That said, I've never live-blogged a football game before and I'd like to get some experience in that regard. This also goes along pretty well with my expansive team previews (which have been progressing, albeit slowly), and I've made no bones about my burning desire to see any sort of football-related action. With that being said, let's get down to it.
Pregame
-Stephen Neal, Matt Light, Mike Wright, and Jarvis Green have all been announced as inactive for this game, and Mike Dowling on the side-lines astutely points out that Tom Brady and Randy Moss are nowhere to be seen.
-I've been steadfast in my efforts to avoid discussing the ongoing Brett Favre drama, but now that he's playing for the Jets, I have only one reaction: great. A 39-year old quarterback behind a less than stellar offensive line, playing in a new offense after a decade-and-a-half in a West Coast scheme, in a tough division in the tougher conference. I'll just say this, Chad Pennington would have a better year starting for the Packers than Brett Farve will starting for the Jets. I have nothing but love for Pennington, and I hope he lands in a good place, like Chicago or Kansas City.
-Channel 5 needs to wake up their guys in the production van. They just cut back from an ad, cold, to the National Anthem. I wouldn't have a problem with that, except for the fact that they came back with maybe 30 seconds left in the song. I feel pretty strongly that if you're going to show The Star-Spangled Banner (which you should), you're obligated to show the whole thing. I may be a commie pinko, national health care supporting, alternative energy seeking liberal, but that doesn't mean I don't love America (actually, I think it means I love America more than your average McCain supporter).
-Don Criqui and Randy Cross have the call. I can't recall anything about Criqui, but I remember having a favorable opinion of Cross.
-Overall, I think the Ravens are a good match-up for the purposes of pre-season play. Defense is their strength, and offense is ours. That allows us to get a good strength vs. strength test, as opposed to running roughshod over a porous unit like Detroit or St. Louis. Their offense is pretty non-threatening for now, with Troy Smith at the helm and Willis McGahee unlikely to see much time. I hope Joe Flacco plays; the guy is a physical monstrosity for a Quarterback and he performed impeccably at the D I-AA level.
First Quarter
- Stephen Gostowski boots the opening kickoff VERY deep. It's placed about 5 yards deep into the endzone, and approximately over the near hashmark. That's almost exactly how you want to do it when it counts; it gives them longer to run, and forces the returner into either coming straight up the narrow side of the field, or being funnelled to "open" side where you can more easily box him in.
-Kyle Boller completes a 21-yard strike to Derrick Mason, Fernando Bryant in coverage. It appeared that Bryant got caught on a stop-and-go, or just overran the coverage.
-Ray Rice, the rookie out of Rutgers, gets tripped up in the backfield by Richard Seymour. It's nice to see Big Dick getting that kind of burst after a few injury filled years.
-Another strike to Mason on the left side where Bryant appeared to be far upfield. I know the Patriots rarely use press coverage, and that their corners are infamous for leaving recievers a large cushion, but for a long time I assumed it was the individual corners, but I'm
-The infusion of youth for the Patriots defense is certainly showing. They're swarming around out there, particularly, Jerod Mayo. On back-to-back plays, he cleaned up after Tedy Bruschi whiffed on a tackle, and then closed nicely on a running-back to help snuff out a swing pass.
-Matt Stover boots a 42-yard field goal.
Raven Score, 3-0 Baltimore
-Mike Dowling was right, Brady and Moss are taking this one off. Cassel is in at QB, and hands off for little gain on the first play.
-Chad Jackson is taking advantage of the opportunity for some game action, and while this probably isn't a Wally Pip story, he shows some nice burst off the line, getting step on the Ravens corner. Unfortunately, Matt Cassel is Matt Cassel, and he overthrows his man.
-Cassel targets Chad Jackson on a naked receiver screen, and Jacko gets blown up by a huge Baltimore linebacker.
-On the punt, special teamer Sam Aiken goes down after longsnapper Lonnie Paxton gets tossed on his leg. I know that kind of injury, and that can be dangerous territory.
-Ravens ball, and Tedy Bruschi knocks the ball loose on a tight-end after a short completion. He may be old, but he's still an asset in pass coverage.
-The Ravens are making a strong showing on offense. Boller looks really good, throwing hard, catchable balls into small openings.
-Jerod Mayo makes a nice tackle in traffic. The Ravens handed it off over guard, and Mayo fought through the scrum to bring the rusher down. That sort of play is going to be key for Mayo, since he's a little small at 6'1" 242 lbs. He needs to be able to take on interior linemen if he's going to play in the 3-4.
-The Pats defensive front gets an incredible push up front, sacking, with Adalius Thomas sacking Kyle Boller after fighting off a tough block. Ty Warren picks up the fumble and the Patritos grab their first turnover.
-After a Laurence Morney run to the left, Matt Cassel must feel terrible for the poor Ravens, so he throws the ball behind Chad Jackson and gets picked off by Fabian Washington. The cameras show Jackson and Cassel gesturing and shouting while walking back to the side-line. I know Cassel sucks, but the one knock on Jackson has been his slowness in learning the playbook. It looked like it could have been a route that was supposed to have been broken off, but it could really be either one's fault.
-Lewis Sanders lays down some jaw-dropping coverage on a longball. Boller did well to throw it to the receiver's side, but Sanders was literally right on him. He was all up on that like a creepy 40 year old dude on high school cheerleader at a sketchy club.
-Brandon Meriweather is all over the field. Even when he's not directly involved in a tackle, he's always right there, lurking.
-Jerod Mayo lays the leather against Ray Rice, taking him to the turf and sending his helmet flying. I know Belichick has notorious stayed away from young linebackers, but he must be so happy to have his havehand forced with Mayo.
-Maroney dances behind the line, and gets brought down for a loss of 2. I know the Ravens have a stellar defense, but I still think he needs to make quicker decisions.
-Well, it looks like he's listening. He dances for a split second as the defense closes in on a screen pass, but then he ducks behind his initial blockers and takes off, darting 12 yards to the first down marker.
-He takes another handoff for a short gain to end the first quarter.
-Maroney looks a lot thicker in the core this year, which is a good thing. With the additional bulk, he'll be able to better stave off injury.
Second Quarter
-Cassel avoids the pressure to sling a short pass that Ray Ventrone tries to corral, but it gets broken up when Vetrone gets leveled "Bubba," as he is called, is one of my favorite stories on this team. Undrafted out of Villanova, he's spent time on the Patriots and Jets practice squad at safety, but is now working at wide receiver as well. He's alright as a back-up safety, and if he can prove versatile enough to play at receiver as well, he stands a chance to make this roster.
-There's a long review on the play, as there seems to be some question about whether Ventrone had possesion, which could turn the play into a fumble and a Ravens recovery.
-The officials decide it was an incomplete, and it's 1st-and-20 after a 10 yard holding penalty.
-Maroney gets stuffed on a draw play. I'm not a fan of draws. They're a type of running play where everything looks like a pass play, from the QB to the blocking scheme, except after a short delay the ball is handed off to a lurking running back. The goal is to create the seams that develop in the defense when you try to get a good pass rush. I just feel like it doesn't make sense to run the ball into the teeth of a defense with all those guys pinning their ears back.
-Cassel rolls out on third down, but slips and falls on the slippery field, which gets him booed mercilessly, and forces the Patriots to punt.
-Yamon Figurs does his best Devin Hester impersonation and manages to evade what seems like 25 would be Patriots tacklers, and takes the punt down to the Patriots 2-yard line. Undrafted rookie Gary Guyton does a good job running Figurs down from behind and pushing him out as he dove for the pylon.
-Baltimore drives it in on a Ray Rice dive two plays later.
-Chad Jackson is taking advantage of the opportunity for some game action, and while this probably isn't a Wally Pip story, he shows some nice burst off the line, getting step on the Ravens corner. Unfortunately, Matt Cassel is Matt Cassel, and he overthrows his man.
-Cassel targets Chad Jackson on a naked receiver screen, and Jacko gets blown up by a huge Baltimore linebacker.
-On the punt, special teamer Sam Aiken goes down after longsnapper Lonnie Paxton gets tossed on his leg. I know that kind of injury, and that can be dangerous territory.
-Ravens ball, and Tedy Bruschi knocks the ball loose on a tight-end after a short completion. He may be old, but he's still an asset in pass coverage.
-The Ravens are making a strong showing on offense. Boller looks really good, throwing hard, catchable balls into small openings.
-Jerod Mayo makes a nice tackle in traffic. The Ravens handed it off over guard, and Mayo fought through the scrum to bring the rusher down. That sort of play is going to be key for Mayo, since he's a little small at 6'1" 242 lbs. He needs to be able to take on interior linemen if he's going to play in the 3-4.
-The Pats defensive front gets an incredible push up front, sacking, with Adalius Thomas sacking Kyle Boller after fighting off a tough block. Ty Warren picks up the fumble and the Patritos grab their first turnover.
-After a Laurence Morney run to the left, Matt Cassel must feel terrible for the poor Ravens, so he throws the ball behind Chad Jackson and gets picked off by Fabian Washington. The cameras show Jackson and Cassel gesturing and shouting while walking back to the side-line. I know Cassel sucks, but the one knock on Jackson has been his slowness in learning the playbook. It looked like it could have been a route that was supposed to have been broken off, but it could really be either one's fault.
-Lewis Sanders lays down some jaw-dropping coverage on a longball. Boller did well to throw it to the receiver's side, but Sanders was literally right on him. He was all up on that like a creepy 40 year old dude on high school cheerleader at a sketchy club.
-Brandon Meriweather is all over the field. Even when he's not directly involved in a tackle, he's always right there, lurking.
-Jerod Mayo lays the leather against Ray Rice, taking him to the turf and sending his helmet flying. I know Belichick has notorious stayed away from young linebackers, but he must be so happy to have his havehand forced with Mayo.
-Maroney dances behind the line, and gets brought down for a loss of 2. I know the Ravens have a stellar defense, but I still think he needs to make quicker decisions.
-Well, it looks like he's listening. He dances for a split second as the defense closes in on a screen pass, but then he ducks behind his initial blockers and takes off, darting 12 yards to the first down marker.
-He takes another handoff for a short gain to end the first quarter.
-Maroney looks a lot thicker in the core this year, which is a good thing. With the additional bulk, he'll be able to better stave off injury.
Second Quarter
-Cassel avoids the pressure to sling a short pass that Ray Ventrone tries to corral, but it gets broken up when Vetrone gets leveled "Bubba," as he is called, is one of my favorite stories on this team. Undrafted out of Villanova, he's spent time on the Patriots and Jets practice squad at safety, but is now working at wide receiver as well. He's alright as a back-up safety, and if he can prove versatile enough to play at receiver as well, he stands a chance to make this roster.
-There's a long review on the play, as there seems to be some question about whether Ventrone had possesion, which could turn the play into a fumble and a Ravens recovery.
-The officials decide it was an incomplete, and it's 1st-and-20 after a 10 yard holding penalty.
-Maroney gets stuffed on a draw play. I'm not a fan of draws. They're a type of running play where everything looks like a pass play, from the QB to the blocking scheme, except after a short delay the ball is handed off to a lurking running back. The goal is to create the seams that develop in the defense when you try to get a good pass rush. I just feel like it doesn't make sense to run the ball into the teeth of a defense with all those guys pinning their ears back.
-Cassel rolls out on third down, but slips and falls on the slippery field, which gets him booed mercilessly, and forces the Patriots to punt.
-Yamon Figurs does his best Devin Hester impersonation and manages to evade what seems like 25 would be Patriots tacklers, and takes the punt down to the Patriots 2-yard line. Undrafted rookie Gary Guyton does a good job running Figurs down from behind and pushing him out as he dove for the pylon.
-Baltimore drives it in on a Ray Rice dive two plays later.
Ravens Score, 10-0 Baltimore
-Matthew Slater gets his first chance to return a kickoff, and takes it out a little past the 20. I know it's a small sample size, but he's really going to need to have a strong showing in these preseason games if he wants to stick.
-Matt Gutierrez drops back, and drops and drops and drops as a Ravens defender just shreds the line and gets right in Goots' face. Luckily, he gets the ball away but there's an ineligible receiver penalty.
-LaMont Jordan takes 2 consecutive handoffs, one up the middle for a no gain, and another to the edge for a few. Despite the short yardage, I like what I see out of Jordan. He's built like a fire-hydrant in the best way possible, and he runs with impressive power.
-A strong Ravens rush again puts Goots on the run, but he just keeps running and finds the space underneath to escape for almost 7 yards, making it 4th-and-short.
-Jordan hits the line like a hammer, breaking through and unfurling to pick up the yardage necessary.
-Gutierrez finally gets some protection, and completes a nice pass to TE Stephen Spach the flats.
-Man, Cassel must be shaking in his cleats on the sideline as Goots completes a beautiful linedrive over the middle to Jabar Gaffney. Gaffney did have to jump for it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; there was a lot of traffic in the middle, and if it's high that means the defense has a much smaller chance of getting it.
-I don't know if the Ravens left their starters in against the New England 2nd team, but they've sacked Gutierrez on two consecutive plays, and he's had absolutely no chance.
-The Patriots punt the ball away, but they get it right back as rookie linebacker Shawn Crable intercepts the ball on the Ravens first play of the series. A lot has been said about Crables unique body, and it borders on creepy to discuss a grown man's body in that way, but MAN are his legs long. He's a big dude, but he's not your typical stout linebacker with short legs and a long torso, but it doesn't appear as if he's missing any of the necessary power.
-The Patriots are doing their best to avoid the pressure that Baltimore generated on the last series by using short passes and running plays, but as soon as they go back into a deep drop, Goots gets leveled again by the interior rush.
-AGAIN, the Patriots must be listening, because they choose the perfect time to run a draw. With all the pressure on the inside, they run a draw with Kevin Faulk who bounces it to the outside for 10 yards.
-After a no-gain by LaMont Jordan and another Gutierrez incomplete, the Pats face a 3rd-and-10. They try to go to Chad Jackson on a quick screen, but he gets wrapped up right away and can't get free.
-Stephen Gostowski comes on for his first field goal attempt of the season, and makes it from about 40 yards out.
-Matthew Slater gets his first chance to return a kickoff, and takes it out a little past the 20. I know it's a small sample size, but he's really going to need to have a strong showing in these preseason games if he wants to stick.
-Matt Gutierrez drops back, and drops and drops and drops as a Ravens defender just shreds the line and gets right in Goots' face. Luckily, he gets the ball away but there's an ineligible receiver penalty.
-LaMont Jordan takes 2 consecutive handoffs, one up the middle for a no gain, and another to the edge for a few. Despite the short yardage, I like what I see out of Jordan. He's built like a fire-hydrant in the best way possible, and he runs with impressive power.
-A strong Ravens rush again puts Goots on the run, but he just keeps running and finds the space underneath to escape for almost 7 yards, making it 4th-and-short.
-Jordan hits the line like a hammer, breaking through and unfurling to pick up the yardage necessary.
-Gutierrez finally gets some protection, and completes a nice pass to TE Stephen Spach the flats.
-Man, Cassel must be shaking in his cleats on the sideline as Goots completes a beautiful linedrive over the middle to Jabar Gaffney. Gaffney did have to jump for it, but that's not necessarily a bad thing; there was a lot of traffic in the middle, and if it's high that means the defense has a much smaller chance of getting it.
-I don't know if the Ravens left their starters in against the New England 2nd team, but they've sacked Gutierrez on two consecutive plays, and he's had absolutely no chance.
-The Patriots punt the ball away, but they get it right back as rookie linebacker Shawn Crable intercepts the ball on the Ravens first play of the series. A lot has been said about Crables unique body, and it borders on creepy to discuss a grown man's body in that way, but MAN are his legs long. He's a big dude, but he's not your typical stout linebacker with short legs and a long torso, but it doesn't appear as if he's missing any of the necessary power.
-The Patriots are doing their best to avoid the pressure that Baltimore generated on the last series by using short passes and running plays, but as soon as they go back into a deep drop, Goots gets leveled again by the interior rush.
-AGAIN, the Patriots must be listening, because they choose the perfect time to run a draw. With all the pressure on the inside, they run a draw with Kevin Faulk who bounces it to the outside for 10 yards.
-After a no-gain by LaMont Jordan and another Gutierrez incomplete, the Pats face a 3rd-and-10. They try to go to Chad Jackson on a quick screen, but he gets wrapped up right away and can't get free.
-Stephen Gostowski comes on for his first field goal attempt of the season, and makes it from about 40 yards out.
Patriots score, 10-3 Baltimore, 3:21 remaining in the second
-Yamon Figurs takes the ball out to the 45 before safety Mark Dillard and Gostowski combine to make the stop. He's not bad, for a kicker: athletic and never afraid to stick his nose into the action.
-This is a nice test for the Patriots defense. Three minutes left in the half, ball on the Ravens 40 after an illegal formation penalty. It'll let them work in "have to get the ball back and score" mindset and see how everyone reacts. Hopefully, the rookies can take the pressure and the veterans can demonstrate the appropriate leadership.
-Wel, screw that. Rookie corner Terrence Wheatley gives Darnerien McCants a rediculous cushion and he makes a 31 yard reception. Antwan Spann had a chance to REALLY blow up the receiver, but he whiffed on the tackle.
-Terrence Wheatley bounces back and does a good job to sack Ravens quarterback Troy Smith on a rollout.
-Smith goes deep to McCants again, but he's blanketed in some very nice over-under double coverage. McCants makes a nice play to just get his hands on it, but he runs out of bounds before he can get the ball under control.
-Matt Stover comes on for the Ravens and puts one through the uprights for his 2nd field goal of the game.
-This is a nice test for the Patriots defense. Three minutes left in the half, ball on the Ravens 40 after an illegal formation penalty. It'll let them work in "have to get the ball back and score" mindset and see how everyone reacts. Hopefully, the rookies can take the pressure and the veterans can demonstrate the appropriate leadership.
-Wel, screw that. Rookie corner Terrence Wheatley gives Darnerien McCants a rediculous cushion and he makes a 31 yard reception. Antwan Spann had a chance to REALLY blow up the receiver, but he whiffed on the tackle.
-Terrence Wheatley bounces back and does a good job to sack Ravens quarterback Troy Smith on a rollout.
-Smith goes deep to McCants again, but he's blanketed in some very nice over-under double coverage. McCants makes a nice play to just get his hands on it, but he runs out of bounds before he can get the ball under control.
-Matt Stover comes on for the Ravens and puts one through the uprights for his 2nd field goal of the game.
Ravens score, 13-3 Baltimore, 1:20 remaining
-Matthew Slater really took my advice to heart, and comes up with a nice return to put the ball on the 35.
-Gutierrez is in and running the 2 minute drill. He's doing alright, but the Patriots receivers are having issues getting out of bounds to stop the clock.
-It looked like Gutierrez waited too long to get rid of the ball, but as the Ravens rushers bore down on him he took off and managed to get a nice pass out to Heath Evans in the flats to pick up the first down.
-With 12 seconds left from the Ravens 22, Gutierrez sends a floater to the left side that gets picked off. Goots had been playing alright up to now, but that was just a terrible play. He needed to be throwing into the endzone with such short time, and the intended receiver had to run back 10 yards just to be somewhat close to that pass.
-On a lighter note, Ravens corner Corey Ivy grabs fellow DB Fabian Washington, who made the pick, and carries him off the field on his shoulders, a la Brett Favre and Greg Jennings when Jennings caught Favre's recordbreaking touchdown pass.
-The Ravens take a knee and run out the clock.
-Gutierrez is in and running the 2 minute drill. He's doing alright, but the Patriots receivers are having issues getting out of bounds to stop the clock.
-It looked like Gutierrez waited too long to get rid of the ball, but as the Ravens rushers bore down on him he took off and managed to get a nice pass out to Heath Evans in the flats to pick up the first down.
-With 12 seconds left from the Ravens 22, Gutierrez sends a floater to the left side that gets picked off. Goots had been playing alright up to now, but that was just a terrible play. He needed to be throwing into the endzone with such short time, and the intended receiver had to run back 10 yards just to be somewhat close to that pass.
-On a lighter note, Ravens corner Corey Ivy grabs fellow DB Fabian Washington, who made the pick, and carries him off the field on his shoulders, a la Brett Favre and Greg Jennings when Jennings caught Favre's recordbreaking touchdown pass.
-The Ravens take a knee and run out the clock.
Halftime
-The Patriots defense is having a nice showing, other than some ugly gaffes in the secondary. They've been throwing themselves around out there. The young guns look really good, and the veterans have been their steady selves.
-The offense, meanwhile, has been less then spectacular. The line is the main culprit here, as they've pretty much let the Baltimore front 7 have their way with them. The running backs have been alright when they've been given the chance, and the wide receivers and tight ends have been pretty good.
-Halftime snack: A big bowl of store-brand frosted shredded wheat. Talk about an underrated cereal. Tasty, filling, and nutritious.
Third Quarter
-Slater takes the kickoff to begin the 2nd half for the Patriots, and makes it to the 30, showing a very nice burst.
-I want to like Gutierrez, but he flubs the snap and the Ravens grab the fumble, and then capitalize by completing a 15 yard pass on the very next play.
-Brandon Meriweather emphatically states his manliness. Troy Smith fought through the rush and managed to dump the ball off to his running back, but Meriweather wraps the receiver up instantly, stopping him in his path and driving him 8 yards backwards.
-Back-up kicker Piotr Czech comes and and puts up another field goal.
-The Patriots defense is having a nice showing, other than some ugly gaffes in the secondary. They've been throwing themselves around out there. The young guns look really good, and the veterans have been their steady selves.
-The offense, meanwhile, has been less then spectacular. The line is the main culprit here, as they've pretty much let the Baltimore front 7 have their way with them. The running backs have been alright when they've been given the chance, and the wide receivers and tight ends have been pretty good.
-Halftime snack: A big bowl of store-brand frosted shredded wheat. Talk about an underrated cereal. Tasty, filling, and nutritious.
Third Quarter
-Slater takes the kickoff to begin the 2nd half for the Patriots, and makes it to the 30, showing a very nice burst.
-I want to like Gutierrez, but he flubs the snap and the Ravens grab the fumble, and then capitalize by completing a 15 yard pass on the very next play.
-Brandon Meriweather emphatically states his manliness. Troy Smith fought through the rush and managed to dump the ball off to his running back, but Meriweather wraps the receiver up instantly, stopping him in his path and driving him 8 yards backwards.
-Back-up kicker Piotr Czech comes and and puts up another field goal.
Ravens score, 16-3 Baltimore, 12:12 remaining in the 3rd
-C.J. Jones has a decent return to set the Pats up at their 30.
-Goots rolls out and completes a 9 yarder to rookie TE Jonathan Stupar, and then Jordan takes it over the middle for the first down.
-Mathew Slater makes his second reception, and he's looked pretty good on the offensive side of the ball. In addition to his return duties, he's capable of playing safety and receiver as well. They haven't had him running any sort of longer routes, but he's had good hands.
-LaMont Jordan continues to have a strong showing, slashing through the perimeter for a 10ish yard gain.
-After a 1 yard push up the middle from Heath Evans, they give ball to Jordan on a sweep, and I think we've found the limits of LaMont's game. We all remember the waning days of the Corey Dillon era, when he would take off and try to turn the corner, only to find he couldn't get a step on the defenders. Jordan just isn't built for those runs to the sideline; I'd leave those to Maroney and Faulk.
-BenJarvus Green-Ellis comes on and shows how explosive he can be. He didn't gain much more than 3 or 4 yards, but he leveled the tackler and bounced right back up.
-Goots drops back to pass for the first time in seemingly forever, and is predictably brought down. Green-Ellis did a decent job to force the perimeter rusher to the outside, but the inside pressure is just too much.
-Jordan hits the hole with authority and pushes the rock for an 8 yard gain. I'm almost lamenting the Patriots strong passing game. With Maroney, Faulk, and Jordan, this could be a potent running team. My personal pet-project this year is BenJarvus Green-Ellis. I like the way he runs and he's young, with lots of room to bulk up.
-Gostowski hits on a 44 yard field goal, barely. The ball just curves around the left upright.
-Goots rolls out and completes a 9 yarder to rookie TE Jonathan Stupar, and then Jordan takes it over the middle for the first down.
-Mathew Slater makes his second reception, and he's looked pretty good on the offensive side of the ball. In addition to his return duties, he's capable of playing safety and receiver as well. They haven't had him running any sort of longer routes, but he's had good hands.
-LaMont Jordan continues to have a strong showing, slashing through the perimeter for a 10ish yard gain.
-After a 1 yard push up the middle from Heath Evans, they give ball to Jordan on a sweep, and I think we've found the limits of LaMont's game. We all remember the waning days of the Corey Dillon era, when he would take off and try to turn the corner, only to find he couldn't get a step on the defenders. Jordan just isn't built for those runs to the sideline; I'd leave those to Maroney and Faulk.
-BenJarvus Green-Ellis comes on and shows how explosive he can be. He didn't gain much more than 3 or 4 yards, but he leveled the tackler and bounced right back up.
-Goots drops back to pass for the first time in seemingly forever, and is predictably brought down. Green-Ellis did a decent job to force the perimeter rusher to the outside, but the inside pressure is just too much.
-Jordan hits the hole with authority and pushes the rock for an 8 yard gain. I'm almost lamenting the Patriots strong passing game. With Maroney, Faulk, and Jordan, this could be a potent running team. My personal pet-project this year is BenJarvus Green-Ellis. I like the way he runs and he's young, with lots of room to bulk up.
-Gostowski hits on a 44 yard field goal, barely. The ball just curves around the left upright.
Patriots score, 16-6 Baltimore, 5:46 remaining in the 3rd
-The Patriots are starting to feed the Ravens some of their own medicine. After a long lay-off, the defense is really getting after Baltimore QB Troy Smith. Smith manages to complete a 9 yard pass on 3rd-and-10, but the Ravens punt anyway.
-I haven't been able to see the game for the past few minutes, as they've been too busy interviewing the owner of Samuel Adams, who's running some sort of contest, to show the actual game. The guy actually hands the sideline reporter hops straight from Bavaria, where he apparently was this morning. Isn't there some sort of law against bringing foreign plants into this country?
-I don't know how long he's been playing, but rookie Kevin O'Connell is in at Quarterback for the Patriots. This is what I've been waiting for, as everyone who's seen this kid play have come away excited.
-O'Connell displays his athleticism on consecutive plays, running the ball for 8 and then 14 yards. In particular, the second run was impressive as he found the empty space right away and took off, and did his best to stay inbounds as long as possible, but darted out right before he was going to take a monster hit.
-A few plays later, O'Connell shows he's not just a pair of hot legs, as he completes a nice timing pass to WR Chris Dunlap on the outside.
Fourth Quarter
-O'Connell continues to execute well, as he lays down a nice play-action fake and then slings the ball out on a nice delayed screen.
-Gostowski is having a busy day, as he kicks his 3rd field goal.
-I haven't been able to see the game for the past few minutes, as they've been too busy interviewing the owner of Samuel Adams, who's running some sort of contest, to show the actual game. The guy actually hands the sideline reporter hops straight from Bavaria, where he apparently was this morning. Isn't there some sort of law against bringing foreign plants into this country?
-I don't know how long he's been playing, but rookie Kevin O'Connell is in at Quarterback for the Patriots. This is what I've been waiting for, as everyone who's seen this kid play have come away excited.
-O'Connell displays his athleticism on consecutive plays, running the ball for 8 and then 14 yards. In particular, the second run was impressive as he found the empty space right away and took off, and did his best to stay inbounds as long as possible, but darted out right before he was going to take a monster hit.
-A few plays later, O'Connell shows he's not just a pair of hot legs, as he completes a nice timing pass to WR Chris Dunlap on the outside.
Fourth Quarter
-O'Connell continues to execute well, as he lays down a nice play-action fake and then slings the ball out on a nice delayed screen.
-Gostowski is having a busy day, as he kicks his 3rd field goal.
Patriots score, 16-9 Baltimore, 13:40 remaining in the 4th
-The young linebackers for the Patriots continue to have a good game, as Eric Alexander almost picks off Troy Smith, and Pierre Woods gets up to stuff Smiths next pass attempt.
-Smith takes off for the first down marker, but Gary Guyton and backup DT Kenny Smith track him down and stop him about a yard short.
-After a terrific Ravens punt from Billy Koch (heh, Koch),O'Connell is passing out of his own endzone. He makes back to back nice throws to Mathew Slater and Ray Ventrone, but they're both incomplete. I guess that's what you get when you're passing to converted safeties.
-Hmm, hold on. Ventrone made his catch running fullbore towards the sideline, and there's a chance he might have had control before he went out of bounds. Belichick throws the red challenge flag, and we'll see how it turns out. I may have to retract part of my smart remark.
-CBS' slow motion replay seems to show Ventrone making the catch... and the officials agree. I take it all back, nice job Bubba.
-On a crucial 3rd-and-15, O'Connell is forced to run for his life and throw the ball away. Even in garbage time, the Ravens are still generating a fearsome pass rush.
-Joe Flacco is finally in the game for Baltimore, and gets a rude welcome. Linebacker Pierre Woods fights off the blocker and strips the ball away from the Ravens rookie and falls on it
-O'Connell garners himself some raucous cheers by completing a nice pass to C.J. Jones, who spins away for some extra yardage down the sideline.
-LaMont Jordan is the hammer, and the Ravens are the nail. The Patriots hand the ball off to Jordan 3 times in a row, and he drives them from outside to 10 into the endzone. Then, unexpectedly, the Patriots go for the 2 point conversion. O'Connell tries for the quick out, with Ventrone wide open in the flat, but a Ravens defender gets right in his face and knocks the ball down
-Smith takes off for the first down marker, but Gary Guyton and backup DT Kenny Smith track him down and stop him about a yard short.
-After a terrific Ravens punt from Billy Koch (heh, Koch),O'Connell is passing out of his own endzone. He makes back to back nice throws to Mathew Slater and Ray Ventrone, but they're both incomplete. I guess that's what you get when you're passing to converted safeties.
-Hmm, hold on. Ventrone made his catch running fullbore towards the sideline, and there's a chance he might have had control before he went out of bounds. Belichick throws the red challenge flag, and we'll see how it turns out. I may have to retract part of my smart remark.
-CBS' slow motion replay seems to show Ventrone making the catch... and the officials agree. I take it all back, nice job Bubba.
-On a crucial 3rd-and-15, O'Connell is forced to run for his life and throw the ball away. Even in garbage time, the Ravens are still generating a fearsome pass rush.
-Joe Flacco is finally in the game for Baltimore, and gets a rude welcome. Linebacker Pierre Woods fights off the blocker and strips the ball away from the Ravens rookie and falls on it
-O'Connell garners himself some raucous cheers by completing a nice pass to C.J. Jones, who spins away for some extra yardage down the sideline.
-LaMont Jordan is the hammer, and the Ravens are the nail. The Patriots hand the ball off to Jordan 3 times in a row, and he drives them from outside to 10 into the endzone. Then, unexpectedly, the Patriots go for the 2 point conversion. O'Connell tries for the quick out, with Ventrone wide open in the flat, but a Ravens defender gets right in his face and knocks the ball down
Patriots score, 16-15 Baltimore, 6:02 remaining in the 4th
-Flacco hands the ball off on the first play, and Crable gets into the backfield to hold the running back to no gain.
-And Crable does it again, this time sacking Flacco to set up the Ravens punt.
-Wow, C.J. Jones probably just earned himself his walking papers. Belichick HATES stupid mistakes, and Jones just made a really, really stupid mistake. He was lined up to return the punt, but the ball bounced off him and to a Baltimore player, setting the Ravens up inside the Patriots 20.
-The Patriots face a crucial 4th-and-1, and do they ever step up. Rookie LB Vince Redd comes off the edge and stuffs Flacco's pass, forcing a turnover on downs. New England now has 2:45 to travel almost 90 yards.
-O'Connell is forced to throw the first pass away, on the second the Ravens have excellent downfield coverage and he's forced to run the ball back to the line of scrimmage, and then on the third he's sack at the 1 yard line, barely avoiding the safety.
-Facing 4th-and-18, Belichick has the Patriots go for it. O'Connell dances around and buys time, before slinging a long pass to C.J. Jones. For a split second, I thought he was going to catch it and give birth to the legend of Kevin O'Connell, but Jones muffs the ball. I feel bad for the guy, because the odds were stacked against him making the roster anyway, but at this point I'd say there's almost no way C.J. Jones makes the roster.
-Now, all the Ravens have to do is kneel down on the ball to take the win, which they do.
Postgame thoughts
-The pressing concern is obviously the offensive line. They allowed 6 sacks on the day, and just as often allowed the QB to be hurried.
-The running backs looked good, with LaMont Jordan getting a real chance to showcase his pounding style.
-The receivers were decent, although C.J. Jones had some serious blunders. Mathew Slater and Ray Ventrone looked pretty raw, but they both showed some real promise.
-The rookie linebackers were really the stars of the show. Mayo and Crable both played solid ball, plus Guyton and Redd came up with some big plays. Although not rookies, Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander flashed some ability.
-For a first preseaon game, not bad at all.
-Sox
-And Crable does it again, this time sacking Flacco to set up the Ravens punt.
-Wow, C.J. Jones probably just earned himself his walking papers. Belichick HATES stupid mistakes, and Jones just made a really, really stupid mistake. He was lined up to return the punt, but the ball bounced off him and to a Baltimore player, setting the Ravens up inside the Patriots 20.
-The Patriots face a crucial 4th-and-1, and do they ever step up. Rookie LB Vince Redd comes off the edge and stuffs Flacco's pass, forcing a turnover on downs. New England now has 2:45 to travel almost 90 yards.
-O'Connell is forced to throw the first pass away, on the second the Ravens have excellent downfield coverage and he's forced to run the ball back to the line of scrimmage, and then on the third he's sack at the 1 yard line, barely avoiding the safety.
-Facing 4th-and-18, Belichick has the Patriots go for it. O'Connell dances around and buys time, before slinging a long pass to C.J. Jones. For a split second, I thought he was going to catch it and give birth to the legend of Kevin O'Connell, but Jones muffs the ball. I feel bad for the guy, because the odds were stacked against him making the roster anyway, but at this point I'd say there's almost no way C.J. Jones makes the roster.
-Now, all the Ravens have to do is kneel down on the ball to take the win, which they do.
Postgame thoughts
-The pressing concern is obviously the offensive line. They allowed 6 sacks on the day, and just as often allowed the QB to be hurried.
-The running backs looked good, with LaMont Jordan getting a real chance to showcase his pounding style.
-The receivers were decent, although C.J. Jones had some serious blunders. Mathew Slater and Ray Ventrone looked pretty raw, but they both showed some real promise.
-The rookie linebackers were really the stars of the show. Mayo and Crable both played solid ball, plus Guyton and Redd came up with some big plays. Although not rookies, Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander flashed some ability.
-For a first preseaon game, not bad at all.
-Sox
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