What are our offensive and defensive game plans to beat Baltimore?

[blacklabel]

Defensively, obviously they'll need to contain Lamar. Offensively, looked like the Niners had some success running on the edges so I'm sure Daboll will take that into account. Might be a good time to dig into his bag of tricks again too. 

[BringBackFlutie]

1 hour ago, H2o said:

I don't know if this is what we do, but I believe it is what we should do. Since the Ravens are basically running a college style, option type offense we need to run a 30 Stack or 4-4 type of defense in appearance. I know McDermott and Frazier love their zone, but we will have to man up a lot more this week. Instead of a LB, we should have Neal or Coleman in the lineup at all times with another S around the box. The Ravens love to run those multiple TE sets. Having Neal or Coleman out there would give them guys with the covering ability to keep up as well as be able to stick their head in there against the run. Poyer likely needs to be the other S kept in the box on either edge or stacked just behind Edmunds. Kevin Johnson also needs to get the start with him being the better overall defender than Wallace. Murphy also should not see the field much on Sunday as it will be imperative to have containment on the edge against the run, not one of his strong suits. Lawson needs to play 80% of the snaps this week. I'm hoping for a lineup like this:

 

Hughes, the DT rotation of Liuget/Phillips/Oliver/Star, Lawson on the DL (Lorax filling in @ DE this week for the most part)

Milano, Edmunds, Neal/Coleman, Poyer on the second level

White, Hyde, Johnson playing on the last line.

 

If we can't stop the run to a certain extent then we will lose this game. The DE's are going to have to be disciplined in setting the edge. You do want to get pressure if possible, but you absolutely CANNOT lose contain on Jackson. You have to force him back inside to the guys playing on the interior and that second level who hopefully play with gap integrity this week while making necessary tackles. Ideally, you contain Jackson in the pocket and force him to beat you throwing the ball. I know he has some gaudy TD numbers overall, but his legs are still the most effective thing he has. Contain the edges, clog the middle, and force him make those reads. He loves throwing the ball in the middle of the field. Force him to make those throws outside of the hashes to the deeper intermediate area. Tre will have to be on Brown all day. Johnson's responsibility will be Snead, Boykin, whoever. Hyde will be playing center field basically. They may try to spread us out if this is effective against their run game, but I wouldn't vary much in personnel or formations outside of Taron Johnson on the field for Coleman or Neal when they go with 3 WR sets. 

 

Offensively we just have to keep doing what we have been doing for the last 3 weeks or so. Get the run game going, let Josh be Josh, and hopefully Daboll stays in attack mode for 60 minutes. This is the first time in a long time I am really pleased with the way things are going on offense. Time of possession and TO's will again play a large role this week. If we are on the winning side of both of those stats then I believe we will be on the winning side of the final score. Our WR's match up well with their DB's imo and I think Knox could have a big game as his size/athleticism presents a tough matchup for their Safeties/LB's. Watch out for the double moves against Peters. He loves to try and jump routes and I think Daboll/Josh take advantage of that. I see him getting beaten for a couple of big gains this week by Brown or Foster. That was his m.o. in LA and KC. 

 

 

 

But isn't the whole point of our defensive identity that we can play base or nickel and have LBers that dont provide a drop off in pass coverage?  Like, aren't we one of the only teams that can do that?  I thought we were built specifically to stop the Patriots' multiple tight end run sets without getting gashed by said tight ends in the passing game.

[H2o]

Just now, BringBackFlutie said:

 

But isn't the whole point of our defensive identity that we can play base or nickel and have LBers that dont provide a drop off in pass coverage?  Like, aren't we one of the only teams that can do that?  I thought we were built specifically to stop the Patriots' multiple tight end run sets without getting gashed by said tight ends in the passing game.

Lorax is not going to get it done in this situation, trying to contain Jackson or covering a TE. We will need to swap out a S in his spot this week. It was mentioned in another thread by @plenzmd1 if I am not mistaken and after considering it with the scheming options I believe it is the way to go. 

[dollars 2 donuts]

12 minutes ago, H2o said:

Lorax is not going to get it done in this situation, trying to contain Jackson or covering a TE. We will need to swap out a S in his spot this week. It was mentioned in another thread by @plenzmd1 if I am not mistaken and after considering it with the scheming options I believe it is the way to go. 

 

 

hmmm, yeah...I am uneasy about this H2.  

[Canadian Bills Fan]

Play Robert Foster at LB for the sheer purpose of being the QB spy for Jackson hahahahaha

[jletha]

1 hour ago, H2o said:

I don't know if this is what we do, but I believe it is what we should do. Since the Ravens are basically running a college style, option type offense we need to run a 30 Stack or 4-4 type of defense in appearance. I know McDermott and Frazier love their zone, but we will have to man up a lot more this week. Instead of a LB, we should have Neal or Coleman in the lineup at all times with another S around the box. The Ravens love to run those multiple TE sets. Having Neal or Coleman out there would give them guys with the covering ability to keep up as well as be able to stick their head in there against the run. Poyer likely needs to be the other S kept in the box on either edge or stacked just behind Edmunds. Kevin Johnson also needs to get the start with him being the better overall defender than Wallace. Murphy also should not see the field much on Sunday as it will be imperative to have containment on the edge against the run, not one of his strong suits. Lawson needs to play 80% of the snaps this week. I'm hoping for a lineup like this:

 

Hughes, the DT rotation of Liuget/Phillips/Oliver/Star, Lawson on the DL (Lorax filling in @ DE this week for the most part)

Milano, Edmunds, Neal/Coleman, Poyer on the second level

White, Hyde, Johnson playing on the last line.

 

If we can't stop the run to a certain extent then we will lose this game. The DE's are going to have to be disciplined in setting the edge. You do want to get pressure if possible, but you absolutely CANNOT lose contain on Jackson. You have to force him back inside to the guys playing on the interior and that second level who hopefully play with gap integrity this week while making necessary tackles. Ideally, you contain Jackson in the pocket and force him to beat you throwing the ball. I know he has some gaudy TD numbers overall, but his legs are still the most effective thing he has. Contain the edges, clog the middle, and force him make those reads. He loves throwing the ball in the middle of the field. Force him to make those throws outside of the hashes to the deeper intermediate area. Tre will have to be on Brown all day. Johnson's responsibility will be Snead, Boykin, whoever. Hyde will be playing center field basically. They may try to spread us out if this is effective against their run game, but I wouldn't vary much in personnel or formations outside of Taron Johnson on the field for Coleman or Neal when they go with 3 WR sets. 

 

Offensively we just have to keep doing what we have been doing for the last 3 weeks or so. Get the run game going, let Josh be Josh, and hopefully Daboll stays in attack mode for 60 minutes. This is the first time in a long time I am really pleased with the way things are going on offense. Time of possession and TO's will again play a large role this week. If we are on the winning side of both of those stats then I believe we will be on the winning side of the final score. Our WR's match up well with their DB's imo and I think Knox could have a big game as his size/athleticism presents a tough matchup for their Safeties/LB's. Watch out for the double moves against Peters. He loves to try and jump routes and I think Daboll/Josh take advantage of that. I see him getting beaten for a couple of big gains this week by Brown or Foster. That was his m.o. in LA and KC. 

 

 

Look at his stats in the first 6 weeks. When he threw the ball 30+ times they struggled a lot more. Nothing is a sure shot in this game but making Lamar throw gives us the best chance. Tre and Johnson will have to lock down the WR man-to-man.  I would have the linebackers never break the LOS really, dont pursue upfield. Just run laterally to contain the bigger runs. All of this is much easier said than done obviously.

[Rockinon]

The best way to beat Lamar Jackson is to keep the lead all game and make him beat us. Get out to an early lead and this team is beatable. Don't think we are going to stop the run. We just need to slow them down enough to give Josh and the offense opportunities to pull ahead. This offense mixes up some trickery with power run schemes and is very difficult to stop. With Jackson's ability to take off, the job just gets harder.

 

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. That is going to be especially true against this team. Some nice long drives to give our defense time to rest is going to be key in this game. If we are playing from behind and they just keep running at us in the second half, this game is over. Hopefully the defense can force a couple of punts in this game. Tough sledding though. This is a classic time of possession game. Win that, we likely win the game.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

On 11/30/2019 at 3:29 PM, ChicagoRic said:

Interesting article on this.  You don't blitz Lamar Jackson often and you don't key on his runs.  You flood the field with DBS/Speed guys.  https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/theres-a-blueprint-for-stopping-lamar-jackson-but-teams-arent-using-it/

 

vs niners they said that’s why they’ve move to a more power run game and got Engram.  

 

I see Bills going nickel zone but I wonder about using treD in the slot and have him responsible for Lamar.  

 

 

[aristocrat]

25 minutes ago, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

 

vs niners they said that’s why they’ve move to a more power run game and got Engram.  

 

I see Bills going nickel zone but I wonder about using treD in the slot and have him responsible for Lamar.  

 

 

 

one thing i'm not sure is mentioned in here is that mcd practiced against cam all those years so should have an idea on how to stop a mobile qb.  

[Dopey]

"First and foremost, we can't "beat ourselves". Turnovers, penalties, clock management and Special Teams cannot be a problem. We have to play a "clean" game. After that, we have to take the mindset of "we're a tougher team". We need to be the more physical team on both sides of the ball. Let Zeke know "it ain't happening today". Pound that depleted D-line and LB corp. of theirs. Essentially see this game as a fight and kick their  ass."

 

I wrote the above for the Dallas game and it applies to this game too. We took a few too many penalties to begin the game but overcame. We did have a bad game from Hauschka and overcame. This team doesn't quit.

We need to be more physical on both sides of the trenches. Essentially see this game as a fight and kick their  ass."

Defensively, keep them in front of us and make them have to drive for anything they get. Play on their side of the LOS. I believe their center is now on IR. Star, Phillips, Oliver and Shaq will be key.

Offensively, we need no turnovers, sustained drives, Josh needs to spread the wealth, Knox and Kroft need to play big, and we need TD's vs. FG's.

 

 

 

Let's go Bills!!!!

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

Stop the run and make Jackson beat you. Double the TE’s force him to pass to the left side. If he doesn’t slide you hit him hard. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

31 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

 

one thing i'm not sure is mentioned in here is that mcd practiced against cam all those years so should have an idea on how to stop a mobile qb.  

 

If Lamar has taught us anything it’s that there are multiple brands of QB mobility. 

 

Josh is much more like Cam. 

 

Lamar is the fastest guy on the field. That’s a different type of mobility imo 

[Call_Of_Ktulu]

In three years at Louisville Jackson fumbled 25 times. We need to get those turn overs.

[Logic]

On offense: Play fast and fearless. Keep up with the up tempo and no huddle. Don't abandon the run. 

On defense: Pray.

[whatdrought]

We have a ton of speed on Defense. I am more worried about containing ingram and their power run game, than I am about chasing Lamar. Mark my words on this: Micah Hyde is the #1 factor of this game. Both in the run, and in the pass defense. 

[2003Contenders]

This one will be tough, no doubt.

 

The Ravens have a good coaching staff -- and will not foolishly cease to do what works well for them against us like the Cowboys did. So I do not expect to see Jackson dropping back to pass 30+ times.

 

Jackson is careful with the ball -- and happy to throw it underneath or pick up 6-8 yard chunk plays with his legs. Hence, the usual bend-but-don't break defense that has worked so well for us may not be the best bet this week. The coaches are going to have to trust the DBs to play on an island and apply plenty of pressure up front without breaking containment on the outside.

 

In his young career, (and unlike other running QBs like Cam) it seems that Jackson is already getting help from the officials, as the 49ers were repeatedly flagged yesterday for "roughing the passer" on very questionable calls. Our front 7 will have to be careful in these regards -- but also must stay aggressive and get a sound pop on Jackson whenever they can. Perhaps they can get a jump on the gamesmanship this week by choosing their words very carefully -- (e.g. avoid saying things like "If he is going to run treat him like a running back...") to prevent any sort of official's bias.

[Reed83HOF]

16 minutes ago, whatdrought said:

We have a ton of speed on Defense. I am more worried about containing ingram and their power run game, than I am about chasing Lamar. Mark my words on this: Micah Hyde is the #1 factor of this game. Both in the run, and in the pass defense. 

I like our chances against the pass, so the key is stopping the run and keeping Lamar in front of you on the RPOs and his runs. Gap integrity/staying in your lanes is huge and I am going to say we will see a fair amount of zone in the middle of the field with the LBs/S and CBs playing man. I don't think we will see a lot of blitzing, unless we are shredding their OL; Jackson will run if we blitz too much. 

 

Offense is going to be tough sledding and will be up to Josh to find the open WR/TE/RB quickly. I like the Ravens DBs better than our WR core. I am thinking this is going to be a Kroft & Knox heavy set OL and attacking the middle of the field with them. 

[JoshAllin]

I dont understand how the niners let lamar rollout on the fake hand offs many times and one for a td, if bills wont bite on that it could save some points

[NewEraBills]

I don't like linebackers spying Lamar primarily because it opens up passing lanes.  I think the biggest test here is just sheer physicality.  That's the Ravens and that's always been Greg Roman, we know this.  They are going to get after it in the trenches.  You just have to win there.  If you can't win there then there's going to be trouble.  Roman really hasn't changed the game plan that much because teams are having issues stopping what they are doing, and I suspect that he won't veer away from what they've been doing all season until someone is able to stop them.  Gotta save the other stuff for teams you'll see again.  So I expect to see a lot of the stuff they've already done, so it just comes down to physicality.

 

I like the idea of sending 5 on a contain rush but the problem there will be guys have to stay very disciplined in the middle or Jackson just runs up the middle.  It's certainly a problem offense.  I like what the Bills do on the backend to fluster quarterbacks, but this is a different type of offense to defend.    So I think McD and Fraiser will run a lot of line stunts this week to see if that can keep Lamar trapped in.  Stunt the line (TEX) and bring someone from the perimeter.   I'm not saying it will work but it's something to try.

[Blank Stare]

It’s almost like you completely forgo a pass rush on most downs. Have your Dline take a couple steps then stop. LBs must read their keys and fire. Can’t overthink it. Read and react. Execute, contain, and keep him bottled up. Everything designed to shut down the run first and foremost. This strategy has been used on Tyrod on a number of occasions to successfully “make him play QB”. Lamar is far better than Tyrod, but I refuse to believe there’s no answer for this offense. As several others have said, your only chance to beat them is if you shut down the run and make them throw it. Don’t let them play their game. Getting a lead on them might be the best defense. 

[Mikey152]

Historically, the best defense against Lamar was in the playoffs last year, and it was...unconventional.

 

The Chargers played the vast majority of the game with SEVEN dbs on the field...they basically had safeties playing lb.  the idea is to increase the athleticism on the field so you can run with Lamar and cover their TE.  You are vulnerable to a power run game, so you have to be aggressive on running downs.

 

the nice thing is, the Bills can do something similar in a nickel defense.  Milano and Edmunds run And cover like safeties and can stay on the field in most situations, making the bills less vulnerable to a power run game.

 

so the answer, basically, is to play nickel defense all game, 2-3 safeties (depending on personnel), 7 or 8 in the box.  Hit Lamar whenever you can and make him pay for keeping it.  Play zone underneath and use the extra speed to limit scrambles from turning into big plays.

 

i actually think the Bills match up better than most...they will do ok containing Lamar.  The question is whether or not they can stop Ingram on the inside power stuff without sacrificing their athleticism

[Buffalo Junction]

2 hours ago, H2o said:

Lorax is not going to get it done in this situation, trying to contain Jackson or covering a TE. We will need to swap out a S in his spot this week. It was mentioned in another thread by @plenzmd1 if I am not mistaken and after considering it with the scheming options I believe it is the way to go. 

My concern with pulling Lorax is that we have three defensive starters that practiced against Roman’s schemes with Tyrod... Lorax is one along with Lawson and Hughes. There is value in having those players on the field together since they’re less likely to hesitate. That could make a massive difference in this game. Now, it’s also entirely possible that Jackson jukes them out of their socks, but that’s not entirely preventable with a safety in there either

[Foxx]

6 minutes ago, TheProcess said:

It’s almost like you completely forgo a pass rush on most downs. Have your Dline take a couple steps then stop. LBs must read their keys and fire. Can’t overthink it. Read and react. Execute, contain, and keep him bottled up. Everything designed to shut down the run first and foremost. This strategy has been used on Tyrod on a number of occasions to successfully “make him play QB”. Lamar is far better than Tyrod, but I refuse to believe there’s no answer for this offense. As several others have said, your only chance to beat them is if you shut down the run and make them throw it. Don’t let them play their game. Getting a lead on them might be the best defense. 

right. with the d-line push,  it is imperative that they do not get behind Lamar. keep him in front of you at all times, push him backwards.

[rayray808]

We are going to destroy them with play action once the run game is established:

 

Bills 24 - Ravens 17

[stevewin]

Last night on ESPN post game Tim Hasselbeck had an interesting segment that talked about a couple of the schemes the Ravens run and why they are successful.  Once concept is to leave an edge defender unblocked and use the TE and flow to "widen the defense out" and essentially have an extra blocker.  Start watching at the 9 min mark

 

 

 

 

 

[Buffalo Bills Fan]

I know Bill's tried this vs the Fish. They made some pre snap movement before Fitz took the ball. Would this help and confuse there O-Line a little?

[Locomark]

On offense we need to attack their perimeter. Sweeps, jet sweeps, those quick passes like we did to Beas last week. They seem weakest outside. I think you must score 24 or more to win this game unless there is some form of weather. 

 

 

On defense we have to keep them in check on first down. Honestly I would always worry about Lamar first on RPO because he can gash you for more than their RBs can. I honestly think you sell out run. Turnovers must happen and we need the crowd to influence their line. 

 

We can’t have our kicker missing Any points this game no matter what. 

 

[H2o]

44 minutes ago, Buffalo Junction said:

My concern with pulling Lorax is that we have three defensive starters that practiced against Roman’s schemes with Tyrod... Lorax is one along with Lawson and Hughes. There is value in having those players on the field together since they’re less likely to hesitate. That could make a massive difference in this game. Now, it’s also entirely possible that Jackson jukes them out of their socks, but that’s not entirely preventable with a safety in there either

I want Hughes and Lawson on the field all game tbh, but Lorax is going to be a liability due to his limited athleticism imo more so than Coleman or Neal would be, against the run and trying to cover TE's. He just can't run with these guys. But if he were to make the correct read on every play, which is highly unlikely, then he could be a thumper against the run. The other guys just have more speed and overall athleticism that is going to be needed this week trying to keep up with these TE's and Ravens' ground game. Like I said, this is what I would do and not necessarily what the team is going to do. 

[ctk232]

On 11/30/2019 at 11:45 AM, Virgil said:

The biggest advantage in the Ravens offense, outside of just Lamar, is that all defenders first step is forward on every snap because you assume the run first.  This leaves the receivers in 1 on 1 coverage or allows the TE's to slip out in coverage.

With that, I think you play hard zones and allow the short yardage.  You have Milano and Edmunds play zone, 5 yards back, within the Tackles and Guards.  Let them get those free first yards, but don't commit to the play until you absolute know where it's going.  You run heavy on the line, playing solid gap defense.  Don't let them create confusion. 

 

The challenge then is how you handle the pulling guards and backfield blockers who lead the way.  That's where gap integrity is key, as well as the play of the safeties.  Hyde should be playing in the box for most of the game, with Poyer covering deep.  If you have a gap controlled front 3, 7 in zoned out within 3-7 yards, you keep them to short plays.  Eventually, you'll get stops.  Honestly, we run more of a 3-4 style defense with Phillips in the middle, Oliver as an End, and Shaq on the other End. 

 

The speed of Edmunds and Milano are key

Word. Given Roman's scheme predicated on the two-back RPO/triple option, and Jackson's preference for finding Andrews in both zone beater spots and in man coverage, you'd think we'd certainly need to stack the box, but remain patient, like you mentioned, at the same time. 

 

We still have to play some sort of assignment defense if we plan to stop any component of the RPO/triple option threat - turkey brain has me mis-remembering, but I think it was either Dungy or Rodney on SNF that picked on Weddle's comments about not knowing who has the ball before it's too late. If I'm remembering correctly, Dungy said that shouldn't even be an issue if you're matching the scheme correctly, and each defender is responsible for a player assignment (i.e. Ingram-Milano, Jackson-Edmunds, RB2-DE or Nickel, and TE1-Hyde/Poyer). It's a mismatch nightmare the way Roman runs it with their roster, but so many times yesterday we saw a free blitzer crashing to the option fake, and not picking up the assignment leaving Jackson room to run. Essentially, it's much easier to follow your man/assignment than it is the ball in the RPO scheme. If we don't immediately crash the line, and everyone picks up their assignments - theoretically the RPO weapon should be contained with effective tackling (another issue Jackson presents).

 

On passing plays and downs - that's where I'd think the patience comes in, and again borrowing Dungy's analysis, it makes sense to force Jackson to beat you in the pocket by not pressuring him. Andrews and Ingram in the flats create spot concepts to beat zone defenses with mismatched personnel that are schemed by opposing teams to defend the RPO threat; it's a very complementary scheme that way. I'm curious to see how McD and Frasier adapt the zone scheme we play and utilize our personnel, especially with the DL rotation we like to use, it's hard to see how that rotation will consistently match up with the Ravens personnel groupings per se.

 

There's also something we can do with the offense to help defend the RPO/Jackson - and that's to eat up as much clock as possible. If the defense can force a few key stops, keeping their offense off the field as much as possible simply limits the damage they can do. It's a rather obvious statement, but certainly one that can have an equal impact, and keep our defense fresh/rested throughout.

 

As for something we can do - be loud af for the entire time the Ravens have the ball? As per usual?

Edited December 2, 2019 by ctk232

[Brandon_Bean]

My plan would be to somehow give Lamar Mono.

[One Buffalo]

Here are some good observations from analyzing yesterday's game-

 

 

[Kenosha2Buffalo]

Prey

[dubs]

There is actually a really good article in the WSJ about the Ravens attack and how unique it is. It comes down to the options Jackson has on every play and how confusing it is for a defense to figure out who has the ball. 
 

first, their efficiency and effectiveness comes from their run game (obviously).  But because they are in the pistol or shotgun 95% of the time, and each play has options, they can’t be defended by the traditional means (IMO). I think it all comes down to making Jackson think for a second before the decision. That might mean holding the line rather than rush up field at the snap. Clogging the middle (Hash to hash) of the field which makes the quickest decisions more difficult, and causes him to look to the sidelines more. The longer Jackson is indecisive for, the better for the defense. 

[Buffalo Junction]

12 minutes ago, H2o said:

I want Hughes and Lawson on the field all game tbh, but Lorax is going to be a liability due to his limited athleticism imo more so than Coleman or Neal would be, against the run and trying to cover TE's. He just can't run with these guys. But if he were to make the correct read on every play, which is highly unlikely, then he could be a thumper against the run. The other guys just have more speed and overall athleticism that is going to be needed this week trying to keep up with these TE's and Ravens' ground game. Like I said, this is what I would do and not necessarily what the team is going to do. 

Fair enough. I’m not sure if his lack athleticism is worse than other players missing assignments due to misdirection and over aggressive play. Who knows though??? We’ll find out Sunday. ?? 

[The Jokeman]

1 hour ago, Mikey152 said:

Historically, the best defense against Lamar was in the playoffs last year, and it was...unconventional.

 

The Chargers played the vast majority of the game with SEVEN dbs on the field...they basically had safeties playing lb.  the idea is to increase the athleticism on the field so you can run with Lamar and cover their TE.  You are vulnerable to a power run game, so you have to be aggressive on running downs.

 

the nice thing is, the Bills can do something similar in a nickel defense.  Milano and Edmunds run And cover like safeties and can stay on the field in most situations, making the bills less vulnerable to a power run game.

 

so the answer, basically, is to play nickel defense all game, 2-3 safeties (depending on personnel), 7 or 8 in the box.  Hit Lamar whenever you can and make him pay for keeping it.  Play zone underneath and use the extra speed to limit scrambles from turning into big plays.

 

i actually think the Bills match up better than most...they will do ok containing Lamar.  The question is whether or not they can stop Ingram on the inside power stuff without sacrificing their athleticism

Covering the TEs and think stopping Ingram the key to stopping Baltimore. 

[wjag]

If you watch Baltimore you quickly realize that LJ throws between the hash marks, unless forced out of the pocket.  Defend the middle.  They use three tight ends a lot and throw to the backs a lot.  They are really not a deep threat team unless they send a TE down the middle.  Keep Tre on Brown.  San Francisco had a lot of success rushing to the edges rather than going up through the middle.  The Ravens will have the same problem the Bills have.  If you rush too deep, then JA will take off.  So their four interior lineman will stay home leaving the edges open.  Watching LJ run, he dekes more guys with his eyes than any QB I have seen.  Watch his hips, not his eyes.  Easier said than done.  SF was okay letting him get his 100.

 

Force them to wear their white uniforms.  Finding the ball against their all black uniforms make the job even harder.  Stopping their RBs on first down (again easier said than done) is critical.  Baltimore will go on 4th and whatever more than any team in history.  Harbaugh has bought into it.

 

Without knowing if it is true or not, I would venture to say Baltimore is the least penalized team in the NFL.  Conversely, Buffalo is good for 8-10 penalties a game.  You simply can't extend Baltimore drives with stupid penalties.

 

 

Edited December 2, 2019 by wjag

[Ethan in Cleveland]

I think out zone base defense with Lawson starting should matchup quite well. Hughes and Lawson and the backups just need to maintain containment. 

I would not spy him. My take is that works for scrambling QBs. Lamar's running is more designed runs.

Assuming there are not a lot of turnovers, I think this game will be won by time of possession . Bills need to convert third downs and keep ball away from Baltimore. If course turnovers change everything. Allen and Singletary need to play clean.

[mjt328]

1 hour ago, Mikey152 said:

Historically, the best defense against Lamar was in the playoffs last year, and it was...unconventional.

 

The Chargers played the vast majority of the game with SEVEN dbs on the field...they basically had safeties playing lb.  the idea is to increase the athleticism on the field so you can run with Lamar and cover their TE.  You are vulnerable to a power run game, so you have to be aggressive on running downs.

 

the nice thing is, the Bills can do something similar in a nickel defense.  Milano and Edmunds run And cover like safeties and can stay on the field in most situations, making the bills less vulnerable to a power run game.

 

so the answer, basically, is to play nickel defense all game, 2-3 safeties (depending on personnel), 7 or 8 in the box.  Hit Lamar whenever you can and make him pay for keeping it.  Play zone underneath and use the extra speed to limit scrambles from turning into big plays.

 

i actually think the Bills match up better than most...they will do ok containing Lamar.  The question is whether or not they can stop Ingram on the inside power stuff without sacrificing their athleticism

 

Not sure that works in 2019.

Baltimore made some adjustments in the offseason, specifically to combat this kind of defensive scheme.

 

Personnel-wise, you need to match up with their heavy 3-Tight End sets.  Otherwise, they are going to totally run you over.

The problem is, when you go heavy on the D-Line... you don't have the speed to catch Lamar Jackson on QB-keepers.

 

To me, you absolutely MUST keep Jackson in the pocket.  Instead of rushing the defender, your edge defenders need to play disciplined and keep him contained.  Your interior D-Line must play gap control, and keep blockers off the linebackers.  I'm also playing lots of Cover 1, using the extra safety to help cover the TEs and support in run coverage.  Make Jackson beat you with his arm.

 

 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

17 minutes ago, wjag said:

If you watch Baltimore you quickly realize that LJ throws between the hash marks, unless forced out of the pocket.  Defend the middle.  They use three tight ends a lot and throw to the backs a lot.  They are really not a deep threat team unless they send a TE down the middle.  Keep Tre on Brown.  San Francisco had a lot of success rushing to the edges rather than going up through the middle.  The Ravens will have the same problem the Bills have.  If you rush too deep, then JA will take off.  So their four interior lineman will stay home leaving the edges open.  Watching LJ run, he dekes more guys with his eyes than any QB I have seen.  Watch his hips, not his eyes.  Easier said than done.  SF was okay letting him get his 100.

 

Force them to wear their white uniforms.  Finding the ball against their all black uniforms make the job even harder.  Stopping their RBs on first down (again easier said than done) is critical.  Baltimore will go on 4th and whatever more than any team in history.  Harbaugh has bought into it.

 

Without knowing if it is true or not, I would venture to say Baltimore is the least penalized team in the NFL.  Conversely, Buffalo is good for 8-10 penalties a game.  You simply can't extend Baltimore drives with stupid penalties.

 

 

Excellent take. San Fran took some dumb penalties and made some odd field position choices. 

[freddyjj]

51 minutes ago, H2o said:

I want Hughes and Lawson on the field all game tbh, but Lorax is going to be a liability due to his limited athleticism imo more so than Coleman or Neal would be, against the run and trying to cover TE's. He just can't run with these guys. But if he were to make the correct read on every play, which is highly unlikely, then he could be a thumper against the run. The other guys just have more speed and overall athleticism that is going to be needed this week trying to keep up with these TE's and Ravens' ground game. Like I said, this is what I would do and not necessarily what the team is going to do. 

OBD might use Lorax in the DE rotation (Shaq, Jerry at RDE, Murphy Zo and Johnson at LDE) to help seal the edge and use just 2 LBs in Milano and Edmunds.  The 5th DB (Neal, Marlowe, T Johnson) will be big nickel and help with the 3rd TE in formation.   Hollywood Brown was quiet yesterday but Bills might have to play some different coverages to take him away.