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Posted 08 December 2022 - 02:43 PM
https://baltimorespo...-up-stock-down/
Ironically, I think every team in the AFC North except the one in first place, the Ravens, is trending up. Check out my latest column to find out why and read some thoughts on the Deshaun Watson situation.
Let me know what you agree or disagree with-let's talk about it here.
Jim Johnson
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Posted 08 December 2022 - 06:41 PM
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Posted 08 December 2022 - 07:40 PM
Nice write up, Jim. With each passing week, I'm more and more convinced that the Ravens are their own worst enemy. They're trending down because they won't commit to power football offensively. Why they continually defy their strengths and try to force a round peg into a square hole is beyond me. It's frustrating and at times, infuriating. I would rather they just go back to 2018, try to pound teams into submission and if it ultimately isn't good enough, so be it. I don't like the whole, dink and dunk is as good as a run mentality. To me, it's a passive, defeatist tactic, not one of strength and commitment. I know I'm preaching to the choir but if they have any chance for a deep run in the playoffs(or even make them), they have to go back to enforcing their will on the ground.
HOF
Posted 08 December 2022 - 08:22 PM
Nice write up, Jim. With each passing week, I'm more and more convinced that the Ravens are their own worst enemy. They're trending down because they won't commit to power football offensively. Why they continually defy their strengths and try to force a round peg into a square hole is beyond me. It's frustrating and at times, infuriating. I would rather they just go back to 2018, try to pound teams into submission and if it ultimately isn't good enough, so be it. I don't like the whole, dink and dunk is as good as a run mentality. To me, it's a passive, defeatist tactic, not one of strength and commitment. I know I'm preaching to the choir but if they have any chance for a deep run in the playoffs(or even make them), they have to go back to enforcing their will on the ground.
I agree that I would love to see them go back to power football, but I don't know that they have the horses to do it this year. When/if Gus Edwards and Ronnie Stanley can stay on the field, that may be a more viable option. I totally despise the dink and dunk offense, which will be the entire passing game with Huntley at QB. I wish they would take more shot with Duvernay, maybe even Proche-this is where they miss Bateman...again.
They might be able to hang on to a playoff spot playing the way they have the last few weeks, but it would be a short stay. Offenses have to make plays to win in the playoffs in today's NFL, and that continues to be a major problem for this year's Ravens. I would like to see a change at OC next year, talk about preaching to the choir. It seems the Greg Roman system has run its course.
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Posted 08 December 2022 - 08:33 PM
Maybe it's a coincidence or just game flow. But in games where Stanley plays they average about 33 rushes for 177 yards and 5.33 yards per carry. When he doesn't they average about 28 rushes for 139 yards or 4.96 yards per carry. 5-1 record with, 3-3 without. Does it mean anything? I don't know.
HOF
Posted 08 December 2022 - 08:56 PM
Maybe it's a coincidence or just game flow. But in games where Stanley plays they average about 33 rushes for 177 yards and 5.33 yards per carry. When he doesn't they average about 28 rushes for 139 yards or 4.96 yards per carry. 5-1 record with, 3-3 without. Does it mean anything? I don't know.
When you extract Lamar from the equation, I wonder what the YPC is with Stanley and without him.
HOF
Posted 08 December 2022 - 08:59 PM
Pretty spot on. I think the main reason for Cincinnati's surge has been that the investment in their offensive line is finally paying off. They are not giving up sacks and they are run blocking well for either Mixon or Perine. With the skill players that Cincinnati has if their Oline stays healthy they are right there with KC and Buffalo.
For the second year in a row the Ravens started off hot, even with the defensive collapses, and look like they are limping to the finish. They probably finish either 3-2 or 2-3 and still make the playoffs, but it will probably be a road playoff game and most likely a one and done.
For Pittsburgh it's all about Kenny Pickett showing progress. They aren't winning out to make the playoffs, but if Pickett shows progress it sets them up for a possible rebound next year. But they seriously need to fix that Oline. I don't know their cap situation, but you would figure that without Roethlisberger's contract they should have money to spend this offseason.
Cleveland is still Cleveland. I've always thought DeShaun Watson was overrated and his first game back looked like it. We'll see if it was just rust but they aren't going anywhere this year either. I think they were pointing to next year from the moment they signed him anyway. It just remains to be seen if he can even show flashes of being a decent QB after all of the time off.
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