Give credit to Jimmy Patsos and the Loyola Greyhounds for their 72-67 win at Indiana last night. No matter how down the Hoosiers are, it is an impressive win for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference team.
It also hurts the Maryland Terrapins. Winning at Indiana, will be Maryland's sole out of conference victory against a Major conference team. Losing to Loyola, will hurt the Hoosiers profile all season, and further diminish the win for the Terps.
This is further evidence that Maryland will have to do all of their work in conference to make the NCAA Tournament. With 10 wins, they would not have to worry about anything Selection Sunday.
Hopefully the Terps can convincingly beat William & Mary, and eventually see the Tribe win the Colonial Athletic Conference. Their win over Wake Forest earlier this year, will help help W&M's resume.
Winning on the road against NC Greensboro will also be expected, but could add a road win that will help some as well.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Ed Reed Rumors
The message boards are alive with rumors and conjecture that Ed Reed's season (and possibly his career) are over.
Call me skeptical about those rumors.
It is no secret that Reed came into the 2008 camp, seriously contemplating calling an end to his career, due to the 'nerve impingement' in his neck that affected his shoulder. Reed was quoted at the time as stating, "If I had surgery now, you all would not be interviewing me ever again. If I had surgery, I would not be playing anymore.”
Seemingly in answer to that, Reed has spent these past two years playing less up on the line, and seeking less contact. During these past three weeks, Reed has appeared on the injury-report with listed groin/foot injuries.
The belief among many is that he suffered a more serious injury against Pittsburgh than has been reported, and that there are more than whispers inside the Castle that he will not return.
I have on good record, that on the Thursday before the Detroit game, that Reed attended a Xmas Party at Ravens Stadium. It was said that Reed told party goers that he fully expected to play again this year.
Has he not responded to rest/treatment?
Harbaugh was quoted as saying last week that he thought there was a good chance of Reed playing this past Sunday against Chicago, but it would be Reed's decision. In the press-conference yesterday, Harbaugh was asked, "Is this week’s game against the Steelers the game that S Ed Reed has focused on as the date he would return from his injury?"
Harbaugh responded, "I don’t know. You’d have to ask him. He may have, he may not have. He’s worked hard every week to try to get back. It’s been my understanding he’s tried to get back every single week. He tried hard to get back this week, and he just couldn’t pull it off. So, he’s going to try hard to get back as well [for this game].”
If the team thought Reed was definitively done, they would IR him, as they could use the additional roster spot. If Reed was content to call it a career, why not say so publicly and be done?
To me, the fact that neither has happened points to the idea that Reed will continue to attempt to play again this season.
Call me skeptical about those rumors.
It is no secret that Reed came into the 2008 camp, seriously contemplating calling an end to his career, due to the 'nerve impingement' in his neck that affected his shoulder. Reed was quoted at the time as stating, "If I had surgery now, you all would not be interviewing me ever again. If I had surgery, I would not be playing anymore.”
Seemingly in answer to that, Reed has spent these past two years playing less up on the line, and seeking less contact. During these past three weeks, Reed has appeared on the injury-report with listed groin/foot injuries.
The belief among many is that he suffered a more serious injury against Pittsburgh than has been reported, and that there are more than whispers inside the Castle that he will not return.
I have on good record, that on the Thursday before the Detroit game, that Reed attended a Xmas Party at Ravens Stadium. It was said that Reed told party goers that he fully expected to play again this year.
Has he not responded to rest/treatment?
Harbaugh was quoted as saying last week that he thought there was a good chance of Reed playing this past Sunday against Chicago, but it would be Reed's decision. In the press-conference yesterday, Harbaugh was asked, "Is this week’s game against the Steelers the game that S Ed Reed has focused on as the date he would return from his injury?"
Harbaugh responded, "I don’t know. You’d have to ask him. He may have, he may not have. He’s worked hard every week to try to get back. It’s been my understanding he’s tried to get back every single week. He tried hard to get back this week, and he just couldn’t pull it off. So, he’s going to try hard to get back as well [for this game].”
If the team thought Reed was definitively done, they would IR him, as they could use the additional roster spot. If Reed was content to call it a career, why not say so publicly and be done?
To me, the fact that neither has happened points to the idea that Reed will continue to attempt to play again this season.
Terps celebrate Xmas early; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
In their first game in 10 days, and the last game before the Christmas holiday; the University of Maryland Terrapins rolled to a 43 point win over Winston Salem State.
There are a lot of things to enjoy about the win tonight, perhaps none more than the 22 combined points from Adrian Bowie, and Cliff Tucker.
The Good:
1) I keep saying it, because I believe it. For the Terps to be a factor in the ACC, and to win games that matter in March; they need regular production from Bowie and Tucker. Bowie came into tonight shooting 7% (1 for 14) from 3 point land. While I would prefer to see him just focus on attacking the rim, he has to feel good about hitting 3 of 5 three-point shots tonight. Tucker had not played against Indiana, and played a total of 13 minutes against Villanova, and Eastern Kentucky. Tonight, he took and made all five of his shots; including 3 three-point shots of his own during 17 minutes of play. This was an important game for the confidence of both players, and you hope they can build on tonight.
2) While keeping the opposition in-mind, Vasquez had a dominating night. Finishing 9 of 16 from the floor, for 27 points is strong. Combining that with 11 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, with just 1 turnover is the type of game that makes him one of the elite in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He did an excellent job tonight of finding his teammates. Like Bowie, I would prefer that he simply take less 3 pointers, but credit him for knocking down all four three-pointers he took tonight. Each of those three-pointers were shots in the flow of the offense which was important.
3) Jordan Williams does so many things well. He has good hands, gets good positioning, does not waist movement, typically keeps the ball high. Playing off the bench behind Gregory, Williams had 12 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks. When Maryland again takes the court 12/27, I would be surprised if he is not back in the starting lineup.
3a) James Padgett did not play at-all against Eastern Kentucky, in Dino Gregory's first game back with the Terps. Tonight, Gary Williams was able to get Padgett on the floor for 13 minutes. While he is not overly polished on the offensive side, he did have two nice moves in the post tonight. He finished with 7 points, 2 boards, and a steal. His efforts on the glass, and ability to get up and off the floor quickly, is going to help in ACC play.
4) Wake Forest had played Winston-Salem earlier this season, and out-rebounded them 36-31. The Demon Deacons also held Winston-Salem to 4 for 26 from 3 point land, which producing 10 steals, 9 blocks, and forcing 18 turnovers. Maryland beat Winston-Salem on the boards 37-30. The Terps held Winston-Salem to 4 for 18 from 3 point land, while producing 12 steals, 6 blocks, and forcing 20 turnovers. It is not a direct apples-to-apples comparison, but Maryland can feel good about their effort tonight.
5) Mosley only had 6 Field Goal attempts, but managed to get to the foul-line 6 times. He also added 4 rebounds, 3 assists (0 turnovers), and had 2 blocks. Even when he does not get shots, he still makes his presence known.
6) Maryland shot an impressive 57% from the floor, while holding Winston-Salem to 35%.
The Bad:
1) Milbourne, Hayes, and Mosley each came into tonight shooting above 50% from the floor. I had hoped that each of the three would receive 10 Field Goal attempts, but only Milbourne did. Maybe I am looking at this wrong, and this is not a negative. Maybe the Terps will be the type of team, that game-to-game will adjust to the opponent and ride the hot-hand.
2) The Terps were hot from 3 point land tonight, making 12 of the 18 attempts. In games Maryland has their shot working, they will be extremely tough to beat. I think more often than not, this is a team that will still have problems from the outside. I want to see them limit their 3 point attempts, and attack the glass.
3) Maryland was only 20 of 28 from the foul-line tonight. Terp big-men Gregory, Wiliams, and Padgett were just 7 of 12 from the charity-stripe. Credit them for getting to the foul-line, but they have to convert when they get there.
4) Only 3 minutes of garbage time tonight for Choi. During the remainder of these out-of-conference games, I would like to see his minutes increase. I would be looking for ways to add to his confidence.
The Ugly:
1) Gregory did not accomplish much in his 19 minutes of play, besides picking up 4 fouls. While he had 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal; he also had zero field-goal attempts. It is one thing to be a non-factor scoring, but he has to have a greedy mentality on the boards.
Up-Next:
On Sunday, the Terps will face the 5-5 Florida Atlantic Owls of the Sun Belt Conference. The Owls Head Coach is former George Washington Head Coach Mike Jarvis. The most interesting result so far for Florida Atlantic is their 18 point loss to ACC foe Miami, this past Saturday night. Miami completely dominated on the boards, and it will be interesting to see how Maryland compares.
There are a lot of things to enjoy about the win tonight, perhaps none more than the 22 combined points from Adrian Bowie, and Cliff Tucker.
The Good:
1) I keep saying it, because I believe it. For the Terps to be a factor in the ACC, and to win games that matter in March; they need regular production from Bowie and Tucker. Bowie came into tonight shooting 7% (1 for 14) from 3 point land. While I would prefer to see him just focus on attacking the rim, he has to feel good about hitting 3 of 5 three-point shots tonight. Tucker had not played against Indiana, and played a total of 13 minutes against Villanova, and Eastern Kentucky. Tonight, he took and made all five of his shots; including 3 three-point shots of his own during 17 minutes of play. This was an important game for the confidence of both players, and you hope they can build on tonight.
2) While keeping the opposition in-mind, Vasquez had a dominating night. Finishing 9 of 16 from the floor, for 27 points is strong. Combining that with 11 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, with just 1 turnover is the type of game that makes him one of the elite in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He did an excellent job tonight of finding his teammates. Like Bowie, I would prefer that he simply take less 3 pointers, but credit him for knocking down all four three-pointers he took tonight. Each of those three-pointers were shots in the flow of the offense which was important.
3) Jordan Williams does so many things well. He has good hands, gets good positioning, does not waist movement, typically keeps the ball high. Playing off the bench behind Gregory, Williams had 12 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks. When Maryland again takes the court 12/27, I would be surprised if he is not back in the starting lineup.
3a) James Padgett did not play at-all against Eastern Kentucky, in Dino Gregory's first game back with the Terps. Tonight, Gary Williams was able to get Padgett on the floor for 13 minutes. While he is not overly polished on the offensive side, he did have two nice moves in the post tonight. He finished with 7 points, 2 boards, and a steal. His efforts on the glass, and ability to get up and off the floor quickly, is going to help in ACC play.
4) Wake Forest had played Winston-Salem earlier this season, and out-rebounded them 36-31. The Demon Deacons also held Winston-Salem to 4 for 26 from 3 point land, which producing 10 steals, 9 blocks, and forcing 18 turnovers. Maryland beat Winston-Salem on the boards 37-30. The Terps held Winston-Salem to 4 for 18 from 3 point land, while producing 12 steals, 6 blocks, and forcing 20 turnovers. It is not a direct apples-to-apples comparison, but Maryland can feel good about their effort tonight.
5) Mosley only had 6 Field Goal attempts, but managed to get to the foul-line 6 times. He also added 4 rebounds, 3 assists (0 turnovers), and had 2 blocks. Even when he does not get shots, he still makes his presence known.
6) Maryland shot an impressive 57% from the floor, while holding Winston-Salem to 35%.
The Bad:
1) Milbourne, Hayes, and Mosley each came into tonight shooting above 50% from the floor. I had hoped that each of the three would receive 10 Field Goal attempts, but only Milbourne did. Maybe I am looking at this wrong, and this is not a negative. Maybe the Terps will be the type of team, that game-to-game will adjust to the opponent and ride the hot-hand.
2) The Terps were hot from 3 point land tonight, making 12 of the 18 attempts. In games Maryland has their shot working, they will be extremely tough to beat. I think more often than not, this is a team that will still have problems from the outside. I want to see them limit their 3 point attempts, and attack the glass.
3) Maryland was only 20 of 28 from the foul-line tonight. Terp big-men Gregory, Wiliams, and Padgett were just 7 of 12 from the charity-stripe. Credit them for getting to the foul-line, but they have to convert when they get there.
4) Only 3 minutes of garbage time tonight for Choi. During the remainder of these out-of-conference games, I would like to see his minutes increase. I would be looking for ways to add to his confidence.
The Ugly:
1) Gregory did not accomplish much in his 19 minutes of play, besides picking up 4 fouls. While he had 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal; he also had zero field-goal attempts. It is one thing to be a non-factor scoring, but he has to have a greedy mentality on the boards.
Up-Next:
On Sunday, the Terps will face the 5-5 Florida Atlantic Owls of the Sun Belt Conference. The Owls Head Coach is former George Washington Head Coach Mike Jarvis. The most interesting result so far for Florida Atlantic is their 18 point loss to ACC foe Miami, this past Saturday night. Miami completely dominated on the boards, and it will be interesting to see how Maryland compares.
A vote for a true 4-3 & the Tampa 2
The Baltimore Ravens will quietly enter Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 4th rated overall defense. The Ravens are 6th overall against the Pass, and 7th overall against the run. Most importantly, Baltimore is allowing the 2nd fewest points per game.
That said, I believe the loss of Lardarius Webb really limits what the Ravens (as currently constructed) can accomplish if they were to reach the AFC playoffs.
Webb's athleticism, combined with the improved play of Foxworth, gave the Ravens two wideouts capable of running with anyone. Neither possess the great physical size to match-up against the elite, bigger receivers; but both had the cover ability to spend more time on an island than not.
It now seems apparent that the Ravens are going to turn to Chris Carr to replace Webb, and sign Corey Ivy to share time with Frank Walker at Nickleback.
To me, the Ravens should be going to a true 4-3 Defense, and the Tampa 2. My understanding with the Tampa 2, is that DB's are positioned to cover the sidelines out to 15-20 yards, with the Safeties positioned 20 yards back, each equally taking half of the field.
I believe ideally with a Tampa 2, you look from pressure from the front-four, without aid of blitzing from the LB's, and Secondary.
With teams being unable to attack you down the field, they are forced to dink-and-dunk their way underneath. Thus creating more opportunities for you to stymie their drives.
I would like to see the Ravens base 11 man defense look like this from left to right:
Edwards, Gregg, Ngata, Suggs (Pryce, Talavou, Bannan)
Johnson, Lewis, Gooden (Barnes, McClain, Ellerbe, Kruger)
Carr, Landry, Reed, Foxworth (Walker, Ivy, Zbikowski, Williams, Gerard)
As the Tampa 2 places a premium on speed maybe a better use of the roster would be:
Johnson, Gregg, Ngata, Suggs (Pryce, Talavou, Bannan)
Barnes, Lewis, Gooden (McClain, Ellerbe, Kruger)
Carr, Landry, Reed, Foxworth (Walker, Ivy, Zbikowski, Williams, Gerard)
If Johnson, and Suggs tire from having their hand in the dirt every play; you have the d-line depth behind them to provide rest.
McClain, Ellerbe, and Kruger can all play, and additionally keep the Barnes, Lewis, Gooden unit fresh.
I can understand those that would say, with the overall success of the Ravens defense, there is no reason to change the lineup now - even with Webb's injury. I think that line of thought has merit, but I disagree. I think the defensive roster as enough talent to adjust to Webb's injury, but I think the strategy has to be adjusted.
I especially think the strategy requires adjustment, if the ultimate goal is advancing deep into January. If you get to the AFC playoffs, and you have to face Manning, Rivers, Brady, Palmer etc. etc. it will be very difficult to advance playing man coverage, with no pass rush.
The Ravens rank 26th overall in the league in sacks, and having already played Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, and Cincinnati; I have little confidence in the Ravens ability to put the QB's of those teams on the ground.
Running the Tampa 2 is a pretty simple scheme. You would be asking Gregg, and Ngata to control the rushing attack at DT, and hope that Suggs and Edwards/Johnson could bring a pass-rush from the edge, without the help of blitzing LB's. The defense asks you to gang-tackle, and run to the ball. Something the Ravens have always done well. It would give the Ravens a chance to limit the loss of Webb, and potentially allow Reed to take over games playing Centerfield.
That said, I believe the loss of Lardarius Webb really limits what the Ravens (as currently constructed) can accomplish if they were to reach the AFC playoffs.
Webb's athleticism, combined with the improved play of Foxworth, gave the Ravens two wideouts capable of running with anyone. Neither possess the great physical size to match-up against the elite, bigger receivers; but both had the cover ability to spend more time on an island than not.
It now seems apparent that the Ravens are going to turn to Chris Carr to replace Webb, and sign Corey Ivy to share time with Frank Walker at Nickleback.
To me, the Ravens should be going to a true 4-3 Defense, and the Tampa 2. My understanding with the Tampa 2, is that DB's are positioned to cover the sidelines out to 15-20 yards, with the Safeties positioned 20 yards back, each equally taking half of the field.
I believe ideally with a Tampa 2, you look from pressure from the front-four, without aid of blitzing from the LB's, and Secondary.
With teams being unable to attack you down the field, they are forced to dink-and-dunk their way underneath. Thus creating more opportunities for you to stymie their drives.
I would like to see the Ravens base 11 man defense look like this from left to right:
Edwards, Gregg, Ngata, Suggs (Pryce, Talavou, Bannan)
Johnson, Lewis, Gooden (Barnes, McClain, Ellerbe, Kruger)
Carr, Landry, Reed, Foxworth (Walker, Ivy, Zbikowski, Williams, Gerard)
As the Tampa 2 places a premium on speed maybe a better use of the roster would be:
Johnson, Gregg, Ngata, Suggs (Pryce, Talavou, Bannan)
Barnes, Lewis, Gooden (McClain, Ellerbe, Kruger)
Carr, Landry, Reed, Foxworth (Walker, Ivy, Zbikowski, Williams, Gerard)
If Johnson, and Suggs tire from having their hand in the dirt every play; you have the d-line depth behind them to provide rest.
McClain, Ellerbe, and Kruger can all play, and additionally keep the Barnes, Lewis, Gooden unit fresh.
I can understand those that would say, with the overall success of the Ravens defense, there is no reason to change the lineup now - even with Webb's injury. I think that line of thought has merit, but I disagree. I think the defensive roster as enough talent to adjust to Webb's injury, but I think the strategy has to be adjusted.
I especially think the strategy requires adjustment, if the ultimate goal is advancing deep into January. If you get to the AFC playoffs, and you have to face Manning, Rivers, Brady, Palmer etc. etc. it will be very difficult to advance playing man coverage, with no pass rush.
The Ravens rank 26th overall in the league in sacks, and having already played Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, and Cincinnati; I have little confidence in the Ravens ability to put the QB's of those teams on the ground.
Running the Tampa 2 is a pretty simple scheme. You would be asking Gregg, and Ngata to control the rushing attack at DT, and hope that Suggs and Edwards/Johnson could bring a pass-rush from the edge, without the help of blitzing LB's. The defense asks you to gang-tackle, and run to the ball. Something the Ravens have always done well. It would give the Ravens a chance to limit the loss of Webb, and potentially allow Reed to take over games playing Centerfield.
If Chris Carr is at Cornerback
If Chris Carr is now going to be forced into getting extended time at CB, Baltimore can not afford to have him returning kicks, or punts.
The Ravens simply could not afford to lose him from the Secondary.
If Ed Reed is back at Safety, you could use Tom Zbikowski some as a returner, as he had success with that at Notre Dame.
Zbikowski
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq0sSEJxlp8
However, if Zbikowski is forced to start at Safety for the 4th consecutive game, the Ravens would not in position to let him return kicks.
So who then?
Maybe Jalen Parmele?
How about Justin Harper?
Harper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIyoNMITV00
Watching the youtube highlights of reserve DB Cary Williams, maybe it will be him. Big stride, for Williams, who looks to just eat up yards. I also see that Williams ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at the combine, and had a 32.5 inch vertical. With Williams being 6'1, 185 with speed, it might actually be interesting to see him get time as a Nickleback. He might have limited cover skills, but you can not teach athleticism, or size.
Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrz7TE03168
That is four possible options for the Ravens aside from Carr, so this is certainly something to watch Sunday. There is no reason for the Ravens to put Carr in additional risk for injury. The most important thing is that whomever is back returning punts and kicks, secures the ball. However, getting additional yards is a valuable weapon that can not be dismissed.
Maybe you give a couple of guys chances Sunday, and see who looks the most confident with the lights on.
The Ravens simply could not afford to lose him from the Secondary.
If Ed Reed is back at Safety, you could use Tom Zbikowski some as a returner, as he had success with that at Notre Dame.
Zbikowski
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq0sSEJxlp8
However, if Zbikowski is forced to start at Safety for the 4th consecutive game, the Ravens would not in position to let him return kicks.
So who then?
Maybe Jalen Parmele?
How about Justin Harper?
Harper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIyoNMITV00
Watching the youtube highlights of reserve DB Cary Williams, maybe it will be him. Big stride, for Williams, who looks to just eat up yards. I also see that Williams ran a 4.43 40 yard dash at the combine, and had a 32.5 inch vertical. With Williams being 6'1, 185 with speed, it might actually be interesting to see him get time as a Nickleback. He might have limited cover skills, but you can not teach athleticism, or size.
Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrz7TE03168
That is four possible options for the Ravens aside from Carr, so this is certainly something to watch Sunday. There is no reason for the Ravens to put Carr in additional risk for injury. The most important thing is that whomever is back returning punts and kicks, secures the ball. However, getting additional yards is a valuable weapon that can not be dismissed.
Maybe you give a couple of guys chances Sunday, and see who looks the most confident with the lights on.
O's fans should stop living in fear of Boston, and NY
Wherever you get your Oriole news - be it MASN, Orioles Hangout, The Sun, Camden Chat, Talk Radio, etc etc - you see and hear the same argument from a very vocal percentage of the Baltimore fan-base.
The argument is, that no matter what the Orioles do, they will never be able to contend in the American League East, particularly against an unbalanced schedule.
I do not agree with this line of thought, but that does mean I do not understand and agree with some of the rationale. The Yankees had a team salary of over $200M in 2009, and Boston had the 4th highest team salary at about $123M. The O's were 23rd in spending at about $67M, and that was inclusive of some 'dead' money being spent on players no longer on the roster.
As MASN continues to grow as a Regional Sports Network, I believe the revenue of the Oriole franchise will grow. I believe the O's have purposely been judicial with their money, and held back in salary in recent years when they knew they were not prepared to contend. Between the extensions to Roberts, and Markakis; along with the contract-offer to Teixeira last-year, I believe the O's have shown signs they will spend going forward where they deem appropriate. As this young core builds, they will do what they can to lock-up these players to contracts friendly to team and player alike, and raise the overall payroll to roughly the $100M dollar-range. At that level of pay, they will be right on the periphery of Top 10 overall spending, but still in another ball-park vs. Boston, and New York.
The revenue streams of the Red Sox, and Yankees; combined with their willingness to spend, and capable management, is what has allowed those organizations to have the success they have had the last 10-15 years. That is not going to change. These teams are going to continue to have more overall resources than the O's. (and everyone else for that matter). The salary they spend, will not guarantee post-season success, but will guarantee they have the roster depth necessary to continue to win a minimum of 90 games annually.
However, at this point, the Yankees and Red Sox are more about sustainability vs. improving. By that I mean New York won 103 games, and the World Series in 2009. They have added Granderson, Vasquez, and Nick Johnson. (While losing Damon, and Matsui.) Even if you believe that the Yankees are 'better', they are not going to improve on their 2009 results.
It is certainly not an equitable system though, and the O's path to perennial contender is that much more difficult. My favorite example of this is inequity is always Carl Pavano. In the winter of 2004, both the O's and Yankees were bidding for the services of the Free Agent Pavano. Pavano eventually signed with NY for 4 years, $40M. During that contract, he made 17 starts in 2005, missed all of 2006, made 2 starts in 2007, and 7 starts in 2008. Count it up, that is a total of 26 starts in 4 years, for $40M. Even if the Orioles salary was at $100M per year, they could simply not afford to have 10% of their salary tied-up to complete non-production. For the Yankees, it was a blip on their radar, and they had the surrounding depth necessary to make the playoffs 3 of those 4 seasons.
My overall point is that, a more difficult path does not equate to impossible. The biggest thing to remember is that since the Orioles come to the battle with less bullets in their gun, they are going to have to be more diligent with their shots. When the O's give out multi-year contracts for significant money, they will have to hit a larger percentage of time, vs. NY and Boston.
Where the Orioles have to be willing to regularly spend money, is in the Draft with talents that fall due to sign-ability issues, and with their Player Development staff. The Draft gives you a chance to add top-shelf talent to the system, under long-term team control at somewhat reasonable prices. Once you get them in the system, it is imperative that you have a Player Development / Coaching staff in place to aid their progression. Similarly to how I feel the O's have to hit a larger percentage of time with their Free Agent additions; I also believe the Orioles have to regularly get some production from their high-level draft picks. If that means you take the more project-able College player over the High-school prospect with a higher-ceiling, so be it.
Perhaps what I have most enjoyed about Andy MacPhail's tenure with the O's is that money has been provided to Joe Jordan and the Scouting Department to identify and select the players they wanted. Combine that with the gains in the Dominican with the new facility, and the creation of a legitimate International Scouting Department with John Stockstill, and the Orioles are doing the things under their control to close the gap with their divisional rivals to the North.
While the O's will have to be more diligent with their resources, and will always start at a competitive disadvantage; the reason Oriole fans can stop living in fear of Boston, and NY is due to the young talent that is being assembled.
Good-luck finding a team that has a more talented 6 players to move forward with than Markakis, Jones, Wieters, Matusz, Tillman, and Arrieta.
The fact that you can augment that core with players like Roberts, Reimold, Pie, Bell, Snyder, Bergesen, Mickolio, Johnson, Hernandez, Erbe, Britton, and Patton - gives the Orioles a legitimate chance at contending on a regular basis starting in 2011.
The O's path to perennial contender is more difficult due to their division, but not impossible. I think more Oriole fans should stop-living in fear of the Red Sox, and Yankees; and open their eyes to the core talent that is being assembled here in Baltimore.
The argument is, that no matter what the Orioles do, they will never be able to contend in the American League East, particularly against an unbalanced schedule.
I do not agree with this line of thought, but that does mean I do not understand and agree with some of the rationale. The Yankees had a team salary of over $200M in 2009, and Boston had the 4th highest team salary at about $123M. The O's were 23rd in spending at about $67M, and that was inclusive of some 'dead' money being spent on players no longer on the roster.
As MASN continues to grow as a Regional Sports Network, I believe the revenue of the Oriole franchise will grow. I believe the O's have purposely been judicial with their money, and held back in salary in recent years when they knew they were not prepared to contend. Between the extensions to Roberts, and Markakis; along with the contract-offer to Teixeira last-year, I believe the O's have shown signs they will spend going forward where they deem appropriate. As this young core builds, they will do what they can to lock-up these players to contracts friendly to team and player alike, and raise the overall payroll to roughly the $100M dollar-range. At that level of pay, they will be right on the periphery of Top 10 overall spending, but still in another ball-park vs. Boston, and New York.
The revenue streams of the Red Sox, and Yankees; combined with their willingness to spend, and capable management, is what has allowed those organizations to have the success they have had the last 10-15 years. That is not going to change. These teams are going to continue to have more overall resources than the O's. (and everyone else for that matter). The salary they spend, will not guarantee post-season success, but will guarantee they have the roster depth necessary to continue to win a minimum of 90 games annually.
However, at this point, the Yankees and Red Sox are more about sustainability vs. improving. By that I mean New York won 103 games, and the World Series in 2009. They have added Granderson, Vasquez, and Nick Johnson. (While losing Damon, and Matsui.) Even if you believe that the Yankees are 'better', they are not going to improve on their 2009 results.
It is certainly not an equitable system though, and the O's path to perennial contender is that much more difficult. My favorite example of this is inequity is always Carl Pavano. In the winter of 2004, both the O's and Yankees were bidding for the services of the Free Agent Pavano. Pavano eventually signed with NY for 4 years, $40M. During that contract, he made 17 starts in 2005, missed all of 2006, made 2 starts in 2007, and 7 starts in 2008. Count it up, that is a total of 26 starts in 4 years, for $40M. Even if the Orioles salary was at $100M per year, they could simply not afford to have 10% of their salary tied-up to complete non-production. For the Yankees, it was a blip on their radar, and they had the surrounding depth necessary to make the playoffs 3 of those 4 seasons.
My overall point is that, a more difficult path does not equate to impossible. The biggest thing to remember is that since the Orioles come to the battle with less bullets in their gun, they are going to have to be more diligent with their shots. When the O's give out multi-year contracts for significant money, they will have to hit a larger percentage of time, vs. NY and Boston.
Where the Orioles have to be willing to regularly spend money, is in the Draft with talents that fall due to sign-ability issues, and with their Player Development staff. The Draft gives you a chance to add top-shelf talent to the system, under long-term team control at somewhat reasonable prices. Once you get them in the system, it is imperative that you have a Player Development / Coaching staff in place to aid their progression. Similarly to how I feel the O's have to hit a larger percentage of time with their Free Agent additions; I also believe the Orioles have to regularly get some production from their high-level draft picks. If that means you take the more project-able College player over the High-school prospect with a higher-ceiling, so be it.
Perhaps what I have most enjoyed about Andy MacPhail's tenure with the O's is that money has been provided to Joe Jordan and the Scouting Department to identify and select the players they wanted. Combine that with the gains in the Dominican with the new facility, and the creation of a legitimate International Scouting Department with John Stockstill, and the Orioles are doing the things under their control to close the gap with their divisional rivals to the North.
While the O's will have to be more diligent with their resources, and will always start at a competitive disadvantage; the reason Oriole fans can stop living in fear of Boston, and NY is due to the young talent that is being assembled.
Good-luck finding a team that has a more talented 6 players to move forward with than Markakis, Jones, Wieters, Matusz, Tillman, and Arrieta.
The fact that you can augment that core with players like Roberts, Reimold, Pie, Bell, Snyder, Bergesen, Mickolio, Johnson, Hernandez, Erbe, Britton, and Patton - gives the Orioles a legitimate chance at contending on a regular basis starting in 2011.
The O's path to perennial contender is more difficult due to their division, but not impossible. I think more Oriole fans should stop-living in fear of the Red Sox, and Yankees; and open their eyes to the core talent that is being assembled here in Baltimore.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Terps vs. Winston Salem State: Things to Watch
The University of Maryland will end a 10 day layoff tomorrow night, when they face Winston Salem State at College Park.
While you should respect every opponent, I will personally understand if the Terps show little enthusiasm for the opposition tomorrow. Winston Salem State is 2-6 overall, inclusive of a 51 point loss at Oregon, and a 24 point loss at Wake Forest.
This is clearly a game where the main goal is to improve as a team, with a cohesive effort.
Here are things I will be looking for tomorrow:
1) Adrian Bowie received the start against Eastern Kentucky, due to Vasquez being late for a team shoot-around. I thought Bowie looked more comfortable as a starter, contributing with 6 boards, and 3 steals.
As much as anything tomorrow night, I want to see Bowie, and Cliff Tucker have strong games. Those two have to provide regular positive contributions for this Terp team to be dangerous.
Eric Hayes is having a strong offensive year, and will be on the court in crunch minutes due to his ability to handle the ball, and covert at the line. As he has shown an ability to produce off the bench, and Bowie appears more comfortable as a starter, I would like to Bowie remain in the starting lineup.
2) Jordan Williams only received 9 minutes of playing time against Eastern Kentucky, after his 19 point, 12 rebound performance against Villanova. Dino Gregory being back, can not earn Williams an extended trip to the bench.
2a) James Padgett had been averaging 16.4 minutes heading into the Eastern Kentucky game, but did not play at-all. It is understandable that Gregory's return reduces his minutes, but he also has to play.
3) I expect the Terps are going to be able to force turnovers at-will tomorrow night. Still, I would use the playing time to give minutes to lineups you want to use later in the year. While Maryland does not have an abundance of athletic talent, they could use a lineup of Bowie, Tucker, Milbourne, Padgett, and Gregory on occasion. That group is ask quick, and athletic as any opposing 5 players they will face. I would like to see them get time together when Coach Williams wants to increase the tempo, and force some turnovers.
4) Wake Forest out-rebounded Winston Salem 36-31, had 10 steals, 9 blocks, and forced 18 turnovers. The Demon Deacons also held Winston-Salem to 4 for 26 from 3 point land. I will be interested to see how Maryland's final stat line compares to Wake Forest.
5) Mosley, Milbourne, and Hayes all continue to shoot over 50% from the floor. Would like to see each of them get at-least 10 shots.
6) Winston Salem lacks height, and Maryland should be able to score pretty much at-will in the lane. I would like to see Vasquez get some opportunities to post-up and get some easy looks inside. A game like tomorrow is about building confidence, and I want to see Vasquez have a high percentage shooting night.
7) Jin-Soo Choi played 1 minute each against Villanova and Eastern Kentucky. Choi needs some time, and similar to Vasquez, I would like to see Choi get an opportunity to post-up inside. He needs a game where he gets 10+ minutes of playing time, and sees the ball go through the basket some. Let him get a couple of easy ones inside, and then let him let it fly from outside. Getting him going as a 3 point specialist off the bench, is something Maryland needs to be working on. The Terps will face more zone defenses again this year, and Choi has the ability to be the zone-buster they will require.
8) A Steve Goins sighting would also be nice.The primary way Goins can help the 2009-10 Terps is by being available to use his 6'10 260 lb body against teams with a lot of opposing size. He can come in off the bench, bang around, and use his 5 fouls. There are a number of teams in the ACC with some imposing size this year. Obviously Gregory, Williams, and Padgett will be the primary bigs for the Terps. I think getting Goins some time on the floor against the little sisters of the poor would be beneficial, if you are forced to use him against Conference opponents later this season.
While you should respect every opponent, I will personally understand if the Terps show little enthusiasm for the opposition tomorrow. Winston Salem State is 2-6 overall, inclusive of a 51 point loss at Oregon, and a 24 point loss at Wake Forest.
This is clearly a game where the main goal is to improve as a team, with a cohesive effort.
Here are things I will be looking for tomorrow:
1) Adrian Bowie received the start against Eastern Kentucky, due to Vasquez being late for a team shoot-around. I thought Bowie looked more comfortable as a starter, contributing with 6 boards, and 3 steals.
As much as anything tomorrow night, I want to see Bowie, and Cliff Tucker have strong games. Those two have to provide regular positive contributions for this Terp team to be dangerous.
Eric Hayes is having a strong offensive year, and will be on the court in crunch minutes due to his ability to handle the ball, and covert at the line. As he has shown an ability to produce off the bench, and Bowie appears more comfortable as a starter, I would like to Bowie remain in the starting lineup.
2) Jordan Williams only received 9 minutes of playing time against Eastern Kentucky, after his 19 point, 12 rebound performance against Villanova. Dino Gregory being back, can not earn Williams an extended trip to the bench.
2a) James Padgett had been averaging 16.4 minutes heading into the Eastern Kentucky game, but did not play at-all. It is understandable that Gregory's return reduces his minutes, but he also has to play.
3) I expect the Terps are going to be able to force turnovers at-will tomorrow night. Still, I would use the playing time to give minutes to lineups you want to use later in the year. While Maryland does not have an abundance of athletic talent, they could use a lineup of Bowie, Tucker, Milbourne, Padgett, and Gregory on occasion. That group is ask quick, and athletic as any opposing 5 players they will face. I would like to see them get time together when Coach Williams wants to increase the tempo, and force some turnovers.
4) Wake Forest out-rebounded Winston Salem 36-31, had 10 steals, 9 blocks, and forced 18 turnovers. The Demon Deacons also held Winston-Salem to 4 for 26 from 3 point land. I will be interested to see how Maryland's final stat line compares to Wake Forest.
5) Mosley, Milbourne, and Hayes all continue to shoot over 50% from the floor. Would like to see each of them get at-least 10 shots.
6) Winston Salem lacks height, and Maryland should be able to score pretty much at-will in the lane. I would like to see Vasquez get some opportunities to post-up and get some easy looks inside. A game like tomorrow is about building confidence, and I want to see Vasquez have a high percentage shooting night.
7) Jin-Soo Choi played 1 minute each against Villanova and Eastern Kentucky. Choi needs some time, and similar to Vasquez, I would like to see Choi get an opportunity to post-up inside. He needs a game where he gets 10+ minutes of playing time, and sees the ball go through the basket some. Let him get a couple of easy ones inside, and then let him let it fly from outside. Getting him going as a 3 point specialist off the bench, is something Maryland needs to be working on. The Terps will face more zone defenses again this year, and Choi has the ability to be the zone-buster they will require.
8) A Steve Goins sighting would also be nice.The primary way Goins can help the 2009-10 Terps is by being available to use his 6'10 260 lb body against teams with a lot of opposing size. He can come in off the bench, bang around, and use his 5 fouls. There are a number of teams in the ACC with some imposing size this year. Obviously Gregory, Williams, and Padgett will be the primary bigs for the Terps. I think getting Goins some time on the floor against the little sisters of the poor would be beneficial, if you are forced to use him against Conference opponents later this season.
Crystal Palace USA / Future of Soccer in Baltimore
Crystal Palace Baltimore was founded in 2006, and during the 2007 through 2009 seasons competed in United Soccer League at the Division 2 level.
You can find the Crystal Palace website at:
http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com/
The hierarchy of professional leagues in the US has been Major League Soccer, USL Division 1, and USL Division 2. Teams at all three levels compete for the US Open Cup.
During the 2008 season, CP Baltimore secured their marquee victory as a franchise, with their win over the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.
At the end of the 2009 season, it was announced that CP Baltimore would leave USL Division 2, to join the upstart North American Soccer League. The NASL is comprised of 9 former USL Division 1, and 2 teams, along with an expansion effort in St. Louis. The NASL has applied to the United States Soccer Foundation, and the Canadian Soccer Association to be sanctioned as the premier league right below MSL, essentially taking the place of USL Division 1.
CP Baltimore has an existing relationship with Crystal Palace Football Club in the UK. Crystal Palace UK operates in the 24-team Coca Cola Football League Championship, which is the first-level below the English Premier League. The top two teams in the Football League Championship earn automatic promotion to the Premier League. Teams finishing 3-6 compete in a playoff, with the winner also gaining promotion to the Premier. The bottom three teams of the Football League Championship move to Coca Cola Football League Championship League 1 (there is also a League 2).
In addition to CP Baltimore, and St. Louis, the other NASL teams expected to begin play in April 2010 are the:
http://www.atlantasilverbacks.com/pro/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Silverbacks
Carolina Railhawks
http://www.carolinarailhawks.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_RailHawks_FC
Miami FC
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_FC
Minnesota Thunder
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Thunder
Montreal Impact
http://www.impactmontreal.com/flash.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Impact
Rochester Rhinos
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rochester_Rhinos
Tampa Bay Rowdies
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_Rowdies_%282010%29
Vancouver Whitecaps
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver_Whitecaps_FC
I attempted to ask a few questions directly to Crystal Palace Baltimore today, but was informed by their Communication Director Mr. James Calder, that the franchise is under a gag order from the United States Soccer Federation until further notice.
When that gag is removed, I will again direct these questions to the franchise.
Until then, my open questions to CP Baltimore are below.
Question 1: Is the United Soccer League incorrect when they state that Crystal Place Baltimore has a contractual obligation to the USL to play in their Division 1, for the 2010 season?
Question 2: This North American Soccer League is comprised of a number of major markets. Will the goal of this league be to create a system where promotion to Major League Soccer is possible? Or, beyond promotion, is there interest in a merging of the two leagues?
Question 3: Do you expect the NASL to have any presence on at-least local TV in the individual markets? Has Crystal Palace Baltimore had any discussion with Comcast Sportsnet, or the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network about airing their games?
Question 4: The Vancouver Whitecaps are scheduled to join Major League Soccer in 2011, and MLS continues to discuss adding Montreal. Is there trepidation about starting a league with teams that will be departing quickly?
Question 5: Crystal Palace Baltimore announced in October, they were close to finalizing a deal to build a 7,000 seat stadium by 2012 in the Carroll Camden Industrial Area near M&T Bank Stadium. The following Soccer Specific Stadiums have been built, or are being built across the country:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Crew_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Depot_Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Hut_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Park_(Bridgeview)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick%27s_Sporting_Goods_Park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_Arena_(MLS)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Houston_Dynamo_stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trails_Stadium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rio_Tinto_Stadium
Each of these stadiums meets the Major League Soccer standard of 17,000 to 20,000 seats. If Crystal Palace Baltimore moves forward with building a 7,000 seat stadium, there would be cost associated with that venture (estimated at $25M). When it was created, there would be an attractive stadium that would never be suitable for the highest level of US Professional Soccer.
In July the European Powers Chelsea and AC Milan played to a sold-out M&T Bank Stadium. The indoor Baltimore Blast draw 7,500 a game for a mediocre product that plays indoors. Clearly, an audience for Soccer in Baltimore exists. With Mayor Dixon asking the Maryland Stadium Authority to consider building a Soccer Specific Stadium capable of being the home for Major League Soccer’s DC United; it would appear an opportunity exists for this to come to fruition. Why not dream bigger, and put your efforts behind Baltimore building a Soccer Specific Stadium comparable to any venue in the Country?
Nearly everyone has more soccer knowledge then myself. What other questions do you believe should be asked?
Sunday, December 20, 2009
With Webb likely out
With Webb likely out, I would imagine Zbikowski gets more of an opportunity to return punts and possibly kickoffs?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq0sSEJxlp8
How about the Ravens finally kiss and make up with Chris McAlister, and add a player that has obviously familiarity with the organization, and can help at least as a Nickle-back?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq0sSEJxlp8
How about the Ravens finally kiss and make up with Chris McAlister, and add a player that has obviously familiarity with the organization, and can help at least as a Nickle-back?
Ravens beat Chicago; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
The Baltimore Ravens moved to 8-6 with a convincing 31-7 victory over the Chicago Bears. However, with the news of Lardarius Webb likely being out for the season with an ACL injury, it is difficult to feel good about the 24 point win.
The Good:
1) The Ravens forced 6 turnovers, including 3 interceptions of Jay Cutler. While it is true that Cutler had to deal with playing without Devin Hester; he was held to a ridiculously low 94 passing yards. Amazingly, 30 of those 94 passing yards came on the initial Bear play of the game.
2) I was looking forward to seeing a lot of McGahee, and McClain today, but the Ravens took advantage of limitations in the Chicago secondary, and made plays in the passing game.
2a) It seems pretty clear that Flacco continues to have some difficulty planting off his back-leg, but he again played through that pain, and had his most productive game in weeks. With his 4 TD's today, he now has 19 TD's vs 11 picks for the season.
2b) Todd Heap obviously had a big day, with 5 receptions and 2 TD's.
2c) Demetrius Williams got some playing-time, and responded with 4 catches for 71 yards, and a score. His TD reception against double-coverage (while he was pass-interfered with) makes you question why he was glued to the bench most of this season. Even more perplexing when Cam Cameron is quoted in the Baltimore Sun this week saying Williams has worked hard in practice all-season.
2d) I thought Derrick Mason ran some great routes today, as he caught 6 balls, including a TD. I shudder to think where this team would have been this year had he stayed retired.
3) Matt Forte had 20 carries, and was held to 69 yards. He initially had some success up the middle, but the Ravens adjusted and took him out of the game.
4) Dominique Foxworth deserves credit for his 2 picks today, but I am more impressed by the story the Baltimore Sun had today about him hosting additional meetings / film-study at his house for the Secondary. That is a player with pride, motivated to improve. Foxworth is not big enough to be a true-elite CB, but he is far better than most in Baltimore gave him credit for earlier this season. He runs very well, and I think has strong corner skills. He simply is going to get beat at-times against bigger wideouts, and not really help in controlling the run. It is not a coincidence that the pass-rush has been more consistent, and his play has looked improved in the Secondary.
5) Ray Rice was simply exploding on some of his 16 carries. That burst, combined with his elusiveness, pass-catching abilities, and willingness to run north/south is making him a star. The o-line was opening up holes for him, but Rice gets credit for making plays.
6) I liked that Troy Smith got on the field some today with the 'Suggs' package.
7) Ngata not only stripped the ball, and forced a fumble - he recovered the ball. Just a very athletic play for Ngata.
8) On-cue from the positive comments from Billick, Jarret Johnson made a tremendous play for his interception.
The Bad:
1) I like the idea of some plays being run with both Smith, and Flacco on the field. It seems like it would make more sense to have Smith be the 'WR' with the option to throw, vs. splitting Flacco wide.
2) The Ravens and Flacco were having success in the passing-game, so I can not negatively critique the team for sticking with what was working. Still, I do think this was a game to establish an identity; and believe finding more than 7 combined carries for McGahee, and McClain would have beneficial.
3) The poor long-snap from Katula is something that can not happen. Combining that with the porous Kick and Punt coverage, and it was not a banner day for Special Teams.
The Ugly:
1) The injury to Webb is pretty crippling to this team. If his injury is an ACL Sprain, and not an ACL Tear, I believe there would be limited hope he could return for the playoffs if the Ravens were to advance. The chances of his returning at any-point this season seem remote, and it really limits what the Ravens can do.
1a) Once Webb replaced Washington in the Secondary, I think there was a reasonable argument to make that Webb should not have been in on Special Teams.
2) Why was Joe Flacco in the game for the first two-series of the 4th Quarter? The 24 point-lead was an opportunity to bench Flacco and the other starters. Seeing Flacco take a hard-sack in that 4th Quarter made little sense.
Up-next:
If Webb had not been injured today, you would feel good about where the Ravens are. Jacksonville, Miami, the Jets, and Denver all lost this week. The Ravens control their own destiny. Win the next two-weeks, and they make the playoffs.
For the Ravens to win these next two-weeks, they will have to beat their divisional-rival (and defending Super Bowl Champion) Pittsburgh Steelers in their home-stadium. Roethlisberger ended the Steelers game today, perfectly orchestrating a 2 minute drive for the TD, and the win as time expired.
With their win, the Steelers are now 7-7, and again have a playoff pulse. If Pittsburgh can beat the Ravens this coming-week, the Steelers will pull even with Baltimore.
*EDIT, what I am now reading seems to indicate that if the Ravens and Pittsburgh were tied at 9-7 at the end of the regular-season (and the sole AFC teams with this distinction) Baltimore would advance to the playoffs based on division record. I am sure there will be more on this tomorrow.*
A game against a fierce division-rival in their stadium was always going to be difficult. Playing Pittsburgh, when the Steelers have something to play for, will make the hitting even more fierce. Roethlisberger threw for 503 yards today against a good Green Bay pass-defense. Roethlisberger will like his chances for success against a Baltimore pass-defense missing Webb. Roethlisberger is at his best when he scrambles from the pocket, avoids the pass-rush, and makes plays down the field. If the Ravens do not collapse the pocket, and get Big Ben to the turf, it will very difficult for Baltimore to win.
The Ravens can not ask for anything more really. Baltimore will get the opportunity to go into Pittsburgh, with the ability to extend their season, while effectively ending the Super Bowl reign of the Steelers.
The Good:
1) The Ravens forced 6 turnovers, including 3 interceptions of Jay Cutler. While it is true that Cutler had to deal with playing without Devin Hester; he was held to a ridiculously low 94 passing yards. Amazingly, 30 of those 94 passing yards came on the initial Bear play of the game.
2) I was looking forward to seeing a lot of McGahee, and McClain today, but the Ravens took advantage of limitations in the Chicago secondary, and made plays in the passing game.
2a) It seems pretty clear that Flacco continues to have some difficulty planting off his back-leg, but he again played through that pain, and had his most productive game in weeks. With his 4 TD's today, he now has 19 TD's vs 11 picks for the season.
2b) Todd Heap obviously had a big day, with 5 receptions and 2 TD's.
2c) Demetrius Williams got some playing-time, and responded with 4 catches for 71 yards, and a score. His TD reception against double-coverage (while he was pass-interfered with) makes you question why he was glued to the bench most of this season. Even more perplexing when Cam Cameron is quoted in the Baltimore Sun this week saying Williams has worked hard in practice all-season.
2d) I thought Derrick Mason ran some great routes today, as he caught 6 balls, including a TD. I shudder to think where this team would have been this year had he stayed retired.
3) Matt Forte had 20 carries, and was held to 69 yards. He initially had some success up the middle, but the Ravens adjusted and took him out of the game.
4) Dominique Foxworth deserves credit for his 2 picks today, but I am more impressed by the story the Baltimore Sun had today about him hosting additional meetings / film-study at his house for the Secondary. That is a player with pride, motivated to improve. Foxworth is not big enough to be a true-elite CB, but he is far better than most in Baltimore gave him credit for earlier this season. He runs very well, and I think has strong corner skills. He simply is going to get beat at-times against bigger wideouts, and not really help in controlling the run. It is not a coincidence that the pass-rush has been more consistent, and his play has looked improved in the Secondary.
5) Ray Rice was simply exploding on some of his 16 carries. That burst, combined with his elusiveness, pass-catching abilities, and willingness to run north/south is making him a star. The o-line was opening up holes for him, but Rice gets credit for making plays.
6) I liked that Troy Smith got on the field some today with the 'Suggs' package.
7) Ngata not only stripped the ball, and forced a fumble - he recovered the ball. Just a very athletic play for Ngata.
8) On-cue from the positive comments from Billick, Jarret Johnson made a tremendous play for his interception.
The Bad:
1) I like the idea of some plays being run with both Smith, and Flacco on the field. It seems like it would make more sense to have Smith be the 'WR' with the option to throw, vs. splitting Flacco wide.
2) The Ravens and Flacco were having success in the passing-game, so I can not negatively critique the team for sticking with what was working. Still, I do think this was a game to establish an identity; and believe finding more than 7 combined carries for McGahee, and McClain would have beneficial.
3) The poor long-snap from Katula is something that can not happen. Combining that with the porous Kick and Punt coverage, and it was not a banner day for Special Teams.
The Ugly:
1) The injury to Webb is pretty crippling to this team. If his injury is an ACL Sprain, and not an ACL Tear, I believe there would be limited hope he could return for the playoffs if the Ravens were to advance. The chances of his returning at any-point this season seem remote, and it really limits what the Ravens can do.
1a) Once Webb replaced Washington in the Secondary, I think there was a reasonable argument to make that Webb should not have been in on Special Teams.
2) Why was Joe Flacco in the game for the first two-series of the 4th Quarter? The 24 point-lead was an opportunity to bench Flacco and the other starters. Seeing Flacco take a hard-sack in that 4th Quarter made little sense.
Up-next:
If Webb had not been injured today, you would feel good about where the Ravens are. Jacksonville, Miami, the Jets, and Denver all lost this week. The Ravens control their own destiny. Win the next two-weeks, and they make the playoffs.
For the Ravens to win these next two-weeks, they will have to beat their divisional-rival (and defending Super Bowl Champion) Pittsburgh Steelers in their home-stadium. Roethlisberger ended the Steelers game today, perfectly orchestrating a 2 minute drive for the TD, and the win as time expired.
With their win, the Steelers are now 7-7, and again have a playoff pulse. If Pittsburgh can beat the Ravens this coming-week, the Steelers will pull even with Baltimore.
*EDIT, what I am now reading seems to indicate that if the Ravens and Pittsburgh were tied at 9-7 at the end of the regular-season (and the sole AFC teams with this distinction) Baltimore would advance to the playoffs based on division record. I am sure there will be more on this tomorrow.*
A game against a fierce division-rival in their stadium was always going to be difficult. Playing Pittsburgh, when the Steelers have something to play for, will make the hitting even more fierce. Roethlisberger threw for 503 yards today against a good Green Bay pass-defense. Roethlisberger will like his chances for success against a Baltimore pass-defense missing Webb. Roethlisberger is at his best when he scrambles from the pocket, avoids the pass-rush, and makes plays down the field. If the Ravens do not collapse the pocket, and get Big Ben to the turf, it will very difficult for Baltimore to win.
The Ravens can not ask for anything more really. Baltimore will get the opportunity to go into Pittsburgh, with the ability to extend their season, while effectively ending the Super Bowl reign of the Steelers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
