Ask Baltimore Beatdown: Here We Go Again

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 4, 2009 4:08 PM EST Comment 81 comments

I was wondering if this was a good idea, based on the rough relationship we seem to have as passionate AFC North division rivals. However, I am relatively stubborn and like discussing the upcoming games, so here we are for the Ravens/Bengals-Part 2.

You embarrassed us in our own crib last month and we'd love nothing better than trying to prove the fluke of it by returning the favor. While you are coming off your Bye, both teams had their most dominating performances in their last games, you vs. Chicago and us against the Broncos.

Which Ravens team will Cincinnati be facing this Sunday, the one that laid an egg losing to you in the game's final moments or the one that totally dominated the Broncos this past Sunday in all aspects of the game? I guess we can debate that the rest of the week, but we will see for sure on Sunday. I see this more of a must-win game for the Ravens than the Bengals, as a Baltimore loss drops us to .500 and you sweep the season series while going to 6-2. A loss to us and you're still 5-3 and 3-1 in the AFC North. Does the desperation of the game make any difference in this rivalry? Probably not to the players but definitely to us fans.

Let's try to get along as well as JungleJohn and I always seem to do out of respect for the great job he does here on Cincy Jungle and our connection to SB Nation. Hopefully the rest of my guys and yours can do the same, limiting our thoughts and comments to the game. So see you throughout the rest of the week to answer your questions and come on over to Baltimore Beatdown to do the same. With crossed fingers, see you around the Jungle!

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what's the word

on gaither? in, out? anne heche?

by brandone on Nov 4, 2009 7:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Played last week

and the result certainly showed as Elvis Dumvervil was virtually invisible no matter where he lined up.

NOTE: The movie, ‘The Blind Side’ about Ravens RT Michael Oher (made before he was drafted) opens Nov. 20th.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

Do you believe the Bengals D will see more of Ray Rice and the running game or Joe Flacco’s aerial attack? And which do you think will be more successful?

by ak513 on Nov 4, 2009 7:52 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Great question

I think they’ll try to give you more running but if you stop it you’ll see more of Flacco. Either way, he will get the ball into Rice’s hands, be it a handoff or throw.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Bruce

You’re one of the good guys over at Baltimore Beatdown. I have a few questions. How do you feel about the Ravens as a road team? How does Flacco in particular play on the road? Also, how do you feel about your chances of beating the Steelers?

by WhoDeyDerek on Nov 4, 2009 8:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, WhoDey

We seem to get a bit more “up” for these tough in-division games, notice that? The Ravens have had trouble on the road against the better teams, seeming to play just barely bad enough to lose, other than SD. However, Flacco’s stats on the road have been better than at home since his rookie season. Perhaps he feels under less pressure without playing in front of the high expectations. Either way, he’s pretty stoic and calm for a 2nd year guy. I like our chances at splitting with them, but winning at the ugly Heinz Field will be tough, but certainly not impossible.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A little respect goes a long way

Hey Bruce. Thanks for trying to promote classy blogging, something that’s always a challenge when emotions are high between division rivals.

Which defense do you expect to see on Sunday from your Ravens? The one that has allowed 24 or more points to four of it’s opponents, the one that showed up last Sunday to play the Broncos or somewhere in between? Why?

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Nov 4, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Gee, what a great idea for a post!

I wrote a story on this specific question about this game earlier this week on Baltimore Beatdown. I’m voting and expecting the recent (vs. Denver) one, rather than the one you’re probably hoping for!

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to ask you some questions.

What a classy guy!

What’s the biggest difference between the Ravens now and several weeks ago? Anything we need to watch out for now that we didn’t last time?

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Nov 4, 2009 9:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully the blitzing

pass pressure we got on Denver’s Kyle Orton was the game plan that we worked on during our Bye week. We didn’t get any pressure and thuis our DB’s looked horrible the first time we played. Don’t forget we threw a stupid Red Zone INT on our first series against you that could have made a huge difference in the game. If we keep it clean and get pressure, I really like our chances.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget..

We threw a stupid INT to Ed Reed that was returned for a touchdown. But your right, that saved us from a score

by The Dealio on Nov 5, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I also disagree

That Ed Reed interception was also an unbelievable read by Ed Reed on that Ocho slant. Came across the whole field to make the play.

by bengal fan from new york on Nov 5, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

that is the kind of play that only ed reed makes. that guy is ridiculously great at reading quarterbacks, especially carson.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 5, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

That red zone interception was actually an unbelievable read by J-Joe that negated a wide open touchdown to Heap in the end zone.

by bengal fan from new york on Nov 5, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think it was actually a great call by zimmer, ‘cause i’m pretty sure j-joe said that the coverage dictated his drop, and baltimore thought he was playing a different coverage.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 5, 2009 8:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Horrible read by Flacco

might have cost us the game.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 8:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hey, heap made the same read, at least according to the highlight audio.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 5, 2009 8:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but

Flacco made the decision to throw the stupid pass.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 6, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

I’m not sure what the coverage was underneath, whether a linebacker dropped into coverage, but J-Joe left his man slanting across the middle because he read the end zone corner route. Either way it was a great read/call/play that prevented an almost guaranteed touchdown.

by bengal fan from new york on Nov 6, 2009 7:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If we beat you guys again

Will you guys admit we are the better team and move on? Cause last time it seemed like you didn’t even think we won because of the refs’ calls, which were all justified.

by St. Esiason on Nov 4, 2009 11:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I will, at least

the other guys, I can’t speak for. However, I clearly recall beating you in the first game of the season last year and one of your guys came on our site calling us names and saying you would finish the year with a better record that we did- and what happened? However, at week 9, if you beat us, not only are you a better team, but you are firmly in the playoff hunt and we are out.

But to me that’s a big “if.”

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don’t think baltimore is out if they lose this game. people really seem to have overhyped the afc south and west, where no more than one playoff team will emerge, speaking realistically. that would leave a battle with whoever finishes second in the east, and i see no reason that baltimore would be out of the running at 4-4.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 5, 2009 8:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

With remaining games

with Pittsburgh (twice) and Indy plus at GB, the road is probably over for the post season.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don’t think green bay will be that tough for the ravens; the packers weren’t particularly tough for the bengals, and we were still mostly sputtering at that point. i just think the ravens are a good enough team that 4-4 won’t be the end of the road for them, and i don’t think you can say that about most of the teams competing with the ravens (or bengals for that matter) for the wild card.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 5, 2009 8:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I respect honest fans more than any other. Good man.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 5, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Packer game scares me

Did you know this is the first night game in December in GB history!? Why? Because it’s so damn cold! I’m thinking of going to experience the real “Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.”

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 6, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Which means run

And you guys have good run defense against a oline that looks depleted (or at least gives tons of sacks).

by CincyRed on Nov 8, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry bout the friendly trash talk gone bad...

I do it with everybody, especially division foes……

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Nov 4, 2009 11:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No problem with me

just try to keep it clean and not too personal. Remember, these blogs are among the best on the internet and SB Nation has a great rep and we don’t want to lower it beyond what we know we want to look like.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i have kept it clean but...

some of your fellows took some personal shots, its all about fun to me, but when the guys shoot off dirty talk they should expect it back

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Nov 6, 2009 1:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the answers, Bruce.

All good ones. Good luck Sunday, but even better luck with your 2 games against the Steelers.

by WhoDeyDerek on Nov 5, 2009 10:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

What's up Bruce?

Hey, what’s the deal with Haloti Ngata? I saw him go down late in the game on Sunday. Is he expected back this week?

Thanks dude

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Nov 5, 2009 11:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Still out of practice as of Thursday

but we are pretty deep at DT although it ids tough to replace him.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ladarius Webb

Hey Bruce Ladarius Webb Was very explosive for you guys in the return game, how big of a factor do you believe his return skills will be in this game, being that Josh cribbs dominance is what kept our game with the browns so close?

by ak513 on Nov 5, 2009 11:45 AM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Webb is a burner

and hits the hole real fast, but is not quite a Cribbs just yet.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 8:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Bruce

I mimick everyone else’s comments above. I love your classy attitude towards this blog. I also like bravado and trust in your team that any good fan should have.

What surprised you the most about the Bengals performance in game 1, and what adjustments to us do you think your team will make for game 2?

by The Dealio on Nov 5, 2009 1:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Better pass rush

It all begins with the pass pressure. Fix that and the rest falls into place.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce

I have two questions for you. The first one is how big do you think Joe Flacco’s dick is? The second one is do you think its as big as Carsons b/c he has a huge perk sword.

by AlexanderTheGreat on Nov 5, 2009 1:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

*pork

by AlexanderTheGreat on Nov 5, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m sure Who-Dey can answer this one for you. He loves himself a good cockmeat sandwich.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 5, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

where do I find this Who-Dey

by AlexanderTheGreat on Nov 5, 2009 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

In the welfare line in downtown cinci.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 5, 2009 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, that's gross.

by WhoDeyDerek on Nov 5, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That's got to get "hidden"

Pretty lame and embarrassing to this site and SB Nation.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 5, 2009 8:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

...

Take it as a courage question. Which one has more “balls,” more courage, etc.

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Nov 5, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Flacco definitely wins the balls battle. Until Carson gets more playoff wins than flacco, he will always be behind Joe. You can say that flacco did not have a good qb rating but the fact that he was the QUARTERBACK (the most important position on a team) as a rookie, says so much about him. Carson has been putting up crazy stats in his career and still can’t get a playoff victory. If he is that great and that gutsy he should have some playoff victories by now. The power of the unibrow has already taken over.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 5, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

....

Flacco has had the luxury of playing in a team with a legendary defense. If Kimo Van whatshisface wouldn’t have “accidentally” rolled on Palmer’s knee we wouldn’t even be talking about this.

Bottom line, Palmer landed on a disfunctional team, and even then took them to the playoffs. Flacco landed on a team where even Jamarcus Russell would’ve done well. Palmer is hands down the better QB.

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Nov 5, 2009 11:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Right now yes

but check back in a couple of years and we may see it differently. Remember that Flacco played all his rookie year while Your Carson sat behind Kitna.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 6, 2009 9:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Ryan landed on one of the most disfunctional teams in history

And was able to get more playoff wins than Carson. Anything?

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 6, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Ryan is pretty good, off the subject though

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Nov 6, 2009 4:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

He's overated......

R.I.P. Tony Fein
May God watch over you wherever you are now and may you be in a better place. We will never forget you!

by Baltimore Warrior on Nov 8, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes… and no.

Depends on whom you are talking about. If you are talking about the national media, yeah, he’s seriously overrated. People like Jon Gruden act like he’s Tom Brady already. Not quite yet. Oh I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets there eventually, maybe even fairly soon. He is good. And more importantly he works very hard and that will help. But he’s not that good yet.

But not everybody overrates him. In fact, it’s possible he is underrated by a few people out there. Most of them are probably in NO, CAR, or TB, tho. :)

by FriarBob on Nov 9, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

first, that team was dysfunctional the year before because of one person (okay, two if you count bobby petrino) and they had a lot of the tools in place already, so it wasn’t that big a stretch for a game manager (which is what ryan was his rookie year) to come in and succeed, a la trent dilfer with the ravens (not comparing the teams, mind you, just the situations).

second, i never buy into this judging quarterbacks by playoff wins thing, if for no other reason that it leaves out the fact that the quarterback (although arguably the most important) represents less than 5% of the personnel on the field. do his actions outweigh the actions of the other 95% simply because he’s the “most important”?

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 6, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How can he be the “most important” if he does NOT outweigh them?

Personally I think he’s neither the most important nor does he outweigh them. I think he’s most critical, but not “most important”. Some teams even Peyton Manning (or Tom Brady, Drew Brees, etc) couldn’t save. Other teams Jamarcus Russell could do at least OK on… probably…

No, it’s the sum of the parts. The QB gets too much credit or blame (as in nearly all of it), but he is still critical and deserves probably about half of what he actually gets.

by FriarBob on Nov 9, 2009 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if you are 20% of the whole, and each other part represents 5% of the whole, then you are the most important individual segment of the whole; however, that doesn’t make you bigger than the 80% represented by all other parts of the whole. that’s how he can be the most important and not outweigh them.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 9, 2009 11:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what Ryan did was only impressive because he was a rookie. his stats were very average and his team carried him into the playoffs.

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Nov 7, 2009 1:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Having Michael Turner joining him

his rookie year sort of helped, you think?

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 7, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, just a little….

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Nov 8, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan plays in a cake division

And on top of that let’s face it… the NFC aint the AFC.

by WhoDeyDerek on Nov 10, 2009 10:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

let’s not sell jamarcus russell short. he wouldn’t do well anywhere.

i'm going to go america all over your ass!

by Raging Clue on Nov 6, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Playoff wins don't really matter

Unless you make it far enough to go to the Super Bowl. And yes, I would be saying the same thing if Carson had more playoff wins. Trent Dilfer has more playoff wins than Flacco (and more super bowl wins.) Does that make him a better QB?

by WhoDeyDerek on Nov 6, 2009 12:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Right now, yes

Dilfer right now is maybe the best QB to come through Baltimore for what he did. I don’t care how good your defense is, when a QUARTERBACK wins a superbowl, he is doing something quite spectacular to get that ring for his team. I am sure other Ravens fans will tell you otherwise at the moment, but Dilfer has gotten it done, Flacco hasnt. But he is only in his 2nd year.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 6, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree with you. I’ve always argued that Super Bowls make great players, but very few people would ever argue that Dilfer was a great QB. He was just good enough.

This is our year!

by Carsonorbust on Nov 7, 2009 1:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dilfer was a liitle piece

of the puzzle. One that was counted on NOT to screw up, rather than help the team win. Run, play great defense and don’t make mistakes when you pass the ball. Doesn’t make a good QB at all. Most QB’s in the NFL could have won that year with the Ravens.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Nov 7, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Nov 8, 2009 10:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

His balls will never be behind Joes!!!!!!!

by WHYUS!! on Nov 6, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Who's the better QB know, bitch

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Nov 8, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

now

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Nov 8, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think its pretty lame that you can't answer my question, obviously you are not as big of a Ravens fan as you think

by AlexanderTheGreat on Nov 5, 2009 10:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if you dont don't know that about your quarterback

by AlexanderTheGreat on Nov 5, 2009 10:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The fact that you have penis on your mind is frightening.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Nov 6, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

all you talk about is gay crap

keep that mess off the Jungle, this aint your site

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Nov 7, 2009 3:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He started it, not MaLoR, Just saying.....

R.I.P. Tony Fein
May God watch over you wherever you are now and may you be in a better place. We will never forget you!

by Baltimore Warrior on Nov 8, 2009 10:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

whats with these folks and the gay crap?

makes me wonder about those folks

CB85......Collaros for Heisman

by TennBengalfan on Nov 7, 2009 3:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fellow Ravens fans come to Cincinnati Sunday

I need some help this Sunday In Cincy cheering on our RAVENS. I hope that we have many fans coming into town like we did last year. Bengals having trouble selling out PBS again, I say lets help them out and cheer on our RAVENS in Cincinnati. Bengals yet again need extension to try and sell 3,000 tickets to get a sell out. Ravens fans should buy them all. I’ll be there Sunday right over Ravens Tunnel.

by CincinnatiRavensfan on Nov 5, 2009 2:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This guy is going to single-handedly sell out the game for us

The Bengals need to hire him in the PR dept

by WhoDeyDerek on Nov 5, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We have a bus of 52 coming up Satruday evening. Where are you tailgating CincyRaven? We are sitting corner end zone opposite tunnel side.

by raven on Nov 6, 2009 2:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know yet. What section are you guys going to be in? I do not believe it is a sellout, so bring more with you. Hope to see you guys there. Where are you guys playing on tailgating at? I know I saw many Ravens fans over in parking lot on third street.

by CincinnatiRavensfan on Nov 6, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs