Ravens vs Bengals, Start of a New Era(?) Gameday Thread

Today, after two weeks to prepare, we will likely see the start of a new era in Baltimore, or at least a preview to it, as Lamar Jackson will likely make his first start at home against the Cincinnati Bwngals.

Starting QB, Joe Flacco, is still healing from a hip injury that is said to not need surgery, but it's already been speculated that he could miss next week's game against the Raiders as well. Whereas there's still a chance RG3 could get the start, the expectation across the football world is that rookie first rounder, Lamar Jackson will start today, and likely next week. If Jackson has two good weeks in a row, leading the team to back to back wins, it would most likely end Joe Flacco's time as the starting QB in Baltimore.

But there are multiple sides to this. Marvin Lewis' defense has given the Ravens offense fits for years, so seeing a bad game out of a rookie getting his first start is also very likely. For those that remember, Flacco's first regular season game was also against the Bengals at home and he ended with no TDs, no INTs, 52% completions and a 63 passer rating. But this was considered a good start for the eventual superbowl winner, so expectations for Jackson should be tempered a little, even with the excitement in the air for many.

Jackson should have LT Ronnie Stanley blocking for him, but James Hurst has been ruled out. The Ravens still have issues at LG and C. With Eluemenor playing much better than expected at LT last week, you have to wonder if they gave him any snaps at LG over the bye week. Regardless of whether Jackson and RG3 actually start, both should be able to buy some time in the pocket with their legs.

Whether you've been looking forward to the Jackson era or think it should be paused until 2020, you should get a glimpse of it today. Is Jackson ready, we don't know but we will have an idea around 4pm today.

LET'S GO, RAVENS!!!

 

One thing to note, the Bengals did fire their DC, Teryl Austin, on Monday. Their defense was flat out trash, but you'd have to assume a long time defensive mind like Marvin Lewis could/should make it better.

Prior to the firing, it was expected that the Ravens would at least be facing a bad defense, but now we don't know what to expect.

AJ Green has also not been ruled out. We know he could have an amputated leg and all broken fingers on one hand and yet still make a few circus catches against Baltimore

 

I am excited.

We may lose but i am excited.

2k

 

Ill be around for this game, so im not sure who else will be but im counting down the minutes, i need to go find the inactives list.

2k

 

Not just circus catches. He'd still find a way to get open between two defenders who thought the other one was going to cover him.

 

Ravens today - 10 passes. 60 rushes

 

Revised - 5 passes - 65 rushes. LOL

 

I missed the whole opening drive (helping a friend move) and will miss more, but I love seeing a TD on Jackson's first drive. I said it previously, he helps the ring game

 

This is just hilarious to me, i know its off a bye and all that but Tim and I just had a bit of a back and forth which is ongoing and i literally said the fact that we have 2 rushing options, plus scramble is gonna fuck with everyone, its so hard, its like a PA on crack which btw the threat of a PA still exists.

I hope jackson gets his throwing arm in gear because this sort of advantage is unfair

2k

 

No passes. Only 1 play that even looked like a pass but turned into an end around.

 

I say the Houdini play. Literally under bad pressure and running for his life and still kept his eyes down field to throw. Definitely not a run first QB

 

Bengals D has adjusted. Let's see if Jackson and/or Marty can adjust. I hope the ravens haven't blown all their offensive plays. If so, then it might be time to bring in RG.

 

I am not so sure they have adjusted, i think the OC outsmarted himself, look at the edges in particular- they are shit scared.

They are making sure they take away the scramble option but that leaves a lack of focused coverage down field, i would love to see them unleash his arm on deeper routes but we have NO clue how far along jackson is on the playbook or timing or how comfortable he is.

I dont know if we win this, but you can see the uncertainty in the D, also take a look at the mike, he is making false steps, meaning he is a step behind whatever he may end up having to do and in a game of literally inches, he is costing himself an arms length of reach on a tackle. that is huge

2k

 

Right there, on that PA roll out, you could see EVERY DEFENDER took a step in the wrong direction not because of the PA but because jackson also rolled out that way initially, they figured it had to be a run because 2 potential threats to receive the ball went that way, he then rolled back around, or more so, spun around and hit a wide open boyle.

2k

 

And the very next play, no protection and boom no time, easy sack.

2k

 

Right now we are doing pretty much what Tim suggested, slow progression up the field.

Exploit the flats and holes in simple zones behind the line that come from a fear of trying to play the run

2k

 

I've said it before, but I think Edwards is a better RB for the Ravens than Collins. He isn't fancy,he just picks ups yards.

 

I've been tuning in and out, but watched all of the last two Ravens drives. Lamar's ability to create time is sick. With the way the pocket collapsed on that second to last pass attempt, we'd have never got into field goal range if he wasn't the QB.

They need to throw more though. I like getting him warmed up with short passes, especially since he hits guys in stride. That was honestly my favorite thing about him when I was doing post draft research. He hits guys in stride a lot

 

I forget, how many rookies are starting on defense?

 

Gus Rice? Ray Edwards?