Lions Game: Another Take

[varaven45]

After having watched at M & T and again on tape delay, here's my take :

 

Offense - the O line is improving albeit in small strides. It held its ground against a formidable D line which is encouraging. The running game, however, is still a concern. Case in point: right before our second field goal, end of 1st Q, the O failed to register a 1st down on a 3rd and 1. We actually failed to complete two back to back passes on 2nd and 1 and 3rd and 1! Someone has to explain why this team cannot convert a simple 3rd and 1 via the run, whether it's exhibition or regular season. Either we aren't capable or just don't want to ; either way, it's becoming an increasingly bigger issue for this offense.

 

Passing wise, Joe looked good especially without all his regulars. It would have been nice to see the starters and Joe at least once in the pre-season.

We'll have to assume they will be ready and in-sync for season opener.

 

In terms of the defense, the line played well . Aside from the garbage TD near the end, the D line kept the running game in tact most of the night.

 

The pass D was awful. Keeping in mind that it was up against a very talented pass offense, the D was still very suspect and ineffective. Our lack of a pass rush and inconsistent secondary was on full display Friday night.

Unless Dean Pees and the D are sand baggin it, this defense is going to struggle against the upper tier pass offenses this season - Pats, Texans, Steelers, Giants and others.

 

Special teams wise, I thought this group played well. Koch was his normal , reliable self, and Cundiff and Tucker both kicked well. Harbs has a tough choice on his hands. Both the kicking and punt coverage units were strong.

The return units need to fix the illegal block issues on the return; otherwise we put up 2 special teams TDs.

 

In short, I think Joe and the O are going to have to carry this team. That means dinged up Pitta, Dixon and Smith better be ready to go Sept 10 and stay healthy all season. The O Line, as discussed, is a work in progress but will be critical. If we can't convert 3rd and short again this year, it will put a lot more pressure on Joe and the offense. The D, without Suggs and JJ,looks rather ordinary this season. The LB corps appears to be the weakest link and will struggle against offenses with strong TEs - see New England.

 

Looking forward to the seasons opener on Sept 10 !

 

Go Ravens !

 

[vmax]

I've only reviewed the first quarter on Game Rewind so far....trying to get the courage up to watch what the slappies did during the other 3 quarters. I'll post back on the 2's and 3's later but they were dredfull to watch at the stadium.

[cravnravn]

Im really thankful that the elite WR's play in the NFC, caus Williams & Smith were clueless against Megatron..

 

Im not as thrilled with the ST's kick coverage, I thought we gave up entirely too many return yards, and one of Detroits big returns was called back, so this is going on 5 years that we have been suspect in that area.

[vmax]

I'm not thrilled with Rossberg at all. His had a ton of unfocused, under achieving units. The talent for strong special teams is on this roster. If they don't get it done then Rosberg is the problem.