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29 Jan 2013

ESPN: Keys to Beating the Ravens

Looking at the Ravens' worst games this season, the key to stopping their offense seems to be to shut down Ray Rice and the tight ends, counting on the inherent inconsistency of deep passes to produce a number of punts and turnovers. Also, make Joe Flacco throw to his left.

Posted by: Vince Verhei on 29 Jan 2013

9 comments, Last at 01 Feb 2013, 11:29am by Hurt Bones

Comments

1
by Rick S (not verified) :: Tue, 01/29/2013 - 12:32pm

Most important, make sure your free Saftey doesn't make a Buckner-esque mistake and let a reciever get behind him with 30 seconds left...

2
by Karl Cuba :: Tue, 01/29/2013 - 1:27pm

If Flacco does have problems throwing to his left that would be an indicator of sloppy footwork.

3
by nat :: Tue, 01/29/2013 - 1:36pm

Left in particular, or just because it's directional?

4
by Karl Cuba :: Tue, 01/29/2013 - 2:05pm

It's because a right hander throwing left is throwing across his body and that's commonly regarded as the most difficult footwork for a quarterback. It's very easy to get off balance as you need to open yourself up with a backwards step from you left foot which is then used to control the power driving through from your plant foot, especially tricky for a very tall passer.

6
by nat :: Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:44pm

Good explanation. Thanks.

5
by jonnyblazin :: Tue, 01/29/2013 - 3:04pm

Of course, the Pats held Rice to 2.5 yards per carry, allowed 55 yards passing to tight ends on 8 targets, and still gave up 28 points. The question is whether teams will try to take away the intermediate throws around 10-20 yards down field. If the safeties creep up, then the Ravens will try long balls, which are always going to be hit or miss. But if they hang back, it seems as though Flacco has gotten more consistent at hitting the intermediate throws. But I didn't read the article so I don't know if that's covered.

7
by Dick23 (not verified) :: Thu, 01/31/2013 - 3:43am

Why would you comment on article you haven't read? Moron.

8
by Sifter :: Thu, 01/31/2013 - 4:45pm

Why would you call someone you don't know a moron?

9
by Hurt Bones :: Fri, 02/01/2013 - 11:29am

I would guess the answer is in his screen name?

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