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Sneak Preview - SNEAK PREVIEW: RAVENS V. SAINTS

Some interesting tidbits leading into Game 7 v. New Orleans
Posted On: 10/25/06
Written By:  
Tony Lombardi
SNEAK PREVIEW: RAVENS V. SAINTS
Paralysis By Analysis? “You can over prepare, practice too much and analyze too much during a bye. For us, it was important to get the players some time off. We didn’t want to give them New Orleans information too early at the risk that we could get a little stale before the game. What we did show the players was a focus on alignment, assignment and technique. We showed them plays from our 1st 6 games when these 3 things were done properly and how we succeeded when that happened. We also showed plays when we were deficient in these 3 areas and how we got hurt and lost because of that. Our players and coaches have worked very hard up to this point in the season. Players have played with passion and physicality. We’re being tested right now. Let’s see how we respond.”
 
It‘s Just A Game, Right? “There is a dislike that takes place on the field, but when the game is over, there is a lot of respect that exists. The Ravens have class players. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are maybe two of the classiest people in the league. They are one of the best, if not the best, at their positions, and they play the game with a lot of emotion. They are very competitive. They are great leaders for their team, and they are class acts.” That’s Steelers’ Head Coach Bill Cowher.
 
Still The Intimidator? “[Ray Lewis] has regained his standing as the sport’s most intimidating defensive force. You watch his energy, intensity and passion, and say to yourself, ‘That’s how football should be played.’” This from ESPN’S Michael Smith. Hey Mike, what games are you watching? Intimidator?
 
What‘s Tougher Training Camp or Boot Camp? To seek such knowledge, that question was presented to Ravens’ RB Mike Anderson: “I get asked that all the time. This is a game. It is fun. Boot camp – now that’s survival skills. That’s truly hard. If you are not totally focused and paying attention every minute of every day, you are risking the lives of the guys next to you. That’s something you need to hold with the utmost honor and respect. Don’t be that guy who causes something to happen to the whole platoon or the guy next to you.”
 
Now if they could only harness that mentality on Sundays…
 
Can The Ravens Be Sinners To Saints? Here’s a look at a few notes and stats when these two teams have taken the field:
 
Ravens lead regular season series, 2-1.
 
DATE
LOCATION
RESULT
ATTENDANCE
09/29/96
Baltimore
Ravens 17-10
61,063
12/19/99
Baltimore
Ravens 31-8
67,597
12/08/02
Baltimore
Saints 37-25
69,334
 
During that loss in 2002, the Saints blocked 2 punts, recovered 3 fumbles and picked off former teammate Jeff Blake twice en route to a 37-25 victory over the Ravens. RB Deuce McAllister rushed for 3 TDs and churned out 127 yards (32 carries) on the ground for the Saints (9-4) to hamper the Ravens' (6-7) playoff prospects. Despite McAllister's huge game, the Ravens out-gained the Saints 410-to-359 in total offense, but due to a number of costly errors -- including 8 penalties for 69 yards -- the Ravens played catch-up all afternoon.
 
Steve McNair v. Saints: McNair has faced New Orleans just once in his career, posting a 27-12 win in New Orleans on 9/21/03. In that game, he completed 66.7% of his passes (22-of-33) for 252 yards, 2 TDs and no INTs. He posted a 109.7 QB rating, while 16 of his 22 pass completions were good for 1st downs.
 
A Ravens Win on Sunday Would:
  • Up their all-time record vs. the Saints to 3-1
  • Earn the Ravens their 3rd road win this season, making it 3 of 4 in ‘06 contests away from home
  • Give Baltimore its 2nd win over an NFC South team this season (Tampa Bay, 27-0 on 9/10)
  • Snap the Saints’ undefeated streak at home this season (they’ve won 3 straight)
  • Boost Baltimore’s record to 5-2 on the season
  • Give the Ravens their 5th-straight win coming off a bye
Other Facts & Figures:
 
144.4: Rushing yards the Ravens are averaging per game in indoor stadiums since 2002. Over that time, Baltimore has played 5 indoor contests and piled up 722 total rush yards.
 
A Look At The Ravens Success Under Brian Billick When:
  • Leading at halftime: 48-7
  • Leading after 3 quarters: 51-6
  • Scoring 1st: 39-18
  • They have a 100-yard rusher: 31-9
  • They have a 100-yard receiver: 12-6
  • Playing at home: 41-18
  • Leading by at least 14 points: 41-1
Spinning Wheels? This is from the Ravens PR Staff: Through 3 road games this year, the Baltimore Ravens own a 2-1 record as compared to an 0-3 mark in 2005. The turnaround in record is in no small way solely due to the improvement on the offensive side of the ball. The Ravens have gained 100 more yards (868-to-768), scored more points (45-to-33) and committed fewer turnovers (3-to-6) in the opening 3 road games this season compared to their 1st 3 away contests of last year. Baltimore has also cut down on costly penalties in 2006. This year, the Ravens have committed a total of 12 fouls(for -70 yards) compared to 42 penalties (for -320 yards) through 3 road games last year.
 
Gee that’s one way of looking at it. I suppose Trent Dilfer won Super Bowl XXXV too right?
 
The Kick Is Up…It’s Good! Here’s a look at the highest career NFL field goal percentage (Minimum 150 attempts):
 
PLAYER
FG
FGA
%
Mike Vanderjagt
223
255
.875
Phil Dawson
141
168
.839
Matt Stover
390
467
.835
Adam Vinatieri
273
331
.825
Jeff Wilkins
269
327
.823

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Posted On: 10/25/06
Written By:  
Tony Lombardi

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