oldno82

A really pathetic effort by the offense---one of the worst I've ever seen.

Suggs was the only bright spot today. And maybe Justin Tucker. Unbelievable that #55 played today!!!

I think the nerve impingement problem would still make it hard and painful for him to tackle even if the labrum was repaired.

OK. Just hope it doesn't hurt Harewood's confidence. I really wish we had been able to keep Grubbs.

I'm a little puzzled here. Why was Ramon Harewood benched for Bobbie Williams? Was it poor pass protection or run blocking or both? I thought I had heard he was doing pretty well for a guy who is essentially a rookie.

Houston may give the Ravens a very embarrassing beat-down.

According to this, the $5.4 mil isn't guaranteed: http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/2246/ray-lewis

They may have to if Ray doesn't decide to do it on his own. I hope it doesn't come to that though but old athletes seldom know when to retire. Another thing, Pollard hasn't been the same guy since he got injured. He's playing hurt and can't deliver those punishing tackles he did before.

I couldn't agree more. And Ray L. made a BIG mistake weight-wise.

I thought our defense would be off this year but I expected it to occur in pass defense due to lack of pass rush. I have to admit I'm stunned by how awful the run D is. What happened to how Cody and Ngata would clog up the middle? I think Ray Lewis is done and ought to hang it up after this season for his own pride's sake. He's just not what he used to be. I saw Ray still trying his utmost but he misses as many tackles as he makes and he's easily blockable. Ditto for Ed Reed who can't tackle probably because he's afraid (and rightly so) of further damaging his nerve impingement. Another thing that has happenned to the Ravens is that the last 3 linebackers drafted have, at best, left a lot to be desired. Kindle, Kruger, and Upshaw. While I'm not yet ready to give up on Upshaw I'd have to call KIndle and Kruger busts. Maybe Cody falls in there too. The offense is good enough to go to the Super Bowl and Special Teams play has really improved this year. But, you've got to have SOME D to become a champion and our defense is downright embarrassingly awful. I've kept waiting for them to wake up but after 6 games it looks like they have either a serious talent problem or coaching (Pees) problem. With Webb out I think the next 10 games are going to a real big struggle for this team.

The Texans will demolish and embarrass us. They've got a proficient offense and a very good defense plus we'll be playing away. Losing Webb for the season is devastating. He was our best DB. Ed Reed gave up on tackling several times today and Ray Lewis is now a non-factor. No Super Bowl this year unless Terrell Suggs returns as his usual self and I don't think that is going to happen. Figures, the offense finally gets plays very well but our defense is poor now.

The offense is definitely carrying this team. We won. It should have been easier but our D was pathetic. Still, look at what's happened to the Steelers and the Bengals!

We've gotten more out of Jacoby Jones than Lee Evans or Housh combined. Good pickup by Ozzie.

Is it just me or are Ray Lewis and Ed Reed over-the-hill? Good job at the end of the first half by Flacco, Boldin, Smith and the O-line, though.

It sucks and I feel for him and his family. I think he'll come through it OK.

Plus, what kind of football-shape could he possibly be in? He's a tough guy though, and might surprise us. We need him.

Geez, Max and Crav, I can't find a thing to disagree with. The offense is prolific and the defense is pretty damn bad but we've been able to overcome it. Among the guys who have really impressed me the most are: Flacco (of course), Torrey Smith (potential super-star). Can't say enough good things about those two guys. Justin Tucker was impressive early on but he looks a bit shakey, or more human, of late. The defense has major issues and Pees hasn't yet, and may not be able to, change it yet. We need Suggs back but realistically we can't expect him to just drop back in like he never left. I'd feel much better about our Super Bowl chances if we had even a top 15 defense. Still, I think its been a great and entertaining season so far and when you think about it isn't entertainment what its mostly about?

The Browns haven't played that bad so far this year. I give them credit. Richardson will be a beast. Yes our pass defense sucks big time and needs some kind of help. I don't know what the answer is unless its getting Suggs back. I can't remember ever seeing Ray Rice make a first down on a 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1. He's a great player but not for getting short yardage. Plus, there's no surge from the offensive line in those situations. Joe's interception was poor judgement but you got to take that kind of thing with a prolific passer. Hell, even Johnny U threw interceptions. A win in the AFC North is always hard. We were tired and beat up from playing 4 games in 18 days but we won. I'll take it, for now.

Nice adjustment by Joe for the TD.

No not a great half. They better tighten up in the second half or else the Browns could win by 'accident'.

Nice, nice sack by Kruger.

I'm shocked at the miss on Cox and Koch...never even think about that happening with those guys.

This would be the perfect time for the Defense to jell as a unit with good pressure and good coverage.

Absolutely agree Yager. Hell to me Max IS the board!

Joe is not Vinnie. But I am reminded of Ozzie's comments about the 96-97 team to the effect that the 'Defense couldn't stop water'. They couldn't stop New England's passing at all. There is zero pass rush. Too much is being asked of the secondary. We've GOT to put pressure on the quarterback. It was only when New England tried to take time off the clock in the last quarter that the defense was able to make a stand---sort of. Not impressed with Dean Pees so far but I was encouraged how he brought the house on D the last time New England was in our red zone. We're going to need more of that. As of right now, Atlanta and Houston are the cream of the NFL.