hopefully we can contain palmer better than what happened late in the game last season. wishing ray, reed and ricard were there, but how they played last week at least gives some hope. im hoping more than anything that jamal gets going. its important not just in moving the chains but because it helps kep our D off the field and fresh. im also tired of all the trash talk directed at him....most people dont understand the severity of his surgery...and that it takes a person under normal rehab over a year to heal from it. im surprised he can run on it as well as he has been...and with the o-line looking crappy outside last week you cant ask for too much. the benglas are pretty RB friendly so he has a chance...and im sure taylor will come in and break off a few nice runs himself.
This week's game is VITAL to the Ravens. If the Ravens lose this one, regardless of the effort, the season is pretty much over.There are several things to keep in mind on Sunday.1). Whether he is in the game or not, Ray Lewis IS a factor, especially in Baltimore. His locker is located right by the door of the clubhouse. Every player has to pass by him to get to the field. There is absolutely no doubt whose team this is.2). The Ravens defense played hard and tough for 60 minutes against the Steelers and still the offense let them down. None of us are certain how long they will stay motivated this coming Sunday.3). Jamal Lewis is not the only RB to be concerned about. If Chester Taylor gets some playing time, watchout. He runs so much like Priest Holmes, it's scary . . . . and he doesn't fumble. But, Billick is very stubborn and is committed to get Jamal as much playing time as possible.4). Another major key to the game will be how many times the Ravens try to throw BEYOND the First Down Marker. They have a disturbing habit of throwing INSIDE that marker way too much, especially on 3rd down. Usual sequence is Run, IC Pass, Pass inside the Downmarker, Punt.5). Anthony Wright is on the hot seat for not seeing Derrick Mason on several key plays when he was clearly wide open. This has been an issue since training camp. Neither of the Ravens' quarterbacks has been able to consistantly make the proper read. Early in the season, many passes were being thrown to Clarence Moore simply because he was taller than anybody else on the field and the only guy the quartbacks could see.6). If the Raven defense holds the Bengals in the first half and the Ravens offense doesnt score more then 10 points, look for the defense to lose their intensity and tire quickly in the 3rd qtr.7). The offense absolutely MUST carry this game for the Ravens. The defense has been waiting for this to happen since the Super Bowl year. Ray Lewis is in his 10th year and is injured again this season, which is a sign his body is beginning to wear down. He has 5 years left at most. Perhaps as few as 2 with him at the top of his game.8). The subject of Ray Lewis contract negotiations has surfaced this year and Ray hasnt squelched them. Never since he became a Raven did he allow the word "contract" to be associated with him during the season. Baltimore fans have been whispering the question, "Is Ray thinking of retiring?".9). If the Ravens lose this game . . where do they go from here?
Well Uptown, I have to agree with you about both Chestor Taylor and Derrick Mason. If Taylor can break open some more big runs this season he may be the starter on a team next year. That was exactly what happened to LaMont Jordan who was a career backup and then got paid $33 mil to be a starter in Oakland. He is one of the most underrated backs in the league because of his threat of catching the ball and getting extra yards after the catch. Mason has the most catches out of any WR in the past 10 years. He is very consistent and does not drop balls often. If Anthony Wright would learn what WR's are maybe he would start throwing to them. As for the QB situation down in Baltimore; get rid of Boller (whos had plenty of chances to prove himself and just has not shown any improvement over 3 years) and try getting a QB in the first round and then drafting a fast WR in the next round.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SickVick7 @ Nov 5 2005, 04:54 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>Well Uptown, I have to agree with you about both Chestor Taylor and Derrick Mason. If Taylor can break open some more big runs this season he may be the starter on a team next year. That was exactly what happened to LaMont Jordan who was a career backup and then got paid $33 mil to be a starter in Oakland. He is one of the most underrated backs in the league because of his threat of catching the ball and getting extra yards after the catch.</div>i am pretty sure chester will be the man in baltimore next season. jamals contract is up this year and with upcoming contract issues with reed and ray and after signing heap to a hefty contract, jamal is the least priority. chester is less busted up, running better and the biggest factor- cheaper. unfortunately i am a big jamal fan and hate to think of him on another team, but as far as the ravens are concerned i think it would be wise to let him go elsewhere. reed should be the main concern with the cap space....he is essential to the team.
You guys were facing Cincinatti who is a playoff potential team. Defintely not winning the division though..
Your defense was good.Offense, no so.If you could score, AND play good defense, maybe it would have been a different story.Cincy is a playoff team though, you guys were a little out matched.
