Ravens Report- Week 16 2008

Ravens Report
Last Sunday, the Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 13-9. With this win, the Steelers clinch the AFC North. After a scoreless first quarter, the Ravens took a 3-0 lead on a 26-yard field goal from K Matt Stover. Then the Steelers tied the game at three on a 31-yard field goal by Jeff Reed. The Ravens took a 6-3 lead into halftime after a 28-yard field goal from Stover. Stover made it a 9-3 lead on a 28-yard field goal later in the third quarter. Then the Steelers tied the game at six on a 30-yard field goal from Reed. Then, the Steelers started a drive that would either win or lose the game for them. On a third down at the Ravens 4 yard line, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger found WR Santonio Holmes in the end zone for a 4-yard gain that would bring up fourth down and short. The call was reviewed, and called a touchdown. The Ravens drove down the field, but Ravens QB Joe Flacco was intercepted to end the game.
Player of the Game: Steelers WR Hines Ward- 8 catches, 107 yards
Next Saturday night, the Ravens face the 9-5 Dallas Cowboys in the last game ever at Texas Stadium in Dallas. If the Ravens win this game, they clinch a spot in the playoffs. On offense, the Cowboys are led by QB Tony Romo, WR Terrell Owens, and TE Jason Witten. The Cowboys offense is averaging 349 yards per game, which is 8th in the NFL. They will have a tough test on Saturday, as they face the Ravens defense, which only allows 257 yards per game. On defense, they are led by LB DeMarcus Ware (who leads the NFL in sacks with 19), LB Greg Ellis, and CB Adam Jones. The Ravens offense is averaging 23.2 points per game, and the Cowboys defense gives up an average of 20.6 points per game. In a physical game, I predict the Cowboys winning, 31-27.
Suggestion: The Ravens defense must shut down the connection between Romo, Witten, and Owens. Romo and Owens have the ability for a long pass, and if they are unable to complete that pass, the Ravens could take the advantage. Witten is a red zone threat, so expect there to be lots of coverage on him.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Cowboys
Ravens WR Derrick Mason vs. Cowboys CB Terrence Newman Edge: Mason
Ravens LT Jared Gaither vs. Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware Edge: Ware
Ravens RB Le’Ron McClain vs. Cowboys LB Zach Thomas Edge: McClain
Ravens CB Fabian Washington vs. Cowboys WR Terrell Owens Edge: Owens
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Cowboys RB Tashard Choice Edge: Lewis
Ravens LB Jarret Johnson vs. Cowboys TE Jason Witten Edge: Witten
Injury Report
Ravens
Player Injury Status
WR Marcus Maxwell Hip OUT
S Ed Reed Thigh QST
RB Ray Rice Calf QST
CB Samari Rolle Ankle QST
CB Fabian Washington Thigh QST
T Willie Anderson Ankle PRB
T Jared Gaither Illness PRB
P Sam Koch Knee PRB
WR Derrick Mason Shoulder PRB
K Matt Stover Ankle PRB
LB Terrell Suggs Thigh PRB
T Adam Terry Knee PRB
Cowboys
Player Injury Status
LB Bobby Carpenter Knee/Calf OUT
G Montrae Holland Ankle OUT
CB Alan Ball Ankle DBT
RB Marion Barber Toe QST
WR Miles Austin Knee PRB
S Tra Battle Hamstring PRB
S Keith Davis Knee/Neck PRB
S Ken Hamlin Finger PRB
CB Adam Jones Neck PRB
QB Tony Romo Back PRB
WR Isaiah Stanback Shoulder PRB
WR Roy Williams Foot PRB
TE Jason Witten Ankle PRB
Well, that’s it for this week’s version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week, let’s go kick the Cowboy’s butts!