Isn't it funny how after a win there is no post-game thread. The good: Flacco The run game Long passes Different defensive schemes (loved the double safety blitz) Willie Henry Stanley & Howard - The bookend Tackles Basically the 3rd string D-line holding their own against what is considered one of the top OL's in the NFL Marlon Humphrey Vince Mayle on the end-around for the 1st TD! The bad: More injuries - Davis - IMHO, the D-line got better when Davis went out. More injuries - Skura - Skura was beginning to shine at RG. More injuries - West - West had some good runs, but most importantly, he's the goal line RB. What is up with Bergstrom and Kaufusi? They are either injured or must be trash to be inactive every game. Elemenor over Bergstrom? Elemenor looked completely over matched. As the game progressed, both Howard and Jensen had to take up his slack which caused the Ravens to run more 2 and 3 TE sets and to use Ricard more in the backfield. The only thing I can think of with Kaufusi is that he doesn't stop the run all that well. Is he just hype? Speaking of Ricard in the backfield, I wonder if they have practiced giving Ricard or Boyle the ball close to the goal line? If West is out for any length, they might have to, unless they sign another RB. Neither Allen or Collins are the typical goal line RB.
I liked a few things in this game. - Actually attacking the secondary with the deep pass - The play of James Hurst. Considering how much most of hated him by the end of last season, he's been a pleasant surprise at LG - Still overall impressed with Jensen - He had some help with chip blocks, but Stanley held his own out there very well - As said, Howard also played fairly well - Willie Henry has surprised me greatly - Buck Allen is making the most of his touches, even though I think Collins should get the bulk - The d-line depth was pretty much as deep as any of us homers thought, maybe deeper - Pees didn't sit back (too long) on a lead. That play where he blitzed both safeties in the second half was beautiful - Glad our OC remember he calls games for a professional team - Onwasur should be starting and not splitting any time with Correa. Correa doesn't compare to "Peanut" - Some growing pains but I'm really liking Marlon Humphrey And a few things I didn't like - These damn injuries won't stop - How have we know lost two LGs and two RGs?? - My stream would cut in and out at times, but I don't recall much of Williams or Bowser - Webb still getting beat - Brandon Carr was allowing the lowest QB rating against him coming into this game. Was. WAS. He got beat bad a few times - Looks like another Jimmy Smith injury. I'm not sure if it was the achilles or something else. Don't remember much of him in the second half. - Seriously, these injuries need to stop. I think we'd be 4-1 right now if the team was only half as injured as it is now
I don't think he has Harbs complete trust just yet. Although I did see him protecting the ball better when he saw the defender closing in. If he can go 2-3 games without fumbling, then Harbs will give him more playing time. If West is out, Harbs might not have any other choice. Remember, he had the same issue in Seattle and to a lesser extent in college.
Saw them in on a few plays. With Judon, Suggs, and Smith playing so good, they don't have to be a part of the "formal" rotation. That is a good thing as they can sit back and watch and learn. I think they'll get more playing time in the 2nd half of the season.
Judon was another that deserved serious praise. He's come a long way in his edge setting and playing coverage. He's on his way to being a complete OLB. Bowser looks like he'll be a complete player also with more experience so I'd love to keep those two together. Williams can be the McPhee style blitz guy until someone overpays him in 3-4 years.
Judon was a player that just popped off the tape when you scouted him. The physical tools were obvious, but players always get a bump in my scoring when they demonstrate tenacity. It's an quantifiable quality that I somehow find a way to measure, lol.
I didn't watch the game, but I caught the recap and was pleasantly surprised to see the Ravens actually throwing the ball down the field. Novel approach!
To be honest with you, I really haven't! I saw the first few preseason games, but that's been about the extent of it.
Kaufusi might be a one trick pony. There were better players on the board. I'm hoping he comes around. Two who have impressed me this year has been Hurst and Jenkins. Both have been playing well. Hurst pulling the way he has, has been refreshing surprise. Jenkins likes to mix it up and hasn't hurt us yet.
Collins is a a pure runner. If you haven't, check out his college highlites. Fumbles happen but his upright running style lends itself to forced fumbles. They look like they've taken corrective action on that and hopefully it's gone for good. Collins looks like I hoped Dixon would run. I'm wondering too if they can work him into the passing game. I know that's Allen's turf, but when the guy is averaging over 6 yards a carry you want to see more of that in games. He can catch, just not sure how reliable his hands are. Calf strains are tricky and it depends on the severity of West's that will dictate what they do with Collins next week. He doesn't have West's mass, but I think he can shoulder the load. The defense seems to have come alive again. We're giving up too many yards again, but given the injury bug continuing I think I'll take what I can get at this point. There no interceptions, but I'll take the sacks and FF. Mike Wallace pulled out his inner-Steve Smith this game. I wonder if he'll now be the go to receiver on long plays or they continue to mix it up? Lastly, I'm as confused as anyone as to why any of the players listed above are inactive each week.
You can go back and look at my pre-draft assessment of Collins and you will find me referencing Tiki Barber several times.
Tiki Barber is an apt comparison - right down to the fumblitis. Hopefully he learns how to fix that faster than Tiki did. Now Tiki apparently needs to learn how to cut hair.
I was just on my way here to report the same thing. Apparently its a greater calf strain then - could take weeks. I'd expect to see Collins and Allen split snaps ~60/40 respectively. Guess we'll find out what kind of back Collins is after all.
