What is your key to game Saturday against Denver?

[Flu]

My key is for the defense to get off the field on 3rd down. The defense does a good job on 1st and 2nd down it seems. They can get the opposition in 3rd and long plays. But they can't keep the opposition from getting a 1st down on 3rd down. The Colts did it over and over last week, the Steelers did it over and over the week we lost to them too. They refuse to play any kind of man to man to try and keep from having wide open receivers.

If they don't get off the field on 3rd down it will be a long day for the defense and the Ravens will be done for the year.

[elj1201]

T.O.P.

and TDs not FGs

[Grindelwald]

Try not to lose by more than 20.

[elj1201]

Try not to lose by more than 20.

Wow, what insight!

Do the rest of us a favor and stay in the National/World News forum, thanks

[cprenegade]

My key is for the defense to get off the field on 3rd down. The defense does a good job on 1st and 2nd down it seems. They can get the opposition in 3rd and long plays. But they can't keep the opposition from getting a 1st down on 3rd down. The Colts did it over and over last week, the Steelers did it over and over the week we lost to them too. They refuse to play any kind of man to man to try and keep from having wide open receivers.

If they don't get off the field on 3rd down it will be a long day for the defense and the Ravens will be done for the year.

I think you make a very good point. I stated on another thread that even though the Ravens won on Sunday, I saw a lot of the same problems that have plagued the defense all year long. The Colts ran more plays, and had nearly double the TOP, mainly because they were able to convert continually on third down. They sustained long drives that ended in a fumble, missed fg, and three fg's. If the Ravens allow that Saturday, Peyton Manning will surely turn some of those drives into TD's, and the Broncos will win the game, possibly somewhat easily.

[SNAFU]

It's really simple---Keep the pressure on Manning, and if that means blitzes, then blitz away.

[Struds]

Flu hit it. I'd add to that an offense that can keep the 3 and outs to a minimum and score points when given the opportunity.

[PEZ]

The Ravens need to establish the running game and keep the ball out of Peyton's hands as much as possible.

[CajunRaven]

My key is for the defense to get off the field on 3rd down. The defense does a good job on 1st and 2nd down it seems. They can get the opposition in 3rd and long plays. But they can't keep the opposition from getting a 1st down on 3rd down. The Colts did it over and over last week, the Steelers did it over and over the week we lost to them too. They refuse to play any kind of man to man to try and keep from having wide open receivers.

If they don't get off the field on 3rd down it will be a long day for the defense and the Ravens will be done for the year.

Turnovers too. We need to hang onto the ball.

[NCBirdfan]

My key is for the defense to get off the field on 3rd down. The defense does a good job on 1st and 2nd down it seems. They can get the opposition in 3rd and long plays. But they can't keep the opposition from getting a 1st down on 3rd down. The Colts did it over and over last week, the Steelers did it over and over the week we lost to them too. They refuse to play any kind of man to man to try and keep from having wide open receivers.

If they don't get off the field on 3rd down it will be a long day for the defense and the Ravens will be done for the year.

The defense played well initially in the earlier game against Denver. I seem to recall Denver having 5 consecutive 3-and-outs in the first half; however, the defense was on the field too long and eventually wore down. Time of possession was like 38-22. Also, Baltimore had two turnovers and Denver had none.

In order for Baltimore to win, the Ravens need to work the clock more and win the turnover game. That's usually the key for most games. Also, both lines need to play their "A" games. If the OL cannot stop the pressure on Flacco or the DL can't put pressure on Manning, it'll be a long day for the Ravens and everything else won't matter.

[Andy in Hagerstown]

Cary Williams not being abused by Eric Decker.

[Rael]

Wow, what insight!

Do the rest of us a favor and stay in the National/World News forum, thanks

That's not much of a favor to some of us, trust me...

[OriginalColtsFan]

It's really simple---Keep the pressure on Manning, and if that means blitzes, then blitz away.

^^^This.

(AND Caldwell needs to keep the offense varied, roll Joe out, run quick developing plays, and be willing to call the TIMELY p/a deep passes to strike while the iron is hot.)

[Fang]

Press coverage up front and hope Ed Reed stays home and doesn't gamble. If Manning beats you deep oh well. But play for the quick pass. On offense, this is easier said than done. But Joe Flacco has to believe he can beat Manning in a shootout if it gets to that. Caldwell needs to play it that way. A running TOP game won't do it.

[ms maggie]

Hope Peyton forgets how to qb.

[JasonM]

In a word:
Tackling.

I didn't see all of the 2nd Steelers game, but during the Raljohn & Denver games, it seemed like everyone who touched the ball got lots of yards after contact, setting up short fields for those teams. Sure, half the defense was injured at the time, and the D has looked better the last 3 games. But against Indy (with an improved, healthier defense), it seemed like Ballard, Luck & others got a bunch of yards after breaking tackles.

If that happens against Denver, the Broncos will score TDs instead of FGs like Indy, and it's over by halftime.

[Steveg85321]

It's really simple---Keep the pressure on Manning, and if that means blitzes, then blitz away.

^^^This.

(AND Caldwell needs to keep the offense varied, roll Joe out, run quick developing plays, and be willing to call the TIMELY p/a deep passes to strike while the iron is hot.)

^^^These. Even if, as I suspect will happen, Peyton generally picks up the blitz and gets completions, the more he gets knocked down the better. I am not calling for the guy to get injured, but you've got to keep him from getting comfortable so he can pick you apart and work his plan. Just be constantly in his face.

(AND I believe Caldwell is working in that direction, and that is where Flacco is most comfortable.) I think the Ravens can win if they play 60 minutes of their best, mistake-free football.

[JOHNBOY152]

Ravens must keep stupid penalties, fumbles and picks at zero!!!!! Sustain long controlled drives to keep the ball out of Manning's hands...win by a point!!!!

[NCBirdfan]

The most important key: The Ravens must score MORE points than the Broncos.

[JasonM]

The most important key: The Ravens must score MORE points than the Broncos.

Indeed, I always laugh when I hear announcers say that one team will have to "outscore" the other. I know what they mean ("outscore"=score a lot of points), still sounds silly & obvious.