Thanks for reminding me, I'd been meaning to see how big of an underdog we would be... Right now at sportsbook.com it's Houston +7.5. Denver is +13.5, NY is +8.5, and SF is +3.5.
I disagree about AJ. He was sent deep several times and could have easily had over 150yards receiving had he not dropped those few balls...especially that one in the endzone where he beat his man on the fly route. AJ was consistently having the safety drop back over the top of him. I lost count how many times the safety would start out in the box before the snap and then start to shade and fade back before the ball was hiked. Also, what's wrong with AJ running underneath routes? Those are easy plays for Yates to deliver and get comfortable while also getting the ball to your best player.
I truly believe the Texans match up real well against Baltimore and can win...I believe the Texans D can stop Ray Rice... Texans: 17 Ravens: 13
This will be a tough game for sure and the texans obviously have an up hill battle here. Some things to be optimistic about though. - Yes the Ravens shut down the run game earlier this year but that was also without AJ out there. They won't be able to stack the box as care free as they did in the first game. They also won't be able to double OD as much as they did when AJ wasn't out there. They are going to have to pick their poison between OD, AJ and the run game. - The ravens game was the first game that Brooks Reed got to start as well as Connor having to play Mario's side. Obviously, the defense is more comfortable where they are at now as opposed to then. - The texans did give up some big plays on defense, which has typically been uncharacteristic for them. - At least the texans have played in Baltimore so they will be somewhat use to the environment.
You know, the game in the regular season was our first game without AJ and Mario (I think), and even then, we were only down 5 with 4 minutes to go in the game. We're significantly better on defense than we were then, it will be up to them and our OL to take the pressure off of Yates. This can be done, but it won't be easy. Texans - 19 Ravens - 17
Honestly, if everyone was healthy, I would say that this game would be like playing ourselves, only I would give us the nod at QB and WR1. I would really like our odds. Now, it's like playing ourselves, only we're stretched a little in spots. We have a lesser QB now, but I don't think Flacco is a great QB. As we all know, he is prone to bad games. That reduces the QB battle down to the typical "which one makes the least mistakes" battle. We have a better WR, but I think they might have a better WR corps overall (maybe a push). We have better TEs. When it comes to fullbacks, you can say what you want. Leach is a beast, but a Vickers and Casey combo can hold their own. Running Backs are a push. As far as defense, I just don't know. They have a great defense. We have a pretty good defense. So, basically, it's just like playing the uninjured version of ourselves, I think. This game will truly be a game of depth. I think we can do it. Like I said before, I think their bye could have hurt them. On paper, they have the edge. If we play like we played Saturday, I really like our chances, though. We really can do this. If we can get up for this game (and we very well better) like we did on Saturday, I'm predicting a Texans win.
The main one was the Torrey Smith play that should have been challenged b/c the ball clearly hit the ground and moved without him maintaining control. I thought the refs did a great job this last game, only missing a few minor things like ball spots, etc. There were no penalties on either side that were unwarranted that I can recall. What crew are we getting for this week?
Nothing "wrong" - but I take it as an indication that the staff wanted to limit how much strain they were going to put on his legs. AJ running slants means he isn't creating underneath opportunities for others - and Walter is a guy with a nose for open areas, not a guy that can create separation. When AJ isn't stretching the secondary to open up space behind the LBs, Walter struggles. I'm going to hope against hope that he's closer to 100% against the Ravens, because their defense terrifies me. Our D can limit Flacco, but we've got to find away to post at least 23 points on them in a hostile stadium. 8-0 at home, allowing only 15ppg.
Did some research... I was unable to find an official source, but this whole website is dedicated to the Ref assignments, so I'm sure that it's reliable: http://www.football-refs.com/nfl-referees-by-season/2011-crews/playoffssuper-bowl/ No assignments reported yet for this week. These guys are serious about this stuff, they know how to determine who is eligible to ref a certain game and who is not. They even do predictions in the comments. Crazy stuff. Comments on our game last week:
Should be good weather in baltimore. Partially cloudy...40 degrees. I'd feel a litlte more comfortable if the weather was 48 degrees. Still weather should not be a factor. http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail/USMD0018?dayNum=6
This is going to be the longest, most anxious week ever. However, it's my birthday tomorrow, and nothing would make me happier than a Texans win on Sunday as a belated gift. SHOCK THE WORLD!!!
0-5 against baltimore all time! ALL TIME!! Baltimore is unbeeetable at home. their defense is elite and so is their running back. No one is giving our team a shot with yates. How much damage can a late rounder do? Their fans/media are already looking forward to the pats! Perfect time to ambush the ravens. =) Battlefight!
their kicker had to go in beast mode last time too... kicking 5 FG's. Let's hope our defense can keep us in this game.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/fp/flashPollResultsState?sportIndex=nfl&pollId=130965 Texas the only place that is mainly picking Texans to win of course.
Like I would expect it to be any different? I hope everyone and their mother picks Ravens to win so that they may get overconfident.
Ran into Brian Cushing yesterday and talked for a while. I think this team has a clear feel for how much this upcoming game means to the city. From our convo, he came across as if he was yearning to know further just how much this means to us. This team is ready. We may not win on the road, but it won't be for a lack of ferocity and effort. Moe
