Joe Soriano
O.J. Lewis9/2011 Team Scope: Baltimore Ravens
September 26th 2011 14:44
The Ravens are now 2-1 after absolutely shredding the St. Louis Rams 37-7, after coming off of a very disappointing game against the Tennessee Titans. However, that loss was probably a really bad hangover from that shocking blowout victory over their sworn enemy. Looks like a dose of greasy food- an upset loss- really does work for hangovers, as the Ravens tore the Rams with their mighty claws (Torrey Smith).
Yeah, fantasy owners are now familiar with that guy (not to be confused with THAT GUY). I hate fantasy, but even I have to admit that Torrey Smith was fantastic yesterday. The numbers don't lie, as he had five catches on eight targets for a 62.5% Catch Rate. That is made all the more impressive when you consider that his Deep % was 75 (six targets of 15 yards or more). All those stats add up to a 19 point yards per target average, and arguably the best performance by a wideout this week. According to the fantasy numbers (which I hate), Wes Welker and Smith are tied at the top of the leaderboards for all players with 34 points a piece.
My main cause for concern with the Ravens lies in coverage, because Cary Williams just isn't helping the cause. He gives receivers far too much room, the Steelers game is of important note, and he really can't play on an island. It seems like he is far better in support coverage, and that really doesn't help out much as a corner. Some might say he could fit in at safety, but the Ravens already have three productive players at that position. No, what they need is corner help, and Williams has been a liability this season.
On the offensive line, Bryant McKinnie has already shown that he isn't a capable starter. Not only that, but Michael Oher hasn't been impressive at right tackle, and that's quite a surprise. He was solid as rookie on the right side of the line, and he really only struggled last year when he was forced to protect Flacco's blindside. Now back on the right side of the line, you would at least expect him to be league average. Hopefully he just needs to get re-acclimated, but I still haven't been enamored with his play in 2011.
That being said, there are four players who have once again really impressed me on the Ravens this year. These guys aren't newcomers to praise, and they are the usual suspects when things go right in Baltimore. Terrell Suggs has been a terror to tackles thus far, Ed Reed is turning back the clock in the secondary, Ray Rice has once again been the team's biggest offensive weapon, and Haloti Ngata is cementing his status as one of the best 3 techniques in the NFL today. Straight out of line, I don't need a reason to justify my praise; these guys are elite players who win their individual matchups week in and week out.
Yeah, fantasy owners are now familiar with that guy (not to be confused with THAT GUY). I hate fantasy, but even I have to admit that Torrey Smith was fantastic yesterday. The numbers don't lie, as he had five catches on eight targets for a 62.5% Catch Rate. That is made all the more impressive when you consider that his Deep % was 75 (six targets of 15 yards or more). All those stats add up to a 19 point yards per target average, and arguably the best performance by a wideout this week. According to the fantasy numbers (which I hate), Wes Welker and Smith are tied at the top of the leaderboards for all players with 34 points a piece.
My main cause for concern with the Ravens lies in coverage, because Cary Williams just isn't helping the cause. He gives receivers far too much room, the Steelers game is of important note, and he really can't play on an island. It seems like he is far better in support coverage, and that really doesn't help out much as a corner. Some might say he could fit in at safety, but the Ravens already have three productive players at that position. No, what they need is corner help, and Williams has been a liability this season.
On the offensive line, Bryant McKinnie has already shown that he isn't a capable starter. Not only that, but Michael Oher hasn't been impressive at right tackle, and that's quite a surprise. He was solid as rookie on the right side of the line, and he really only struggled last year when he was forced to protect Flacco's blindside. Now back on the right side of the line, you would at least expect him to be league average. Hopefully he just needs to get re-acclimated, but I still haven't been enamored with his play in 2011.
That being said, there are four players who have once again really impressed me on the Ravens this year. These guys aren't newcomers to praise, and they are the usual suspects when things go right in Baltimore. Terrell Suggs has been a terror to tackles thus far, Ed Reed is turning back the clock in the secondary, Ray Rice has once again been the team's biggest offensive weapon, and Haloti Ngata is cementing his status as one of the best 3 techniques in the NFL today. Straight out of line, I don't need a reason to justify my praise; these guys are elite players who win their individual matchups week in and week out.
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