that worried about Revis people keep talking bout “football shape” all that consist of is really tackling cause we know Cbs can run forever and revis has been training while holding out. Not worried about their defense as much as their offense. Ed Reed is out and arent 2 of their CBs coming off injuries and another just got hurt during the preseason. They traded for 1 but he still has to learn the system and try not to make any mental mistakes. And Terrance Cody had a knee injury so he wont be playing so it’ll make it easier for us to run even though ngata there. It expect a good game from both sides and i expect us to come out on top and i hope it not as close of a game a every1 seems to be predcting. 10pts + would be nice just saying :D
I voted "Other" but it's more a combination of option 2 and...
…Sanchez. The game basically hinges entirely on Sanchez and his pass protection. If there is a team that can match up well on offense to our defense, it’s the Ravens.
Ray Rice (god DAMN do I wish we drafted him) scares the hell out of me coming out on screens and swing passes. I don’t necessarily anticipate the Ravens to come out and drop 30 on us, but I wouldn’t doubt it if they were able to do some decent damage and win the clock management battle.
So basically, we’re gonna need to score points. And that’s gonna rest on Sanchez and the passing game. The little dink and dunk routine isn’t gonna work for us—Ray Lewis will be roaming about over the middle and Sanchez friggin’ sucks at screens and all that crap. No, I want to see Braylon streaking down the sideline with DBs left in the dust, with a perfect spiral from Sanchez hitting him in stride (and he doesn’t drop it of course). That’s going to depend on keeping Sanchez upright long enough, and Sanchez not having shit for brains that day.
In any case, I see this as the toughest game on the schedule, or at least tied for the toughest with the Packers game. If we can win both of those games or at least keep them really close, then at least in my mind that’s proof that this is a Super Bowl team.
+1
they keys for the Ravens O is passing to Rice and Heap too. I still don’t like our TE coverage either, unless we stick a safety on him.
Rex Ryan did not make our defense into what it is.
The Ravens have had success on the defensive side for the past decade. Rex was our DC starting the 05’ season. Before him Marvin Lewis (SB win), and Mike Nolan. Both became HC before Rex. Most importantly, did we lose a step when Rex left? We ranked the 3rd overall defense in 08’ and in 09’ we ranked the same. Rex is one of the best in the game, but he in no way shaped our defense, our players did.
Also to think that Rex has any inside info on the Ravens is just simply wrong. Each team knows each others tendencies of course, but like Bill Walsh said, “you have to reinvent yourself every year”. Rex being gone from our team for two years now, only has knowledge of what he sees on tape, just like any other coach. Cam knows Rex and Rex knows Cam. That will make this game all more interesting. Both will have lots of wrinkles, no one has the advantage in terms of preparation. Can’t wait for this game though.
This will be a great contest regardless, and what an opener for Monday Night Football. We as fans of both teams should come away from this one with a good understanding of what kind of year we’ll have, and whether our respective Superbowl aspirations are warranted.
by nationalist88 on Sep 8, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
This game is going to set the tone for smash-mouth football this season. There’s to much on the line (especially the way Rex has been mouthing off) to take this game lightly. Both teams know that this very well could be the most important game of the regular season, seeing as how both have been mentioned as potential Super Bowl candidates. I loved Rex when he was in Baltimore, and at one point was upset they didn’t hand him the Head Coach position. But I digress, I couldn’t be more stoked to start the season than starting it against Dirty Sanchez and his Jets. See you on Monday……
"Me no function beer welll without."
Good luck
I think this game will be a grind until the very end. Two top defenses, two top rushing attacks. Smashmouth football at it’s finest. Of course, I think the Ravens will pull it out. 16-13. Prepare for a bloody one. If you don’t go home with cuts and bruises, you didn’t play hard enough.
While I agree these are two top defenses, I think your underestimating the offenses here...
Jets pull it out with and int to seal the deal 27 -17.
No way the Ravens break 20, unless Sanchez gift-wraps 6 for you. You have, what, 3 o-linemen at different positions than they’re used to going into this game? Good luck with that against Jenkins and Co. with Rex’s constant overload blitz packages. And good luck running it with Jenkins back, fully healthy and raring to go (Pouha and Devito are both ranked in the top 10 of DLs against the run according to PFF). And your slow receivers are no match for the best cover corners in the biz.
You guys are about to get smacked.
No way this game will not be a high scoring.
Lots of time running off the clock in this one.
Smacked?! HAHAHAHHAHAAAA!!!!!
Since we are both paper champs right now lets do some match ups shall we..
Defense: Advantage Jets
The Jets have the advantage on defense rite now. Only because of the secondary though. Ravens D line and line backers are better in just about every area..
Special Teams: Even
Both are solid on coverage with hard hitters and decent fg kickers. The Ravens have one of the leagues best punters in Koch but I’m still not sold on Cundiff . Both teams have returners capable of taking it all the way.
QB: Advantage Ravens
I have seen very few throws out of Sanchez that cause me to think he can excel in the NFL. Flacco on the other hand is above average at best and is on the verge of becoming a Top tier NFL Qb or just an other Kerry Collins.
RB: Advantage Ravens
Shonn Green is a very good back and L.T. is a question mark at best as of now but in absolutely no way do they compare to Ray Rice, Willis and McClaine.
TE: Advantage Ravens
But only by slightly Keller is very good but Heap(when healthy) is better especially in the red zone. With a talent like Dickson backing him up the Ravens are solid here.
WR: Advantage Ravens
Boldin, Mason, Housh….Without Santonio this is a TKO for the Ravens.
O-Line: Advantage Jets
The Ravens have a good group of high ceiling young studs that mostly have not gained their full potential and at this point the Jets may have the best O-line in football. Witch in turn knocks their running backs up a few points but not to Rices level.
So what have we learned here folks?? The Jets D is better over all….. Slightly though, Their secondary blows Baltimores away however, so that also brings down our advantage with the wide outs making it almost even. All in all at this point the Ravens are the better team at most positions but the Jets might be a more solid team over all when you factor in that dominant secondary……. and if you don’t count the Qbs. Unfortunately in the NFL the Qb is a pretty important position. The winner of this game relies solely on Flacco and Sanchez. I think I’ll take the uni brow over the pretty boy 10 times out of 10. And Jets fans… I know you’ll say you disagree but deep down inside you know you would pick Flacco too. But hey your in New York so it does not matter what you think it’s what you yell louder than the other guy right?!!
Ravens 21 Jets 15 Two deep bombs by Sanchez, well 3 if you count the one Edwards drops, and a FG. Good Luck New York!!! Seriously good luck guys…
Congratulations to Joe Haden!!! now you get to be run over by Anquan Boldin for the next three years!! -Me
lol did you read this in a book or something?
But hey your in New York so it does not matter what you think it’s what you yell louder than the other guy right?!!…
.
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"Sorry bro, he Jason Bourned me"- Drama
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