Gaither vs. Freeney
The big assignment of the week is how to slow down Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney. Ravens second-year offensive tackle Jared Gaither is going to need some help. The Ravens will likely use running backs and tight ends to chip block Freeney. They can also run that unbalanced line to Freeney's side, which would create more space between Freeney and the quarterback.
Another option, which might be the best, is to run a lot of double tight end formations because I think the Ravens plan to run the ball a lot. Also, most teams are right handed and go pro right, with the tight end lining up on the right or strong side. The Ravens may want to go pro left a lot, forcing Freeney to play outside of the tight end's shoulder instead of Gaither's.
One of the hardest things for a tackle to do is step out on a quick end or outside linebacker. Most tackles, especially young ones, step up first, instead of out. When that happens, players like Freeney are gone. Also, a lot of three-step, quick-release passes by quarterback Joe Flacco will help because the Colts' defense, overall, has great speed.
Comments
Freeney's hammy is not 100%! Hey, I'll take any help right about now!
Just run it baby!!
Posted by: Fells Point Craig | October 9, 2008 8:47 AM
I don't see what the big concern here is. Yeah, Freeney has been a dangerous pass rusher in the past, but that was almost 3 years ago. Whether it's been due to health or because he got his big contract and now is slacking Freeney hasn't been that lethal pass rusher we remember. As far as strategy though it's simple: he has a match up of his own to face. He's 265 facing a man who weighs 330 pounds. We also have a 270 pound fullback (Neal) and a 260 pound nimble running back. So simple: run him over. From the start of the game go with that heavy lineup--TE on the other side of the line to keep the LB's honest--run to his side of the field. Over and over again. By the end of the first half he'll be spent.
Posted by: Geof | October 9, 2008 9:40 AM
I don't know how much Freeney has left in the tank, but I saw him embarrass Jonathon Ogden a couple of times in the past. Gaither is going to need a lot of help as Mike Preston describes. Otherwise, it will be a long day for Joe Flacco.
The running game will be the key. If they can run on the Colts, especially right at Freeney, it could free up some time for Flacco when we do throw the ball. The Colts are always reputed to be soft against the run. I could be corrected here, but it seems that the Colts always do a pretty good job minimizing the Ravens run game. Maybe it's because they have never had to worry about our passing game.
Posted by: bob b | October 9, 2008 11:24 AM
It is unfortunate that Adam Terry was not moved to LT when the Ravens signed RT Willie Anderson off waivers. Starting LT Jared Gaither was a junior coming out of college last year picked in the supplemental draft that summer. He has neither the experience nor the ability that Terry has to handle the speed rush of a Colt DE like Dwight Freeney at this point in his career.
Posted by: Jerie O'Connor | October 9, 2008 1:14 PM