Your "Honest Gut Take" against the Ravens

[Chiefshrink]

Try to be as 'objective' and 'non-homerish' as possible.

[InChiefsHeaven]

Originally Posted by bobbything

I don't see this being a Raven's blowout. If a blowout is forthcoming, I could see the Chiefs winning by a healthy margin. The Ravens don't exactly light up the scoreboard. They have a good, solid running back, a good solid QB, and a bunch of #2 wide receivers who all bitch about not getting the ball enough.

However, realistically, I think we're going to come out throwing the ball all over the place, with lots of play action. Simply because the Ravens are expecting us to run the ball. This might just be the perfect time for the pass to set up the run.

I'm sometimes a conspiracy theorist, but I really think that last week, parts of the terrible play looked intentional. Not that we weren't trying to win, rather, I don't see how a team can lead the league in rushing, and block that poorly, at home. It's simply not possible. There were times when it looked as if the offensive line pulled a Finch from "Wildcats" and simply stepped aside.

I want, really want, to believe that the coaching staff is trying to out-think the Ravens coaching staff. And because I'm a blind homer, that's what I'm gonna believe.

We come out using play action against their weak(er) secondary, get a 10 point lead, Charles carries us the rest of the way, while the Ravens play from behind.

Chiefs 20
Ravens 13

I'm daring to dream. And when I'm wrong, I'm probably going to break a cell phone or something during the game.

Hmmm...do you think Cassel was on board with "the plan"?

[bobbything]

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Hmmm...do you think Cassel was on board with "the plan"?

It was his idea.

[seamonster]

I disagree that the ravens have a "solid quarterback". I've had to watch many a baltimore game because I live in the DC market, and Flaco just looks unsure of himself as a professional quarterback half the time. Unlike castle he's capable of throwing something like five interceptions in one game and had sixty yars of total passing against the patriots last year. he can destroy a game.

In the end it's probably better the chiefs are playing an aging baltimore with a mediocre quarterback than the jets. if they can play clean with out henious turnovers, and put a quantified amount of fear into flaco, there's just no reason why they couldn't win this game. the ravens have talent, it just hasn't come together like it was suppose to this year.

at the same time the chiefs could just as easily get down early and quite in the first quarter, probably an impossible game for vegas odds people to figure out.

[jettio]

The thing I remember about last year's game was Kelley Washington catching a lot of third down passes that converted first down.

That might be the key, if the Chiefs have better third down defense against slot receivers now than they did then, which seems to be the case, the Chiefs can get an early lead and we may see Tamba Hali have an impact rushing the passer.

[Ugly Duck]

Originally Posted by Frosty

People keep saying that the Ravens' d-line is like the Raiders' but even better.

[zonachief]

Originally Posted by Wallcrawler

I say we stomp these Ravens.

All season long, the ravens offensive front has had problems protecting Flacco from different types of blitz packages.

The play Troy Polamalu made in the game the Steelers stole from them was a Safety blitz where he went unblocked and forced a fumble. Like the next 2 teams they played, they were running the exact same damn blitz and knocking Flacco's ass around, the Ravens were seemingly unable, or just unwilling to make the adjustment.

Crennel is a damn good coordinator. I think he comes into this game with a few surprises for Flacco and we get a big turnover at some point in the game. Im looking for Berry/Arenas on some DB blitzes at various points in the game to get after Joe Flacco.


Offensively, Jones has served his purpose. That purpose being making sure the Chiefs have a fresh legged Jamaal Charles for the post-season. Its time for the roles to reverse, and Charles needs to be on the field for the majority of the game. Feed him the ball early and often, let him establish a feel for the defense, and sooner or later he busts a big one on them. TJ's 2 yards and fall down isnt going to work this week, and its the easiest way to take the Arrowhead crowd right out of the game.

The offensive line needs to show up. Simply put. They phoned it in last week against the Raiders, and it showed. Cassel got killed out there, and threw 2 interceptions trying to get something, anything going on offense. Heads are on the chopping block on that O-line this week. Anyone phones it in this week, they may not have a job next season. It was an absolute horse shit performance against the most hated rival in the division and in our own stadium. Inexcusable performance. Allowed what, 7 sacks on Chiefs qbs? Pathetic.

Matt has to go back to being Matt. Take care of the ball, dont force anything. We cant turn the football over if we want to beat this team. Thats going to depend heavily on the offensive line showing up, and not bitching up.


I think we take the lead first in this game, defense makes some big stops and gets a turnover and the Chiefs grind the Ravens into the dirt at Arrowhead. No way we lose 2 in a row at home this year.

So in essence what you are saying is.... Charles needs more.carries?

[The Bad Guy]

Originally Posted by J-Town Fan 1988

Chiefs first score will either be a FG to end the 1st half, or a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Either way the game will be out reach as Cassel throws 11-34 for 82 yards and one interception. Ravens 24 Chiefs 10.

Your takes ****ing suck.

[The Bad Guy]

Originally Posted by Start Croyle

You guys will think I'm crazy, but I really believe this is what is going to happen! I actually had a dream about it last night!

Arrowhead is packed and chiefs fans are going crazy at the prospect of their first playoff victory in years! The atmosphere is electric and tensions are high! The chiefs begin the game strong and score the first touchdown, followed by a field goal. They manage to get past the Raven's defense while preventing a score. Cassel plays impressively, and after the first quarter, the score is 10-0 Chiefs!

Then it starts to go wrong! The Ravens return a punt in the 2nd Q for a TD! The Chiefs offense falls apart with sacks, a 3 and out, an INT and Cassel starts getting shaken up and making bad decisions! Now the Ravens are scoring tons of points and the Chiefs are down 21-10 at the half! Todd Haley yells and screams at Cassel during hafltime, which only makes the situation worse! At the beginning of Q3, he throws another interception and the score goes to 28-10! It is now halfway through the 3rd quarter, and just when Chiefs fans think the situation cannot become any worse, Cassel is sacked yet AGAIN and goes out of the game with a shoulder injury!

It looks dismal for the Chiefs! Some of the fans are filing out of the stadium in disgust! The Ravens players feel they have won the game. But there is still a quarter and a half left to play...After a time out, Haley decides to give the backup QB one last chance...CROYLE TAKES THE FIELD!

It's 2nd and 11, on the Chiefs 25 yard line. Croyle looks to throw but the Ravens break through yet again and the QB is sacked! The situation is bleak for the Chiefs. 3rd down and 15 yards to go. But suddenly, out of nowhere, Croyle heaves a monster pass to Dwayne Bowe! He goes all the way! TOUCHDOWN, KANSAS CITY! The score is 28-17, Ravens in front!

Two minutes left in the third quarter, and the Chiefs defense manages to get a critical stop! There's an 11 point deficit, but there is a deep stirring within the hearts of the Chiefs players and the remaining fans in the stands. They still believe! Go Chiefs! Let's do this!

The KC Offense takes the field and starts to get things done by moving the ball quickly up the field. Croyle moves with poise and precision while reading the Ravens defense. This time, he hits Moeaki for another quick Chiefs TD! Now the score is cut down to 28-24! Arrowhead is going crazy! Now the Ravens are in deep trouble and know they have to score or go home!

It's the 4th Q and the Ravens struggle to advance the football! After a long drive they are forced to settle for a field goal and the score goes to 30-24. The clock only has 5 minutes left in the game!

The Ravens man up and hold the Chiefs scoreless on their next drive. The chiefs get the ball back in their final posession with just one 1 minute left in the game. McCluster goes for an insane punt return and brings the ball all the way up to the Baltimore 48 yard line! The chiefs fight hard and get the ball to the 30. But the O-Line is getting tired and Croyle is sacked! After a short Jamaal Charles run, the chiefs are facing 3rd down with 12 yards to go, and just 15 seconds left in the game! Haley orders a time out and screams at Croyle until he's hoarse.

And then...IT HAPPENS! The ball is snapped and Croyle looks to throw. Two Ravens players break through the offensive line and the entire Chiefs season looks to be ended in a flash! But Croyle somehow breaks free from what would have been a sack and starts running downfield! Jamaal Charles makes a crucial block! Wait, no! It can't be happening! Can you believe it! CROYLE RUNS IN THE GAME WINNING TD! TOUCHDOWN! KANSAS CITY! After an easy PAT, the Chiefs are headed to New England! It's a PLAYOFF MIRACLE!

During the week, Cassel's shoulder turns out to be fine and he is okayed to play in the next game...But, after the heroic perfromance, Haley decided to go with a different QB against the Patriots!

You are a pathetic piece of shit.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by Start Croyle

You guys will think I'm crazy,

Too bad for you you wasted so much time writing the rest of that crap. Should've stopped there.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Start Croyle

You guys will think I'm crazy, but I really believe this is what is going to happen! I actually had a dream about it last night!

Arrowhead is packed and chiefs fans are going crazy at the prospect of their first playoff victory in years! The atmosphere is electric and tensions are high! The chiefs begin the game strong and score the first touchdown, followed by a field goal. They manage to get past the Raven's defense while preventing a score. Cassel plays impressively, and after the first quarter, the score is 10-0 Chiefs!

Then it starts to go wrong! The Ravens return a punt in the 2nd Q for a TD! The Chiefs offense falls apart with sacks, a 3 and out, an INT and Cassel starts getting shaken up and making bad decisions! Now the Ravens are scoring tons of points and the Chiefs are down 21-10 at the half! Todd Haley yells and screams at Cassel during hafltime, which only makes the situation worse! At the beginning of Q3, he throws another interception and the score goes to 28-10! It is now halfway through the 3rd quarter, and just when Chiefs fans think the situation cannot become any worse, Cassel is sacked yet AGAIN and goes out of the game with a shoulder injury!

It looks dismal for the Chiefs! Some of the fans are filing out of the stadium in disgust! The Ravens players feel they have won the game. But there is still a quarter and a half left to play...After a time out, Haley decides to give the backup QB one last chance...CROYLE TAKES THE FIELD!

It's 2nd and 11, on the Chiefs 25 yard line. Croyle looks to throw but the Ravens break through yet again and the QB is sacked! The situation is bleak for the Chiefs. 3rd down and 15 yards to go. But suddenly, out of nowhere, Croyle heaves a monster pass to Dwayne Bowe! He goes all the way! TOUCHDOWN, KANSAS CITY! The score is 28-17, Ravens in front!

Two minutes left in the third quarter, and the Chiefs defense manages to get a critical stop! There's an 11 point deficit, but there is a deep stirring within the hearts of the Chiefs players and the remaining fans in the stands. They still believe! Go Chiefs! Let's do this!

The KC Offense takes the field and starts to get things done by moving the ball quickly up the field. Croyle moves with poise and precision while reading the Ravens defense. This time, he hits Moeaki for another quick Chiefs TD! Now the score is cut down to 28-24! Arrowhead is going crazy! Now the Ravens are in deep trouble and know they have to score or go home!

It's the 4th Q and the Ravens struggle to advance the football! After a long drive they are forced to settle for a field goal and the score goes to 30-24. The clock only has 5 minutes left in the game!

The Ravens man up and hold the Chiefs scoreless on their next drive. The chiefs get the ball back in their final posession with just one 1 minute left in the game. McCluster goes for an insane punt return and brings the ball all the way up to the Baltimore 48 yard line! The chiefs fight hard and get the ball to the 30. But the O-Line is getting tired and Croyle is sacked! After a short Jamaal Charles run, the chiefs are facing 3rd down with 12 yards to go, and just 15 seconds left in the game! Haley orders a time out and screams at Croyle until he's hoarse.

And then...IT HAPPENS! The ball is snapped and Croyle looks to throw. Two Ravens players break through the offensive line and the entire Chiefs season looks to be ended in a flash! But Croyle somehow breaks free from what would have been a sack and starts running downfield! Jamaal Charles makes a crucial block! Wait, no! It can't be happening! Can you believe it! CROYLE RUNS IN THE GAME WINNING TD! TOUCHDOWN! KANSAS CITY! After an easy PAT, the Chiefs are headed to New England! It's a PLAYOFF MIRACLE!

During the week, Cassel's shoulder turns out to be fine and he is okayed to play in the next game...But, after the heroic perfromance, Haley decided to go with a different QB against the Patriots!

Hop on the Titanic 2.0 and head out to an AIDS filled ocean please.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by J-Town Fan 1988

Chiefs first score will either be a FG to end the 1st half, or a touchdown in the 3rd quarter. Either way the game will be out reach as Cassel throws 11-34 for 82 yards and one interception. Ravens 24 Chiefs 10.

Join Start Croyle on his voyage please.

[crossbow]

The Ravens don't need to field a flashy, explosive offense to win this game. They can methodically move down the field collecting first downs using efficient runs and short passes. Their run defense can shut down our best offensive weapon. JC might break off a few long runs because he is that good but we won't be able to punch it in if he gets stopped near the goal line at the end of those runs. So we settle for field goals and lose 24 to 15.

Now if JC takes it to the house on those runs then it comes down to who has the ball last and we could win on a field goal. But my gut feeling is they will control time of possession, take the crowd out of the game, and wear our defense down.

Weis can use schemes that force those large defensive linemen to run a lot. That wears them out and we can establish our running attack later in the second half after they are a bit winded. But the defense has to keep the score low in the first half so there will be enough time to out score them.

The Ravens have a stronger team. Everybody knows that. But the Chiefs have a chance if they want it badly enough.