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The ***Mildly Official***Colts vs Ravens Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter pizzatyme
- Start date
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
The Colts have better than a puncher's chance - they've played better down the stretch than the Ravens. Also, the Ravens lost some home games this year for the first time in forever. They appeared to right the ship against the Giants before this past week's mail-it-in performance (which I agreed with doing). We'll see. I'd put at a 55% chance Baltimore wins and 45% the Colts do. For whatever it's worth, the long, long range forcast is calling for 40s & sunny for the game.
gee, i thought this was the toughest game to call this weekend. i think cincy is overmatched in houston, and in the NFC, seattle looks strong and the pack at home seems like an easy call. i guess the ADP factor looms large in lambeau but everyone will lean towards rodgers over ponder, don't you think?
i am inclined to like the colts in an upset for all kinds of reasons. they have the feel-good story of coach being there on the sidelines for them. but even between the lines, the ravens have looked very vunerable lately, losing four out of five games. and their two wins prior to that downward spiral were shaky at best (+3 over the chargers in a fluky ending and +3 against the steelers led by byron leftwich). meanwhile the colts have won 5 of 6 and 9 out of 11. their only two losses in that span were to the Patriots and at Houston--nothing to be ashamed about.
i'll say luck torches the iffy ravens defense and the colts win in a higher scoring affair than anticipated, 27-24.
i am inclined to like the colts in an upset for all kinds of reasons. they have the feel-good story of coach being there on the sidelines for them. but even between the lines, the ravens have looked very vunerable lately, losing four out of five games. and their two wins prior to that downward spiral were shaky at best (+3 over the chargers in a fluky ending and +3 against the steelers led by byron leftwich). meanwhile the colts have won 5 of 6 and 9 out of 11. their only two losses in that span were to the Patriots and at Houston--nothing to be ashamed about.
i'll say luck torches the iffy ravens defense and the colts win in a higher scoring affair than anticipated, 27-24.
Raider Nation
Devil's Advocate
Most definitely. Luck MUST be careful with the ball. That's what this game boils down to in my mind. If the play isn't there, throw the ball away and punt. He can't take chances like he did during the regular season. Now if they get down 21-0 in the 1st Q... obviously that's a different story.Let Flacco make the mistakes, and he will oblige.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
If we mention how much we hate the Irsays and have the temerity to pick the Ravens again, will you give us the old "In your faces" again? You seemed to really enjoy doing that last time.The Irsays are Argument No. 1 for why the NFL should be nationalized. I don't think much of Indianans in general, either.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
"All the way for Ray"
Captain Quinoa
Footballguy
Nor should you
Luck's turnovers will cost the Colts here in the playoffs.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
I give what I receive, for the most part. You seem to hold grudges well. How long ago did I do that? How long ago did the Colts leave Baltimore? How long ago did the Browns become the Ravens?
roadkill1292
Footballguy
On Simmons' podcast this week, Bill Barnwell said the Colts and Ravens were two of the three worst teams of the 12 in the playoffs and Aaron Schatz said that the statistics bear that impression out. The Colts played a fantastically easy schedule (and still got outscored) while the Ratbirds were poor both offensively and defensively; only Baltimore's special teams were off-the-charts good this year -- one of the best ever, as a matter of fact.
I think the plucky Ravens have a chance in this one but the odds are heavily stacked against them.
I think the plucky Ravens have a chance in this one but the odds are heavily stacked against them.
JohnnyU
Footballguy
Hasn't the city of Baltimore moved past this yet? Do we have to have this same discussion every time the Colts play the Ravens? Baltimore citizens act as if they prefer hating the Colts more than they do having the Ravens to root for. News flash, Robert Irsay is dead and has been for awhile now. No one in this Colts organization had anything to do with the move from Baltimore.
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pizzatyme
Footballguy
Not sure how the odds are stacked against the Ratbirds? They're playing at home with one of the top RBs in the league, the impressive Joe Flacco, one of the coaching prodigy Harbaugh brothers, and former Head Coach Jim Caldwell masterminding the offense.
Volts are clearly the dogs here with Andrew INT Luck at the helm.
Volts are clearly the dogs here with Andrew INT Luck at the helm.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
I don't think much of either of the last two posts or posters.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
The Baltimore Colts & Seattle Washington threads are the best.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
Well, that hurts. I think I'm going to iCry. I offered analysis and you go getting offensive.
pablito
Footballguy
Just for the record, we are virtually at the point in time where the Colts have been in Indy longer than they were in Baltimore. Just sayin'...
roadkill1292
Footballguy
Howdy. How did you do in FBG leeg this year?
JohnnyU
Footballguy
That's up to you, but until Baltimoreans let this Colts thing go they will never fully accept the Ravens as their team, no matter how many Super Bowls they win.Instead of trying to keep the Colts through Eminent Domain, they should have done what the Browns did and keep the team name and colors. The city of Baltimore dropped the ball on that one. I've been a Colts fan for 47 years and I remember being very sad when they left Baltimore. Even though I'm not from Baltimore, I didn't want to think of them as any other name other than the Baltimore Colts. No one has ever loved the Colts more than me IMO and that includes all of those in Baltimore, but I have moved past that and accepted Indianapolis as the the Colts.
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money.never.sleeps
Footballguy
well the Indianapolis Colts arent the Baltimore Colts so
on the topic of the game.. I believe the Ravens will be able to force Luck to turn the ball over several times. I also dont believe the Colts will be able to stop the run or PA. Id be very surprised if Indy wins this game. Expecting a 27-17 type score.
The_Man
Footballguy
For God's sake, could we just keep the talk this week on the game. Other than Roadkill pointing out Baltimore doesn't like Indy much, no one from Baltimore is saying anything about the relocation. It's ancient history at this point, and boring ancient history at that.
Here is what I want to talk about - why I think the Ravens will win. Indy allows 5.1 yard per carry, #31 in the NFL despite playing some lousy offenses. Indy allowed 21 runs of 20 yards or more this year, more than anybody else in football. Only two teams stopped runners in the backfield for a loss less frequently than Indianapolis
Also, according to Football Outsiders, the Ravens' offense is #25 on the road, but #7 at home where they can employ the no-huddle. Indy's D is #20 at home, and last in the NFL on the road.
Colts were 4-4 on the road, beating the Chiefs, Jaguars, Lions (thanks to the Schwartz challenge) and Titans, four teams who combined to go 14-50 this year. On the road, they lost by 12 to the Texans, 20 to the Bears, 26 to the Jets, and 35 to the Patriots.
Here is what I want to talk about - why I think the Ravens will win. Indy allows 5.1 yard per carry, #31 in the NFL despite playing some lousy offenses. Indy allowed 21 runs of 20 yards or more this year, more than anybody else in football. Only two teams stopped runners in the backfield for a loss less frequently than Indianapolis
Also, according to Football Outsiders, the Ravens' offense is #25 on the road, but #7 at home where they can employ the no-huddle. Indy's D is #20 at home, and last in the NFL on the road.
Colts were 4-4 on the road, beating the Chiefs, Jaguars, Lions (thanks to the Schwartz challenge) and Titans, four teams who combined to go 14-50 this year. On the road, they lost by 12 to the Texans, 20 to the Bears, 26 to the Jets, and 35 to the Patriots.
packseasontix
Footballguy
I think you have it reversed its the most obvious game because the Colts win....
packseasontix
Footballguy
I am sure if the Colts weren't in Indy the Ravens would be looking to move as well. I mean isn't Baltimore just the pitstop on the way from Washington to Phili?
The_Man
Footballguy
:crickets:
money.never.sleeps
Footballguy
The_Man
Footballguy
It must mean last week. Since they gave up 500 yards to Kansas City two weeks ago.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
Correct
pizzatyme
Footballguy
On the season, the Ravens have scored an average of 2.67 points per game more than the Colts. Five of the Colts 7 starting skill players are ROOKIES.
On defense, the Ravens have allowed 2.75 less points per game than the Colts. The Colts installed a new defense this season, have a brand new coaching staff, lost their head coach for 3/4 of the season, and played Green Bay, Chicago, New England, and Houston's offenses this year.
I'm guessing the Colts aren't intimidated today as they head to the murder haven of Baltimore.
On defense, the Ravens have allowed 2.75 less points per game than the Colts. The Colts installed a new defense this season, have a brand new coaching staff, lost their head coach for 3/4 of the season, and played Green Bay, Chicago, New England, and Houston's offenses this year.
I'm guessing the Colts aren't intimidated today as they head to the murder haven of Baltimore.
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money.never.sleeps
Footballguy
Indy gives up 400+ YPG on the road and has allowed 11, 100 yard rushers this year. Luck has thrown 13/18 INTS on the road along with 4 fumbles lost. Also only completing 53.3% away
He limited turnovers the last 3 games but Im not sure he can avoid a few tomorrow. The Colts offensive line isnt good at all and Luck was sacked 22/41 away. Just tough for me to think it changes Sunday*.
I cant imagine Rice not gashing the Colts defense tomorrow either.
Only chance Indy has to win this game is being able to contain the run/PA and not turning the ball over.. if they can do that then I would say they have a good shot
He limited turnovers the last 3 games but Im not sure he can avoid a few tomorrow. The Colts offensive line isnt good at all and Luck was sacked 22/41 away. Just tough for me to think it changes Sunday*.
I cant imagine Rice not gashing the Colts defense tomorrow either.
Only chance Indy has to win this game is being able to contain the run/PA and not turning the ball over.. if they can do that then I would say they have a good shot
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pizzatyme
Footballguy
Fair points! Hoping for a good game.
money.never.sleeps
Footballguy
threw an edit in*
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
FWIW, I don't sense the hatred for the Colts locally this time at anywhere near the same level it was a few years ago. I think that game - even though the Ravens lost - got a lot of the bile out of Baltimore's system. And it was what - 8 years ago? Younger fans don't carry the vitriol. Also, Raven-killer Peyton Manning is gone. There's really nothing to hate about the Colts unless, like roady, you just can't stand Indiana on general principal.
Oh, and THAT game more than any other made me want to put out a hit on Billick. In the 2nd quarter, Jamal Lewis was absolutely gashing Indy and Coach decides it's a good idea to pass every down from there on out. That Ravens team should've won the SB sans Billick trying to show the world how smart he was.
Oh, and THAT game more than any other made me want to put out a hit on Billick. In the 2nd quarter, Jamal Lewis was absolutely gashing Indy and Coach decides it's a good idea to pass every down from there on out. That Ravens team should've won the SB sans Billick trying to show the world how smart he was.
purestrength
Footballguy
Most of the ESPN guys picked the Ravens on Saturday. They're probably scared of pissing off Ray when he comes to work for them.
Colts by 3, then move on to say hello to Peyton.
Colts still own Baltimore. Always have, always will.
Colts by 3, then move on to say hello to Peyton.
Colts still own Baltimore. Always have, always will.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
I hope like hell you're right!
The_Man
Footballguy
Colts won't stop Rice and young players gradually give way in cauldron that will be M&T Bank Stadium today.Ravens 27, Colts 17
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Happy Game Day, folks. It's gonna be a nice day for football - mid 40s, partly sunny, and little wind.
All kinds of interconnected storylines in this one: Pagano coming home, Caldwell against his old team, Arians dialing up plays like he did with the Steelers all those years. Ray Lewis saying "goodbye", Luck saying "hello". My guess is this will be Ed Reed's last game in Baltimore, too.
One big key is how Luck handles the crowd noise. Though not a dome, M&T is one of the loudest stadiums in the league and the Baltimorons in the stands are going to be sky high.
All kinds of interconnected storylines in this one: Pagano coming home, Caldwell against his old team, Arians dialing up plays like he did with the Steelers all those years. Ray Lewis saying "goodbye", Luck saying "hello". My guess is this will be Ed Reed's last game in Baltimore, too.
One big key is how Luck handles the crowd noise. Though not a dome, M&T is one of the loudest stadiums in the league and the Baltimorons in the stands are going to be sky high.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
My keys to the game:
Cokts win the turnover battle, they win the game. Luck has had issue on the road with turnovers. If he can protect the ball....lights out for Ray Ray.
Side note: this will be the 2 most demonstrative pregame talks of the playoffs. Ray Lewis and Cory Redding going to work with their teams.
Cokts win the turnover battle, they win the game. Luck has had issue on the road with turnovers. If he can protect the ball....lights out for Ray Ray.
Side note: this will be the 2 most demonstrative pregame talks of the playoffs. Ray Lewis and Cory Redding going to work with their teams.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
The Colts need to figure out a way to run the ball. Pees has been MUCH more aggressive lately in his D playcalling (I was seriously concerned about Eli's safety a couple of weeks ago). If Indy thinks they're going to win by throwing Luck 50 times, I expect it to go south on them rather quickly. The Ravens can be gashed by the run.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
I can agree with this. Run and stop the run. Critical for playoff success. If Luck has 50 passes, it means the Colts fell behind early. Recipe for disaster. They have to weather the storm early with this young team. I feel like if they get to half time within 7, they win the game.
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Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
CAN they run? I haven't watched them all that much this season, but it seems like the national media thinks that all of their success is by Luck throwing the ball.
pizzatyme
Footballguy
Colts rushing yards per game the last 4 games: 95, 105, 69, 78. 2 of those games were against a good Houston Defense. Ballard has had a 4.25 YPC on the road who've is decent. Plus he is a weapon out of the backfield on dump offs.
Not saying they will run the ball down anyone's throats, but they have been better as of late.
Not saying they will run the ball down anyone's throats, but they have been better as of late.
On Friday I was listening to the betting segment on ESPN. The wise guys or whatever they're called. They said that Indy is considered by many to be the worst playoff team in history. They are also the only 11 win team with a negative "PF-PA" number on the season. The Colts are 3rd worst in yards per play on the road while the Ravens are the 2nd best in yards per play at home. While they strongly favored the Ravens, they said the Washington/Seattle game was even more lopsided.
