Why do the Pats score in the redzone and we don't?

[Fanman]

I watched this game closely to see the redzone play calling from BOTH teams.

Pats first TD: quick out pattern to TE near the middle of the endzone
Pats second TD: jump ball to Moss
Pats third TD: Morris runs off tackle inside the 10
Pats fourth TD: Moss runs skinny post from just inside the 20

Cincy only TD: TJ runs in route to the middle of the endzone

The post pattern to Moss was the EXACT same play the Ravens tried to run to Wilcox but we did it from inside the 10 where there is no space...the Pats do it from 10-15 yards deeper and it works.

Morris runs off tackle inside the 10 and scores easily. Willis can bust that play regularly, but Billick never calls it.

Billick's playcalling fails b/c he doesn't know when to run and pass and how to create space like the other OCs do.

This really is not rocket science like Billick makes it out to be.

FM

[JimBone]

Your right it's not rocket science. Although the answer is much simpler than the one you give. The answer is Tom Brady.

[Fanman]

I agree Tom Brady is a big reason why the Pats are more successful...but isn't a QB of McNairs quality supposed to be able to throw that 20 yard post pattern or a 7 yrd slant route? I would say ANY QB at the NFL level should be able to make those throws...the elite QBs, like Brady, will make them more often.

I give you the Pats running those plays would have a higher success rate compared to the Ravens, but more to my point is that Billick doesn't call the right plays based on where the team is on the field.

And Morris running off tackle inside the 10 has nothing to do w/ Brady.

FM

[JimBone]

I agree Billck's play calling leaves much to be desired this year. If ur running back is averaging 7.4 yds. per carry you give him the ball until ur opponenet can stop him. I'd also like to see some naked bootlegs and strech run plays in the red zone. I just don't think Mcnair is very good right now. Billick isn't telling Mcnair to force the ball into double and triple coverage in the red zone. Maybe he's still hurt . If he is he should sit until healthy.

[Galen Sevinne]

There is no way in hell any receiver currently on the Ravens roster would have made that TD catch that Moss did. The Bungle DB had him blanketed and it would have been an incomplete except for the fact that Moss is all world. When you have a receiver like Moss and a QB like Brady or Manning, redzone TD's are a piece of cake. I find it hard to fathom how the rest of the league slept while NE stole Moss for a 4th pick. No wonder they are the dominant team they are!

Not only would the Ravens failed to complete that pass but it is probably intercepted...Moss went over the DB's shoulder to make that play.

We really have mostly possession receivers and with a full field I think it is easier for them to create seperation but with a reduced redzone field, these guys just don't get open. I would like to see a bootleg that gives us a couple options...run it in if it is there, dump it off to a running back in the flat or hit a receiver on a crossing pattern.

[52decleetzu]

Tom Brady is one reason,and having a guy like Randy Moss on the other end is another.That catch he made over Joseph was just a guy having ball skills that most receivers in the league dont have.Thats a pick if most other receivers are at the other end of that pass,but Moss just wasnt going to let the DB have it.

It also helps when the ball isnt thrown 5 yds over the receivers head out the back of the endzone Like Mcnair did to DWill because he was overcompensating for an injury that obviously still isnt healed.

[pyite32]

As much as it pains me to say this.

The reason is simple, the Patriots have a creative offense that can execute on any kind of play and keeps opponents guessing, they have the talent to execute even when the opponent guesses correctly, and they have a coach that instills a desire to win, work hard, and never come into games flat.

The Ravens however... Play as many games like they did last week as the good games like the ones against the Steeler last year.

[Fanman]

The catch in the corner by Moss is all world...granted. Nowhere did I say we have WRS that can make that catch. But we certainly have guys that can run a 20 yrd post pattern and a 7 yrd slant in the end zone.

If Billick can't call plays to score like other coaches can then give Neuheisel a chance.

FM

[festivus]

Same reason my local high school team doesn't score in the red zone like that. Tom Brady, Randy Moss.

Duh.

What a stupid thread. Stupid posts everywhere this week.

[JimBone]

We might have recievers that can run those plays in the red zone, but it doesn't matter when ur qb can't get them the ball.

[ravenwoman]

As much as it pains me to say this.

The reason is simple, the Patriots have a creative offense that can execute on any kind of play and keeps opponents guessing, they have the talent to execute even when the opponent guesses correctly, and they have a coach that instills a desire to win, work hard, and never come into games flat.



I totally agree. Moreover, something is terribly wrong with Steve McNair this year. He is either hurt, or he has lost his edge. People everywhere on sports talk radio are clammering for Kyle Boller. That should tell you something right there.

The Patriots have a system of winning that surpasses the Ravens hands down. It starts from the front office, to the drafting, to the head coach, and then the players. I could go on and on. Lastly, it all comes out in the wash on Sunday. Simply put, the Ravens are not a team that is prepared to play.

[Fanman]

So if the Ravens are not a team prepared to play, which seems to be the case a lot...esp on the road...what is the answer?

Changing the head coach is the answer if you ask me. This could very well be a case like in Tampa Bay about 5 years ago when Dungy could not get that team over the hump and Gruden came in and won the Superbowl the next year. I honestly believe a different coach here would have more success w/ the same team.

FM

[JimBone]

You might be right fanman. Billick is an excellent motivator and in my mind a very good playcaller. I believe his problem is he doesn't play to the strengths of his players. This team is built on running the ball and solid defense and special teams play. Billick needs to realize he doesn't have the qb's to run his offense. Put in any one of the top qb's in the league and this becomes a prolific offense. To be a good coach you have to be able to evaluate ur talent and he is either too stuborn or can't see where we lack the talent to run his offense. Perhaps a change in coaching could light a spark. I'll still hold judgement until the end of the season. Rememeber Squeeler fans wanted to get rid of Cowher the year they went 6-10 and things turned out pretty good for them. Maybe we just need a bad season to get a high enough draft pick to land a stud qb.