Eagles-Ravens Pregame Thoughts
BREAKING NEWS, Eagles, News Saturday, September 15th, 2012
Reid Holds The Biggest Key
Andy Reid always says that the team’s successes and failures start with him. The head coach always stresses that it’s on him to put his players in the best possible position to succeed. For the Eagles to have a chance against Baltimore, Reid will need to be at his best while managing the team on the sidelines.
Last week Reid called a terrible game. While I put a ton of blame on Michael Vick for what I believe to be an inexcusably poor performance, there’s no denying that his head coach also deserves just as much responsibility, if not more, for the team nearly allowing a winnable game to slip away.
Reid needs to help his quarterback out by establishing a running game early on to help set up the vertical attack that he loves so much. The coach only made Vick’s struggles worse last week by calling pass after pass after pass. The offense became predictable, and the Browns were able to simply drop back into coverage on every play and wait for the quarterback to make mistakes.
If Reid calls a good game, but his players still don’t get the job done it’s one thing. But if Reid continues to forget that he has one of the best running backs in football, and allows to offense to become predictable to the point where the Baltimore defense knows exactly what to expect, it’s going to be an ugly home opener for the Birds.
Michael Vick Has To Be Better Than Last Week…Right?
They say once you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up.
After playing what might be the worst game of his career a week ago, it’s hard to imagine Vick turning in another performance that bad. However, I don’t think that necessarily means we can expect a good effort. The Ravens come in with such an accomplished defense; a defense that does a lot of things well and is capable of producing game-changing plays.
On top of the large questions regarding Vick’s game, there are no guarantees that his head coach will put him in a good position, and his offensive line is coming off of a very shaky performance against the Browns.
Against a unit this good, I can’t see Vick playing a clean game. There are just too many major questions about Vick and those around him for me to expect him to play well. He won’t throw four interceptions again, but I see him committing at least two turnovers.
How The Eagles Can Beat The Ravens
As mentioned above, for the Eagles to come away with a win, it has to start with the gameday coaching of Andy Reid.
The Eagles are a team that is in love with the big play; they love to stretch the field with their speedy receivers and rely on big strikes to set up their offense for success. In this game, it’s very important that they forget about that philosophy, especially with top receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin dealing with injuries.
The Ravens aren’t a team that you can beat with the big-play mentality. You can’t rely on finesse, you must overpower them by playing a physical, grinding game. This means that LeSean McCoy will need to be the focal point of the offense. The Eagles must have a run-first mentality, and attack the Baltimore run defense regularly.
The Eagles need to involve their backup running backs in this gameplan as well. Reid chose to keep five running backs on the roster, and he needs to justify that decision by leaning on his younger backs. If Dion Lewis is healthy, he’s got to get between 5-8 touches. Bryce Brown also should receive a couple of looks.
The passing game needs to be simplified and methodical. The best thing the Eagles can do in this game is not ask Vick to do too much. When they do put the ball in their quarterback’s hands, they need to set him up for success by calling things like screen plays and utilizing their two quality tight ends Brent Celek and Clay Harbor.
If the Eagles’ offense can succeed in producing a number of long, efficient scoring drives, they’ll wear down Baltimore’s veteran stars and open the door for their deep threats as the game goes on.
Defensively, Juan Castillo is going to have a much greater challenge on his plate this week. Joe Flacco is improving with every pass attempt, and is playing with great confidence as he runs the up-tempo no-huddle Baltimore offense.
The first thing Castillo must do is contain Ray Rice. One of the top running backs in football, Rice is both explosive and efficient. The best chance the Eagles have for success is to focus on taking Rice away, and forcing Flacco and the receivers to beat them.
The Eagles defense do have some favorable matchups with the Baltimore receivers. Nnamdi Asomugha should be able to handle an aging Anquan Boldin, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has the speed to match up with deep threat Torrey Smith. However, tight end Dennis Pitta and slot receiver Jacoby Jones will be difficult assignments for rookies Mychal Kendricks and Brandon Boykin.
Another matchup that favors the Eagles is the fact that Baltimore has a suspect offensive line. This is a group that lost a Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs to free agency, and Jason Babin will be matched up with a rookie offensive tackle in Kelechi Osemele.
If this defense plays another good game, it would make a lot of believers in Juan Castillo.
Why The Ravens Will Win.
As promising as the idea of a run-first offensive approach sounds, it may only be possible in an alternate dimension. This is Andy Reid we’re talking about. His philosophy is to keep firing and stick to the gameplan, no matter what happens. He’ll live and die by his sword, and a sword that isn’t particularly sharp and sturdy (Vick) could easily break once engaged with the proud, battle-tested warriors of Baltimore.
Reid’s offenses have also had trouble in the past succeeding against a 3-4 attack. Even though the Ravens are without their best pass rusher, Terrell Suggs, they’ll have little trouble generating pressure on Vick against a questionable offensive line. They’re also likely to copy Cleveland’s approach, and send blitz after blitz at a quarterback who struggles heavily to read and recognize them.
The Baltimore offense will create problems for Juan Castillo because of their fast-paced style of play. The Ravens will force the second-year defensive coordinator to constantly think on the fly and anticipate more quickly than normal what Flacco’s next move will be. This is something that the former offensive line coach hasn’t shown that he can do consistently yet.
The Ravens are the complete opposite of the Browns in the sense that Baltimore’s offense is so diverse with a great number of talented players and stars, while Cleveland’s attack was as limited and basic as they come. It would be extremely impressive if Castillo’s group is able to enjoy a successful outing against this group, but I expect them to struggle after watching how easily Baltimore disposed of a pretty decent Cincinnati defense.
Final Thoughts
I don’t think the Eagles are hopeless in this game, but I think too many things will have to go right for them to win.
From the head coach’s playcalling, the quarterback’s stability, to the defensive coordinator’s ability to adjust to the speed of the Ravens’ game, those are three major concerns that will all need to go right in order for the Eagles to come out on top.
It’s a little surprising to me, but many fans and media members in Philadelphia have been picking the Eagles to win, but I just don’t see it. Most of their picks seem to be on gut feelings more than anything else, with their most convincing argument being that they’re clinging to the hope that Baltimore will come out a little flat on a short week, which in my eyes isn’t nearly enough to give the Eagles an edge.
The Eagles are going find out what a legitimate Super Bowl contender looks like. Philadelphia is a team with talent but they also have questions and consistency issues while the Ravens are a team that does a lot of things very efficiently, and don’t have nearly as many pressing concerns as their opponent.
I expect this to be a fairly close game, but Baltimore comes out on top.
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Posted by Denny Basens
on Sep 15 2012. Filed under BREAKING NEWS, Eagles, News.
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That’s Vick, more ability than any player in nfl, less brains than my labrador . Can’t win consistent with him. Never
Great idea with the sidearm as he’s bing sacked and falling to the ground….just “making a play”
Good that Harbaugh comes from the Andy Reid school of unnecessary challenges
Vick’s 4th “almost pick” of the day….late and to the sidelines….
it hit celek in the hands…. you need nfl sunday ticket because every quarterback has a ton of almost picks .. eli has 3 today and brees has a pick 6
now if everyone takes notice see how flaccos outlet is always in the same spot .. the eagles change the outlet each play .. they beat themselves
And here will come the Vickpologists about how the Eagles’ D gave this game away and blah blah blah
i think vinniethevictor is gay. not that there is anything wrong with that. we get it you dont like vick.. Ive never seen one guy so obsessed with another it starts with the coaches
Here comes Vick…to “win” another game
at best that’s intentional grounding
2nd and 1 run the fckn ball
oh wow… vinnie im so sorry
wow the coaches finally are getting smart it only took a year .. every single time it 1 -3 yard from the goal vick should be running
wow.. What a game. Ryans and vick played well. Kendrix is my new fav player. Hold on to that hate Pman and Vinnie. We will see you next week. Eagles are 2-0 baby. Great win.
Well, Vick has “won” another game….despite being the #1 reason both games were close.
As statedGreat that we won. The D is bordering on unbelievable. But VIck is still the master at keeping both teams in the game. I don;t see how this works out at all.
Vinnie… no int grounding. now you are just saying crap….
at best… birds are 2-0/
at best…. they came together as a team,
at best….. Vick has led the team to two 4th quater comeback wins
at best…. the LB’s are playing well.
at best….. we are 2-0 for the first time in years
at best… i dont care what goons like vinnie say.
Ill be the first to say this team under vick was bad last week BUT…. ill also be the first to say congrats to VICK for playing a good game against a tough tought team. great game. Stuff it haters.
You could argue that the only reason Eagles won is because Reid lost faith in Vick. and took the ball out of his hands.
Mick Vick. The only person on the planet who could convince Reid to run first.
WHEN ITS REPPIN TIME WHEN ITS REPPIN TIME WHEN ITS REPPIN TIME!!!! BIRDGANG SWERVING!!! LETS GOOOOOOO NO DOUBTING US NOMORE!!! MIKE VICK GOT HIS 2ND STRAIGHT GAME WINNING DRIVE!!! WHEN ITS REPPIN TIME!!!
Vinnie… are you kidding me? how many fumbles for Mccoy today? how many in the red zone. You are full of crap. Sorry for your loss today.
guess qbs can bounce back…
Postin from my phone leaving the Linc now. WOooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Cut Asomugha NOW
WHERE R U NEGADELPHIA??? YOU LOOK STUPID RIGHT NOW. WHERE U AT PAUL??? HE PICKED THE RAVENS OVER THE EAGLES. HES NO TRUE FAN. HE WANTS TO SEE THE BIRDS LOSE SO HE CAN SAY I TOLD U SO.
Is that guy Vinnie BLIND
Ooppps… another 4th quarter comeback win
Vincent just stop posting dog…seriously
its like a moth in to a hot fire, I keep coming back here only to be burned by the absolute Eagle hate. I know there are more lovers than haters why do they continue to win? Why becasue the positidelphias quit coming here to the post section of this site.
A gut win against maybe the best team in the AFC, who were an inch from the superbowl who totally dominated their last game, and the only thing some people can find to talk about is……yada, yada. Yes I saw the dam turnovers i dam nearly ripped out my eyes, but this team showed Philly gut and grind, old city philly.
I hate the turnovers but I see every QB in this league just about performing the same way as Vick has. Newton, Brees, Brady, Eli, Cutler, etc, etc.
Get over it dang it, time to go back to the koolaid sight so I can share my happiness with like minded drinkers!!!!!!!!!!
As always LONG LIVE THE EAGLES
Finally love you guys can’t really stay away. Peace!
VINNIE, MHENSKI, PAULMAN AND ALL YOU OTHER VICK HATIN EAGLE FANS; WHERE ARE YOU NOW!!!!!!!!!! OH YEAH BACK IN YOUR LITTLE RAT HOLES HUH???????? SUCKAAAAAAAAAAAAS!!!!!!! BUNCHA FAKE RAGGOTS!!!
You guys are funny.
All excited by 4th Q “comeback” drives, that are only needed because your hero kept the other team in the game with his ineptitude.
Vick was responsible for 3 of the 4 turnovers (2 picks + the double handed botched handoff) that kept the game close…..
So ya….he “won ” the game on the last min drive….a drive that wouldn’t have been necessary if he was competent.
Vick owes each defensive player a house for their efforts over the past 2 weeks.
Lets revies…Eagles beat Cleveland, then their home opener. SHouldn;t theese be expected??? Nope…not for Vick fans……then its something special.
Fellas whatup, Yo straight up hats off to JUAN CASTILLO thats right I said it. The defense is a lot better, especially in the red zone and on third downs. Also shot out to Demeco Ryans I see he didn’t feel like playing in the pre season but dam the Eagles got a still from Houston. Also to all the guys on hear who praised Kendricks, hats off to you guys. I thought he was too small man him and Demeco are both three down linebackers.
ill eat my hat diddy… birds D looks much better this year.
btw… Vinnie… your Boy toy gets killed next week. Birds will be 3-0 thanks to Kolb.
So ya….he “won ” the game on the last min drive….a drive that wouldn’t have been necessary if he was competent.
That sentence right there is the funniest shit posted
On another note
Vincent’s old boo Kevin Kolb is coming back to town next week
vinnie… just re-watched the handoff… go fly a kite.
Great game go eagles
I will never understand how some you whining mofos can stand yourselves let alone anyone else, especially Vinniethevictor, whine more than bitches, if you don’t like the Eagles or the players in specific Vick, find another team to be a fan of. Oh and Mr. Vinniethefakeassfan, Vick was responible for 1 turnover, find a dam life outstide of worrying about Vick.
Everyone needs to hold onto their hats/helmets a bit..
The Eagles are 2-3 plays from being 0-2 just as easily
Browns Game, Browns LB dropps a very makeable Int in the End-Zone
next play, Harbor catches winning TD
Ravens Game, Asmo gets burnt on another TD Pass which Ravens WR Jones gets called for Offensive Interference which was questionable
The replay/call on Vick’s pass on 2nd Down could have been rulled a Fumble instead of a Forward Pass..and then on Ravens final Drive, Flacco and their OC panicked and should have ran a Quick Draw on that 3rd Down and 2 play to Rice who was averaging 7-8 Yards a Carry to keep the Drive going when Eagles were in Pass-Defense Mode.. As an Offense you have to think 2 plays to get 2 Yards to keep the Drive moving and with their FG Kicker who was booming them from 50-55 Yards, they decided on 2 sideline passes which were not executed very well by Flacco and were covered by the Eagles anyways..The Ravens blew it by their 3rd Down Call and if you listen to HC Harbaugh comments post-game, he questioned why his OC (Cam Camreon) didn;t call a Run play there on 3rd Down when Eagles were in prevent Defense..
See how Play-Calling gets questioned for every team and not just Coach AR and in Philly, lots of Ravens feel as I do, that the Ravens gave that game away so while I am happy the Eagles are 2-0, I know they will have to play a lot better and a lot cleaner to be a legitimate Playoff Team.. (as I am sure the Eagles Coaches and PLayers realize too) but you take any Win any which way you can and it;s far better to be 2-0 than not..
But pman THATS football. “the catch” is amazing cause it happened…. do you realize how that would have changed had he NOT actually caught the ball? The tuck rule…. thats 1 play. Vinnatiri… how many playoff kicks to end the game did he hit? Thats 1 play.
Think of the last drive of the eagles cards NFC champ game….. WHAT IF… he caught that ball?
This is football. Dynasties happened because of 1 or 2 plays.
Now… dont get it twisted… the browns game should have been easy. But the ravens? They are a good team. A very very good team. A good qb. A good Oline. A GREAT run game. the D??? AMAZING. and we won. I had it a L when the schedule was released. So… you can hold your hat…… Ill hold up my first place eagles.
Pman- And if my aunt had a ____ she would be my uncle. Just enjoy it for now. Another way to look at it is that they are 2-0 when they haven’t played their best football. To use your logic, IF they didn’t have 4 turnovers, they would have rolled the Ravens.
I just don’t see the Cards as having enough to beat the Eagles. They will not be able to run the ball, and Kolb has been ineffective since he got to Ariz. They should blitz him early to get him scared and he will throw 2-3 picks in this game. Hell the D-line will probably be able to get pressure without blitzing. Even if the Ariz defense is good, the Eagles will still score points. Peterson only plays on one half of the field.
Honestly…. this team has not clicked yet and they just beat a very very good team. i See us going 5-1 maybe 4-2 going into the bye AT THE VERY LEAST. But none of that matters. Right now….. we focus on killing Kolb. Our D walks away this week looking like the 85 bears.. Book it!!
Take Fitz out of equation. Who worries you? Ravens have a great rungame…still lost and we forced there hand into throwing.Cards? Rungame? Who?
Press tech on the outside and send the d-lineman after “baby-arm”(btw ive been wating to use that cause one of you birdbrains coined it,great nickname!!) and we’re 3-0.
Let’s not forget,Shady has yet to have a biggame.He’s due.
No one “worries” me on this Arizona team. Esp on O. Terrible (really terrible) oline. 1 wr, quick – name the other WRs or the TE, RBs are pedestrian at best, and the QBs have been struggling.
That being said…..
…..they’re 8 and 1 over their last 9, (with wins over some quality teams like NE, Seattle, SF, Philly and Dallas).
They’ve won 6 str8 at home.
How? Its pretty much all on their D.
They haven’t given up over 20 in any of those games, and in fact, only 2 opponents have even reached 20 over their last 10. Pretty impressive.
They’re also not turning the ball over….Kolb had 8 picks over hsi first 7 games last year….but has 0 in the last 3 weins he’s gotten credit for. Don’t turn the ball over – give yourself a chance.
Its also a donut for the Birds…..coming off a big win and heading to a big primetime game vs giants next week. Eagles should win, but I don’t think it will be smooth sailing…..