how convenient you leave off that small fact that the patriots didn't score in the second half against the ravens, while putting up 24 on the texans.
I'm hoping that SOME of that is attributable to Wade believing he didn't have the personnel (without Cushing). One thing the Ravens did very well yesterday was cover in space, particularly with LBs, on 3rd-and-shorts. I counted 5 stops on 3rd-and-2 or shorter in the first half alone. With Bradie James and Barrett Ruud forced into significant snaps, those were a lot more difficult for the Texans. Have to cross our fingers for a healthy Cushing plus at least one other starting-caliber ILB acquisition.
Keep in mind, too - including playoffs, this is the 6th time Baltimore has played NE since 2009 with, more or less, the same defensive cast. The Texans have faced New England three times over that same stretch - and 2 of those were late this year and the first was pre-Phillips.
I think Donny pointed out something I would like The Ravens seem to have 2 QBs. . . Reed in the Secondary and Cushing in the front This is what the Texans should model after When the Patriots got that TD on the short pass . . . There was IMMEDIATE and PASSIONATE discussion in the endzone about who f***ed up. Rocket River
The Ravens know every single set Brady calls, so the no huddle offence actually works to Baltimore's favour.
in the first half, Flacco only had 81 passing yds, and were losing by 6. then Talib was out and then the Ravens could start moving the ball again, also the WRs didnt drop passes, like the texans did The ravens defense looked very prepared against New England, the Texans looked lost during the no-huddle plays, including two TDs. also the ravens D caused fumbles and INTs, something that the texans didnt do, also like I said in other thread, the ravens stopped the pats in the red zone, texans couldnt do it.
This is probably something that can be repeated. These two teams know each other WELL, whereas the Texans are new to the party. However, at the same time, that doesn't mean you don't understand a team's tendencies and play to their strengths. The Texans played right into the hands of the Patriots, and if we had played them 10 times, the Patriots would win 10 out of 10 with the game plan they took to Boston.
The Patriots are a better team - but another component: New England had an extra week to prepare (and were smart enough to probably focus their attention on us). Against Baltimore, the playing field was more even. That's why losing the #1 seed was so ridiculous...
