The Good And The Bad (Week 4)

[PurpleRulz]

The Good:

1. We are 4-0 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Steve McNair is Mr. Clutch!

3. I haven't had a heart attack with these past two wins.

4. Our defense. While the Chargers were very good on defense, we showed that WE are the number 1 defense in football. Despite being on the field for a long time, our defense created opportunities for us to go ahead in this game.

5. Todd Heap. Made several key catches for us including the game winning TD.

6. Sam Koch. Thus far, he is the Ravens Rookie of the Year. Not only did he have a great day punting, but did you guys see that hit on the Punt Returner? Could that make the Jacked Up reel this week?


The Bad:

1. Our OL. Those guys are going to hurt us if/when we make it to the playoffs. We won't get chances to come back like this each week, but those guys must give McNair a chance to make throws. This issue of the center stepping on the QB's feet must be addressed. We all owe Boller an apology. This coming offseason should be dedicated (in addition to re-signing AD) to the OL. I would set a precedent in drafting OL in every round. (Okay, maybe not).

2. Our offense as a whole must get on the same page. We left 14 points on the field; Mason's wide open miss and that field goal fumble by Wilcox. By the way, why in the heck were we doing something else besides running when we were at the goal line? We should have been driving Jamal until we got in.

3. Our running game. Where is it? Maybe Jamal would answer, "Ask the OL."


All in all, we are 4-0, and we beat a very good football team. It was not luck. Our defense and special teams outplayed their defense and special teams. Despite our sputtering offense which is still trying to gel, we are a very good football team.

[Heap86]

We are 4-0 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thats all that matters, I don't care if they win every game extremely ugly.

As long as they win, who gives a shit.

No Doubt, we beat a good team today, Great Defense and Good Offense.

:jester: :jester: :jester:

[Losac]

What a win! It was ugly as hell just like last week, but 4-0 is 4-0!!!

And Bart Scott is becoming one of my new favorite Ravens. :thumbup:

[52decleetzu]

It is so sad to see how this offensive line holds this offense back.We are so limited in what we do it is ridiculous,and if we dont go in shotgun it is impossible for Mcnair to set up a throw.

The holes arent there for Jamal,McNair has pressure around him constantly and the penalties are from our guys just not being good enough to block the opponents.But..................







WE ARE 4-0 BABY!!!! And we are finding a way to win when we dont have our best stuff and that is what it is all about!!!!!!

[FadeToBlack]

I hope we remain the worst undefeated team in the NFL for a long, long, long, long, long, long time. In fact, I wouldn't mind if the Ravens played like this for the rest of my entire life.

But on a more serious note, those issues you mentioned are all true. You gotta think at some point, McNair Magic will wear off in the 4th quarter. Right?

Also add to "The Good:" We have 3/4ths of the season to figure out how to run and protect the passer.

[Beerracuda]

PurpleRulz,

Every week, the offense leaves me scratching my head. Last week, it was the reverse on our own 20s with 2 mins remaining. This week, it was the shovel pass at the 2. Totally unacceptable!

That being said, I Think this team should take a good look at itself during the final minutes of the past few games and ask themselves which plan works best.

As for the offensive line, it's... well.... OFFENSIVE... especially Mike Flynn.

At the beginning of the game, the Chargers knew we were gonna stack the line against LT. So what did they do? Throw quick outs, and they were successful. That's what I think we should do, just to get the defense off our running game.

Is that asking too much of Billick?

[StingerNLG]

You gotta think at some point, McNair Magic will wear off in the 4th quarter. Right?

But you know what? At 4-0 we've got a little bit of buffer room for that to happen and figure out how to get Flynn out of the center spot.

[Sephy]

Lost in this: still no 100yd rusher. Tomlinson capped at 98 yds. Icing, I guess :)

[Norcross]

The shovel pass to Wilcox was a good call, the Chargers just made the play. We have seen it work multiple times....I guess I would of like seeing Heap with it but Wilcox normally hangs on to it.

[RavenTD]

The good this pic.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/RavenTd/full-1.jpg

[Sephy]

Beautiful. Heap is a MAN. He won't be denied with the game on the line.

[highwater]

I actually thought the shovel pass was a good, inventive call, they just didn't execute it. The end result of the play made me want to throw something through my neighbor's TV, but the call wasn't bad. It sure beats the constant Jamal-up-the-middle on practically very first down.

I don't understand why McNair didn't throw to Heap more often. Were they keeping him in to block, or was there some other reason? He's one of the best TEs in the league, so let's throw to him!

Great comeback against what seems to be a really good team -- I was impressed with San Diego. They thoroughly outplayed us in the first half.

[MrPoeJangles]

The shovel pass to Wilcox was a good call, the Chargers just made the play.

I agree, and the play apperared to be working. You would hope Wilcox would be able to get that last yard on his own. It was happy to see them trying something new.

[Merlin]

I am a believer -- would rather they play poorly and win that the reverse
:kewl:

We had 2 good shots at TDs -- the fumble and the play that Mason never saw :grbac:

However, if Lewis up the middle for 2 isn't working -- TRY SOMETHING ELSE FOR A CHANGE!! They were getting traction with McNair throwing on first and it was working -- why didn't they keep going to that. I honestly felt like the coordinators were upstairs saying -- we gotta run up the middle again -- its our "profile"

anyway who cares -- we're 4-0. JUST WIN BABY!!!!

[duffybr]

Mason lost it in the sun

[RockyMRaven]

PurpleRulz,

Every week, the offense leaves me scratching my head. Last week, it was the reverse on our own 20s with 2 mins remaining. This week, it was the shovel pass at the 2. Totally unacceptable!

That being said, I Think this team should take a good look at itself during the final minutes of the past few games and ask themselves which plan works best.

As for the offensive line, it's... well.... OFFENSIVE... especially Mike Flynn.

At the beginning of the game, the Chargers knew we were gonna stack the line against LT. So what did they do? Throw quick outs, and they were successful. That's what I think we should do, just to get the defense off our running game.

Is that asking too much of Billick?

Billick? Fassel calls the plays.

[bassgtrst]

Norcross,

Im sorry but I believe that on 2nd and goal from the 1 you just pound it until you break free. We got too cute and got burned for it.

Ultimatley, yes, Wilcox did fumble that ball, but that play should have never been called in the first place.

[df1570]

The Ravens didn't deserve to win.

But every year when a team goes 11-5, 12-4 or 13-3, they win games they don't "deserve to win". That's how you get to be 12-4. You win two or three "by accident". If you lose those games, you're 9-7. The Ravens have been very fortunate to have played against two of the league's coaching nitwits on successive weeks.

Last week, Crennel handed them the game with that dumb ass decision to throw the ball with 3:21 left in the game.

This week, it came down to the fact that the Chargers have ZERO faith in their QB to do anything except hand the ball off. What planet is Marty on, anyway? The Ravens have 110% faith in their QB...the Chargers have no faith in their QB. And that's how Baltimore won. You all think OUR playcalling is lame? Holy crap...San Diego's offense is as exciting as watching that NASA channel on TV where they just show the moon for eight hours.

And, in the 4th quarter, when it mattered most, the Ravens execution was better than the Chargers.

The botched field goal mid-way through the 4th quarter was a killer for San Diego. They just made too many dumb mistakes. And they're supposed to be a good football team? I don't see it. Or at least, I didn't see it today.

The best thing about the game today? They can't take it away. The Ravens are 4-0.

Bart Scott was a monster again. How freaking good is he?

[Mr.Boh]

The good- Mike Carry didnt flag anyone for "malice in their hearts".
Anyone else surprised they sent this guy into Baltimore?

[StingerNLG]

This week, it came down to the fact that the Chargers have ZERO faith in their QB to do anything except hand the ball off. What planet is Marty on, anyway?

I couldn't get that either. Especially since in all honesty Rivers was near perfect on that opening drive. He only took one sack the entire game, and that was the final play of the game. Marty should have just let Rivers take a knee the entire second half and been done with it.

[StingerNLG]

As far as the shovel pass, the announcers said they should have run Jamal.

You can't run Jamal when Jamal can't run. 2.7 YPC doesn't inspire a TD run. I have no problem with the shovel pass. I have a problem with Wilcox dropping the ball.

[RAVENOUS52]

Good: 1st Place in the AFC North

Bad: Our offense inspires as much fear as Lake Clifton's Junior Varsity squad

[AZRAVEN]

Of course the Ravens have more confidence in McNair, he's a 13 year vet Rivers to all intents and purposes is a rookie. Geesh..
I wish someone could explain why all of a sudden this team can't run the ball worth crap.
On a side note, I think it's time Heap puts the Boller bashing to bed. Every week he's running his mouth about how great it is to have a great quarterback. The reality is, at some point this season Heap may have to play with Boller again so continually pounding on him isn't helpful. He made his point, he doesn't like Boller but as of now Boller is the second string guy so he should just shut his mouth.

[PurpleRulz]

The Ravens didn't deserve to win.

But every year when a team goes 11-5, 12-4 or 13-3, they win games they don't "deserve to win". That's how you get to be 12-4. You win two or three "by accident". If you lose those games, you're 9-7. The Ravens have been very fortunate to have played against two of the league's coaching nitwits on successive weeks.

Last week, Crennel handed them the game with that dumb ass decision to throw the ball with 3:21 left in the game.

This week, it came down to the fact that the Chargers have ZERO faith in their QB to do anything except hand the ball off. What planet is Marty on, anyway? The Ravens have 110% faith in their QB...the Chargers have no faith in their QB. And that's how Baltimore won. You all think OUR playcalling is lame? Holy crap...San Diego's offense is as exciting as watching that NASA channel on TV where they just show the moon for eight hours.

And, in the 4th quarter, when it mattered most, the Ravens execution was better than the Chargers.

The botched field goal mid-way through the 4th quarter was a killer for San Diego. They just made too many dumb mistakes. And they're supposed to be a good football team? I don't see it. Or at least, I didn't see it today.

The best thing about the game today? They can't take it away. The Ravens are 4-0.

Bart Scott was a monster again. How freaking good is he?

Excellent post. I perfect example of this was the 2005 Steelers. Did they "deserve" to win that postseason game against the Bengals when they knocked out Palmer? Did they "deserve" to win the AFC Championship game when Bettis fumbled the ball and Big Jen was lucky enough to make the game saving tackle? Not to mention, the missed FG by Vanderjack. Some could argue that the Steelers did not deserve their Championship, but why waste time with that? All that matters is the W.

In the postseason, we will have to win games like this when trench play and strong defensive play are most important. Speaking of that, I am concerned that while our OL is good enough to win us these regular season games, I am not as optimistic about how they'd do in the postseason.

Oh well....4-0 BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[StingerNLG]

On a side note, I think it's time Heap puts the Boller bashing to bed. Every week he's running his mouth about how great it is to have a great quarterback. The reality is, at some point this season Heap may have to play with Boller again so continually pounding on him isn't helpful. He made his point, he doesn't like Boller but as of now Boller is the second string guy so he should just shut his mouth.


You do know Heap and Boller are tight friends on the team right? After the TD, who do you think Heap was standing with on the sidelines? I don't think by talking about McNair he's "pounding" on Boller.

[Merlin]

Just because McNair is a better leader at this point (e.g., co-MVP, went to the Super Bowl) doesn't make Kyle a worse player. There's no question that the team's confidence is tremendously higher at thats a good thing.

My hope is that Kyle learns from this. If he is going to learn, this is as good a way as any. I'm sure we'll have to depend on him at some point during the season.

Remember, Grossman was picked lower than Boller in the same first round and Chicago fans were out for his head last year. Suddenly he's on top of the world.

[ladyraven127]

"The good- Mike Carry didnt flag anyone for "malice in their hearts".


:laugh:

[Raven31]

When I saw that Carey was ref AND he's from San Diego, I thought for sure we were doomed.

[AZRAVEN]

You do know Heap and Boller are tight friends on the team right? After the TD, who do you think Heap was standing with on the sidelines? I don't think by talking about McNair he's "pounding" on Boller.

No, I wasn't aware they were friends and you certainly wouldn't know it by the way Heap is blasting him every week. Maybe Boller needs to pick his "friends more carefully, because with friends like that he doesn't need any more enemies. :laugh:

[StingerNLG]

No, I wasn't aware they were friends and you certainly wouldn't know it by the way Heap is blasting him every week

AZ I've been reading some, and unfortunately I don't have any quotes of Heap calling Boller anything. In fact, I don't have any quotes from Heap mentioning Boller's name. Can you hit me with that link so I can see it myself?

[RavenScallywag]

The ugly for Week 4: We lost Mulitalo for the year. Hopefully Brown is able to at least do halfway decent in his place, but regardless, this will hurt the team.

[highwater]

AZ I've been reading some, and unfortunately I don't have any quotes of Heap calling Boller anything. In fact, I don't have any quotes from Heap mentioning Boller's name. Can you hit me with that link so I can see it myself?

Sting, I think AZ was referring to Heap praising McNair's leadership and experience, and was interpreting those comments as a subtle slap at Boller. I don't think Heap meant it that way at all -- every compliment of McNair isn't necessarily an insult to Boller (although I can see why one might infer that).

The only comment I have heard from Heap about Boller was very complimentary, about how well Boller was taking his second-string status after always being a starter. "He's taking it like a man" is the quote I remember.

[Sephy]

No, I wasn't aware they were friends and you certainly wouldn't know it by the way Heap is blasting him every week. Maybe Boller needs to pick his "friends more carefully, because with friends like that he doesn't need any more enemies. :laugh:

He isn't blasting him. People keep asking Todd how it is to play with McNair - he's supposed to lavish praise. He isn't saying anything about Boller.

[BUDDAROW]

The Good? a "W" of course
Bart Scott?? insane!!

Bad??? Much has been mentioned but let me add/ask?

Would someone please explain to me, or the guilty parties involved that gaining control/possesion of a fumble FIRST could NOT be the main priority, NOT reaching down to pick up then ending up kicking it and NOT recovering the ball??
Especially in heavy traffic??
Jump on the damn Ball! :mad:
I was pissed at that, one of several blunders that luckly didn't end up biting us in the ass!

[sailorsam]

the Ravens actually coulda taken over this game, between the Wilcox fumble, the one Ed Reed kicked, the lost-it-in-the-sun...coulda been, say, 20-13?
of course, if SD doesn't miss a 40-yarder, maybe it goes the other way.
to me the turning point was when the Chargers had it 3rd and short, after running the ball up the gut all day, and Marty calls...an overhand lateral for a four-yard loss. (anyone else old enough to remember the 'Stagger Lee' play?)
that, boys and girls, is why Marty Schottenheimer has never and will never get to a Super Bowl. the man has won a hundred+ games and taken three teams to the playoffs (and would been 4 if that idiot Snyder hadn't fired him from DC, ha ha ha)...but the poor guy always blows it on the edge of success. I might hire him for a quick fix / turnaround, but wouldn't keep him long term.

[Rochardrik]

The good- Mike Carry didnt flag anyone for "malice in their hearts".
Anyone else surprised they sent this guy into Baltimore?
I'm surprised Mike Carry accepted the assignment! There may have been malice in Sugg's heart, on that infamous call in Detroit, but what I saw was DEATHLY FEAR in Mike Carry's eyes!:rolling:

[ClericBlackDave]

Last week, Crennel handed them the game with that dumb ass decision to throw the ball with 3:21 left in the game.

This week, it came down to the fact that the Chargers have ZERO faith in their QB to do anything except hand the ball off. What planet is Marty on, anyway?


Man you are funny. I love fans. Dont you see you're contradicting yourself?


Crennel gets critiqued because he let his QB play and throw the ball, and the QB made a mistake / McCalister, a top 5 DB, made a great play.


After seeing that, and seeing Crennel lose throwing it, Marty turtles up, and he gets criticized for not letting his QB throw the ball.


Coaches can't win with fans unless they win the game. Marty would have looked like a genious if not for some 4th quarter magic by McNair. You can't always rely on that. Look at his Superbowl Loss. 1 yard short. Sometimes, the magic runs out.