Dunno

Given they way the D played when Ray was out, I just don't see ILB as a top need. Sure, if a top pick at ILB drops to you (like Ray did way back) then by all means go for it, but otherwise, I would much rather go LT. Seems like a much more glaring long term need. I also disagree with the assessment that only Suggs can get to the QB. Last year, yeah, he was the only one. But this year, both McPhee and Kruger have gotten to the QB often when you consider the amount of snaps they play. And particular in McPhee's case you have to think he will only get better next year assuming he stays healthy.

I agree about Lewis, hate to say it, but time to retire. Reed, I am not sure. I think he is more injured than done, but if he can ever stay healthy for 16+ games a season going forward is a big question. If not, there has got to be a better backup plan. Which leads me to my biggest issue in that game. Apparently the Chargers managed to shut down the Ravens passing attack while giving Rice lots of space to run. Why couldn't the Ravens do the same (preferably before they are down by 3 possessions)? The team is much more likely to lose to the Chargers passing attack than their rushing game. This fanatical devotion, in some games, to stop the run while getting beat by the pass borders on insanity. I was not a fan of Greg Mattison, but his defensive game plan vs San Diego was better than the one they executed yesterday. (Not that giving up 26 points in a game is a great game plan by any stretch of the imagination) As for Flacco, he is what he is. I do think you can win the SB with him, but you are going to have to skimp on his salary to pay for extra quality linemen. Whether he is willing to take a discount to invest that money in the O-line remains to be seen. If not, you might have to look elsewhere for your QB of the future.

Assuming they can actually figure out some answers, seeing SD again might be the better option. At least they know how San Diego will attack/defend them. The million dollar question is if that knowledge is enough to stop the Chargers. Didn't look like it yesterday.

I thought this quote was quite telling. And with San Diego averaging 11.7 yards / pass play you basically end up with, on average, 1 pass play per set of downs for a new first down, the entire friggin game. While I am not Filmstudy, and his breakdown should make for interesting reading, there is just something terribly wrong with the pass defense of the Ravens.

You expect them to win on the road in the playoffs? They have really only played one good road game all year (vs Pittsburgh). Other than that, they also won against the Rams (who we now know are terrible) when the offense showed up early and the same again against Cleveland (who also won't be making the play offs). Every other road game has been a disaster. There is almost no reason to think this is going to change this season.

Good thing it only took them 58 minutes to figure something out on offense.

TD! Comeback inc!

Another issue is the Ravens always stressing they need to stop the run. Stop the run, stop the run, blah, blah, blah. But this games proves that only stopping the run can't help you win games. If you can't stop the the long pass, 11.7 avg per pass for the Chargers, you can't do anything on defense. They really, really need a way to stop these kinds of passing attacks where they sort of float balls deep to tall receivers.

It is.

Yep, it's not like anyone else has staked a claim the way they are playing.

There has got to be something else available on offense other than 3 yard dump offs. The Chargers didn't get to 6-7 by teams throwing 3 yard dumps off on them all day long, did they?

At least the excuses from Harbaugh should be entertaining.

I'd love to see one pass defended. While the offense has issues too, the complete inability to stop the pass is killing any chance the Ravens would have had in this game. I think SD has scored on every drive so far in this game. Sorry, can't win like that.

QFT

I will be amazed if they win this. This feels like the Titans game all over.

Do the Ravens even have one PD so far?

Sort of fitting there was only one offensive Ravens highlight in that video compared to at least 4 for the Chargers.

I am getting Titans vibes from this game. Can't hit the broadside of a barn on offense. On defense, they keep floating balls to tall receivers.

Need some pass defense, desperately

Zbikowski (sp?) is one hell of a tough returner, just not a very good one.

WTF? Head slap?

And just as I say that, TD!

Flacco is looking very inaccurate today.

Might want to find some kind of pass defense. And soon.

What?! How did he miss that? Also, this pass/run ratio has me worried. Haven't we tried that on the road before this season with disastrous results?