Lions at Ravens

[tsylvester]

Ugh, another night game, this time on Monday night. Yes, get off my lawn, I'm too old for this! Actually, I don't mind the neighborhood kids tossing a ball into my yard, I enjoy tossing it back to them and showing them how to properly throw a ball...but I digress

The Lions had a bounce back week, the destruction of the Bears. The Ravens, after a heart breaking loss in week one that was a total team collapse, they had a complete team victory that saw every side of the ball score,: bout time eh?

Which defense shows up this week is anyone's guess, were they that good against the Browns because the Browns are that bad on offense?

What about this vaunted Ravens rushing attack that put up over 200 yards on the ground week one, but could barely muster 45 on the ground in week 2: was the Browns defense that good or did the Ravens just underestimate them?

In 2023 when the Ravens met the Lions, it was a simple beat down for Baltimore, winning 38-6. Yes, the high flying Lion offense was shot down by the stingy Ravens defense.

Will that happen again? Will this game be more reminiscent of the week one game with the Bills where the last team with the ball wins in a high scoring affair?

Who knows at this point, do you? Who ya got?

[GrubberRaven]

I was listening to so something, I can't recall, but the Browns D has Henry's number since his time with the Titans.  I'm not surprised by this.  Really frustrating, but plenty of time to get it right.

[tsylvester]

They have, Swartz that is, has always had a philosophy on stopping great running games, great backs. He run blitzes almost every down and if it is a pass, so beit, keep crashing the pocket.

He plays his linebackers a skewed so that the guards cant naturally get to the, making getting to the back before he gets a head of steam, much easier.

[papasmurfbell]

I don’t call last week a complete victory.  Cle has jack for offense.  Keep bringing the heat and that side starts to collapse dragging the. d with it.  

[oldno82]

It'll be tight but I think the ground game resurfaces and Lamar has a good day. As for our defense, who knows what shows up. Humphrey and van Noy will probably be out and we'll need all hands to stop their offense. 52 points on any NFL team is quite a statement. Plus Detroit will be motivated by how we embarrassed them last time. Still, I think we'll pull it out. Close game. Could go either way.

[papasmurfbell]

But that brings up Detroit.  If I’m them it’s a running ground and pound game.  Try to get a 38-22 top advantage.  That’s how they win.  That’s the only way.

[oldno82]

When you say 'them' do you mean the Lions or the Ravens?

[papasmurfbell]

Them is Detroit.  The best d to beat the ravens is take the ball out of the ravens hands.  To do that most effectively you run the ball and eat top.  That was why I was worried about the pierce retiring.  Also Eric chose to let all the bigger name defensive tackles in a draft stacked with them get chosen by other teams.  I do not think we are good against the run.  

[tsylvester]

While the Bills had juet over 100 yards rushing in their game, they only averaged 3.4 yards per.

The Browns, however, had success running the ball, but then they usually do against the Ravens but never really stick with it. In this past game, 115 yards rushing, just over 5 yards per carry, granted some of that was at the end when the game was over. But they still seemed to get 4+ most times when they ran in the first 3 quarters.

Detroit can run the ball, that very well could be their answer, if, they can stop the Ravens from scoring.

 

[papasmurfbell]

Trade 4 play drives for 12 play drives.  If both score touchdowns I will put my money on the fresh d at the end of the 4th q.  Basically what buf did week 1.  

[oldno82]

Well that's a good strategy but currently the Lions'  yds/carry are 18th in the league. Don't know if they have that kind of attack to employ. Their passing game is quite prolific and this game could be another Bills-type shootout.

[tsylvester]

In the past the Ravens were able to stifle their run, make them one dimensional. Then, collapse the pocket, Goff moves well with in the pocket, but he is no Lamar nor Josh.

[papasmurfbell]

Go in focused to push the run.  Get into that ol about this being the kind of game you love.  

[GrubberRaven]

What's wrong with Humphrey?

[oldno82]

He's got a groin injury, unfortunately. 

If Jaire Alexander can really still play, this would be a good time for him to step up. Harbs indicated he wasn't in football shape in week 1 but might be ready for this game or next. 

[tsylvester]

3 hours ago, GrubberRaven said:

What's wrong with Humphrey?

Age catching up to him perhaps

[GrubberRaven]

I saw he left the game early in the 4th

[tsylvester]

Hamstring for Van Noy, out

Humphrey has a groin, no word yet that I've seen as to his status for rhe game

[tsylvester]

Initial injury report from Helmsley

Isaiah Likely (foot) was limited for 2nd straight practice

-Four starters DNP: CB Nate Wiggins (groin), DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), OLB Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) and FB Pat Ricard (calf)

-CB Marlon Humphrey (groin) was full participant

[papasmurfbell]

I see heavy run by Detroit.  We are going to be weak right up front.

[tsylvester]

It's all gonna come down to pressure on the pocket.

Can the Ravens, sans VanNoy, get consistent pressure on Goff?

Can the Ravens give Lamar time to throw?

[tsylvester]

Madds officially ruled out per Espn, neck injury, pesky stingers

[papasmurfbell]

9 hours ago, tsylvester said:

It's all gonna come down to pressure on the pocket.

Can the Ravens, sans VanNoy, get consistent pressure on Goff?

Can the Ravens give Lamar time to throw?

If Detroit runs the ball say 50 times for 5 ypc Goff will be fine.  

[tsylvester]

If is the biggest word in the dictionary, I think they will tey to set up the run with the pass early on. Then in the 2nd half if they have the lead, lean heavily on the run game to shorten the game.

[tsylvester]

Chuck Clarke just dropped his 2nd pick of the game.....