yagersports

Can't wait to see those 3 WRs together! Speed kills! lol

Where's Crav???? Cmon man...give us one, do it! I think......

The Bengals did better in the passing game, but Ray's main impact is against the run. We've done excellent against the run without Ray, better from what I've seen. Ray is no longer a premiere LBer in coverage. Dalton throws the ball downfield against our CBs, not a ton over the middle against the LBers to his TEs. In any case, if Jimmy doesn't blow coverage on the long ball, and Dalton's other miracle deep pass is broken up like it should have been, we're not even talking about Dalton having a good game. Dalton is going to be a great QB, and he was impressive, however in all likelihood, that's two scores off the board. Suddenly that game looks much more impressive.

But we have what we have. The OL can block those for those plays. Of course we can use Leach, Foster isn't a north south runner, he hits the hole and cuts.

My point being, I think that RR can be more effective here if he's allowed to do more of what he's good at. Priest could have been good with the Ravens too. I'm not really disagreeing with you, just saying I think more can come out of RR right here. If I have a north south runner, I pound him in the middle. That's what we do! If I have a shifty guy that reads holes well, I run counters, draws, pitches, etc. We have Ray running alot of what a north south runner would run. We don't have any good stretch plays that Rice would love to eat up.

Yeah, they were good without him with Hartwell, I remember. I'm saying though, he definitely has an effect on this group of guys. I'd rather have him on the sidelines than not at all. Not saying the D won't be good, cuz there's too many guys with talent not to be good.

Good argument, but I do think that the defense was much quicker regardless. We'll get a good test Sunday.

When the offense has floundered, Ray wasn't given the ball. The heavier back stuff doesn't hold water cuz they used that to get rid of Priest Holmes. Holmes went on the be on hell of back and a TD machine. We need to use Ray properly. Right now I think Cam is trying to for square pegs (his game plans) into round holes (the players strengths and abilities). The best OC's are ones that recognize players strengths and capabilities and create game plans that play to them. How many times have we seen Boldin running deep routes when we know Boldin is a slot receiver. How many times have we seen a jump ball with Boldin? Also not his forte. We've also seen Joe being forced to drop back from center when he's a natural shotgun QB. There are numerous examples. I don't believe that Cam's running plays are geared to Rice's strengths. Just my honest opinion.

The players clearly respond to him and take on his persona, I'm sure Ray will have a positive effect on the sideline. It remains to be seen if anyone on this D can lead in Ray's absence. When the chips are down, does anyone have the ability to get the troops to "keep" fighting? See, cuz that's exactly what Ray does. His intensity and passion keep people going. It inspires people to get better. Especially the guys that have played with him on the field. As they begin to retire themselves, I can see Ray's influence possibly begin to fade, but even then, Ray is just a hell of a motivator.

Absolutely the defense is more effective without Ray. I'm sorry, I love the guy, he's awesome. But our defense is far more effective with him leading from the sideline. McClain and company get to the RB quicker and are stopping them at 2-3 yard gains rather than 3-4 yard gains. That's huge in the NFL. There were also considerably less 5+ yard gains from SF. His knowledge and passion are absolutely huge on the sideline however. You can tell the guys get up and play for him. Ray unfortunately looks very slow and easily juked at times this year. Father time is undefeated. I as much as anyone does not want to see him go, however if I'm being objective the defense is better with him on the sideline than on the field. I think it's also important to note that I think the defense probably isn't as good without him altogether. He's needed as coach motivator. There's no question that the men respond to him.

We just stopped Gore, I think we can handle Hillis. We're also better against the run with McClain. He's quicker to the hole.

Yeah, but Ray Rice really keeps this offense going, there's no question. If you have a great RB in their prime, you keep em going. I'm not saying commit long term dollars, but their's no question as to RR's impact on this offense. The teams gear to stop him, not Joe. He's dynamic and a playmaker. I don't mind paying guys for that.

Just give him a word problem before the snap, that should confuse him enough. "If the QB says hike three times for 1 and the count is on 2, how many times will the QB say hike before the ball is snapped?" That should keep him going all game! lol lol lol

Still think that using the franchise tag twice makes sense. Then, the Ravens might have the bargaining position to give a contract if Ray is still performing. Likely one that is favorable from the Ravens' perspective.

No doubt! :-)

Although, the one swing worked nicely on Thanksgiving. Wasn't it for 9 yds or so and a 1st down? I agree we call the play too much, but it's nice having a fullback that can catch. Catches the D sleeping sometimes. Bill Parcells used to love throwing to Sam Gash.

Sounds like a guy that's overpaid ;). I love his tenacious style of play. He's ferocious, but not dirty. For alot of players that's a fine line to walk.

Sounds like Flacco's kind of weather!

The way Webb is playing, that's a tough call. Good corners are tough to get. Pro Bowl corners are even harder and there's alot of articles out there saying that Webb is a Pro Bowl corner. I do see Papa's point about Rice though, running backs are so tough to judge when it comes to giving big money. Too many of them crap out.

It's too bad and a shame. What a waste of talent. That guy could really have been a franchise LT if he had half a brain in his head.

Couldn't agree more, however his play on the field is not ahead of McClain. He's a leader and motivator, no question. Players follow him and play at a higher level with him around agreed. However I believe that Ray has the same impact on the sidelines as he has on the field. (From a MLB perspective) Ray should be playing outside LB on obvious rushing downs. McClain and co should be manning the middle. They force more 3rd and longs. Just an honest opinion. I hate to see legends fade as much as anyone.

I think the defense was better without Ray. The LBs are getting to the runner quicker and stopping the runner at a 2-3 yard gain vs a 3-4 yd gain. That's huge in the NFL in terms of 3rd downs. I also think that the pass coverage is better as well. It caused Alex Smith to really check himself before throwing over the middle with pressure in his face. When Ray is in, we have to blitz him alot. That's why I favored moving Ray outside this year. He no longer belongs in the middle. He just doesn't have the range. I love him, and I'm gonna miss him. I still tell my son stories about Ray chasing WRs down from behind and how he made Eddie George give up. However, with turf toe, Ray's ability to really contribute may be more seriously impacted than anyone is leading on.

Didnt mean to quote twice my bad lol. Guess I have the same purple glasses, but it tough for rooks to have success without a huge supporting cast.

Im sure Payton had something to do with it, but the point is very real that Koe has had trouble with the Cover 2 defense which is a version of the 4-3.

My point is people can learn from their mistakes. Romo is very capable with 90 plus ratings every year. It's not like he's got physical limitations or doesn't understand the game. His decisions need to improve in big games but that does not mean he sucks. It means he needs to adjust to pressure. If he tossed more INTs than TDs or had poor Ypc or poor Ratings we could talk about him "sucking". Similar to Elway.