• March 28, 2024

Eagles-Ravens Pregame Thoughts

Reid Holds The Biggest Key

Andy Reid always says that the team’s successes and failures start with him. The head coach always stresses that it’s on him to put his players in the best possible position to succeed. For the Eagles to have a chance against Baltimore, Reid will need to be at his best while managing the team on the sidelines.

Last week Reid called a terrible game. While I put a ton of blame on Michael Vick for what I believe to be an inexcusably poor performance, there’s no denying that his head coach also deserves just as much responsibility, if not more, for the team nearly allowing a winnable game to slip away.

Reid needs to help his quarterback out by establishing a running game early on to help set up the vertical attack that he loves so much. The coach only made Vick’s struggles worse last week by calling pass after pass after pass. The offense became predictable, and the Browns were able to simply drop back into coverage on every play and wait for the quarterback to make mistakes.

If Reid calls a good game, but his players still don’t get the job done it’s one thing. But if Reid continues to forget that he has one of the best running backs in football, and allows to offense to become predictable to the point where the Baltimore defense knows exactly what to expect, it’s going to be an ugly home opener for the Birds.

Michael Vick Has To Be Better Than Last Week…Right?

They say once you hit rock bottom, there’s nowhere to go but up.

After playing what might be the worst game of his career a week ago, it’s hard to imagine Vick turning in another performance that bad. However, I don’t think that necessarily means we can expect a good effort. The Ravens come in with such an accomplished defense; a defense that does a lot of things well and is capable of producing game-changing plays.

On top of the large questions regarding Vick’s game, there are no guarantees that his head coach will put him in a good position, and his offensive line is coming off of a very shaky performance against the Browns.

Against a unit this good, I can’t see Vick playing a clean game. There are just too many major questions about Vick and those around him for me to expect him to play well. He won’t throw four interceptions again, but I see him committing at least two turnovers.

How The Eagles Can Beat The Ravens

As mentioned above, for the Eagles to come away with a win, it has to start with the gameday coaching of Andy Reid.

The Eagles are a team that is in love with the big play; they love to stretch the field with their speedy receivers and rely on big strikes to set up their offense for success. In this game, it’s very important that they forget about that philosophy, especially with top receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin dealing with injuries.

The Ravens aren’t a team that you can beat with the big-play mentality. You can’t rely on finesse, you must overpower them by playing a physical, grinding game. This means that LeSean McCoy will need to be the focal point of the offense. The Eagles must have a run-first mentality, and attack the Baltimore run defense regularly.

The Eagles need to involve their backup running backs in this gameplan as well. Reid chose to keep five running backs on the roster, and he needs to justify that decision by leaning on his younger backs. If Dion Lewis is healthy, he’s got to get between 5-8 touches. Bryce Brown also should receive a couple of looks.

The passing game needs to be simplified and methodical. The best thing the Eagles can do in this game is not ask Vick to do too much. When they do put the ball in their quarterback’s hands, they need to set him up for success by calling things like screen plays and utilizing their two quality tight ends Brent Celek and Clay Harbor.

If the Eagles’ offense can succeed in producing a number of long, efficient scoring drives, they’ll wear down Baltimore’s veteran stars and open the door for their deep threats as the game goes on.

Defensively, Juan Castillo is going to have a much greater challenge on his plate this week. Joe Flacco is improving with every pass attempt, and is playing with great confidence as he runs the up-tempo no-huddle Baltimore offense.

The first thing Castillo must do is contain Ray Rice. One of the top running backs in football, Rice is both explosive and efficient. The best chance the Eagles have for success is to focus on taking Rice away, and forcing Flacco and the receivers to beat them.

The Eagles defense do have some favorable matchups with the Baltimore receivers. Nnamdi Asomugha should be able to handle an aging Anquan Boldin, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has the speed to match up with deep threat Torrey Smith. However, tight end Dennis Pitta and slot receiver Jacoby Jones will be difficult assignments for rookies Mychal Kendricks and Brandon Boykin.

Another matchup that favors the Eagles is the fact that Baltimore has a suspect offensive line. This is a group that lost a Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs to free agency, and Jason Babin will be matched up with a rookie offensive tackle in Kelechi Osemele.

If this defense plays another good game, it would make a lot of believers in Juan Castillo.

Why The Ravens Will Win.

As promising as the idea of a run-first offensive approach sounds, it may only be possible in an alternate dimension. This is Andy Reid we’re talking about. His philosophy is to keep firing and stick to the gameplan, no matter what happens. He’ll live and die by his sword, and a sword that isn’t particularly sharp and sturdy (Vick) could easily break once engaged with the proud, battle-tested warriors of Baltimore.

Reid’s offenses have also had trouble in the past succeeding against a 3-4 attack. Even though the Ravens are without their best pass rusher, Terrell Suggs, they’ll have little trouble generating pressure on Vick against a questionable offensive line. They’re also likely to copy Cleveland’s approach, and send blitz after blitz at a quarterback who struggles heavily to read and recognize them.

The Baltimore offense will create problems for Juan Castillo because of their fast-paced style of play. The Ravens will force the second-year defensive coordinator to constantly think on the fly and anticipate more quickly than normal what Flacco’s next move will be. This is something that the former offensive line coach hasn’t shown that he can do consistently yet.

The Ravens are the complete opposite of the Browns in the sense that Baltimore’s offense is so diverse with a great number of talented players and stars, while Cleveland’s attack was as limited and basic as they come. It would be extremely impressive if Castillo’s group is able to enjoy a successful outing against this group, but I expect them to struggle after watching how easily Baltimore disposed of a pretty decent Cincinnati defense.

Final Thoughts

I don’t think the Eagles are hopeless in this game, but I think too many things will have to go right for them to win.

From the head coach’s playcalling, the quarterback’s stability, to the defensive coordinator’s ability to adjust to the speed of the Ravens’ game, those are three major concerns that will all need to go right in order for the Eagles to come out on top.

It’s a little surprising to me, but many fans and media members in Philadelphia have been picking the Eagles to win, but I just don’t see it. Most of their picks seem to be on gut feelings more than anything else, with their most convincing argument being that they’re clinging to the hope that Baltimore will come out a little flat on a short week, which in my eyes isn’t nearly enough to give the Eagles an edge.

The Eagles are going find out what a legitimate Super Bowl contender looks like. Philadelphia is a team with talent but they also have questions and consistency issues while the Ravens are a team that does a lot of things very efficiently, and don’t have nearly as many pressing concerns as their opponent.

I expect this to be a fairly close game, but Baltimore comes out on top.

Follow Denny Basens on Twitter.

 

 

Denny Basens

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crazy johnny
crazy johnny
September 15, 2012 1:34 pm

Andy Reid trying to win a game by running is like Obama trying to fix the economy by using trickle-down economics……….ain’t gonna happen.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 15, 2012 5:38 pm

I am very interested in this game. Have to see how Vick will play in what has to be looked at as a “make or break” game in reards to the rest of his career.

He has to see the writing at this point. The Birds signed Edwards to an extension (to be the #2 – why extend him otherwise? To be the 3? Doubtful) They have Foles lurking. Vik’s contract has an easy out.

The “he’s not that good” rumblings are out there and gettng louder with every turnover…..

If he wants to start somewhere else next year and get any sort of payday, he better play well. He stinks it up again, and he’s looking at the backup job somewhere at a million a year.

Big stakes.

paulman
paulman
September 15, 2012 6:43 pm

Ravens 30-Eagles13
Boo Birds out in ernest by 3rd Period and this time are directing their Boos at QB M Vick .. Coach AR pulls Vick late in the 3rd after his 3rd Turnover resulting the Ravens to go up 27-3 aand essentially ending the game.. Foles comes in the 4thQuarter and leads the Eagles to 10 Points in his 2 Possesions/drives of the Quarter and yes with a TD Pass to my man, Mardy Gilyard
Vick gets one more chance in Week #3 against the Cardinals

jphalines
jphalines
September 15, 2012 7:32 pm

Vick should be better tomorrow and I hope he does great, but Andy seems to thinks he is Steve Young. The best part about last week is expectations have come down to reality. This team can only go so far with the 7-8th best qb in the NFC. It will be fun on the weeks the offense clicks, but there will be many bad ones if the nice stable of running backs aren’t utilized.

jphalines
jphalines
September 15, 2012 7:38 pm

This year is for Michael Vick. Foles will be the quarterback next year in my opinion. Does that means Foles is great? No, but the team has to take the risk and hope he can handle it next year. He could be the next Kolb or Brady, but noone will know until he plays with the lights on.

pheags88
pheags88
September 15, 2012 7:45 pm

First of all, I want to see a turnover free game from the Birds tomorrow (Especially you Vick). I don’t think thats asking for too much as an Eagles fan. Is it really that hard to protect the football…

For some odd reason, I think the Birds win this game. Don’t ask me how it will happen. I have no reasonable logic behind it. I probably sounds really stupid based upon what we saw last week but I could see the Birds pulling this one out somehow someway and then playing like shit next week against a pathetic Arizona Cards team and losing to them again.

Just thinking about tomorrow though for now, a Win would give us a real shot at going 4-2 or even 5-1 (I can be optimistic sometimes) to start the season before the bye which would be huge.

This Ravens team does have a history of sucking it up at times when you don’t expect it. (remember that pathetic performance against the freaking Jags last year and didnt they lose to the Browns as well after coming off a big win on national tv, just sayin shit can happen)

pheags88
pheags88
September 15, 2012 7:56 pm

JP…The Birds only owe Vick 3 million in guaranteed money after this year…Even if Vick plays decent the rest of the way I think he is truly done here as an Eagle after the season is over. UNless we get an NFC championship or SB game here with him. And I highly doubt that is possible when you have a QB who cant read a blitz/defense and who hasn’t proved he can stay healthy as an Eagle. I truly wish and pray that it could happen…But in real life I have no hope that it is possible.

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 5:59 am

Andy Reid and Vick dont go well together. Vick would flourish with a coach like Belichek or Coughlin.. where he could play tough simple football…

Hey Andy and Marty .. Keep it simple stupid !

lewdoggie20
lewdoggie20
September 16, 2012 8:57 am

Eagles win today 27-24. Vick runs for 45, throws for265, 1td pass to shady. Shady runs another one in, another 100 yard game. Bryce brown picks up 40 yards and a score too. The defence makes a tough day on flacco leaving Vick and the offense in good veiled position throughout the day.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 9:34 am

Larrwd.

Best laugh I’ve had today. “Vick would flourish with a coach like Belichek…”

Sure he would. Maybe as a slot receiver.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 9:36 am

The over/under for the start of the “we. want. nick. foles.” clap-clap-clapclapclap chants is set at 2.5 quarters.

Is anyone not named Lionsden or Realtalk on the over?

Didn”t think so.

paulman
paulman
September 16, 2012 10:03 am

Just like it’s all over for Candidate Romney to win the Presidential Election, it is over for the MV7 Experience in Philadelphia.. Take out his magical 6 Week play in October-Nov 2010 and it’s been pretty medicore since then.. It all started with his INt from the 3 yard line against the Bears in Nov 2010 where his hot streak ended and his replay back to committing turnover

lewdoggie20
lewdoggie20
September 16, 2012 11:17 am

has a qb ever bounced back from a terrible game before? lets see where we stand after this game.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 12:39 pm

Hey…great to see ‘ole MV7 still rattlin’ on about “Dynasties” on the CBS pregame show.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 1:10 pm

All 5 first passes have been “one read” passes. Vick has one specific guy to throw to each play.

That’s what High school coaches do. It’ll work for a while. But not for long.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 1:11 pm

Good times. Though I think he may have been over the LOS.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 1:14 pm

at least we have a $$ D

pheags88
pheags88
September 16, 2012 1:16 pm

Throw the fucking ball away! why do we have a QB that is so beyond stupid to understand that. SIMPLE football knowledge is all it takes…seriously throw it away and live for the next play…Especially in the redzone. Thats what losers do.

The D just saved his ass again but were not playing the browns today…can’t rely on them doing it all game.

pheags88
pheags88
September 16, 2012 1:38 pm

Wow. I don’t think its possible for an eagles fan to not like Celek

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 1:39 pm

Again….these are one read high school passing plays. They won;t work for long.

Despite the fact that they’re one read plays, Vick is taking an inordinate amount of time to throw the ball (thus the hits). I mean I’m counting 5 and 6 steamboats on some plays.

Not the way the nfl works.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 1:45 pm

whew…..on Kendricks….

Big fan of the D……..

Enjoy stopping fakes!!!!

haveacigar
haveacigar
September 16, 2012 1:52 pm

Vick plus a number1 for flacco, please make this trade at half

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 1:53 pm

i reiterate chris polk is better than bryce brown

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 2:02 pm

Maybe Vick could learn from the NFL QB he’s facing, that you can throw the ball BEFORE your WR is open, knowing that he Will be open when the ball gets there….

Anticipation…

rather than waiting till a guy is 10 yrds open, throwing the ball late…and getting hit.

paulman
paulman
September 16, 2012 2:03 pm

Vick with With 8 Turnovers in 1 1/2games (2 umbles were recovered by the Eagles so far) … Enough said .. get his chump,overpaid,overhyped ass outta there.. Eagles will never even be a Playoff Team with him at the helm let alone a legitimate Super Bowl Contendor

paulman
paulman
September 16, 2012 2:05 pm

another reason whiy the Eagles will go no where.. When they have to run the ball they can’t.. It’s only because of passing 65% of the time that allows McCoy great opportunities for big runs.. When teams line up 7 in the Box, they Eagles can’t run the ball, plain and simple..

haveacigar
haveacigar
September 16, 2012 2:11 pm

Vick will make a few unreal plays, the Vick apologists will say, “that’s what I’m talkin about” in tha end he is too stupid to read defenses, relies on his ability not a brain.

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 2:16 pm

chris polk never fumbles

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 2:16 pm

That turnover will be blamed on Mccoy…

but when was the last time you saw a two-handed handoff? Played a role.

Stevo
Stevo
September 16, 2012 2:18 pm

lol vinnie. Only you.

Stevo
Stevo
September 16, 2012 2:20 pm

Y cant vick tackle Rice? i mean….. the good qb’s play MLB too.

haveacigar
haveacigar
September 16, 2012 2:35 pm

I will up the offer, Vick, d jax and a number 1 for flacco.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 2:52 pm

2nd str8 game where the D plays $$ and it could be an easy win…..but O is in a funk.all

Who is leader of O?

Go ahead and ignore that the left hand hitting McCoy before the ball has an effect Stevo…….

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 2:55 pm

BTW Andy Dalton is having a pretty good day against Cleveland’s #5 defense….

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 2:55 pm

didnt you see flacco just throw into triple coverage wtf are you guys on

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 3:11 pm

celek with that lost weight is way more explosive and is now vicks favorite target.. vick getting back to his normal self. as is eli manning

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:17 pm

Vick so lucky not to have 3 ints right now

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 3:22 pm

These refs suck

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:22 pm

That was a Super-fantastic challenge by Reid there.

There’s no way timeouts are going to come into play late in this game, so might as well use them up now.

paulman
paulman
September 16, 2012 3:25 pm

Nice comeback so far during this 3rd Period, Defense has tighten up..
Now lets have some good coverage on this Kick-off Return…

paulman
paulman
September 16, 2012 3:31 pm

Cards QB Kold rushes for 5 yards for a Arizona TD putting them up 20-9 versus the Pats up in New England in the 4th Quarter… Kolb in the running for “Comeback Player of the Year” Award… Just sayin’…

paulman
paulman
September 16, 2012 3:33 pm

Missed opportunity on that 3 and out drive.. SHort Punt and now Ravens have good Field position.. I think the Ray Rice and TE’s Pitta/Dixon show start to take hold here in the 4th. .Eagles D is playing pretty good but Offense can’t sustain drives and close the deal..

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:33 pm

Eagles are getting insane pressure.

larrwd
larrwd
September 16, 2012 3:37 pm

no other qb can make that throw in the league

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:38 pm

I might diasgree here paulman. I think the Birds might be wearing down the Balt D
Now that Reid is frightened to ut the ball in Vick’s hands….they actually grinding it out

Stevo
Stevo
September 16, 2012 3:38 pm

nice throw. Sorry Vin… i know that hurts. Go birds.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:39 pm

you’re right larrwd….no one else

Stevo
Stevo
September 16, 2012 3:39 pm

oh there you go vinn congrats.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:39 pm

patented Vickpick to end this drive. Predictable. High and behind.

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
September 16, 2012 3:41 pm

Hey Larrwd. No other QB can make that throw in the league!!!! Yuk yuk.

On another note….good to see the Birds now only have one timout entering the 4th in a close game.