Vikings Game
The most disappointing aspect of the Vikings' debacle was the lack of attitude. We all know it's preseason, and a lot of teams lay down on the road. But the Ravens haven't won a road game since Reagan was in office. I thought the veterans would at least play hard for a quarter just to prove to themselves and this team that they could play on the road. There were too many penalties, the offensive line play was atrocious and the Ravens had no intensity. Minnesota just pushed the Ravens around. With that said, it was nice to see DE Trevor Pryce make some plays and provide some pressure. The front seven, on the first unit, was sound in stopping the run. WR Clarence Moore was sensational on two jump balls, and rookie punter Sam Koch had a big night.
Otherwise, we're just glad it was preseason, because that game was horrible to watch. Head coach Brian Billick appeared to be at a loss for words, but he wasn't. Most of them would have been unprintable.
Comments
Mike, what is up with Mike Flynn? It couldn't be more obvious that Rabach should have been retained, but I still don't remember Flynn being this bad. Is he injured or just getting worse? How long before Jason Brown or Chester will be ready to start?
Posted by: Jonathan | August 26, 2006 8:48 AM
pretty accurate review; also keeping in mind what Moose Johnson said before the game, that the ravens would keep things vanilla due to Minnesota playing the same defense as Tampa. I know they didn't want to show their hand but they showed nothing - especially on the O line. they were completely overpowered on running and pass plays, even when they moved two tight ends to lead a sweep.
Posted by: gary | August 26, 2006 10:42 AM
yea you pretty much nailed this one. they all looked flat last night. i really wanted to see us win a road game, preseason or not. I really think the game vs tampa is a must win for us. we need to end this drought on the road if we wanna go anywhere this season.
so now i have the same concerns as last year. tony pashos is absolutely horrible @ RT. mc nair will be dead by mid season with this horrific O line. he got crushed a few times last night. its no wonder why jamal and kyle struggled last year. i have no idea why we didnt grab any legitimate linesman in the offseason.
it was nice to see the return of kyle vick last night. he hasnt done half bad in his last 2 preseason games.
btw how about clarence moore last night? his main issue is his ability to make the catch when he knows a big hit is coming. well he stepped it up and made a great grab in the redzone.
Posted by: bmore | August 26, 2006 12:18 PM
Too Much Like Last Year. Where Was This New Team Chemistry We Been Hearing About. ??
Its Like They Just Mailed This One In.
Posted by: F Smith | August 26, 2006 1:23 PM
Really Really Bad in Minnesota! We are lucky it is Pre-Season you hit that on the head. Moore, Boller, and Koch were the only bright spots.
I have one thing to throw out to all.
Tony Pashos is going to kill us this year unless he steps up his game, big time! He may have been going against a skilled pass rusher, but he was walked over all night. He is terrible and the O Line trenches are going to make us cringe all year. I still think we are a solid team, but nothings has changed on the O Line and that could be the difference between winning and losing. I hope I am wrong and these big guys step up.
Posted by: Dan | August 28, 2006 7:09 AM
Good blog. Very fair and no Kyle bashing. Question, do the Ravens have any interest in the Eagles' Fraley, who seems to be available? He's a hometown guy and would certainly help the terrible line.
Posted by: Andrew | August 28, 2006 9:16 AM