Game plan: What would you do against Baltimore?

[RugbyMuffin]

I would stop the run, like we have been doing, and force McNair to pass. The OL in Baltimore is weak, and I think we can generate some pressure on McNair. BUT I hope we don't hit McNair too much because I would rather take on McNair than Kyle Boller at this point.

On defense I would pick on Samari Rolle as much as possible, and try deep passes to Chris McAllister's side. Rolle is no where near what he used to be and I think he will have problems against our WR's. The reason I would go deep against Chris McAllister is because he will commit a good number of PI calls against him.

If the Cardinals run the ball against Baltimore than I will be SHOCKED. But this season has been full of surprises anyway.

 

[cardsfanmd]

N one runs on B'more. But if we get 70-80yds on the ground I say we win.

 

[Goldfield]

I would trade A.Rolle to them...

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I would trade A.Rolle to them...

Trade him for Wilcox, TE!

 

[JeffGollin]

Offense - Sick Terrelle Smith on Ray Lewis and pound away on the ground, while taking an occasional opportunistic shot downfield to our receivers.

Defense - Key on stopping the run, but also pay extra attention to containing their TE (Heap). This may mean letting Adrian or Karlos roam outside the box.

 

[PortlandCardFan]

If Pace can cover VD then he should be able to cover Heap. You know, VD can't be covered by anyone!!!

 

[lobo]

Offense - Sick Terrelle Smith on Ray Lewis and pound away on the ground, while taking an occasional opportunistic shot downfield to our receivers.

Defense - Key on stopping the run, but also pay extra attention to containing their TE (Heap). This may mean letting Adrian or Karlos roam outside the box.

Second verse same as the first.....I'll just add one other point...get to McNair. As long as the game is within two scores...keep running the ball.
They will temp us because they will be keying in on stopping Edge and this makes the DB's even more vulnerable if they load the box with 7/8, but I would still keep it on the ground.

One other point to consider....our front should get some kudos...they are allowing our LB's to make plays..taking nothing away from the LB's, they are looking even better because of the push up front.

 

[TheCardFan]

If we can continue our ability to shut down the run game...

Baltimore will have a hard time moving the ball on us/scoring.

Look for another close game.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

My guess is we will see a couple gadget plays involving Boldin.

 

[crisper57]

How about getting an early lead and then stepping on their throats, rather than letting them creep into the game? If we get the lead, keep being aggressive on D. Don't go into Prevent D.

On O, we need to control the LOS and hope Matt gets his footwork under control. The rush will be coming, so he better drop back far enough to have time/space to throw. Our receivers need to have a big game because I think Edge will have a tougher time running than he did the last 2 games.

 

[Goober Man]

The question that should be asked is "How did the Steelers gameplan against the Ravens in recent years?" if you figure that out then you have your answer.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

This is the game i expect to see what Wiz has got. I'm not saying we are going to win but this is one place I would like to see the game planning and play calling of Wisenhunt win us games they shouldn't.

 

[lobo]

The question that should be asked is "How did the Steelers gameplan against the Ravens in recent years?" if you figure that out then you have your answer.

If this makes sense...and it might...ya' think we might know a few guys who can help in that area? You can answer in one word or less.

 

[PACardsFan]

My guess is we will see a couple gadget plays involving Boldin.

I agree. We need to be patient with the running game & then throw in some gadget plays to spread their D out. As long as we take care of the ball, I have no problem winning a 9-6 type game.

 

[cardsfanmd]

What worries me is how the center will play, whoever it is. Haoli Ngata is one of the best NT in football. We have faced nothing but backups thusfar in the season, SF and Sea's starters were hurt when we played. Ngata is a man child and is able to take on double teams and still regularly penetrate the pocket. He worries me.

 

[TheCardFan]

What worries me is how the center will play, whoever it is. Haoli Ngata is one of the best NT in football. We have faced nothing but backups thusfar in the season, SF and Sea's starters were hurt when we played. Ngata is a man child and is able to take on double teams and still regularly penetrate the pocket. He worries me.

True and against a rookie UDFA C...even though Sendlein is playing very well.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

True and against a rookie UDFA C...even though Sendlein is playing very well.

Geez - what is Johnson's prognosis? I thought he would be out no longer then a week with a knee strain.

 

[D-Dogg]

Win.

 

[lobo]

Geez - what is Johnson's prognosis? I thought he would be out no longer then a week with a knee strain.

Johnson is an outstanding center...duh. If the team did not have the confidence in Lyle the 6 yr vet from the Stillers would be starting. Johnson is a major loss but Lyle played a terrific game on Sunday. If there was a problem he will be catching some wood.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Johnson is an outstanding center...duh. If the team did not have the confidence in Lyle the 6 yr vet from the Stillers would be starting. Johnson is a major loss but Lyle played a terrific game on Sunday. If there was a problem he will be catching some wood.

huh?

I meant to get healthy. When can we expect to get him back?

 

[MadCardDisease]

This will be a low scoring game.

That means Special teams becomes very important. We must win the field position battle. We cannot make stupid penalties like we have had the first couple of games. We must play smart.

I don't expect us to win on the road but if we play smart and are still in it come the 4th quarter then anything is possible.

 

[slanidrac16]

I think we have to take advantage of their aggressive defense. A few screens and draws and maybe a reverse or 2 will be needed to keep them honest.
If we can keep a little pressure on McNair while focusing on their run we could surprise this team.

Whiz has a very good idea of what to expect since he prepared for them so many times before.

 

[Heucrazy]

Score more points than they do.

 

[joeshmo]

Pass, Pass, Pass - Over the top and underneath - Rolle has been getting beaten up pretty bad and Reed is not playing well at all. Their other Safety no one even knows his name. Their LB's are just average in pass pro and thats being nice. Go right at Suggs and the other OLB with Pope and JJ underneath, with long jump balls to Fitz when he is up against McCalister and intermediate routes when Boldin is up against Rolle. Then run some. A short passing game can take just as much time off of the clock as a good running game.

Ravens OL has been protecting the QB pretty well so far only giving up 2 sacks on 75 attempts. They are number 2 in the league in pass attempts per sack with us leading the way. You have to try and confuse the rookie Gaither with stunts and blitz packages.

They havent been running the ball well at all. I say we dont need to stop the run and make them pass. We can do a balanced D and stop their pass and run.

We need to cut down on Penalties and make the most penalized team in the league the Ravens pay for theirs. No wasted opportunites becuase the Ravens D can make you pay with bad field position and turnovers.

 

[Shane]

last thing I read was that Ray Lewis had a torn tricep muscle. Was that misdiagnosed? Because I see he is still playing? Anyone know?