Ravens relying more on the run
The Ravens came out more in base personnel Sunday against the Broncos than in previous weeks including using Le'Ron McClain at fullback. It's apparent they are going back to the winning formula of last season when they were a run-oriented team. McClain hasn't carried the ball as much as last season, but he has significantly improved as a lead blocker.
Comments
I am still waiting for them to come out in a "WildRaven" formation and really pound the ball, ala the Dolphins. With their three backs, Troy Smith, and their tackle overload (left or right), they could pound, pound, pound anybody.
Posted by: William Meisheid | November 4, 2009 6:13 PM
Mike, obviously you don't agree with this run-first mentality. After all, just a few days ago you wrote in your online chat: "With a quarterback as good as Flacco, why would you want to take the ball out of his hands? You put it in his hands as much as possible."
Posted by: Bernie | November 4, 2009 9:03 PM
More rushes = more time of possession = less time for the defense on the field.
Averages for Ravens's 4 wins:
No. of rushes = 34
No. pass plays = 33
Time of possession = 33:21
Points scored = 33
Points given up = 15
Averages for Ravens's 3 losses:
No. of rushes = 18
No. pass plays = 40
Time of possession = 25:20
Points scored = 22
Points given up = 26
Granted, there are all sorts of other factors in play (home field advantage, quality of opponent), but there certainly seems to be a link between these five variables and whether we win or lose.
Posted by: Statman | November 5, 2009 2:23 PM