8 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

BSL: Ravens crush Tampa Bay; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

http://baltimorespor...-ravens/ravens/

[Mike in STL]

Some notes I took during the game:

 

First team defense looks noticeably faster. There were times when Suggs and Dumervil were in the backfield in a hurry. Chris Canty’s sack came with only a four man rush.

 

I saw no double TE sets with the first team. Everything was a check down or underneath. No point in giving anything away, or getting anyone hurt. Extremely conservative to the point where Flacco even checked down on third down free play when Tampa was offside.

 

Courtney Upshaw played on first down as the Sam LB, Elvis Dumervil replaced him on second and third.

 

Terrence Cody looks slimmer. Didn’t look as bad as he did at times last year, which is to say he’s showing small signs of improvement. Is it too little too late though?  

 

Daryl Smith had his name called the most of the first teamers on defense. Always seemed to be around the ball carrier, and nearly caused a fumble getting to Mike Glennon’s arm.

 

Matt Elam played the entire game. At least, I saw him on the field during all four quarters. Saw him in on a couple solid tackles, but QBs didn’t challenge him.

 

Speaking of rookies, I didn’t hear Arthur Brown’s name once. Did you? I saw him out there though.

 

Rookies Kyle Juszczyk and Brandon Williams paved the way for Bobby Rainey’s long kick return.

 

Albert McClellan was run over Brian Leonard on his goal line TD run.

 

A.Q. Shipley looked very good in run and pass blocking. Gino Gradkowski was probably fine, but he did not grab my attention.

 

The offense for Tyrod Taylor is catered to his strengths. Some designed QB runs, option pitches, etc…  Jim Caldwell isn’t trying to make him something he’s not. Taylor played from the third drive until the second to last drive of the game. Time wise he played for about three whole quarters. I think Coach Harbaugh wants to give him a real good look before deciding whether or not he needs a third QB on the depth chart.  Taylor was 13/23 for 154 yards and two TDs, good for a QB rating of 106.1.

[Mackus]

They didn't have a 3rd QB on the depth chart last year.  No chance they go with a third QB this year.

 

The only real important thing from the game, IMO, are the injuries.  Pierce and Thompson were the two obvious concerns from last night, any update on those guys?  Thompson looked like his could be more of a concern moving forward than Pierce's injury, but that was just an initial reaction.

[Mike in STL]

They didn't have a 3rd QB on the depth chart last year.  No chance they go with a third QB this year.

 

The only real important thing from the game, IMO, are the injuries.  Pierce and Thompson were the two obvious concerns from last night, any update on those guys?  Thompson looked like his could be more of a concern moving forward than Pierce's injury, but that was just an initial reaction.

Haven't heard the details of any injuries yet. Coach mentioned on the website that those guys have MRI's and X-rays today

[Chris B]

@RavensInsider: Of the two injuries, Deonte Thompson's left foot, ankle regarded as more serious of the two. Unclear how long he'll be sidelined

@RavensInsider: Bernard Pierce injury not regarded as serious, should be fine, per a source. Will get checked out further today

[NewMarketSean]

Sucks to possibly lose Thompson for an extended period of time. If he does miss a lot of time the Ravens have to bring in someone else.

 

It'll be interesting to see Taylor play this preseason with Caldwell calling plays. I think Cameron and Taylor was a bad match-up based on Cameron's style of offense and Taylor's skill set. Maybe Caldwell gets more out of him. Last night was a step in the right direction.

[SportsGuy]

This defense is going to be good...big, physical, fast and strong. The Dline is so improved.

Still have Lber questions but they will be better and an improved Dline will help mask that potential issue.

Btw, let's hope Webb is healthy....he is huge for this team if he can get back to where he was.

[BSLMattJergensen]

Daryl Smith is going to be just fine. He's a big signing.

 

I think once these guys get used to communication with each other this defense has great potential.

[SportsGuy]

Opposing QBs are going to get hit a lot this year.