Archive for Carolina Panthers

Nov
21

Ravens trounce Carolina 37-13

by Jeff Wolfson

The Baltimore Ravens (7-3) took care of business like they were supposed to Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Joe Flacco and the offense struck early. On Baltimore’s second play of the game Flacco hit T.J. Houshmandzadeh on a post pattern for 56 yards. The strike gave Baltimore a 7-0 lead. The Ravens never looked en route to their 37-13 victory.

Carolina (1-9) gave it a good effort for the first three quarters of the game, but looked to be just playing out the string in the fourth quarter. Brian St. Pierre, who was signed off the street Tuesday, played fairly well considering the circumstances. Baltimore was able to return two of St. Pierre’s passes for touchdowns, their first two defensive touchdowns of the season.
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Nov
20

How I see it: Ravens-Panthers

by Jeff Wolfson

The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Charlotte, NC to take on the struggling Carolina Panthers. The Ravens have never beaten the Panthers in the regular season. However, at least on paper, this game doesn’t appear close.

Baltimore was close to beating a very good Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta and have had 10 days to rest up for this game. With a long rest, the Ravens had a mini bye week and their players, except Chris Chester, have gotten healthier. Chester is listed as questionable with an illness, according to sources.
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Nov
12

Last minute drive by Ryan dooms Ravens

by Jeff Wolfson

The Baltimore Ravens dropped to 6-3 after losing their Thursday primetime game. Matt Ryan drove the Atlanta Falcons (7-2) down the field in 45 seconds to beat the Ravens 26-21. That was only half the story, however.

Baltimore was down 10-0 at halftime after coming out slow to start the game. Joe Flacco was ready to play, but the offensive line didn’t do a good job of protecting him. Flacco was hit on several occasions as left tackle Michael Oher looked lost.
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Aug
27

What to watch against the Giants

by Jeff Wolfson

Baltimore will be playing their third preseason game on Saturday night. The third game is generally regarded as the most important preseason game because the starters play at least a half, and generally, halfway through the third quarter.

The Ravens are off to a strong start, allowing just 15 points on defense. On offense, however, the Ravens haven’t done much with their first team. Joe Flacco has looked good completing passes to a lot of different receivers, but he still needs to get the team in the end zone.
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Aug
13

Looking back at the opening preseason game

by Jeff Wolfson

The Baltimore Ravens opened their preseason amid excitement from the home fans. Baltimore looked pretty decent in a game that ultimately means nothing more than getting chemistry going between quarterback Joe Flacco and his new receivers.

Flacco connected with both Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, who had a touchdown catch, with ease, however, it seemed like he and new acquisition Anquan Boldin were just a bit off. Flacco went completed eight of his 12 passes, including that touchdown to Clayton in the second quarter, which means he was far more accurate than he’s been in his previous two seasons. Flacco, like most of the starters, didn’t hang around long and gave way to the second- and third-string players.
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Aug
31

Looking Back At Carolina

by Jeff Wolfson

Coming off of the 17-13 win against Carolina there are good things and bad things to take from this win.

First, the good. Joe Flacco was pinpoint. His 247 yards on 23 completions was good to see. Baltimore’s quarterback spread the ball around to several different receivers. He was also throwing in to tight windows that we didn’t see last year. He’s also shown greater touch in the shorter passes so far this preseason.

Also good was the re-emergence of  Todd Heap. Heap had his worst year statistically last season and seemed like he disappeared from the offense. His touchdown in the red zone and his catches on intermediate routes should help open up the rest of the field for the Ravens offense. The Ravens could be a dangerous offense if Heap is in the mix.

Ray Rice and Willis McGahee proved they will be fun to watch as a one-two punch this season. Rice lead the team in receptions Saturday night and McGahee punched it in the end zone. Baltimore has its eyes on being the number one rushing team in the NFL. Throw in Le’Ron McClain and this running attack could be fun to watch again.

Now for the bad. The kicking game must improve. Steve Hauschka missed a chip shot and was short on kickoffs. Graham Gano was already on thin ice with the coaching staff and it appears as though the job is still Hauschka’s to lose. Matt Stover is just one phone call away and I still think he will be the kicker on Opening Day.

The penalties on Michael Oher were also bad. Oher has time to grow and will develop in to a monster at right tackle. The false start at the goal line cost the Ravens seven points. There is no need for concern over Oher, but the penalties must stop if the Ravens are going to be better in the red zone this season.

Overall, this was an impressive game even though it was an exhibition game. Flacco looked good, the receiving corps looks like it really doesn’t need much but good health and the defense acted like its old self. Atlanta should be fun to watch Thursday.

0 Categories : NFL
Aug
26

Injuries, Recoveries And The Kicker

by Jeff Wolfson

The Ravens could be looking at a less deep squad for their game Saturday against the Carolina Panthers.

Monday night against the Jets L.J. Smith visibly pulled a hamstring on  a catch. This is of some concern because Smith has battled injuries the last couple of years while with the Eagles. It definitely won’t spell the end of his time in Baltimore, but it may open a space for an otherwise borderline Davon Drew. Drew will get a chance to show what he can do now and Smith gets to heal for the Sept. 13 opener against Kansas City.

Kelly Gregg also came up with an injury after Monday’s game. Gregg, coming off of a knee injury last season, hurt his shoulder. Like Smith, he should be back for the opener, but at this point, the more playing the better for Gregg because of his injury. I have full confidence the training staff will get Gregg ready to go.
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