Ed Reed says Texans D rattled Flacco

[Ghostform]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...st-play-better

haha

[Playoffs]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82616f59/article/ravens-safety-reed-says-flacco-oline-must-play-better

Ed Reed certainly chose a strange time to offer constructive criticism of his fellow Ravens.

The star safety was a guest on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday, when he spoke candidly about quarterback Joe Flacco and Baltimore's offense. The Ravens beat the Texans on Sunday to advance to the AFC Championship Game against the Patriots, but the offense struggled for long stretches against Houston, managing nearly as many punts (nine) as first downs (11).

"I think Joe was kind of rattled a little bit by that defense," Reed said (via ProFootballTalk.com). "They had a lot of guys in the box on him. And, I mean, they were getting to him. I think a couple times he needed to get rid of the ball.

"I don't know how much of the play-calling, he could have made audibles or anything like that, checks or whatnot, man, but it just didn't look like he had a hold on the offense, you know, of times past. You know, it was just kind of like they was telling him to do, throw the ball or get it here, you know, get it to certain guys. And he can't play like that."

Reed also called on the big men in front of Flacco to step up their game.

"(The) offensive line's got to block better," Reed said. "You know, they got to communicate better, got to pick up blocks, Joe's got to get the ball out of his hand."

It's worth noting that in asking for improved play from his quarterback and O-line, Reed basically is doing the same thing that led many to label Santonio Holmes an incurable cancer in the Jets' locker room. Reed obviously has stature within his team that Holmes couldn't dream of, which perhaps makes this OK.

That said, the timing seems odd and certainly does little in helping Flacco in his eternal quest to be respected.

[76Texan]

Sweet!

[since02]

I really hope Bob pays up to keep this D intact. Except for kareem this is a elite unit of guys and I can't wait to see how they will dominate next year its gonna be awesome!

[NastyNate]

Originally Posted by since02

I really hope Bob pays up to keep this D intact. Except for kareem this is a elite unit of guys and I can't wait to see how they will dominate next year its gonna be awesome!

I honestly think Kareem is headed down the same path as Duane Brown. He played very well in the playoffs, I think (hope) with OTA's and a full training camp he'll be a legitimate CB#2.

[TheMatrix31]

And some people elsewhere laughed at me when I said the Texans dominated this game and the Defense ROCKED the Ravens' offense.

SMH.

[austins23]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

And some people elsewhere laughed at me when I said the Texans dominated this game and the Defense ROCKED the Ravens' offense.

SMH.

The Texans D absolutely dominated this game. Only 3 points givin up in the final 46 minutes or something like that.? The 3 yd TD drive was a gimmie, obviously and the other TD was a very short field as well. 9 punts and only 11 first downs!! Absolutely this DEFENSE dominated.

[ObsiWan]

I'm a bit surprised Reed would do this. These are the kinds of comments that usually don't get outside the locker room.

...unless it's the Jets

[Malloy]

Honestly I'm not reading this as a knock on Flacco. What i read is that the O-line needs to block better, a very valid point, AND that the coaching staff held Flacco back, telling him exactly what throws to make, what reciever to hit, and that Reed thinks that this is detrimental to Flaccos playing style.

All fair and valid points, but let's see if the Ravens coaching staff agrees

[fiasco west]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

I'm a bit surprised Reed would do this. These are the kinds of comments that usually don't get outside the locker room.

...unless it's the Jets

I think there is a big difference here though.

Reed put his name on it, he's not going the 'Anonymous Source' route. He just goes out and say it. At least Flacco doesn't have to wonder who on the team doesn't trust him.

[Texan_Bill]

Originally Posted by Malloy

Honestly I'm not reading this as a knock on Flacco. What i read is that the O-line needs to block better, a very valid point, AND that the coaching staff held Flacco back, telling him exactly what throws to make, what reciever to hit, and that Reed thinks that this is detrimental to Flaccos playing style.

All fair and valid points, but let's see if the Ravens coaching staff agrees

I read it as a knock on Uni-brow, errrrrr Flacco, the O-line and to a certain extent the "O" coaches.

[TimeKiller]

He didn't say anything that didn't happen. Anybody who watched the game saw it. How many times did the entire DL end up on top of Flacco to end the play?

[BigBull17]

I see it as a vet trying to fire his offense up after a game that can severly damage an offenses confidence. Shifts their focus into proving him wrong Instead of how bad they got beat

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

I'm a bit surprised Reed would do this. These are the kinds of comments that usually don't get outside the locker room.

...unless it's the Jets

Ed Reed is scheduled to make over 10 million next year, and can be cut for a cost of 1.25 million. He's probably trying to get in good with the Texans so that when he gets cut, he can go to a Super Bowl contender.

[El Tejano]

Bottom line to the Baltimore game is that they got the turnovers and we didn't. We caused like 3 fumbles that we just couldn't get our hands on, and they got their hands on all of theirs. Although there was maybe one that Reed didn't come up with.

[HJam72]

It's not the O-line. It's what you gotta expect from the Texans D. You're gonna get sacked a lot.

Deal with it.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by since02

I really hope Bob pays up to keep this D intact. Except for kareem this is a elite unit of guys and I can't wait to see how they will dominate next year its gonna be awesome!

Haha, you called Shaun Cody "elite".

[TheCD]

If we can get a serious NT, improve our safety play (I like Glover and Manning but if there is a play-making safety to be had you take him), and bolster our ILB depth, I think we will be fine on defense.

Honestly at this point it's the offense that worries me. We probably need to scrap all of our receivers not named Andre and start new there, but I believe with how complicated the routes receivers run in this offense that may be too difficult to do in the offseason. I think this season shined light on our need for a new FB who can bulldoze defenders and not just get in both their and the ball carriers way. I always believe you take a lineman in the draft no matter what your situation, there's just too many bodies needed at that one spot to neglect. Caldwell also showed that it wouldn't hurt trying to find an upgrade for him.

[Double Barrel]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

And some people elsewhere laughed at me when I said the Texans dominated this game and the Defense ROCKED the Ravens' offense.

SMH.

Well, some people are just idiots. How anyone with half a brain could watch that game and not come away impressed with our defense is beyond my comprehension and indicative of proof of stupid.

I've heard more praise on a national level for our D than at any other point. If this unit and coaching staff stays intact, and I expect that it will with some upgrades here or there, I think the defense alone will elevate expectations for the Texans in 2012.

Watching "America's Game" about the 2000 Ravens the other night, and Ray Lewis said they had three key points that were stressed as important that season: great defense, good running game, and avoid turnovers. I think the Texans can be that kind of team next season.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by Double Barrel

Watching "America's Game" about the 2000 Ravens the other night, and Ray Lewis said they had three key points that were stressed as important that season: great defense, good running game, and avoid turnovers. I think the Texans can be that kind of team next season.

While we were very good on defense this year, I think it's a little much to expect the defense to be historically good like the '00 Ravens squad was.