874 replies to this topic

[Huddle It Up Films]

Without Devin Bush the Ravens should be trying to hit "Texas" routes to the RBs, and other short passes across the middle of the field. I won't be mad if they don't try to force the run against the best run D, and if they throw a lot of quick hitting passes given the good pass rush the Steelers have too. 

 

If there was ever a game for Jackson to dink and dunk most of the game, then go for a home run when they cheat the short routes, this is it. Won't be mad at 35+ pass attempts for Jackson.

100% with you. There's a good chance that we'll struggle to some extent up front. Trust LJ and find the weaknesses.

[Mike B]

It will be interesting to see if Ingram practices tomorrow.  Gus and JK may get the majority of the carries.

[BSLChrisStoner]

PressBox: Anticipation Builds For First Ravens-Steelers Showdown Of 2020 Season
https://pressboxonli...of-2020-season/

[russsnyder]

I think the game is going to be a bit more low scoring than most people anticipate. Ravens win 20-17 on a late field goal from Tucker.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I wont overreact to a win or a loss but this is defintely a litmus test game. First of the year IMO. You can start reading into where you are and how you stack up after this game

[Mike B]

I wont overreact to a win or a loss but this is defintely a litmus test game. First of the year IMO. You can start reading into where you are and how you stack up after this game

The next 5 weeks are the real test.  Pitt, Indy, NE, Titans and Pitt.  Actually 3-2 would be acceptable, because the schedule eases after that.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

NE now looks fairly weak. Im not overly concerned with Ind either though both are capable of beating us if we don't play well. The 3 games against Pitt and Tenn will tell a lot. Id be ok with 3-2. Hoping for 4-1.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I fully expect a win here coming out of the bye.

Would be that much more confident if homefield really meant anything here in 2020.

[Mike B]

I feel like people are using 14-2 as the level for success.  It would be nice to get hot and do that, but the ultimate success can be achieved even with a lesser regular season schedule.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I feel like people are using 14-2 as the level for success. It would be nice to get hot and do that, but the ultimate success can be achieved even with a lesser regular season schedule.

Absolutely that's what has to be kept in mind. All I care about is winning the games in January and the best chance to do that is to be healthy and peaking at the end of the reg season. That said, its at this point in the season against some of these better teams where we find out just how much better we'll need to be in January.

[You Play to Win the Game]

F that. It's Pittsburgh. Win.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I feel like people are using 14-2 as the level for success. It would be nice to get hot and do that, but the ultimate success can be achieved even with a lesser regular season schedule.

To put it another way, I would've traded a bye and a top two seed last year to have Andrews and Ingram healthy for that playoff run.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

F that. It's Pittsburgh. Win.

I already told you it's in the book. We'll cover the 5.5.

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[BSLChrisStoner]

Balt Sun: Ravens vs. Steelers scouting report for Week 8: Who has the edge?

https://www.baltimor...os6e-story.html

[Mackus]

This isn't exactly a novel statement, but the Ravens offense is my biggest question mark.  I'm confident in the defense limiting Pittsburgh to something beatable and think there is a chance the defense outright wins the game even if the offense struggles. 

 

The offense has really been sputtering for weeks.  Hopefully they've figured some things out over the bye week and can come out dialed in and put up a 30-spot on their own.  They've been in that area in recent weeks but it was against inferior competition and many of those points were scored or set up by the defense.  

[Slidemaster]

I wont overreact to a win or a loss but this is defintely a litmus test game. First of the year IMO. You can start reading into where you are and how you stack up after this game

The first litmus test was K.C. They failed that one.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

The first litmus test was K.C. They failed that one.

No it wasnt. It was the preseason. I mean Week 3.

[cprenegade]

I agree that KC was the first litmus test.  For a team entertaining SB thoughts, a Monday night home game (even w/o fans), that was a chance to prove they were at least close to KC on the big stage.  What they did was prove that KC is in a class all by themselves.  This is another test and coming off of a bye week, playing at home, a loss would be a big disappointment.  Pittsburgh is good, but they aren't KC level good.  If they have been keeping the reigns on Jackson, Sunday would be a good time to take them off.  You can't worry about staying on schedule or reducing anyone's work load.  You need to cut loose everything needed to win this game.  

[You Play to Win the Game]

I agree that KC was the first litmus test. For a team entertaining SB thoughts, a Monday night home game (even w/o fans), that was a chance to prove they were at least close to KC on the big stage. What they did was prove that KC is in a class all by themselves. This is another test and coming off of a bye week, playing at home, a loss would be a big disappointment. Pittsburgh is good, but they aren't KC level good. If they have been keeping the reigns on Jackson, Sunday would be a good time to take them off. You can't worry about staying on schedule or reducing anyone's work load. You need to cut loose everything needed to win this game.

I'm not so sure that's was proven. It seemed more likely to me that they just weren't ready mentally. In their heads. Views KC as their revenge on the playoff exit, rather than focusing on what they do well. Didn't play well at all. Think they're right there though, if the offense gains some consistency. Doesn't have to be 2019's offense. The defense is better.

[JordanKough]

Anyone trying to defend the KC performance I think is too purple colored glasses. It was a bomb of a game. They were prepared. KC played like it was a playoff game with a week off. We showed up like it was Thursday night football. 

 

That being said, it wasn't the playoffs. And if we can learn from the loss it's valuable. But I'd be hard pressed to disagree that we failed (badly) our first litmus test for this team as a SB contender this year. I agree, this game against Pitt is our 2nd litmus test this year, too.