You Won't Believe This Preview

[highwater]

A friend forwarded to me a Scouts preview of the Ravens/Raiders game, which I guess came from ESPN's insider section (the part you have to pay for to read). I almost spit out whatever I was drinking when I read this line about the Ravens receivers:

"The Ravens' receiving corps is made up of short, fast guys like Mark Clayton, who can challenge the secondary deep, and large guys like Clarence Moore (6-6), who can go across the middle and challenge linebackers and safeties for the ball in a crowd."

Since when has Clarence Moore had any success going across the middle and challenging anyone for the ball in a crowd??? He's the worst receiver on the team in that situation!

I also enjoyed this comment:

"the Raiders are probably going to have a hard time making the playoffs"

Really? You think? I'm not taking this game for granted, but I'm willing to bet a lot that the Raiders are not going to come close to making the playoffs.

By the way, they predict a 33-20 Ravens win.

[Purplenemesis]

Sounds like whoever wrote this really knows what he is talking about :grbac:

Not every 6'6 reciever has Randy Moss abilities.

[52decleetzu]

Good to know that all the fools who have insider are getting their money's worth,that is too funny.

[Losac]

I can't see the Raiders scoring 20 points on our defense. The only way they get close to that is if we turn the ball over or they get big plays on special teams.

[Bez513]

I can't see the Raiders scoring 20 points on our defense. The only way they get close to that is if we turn the ball over or they get big plays on special teams.


Agreed....35-13 Ravens.

[ravensfan86]

Any given Sunday....... But not this Sunday!

[Tecumseh]

We're pitching another shutout this sunday!

[ravensfan86]

You know I have replayed that game several times (with the slow-mo feature on the DVR you can really pickup some things) and the Bucs WR's and TE's dropped several passes to stall drives. Not to take anything away from the effort the Ravens gave. But at the same time, when you talk shutout, alot and I mean alot of things have to go your way. Here is one example:

Being down by so many points in the second half, the Bucs went for it on 4th down and I think 4 for the endzone. Ray tips the pass away from the WR. (Of course the play previous he lays a vicious hit on Pittman). But under many other circumstances, you kick the FG and feel good about at least getting a FG rather then no points at all.

Not that a shutout can't happen. But we committed 4 fumbles and got them all back. How often does that happen?


The exciting thing about last week is Steve McNair dare I say it....... struggled after the opening drive for most of the game. His little flare to Wilcox helped his cause but he was wormburning several throws to Heap and Mason. The throw to Clayton was low by design. Clayton has to be more aware of the sticks. Same with Demetrious Williams, he ran 1 yard short of the sticks (rookie mistake). But McNair didn't exactly light up the Bucs. It was more of his calmness and being under control and maintaining the lead.

Thats the presence he brings that preserved the shutout thrown by the defense and the ball control by the offense. Lets see if we can again sustain a long drive and keep the defense off the field. That long drive definately did the Bucs in to start the game.

One other thing I observed is although the Ravens seems pleased with the oline's performance, McNair picked himself up several times after the ball was out. Although not a sack, those hits add up and can cause a QB to get rid of the ball before they really want to. I was happy the way the Oline run blocked. That may have won the game right there. They didn't stop Jamal on that first drive and that set the tone. Even though Jamal was held in check for most of the game, he gained yards and ran hard when it counted.

[jonboy79]

.The Ravens' receiving corps is made up of short, fast guys like Mark Clayton, who can challenge the secondary deep,

Not exactly Clayto's strong suit either....

I agree a shutout does seem a bit unlikely, but I do see another blowout, certainly enough to cover the now bloated spread of 12.5

[sailorsam]

losac is right. even if Balmer brings in the reserve D they'll shut down Oakland. RAVENS 27 Raiders 6