Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
Pre-game discussions can begin right here. Enjoy.
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***Pre-Game Thread*** Baltimore at Kansas City (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Jeff Pasquino
- Start date
PennStater77
Footballguy
Baltimore should win this easily IMO.. KC will have a hard time moving the ball.
timschochet
Footballguy
Ravens 17-10. No win is too easy for Baltimore because their offense simply doesn't put up enough points. But they will win.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I honestly have no idea what's going to happen in this one.
I haven't watched the Chiefs much but I know they run the ball about 4,000 times a game. They also have Dwayne Bowe and the Ravens have fits with big strong WRs. And the Chiefs have traditionally had a good, loud home crowd. What are their weaknesses?
The Ravens have struggled the last few games even though they've won them. They look disjointed on offense recently - even more than usual. Can't put my finger on exactly what it is. The D does a lot of "bend-don't-break" and is not up to the level of some prior years. But they have Ed Reed, who has saved their butts a few times here lately.
Gun to my head, I'd pick the Chiefs but no outcome would surprise me.
I haven't watched the Chiefs much but I know they run the ball about 4,000 times a game. They also have Dwayne Bowe and the Ravens have fits with big strong WRs. And the Chiefs have traditionally had a good, loud home crowd. What are their weaknesses?
The Ravens have struggled the last few games even though they've won them. They look disjointed on offense recently - even more than usual. Can't put my finger on exactly what it is. The D does a lot of "bend-don't-break" and is not up to the level of some prior years. But they have Ed Reed, who has saved their butts a few times here lately.
Gun to my head, I'd pick the Chiefs but no outcome would surprise me.
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fred_1_15301
Footballguy
I think Baltimore rolls in this one. Statisically, these teams aren't far apart but Baltimore has more playoff experience and a better pedigree. Also, they've just had more impressive wins than KC this year so I think they're a little more battle tested.
The Jacket
Footballguy
The run defense has been shocking of late. NT Edwards and ILB Belcher are simply awful players, and both get pushed around very easily. I expect the Ravens to run Rice right up the gut early and often.The OL is generally decent, but it's undersized and gets manhandled by bigger, physical fronts. The Raiders showed that yesterday, and I have NO idea how the Chiefs are going to block Haloti Ngata. None. I expect him to COMPLETELY dominate the game. The pass rush outside of Hali (14.5 sacks) is spotty. If the Ravens can gameplan to quiet Hali as much as possible, I think they'll protect Flacco OK and move the chains.The offense overall simply hasn't proven able over 16 games to come back; if Baltimore gets any sort of lead, I think the Chiefs are done. 100% finished. So I think the Ravens coming out very aggressively will be a key thing to watch. WR depth is a major problem. Bowe is great, but like the pass rush, if you can gameplan to limit his effectiveness, the other WRs won't beat you, and Cassel simply doesn't trust them and flat-out can't get the ball to them. Distraction would be another possible weakness. I'm not buying that this Weis thing won't cause at least some distraction; it sure did yesterday, where they played their worst offensive game of the season, and the play-calling was the worst of the year.Lastly, inexperience. Cassel's never started a playoff game, and only a handful of guys on the roster have. None of the key skill players and none of the main secondary players, which includes 3 rookie starters (2 rookie safeties!). *NOTE* Yes, that is a long list of weaknesses. The Chiefs were a nice story and are definitely on a good path going forward, but they're definitely not your typical playoff team; they've got a lot of work to do.PREDICTION: The Ravens offense has been a bit inconsistent of late, and I expect the crowd to be very, very loud (and I just hope they're not dejected after yesterday's stinker), but the Chiefs aren't great on defense. I'm up in the air about how many the Ravens score, but with some good field position and turnovers, I'll guess around 24-27. It's the other side of the ball which I think I can forecast better: the Ravens should completely dominate the LOS, which will stop the KC running game. I think Ngata has a game for the ages and completely clowns whoever he lines up against. In turn I don't think the passing game will be able to get ANYTHING going; Cassel has not yet proven that he can take over a game. I think the Chiefs' only hope is to get some big plays out of their stars, Charles and Bowe. Maybe something in the return game from McCluster/Arenas, but they've been awful lately. And as the game goes on, and the Chiefs have to press more, I think that's when you see the Ravens' experience take over. I hope I'm wrong, but I'll say-FINAL SCORE: Baltimore 27 KC 13
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Thanks, TJ. Two kinda-secret weapons that Ravens have are P Sam Koch and PK Billy Cundiff. Cundiff leads the world in touchbacks on kickoffs and has been really solid on FGs. Koch is great at pinning teams deep. While it's misleading to make too much of the advantage the Ravens have over most teams with their kickers, it's an edge that helps them and maybe gives them a win or two a year in some of the close games.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
Ratbirds caught a big break with the Chiefs losing yesterday. They have a woeful history against the Colts.
This is not a prediction that they're gonna beat KC, not with the way their offense has been struggling of late and leaving the defense out on the field for far too long. It's just that the Chiefs are a better matchup for them than that speedy Indy defense.
This is not a prediction that they're gonna beat KC, not with the way their offense has been struggling of late and leaving the defense out on the field for far too long. It's just that the Chiefs are a better matchup for them than that speedy Indy defense.
shader
Footballguy
I think Kansas City wins in a mild upset.
A couple things I think we'll see in this one:
1. Heavy use of Jamaal Charles. I mean, this is what you're saving him for Haley, right? I understand what he did with Jones this year, but it' is as playoff time, and Thomas Jones stat line if he gets 20 carries will almost certainly come out to 40-50 yards. Wasted plays. Give the ball to Charles early and often, and over and over.
2. Ravens overrated secondary. Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell made easy work of the Baltimore secondary. Dwayne Bowe should have no problems getting open. Cassell struggled against the Raiders and their tough secondary, but things will be easier against the Ravens.
The Ravens defense is as good as they've ever been against the run, but they can be easily exploited through the air.
And the Ravens just have an anemic offense. Boldin has 5 catches in the last 3 games.
Worst offense in the AFC playoffs, for sure.
A couple things I think we'll see in this one:
1. Heavy use of Jamaal Charles. I mean, this is what you're saving him for Haley, right? I understand what he did with Jones this year, but it' is as playoff time, and Thomas Jones stat line if he gets 20 carries will almost certainly come out to 40-50 yards. Wasted plays. Give the ball to Charles early and often, and over and over.
2. Ravens overrated secondary. Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell made easy work of the Baltimore secondary. Dwayne Bowe should have no problems getting open. Cassell struggled against the Raiders and their tough secondary, but things will be easier against the Ravens.
The Ravens defense is as good as they've ever been against the run, but they can be easily exploited through the air.
And the Ravens just have an anemic offense. Boldin has 5 catches in the last 3 games.
Worst offense in the AFC playoffs, for sure.
HULLOBUDMAN
Footballguy
I believe that was the year they went 11-5 and missed the playoffs.
Stinkin Ref
IBL Representative
every possession in this game will be valuable....neither team can really afford to waste any opportunities as neither team is really built to play catch up....KC couldn't play much worse than they did yesterday....sooooooooo.....they should be ready to go this weekend.....however, the Raiders D line made the KC O line look like a Pee Wee team yesterday......they have got to get that fixed.....IMO a huge part of this game is how the first 8 minutes or so go......if BAL announces their presence with authority early and is more physical than KC, it could be a long day......if KC can stop the run, they have a chance as I think the secondary can contain Flacco and the WR's.....Charles must get the ball...often......and in the passing game......if KC has to rely on Cassell to win this game they will lose.....KC will need some big plays on special teams or turnovers to have a chance.......it may sound crazy, but just like the first game of the year against SD, the punters, long snappers, etc may be some of the most valuable players in this game.....I think it's a FG fest...that place will be rockin....
KC 16 BAL 13
KC 16 BAL 13
Gopher State
Footballguy
Chiefs played a fairly soft schedule this year. The Ravens played some very good teams.
Ravens win 23-10
Ravens win 23-10
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Link?Who in the world overrates the Ravens secondary? Most of the national experts talk about how the secondary is the weak link in the Ravens D and the local folks blast them even more.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Sorry, and not trying to single you out, but again
No they're not. They've been gashed several times this year by opposing RBs. They're good, and seem to make plays when they still have to, but in no way are they as stout against the run as they have in previous years.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Third time's the charm, I guess, but.....
The offense is better than the Jets, though wildly inconsistent, and it appears KC fans haven't been too happy with theirs either based on what I'm reading in this thread. And need I mention Bruce Arians to any Steelers fans here?Look, the Ravens offense frustrates me as much as anyone. But I don't think it's "for sure" that Baltimore has the worst O in the playoffs.
The_Man
Footballguy
This sounds about right, except that the Chiefs played an incredibly soft schedule this year. Their only opponent that finished with a winning record was San Diego - the Chiefs got them early in the season, then got killed by them 31-0 a couple of weeks ago. The Ravens played 7 teams that finished with winning records - split a couple of wars with Pittsburgh, led the Pats by 10 in the fourth quarter before losing in OT, led at Atlanta in the final seconds (a trip made tougher by having to go on the road for a Thursday night game), beat the Jets, Saints and Tampa.I think the Ravens' run D is a little overrated right now and their pass D is a little under-rated, in large part because the nation saw Schaub torch them on MNF. Charles is just the kind of runner to give them trouble - the strength of the Ravens run D is on the inside, but the inside guys are too slow to get to the edges, and the secondary - especially the safeties - are horrible tacklers. It will be hugely important for Baltimore's outside LBs to set the edge vs. Charles - Jarrett Johnson is excellent at this; Suggs is incredible at it when he puts his mind to it, but too often gives up the edge to chase the QB or pursue what he thinks are runs away from him, only to find himself out of position. Baltimore's pass D #2 in the NFL in fewest yards per attempt allowed and #5 in opposing QB rating.The Ravens have played extremely well on the road in the last two post-seasons, winning at New England last year, and winning at Miami and then #1 seed Tennessee the year before. This game kind of reminds me of the Miami game, with the Chiefs playing the role of a team completing a huge turnaround against a fairly soft schedule and securing a surprise playoff berth, only to have its shortcomings revealed in the post-season. I think that Miami team had only 13 turnovers all season, then turned the ball over 5 times vs. the Ravens. Ed Reed has 8 INTs in 10 games this season, and Cassel looked a little shaky yesterday.The Ravens have kind of crapped the bed the last couple of weeks vs. divisional opponents after their big win over the Saints, but they also haven't had a whole lot to play for. Sure, there was a chance the Steelers could lose to the Panthers or Browns, but not really. My biggest concern about the Ravens is that they think they're still a running team, but they're really not. They're one of the very bottom teams in the NFL in yards per carry, and their O Line just isn't good enough to change that. If the Ravens would use play action to set up early-down passing, instead of running the ball unsuccessfully on first and second downs and forcing Flacco into third-and-long, they would be much more successful. Protection in passing situations has gotten terrible lately.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Read this, young grasshoppers, for a nice State Of The Ravens.
Agreed. Great post.Ravens will win this game. And start throwing it to your studs in Boldin and Mason early and often to set up Ray Rice and McGahee. A healthy Todd Heap is key too. Their defense is built for the playoffs. They come up big in the post season and Ray Lewis and Ed Reed win big games and make big plays in the big games. If the Ravens are geting points....take them with confidence.
Kevin Ashcraft
Footballguy
Colts in Week 4Not like KC asked for that schedule.
The_Man
Footballguy
My bad. At the time they played, the Colts were 2-2 - I mixed up in looking for teams that finished with a winning record vs. teams that had a winning record when they played.I totally agree that KC didn't ask for the schedule. My point is that they're not nearly as battle-tested as the Ravens, and that the Chiefs' good record is in part a result of beating inferior teams. My thinking is that some of their flaws that weren't exposed by the weaker teams they played will now be revealed.
Frenchy Fuqua
Footballguy
Despite KC's huge homefield advantage I'd be surprised to see a playoff-tested Ravens team lose to the Chiefs. I think BAL has more playmakers on each side of the ball.
BAL 24
KC 13
BAL 24
KC 13
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
I feel dirty saying this, but "go Baltimore". 
Gadabout
Footballguy
bigmiiiiike
Footballguy
In three games against "good" opponents, the Chiefs split with the Chargers and played the Colts tight but lost by 10 in the end. If you can remember back to the Colts game, I think the general public started giving them more respect after the Colts loss than any of their early wins. The SD game in Arrowhead in Week 1 was a fluky rainstorm and I wouldn't put that much stock in that game. The other SD game was a 31-0 blowout w/o Cassel, so I wouldn't put much stock in that one either. This game will hinge on the Ravens' O. If the Chiefs get behind, I think the Ravens will be able to tee off with blitzes, and double Bowe, and this could turn into a rout. If the Ravens can't score over 20 points this game, they can still obviously win, but the Cheifs will be in it til the end.My bad. At the time they played, the Colts were 2-2 - I mixed up in looking for teams that finished with a winning record vs. teams that had a winning record when they played.I totally agree that KC didn't ask for the schedule. My point is that they're not nearly as battle-tested as the Ravens, and that the Chiefs' good record is in part a result of beating inferior teams. My thinking is that some of their flaws that weren't exposed by the weaker teams they played will now be revealed.Colts in Week 4Not like KC asked for that schedule.
The Jacket
Footballguy
5 Pro Bowlers not practicing during the media session of practice today:
Bowe
Waters
Suggs
Ngata
Reed
Bowe
Waters
Suggs
Ngata
Reed
The_Man
Footballguy
Reed hardly practices at all at this point. He's no more dinged up than usual. I don't think the Suggs thing is anything at all - he's totally healthy - just wasn't at the media portion of practice.But, Ngata.... the Ravens have been keeping this very quiet. He left the Bengals game after recovering a fumble along the sideline in the 3rd quarter and never returned. I thought it was very interesting that the Ravens didn't say anything about that after the game and now he's not practicing. I will be very interested to hear what Harbaugh says about his absence.The thought of the Ravens having to play the KC running game without Ngata just made me throw up in my mouth a little bit.5 Pro Bowlers not practicing during the media session of practice today:BoweWatersSuggsNgataReed
The Jacket
Footballguy
That would be a huge loss, but likewise I can't even imagine how the Chiefs will try to pass without Bowe. He was behind only Roddy White in % of a team's passing yards, and I'd contend that no individual is more important to their team's attack. The Chiefs have basically no one after Bowe.
Kevin Ashcraft
Footballguy
This game has been taken off the boards with all the player missing.
Kevin Ashcraft
Footballguy
http://twitter.com/#!/getnickwright
Wright, of 610 Sports in KC, is saying Bowe has an ankle injury and some places already calling him doubtful.
Wright, of 610 Sports in KC, is saying Bowe has an ankle injury and some places already calling him doubtful.
Kevin Ashcraft
Footballguy
Haley just said Waters and Bowe would be listed as "illness"
But many people calling Bowe doubtful.
Does Haley/Pioli really think we all buy it? Geez
But many people calling Bowe doubtful.
Does Haley/Pioli really think we all buy it? Geez
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Dexter Manley
Footballguy
Anyone have any info on Ngata missing practice?
And assuming he's hurt and doesn't play, how would the Ravens try and compensate for his loss? I realize he's the most improtant defensive player for the Ravens, and am trying to determine just how devastating Ngata being out would be.
And assuming he's hurt and doesn't play, how would the Ravens try and compensate for his loss? I realize he's the most improtant defensive player for the Ravens, and am trying to determine just how devastating Ngata being out would be.
The_Man
Footballguy
This whole "Doubtful" business started confusing people a couple of years ago when the NFL made teams link a player's status at practice with "Doubtful," "Questionable," etc.Now, if a guy misses practice he has to be listed as Doubtful, even if he just has the flu and will definitely be ready to play by Sunday.So if Haley is saying it's illness, then I'm going to chalk up the "Doubtful" to his absence from practice, and not to the fact that he really is doubtful.I've heard that Ngata's injury is a hamstring. I think he would play with that, but it's still worrisome. There is no replacing him - the Ravens have some decent depth on the D line (Terrence Cody got his most extended time of the season vs. Cincy) and would rotate through tons of guys, but none of them is remotely comparable to Ngata.
Kevin Ashcraft
Footballguy
If indeed Waters and Bowe DO play, and BAL is without Ngata/Reed, I like KC to win.
The Jacket
Footballguy
So you believe "many people" (which includes exactly no one worth a dime) over the team?La Canfora confirms Bowe is simply sick and will play, BTW. And he carries more weight in his stubby toe than any of those "many people." Game's on the board and line is unchanged.
Kevin Ashcraft
Footballguy
I was only quoting Wright's twitter comments....seems he was wrong, as he is most of the time. Reading on ChiefsPlanet, it seems that it may indeed just be sickness. I concur on taking the word of a La Canfora over anyone in KC.As for the Ravens, this doesn't sound good for Reed.
http://www.ravens24x7.com/forum/showthread.php?p=247219
The Jacket
Footballguy
Right, I figured Wright was the source, whom I trust less than anyone this side of Athan.
JaxBill
Footballguy
Ed Reed has something else to worry about - His brother is missing after jumping in the Mississippi to avoid police.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/...o-avoid-police/
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/...o-avoid-police/
North
Footballguy
I can't get a read from anywhere if Reed will be playing now or not. I think a tradegy like this for one of the teams best players can be a big motivator.
If he doesn't play they still have a good chance of winning, they did alright the beginning of the season when he was out with an injury. Shut down the run and double Bowe and you're on to Pitt.
If he doesn't play they still have a good chance of winning, they did alright the beginning of the season when he was out with an injury. Shut down the run and double Bowe and you're on to Pitt.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
They would only go to Pitt if the Jets win. If the colts win, BAL would to NE.
AhrnCityPahnder
Yinz-o-riffic
with the Jets win, I officially rescind this comment. CHEFS!I feel dirty saying this, but "go Baltimore".
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
FYI - Ed Reed will play tomorrow.
Good breakdowns in here. KC is in the playoffs one year too soon. This will be good experience for them, but their record makes them look better than they truly are - and it is inflated due to the weak schedule (NFC West, AFC South, AFC West). The only playoff team they beat - Seattle.
Baltimore's defense is overrated. Their aging fast. The ground game is starting to come back, and KC will be the cure. Ngata will lead the run defense which will do well. Ed Reed will shade towards Bowe all game.
Ravens 27, Chiefs 13.
Good breakdowns in here. KC is in the playoffs one year too soon. This will be good experience for them, but their record makes them look better than they truly are - and it is inflated due to the weak schedule (NFC West, AFC South, AFC West). The only playoff team they beat - Seattle.
Baltimore's defense is overrated. Their aging fast. The ground game is starting to come back, and KC will be the cure. Ngata will lead the run defense which will do well. Ed Reed will shade towards Bowe all game.
Ravens 27, Chiefs 13.
CrossEyed
Footballguy
with the Jets win, I officially rescind this comment. CHEFS!I feel dirty saying this, but "go Baltimore".
If Baltimore comes to Pittsburgh it will be another brawl and whoever survives probably won't have enough left to beat NE.
