Wingnut
Footballguy
Per Schefter:
Here’s what Baltimore is getting in its trade with Chicago: Roquan Smith leads the NFL in tackles this season, and over the last five seasons, only Bobby Wagner has more tackles than Smith.
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*****Official Baltimore Ravens Thread***** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Uruk-Hai
- Start date
Per Schefter:
Here’s what Baltimore is getting in its trade with Chicago: Roquan Smith leads the NFL in tackles this season, and over the last five seasons, only Bobby Wagner has more tackles than Smith.
Bracie Smathers
Footballguy
The Ravens now have the best LBers in the NFL.
And have to point out that MLB Patrick Queen is breaking out in his 3rd year. He looked like a bust but has definitely turned it around this season.
The Emergence of Ravens Linebacker Patrick Queen Baltimore Ravens LB Patrick Queen has been stellar.
-OZ-
Footballguy
Honestly, I don’t see a lot of bears games but the few I do he’s been good. His stats certainly indicate an ability to tackle.
Should be interesting to see if the ravens can pay Lamar and keep their defense intact.
-OZ-
Footballguy
It’s weird to me to see elder statesmen on the outside and the “young” guys in the middle. Stout D for sure.
The_Man
Footballguy
This trade adds to my theory that the Ravens have been slow playing this season, taking their time with injured guys, experimenting with different offensive approaches. With the Bye after the game at New Orleans a week from tonight, great time for a new player to get up to speed. Really looking forward to watching what this team does after the Bye - adding Smith, Bowser, and (maybe) Ojabo, and getting Houston and Campbell healthy, is a big infusion of talent
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
The ability to limit Houston's snaps is a big deal. Having a healthy Bowser and Oweh getting his head out of his butt will allow the Ravens to do that. Same with JPP - he & Houston should be getting no more than about 20 snaps per game.
Ojabo is a complete mystery to me. I originally counted him out for the entire season. If he's anywhere close to normal, they should have the best pass rush they've had in years.
Another nice thing about Bowser is that he can flip to ILB should the need arise.
Queen has been better this season, though he's still too inconsistent to lead the defense. He gets lost on too many plays when he should be setting the second-line wall. If Smith is able to fit in and continue to be a tackle machine, that lets Queen free-lance more and look for splash plays (which is what he's good at).
Bracie Smathers
Footballguy
Jamison Hensley
@jamisonhensley
With the Bengals' loss to Browns, the Ravens (5-3) currently don't face a team with a winning record in their final 9 games:
@ Saints (3-5)
vs. Panthers (2-6)
@ Jaguars (2-6)
vs. Broncos (3-5)
@ Steelers (2-6)
@ Browns (3-5)
vs. Falcons (4-4)
vs. Steelers (2-6)
@ Bengals (4-4)
@jamisonhensley
With the Bengals' loss to Browns, the Ravens (5-3) currently don't face a team with a winning record in their final 9 games:
@ Saints (3-5)
vs. Panthers (2-6)
@ Jaguars (2-6)
vs. Broncos (3-5)
@ Steelers (2-6)
@ Browns (3-5)
vs. Falcons (4-4)
vs. Steelers (2-6)
@ Bengals (4-4)
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
So, now Baltimore has two top players (Jackson & Smith) whose contracts will be up at the end of the season. They can't franchise both. The options are:
1. Franchise Jackson & let Smith walk. They'll get a compensatory back.
2. Franchise Jackson & sign Smith.
3. Franchise Smith and let Jackson walk. Add a compensatory pick.
4. Franchise Smith and sign Jackson.
5. Sign both.
6. Let both walk.
Which is the most likely?
Given that the Ravens hoard draft picks like gold, I think they're going all in on winning the SB this year. That De Costa thinks the 2nd & 5th rounders traded for Smith in return for a championship and a (most likely) 3rd round comp pick is worth the gamble if they let Smith so after the season. I believe he's already under the franchise tag, right? If so, they aren't supposed to negotiate with him until after the season. Smith doesn't have an agent and will probably want the moon.
With Jackson, it's even more complicated because he's so beloved by the fans. But I could honestly - now - see him playing somewhere else next year, especially (and this'll sound backwards) if they win the title this season. It would be a massive PR hit, but they'd survive it. As a fan, I'd hate to see him leave because he's been - by far - the most fun player to watch that they've had.
I'm too dumb to understand all of the cap stuff, so I'm sure I'm missing a lot of pieces in my thinking.
1. Franchise Jackson & let Smith walk. They'll get a compensatory back.
2. Franchise Jackson & sign Smith.
3. Franchise Smith and let Jackson walk. Add a compensatory pick.
4. Franchise Smith and sign Jackson.
5. Sign both.
6. Let both walk.
Which is the most likely?
Given that the Ravens hoard draft picks like gold, I think they're going all in on winning the SB this year. That De Costa thinks the 2nd & 5th rounders traded for Smith in return for a championship and a (most likely) 3rd round comp pick is worth the gamble if they let Smith so after the season. I believe he's already under the franchise tag, right? If so, they aren't supposed to negotiate with him until after the season. Smith doesn't have an agent and will probably want the moon.
With Jackson, it's even more complicated because he's so beloved by the fans. But I could honestly - now - see him playing somewhere else next year, especially (and this'll sound backwards) if they win the title this season. It would be a massive PR hit, but they'd survive it. As a fan, I'd hate to see him leave because he's been - by far - the most fun player to watch that they've had.
I'm too dumb to understand all of the cap stuff, so I'm sure I'm missing a lot of pieces in my thinking.
Smith is playing under the 5th year option not the franchise tag. He is going to want a huge contract, so they could potentially let him walk and re-coup a comp pick, although that wouldn't be until 2024 and could be lost if they sign other free agents.
I don't think this is an "all in" move for this year. He should help some but it isn't really going to move the needle on winning a championship, they're certainly still behind Buffalo and KC. Think this is more about getting a good, young player for the next ~5 years. I would like to think they discussed parameters of an extension but if not, they can cross that bridge after the season and the comp pick can be a back-up plan.
I think they view both as important pieces of their future and would prefer to sign both in the offseason. The giant unknown is what the players want to do. Both are very good but not worth huge, record breaking contracts. The cap plays a HUGE role here, the more they pay these guys the less they'll have for the rest of the roster. You can push most of it into future years to give themselves a couple year window but eventually you have to pay the piper.
I've said this in Lamar's thread but I'm sorry, there's no way they can justify paying him more than Allen and Mahomes. He simply isn't on their level so they're already behind those two teams at the QB position, and if they pay him more than they make the rest of the roster will fall even farther behind. The fact that he doesn't have an agent (his mom?) is a big problem IMO, they seem fixated on getting a bigger deal than Watson and I feel like most agents would at least privately tell him that the "market" is more the Allen and Mahomes deals, not the awful one-off contract the Browns gave out to Watson. Hard to know where each party is in this though, we only have rumors to go off of.
So, my guess is the Ravens would prefer option 5, as long as the players are reasonable and willing to accept huge, but not record shattering contracts. If not, given the choice Lamar is the obvious franchise candidate, if for no other reason than his trade value would be far greater.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Thanks for the clarification on Smith's situation.
The QB Leap Frog game has been going on for years - it's about timing, not quality.
For De Costa to trade a 2nd round pick is a seismic move for a team that values high picks like almost no other organization. Sure, they'll move around with them but it's always within a range (that's how they got Jackson and his 5th year option).
I think the Ravens see (rightly or wrongly) a clear path to the SB this year and believe they are loading up for it, let next year happen as it will.
The QB Leap Frog game has been going on for years - it's about timing, not quality.
For De Costa to trade a 2nd round pick is a seismic move for a team that values high picks like almost no other organization. Sure, they'll move around with them but it's always within a range (that's how they got Jackson and his 5th year option).
I think the Ravens see (rightly or wrongly) a clear path to the SB this year and believe they are loading up for it, let next year happen as it will.
I agree that the investment in Smith is significant, but that's why I think this was with the longer term in mind- they wouldn't give up so much for an insignificant increase in odds of winning it all this year IMO. Don't get me wrong, I like him as a player, but he's an off-ball ILB not Micah Parsons, I just don't see how he moves the needle on their chances at beating Mahomes or Allen this year. This seems much more about trying to get some stability in place for the next ~5 years, with the added benefit of hopefully helping this season. If it doesn't work out, either he doesn't fit in or wants way too much money (which I would hope they've discussed already), then he walks and they get a comp pick which isn't the end of the world.
If they would have dealt for an aging veteran, especially at a more premium position like WR, that would have been much more of a "win now" move IMO.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Man, Bateman just can't get a break. And who knows that's going on with Andrews...... Gonna see lots of Duvernay and Likely (who should be getting a lot of play anyway). Robinson will have a big game or two. I can't imagine DeShaun Jackson will bring much to the table, but I'm just a dumb outsider. Proche & Tylan Wallace have done nothing. As Elrond says in the LOTR movies (paraphrasing): "Our list of receiving options grow thin".
Remaining schedule:
@NO
BYE
Carolina
@jacksonville
Denver
@Pittsburgh
@Cleveland
Atlanta
Pittsburgh
@Cincy
I was a little more confident in Baltimore's chances against NO before I saw the whipping they put on the Raiders last week. I think they'll win the home games remaining (although Baltimore/Pittsburgh always produces weird games) and one or two of the road games. Many of the national media types are saying things this week like "The Ravens are going on a run with that schedule", but I don't know. They'll probably be favored in all but the last game (unless Jackson gets hurt, but maybe even then).
I think the defense is gonna get a lot better (honestly, they haven't been bad overall and the offense hasn't helped them) and I like that they went smashmouth on offense against TB in the 2nd half last week. If it has to be Kenyon Drake & Justice Hill until Dobbins and Edwards come back, so be it. Duvernay can help there, too. And the QB can run a little.
The line seems to be gelling and opening bigger and bigger holes. Lindebaum at C has been improving rapidly and should get some down-card votes for OROY. Having Mekari as the first sub is a fantastic luxury, as he can play all 5 OL positions well so he can spell guys on a rotating basis - limiting everyone's snap count as needed.
Anyone heard if Roquan Smith is due for much playing time Monday night?
Remaining schedule:
@NO
BYE
Carolina
@jacksonville
Denver
@Pittsburgh
@Cleveland
Atlanta
Pittsburgh
@Cincy
I was a little more confident in Baltimore's chances against NO before I saw the whipping they put on the Raiders last week. I think they'll win the home games remaining (although Baltimore/Pittsburgh always produces weird games) and one or two of the road games. Many of the national media types are saying things this week like "The Ravens are going on a run with that schedule", but I don't know. They'll probably be favored in all but the last game (unless Jackson gets hurt, but maybe even then).
I think the defense is gonna get a lot better (honestly, they haven't been bad overall and the offense hasn't helped them) and I like that they went smashmouth on offense against TB in the 2nd half last week. If it has to be Kenyon Drake & Justice Hill until Dobbins and Edwards come back, so be it. Duvernay can help there, too. And the QB can run a little.
The line seems to be gelling and opening bigger and bigger holes. Lindebaum at C has been improving rapidly and should get some down-card votes for OROY. Having Mekari as the first sub is a fantastic luxury, as he can play all 5 OL positions well so he can spell guys on a rotating basis - limiting everyone's snap count as needed.
Anyone heard if Roquan Smith is due for much playing time Monday night?
Agreed on most points. The OL has graded out very highly and should improve as Stanley keeps getting healthier and Linderbaum gets more and more experience. He’s really come on the past couple games. I think Roquan will have learned more about the defense in the past few days than Queen has learned in a couple years here. Let Roquan do his thing and Queen can free lance and use his atheletism and minimize the damage when he’s totally lost out there. Very excited for the return of Bowser too!
The_Man
Footballguy
Wow other than Lamar missing a couple of open throws and Likely taking a step back (even with his TD) that was quite a performance. It was kind of like a high school game and I mean that in the best way - they knew their running game was too big and strong for NO to stop, so once they got up 14, they just bullied the Saints on the ground the rest of the way because they knew there was literally no way they could lose if they did
The only other down spot is the secondary, especially Peters. They need to stop gambling and/or getting fancy trying to disguise stuff because that’s when they get burned. Just line up and beat the man in front of you. I have been liking the D’s evolution and the front 7, turbocharged by Smith’s arrival, turned in one of the best performances we’ve seen in years. Bowser had burst and they were able to ease him back in. And Houston on a snap count is a force. Put Ojabo in that mix and more good things will happen
If you get a chance take a look at Houston’s first sack. Queen blitzes like a missile and intentionally destroys the LG (who was blocking Houston) and Houston stunts around behind Queen and walks into Dalton’s lap.
Harbs gave them the whole week off, they are going to get rested, going to get healthier, and I think we’re in for a very fun couple of months. Still thinking 2012 but this time we go through Allen and Mahomes instead of Manning and Brady
The only other down spot is the secondary, especially Peters. They need to stop gambling and/or getting fancy trying to disguise stuff because that’s when they get burned. Just line up and beat the man in front of you. I have been liking the D’s evolution and the front 7, turbocharged by Smith’s arrival, turned in one of the best performances we’ve seen in years. Bowser had burst and they were able to ease him back in. And Houston on a snap count is a force. Put Ojabo in that mix and more good things will happen
If you get a chance take a look at Houston’s first sack. Queen blitzes like a missile and intentionally destroys the LG (who was blocking Houston) and Houston stunts around behind Queen and walks into Dalton’s lap.
Harbs gave them the whole week off, they are going to get rested, going to get healthier, and I think we’re in for a very fun couple of months. Still thinking 2012 but this time we go through Allen and Mahomes instead of Manning and Brady
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I wasn't able to see the game because I'm way old and can't do night games during the week.
I think this is how they need to win. Run the ball. That'll open up splash plays in the passing games. Plus, it keeps the defense rested which helps guys like Campbell and Houston.
How did their new shiny toy Smith look at ILB?
The_Man
Footballguy
At least as good as vintage CJ Mosley, probably a little better than that. Was absolutely a difference maker and Queen looked shot out of a cannon next to him. Marcus Peters played great in run support but was very exposed in coverage. He needs to get right or there is about to be a great big target on his back moving forward. Really the only down note of the night (with Lamar’s periodic inaccuracy as a much smaller quibble)
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I've noticed that about him this year. He's not very consistent but, when dialed in, he's a much better run defender this season that he used to be (when he'd basically high-tail it away from the runner). I wonder if the injury has slowed him to the point where his cover skills are gone...... or maybe trying to be too cute (or both).
Good to hear about Smith. They've struggled there in recent seasons. And being able to turn Queen loose is a double bonus, as he's just not cut out to build a wall in the middle. He can run like a deer, though, and can make big plays.
I've seen the highlights on NFLN this morning. Smith paralyzed Kamara on that 3rd and 1. That was as hard a hit as I've seen in a good while.
The_Man
Footballguy
Good injury updates today
Edwards back after the bye, Dobbins in a few weeks
Best of all, he said Marcus Williams sometime in December, I kind of thought he was done for the year
Didn’t mention Andrews, I think that means he’s fine, they were just protecting him this week. Conspiracy folks think it means he’s seriously injured, though, and they’re hiding it
Edwards back after the bye, Dobbins in a few weeks
Best of all, he said Marcus Williams sometime in December, I kind of thought he was done for the year
Didn’t mention Andrews, I think that means he’s fine, they were just protecting him this week. Conspiracy folks think it means he’s seriously injured, though, and they’re hiding it
The_Man
Footballguy
Wait til you see the Saints’ garbage time TD, you’ll really think the Ravens were on drugs
Ravens activated 4th round pick Charlie Kolar from IR, a 6-7 tight end. They now have 5 TEs on the 53-man roster. They also now have 10 (!) rookies on the 53-man. The 2022 draft seems to have really restocked the cupboard, maybe that’s part of their willingness to deal a #2 pick for what seems like a rental of Roquan.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
They're probably gonna have to cut Boyle (who hasn't been right since he got hurt) and/or Oliver, right?
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Just saw that. Chuck Clark must have come down off of his high a few minutes too quickly. Peters, I could see.......that it was Clark who bailed surprises me.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Tell me he doesn't have COVID again.
The_Man
Footballguy
Harbaugh press conference at 1:30, I guess we'll get injury updates then. Lamar said that he saw Ronnie Stanley postgame and it wasn't that bad. Looks like an ankle sprain, maybe he misses time but shouldn't be a season-ender. Hamilton's knee didn't look good but he was standing in the locker room post-game without crutches or a boot so at least there's some cause for optimism. Still looked like an ACL though
Ravens have now had double digit leads in all 10 games this season. But they really miss Bateman - when other teams treat Duvernay like the Ravens #1 WR and put their top CB on him, he instantly vanishes. He just can't beat the top CBs. I haven't watched the game yet but I'm disappointed that they still seem not to have figured out a way to get Andrews and Likely on the field together. Especially with their woes at WR, they need to make this work. Boyle only got like 3 or 4 snaps, he's an obvious cap casualty next year and I wonder if they go ahead and cut him to make room for the rookie blocking TE Kollar whenever he's ready for game action. Ojabo also didn't get in the game yesterday - I know he's still practicing his way into game shape and maybe they anticipated a run-heavy attack from Carolina so they're saving him for when they need a pass rush specialist.
I know it's only 2 games and vs subpar competition but the Ravens D has basically played at 2000 Ravens level since Roquan Smith arrived:
Rushing: 32 carries for 84 yards (2.63 yards/carry)
Passing: 41 of 63, 419 yds, 1 TD-3 INTs (69.5 passer rating)
8 sacks and 4 turnovers
8 points per game allowed
2000 Ravens allowed 2.7 yards/carry and a 61.1 passer rating, 10.3 points per game
Marlon Humphrey as the nearest defender yesterday, per NextGenStats: 1 interception, 0 receptions allowed on 2 targets over 31 coverage snaps. Yes, Marlo had more receptions than the WRs he was covering on the day. We love former Terp DJ Moore but he sure looks like he's checked out early on this season.
All in all, a dominant defensive performance combined with a very mediocre showing by the offense - still won by double digits in a game they never trailed. Time to forget this one, hope for the best with the injuries, and move on to the next one
Ravens have now had double digit leads in all 10 games this season. But they really miss Bateman - when other teams treat Duvernay like the Ravens #1 WR and put their top CB on him, he instantly vanishes. He just can't beat the top CBs. I haven't watched the game yet but I'm disappointed that they still seem not to have figured out a way to get Andrews and Likely on the field together. Especially with their woes at WR, they need to make this work. Boyle only got like 3 or 4 snaps, he's an obvious cap casualty next year and I wonder if they go ahead and cut him to make room for the rookie blocking TE Kollar whenever he's ready for game action. Ojabo also didn't get in the game yesterday - I know he's still practicing his way into game shape and maybe they anticipated a run-heavy attack from Carolina so they're saving him for when they need a pass rush specialist.
I know it's only 2 games and vs subpar competition but the Ravens D has basically played at 2000 Ravens level since Roquan Smith arrived:
Rushing: 32 carries for 84 yards (2.63 yards/carry)
Passing: 41 of 63, 419 yds, 1 TD-3 INTs (69.5 passer rating)
8 sacks and 4 turnovers
8 points per game allowed
2000 Ravens allowed 2.7 yards/carry and a 61.1 passer rating, 10.3 points per game
Marlon Humphrey as the nearest defender yesterday, per NextGenStats: 1 interception, 0 receptions allowed on 2 targets over 31 coverage snaps. Yes, Marlo had more receptions than the WRs he was covering on the day. We love former Terp DJ Moore but he sure looks like he's checked out early on this season.
All in all, a dominant defensive performance combined with a very mediocre showing by the offense - still won by double digits in a game they never trailed. Time to forget this one, hope for the best with the injuries, and move on to the next one
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Me, too. I don't understand it. I was calling for it even before Bateman got hurt. Robinson had a great game, but I'm not sure Baltimore can count on him to do that week-after-week.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Of course, we know Harbaugh lies through his teeth.
jtp1982
Footballguy
Stanley needs more MRI’s but he’s trending in the right direction got
it Harbaugh.
The_Man
Footballguy
NFL Defense rankings since Week 4
Total yards per game allowed
1. Washington: 273
2. Baltimore: 284
3. Rams: 297
Rushing yards per game allowed
Tenn 55.3 (2.8 ypc)
Bal 78.5
SF 82.1
Titans gave up 435 yards rushing in Weeks 1-3, run D has been insane ever since - like 2000 Ravens quality. Meanwhile the Ravens D has been even better than I realized after finding itself in 32nd place after Week 3 - and they're on the verge of dominant since Roquan arrived. They'll miss rookie Kyle Hamilton until he's back though - he had been playing 100% of the nickel snaps and getting better each week. Marcus Williams returned to practice this week, looks like he'll be back in game action in 3-4 weeks.
Total yards per game allowed
1. Washington: 273
2. Baltimore: 284
3. Rams: 297
Rushing yards per game allowed
Tenn 55.3 (2.8 ypc)
Bal 78.5
SF 82.1
Titans gave up 435 yards rushing in Weeks 1-3, run D has been insane ever since - like 2000 Ravens quality. Meanwhile the Ravens D has been even better than I realized after finding itself in 32nd place after Week 3 - and they're on the verge of dominant since Roquan arrived. They'll miss rookie Kyle Hamilton until he's back though - he had been playing 100% of the nickel snaps and getting better each week. Marcus Williams returned to practice this week, looks like he'll be back in game action in 3-4 weeks.
The_Man
Footballguy
Not really. They said he's been looking good in practice - quicker than before the recent surgery, so it's clear the scar tissue was really slowing him down. But the Ravens have been super slow bringing guys back this year and I don't see why this would be any different. I'd be very surprised if he plays before the Dec. 24 game at the earliest
The_Man
Footballguy
Weird vibe among the fans in town about this team. Everyone seems to think the bottom is about to fall out and the last 5 weeks of this season will be a replay of last year. People are already speculating about what might happen if they miss the playoffs. I think that is so off base. Yes, losing Lamar obviously hurts, but I have to say he wasn't playing that great of late anyway. More to the point, last year's team was a massive overachiever to be 8-3 - and this year's team has significantly underachieved at 8-4. The offense has been a mess since Bateman went down but they're a different team when Ronnie Stanley is on the field, which seems poised to happen again this week. And the defense since Roquan Smith arrived is one of the best in the NFL - yes, they stunk when the Jags threw on them every down when Kyle Hamilton missed the game, but that was an aberration. I don't think most people recognize how very good this D is going to be when Marcus Williams gets back.
All of that being said, this Sunday is going to be an ugly slog and I think the Steelers win, something like 19-9, which will make the fan freakout even worse.
On an unrelated note, I have taken advantage of every new online sportsbook promo offer to amass many many hundreds of dollars in free bets across the various apps. I have then laid those free bets off vs each other and taken out several hundred risk-free dollars in winnings. That, plus signing up my wife for accounts and repeating the process with her accounts, has enabled me to net over $1100, all without risking a dime. If you want all the details, DM me - note: this only works for Maryland residents as online sports betting just went live here and the books are offering all kinds of deals
All of that being said, this Sunday is going to be an ugly slog and I think the Steelers win, something like 19-9, which will make the fan freakout even worse.
On an unrelated note, I have taken advantage of every new online sportsbook promo offer to amass many many hundreds of dollars in free bets across the various apps. I have then laid those free bets off vs each other and taken out several hundred risk-free dollars in winnings. That, plus signing up my wife for accounts and repeating the process with her accounts, has enabled me to net over $1100, all without risking a dime. If you want all the details, DM me - note: this only works for Maryland residents as online sports betting just went live here and the books are offering all kinds of deals
The_Man
Footballguy
RB Mike Davis waived, Dobbins activated, shows how much I know
JohnnyU
Footballguy
Risky to start Dobbins, but some may be forced to.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Baltimore Sun - We are currently unavailable in your region
Huntley back at practice today
The_Man
Footballguy
In the last 10 years, 12 NFL teams have won 2 straight games while scoring 1 TD or less in both. The Ravens are responsible for 4 of those 12 instances (LOL) including their current 2-game streak. No other team has done it more than once.
I've been saying all year that this season reminds me of 2012. That year, the Ravens won back-to-back games in Weeks 10-11 in which they scored 1 TD in each, beating Pittsburgh 13-10 and San Diego 16-13 (OT). That San Diego win was, of course, the Ray Rice 4th and 29 game. The Ravens then went 1-4 the rest of the regular season before somehow winning the Super Bowl.
If the Ravens win vs Cleveland while scoring 1 TD or less, they'll be just the 8th team since 1970 to win 3 straight such games. Other fun facts:
In the 5 games Ronnie Stanley has played at least 75% of the offensive snaps, the Ravens have averaged 201 rushing yards/game on 5.5 yards/carry.
In the 8 games he hasn't played that much, they've rushed for 138 yds/game (4.9 ypc).
For comparison, in 2019 they averaged 206 rush yds/game (on 5.5 yards/carry).
In the 5 games since Roquan Smith arrived, the Ravens D is:
#3 in total yards allowed (276/game)
#1 in rush D (55 yards/game)
#1 in yards per carry (2.8)
#2 in points/game (13.4)
#5 in turnovers
#6 in sacks
Even since Week 4, they're #3 in total Defense and rushing Defense, and #4 in points per game. In the 4 games where Roquan and Kyle Hamilton have been in the lineup together, they’ve allowed a total of 39 points (9.75/game). Because of all the blown leads early in the season, I feel like people don't appreciate how excellent the Defense is playing now, particularly since Roquan arrived.
I've been saying all year that this season reminds me of 2012. That year, the Ravens won back-to-back games in Weeks 10-11 in which they scored 1 TD in each, beating Pittsburgh 13-10 and San Diego 16-13 (OT). That San Diego win was, of course, the Ray Rice 4th and 29 game. The Ravens then went 1-4 the rest of the regular season before somehow winning the Super Bowl.
If the Ravens win vs Cleveland while scoring 1 TD or less, they'll be just the 8th team since 1970 to win 3 straight such games. Other fun facts:
In the 5 games Ronnie Stanley has played at least 75% of the offensive snaps, the Ravens have averaged 201 rushing yards/game on 5.5 yards/carry.
In the 8 games he hasn't played that much, they've rushed for 138 yds/game (4.9 ypc).
For comparison, in 2019 they averaged 206 rush yds/game (on 5.5 yards/carry).
In the 5 games since Roquan Smith arrived, the Ravens D is:
#3 in total yards allowed (276/game)
#1 in rush D (55 yards/game)
#1 in yards per carry (2.8)
#2 in points/game (13.4)
#5 in turnovers
#6 in sacks
Even since Week 4, they're #3 in total Defense and rushing Defense, and #4 in points per game. In the 4 games where Roquan and Kyle Hamilton have been in the lineup together, they’ve allowed a total of 39 points (9.75/game). Because of all the blown leads early in the season, I feel like people don't appreciate how excellent the Defense is playing now, particularly since Roquan arrived.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I just Googled the phrase "You done messed up" and the first hit was a screencap of yesterday's score. Oof.
Has Greg Roman been drug-tested lately? You're running for (checks notes) 85,000 YPC and throw the ball that much? The RZ offense has been horrific all year and it bit them big-time yesterday. I'm not a knee-jerk advocate for booting folks when a bad game happens, but I think Roman has reached his peak in Baltimore and some new ideas need to be introduced.
Has Greg Roman been drug-tested lately? You're running for (checks notes) 85,000 YPC and throw the ball that much? The RZ offense has been horrific all year and it bit them big-time yesterday. I'm not a knee-jerk advocate for booting folks when a bad game happens, but I think Roman has reached his peak in Baltimore and some new ideas need to be introduced.
He screwed the game up yesterday more than any coach has screwed anything up in a long time. Unforgivable. All you had to do is run the ball. It couldn’t be stopped. It felt like there was nothing more the Browns could do aside from literally leaving wrs uncovered to try to stop the run and they couldn’t.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I'm not familiar with most of the assistant coaches on staff. Is there anyone there that could move up to OC?
I don’t think so, and his run game schemes are really good so probably not worth messing with that now this late in the season. But he should have been let go last off-season and NEEDS to go this one. Until then just run the ball until it’s stopped please. No reason not to pile up 200 yards on Atl and again on Pitt and then take your shot for the division in Cincy.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Yeah, I meant for next year. They are what they are this season.
The_Man
Footballguy
After the Ravens’ opening drive of the second half, JK Dobbins touched the ball 1 time. He ran for 37 yards. HE NEVER TOUCHED THE BALL AGAIN
The Ravens’ 2nd play of the 4th quarter was a handoff to Edwards
That was their final running play of the game
This was the third time in NFL history that a team scored 3 or fewer points while rushing for 198 yards or more while averaging 7 yards per carry
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
JFC.
I'm not very smart, but I know when something is working - keep doing it.
Candidates for a new OC?
