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10 Thoughts on the New England Patriots
Started by
BSLChrisStoner
, Jan 15 2012 07:57 PM
11 replies to this topic
#1
BSLChrisStoner
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#2
weams
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Posted 15 January 2012 - 08:08 PM
Thanks, interesting read.
A nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
#3
You Play to Win the Game
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Posted 15 January 2012 - 08:45 PM
Another note about their defense... they were 3rd in the NFL in Giveaway/Takeaway variance with a +17. They forced 34 turnovers. A lot of those came in bunches against bad teams, after NE already had control of the game, but that is something the Ravens cannot do next week.
#5
BSLZackKiesel
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Posted 16 January 2012 - 12:22 AM
We just have to go in and focus on 3 things: Run the ball, pressure Brady, and cover the TEs. Running the ball keeps Brady off the field, pressuring him forces either sacks or picks, and covering his TEs removes his safety net. I'm not that scared of this offense. We're 1 game from the Super Bowl, got Pittsburgh out of the way, and are facing a team with no defense to speak of.
One thing to watch will be the wind. I think the Ravens can go deep on the Pats, but a strong wind could stop that. Gillette Stadium has an open end, sort of like Pittsburgh, and we all know how big an effect that wind has on teams.
One thing to watch will be the wind. I think the Ravens can go deep on the Pats, but a strong wind could stop that. Gillette Stadium has an open end, sort of like Pittsburgh, and we all know how big an effect that wind has on teams.
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#6
SportsGuy
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Posted 16 January 2012 - 10:47 AM
I think I fear Deion Branch in this game the most.
Remember what he did to us last year, when he first came back to NE...9 catches/98 yards and a TD
Remember what he did to us last year, when he first came back to NE...9 catches/98 yards and a TD
#7
Mike B
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Posted 16 January 2012 - 09:47 PM
I think we have to assume Brady is going to hurt us and make plays. this will be a game that the offense is going to have to carry the day. I think we will run the ball against the Pats, and will be able to throw the ball downfield. I know one thing. The Ravens are 7-0 this year against playoff teams and the Pats have won just 2 games against playoff teams and both of them were Denver. Frankly, I understand that the media is going to be gushing over the pats, because of what they did against Denver but the Ravens will be the best team they have faced all year. I also do not think the Pats have anywhere near the speed rushers and atheletes on the front 7 that Houston does which gave us so much trouble. The Ravens certainly can win this game.
As for the cold and wind, bring it on. The colder, and windier the better. Let's make this game an ugly street fight. I like the Ravens chances a lot in one of those. Go Ravens!!!
As for the cold and wind, bring it on. The colder, and windier the better. Let's make this game an ugly street fight. I like the Ravens chances a lot in one of those. Go Ravens!!!
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#8
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Posted 17 January 2012 - 10:19 AM
We must get a pass rush.
#9
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Posted 17 January 2012 - 10:29 AM
I'm oddly confident for this game. I just don't think the Patriots are some unbeatable juggernaut which many people (not folks in this thread) seem to be considering them to be. They haven't beaten anybody good, they've come out flat against mediocre teams, they can't play any D.
The games that each team played last weekend have no bearing on how I foresee this game on Sunday playing out. Each team played opponents that are wildly different than the one's they'll be playing on Sunday.
I agree that the keys to the game definitely include getting pressure on Brady, preferably with the front 4 but via the blitz if need be and to establish the run. I also think we have to throw the ball down the field, and do so efficiently, which I think we can do against the Patriots porous secondary. I expect either Smith or Evans to catch a deep pass (or at least a long DPI) that sets us up for a TD. I expect Boldin to destroy whomever they try to stick on him. And I think Pitta and Dickson (if he can hold onto the ball) will be major impacts as well. I think Rice will be more of a factor in the run game than the passing game, as the Pats will probably consider eliminating him from the attack as their #1 focus against the pass.
The Ravens will need to put up a big number to win this game, but not an outrageous number. Scoring 30 on this defense is easier than scoring 20 on the Texans like we did last week (although we did get set up very nicely on the TD drives). A major key to putting up that big number, will be red zone performance. We can't have FGs under 40 yards. When we get in close, we'll need to score TDs almost all the time.
33-27 Ravens, with a terrifying final minute drive by Brady that ultimately ends up falling short.
The games that each team played last weekend have no bearing on how I foresee this game on Sunday playing out. Each team played opponents that are wildly different than the one's they'll be playing on Sunday.
I agree that the keys to the game definitely include getting pressure on Brady, preferably with the front 4 but via the blitz if need be and to establish the run. I also think we have to throw the ball down the field, and do so efficiently, which I think we can do against the Patriots porous secondary. I expect either Smith or Evans to catch a deep pass (or at least a long DPI) that sets us up for a TD. I expect Boldin to destroy whomever they try to stick on him. And I think Pitta and Dickson (if he can hold onto the ball) will be major impacts as well. I think Rice will be more of a factor in the run game than the passing game, as the Pats will probably consider eliminating him from the attack as their #1 focus against the pass.
The Ravens will need to put up a big number to win this game, but not an outrageous number. Scoring 30 on this defense is easier than scoring 20 on the Texans like we did last week (although we did get set up very nicely on the TD drives). A major key to putting up that big number, will be red zone performance. We can't have FGs under 40 yards. When we get in close, we'll need to score TDs almost all the time.
33-27 Ravens, with a terrifying final minute drive by Brady that ultimately ends up falling short.
#11
You Play to Win the Game
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Posted 17 January 2012 - 05:19 PM
I agree with Mackus. Bottom line for me is that you have to be on Brady all game, you've got to get Rice going in the run game, and Dickson and Pitta have to play a solid game and not drop catch-able, key 3rd down conversions (or any passes for that matter).
#12
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 17 January 2012 - 08:49 PM
I also think the Ravens are going to win.
Perhaps I am looking at this with purple and black covered glasses; but when I look at the two teams - I just see more talent at all levels from the Ravens.
I pointed out in the write-up that Mark Anderson had 10 sacks. With all respect to him, I don't think New England is going to get consistent pressure on Flacco. If NE spends the game dropping back into coverage, Rice will kill them underneath. If NE brings extra pass rushers, I expect Flacco will beat them over the top.
Gronkowski, and Hernandez will get (with reason) plenty of headlines going into this game. I think Pitta, and Dickson open up plenty of eyes with a large share of their own plays.
Perhaps I am looking at this with purple and black covered glasses; but when I look at the two teams - I just see more talent at all levels from the Ravens.
I pointed out in the write-up that Mark Anderson had 10 sacks. With all respect to him, I don't think New England is going to get consistent pressure on Flacco. If NE spends the game dropping back into coverage, Rice will kill them underneath. If NE brings extra pass rushers, I expect Flacco will beat them over the top.
Gronkowski, and Hernandez will get (with reason) plenty of headlines going into this game. I think Pitta, and Dickson open up plenty of eyes with a large share of their own plays.
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