587 replies to this topic

[RedOctober3829]

Time to turn the page to Baltimore. You can throw the game in Baltimore from earlier this year and throw it directly in the garbage. This is a totally different defense with Talib/Dennard at CB and McCourty at safety. I'd think you would put Talib on Torrey Smith and Dennard on Boldin because Smith is the big play threat.

Offensively, you can move the ball on them. Their LBs can't cover our backs in the passing game. Hopefully, we'll see a lot of spread formations and expose them. The Broncos moved it in the intermediate routes pretty well.

It's going to be a dogfight.

[Ferm Sheller]

I'll move most post from the game thread here:


Looking back at the prior game against the Ravens this year. Hernandez didn't play, Gronk did but only had 2 catches for 21 yards. Lloyd and Welker had huge games with 9/108 and 8/142, respectively. They didn't run the ball for shit.

They let Flacco throw for 382 yards (!) and Ray Rice run for 101, but this Patriot defense is much changed since that game.

Edited by Ferm Sheller, 13 January 2013 - 09:40 PM.

[doctormoist]

I'm worried bout the long ball.

[Seels]

I'm worried bout the long ball.

Yup, that and the short pass to Rice have to be of most concern. Have to be able to stop these guys on third down.

Also Ray Lewis was pretty lousy last night, and Denver ran right at him. I have to think BB is thinking the same thing.

[RedOctober3829]

On the injury front, here's updates on Chandler Jones and Woody from Jeff Howe.

There hasn't been a definitive word on Chandler Jones' ankle injury. However, the positive news is he departed from Gillette Stadium without a walking boot. Jones was limping out of the locker room, and he knew he wasn't returning to the game in the second half when he hurt the ankle, as he stood off to the side away from the defensive subs. But the boot is always a measure of precaution, and the medical staff didn't feel it was necessary.


Nothing yet on Danny Woodhead's left thumb, but he returned to the sideline in the second quarter with a black brace on the hand. He received additional treatment after the game and left the building with a big bag of ice.

https://twitter.com/...648989995507712

Mike Giardi told me via Twitter that he doesn't believe Woody broke his thumb.

[DrewDawg]

Apparently Brendon Ayanbadejo doesn't like NE:

Brendon Ayanbadejo ‏@brendon310
In a sport that is predicated on mano y mano, " lets hurry up n snap it " = bitchassness

Brendon Ayanbadejo ‏@brendon310
18-1

Brendon Ayanbadejo ‏@brendon310 You know the same organization that did spygate and cut a guy the day b4 the Super Bowl

Brendon Ayanbadejo ‏@brendon310 Their offense is good enough to be successful with out that


Brendon Ayanbadejo ‏@brendon310
Are you watching the game pats vs texans? If so you see the hurry snap offense catch em b4 they set up. It's a gimmick.

Edited by DrewDawg, 13 January 2013 - 09:49 PM.

[RedOctober3829]

Another note: the Ravens' D has been on the field for 94 snaps in each playoff game. They also come off playing on a short week in the altitude. I'd try to go as fast paced on offense as possible.

[triniSox]

I'd think Belichick would have Talib on Boldin and have safety help over the top of Torrey Smith whenever possible.

[Old Fart Tree]

I hope they run 120 plays on them. Coming off double OT and talking shit about the hurry up? Run it down their goddamn throats.

Going to be tighter than the 10 point spread suggests, IMHO.

[RedOctober3829]

I hope they run 120 plays on them. Coming off double OT and talking shit about the hurry up? Run it down their goddamn throats.

Going to be tighter than the 10 point spread suggests, IMHO.

No doubt about it being closer than the spread. Ravens always play the Patriots tough.

[jose melendez]

Don't throw me into that Briar Patch!!!

[Norm Siebern]

I would put Talib on Boldin because he is bigger and make sure McCourty helps over the top with Dennard on Smith. I would also make sure Smith's siblings are all safe and sound this week.

I have been watching theRavens all year, and I just cannot see them being a huge test. The Texans were a greater threat in my opinion. The Ravens are the oldest defense in the league, will be playing their third playoff game in a row, second on the road after going OT in the altitude of Denver. I just don't think the Ravens are that good in the first place. BB thrives on playing teams that beat him earlier in a year.

I see the Patriots winning by a minimum of two TDs.

[Tony C]

I'd think Belichick would have Talib on Boldin and have safety help over the top of Torrey Smith whenever possible.

That's my thought as well. Talib can match up to Boldin's physicality. Pitta's the guy who seems to kill us, be interesting to see how they play him.

[NortheasternPJ]

I'm worried bout the long ball.

Agreed. Flacco is great at under throwing it by 5 yards and letting Smith or Boodin make an unreal catch or get a DPI. Worked like a charm so far for him.

[Stitch01]

Yeah, they should be playing fast, fast, fast this week. Ravens have to have a good chance of tiring out late.

Lol at clown Raven being clown, Waaah they wont play to our strengths. Don't think the talking matters much, but pretty hilarious.

[Old Fart Tree]

It'll be interesting to see who fixes their terrible special teams breakdowns faster. Both really struggled at covering kicks in the divisional round.

[Mystic Merlin]

Did he sleep through the Peyton Manning Colts era? I won't even bother bringing up the Wyche Bengals and Levy Bills.

[nothumb]

Wasn't Adewhatever one of the Ravens who got his lunch ate by Trindon Holliday on special teams at least once this week?

Also, being in favor of marriage equality seems kinda hollow if you're going to use gender-pejorative insults about something as mundane as the quick-snap ... he was probably about to call it "gay" and then checked himself

[simplyeric]

I'm worried bout the long ball.

The dragon?

[MarcSullivaFan]

Both really struggled at covering kicks in the divisional round.

Which is interesting for two reasons. They both were excellent generally on ST and covered kicks well. Secondly, in the case of the Ravens it's astounding that they won despite giving up two returns for TDs--on the road, against a team favored by 10 points, facing the presumptive league MVP. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that's never happened before.

[Ferm Sheller]

Baltimore won 4 road games this year:

9-6 win over the lowly KC Chiefs
25-15 win over the lowly Cleveland Browns
13-10 win over the Byron Leftwich-led Steelers; and
16-13 win over the somewhat lowly Chargers

Edited by Ferm Sheller, 13 January 2013 - 10:21 PM.

[RedOctober3829]

Baltimore won 4 road games this year:

9-6 win over the lowly KC Chiefs
25-15 win over the lowly Cleveland Browns
13-10 win over the Byron Leftwich-led Steelers; and
16-13 win over the somewhat lowly Chargers

Plus yesterday.

[Ferm Sheller]

Plus yesterday.

Well. that's true...their only impressive road win of the year!

Edited by Ferm Sheller, 13 January 2013 - 10:23 PM.

[RedOctober3829]

Early early look at the weather: Sunny with a low of 23 degrees. Given a 6:30 kickoff, it should be in the mid-20s.

[estreetfan]

I really, really, really dislike the Ravens.
Crush those punk asses.

[bosox188]

I'd think Belichick would have Talib on Boldin and have safety help over the top of Torrey Smith whenever possible.

Don't the Patriots keep their corners on the same side of the field though? I thought they've always played with a designated RCB and LCB rather than matching them up with specific players the entire game. Not sure if they've changed that since they got Talib, I haven't actually looked for it.

Needless to say I would imagine whatever side of the field Torrey Smith is on, that safety will be staying back as help over the top,

[RedOctober3829]

@footballzebras: Word is Terry McAulay, Bill Leavy RT @jefftilson I'm very interested to see who will get the referee assignments for the Championship Games

[Wilco's Last Fan]

Don't the Patriots keep their corners on the same side of the field though? I thought they've always played with a designated RCB and LCB rather than matching them up with specific players the entire game. Not sure if they've changed that since they got Talib, I haven't actually looked for it.

Needless to say I would imagine whatever side of the field Torrey Smith is on, that safety will be staying back as help over the top,

Not always. They shadow Andre Johnson with Talib quite a bit.

[Old Fart Tree]

@footballzebras: Word is Terry McAulay, Bill Leavy RT @jefftilson I'm very interested to see who will get the referee assignments for the Championship Games

Same here. Those were some pretty horrible calls in BAL's favor, and (while I think it's being blown out of proportion) HOU's favor.

[Harry Hooper]

Ravens seem to be much more willing to throw passes to their RB (Rice) to gash the Pats D than the Texans were today with Foster.

[Old Fart Tree]

Really? Seemed like Houston had passing to Foster as a key part of the gameplan. He dropped one on a critical early third down, and they were clearly targeting him frequently, like on the swing pass off the goal line.

[ragnarok725]

There's one very, very big difference that changes the dynamic of the game is the lack of Ladarius Webb. He's done a generally stellar job of shadowing Welker the last few times they've played. He's obviously not going this game. Given the way Welker was playing today, I think we may see a really big game for him against the Ravens. I don't think they have an answer for him.

[SoxFanInPdx]

As a longtime hater of the City of Baltimore, I wish nothing but an absolute ass kicking for 60 minutes. That said, I see this as a very tight game.

[Ferm Sheller]

Combined, Joe Flacco and Mark Sanchez will have participated in the 5 straight AFCCGs.

[Mystic Merlin]

Ravens seem to be much more willing to throw passes to their RB (Rice) to gash the Pats D than the Texans were today with Foster.

He caught seven passes on nine targets, third on the team (AJ got 8 on 11, Daniels 9 on 15).

I went back to the regular season matchup between BAL/NE: Rice 5 catches on 5 targets, Pierce 1 on 1, and Leach 2 on 3. I'd say both teams like to use their RB in the passing game.

Edited by Mystic Merlin, 13 January 2013 - 10:55 PM.

[Reggie's Racquet]

We will be without Gronk and maybe Woodhead and Chandler Jones.
That is quite a hit for this team against a team that always plays us tough.
It will be a close game. Especially if Brady doesn't pick his game up a notch.

[amarshal2]

We will be without Gronk and maybe Woodhead and Chandler Jones.
That is quite a hit for this team against a team that always plays us tough.
It will be a close game. Especially if Brady doesn't pick his game up a notch.

Brady was outstanding. If he plays this well again the Pats win by two TDs.

[ragnarok725]

We will be without Gronk and maybe Woodhead and Chandler Jones.
That is quite a hit for this team against a team that always plays us tough.
It will be a close game. Especially if Brady doesn't pick his game up a notch.

What? They will be without Gronk - do you have any sources on Jones or Woodhead?

Also, 25/40 for 344 yards, 3 TD and 0 INT isn't good enough? You think if he has that line against the Ravens they'll lose?

Edited by ragnarok725, 13 January 2013 - 10:56 PM.

[Old Fart Tree]

I think Woodhead will almost certainly be back. Nervous but optimistic about Jones. No boot is a good sign.

[Harry Hooper]

He caught seven passes on nine targets, third on the team (AJ got 8 on 11, Daniels 9 on 15).

Nine targets is nothing to sneeze at, but it seemed like more passes today could have gone to Foster given the focus the Pats were giving the receivers downfield.

[RedOctober3829]

A product of the RBs being open so much is due to the amount of man coverage blitzes they run now. There is nobody to cover an RB if they are in man and they send LBs to the QB. Maybe this week they need to send a safety in while keeping a LB to spy Rice. Or you give Rice the Marshall Faulk treatment and be as physical as you can with him.

[Reggie's Racquet]

What? They will be without Gronk - do you have any sources on Jones or Woodhead?

Also, 25/40 for 344 yards, 3 TD and 0 INT isn't good enough? You think if he has that line against the Ravens they'll lose?

Here you go...
http://www.boston.co...y_woodhead.html

[catomatic]

Here you go...
http://www.boston.co...y_woodhead.html

What in that snippet leads you to believe that they aren't playing a week from now? I see nothing in there to suggest that at all.

[E5 Yaz]

What in that snippet leads you to believe that they aren't playing a week from now? I see nothing in there to suggest that at all.

You're arguing with someone who thinks Brady had a bad game

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
Head, shoulders knees and toes! Head, shoulders knees and toes!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
And ankles too. Patriots better get their trainers ready. This bird's about to maim me some more pretty boys!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
Gonna send 'em to the locker room like Gronk-boy. I see you Wes! I see you!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
You too pretty boy. Ima coming for that other knee!

[Reggie's Racquet]

What? They will be without Gronk - do you have any sources on Jones or Woodhead?

Also, 25/40 for 344 yards, 3 TD and 0 INT isn't good enough? You think if he has that line against the Ravens they'll lose?

Brady had almost the exact same overall rating as Flacco did yesterday.
Brady has to play better than Flacco for us to win.
I think if Brady and Flacco have the same overall rating next week it will be a very close game.

[Norm Siebern]

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
Head, shoulders knees and toes! Head, shoulders knees and toes!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
And ankles too. Patriots better get their trainers ready. This bird's about to maim me some more pretty boys!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
Gonna send 'em to the locker room like Gronk-boy. I see you Wes! I see you!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
You too pretty boy. Ima coming for that other knee!

In my dreams I see Logan Mankins leading a stretch sweep over the left side and simply knocking into unconscious bolivian Bernie Pollard. Jr.

[mwonow]

That's funny - and gotta be a spoof.

I'm thinking the line will rise this week. The Ravens D doesn't scare anyone, and the Pats O does. Shootout in NE - you like Flacco or Brady?

[Reggie's Racquet]

You're arguing with someone who thinks Brady had a bad game

I never said Brady had a bad game today.
Please don't put words in my mouth.
I said Brady needs to play better next week or it will be a very close game.
His overall rating today was higher than Schaub's. We won.
But it was almost exactly the same as Flacco's rating yesterday.
If it is the same as Flacco's next week we will have a problem.

Edited by Reggie's Racquet, 13 January 2013 - 11:26 PM.

[Youkilis vs Wild]

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
Head, shoulders knees and toes! Head, shoulders knees and toes!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
And ankles too. Patriots better get their trainers ready. This bird's about to maim me some more pretty boys!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
Gonna send 'em to the locker room like Gronk-boy. I see you Wes! I see you!

Bernard Pollard Jr ‏@Crushboy31
You too pretty boy. Ima coming for that other knee!

Are these real? If so, they've been deleted.