Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
No question, Houston deserves the respect of being hailed as the best team in the AFC. But we'll see what happens in January.
As long as both of these teams are on a collision course during the playoffs, I still like the Ravens' chances. I'm taking pedigree over potential. I still don't buy in Matt Shaub as a big-game QB, and to that degree, the rest of the Houston team making the big plays when it counts.
I'll give Houston the nod during the regular season. I don't think the Ravens will have enough on defense to keep Foster contained and also hold Shaub and the passing game down. It should be an awesome game if both teams take care of business before they meet.
Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GOTA
I can't believe how good JJ Watt is. We all knew the Ravens had no shot at drafting him but he was still very high on everyones list. Usually guys with that much hype don't live up to it. Watt exceeds it. He can rush inside and take the edge. Not too many able to do both like that. Watt is going to maul Birk unless they come up with a plan.
Right. I've never been worried going up against another teams defense (even the steelers) like I am the Texans. Last year was scary enough! They also got Cushing and Conner Barwin rushing the Quarterback. The o-line will have to have a hell of a game for this one. Cam's gonna have to have the slants and screens flowing in this one.
Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
That entire front seven is good. The only other team possibly that rivals might be San Francisco. I think were Shaub healthy, the Ravens might not have ever had the chance to face NE in the AFCCG.
Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
GOTA
I can't believe how good JJ Watt is. We all knew the Ravens had no shot at drafting him but he was still very high on everyones list. Usually guys with that much hype don't live up to it. Watt exceeds it. He can rush inside and take the edge. Not too many able to do both like that. Watt is going to maul Birk unless they come up with a plan.
And he didn't wow anybody with his athleticism at all at the combine at all.
Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
This is a game that few would be surprised to see the Ravens lose. However, if they pull it out somehow, I'd venture to say that you could pretty much book them as the number one seed, because there won't be a tougher game left on the schedule.
Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
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Originally Posted by
macho GRANDE
Barwin has shown promise but he hasn't been nearly as disruptive as JJ has this season.
The thing with Houston is, they are going to grind out yards and control the clock. I doubt the Ravens defense will be able to slow them down.
Houston's defense is helped out a lot by their ball control offense. They have greater than 10 minute time of possession advantage.
How they beat you is by taking away your chances. Its classic hard nosed old school football, something the Ravens used to do well, but haven't for a few seasons.
It will take a high powered quick scoring passing attack to get them off their game. Something the Ravens are capable of, but usually not on the road.
Re: At tthe quarter pole the Texans are the team to beat
Quote:
Originally Posted by
macho GRANDE
Full disclosure ..... I'm a Texan fan in Houston and have been lurking this forum since last year's playoff game. I'll add my Texan avatar once I'm granted permission :). You guys have a lot of rational fans on here and I agree with your post. The Texans do play a throwback brand of football. I'm look forward to seeing how we stack up vs the ravens. Win or lose I believe our teams are the class of the afc this season and will meet again in the playoffs. Hopefully in Houston.
Oh yeah, f**k Jacoby! :D
Brother, I've been saying fuck Jacoby since he got here. He just hasn't fucked up yet.
I have to give the Texans credit. Once they decided to stop trying to outscore everybody, it seemed like a light came on for the organization. Wade Phillips was a great addition as a defensive coordinator and Jonathan Joseph was a key acquisition. I think that if Pollard had a guy like Joseph in the secondary, you guys might have seen what we are enjoying from him now.
At the end of the day, for whatever reason, the Ravens just seem to have the Texans' number right now. Whether it is Joe going bombs away as a rookie or Houston storming back to send the game to OT, only for Schaub to throw the game ending pick six. It just seems like, no matter the personnel, they just can't get the W.
Which is why I think that Houston is more motivated than ever to tear out a piece of Baltimore's ass. It all culminated with that playoff loss. I think that, much like Baltimore was waiting for New England, Houston has been waiting for Baltimore. Can you confirm that?
This time, I actually think that Houston will get it done. However, I will say this, if Baltimore pulls it out, nothing is stopping them from getting the #1 seed and nobody is coming into M&T and beating them. The Ravens are currently operating without the reigning Defensive MVP. Even if he comes back at 80%, with the state of the Ravens' current pass rush, it would be a significant boost to the defense.
At the end of the day, I think that Houston's front seven is going to give the Ravens too many problems, and that Jonathan Joseph will be able to take Torrey one-on-one. Right now, the Ravens defense is okay, but nothing compared to normal Ravens' standards. Foster was able to get up the seams with a healthy Suggs. Now, I can only imagine what that zone blocking would do to Baltimore's front seven.
I still expect a close and competitive game. However, with this being in Houston, I think the motivation will kick them to another level, good enough for the W.