Todays Purple Kool Aid

[vmax]

From our good friend Mike....

 

 

when you look at the other teams in the NFL, few have as much balance on offense, defense and special teams as the Ravens.

Denver does, but the Ravens already dusted the Broncos. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a strong defense but an offense that lacks firepower. The Kansas City Chiefs have a hot offense but a weak defense. Washington is comparable to the Ravens with the No. 10 offense and No. 2 defense, but the Redskins are only average in pass defense.

The Ravens are a work in progress. Those words are usually used for teams that are struggling and have major weaknesses, but the Ravens aren’t in that category.

They can get better. And after four games and winning three of them, it’s a good position to be in.......http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-steelers-20180930-story.html

 

I'm drinking it.

Right now....4 games in, the Ravens look as good as any team in the AFC.

That means they have a fighting chance to win every game....which they won't.

This also means that should they continue to get better this season and make the playoffs, then they will have a very good chance to do damage and perhaps go all the way.

 

It's too early to tell based on a 4 game sample, but this is why it's called drinking purple kool aid.

[tsylvester]

They can't run the ball! They can't run the ball! They can't run the ball!

 

Oh and the pass defense is still a major weakness.

 

Please Mike, stick to best donut flavors.....

[papasmurfbell]

Yeah a Jax will take the pass away and the offense will just stop. Also their offense is good enough to exploit holes in the middel of the Ravens.

KC would be a shootout but they are more . than cappable of being the last ones with the ball and winning.

[oldno82]

I'm drinking it too, Max!

 

I see 2 problem areas: 1) the running game and 2) lack of pass rush without blitzing. Hopefully, Wink has a plan for 2) and the O-line gets 1) straightened out.

[vmax]

Have a swig of this....

 

 

the most complete team in the NFL? That title currently goes to the Baltimore Ravens, and the numbers back this up.

The Ravens are the only team to rank in the top 10 in offense, defense and special teams efficiency, according to ESPN Stats & Information....The Ravens (3-1), meanwhile, are clicking in all phases. Baltimore ranks No. 10 in offense because Flacco is healthier than he has been in three years and he has trust in his new targets (John Brown, Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead). The offense has scored at least 20 points in 13 straight games (dating to last season), which is the longest streak in the NFL.

The Ravens rank No. 2 in defense with much of the credit going to the playcalling of first-year coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale. The defense has shut out teams in 10 of 16 quarters this season.

And Tucker has made 28 of his past 29 field goals (96.5 percent), with his only miss resulting from a blocked kick.

...http://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/46533/move-over-rams-ravens-are-the-nfls-most-complete-team

Edited October 5, 2018 by vmax

[vmax]

 

The Ravens are the only NFL team to have six players with at least 100 yards receiving with John Brown (338 yards), Willie Snead IV (198), Crabtree (184), Mark Andrews (119), Maxx Williams (119), and Nick Boyle (104).

That speaks to the Ravens’ offensive balance, which has made them so versatile all over the field, and especially tough in the red zone........Only three teams have averaged at least 300 yards passing and at least 30 points per game this season – the Ravens, Rams, and Saints....https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/news-notes-10-4-alex-collins-knee-misses-thursday-s-practice

Edited October 5, 2018 by vmax

[oldno82]

FWIW Joe is on a pace for a 5000 yard season.

 

I believe Cleveland's defense is rated better than Pittsburgh's...is that right?

[vmax]

Pittsburgh is 28. Cleveland 23.

 

But they do share the same win/loss record.

[JPPT1974]

I think that Joe in having Lamar drafted sent a message to him. And glad that Joe is thriving. But the Steelers and Browns could be a close game once again. Hope not a tie.