Last week, the Ravens lost to the New England Patriots, 23-20 in overtime, to bring their record to 4-2. The Ravens got on the board first when Billy Cundiff hit a 26-yard field goal. The Pats responded quickly when BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran for a two-yard touchdown. But the Ravens took the lead into the half when Flacco found Heap for a 16-yard touchdown. The Ravens extended their lead when Flacco threw a touchdown pass to Boldin from 25 yards out. Stephen Gostkowski got the Patriots back on the board next with a 38-yard field goal. Cundiff hit again for the Ravens from 25-yards to make it a 20-10 lead. The Pats made it a one possession game next when Tom Brady found old target Deion Branch for a 5-yard touchdown. Gostkowski tied to game and sent it into overtime with six minutes left in regulation. After exchanging punts, the Patriots moved the ball down the field following a dumb Ravens penalty, and won the game on another Gostowski field goal. Simply, the Ravens should have won this game. There was no excuse for blowing the lead and later losing. This team needs to be able to hold on to leads late in the game, or this will be a long year.
Player of the Game: Patriots WR Deion Branch-9 reception, 98 yards, 1 touchdown
Next Sunday, the Ravens will welcome the 0-5 Bills to Baltimore. S Ed Reed and LB Brandon Ayanbadejo were activated off the PUP list and will be active for the rest of the season. The Bills are arguably the worst team in the NFL. After shifting quarterbacks a few times and evantually cutting Trent Edwards, they have finally landed on Ryan Fitzpatrick, a long time and now professional NFL backup. Rookie C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson share the carries for Buffalo. Former Ravens DE Dwan Edwards is returning to his former home. At halftime, the Ravens will be honoring the tenth anniversary of the Super Bowl XXXV Champion Baltimore Ravens, including players from the team returning for the event. The Ravens will be looking to improve to 5-2 heading into their bye week. In a not so close game, I have the Ravens winning 31-13.
Key Matchups for Bills at Ravens
Ravens LB Jarret Johnson vs. Bills RB C.J. Spiller Edge: Johnson
Ravens CB Fabian Washington vs. Bills WR Lee Evans Edge: Washington
Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Bills DE Marcus Stroud Edge: Stroud
Ravens RB Ray Rice vs. Bills LB Paul Posluszny Edge: Rice
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Foot-OUT
TE Todd Heap-Neck-QST
WR David Reed-Thigh-QST
Note:T Jared Gaither was been placed on the IR, ending his season.
Bills
Player-Injury-Status
T Cornell Green-Knee-OUT
CB Terrence McGee-Back-OUT
LB Keith Ellison-Knee-QST
NT Kyle Williams-Ankle-QST
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 6 2010
Last week, the Ravens improved to 4-1 with a 31-17 win over the Denver Broncos. Ray Rice finally broke out of his shell this week, rushing for 133 yards and two touchdowns. After missing an opportunity to score on their first drive, the Ravens struck first when Flacco pounded it in from a yard out to make it 7-0. Then they made it 14-0 with another one-yard run, this time from Rice. Billy Cundiff hit a 37-yard field goal next, but Kyle Orton hooked up with Brandon Lloyd for a 42-yard touchdown to make it 17-7 at the half. For most of the first half, Flacco and the Ravens offense were able to move the ball down the field at will, but towards the end, the Broncos defense improved. After another scoreless third quarter, Rice got into the end zone again, and again from just one yard out. After a Matt Prater field goal, Willis McGahee attempted to seal the game with a 30-yard touchdown run. Orton found Lloyd again, this time from 44 yards, but to no avail, as the Ravens ran down the clock to get the win.
Player of the Game: Ravens RB Ray Rice-133 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
Next Sunday, the Ravens will travel to Foxborough to face the 4-1 New England Patriots. The Ravens beat the Pats last year in the playoffs, 33-17. This will be the Patriots first game without Randy Moss, who was traded to the Vikings last week. To make up for his loss, they signed Deion Branch this week. Expect Branch to be in the game-plan a lot this week. But I believe the Patriots key factor on offense will be rookie TE Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez will be the Pats' main target on third down all day. The Patriots defense has weakened these past few years, so I think if Cam Cameron calls the right plays, the Ravens can move the ball easily down the field on Sunday. In another tight matchup between these two teams, I have the Ravens pulling out a 24-20 win.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Patriots
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs vs. Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez Edge: Suggs
Ravens DE Cory Redding vs. Patriots LT Matt Light Edge: Light
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Patriots CB Darius Butler Edge: Boldin
Ravens C Matt Birk vs. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork Edge: Wilfork
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
T Jared Gaither-Back-OUT
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
LB Paul Kruger-Knee-DBT
DT Haloti Ngata-Knee-QST
CB Josh Wilson-Thigh-QST
Patriots
Player-Injury-Status
RB Fred Taylor-Toe-OUT
S James Sanders-Hamstring-QST
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
Player of the Game: Ravens RB Ray Rice-133 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns
Next Sunday, the Ravens will travel to Foxborough to face the 4-1 New England Patriots. The Ravens beat the Pats last year in the playoffs, 33-17. This will be the Patriots first game without Randy Moss, who was traded to the Vikings last week. To make up for his loss, they signed Deion Branch this week. Expect Branch to be in the game-plan a lot this week. But I believe the Patriots key factor on offense will be rookie TE Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez will be the Pats' main target on third down all day. The Patriots defense has weakened these past few years, so I think if Cam Cameron calls the right plays, the Ravens can move the ball easily down the field on Sunday. In another tight matchup between these two teams, I have the Ravens pulling out a 24-20 win.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Patriots
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs vs. Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez Edge: Suggs
Ravens DE Cory Redding vs. Patriots LT Matt Light Edge: Light
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Patriots CB Darius Butler Edge: Boldin
Ravens C Matt Birk vs. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork Edge: Wilfork
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
T Jared Gaither-Back-OUT
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
LB Paul Kruger-Knee-DBT
DT Haloti Ngata-Knee-QST
CB Josh Wilson-Thigh-QST
Patriots
Player-Injury-Status
RB Fred Taylor-Toe-OUT
S James Sanders-Hamstring-QST
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 5 2010
Last Sunday, the Ravens defeated the rival Steelers in Pittsburgh, 17-14. The two teams are now tied atop the AFC North with matching 3-1 records. The Steelers struck first, when Rashard Mendenhall went in for a one-yard touchdown in the first quarter. In the second, Willis McGahee rolled nine yards into the end zone to tie up the game. The Ravens took a 10-7 lead into the half after Billy Cundiff sunk a 33-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers took the lead with seven minutes left when Mendenhall scored again, this time from 7 yards out. The Ravens tried to respond, but were denied at the goal line after an unsuccessful fourth and goal. But the Ravens defense gave Flacco's offense one more chance at the win, forcing a three and out. Then, it took Flacco four plays to get the Ravens the win. He was 4/4 with 40 yards passing on the winning drive. The winning score was with :36 seconds left in the game, an 18 yard touchdown throw to T.J. Houshmandzadeh, his first touchdown grab as a Raven. Ray Lewis picked off a Charlie Batch pass on their next drive to seal up a sweet Ravens victory.
Player of the Game: Ravens DT Haloti Ngata-8 tackles, sack
Next week, the Ravens will host the 2-2 Denver Broncos. These teams met in Baltimore last year, with the Ravens destroying the Broncos, 30-7. The Broncos running game is the worst in the NFL this year. But their passing game is more than making up for it. Kyle Orton is the NFL's leading passer in this young season. That is no surprise, seeing that the Broncos throw 50 times each week. But they will absolutely not be able to do that this week against this Ravens defense. The Broncos offense needs to understand that they cannot be one-dimensional this week. They need to balance out the run and the pass, or else the Ravens will just drop back and it will be a long day for Orton. The Broncos ability or inability to balance out their offense can change the tide of the game this week. I have the Ravens improving to 4-1 with a 24-13 win.
Key Matchups for Broncos at Ravens
Ravens DT Haloti Ngata vs. Broncos LT Ryan Clady Edge: Ngata
Ravens S Dawan Landry vs. Broncos QB Kyle Orton Edge: Landry
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey Edge: Boldin
Ravens RT Marshal Yanda vs. Broncos DE Justin Bannan Edge: Bannan
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
T Jared Gaither-Back-OUT
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
LB Paul Kruger-Knee-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
Broncos
Player-Injury-Status
RB Spencer Larsen-Ankle-OUT
RB Knowshon Moreno-Hamstring-OUT
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
Player of the Game: Ravens DT Haloti Ngata-8 tackles, sack
Next week, the Ravens will host the 2-2 Denver Broncos. These teams met in Baltimore last year, with the Ravens destroying the Broncos, 30-7. The Broncos running game is the worst in the NFL this year. But their passing game is more than making up for it. Kyle Orton is the NFL's leading passer in this young season. That is no surprise, seeing that the Broncos throw 50 times each week. But they will absolutely not be able to do that this week against this Ravens defense. The Broncos offense needs to understand that they cannot be one-dimensional this week. They need to balance out the run and the pass, or else the Ravens will just drop back and it will be a long day for Orton. The Broncos ability or inability to balance out their offense can change the tide of the game this week. I have the Ravens improving to 4-1 with a 24-13 win.
Key Matchups for Broncos at Ravens
Ravens DT Haloti Ngata vs. Broncos LT Ryan Clady Edge: Ngata
Ravens S Dawan Landry vs. Broncos QB Kyle Orton Edge: Landry
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Broncos CB Champ Bailey Edge: Boldin
Ravens RT Marshal Yanda vs. Broncos DE Justin Bannan Edge: Bannan
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
T Jared Gaither-Back-OUT
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
LB Paul Kruger-Knee-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
Broncos
Player-Injury-Status
RB Spencer Larsen-Ankle-OUT
RB Knowshon Moreno-Hamstring-OUT
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 4 2010
This week's version of my Ravens Report is dedicated to the memory of my great-grandmother, Myna. We all love and miss you.
Last week, the Ravens pulled out a close 24-17 win over the Browns. This was Anquan Boldin's breakout game, catching 8 balls for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns. Now we know why the Ravens got Boldin. The Browns got on the board first, when Phil Dawson hit a 38-yard field goal. The Ravens quickly scored, when Flacco found Boldin for an 8-yard touchdown, their first connection of the day. Their second came in the second quarter, this one a 12-yard floater to give the Ravens a 14-3 lead. The score would go to 14-10 at the half when Peyton Hillis pounded in a 1-yard touchdown, the first touchdown the Ravens have given up all year. After no score in the third quarter, the Browns took the lead in the fourth when Seneca Wallace threw a 1-yard touchdown to Benjamin Watson. Then the Ravens took the lead for good, as Flacco found Boldin from 27 yards out, the Ravens final touchdown of the day. Billy Cundiff would add on a 49-yard field goal, and the Ravens came away with the victory.
Co-Players of the Game: Ravens QB Joe Flacco-262 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns
WR Anquan Boldin-7 catches, 142 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns
Next Sunday, the Ravens head to Pittsburgh take on their biggest rival, the 3-0 Steelers. The Steelers have been playing without suspended QB Ben Roethlisberger, and have surprisingly won all 3 games behind great defense and QB play from Dennis Dixon and veteran Charlie Batch. Batch will start for the Steelers on Sunday. Even with Batch at QB, that's not who this Ravens defense needs to worry about, because RB Rashard Mendenhall can break loose at any time. Mendenhall is the biggest factor on this Steelers offense, and if the Ravens can shut him down, then they can win this game. Now to the Steelers defense. Led by S Troy Polamalu and LB James Harrison, the Steelers have been one of the most dominant defenses in the league. Joe Flacco is known for struggling against them, so he will need to finally break loose and beat up on this Steelers defense. Ray Rice was injured last week but is expected to play Sunday, he will need to pound in, and get this defense tired early. In another tight game between these teams, I have the Ravens pulling it out, 16-13.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Steelers
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall Edge: Lewis
Ravens CB Fabian Washington vs. Steelers WR Hines Ward Edge: Ward
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor Edge: Boldin
Ravens C Matt Birk vs. NT Casey Hampton Edge: Hampton
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
T Jared Gaither-Back-OUT
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
DE Cory Redding-Head-QST
RB Ray Rice-Knee-QST
Steelers
Player-Injury-Status
QB Dennis Dixon-Knee-OUT
G Trai Essex-Ankle-OUT
DT Chris Hoke-Knee-OUT
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
Last week, the Ravens pulled out a close 24-17 win over the Browns. This was Anquan Boldin's breakout game, catching 8 balls for 142 yards and 3 touchdowns. Now we know why the Ravens got Boldin. The Browns got on the board first, when Phil Dawson hit a 38-yard field goal. The Ravens quickly scored, when Flacco found Boldin for an 8-yard touchdown, their first connection of the day. Their second came in the second quarter, this one a 12-yard floater to give the Ravens a 14-3 lead. The score would go to 14-10 at the half when Peyton Hillis pounded in a 1-yard touchdown, the first touchdown the Ravens have given up all year. After no score in the third quarter, the Browns took the lead in the fourth when Seneca Wallace threw a 1-yard touchdown to Benjamin Watson. Then the Ravens took the lead for good, as Flacco found Boldin from 27 yards out, the Ravens final touchdown of the day. Billy Cundiff would add on a 49-yard field goal, and the Ravens came away with the victory.
Co-Players of the Game: Ravens QB Joe Flacco-262 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns
WR Anquan Boldin-7 catches, 142 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns
Next Sunday, the Ravens head to Pittsburgh take on their biggest rival, the 3-0 Steelers. The Steelers have been playing without suspended QB Ben Roethlisberger, and have surprisingly won all 3 games behind great defense and QB play from Dennis Dixon and veteran Charlie Batch. Batch will start for the Steelers on Sunday. Even with Batch at QB, that's not who this Ravens defense needs to worry about, because RB Rashard Mendenhall can break loose at any time. Mendenhall is the biggest factor on this Steelers offense, and if the Ravens can shut him down, then they can win this game. Now to the Steelers defense. Led by S Troy Polamalu and LB James Harrison, the Steelers have been one of the most dominant defenses in the league. Joe Flacco is known for struggling against them, so he will need to finally break loose and beat up on this Steelers defense. Ray Rice was injured last week but is expected to play Sunday, he will need to pound in, and get this defense tired early. In another tight game between these teams, I have the Ravens pulling it out, 16-13.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Steelers
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall Edge: Lewis
Ravens CB Fabian Washington vs. Steelers WR Hines Ward Edge: Ward
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor Edge: Boldin
Ravens C Matt Birk vs. NT Casey Hampton Edge: Hampton
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
T Jared Gaither-Back-OUT
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
WR Donte Stallworth-Foot-OUT
DE Cory Redding-Head-QST
RB Ray Rice-Knee-QST
Steelers
Player-Injury-Status
QB Dennis Dixon-Knee-OUT
G Trai Essex-Ankle-OUT
DT Chris Hoke-Knee-OUT
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see ya next week!
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