Right Off Russell

Back in August when we were all making our predictions there seemed to a consensus that the Ravens were a playoff team. Of course, many people (myself included) didn’t think the team would take the path it did in advancing to the postseason.  Anyone else feel, at certain points this season, that watching this team was almost like going to work on a Monday morning?  I know I did. But the regular season is over and now every team is 0-0.

So what do the Ravens need to do on defense vs. the Patriots to go 1-0?

Defensive Line: Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg and Co. just need to keep plugging along. The Patriots have a bunch of different running backs that they will use at some point.  None of them are game breakers but they all possess different skills that can be effective for the New England offense.  What would be a huge bonus is if guys like Trevor Pryce and Terrell Suggs can generate pressure on their own.  Unfortunately they haven’t been able to create consistent pressure this season and the Patriots offensive line will probably be able to handle them.  As a whole, the Ravens defensive line should be able to hold their own and make some plays. It’s not a huge area of concern for me in this game. Read more »

In their week 4match-up with the Patriots, Joe Flacco threw the ball 47 times, and while he did amass 264 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Ravens did not move the ball consistently that day putting up only 14 offensive points.  I remember being surprised how much the Ravens looked to throw the ball against the Pats, and disappointed that Ray Rice was not utilized more.  Rice did average 9.4 yards per carry, but only ran it 11 times.  The Ravens have been run heavy as the weather has turned colder and as Flacco has struggled with inconsistency and injury.  The Ravens will need to be more effective moving the ball this time around as the defense would benefit greatly from an offense that keeps them off the field.

Passing Game:  The Pats will again try to keep the ball from Derrick Mason.  In week 4 Mason lit them up on the Raven’s opening drive that culminated in his 20 yard TD reception.  From that point forward Mason was relatively quiet and Flacco struggled with inconsistent Raven’s receivers.  The Ravens need to find other receivers to make plays against the Pats.  Kelley Washington is a good possession receiver and makes plays on 3rd down.  I am not sure what Mark Clayton brings to the table right now, but at least he is motivated to make up for his drop in the last game.  That leaves Demetrius Williams.  Williams was showing signs of opening up the Ravens passing game with his ability to make plays down field.  He was a missing man in week 17.  Some have speculated that the Ravens did not feel the need to use Williams against the Raiders.  Others think that with Clayton able to play, that Williams is back in the dog house.  I am hopeful the former explanation is correct.  The Ravens need him to open up the passing game and stretch the field against New England.  He creates match-up problems that no other Ravens receiver can create.  Look for Todd Heap to be a favorite target for Flacco in the red zone. Read more »