Profiling the Baltimore Ravens Defense: Part Two
by Matt Conner on Sep 8, 2009 10:06 AM CDT
in 2009 Campaign
76 comments
Yesterday in Part One, we took a closer look at the individual members of the Ravens defense, the personnel who've both come and gone and the sheer level of talent the Chiefs will be facing in Week One. Here in Part Two, the question is: what can the Chiefs do about it?
As we noted in Part One, the sketchiest part of the Ravens defense is their secondary - for reasons we already broke down here. Thus, it seems the Chiefs would be best getting open early and disrupting the defense with their passing game. This is easier said than done without a tight end over the middle like Tony Gonzalez. New tight end Sean Ryan's greatest asset is his run blocking skills and no other candidate showed much of anything this preseason.
Dwayne Bowe should enjoy his primary match-up against Domonique Foxworth or Fabian Washington. He has the physical talent and experience to really put on a show against either one, assuming the quarterback can get him the ball. Mark Bradley could also become a factor here with his size and long arms. The Ravens play physical football but their corners must "play up" and the Chiefs could win this aspect.
But that whole "getting the ball thing"... therein lies the problem.
More after the jump:
DT Kelly Gregg will win almost any one-on-one match-up and can actually usually eat up two offensive linemen by himself in the interior. Judging by what Kansas City will be throwing at him, that shouldn't be a problem. Branden Albert will definitely hold his own on the left side and Brian Waters will rise to the occasion come game time so the Chiefs might be able to buy some time. But I would imagine new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison will be quite excited to play with these new toys and varied blitzing schemes will keep Brodie Croyle (or Matt Cassel or Tyler Thigpen or Jeff George) running around all day.
Simply put, the Chiefs line will not be able to hold off the explosive talent of the Ravens for 60 minutes on the gridiron. Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Trevor Pryce, Jarret Johnson and new addition Paul Kruger all hold more talent for rushing the passer than anything the Chiefs have put on the field against their own offense in training camp. Thus this could get ugly really quick.
The good news is that Todd Haley's recent takeover of the offensive game could be a good thing. He's creative, he's quick to adjust and if anyone is working overtime to find possible holes to exploit, it's Haley. It will be nearly impossible to establish much of a run against a defense that allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns in football all of last season (4) and ranked third in fewest yards allowed (only the Vikings and Steelers allowed fewer). Larry Johnson must move the chains as much as he can and show his brilliant offseason could lead to what we know he's capable of on the field.
The wild card here could be Jamaal Charles. He's absolutely blazing out of the backfield and I've always felt the Chiefs could get creative in their use with Charles and surprise a team like the Ravens - who might be looking past Kansas City on their schedule. I would guess not since it's the season opener, but you never know. If Charles gets loose into the secondary, he could easily change the tone of the game.
The likely outcome is that it won't be pretty. The Ravens are several years ahead of the Chiefs in terms of player development and serve as a model franchise in the NFL. But as they say, you never know who will win from week to week in the NFL and it's that statement alone that provides any semblance of hope for the Chiefs in Week One.
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LJ
As a Ravens fan, I havn’t payed much attention to Larry Johnson’s career other than his one or two really productive seasons. After a couple of down years, is he still capable of providing close to 2000 yards of production? What are some of the reasons for his recent decline? Injuries? Off-field issues? Based on what he showed in the pre-season, are these things behind him or will they hamper him for yet another tough season?
Just fishing for some Chiefs fans’ opinions…
They say the empty can rattles the most...
by Massacre on Sep 8, 2009 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
suspended for part of last season
and an offensive line decline
by mcclanahanman on Sep 8, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was in Herm Edward's doghouse
And he had a freak foot injury. He’s lost alot of weight and reports are that Haley is very pleased with LJ. I think most of us predict he will have between a 1200-1500 yard season, even though we have a lot of the top defenses on our schedule.
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem for the last 2 seasons has been poor play from the O-line...
as well as an injury that he had 2 years ago. He has still shown ability to get to the next level if he gets even a small hole. I don’t know about getting anywhere close to 2000 yards this year but, I expect him to be VERY productive once this O-line starts to gel. He is a little lighter and quicker than he has been in years past.
I expect him to be solid but, Jamal Charles is the guy to watch for. He is very dangerous with the ball and has great hands for catching the ball out of the backfield.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think the main thing for the drop in production is motivation…he tried to bitch his way out of kansas city but now todd haley seems to have that attitude turned around.
by dwill_pittst on Sep 8, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
O-line has been in flux.
Willie Roaf retired in 2005, Will Shields retired after 2006 season, Casey Wiegmann went to Denver after 2007 season. Running behind them, LJ was over 1700 yards in both 2005 & 2006. Held out before 2007 season for a new contract & hasn’t had the same results since. Looking for a break-back-out year this year starting against the Ravens in week 1, ending their streak of consecutive games without a 100 yard rusher against them!
by ttownmikey on Sep 8, 2009 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
When we last played KC in KC
LJ had around 77 yards rushing for the game but got something like 40 on one play from deep in his own end. Otherwise he was contained and we handily won the game (in 2006 I think).
Just won’t happenin 2009, much less in Baltimore.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't brag too much about beating a Herm Edwards team.
Haley is still trying to fix the mess he left us with.
Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!
by bringbacktheglory on Sep 8, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Thats like bragging that you can beat up a two year old.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or the Raiders
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ouch!
Fair enough. And a new head coach can win right off the bat, as we proved that last season.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Harbaugh is doing a nice job there.
You guys have turned it around pretty nicely.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LJ will make some big plays - he is looking really good right now
Just won’t happenin 2009, much less in Baltimore.
You can’t say it won’t happen, even Chiefs fans don’t know if LJ is going to carry the load or if Haley plans some kind of “Smash and Dash” rotation.
I guarantee if LJ gets 25 carries, he will break 100 yards.
The bigger question for us is will Cassel be ready. If we have to go with Brodie or Thiggy, they just really are not in sync with the receivers right now.
The other big question is how are all the new offensive lineman going to do. They most likely will make some mistakes because they haven’t had time to gel.
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this point, the run game is the one thing this O-line can do effectively.
Even against a stout Raven defense, I think we will put up respectable numbers with our RBs. I don’t know if that will be all LJ but, we will establish a run game. I still expect JC to be a big factor in this game as an all purpose guy. Dude is a weapon and I am sure that Haley has learned how to utilize his talents.
I think Jamal Charles may be the most talented player on our offense…No kidding.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just not gonna happen
The Ravens run defense was #2 in 2008 and we are even stronger in the trenches with the return of NT Kelly Gregg plus another year of experience for Haloti Ngata. Not even an older yet wiser LJ will break out against us.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Your run defense is going to walk away from this game bruised and bloody and wondering what the fuck happened and how in the hell did they put up 200 rushing yards against our precious run defense. Then, after you stack the box to stuff the run D-Bowe is going to kill you on a deep crossing route and when samari Rolle (oh yeah Samari is out, possibly for the season) or your second string guy goes to tackle him, Bowe will subsequently stomp on his helmet as its under his feet thus crushing the face mask. As the sharp shards from the broken face mask enters the defenders jaw he will look up as Bowe is crossing the goal screaming NOOOO, Ray Ray is gonna kill me.
Then, on the next offensive possession, Flacco comes out pissed because of what he just saw happen and thinks he’s going to burn us deep. After a failed run attempt it’s 2nd and 13 so Flacco drops back to throw and Corey Mays busts through the line delivering a blow that literally crushes Flaccos spine thus, turning it to dust. Then, your backup comes in fearing for his life from the punishment he just saw and tries to run a bootleg to the left where Tamba Hali is waiting for him. Hali gets a strong shoulder to the rib cage, knocking the ball loose and the big man Hali runs it in for a defensive TD.
Then, after the first quarter is over and the Chiefs are up by two TDs, the rest is all downhill from there for the Ravens. Larry Johnson posts the first 400 yard running game in history and the Chiefs defense get 3 TDs off of Troy Smith Interceptions. Matt Cassel has a 400 yard passing day and D-Bowe has 12 receptions for 225 yards and 4 TDs.
The only sighting of Ray Lewis after the game is of him lying in the fetal position on the Ravens sideline repeating “I never saw this coming, I never saw this coming”
Final score Chiefs 103-0
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I can only laugh at a comment like this. What has your team done of recently to make you think the outcome of the game would be like this? And 103 points off of only 200 yards rushing? Damn, Thigpen or Croyle I guess is going to put up 800-1000 yards passing this game.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Sep 8, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope, all defense.
Cuz Troy Smith is an interception machine.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW: you didn't even read it did you?
That was just the first quarter.
You should have read it…very entertaining yet truthful.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since when was Troy Smith our starter?
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Sep 8, 2009 7:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You really didn't read it did you?
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought about it
Then I saw your final score and thought I would save my brain from the stupidity.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Sep 8, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chiefsfan1970
I told you to keep it to 6 letter words & fewer or you would not be able to get the Ravens fans to read it. You have to use small words & type slow. LMAO
by ttownmikey on Sep 8, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we do have Jamaal Charles
and I think you’ll see quite a bit of him Sunday. That’s something different to take into account, anyway. I think we’re going to look a bit more like the Chargers and their 1-2 LT/Sproles punch.
But, our QB isn’t healthy and we have major issues on the right side of our offensive line. Goff hasn’t been up to form and we have a Miami castoff who’s only been with us for 2 weeks starting at RT.
The only way we’re going to win this game is by holding Baltimore to a low scoring game and capitalizing on mistakes. I don’t see it happening either.
by ChiefsDude on Sep 8, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair assessment
and I agree.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff George
lmao
Pessimistically speaking, we could see Mark Bradley in there at QB by the end of the game. He has an arm…
by ChiefsDude on Sep 8, 2009 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it's realistic to say the Ravens will look past anybody this year
last year in the regular season… they were 11-0 against teams 11-5 or worse, and 0-5 against teams 12-4 or better in the regular season. They were nothing if not consistent
It’s possible Kelly Gregg has lost a step, but Haloti Ngata hasn’t. He’s one of the most important players on the Ravens defense right now.
Is Brandon Albert really so good he can neutralize Terrell Suggs? I haven’t seen him play much, but that’s quite impressive if he is. Suggs is a very good player.
by math_geek on Sep 8, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Albert is that good
If the Ravens are smart, they line up Suggs on the other side. Our Right Tackle wasn’t even on the team 3 weeks ago.
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shhh!!!
There may be some Ravens coach reading this thread.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm trying to lull them into a false sense of security
Anyone off the street is better than what we had at Right Tackle.
They’re looking at the point spread, and the Week 2 opponent right now (even though they are saying otherwise)
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
don’t worry
the Ravens pass rushers will come from everywhere. JJ is no slouch either.
by math_geek on Sep 8, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since you want to talk about past records...
Kansas City is 3-1 in regular season play against Baltimore. Kansas City is a perfect 3-0 vs. the Ravens on the road, making the Chiefs the only NFL team to visit M&T Bank Stadium at least three times without suffering a loss.
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is why
we are looking past you guys. We owe you big time for the past losses here. Payback is Sunday!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant to say "not"
looking past you. Sorry.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Albert can hold him off for most of the game but,
I wouldn’t be too surprised or disappointed if there are a couple of breakdowns through the course of the game. Suggs is a badass!
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember too the Ravens D will look different this year as they run more of a 4-3 defense.
Having do deal with Ngata and Gregg at the same time and Suggs lining up at DE is going to be a big challenge.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Sep 8, 2009 11:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Look at us.
We’re so used to our team’s losing ways that we come on here talking about wishes and prayers for even a chance against the mighty Ravens. I’m not just pointing fingers – I’ve been thinking the same way.
But it’s not the way to think. Here’s to the Chiefs going out there on Sunday and making a positive statement. Smack them in the mouth, and keep smacking until we get the win.
Cantaloupe? More like wontaloupe. Lazy ass melons.
by cucuybird on Sep 8, 2009 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You are absolutely right.
I’m pretty sure Haley is thinking the same thing right now too. He’s not thinking about how we can avoid getting our QB killed. He is thinking about how to attack them and make them pay. People shouldn’t underestimate our defense either. Look at how Clancy’s defense did in the playoffs last year. I think we have more talent on defense then the Cards had last year. We will give Flacco fits this Sunday, I am pretty sure of that.
This will be fun.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember when Roaf and T Rich were here...
…and they beat Ray Lewis’ ass like he stole something.
by FrankPitts on Sep 8, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Roaf was a black hole...
That swallowed up anything and everything that came near him.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Sep 8, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was this great clip...
Were Roaf and T Rich had run Lewis out the hole and he said to them “yeah it took two of ya” and T Rich said "we here alnight’
by FrankPitts on Sep 8, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And T Rich is still playing good football
Damn Herm
Herm is gone things are better with that one move!!
by bringbacktheglory on Sep 8, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know why the Ravens are gonna bother to even show up..
If the Chiefs proved one thing with Herm as the head coach, it’s that they will find a way to beat themselves every time.
So just go home Suggs, Lewis, Ngata, and any other worth-mentioning Ravens defender. You guys aren’t needed on Sunday.
And in case that doesn’t happen, the Chiefs are going to smack the Ravens around like the little bitches they are. “Ohhh, look at our record last year, we had a winning record!” Yeah, well it’s this year. Ask any Royals fan the “what have you done for me lately?” question and the answer is “1985.” Well that’s all fine and dandy, but at some point you have to get out of living in the past. Last years record doesn’t mean a damn thing anymore. It’s the dawn of a new season, and the Chiefs will come out swinging for the fences.
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Finally!
Its refreshing to see some spine from you guys!
They say the empty can rattles the most...
by Massacre on Sep 8, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Leave it to a guy whose name is Saint
to do the smack talk around here ;)
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dont forget Haloti Ngata
from my alma mater Oregon. Dude is freaking beast! Ravens D starts up front with him cloggin the middle. We are gonna have to slow him down in order to have any chance at all…
I'd rather die on my feet than be living on my knees
by ArrowDread on Sep 8, 2009 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Haloti Ngata?
isn’t that from the Lion King?
..oh, wait. that’s “Hakuna Matata”
by TDubb on Sep 8, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DT Kelly Gregg will win almost any one-on-one match-up and can actually usually eat up two offensive linemen by himself in the interior. Judging by what Kansas City will be throwing at him, that shouldn’t be a problem. Branden Albert will definitely hold his own on the left side and Brian Waters will rise to the occasion come game time so the Chiefs might be able to buy some time.
This is true, but throw Haloti Ngata in there alongside Gregg, and your O-Line will absolutely deteriorate into dust.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Sep 8, 2009 12:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Waters didn't make the pro-bowl several times over by accident...
and Albert’s play at LT was only eclipsed by Ryan Clady in Denver; both as rookies. Albert wasn’t playing LT in college like Clady was, so he gets a pass for having to adjust a bit to a new position. As a rookie learning a new position last season he allowed 2.5 more sacks that your starter at LT (Gaither) all season.
Waters allowed 1 sack last season. Albert 4.5 sacks. The Chiefs QB(‘s) was (were) sacked 37 times last season. so 32.2 times, those two guys weren’t responsible for letting anyone by them to hit the QB.
The left side is solid for the Chiefs. From Center right, who the hell knows what we’ll see.
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So LJ
runs left & further left & even more left!
by ttownmikey on Sep 8, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what they expect.
so we run him right! Bwahahah, it’s misdirection before you ever even knew what hit ya!
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
“From Center right, who the hell knows what we’ll see.”
Ooh I know I know! Complete domination by Trevor Pryce and Jarrett Johnson!
They say the empty can rattles the most...
by Massacre on Sep 8, 2009 1:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pryce & Johnson?
Isn’t that a pharmaceutical company?
by ttownmikey on Sep 8, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well with names like
“Trevor” and “Jarrett” you can’t lose right!?
Trevor:
and Jarrett:
Yeah, those guys look like they mean business… I think I’ll take a guy named Rudy on that one thank you.
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trevor Pryce?
That old fucker’s still playing? Damn, I thought he retired like 10 years ago.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Sep 8, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dolphins fans > Ravens fans
I'd rather die on my feet than be living on my knees
by ArrowDread on Sep 8, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Dolphins
even had fans prior to week 10 last year?
by IISaiNtII on Sep 8, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's uncool!
To compare us w/ Dolphins fans. Okay then we’ll compare you to…..Lions fans! So there!
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, LJ will have a taste of Trevor and Jerrett, should look something like this:
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What photos will you put up when LJ gets shut down?
especially someone named Larry.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me refresh your memory of what it's going to look like when LJ is running all over you
Negative Ghost Rider the pattern is full...
by cpa913 on Sep 8, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, I forgot what the score of that game was? Oh yea, 20-10 Ravens. Here is my photo recap
Reed’s 2nd interception
Clayton breaking ankles on his way to 112 receiving yards
Heap’s best impersonation of the Heisman pose on Derrick Johnson.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
by Mr MaLoR on Sep 9, 2009 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember when everyone said the Chiefs didn't stand a chance against the Pats last year
and we were yards away from the embarrasment of the century. Don’t think for a second that Haley won’t be bringing in a team ready to play on Sunday. Oh, and since it seems that so many Chiefs fans have been trying to stay grounded in this thread and have cowered down to what appears to be an inevitable loss, I’m going to initiate the smack talk and say that after the Chiefs are gonna kick the Ravens so hard they’ll end up in another city before it’s all said and done… a city like… oh let’s say… Indianapolis! Mwahaha!
by jonnyu on Sep 8, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank you for that!
Some of the posts on here made it seem as though we were just going to e-mail them a starting line-up & then refuse to take the field & take the 2 – 0 forfeit.
I’m with you! Let’s kick them all the way back to Cleveland also!
by ttownmikey on Sep 8, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take a one point win
although I’d prefer and expect it bot to be that close. Either way, it’s still a “W.”
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"bot?"
Think I meant “not.”
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Sep 8, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
New England last year probably wouldve preferred if it hadnt come as close as a dwayne bowe dropped td
against probably the worst chiefs team ever fielded but it did.
"Success is never ending, failure is never final."
by GenericBrand on Sep 8, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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