162 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

CSN Baltimore: Bengals not inclined to rest
http://www.csnbaltim...t-inclined-rest

[BSLChrisStoner]

WNST: Harbaugh makes the right call by playing to win in Cincinnati
http://wnst.net/top-...-in-cincinnati/

[BSLChrisStoner]

PressBox: Ravens Could Face Bengals in back-to-back weeks
http://www.pressboxo...log.cfm?id=5625

[NewMarketSean]

I'd play the offensive starters for the first half, get them more familiar with Caldwell. Rest as many guys on defense as you can, and play Taylor and Co. In the second half. Play to win, but prepare for the playoffs too.

And the Ravens have more to play for than the Bengals.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I'd be inclined to rest everyone you could, but if you are going to play to win - you better win.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baltimore Beatdown: 3 Ravens that need to play Sunday
http://www.baltimore...-to-play-sunday

[BSLChrisStoner]

WNST: Brian Billick (Audio)
http://wnst.net/audi...avens with Drew

Billick, "Anyone that can benefit from being rested, should be rested."

[bnickle]

WNST: Brian Billick (Audio)
http://wnst.net/audi...avens with Drew

Billick, "Anyone that can benefit from being rested, should be rested."

This is correct and should be obvious. Billick got somewhat criticized if you remember the '03 season for playing all the starters against Pitt the last game of the season when the division was wrapped up. it was a tough, physical matchup that some believe contributed to our loss at home the next week to Tenn. The last thing we need to be doing is coming out of Cincy beat up going into the wildcard game which could be on Sat, so less than a full week of rest. I have to believe that anybody who is beat up won;t play and that we'll pull some key starters that do play after a half or so.

[SportsGuy]

WNST: Brian Billick (Audio)
http://wnst.net/audi...avens with Drew

Billick, "Anyone that can benefit from being rested, should be rested."

Of course...Anyone with any remote injury shouldn't play and guys like Joe(who I dont think should play), shouldn't be out there for much more than a few series.

Again, no reason to show pagano any new wrinkles in your offense under Caldwell.

Its funny how we have their head coach from last year and they have our DC from last year. They are a much different team than we are though, obviously.

But still, why give them anything to look at on tape?

[PD24]

Of course...Anyone with any remote injury shouldn't play and guys like Joe(who I dont think should play), shouldn't be out there for much more than a few series.

Again, no reason to show pagano any new wrinkles in your offense under Caldwell.

Its funny how we have their head coach from last year and they have our DC from last year. They are a much different team than we are though, obviously.

But still, why give them anything to look at on tape?

I agree with John Eisenberg...Crazier things have happened.

Not just saying this to find a loophole to justify this position, but honestly, I think if the Ravens played at Houston they would have a very decent shot at winning. And if NE played at Denver, I think it's a coin flip.

So basically, you need these things to happen:

Miami beats NE Sunday
Ravens beat Cinci Sunday
Ravens beat Indy first round of playoffs
NE beats Cinci first round of playoffs
NE beats Denver second round
Ravens beat Houston second round

Seems like a lot but once a couple of them start happening, you never know...

[The Epic]

I agree with John Eisenberg...Crazier things have happened.

Not just saying this to find a loophole to justify this position, but honestly, I think if the Ravens played at Houston they would have a very decent shot at winning. And if NE played at Denver, I think it's a coin flip.

So basically, you need these things to happen:

Miami beats NE Sunday
Ravens beat Cinci Sunday
Ravens beat Indy first round of playoffs
NE beats Cinci first round of playoffs
NE beats Denver second round
Ravens beat Houston second round

Seems like a lot but once a couple of them start happening, you never know...

If the Ravens win and NE loses, the Ravens play Cincy in the first round anyway, and would likely go to Denver after that.

[SportsGuy]

I agree with John Eisenberg...Crazier things have happened.

Not just saying this to find a loophole to justify this position, but honestly, I think if the Ravens played at Houston they would have a very decent shot at winning. And if NE played at Denver, I think it's a coin flip.

So basically, you need these things to happen:

Miami beats NE Sunday
Ravens beat Cinci Sunday
Ravens beat Indy first round of playoffs
NE beats Cinci first round of playoffs
NE beats Denver second round
Ravens beat Houston second round

Seems like a lot but once a couple of them start happening, you never know...

A healthy Ravens team can beat anyone. Just don't get the idea of being so fearful of the Broncos.

[bnickle]

A healthy Ravens team can beat anyone. Just don't get the idea of being so fearful of the Broncos.

They can beat anyone, and they shouldn't be fearfu,l but IMO Denver clearly is the toughest matchup for Baltimore.

[Mike B]

This is correct and should be obvious. Billick got somewhat criticized if you remember the '03 season for playing all the starters against Pitt the last game of the season when the division was wrapped up. it was a tough, physical matchup that some believe contributed to our loss at home the next week to Tenn. The last thing we need to be doing is coming out of Cincy beat up going into the wildcard game which could be on Sat, so less than a full week of rest. I have to believe that anybody who is beat up won;t play and that we'll pull some key starters that do play after a half or so.

If I remember that game correctly, it was the game Jamal Lewis went over 2000 yards and Stover won the game with a FG. I also remember Hines Ward saying, he never wanted to play for a dumb coach like Brian. I do not think anyone got hurt but the Ravens spent a lot of energy to win that game.

[SportsGuy]

They can beat anyone, and they shouldn't be fearfu,l but IMO Denver clearly is the toughest matchup for Baltimore.

Perhaps...but Denver isn't a great football team by any means.

[BSLChrisStoner]

PressBox: Cincinnati Preview
http://www.pressboxo...log.cfm?id=5634

[bnickle]

Perhaps...but Denver isn't a great football team by any means.

Great is pretty subjective, but I believe they're the best team in football right now.

[Mike B]

Great is pretty subjective, but I believe they're the best team in football right now.

I would agree, it really does not matter if they are great , it is a matter of who plays great the next 5 weeks.
The NY Giants were not a great team last year but they got the Lombardi. The Bronco's are playing better than anyone else right now, and ATL and the Seahawks are close but one of the other teams including the Ravens can make that claim with 5 good weeks of football.

[Chris B]

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider
John harbaugh said no way team would treat finale like its a preseason situation in terms of playing time

Not happy, but not unexpected from Harbaugh.

[Mike B]

Aaron Wilson ‏@RavensInsider
John harbaugh said no way team would treat finale like its a preseason situation in terms of playing time

Not happy, but not unexpected from Harbaugh.

I do not expect him to play it like a pre season but be smart John. Rest Ngata, Pollard, Yanda and maybe Ellerbe. If the Oline is a shambles early rest Joe.