This right here is definitely the game of the week, and it features Rex Ryan, Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard going at it against their former team. This is a matchup between two contenders who have quite a bit to prove heading into this matchup. The Ravens need to show that they are indeed for real, and the Jets really have to show that they aren't all mouth after getting run all over by Darren McFadden.

In big injury news, Nick Mangold is listed as questionable for this game, and this actually does mean quite a bit. Not only is he one of the best centers in the game, but his replacement Colin Baxter is one of the worst run-blocking offensive linemen in the league. He gets pushed around like crazy, and that more than "makes up for" his great work in pass protection. It's known fact that run blocking is far more important for centers than pass protection, and Baxter has proven to be a liability on the line overall.

While Ladarius Webb and- to a greater extent- Ed Reed have played well in the secondary, Cary Williams has been absolutely terrible this season. If you watched that Steelers game, you would pretty much know all that you need to know about this guy; he gives receivers far too much space.

I could see this being a very easy game for Haloti Ngata in run defense against Baxter, and Terrell Suggs is another high-impact player who should have a high impact in this contest. Dustin Keller has already been a force on offense for the Jets this season, and Mark Sanchez needs to continue hitting him up for the Jets to remain successful on offense. I really don't see them getting much on the Ravens defense though, and I have always been critical of Sanchez.

The Ravens tackles have been absolutely horrendous this season, but they are lucky that the Jets don't have any good pass rushers. Bryan Thomas barely qualifies as adequate, and I don't think anyone will be mistaking Aaron Maybin for DeMarcus Ware any time soon.

The Ravens interior, however, is much better and has two of the best in the business in Marshal Yanda and Matt Birk. I think Ray Rice should be okay in this game, but don't expect him to play like he has through the first three weeks. Even though they got run down by McFadden, this Jets run defense is a tough matchup.

While Lee Evans has been nothing short of disappointing and awful through his first three weeks in a Ravens uniform, Torrey Smith was exactly the opposite last week. Still, I really don't see Flacco being all that good against a very solid Jets secondary. This game is definitely going to be a battle of defenses.

For the reason stated above in that last sentence, I am going with the Ravens. Although both teams are about even defensively, the Ravens are actually good offensively. Even though I would probably take the Jets wideouts over the Ravens group, Joe Flacco and Ray Rice easily trump Sanchez and Shonn Greene.

Prediction: Ravens 20 Jets 14

MVP: Terrell Suggs (Wayne Hunter? What a joke of a tackle.)

Other picks

Cowboys over Lions
Steelers over Texans
Panthers over Bears
Chiefs over Vikings
Bills over Bengals
Titans over Browns
Redskins over Rams
Eagles over 49ers
Saints over Jaguars
Falcons over Seahawks
Giants over Cardinals
Patriots over Raiders
Packers over Broncos
Chargers over Dolphins
Bucs over Colts (How weird would that be five years ago?)

Heeelloooo Wayne Hunter

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Posted By: Joe Soriano - Category: NFL Predictions, Jim Leonhard, Rex Ryan, Bryan Thomas, Shonn Greene, Aaron Maybin, Mark Sanchez, Nick Mangold, Colin Baxter, Wayne Hunter, Dustin Keller, Steelers, Ed Reed, Torrey Smith, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Lee Evans, Marshal Yanda, Matt Birk, Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs, Cary Williams, Raiders, Darren McFadden

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9/2011 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.

Hide Yo QB, hide you tackles, cuz there be a beast in Baltimore

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Posted By: Joe Soriano - Category: Wes Welker, Ed Reed, Torrey Smith, Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Bryant McKinnie, Michael Oher, Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs, Cary Williams

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2011 Week 1 Preview: Ravens and Steelers

September 8th 2011 15:12

I have another week 1 game preview for you precious few faithful readers of this blog. It involves another tantalizing matchup between two Super Bowl contenders who just happen to be perhaps the biggest rivals in the NFL. This game already has division championship and bye week implications, because a Steelers- or Ravens- win would put the other team in a hole early on.

From a schematic standpoint, signing Bryant McKinnie and Lee Evans were two of the best offensive additions that they could have made in the offseason. Even though I think Jared Gaither is the better player, McKinnie is a solid left tackle when he keeps his weight in check. Derrick Mason, as old as he is, is an underrated player who is one of the better possession receivers in the league. That being said, the Ravens didn't need another possession receiver- they have Anquan Boldin. No, they needed to get a deep threat, and they got their man.

We all know about Joe Flacco's arm, but he hasn't had the chance to show his arm quite yet. Evans was in a messy situation in Buffalo, and he now has the chance to show his talent. The problem is that the rest of the receivers around Flacco just aren't all that good. Tight end Dennis Pitta could be something, but all he really is right now is a "what if" guy.

The McKinnie move was extremely important, because of Michael Oher. If you don't know who that is, then I strongly suggest that you lift up the rock you have been living under. Oher had a strong rookie campaign at right tackle because of his run blocking ability, but he was an enormous liability at left tackle. It seems ironic that the movie is called "The Blindside", because Oher wasn't helping out Flacco very much at LT. I expect a nice rebound year from him, and that's mainly thanks to McKinnie.

Over on the other side, the Steelers have a weak secondary. Nobody is going to call Polamalu and Ike Taylor bad players, unless if you're a Ravens fan, but Ryan Clark is really the only other solid starter in the secondary. Their lack of depth at corner is a travesty for a team with such a prolific front seven.

About that, I really want to watch this Steelers defense go at the Ravens offensive line. It is a matchup that will be a lot closer than what a casual fan might think, because guys like Ben Grubbs, Matt Birk, and Marshal Yanda can really play some ball. And oh by the way, Andre Gurode and Jah Reid are their backups. Yeah, that's a really damn good line.

Even with Vonta Leach paving the way, this isn't a game meant for Ray Rice. The way the Ravens win is if they can effectively spread the ball around and shred the secondary. The thing is, they just don't have that many offensive weapons as far as receiving threats go.

Alright, it's time to switch sides. They say everything starts up front, so let us start up front. I honestly think Maurkice Pouncey is an overrated player, and that Haloti Ngata is going to be a monstrous problem for the Steelers line. There is no way that they handle him or Terrell Suggs. One thing here, Suggs gets more snaps as an end, not OLB. Willie Colon is the only offensive lineman on the Steelers who I can call "good", and this front seven will just eat these guys up.

Passing the football effectively is the easiest way to win games, and the Steelers have the advantage in this respect when you compare their passing offense with the opposition's pass defense. It baffles me that Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr are not listed as starters, because they are the only proven corners on this roster.

There is no doubt that Jimmy Smith has the potential to be a great cornerback, but let's not forget that potential doesn't usually get fulfilled at first. Plus, I doubt he ends up being as consistent as Carr, and he most likely won't be as good as Foxworth this season. Smith is a real wild card, and I would suggest starting Foxworth. And Cary Williams is starting? Really?

If not for those roster management gaffes- either that or the depth chart I am looking at is wrong- the Ravens would be suited to face the Steelers receivers. Ed Reed is not a guy you want to mess with, and Bernard Pollard is a solid player in the box. However, you should never ask him to cover. The depth chart I am reading also says that Tom Zbikowski is starting over Pollard, and that also doesn't make much sense.

Antonio Brown, Heath Miller, Mike Wallace, Jerricho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders, and Hines Ward are six legitimate weapons whom the Ravens must keep up with. I see Miller ending up with a huge day, business as usual for Wallace- which means he gashes the Ravens with a couple of deep catches, and one of the other wideouts having a solid game. As for the Ravens receivers, I think this could end up being a big day for Lee Evans if he can seize the moment.

I am focusing so much on both team's passing offenses, because this is the way that these teams will win. This game is going to be fought in the trenches and in the air. With that being said, both teams are almost evenly matched save for a few key differences. I think the Steelers are stronger defensively and have the better receiving game, so I see them winning the game on a classic late game drive by Ben Roethlisberger.

Score: Steelers 24 Ravens 20

MVP: Heath Miller

Sources:

www.sports.yahoo.com

The towel wins

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3/2011: NFL Safety Rankings

March 10th 2011 15:58

1. Troy Polamalu- Do I even have to explain his impact?
2. Quintin Mikell- He is one of the most underrated players in the league. Mikell doesn't get appreciated much, and he is the best coverage safety in the league who also plays some nice run support D. Reed gets the picks, but Mikell is the true star in coverage.
3. Ed Reed- A pick machine.
4. Nick Collins- A big playmaker who showed it in the Super Bowl.
5. LaRon Landry- Did you see this guy at the beginning of 2010? Expect more big things with Atogwe next to him.

6. Antoine Bethea- Remember when Bethea was more than just a tackle-machine?
7. Adrian Wilson- He'll bounce back in 2011. He's still too good to not improve from last year.
8. Michael Huff- I can't wait to see what he achieves next year after building on an amazing 2010.
9. Eric Weddle- The Chargers really need to lock this guy up.
10. DaWan Landry- He may be poor in coverage, but boy does he make plays and tackle well.

11. Chris Harris- One of the best leaders and most underrated players in the game.
12. Jim Leonhard- He showed his importance after the Jets' secondary really took a step back when he went on the IR.
13. Eric Berry- This guy is a stud and another one of Pioli's great picks.
14. Tyvon Branch- He was game last year with Huff. Man can he disrupt plays behind in the line of scrimmage.
15. Kerry Rhodes- I love his run D. He was underpaid and under-appreciated by the Jets, and he has shown just how good he is with the Cardinals.

16. Roman Harper- I know he sucks in coverage, but he is the best pass rushing safety in the league and can hit like heck.
17. Dashon Goldson- He oozes raw ability.
18. Donte Whitner- A real prize in free agency.
19. Bernard Pollard- It's not his fault that the Texans' secondary is bad.
20. Thomas DeCoud- He was one of the most improved players last season.

21. Michael Griffin- He would be much, much higher if he stopped making an excusable number of whiffed tackles.
22. OJ Atogwe
23. Malcolm Jenkins
24. Ryan Clark
25. Jairus Byrd
26. Gerald Sensabaugh
27. Charlie Peprah
28. Yeremiah Bell
29. Earl Thomas
30. Charles Godfrey
31. Sean Jones
32. Danieal Manning
33. Antrel Rolle
34. Louis Delmas
35. TJ Ward
36. Sherrod Martin
37. Deon Grant
38. Chris Hope
39. George Wilson
40. Nate Allen

12 Safety in NFL

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