Last week, the Ravens took it to the Kansas City Chiefs with a 30-7 pounding. With this win, Joe Flacco became the first QB to win a playoff game in his first three seasons. After the Ravens drove down the field early in the game, they were forced to settle with a Cundiff field goal after not converting deep in Chiefs territory. But then the Chiefs set out to prove that they wouldn't go away without a fight, as Jamaal Charles busted up the middle and sprinted 41 yards to the end zone to take the lead. The Ravens responded, when Flacco dumped it off to Ray Rice, who could walk into the end zone, and the Ravens took a 10-7 lead at the half. In the third, Cundiff hit two 29-yard field goals to make it a two possession game. Late in the third quarter, the Ravens began to pull away from the Chiefs. The score went to 23-7 late in the third when Flacco found Boldin in the back of the end zone for another score. This is when the Chiefs really began to collapse as a whole. After more turnovers, the Ravens sealed the deal late with a Willis McGahee touchdown run. The Chiefs turned the ball over five times, after only turning it over 15 times over the course of the season. A second quarter fumble by Charles ultimately changed the tide of the game. Before the fumble, Charles was a running back trying to get yards, but after the fumble, he became a ball-carrier trying not to lose the ball, and his team paid a price for that. After 87 rushing yards in the first half, he was then held to -5 in the second half, and the Ravens continued their streak of not letting a 100-yard rusher in the playoffs. Also, Ravens TE Todd Heap had broke the franchise record for receptions in a playoff game, as well as having the first postseason 100-yard receiving game in Ravens playoff history. The Ravens have to be extremely happy about this win, after dominating the time of possession, and keeping a healthy team overall.
Player of the Game: Ravens QB Joe Flacco-25/34, 265 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 7 rushes, 26 rushing yards
Next week, the Ravens play a team they know all too well, as they'll travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two teams split the regular season head-to-head, so the winner of this game has bragging rights for the next year. This is about as even a matchup as you can get, and I believe that no team has any kind of edge or advantage heading into Saturday's game. The Steelers have really had the Ravens number in the playoffs, winning the two matchups they've had in the postseason. But now the Ravens head in with momentum trying to move on, and the inspiration from Ed Reed and his situation seems to have lifted the entire team. No matter the skill on either side of the ball, inspiration has proven a reason for victory throughout sports history. Reed will play once again despite his family situation. The Steelers offense is usually conservative, but two or three times a game, they take a risk, and sometimes, it changes the momentum and is a key to the game. Their big play weapon is Mike Wallace, one of the fastest and most explosive receivers in the game. If the Ravens defense can prevent those big plays the Steelers will throw at them, they'll be able to hold Pittsburgh to field goals, and get the ball back quicker. The Ravens are virtually completely healthy on defense, so it will be big that they won't have to hold back. On offense, the Ravens will need to stay steady and limit mistakes. The play-calling will have to be top notch, and even more important, the execution of the plays will have to be perfect. Just as they did last week, the Ravens will need to control the time of possession, keep their offense on the field, and have their defense stay resting on the sidelines while wearing out the Steelers defense. The one defender the Ravens offense needs to be aware of the most is Troy Polamalu, who basically won the game for the Steelers back in Week 13. Polamalu is one of the most dangerous blitzers in the entire league, so being aware of him at all times is key for the Ravens. As I said earlier, this matchup is just about as even as can be, but I have the Ravens pulling out yet another last-minute win, 20-17.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Steelers
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Steelers WR Mike Wallace Edge: Wilson
Ravens NT Kelly Gregg vs. Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey Edge: Pouncey
Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Steelers LB James Harrison Edge: Harrison
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Steelers CB Bryant McFadden Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
C Matt Birk-Knee-QST
CB Chris Carr-Thigh-QST
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-QST
Steelers
Player-Injury-Status
DE Aaron Smith-Triceps-DBT
AFC Playoff Bracket
Ravens at Steelers
Jets at Patriots
AFC Playoff Outlook: It's as easy as the winner of the two games will play each other next week in the AFC Championship. The Patriots automatically have a home game if they beat the Jets. If the Jets win, they will travel to the winner of the Ravens/Steelers game.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Ravens Report-Wild Card Round 2011
Last week, the Ravens survived a scare from the Bengals, winning 13-7 to finish the year 12-4. With the Steelers win over the Browns, the Ravens hold the #5 seed despite this win. Ed Reed recorded yet another multi-interception game, making his total 8 interceptions on the season, which leads the NFL at the end of the regular season. Reed's picks were two of five turnovers on the day for the Bengals. The Ravens lead the game 6-0 at the half, with Cundiff hitting field goals from 25 and 47 yards. The lead was extended in the third quarter when Ray Rice ran in for a 7-yard touchdown. The Bengals quickly made it a game again, as Carson Palmer connected with Jerome Simpson for an 11-yard touchdown. Over the next 10 minutes or so, the teams all but exchanged punts. But in the final minutes of the game, the Bengals drove down the field at will. Then, on 4th down from the Ravens 2 yard line, Palmer threw incomplete to end the game. The Ravens suffered costly injuries throughout this game, including Josh Wilson and Michael Oher. Their status' for Sunday's game are yet to be determined.
Player of the Game: Ravens S Ed Reed-2 interceptions, 2 tackles
Next Sunday, the Ravens will head to Kansas City to face the AFC West Champion Chiefs. This is the first playoff matchup between the two teams. Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is known as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, so the Ravens will have to be careful of early jumps due to the noise. The Ravens could be highly affected by key injuries to be determined sometime Sunday morning. Ravens WR Anquan Boldin is going against his former offensive coordinator, current Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley. The two have a less than polite history after disagreements throughout their player-coach relationship during their time with the Cardinals. This probably won't have too much an effect on the game, but look for Boldin to want some revenge, and it could be interesting to see if Flacco lets him get it by involving him more in the gameplan on Sunday. The Chiefs have relied on an explosive young offense to lead the way, so look for them to try and get the Ravens defense on some big plays using guys like RB Jamaal Charles and WRs Dexter McCluster and Dwayne Bowe. Bowe has established himself as a top receiver in the league, so the Chiefs could look to him for that big play. If the Ravens can stop that big play offense and contain them to short gains, they can spend less time on the field, and more time resting on the sideline, which means more points for the Ravens on offense. The few strong points on the Chiefs defense could be the key to this game for them. Their stars on defense include DE Glenn Dorsey, CB Brandon Flowers, and LB Tamba Hali. If Flacco and the Ravens offense are aware of their presence on defense, they can limit their effectiveness by planning their way around these defenders. I think the Chiefs' overall inconsistency will hurt them as they try to succeed in this game, and I have the Ravens moving on with a 23-13 win.
Ravens Key to Success: Start off strong. A strong start could prove key for both teams, as in an atmosphere like Kansas City, a dead crowd often means a victory for the road team. If the Ravens get the fans out of it early, they can control the game's momentum all the way through.
Chiefs Key to Success: Chip away on offense. We've learned that the Ravens defense is prone to breaking down when tired late in the game. If the Chiefs can pound at them early, and then go for the big shot later on, they could take everything away from this Ravens defense, thus controlling the final minutes of this crucial Wild Card battle.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Chiefs
Ravens CB Chris Carr vs. Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe Edge: Bowe
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs vs. Chiefs LT Brendan Albert Edge: Suggs
Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Chiefs LB Tamba Hali Edge: Hali
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
LB Dannell Ellerbe-Head-QST
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-QST
DT Haloti Ngata-Thigh-QST
S Ed Reed-Chest-QST
LB Terrell Suggs-Knee-QST
CB Josh Wilson-Head-QST
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-QST
Note: Ed Reed will play Sunday despite the disappearance of his brother on Friday.
Chiefs
Player-Injury-Status
WR Quentin Lawrence-Illness-PRB
G Brian Waters-Illness-PRB
AFC Wild Card Round
#5 Ravens at #4 Chiefs
# 6 Jets at #3 Colts
Byes:Patriots, Steelers
Divisional Round Situations: There is no automatic team the Ravens will play if they beat the Chiefs Sunday. If the Ravens and Colts win, the Ravens will travel to New England to play the Patriots. If the Ravens and Jets win, the Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh and play the Steelers.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Player of the Game: Ravens S Ed Reed-2 interceptions, 2 tackles
Next Sunday, the Ravens will head to Kansas City to face the AFC West Champion Chiefs. This is the first playoff matchup between the two teams. Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is known as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, so the Ravens will have to be careful of early jumps due to the noise. The Ravens could be highly affected by key injuries to be determined sometime Sunday morning. Ravens WR Anquan Boldin is going against his former offensive coordinator, current Chiefs Head Coach Todd Haley. The two have a less than polite history after disagreements throughout their player-coach relationship during their time with the Cardinals. This probably won't have too much an effect on the game, but look for Boldin to want some revenge, and it could be interesting to see if Flacco lets him get it by involving him more in the gameplan on Sunday. The Chiefs have relied on an explosive young offense to lead the way, so look for them to try and get the Ravens defense on some big plays using guys like RB Jamaal Charles and WRs Dexter McCluster and Dwayne Bowe. Bowe has established himself as a top receiver in the league, so the Chiefs could look to him for that big play. If the Ravens can stop that big play offense and contain them to short gains, they can spend less time on the field, and more time resting on the sideline, which means more points for the Ravens on offense. The few strong points on the Chiefs defense could be the key to this game for them. Their stars on defense include DE Glenn Dorsey, CB Brandon Flowers, and LB Tamba Hali. If Flacco and the Ravens offense are aware of their presence on defense, they can limit their effectiveness by planning their way around these defenders. I think the Chiefs' overall inconsistency will hurt them as they try to succeed in this game, and I have the Ravens moving on with a 23-13 win.
Ravens Key to Success: Start off strong. A strong start could prove key for both teams, as in an atmosphere like Kansas City, a dead crowd often means a victory for the road team. If the Ravens get the fans out of it early, they can control the game's momentum all the way through.
Chiefs Key to Success: Chip away on offense. We've learned that the Ravens defense is prone to breaking down when tired late in the game. If the Chiefs can pound at them early, and then go for the big shot later on, they could take everything away from this Ravens defense, thus controlling the final minutes of this crucial Wild Card battle.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Chiefs
Ravens CB Chris Carr vs. Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe Edge: Bowe
Ravens LB Terrell Suggs vs. Chiefs LT Brendan Albert Edge: Suggs
Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Chiefs LB Tamba Hali Edge: Hali
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
LB Dannell Ellerbe-Head-QST
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-QST
DT Haloti Ngata-Thigh-QST
S Ed Reed-Chest-QST
LB Terrell Suggs-Knee-QST
CB Josh Wilson-Head-QST
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-QST
Note: Ed Reed will play Sunday despite the disappearance of his brother on Friday.
Chiefs
Player-Injury-Status
WR Quentin Lawrence-Illness-PRB
G Brian Waters-Illness-PRB
AFC Wild Card Round
#5 Ravens at #4 Chiefs
# 6 Jets at #3 Colts
Byes:Patriots, Steelers
Divisional Round Situations: There is no automatic team the Ravens will play if they beat the Chiefs Sunday. If the Ravens and Colts win, the Ravens will travel to New England to play the Patriots. If the Ravens and Jets win, the Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh and play the Steelers.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Ravens Report-Week 17 2010
Last week, the Ravens beat the Browns, 20-10, to improve to 11-4 on the season. With this win, the Ravens clinch a playoff berth, making Joe Flacco the fourth QB in NFL history to make the playoffs in his first three seasons. This is also the third consecutive season that the Ravens have swept the season series against the lowly Browns. The Browns did open up this game on top though, and after they got the Ravens scrambling on a trick play, receiver Mohamed Massaquoi threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Brian Robiskie. After a Cundiff field goal, Joe Flacco threw a 15 yard strike to T.J. Houshmandzadeh to put the Ravens on top. This score made it 10 straight games with a touchdown pass for Flacco, the longest streak of his career. Flacco also surpassed the 10,000 career passing yard mark early on in the game. At the end of the second quarter, Cundiff and Browns K Phil Dawson each hit field goals, from 40 and 30 yards respectively. This gave the Ravens a 13-10 lead heading into the half. The final score of the game was a 22-yard floater from Flacco to Derrick Mason, the first second-half offensive touchdown for the Ravens in six games. Ed Reed came up with two key interceptions for the Ravens, his 10th career multi-INT game. Reed and the Ravens are 10-0 when Reed picks off the QB twice. The Ravens also forced two other turnovers, a Lardarius Webb INT and a fumble that lead to the Houshmandzadeh touchdown.
Player of the Game: Ravens S Ed Reed-2 tackles, 2 interceptions
This Sunday, the Ravens will close out the regular season at home against the 4-11 Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens already control the 5th seed in the AFC, but a win coupled with a Steelers loss to the Browns gives the Ravens the 2nd seed along with a first-round bye and a division title. The Ravens met the Bengals back in Week 2, a game Joe Flacco would like to forget, as he threw four interceptions en route to a 15-10 loss. But Flacco has thrown just four interceptions since throwing four back in Week 2, and only one all season at home. The Bengals have actually begun to heat up over the past few weeks without the distractions of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco both on and off the field. Even with a lack of receivers to throw to, Carson Palmer has found a way to win receivers like Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson creating big plays. The Ravens defense also needs to look out for RB Cedric Benson, who has a history of tearing them up. The Bengals have a lot of veteran talent on the defensive side of the ball, but rookie DE Carlos Dunlap leads the team with 8 sacks, and could be a force off the end Sunday. In a bit of a revenge game, I have the Ravens winning, 24-13.
Key Matchups for Bengals at Ravens
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham Edge: Lewis
Ravens LB Jarret Johnson vs. Bengals RB Cedric Benson Edge: Benson
Ravens RT Marshal Yanda vs. Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap Edge: Dunlap
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Bengals secondary Edge: Even
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-OUT
TE Todd Heap-Thigh-QST
WR David Reed-Wrist/Head-QST
Bengals
Player-Injury-Status
WR Chad Ochocinco-Ankle-OUT
TE Jermaine Gresham-Knee-DBT
CB Johnathan Joseph-Ankle-QST
LB Dan Skuta-Back-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 11 4 --
Ravens 11 4 --
Browns 5 10 6
Bengals 4 11 7
AFC North Outlook: The Steelers can win the division with a win in Cleveland against the Browns. But if the Steelers lose, and the Ravens take care of business, the Ravens take the division, plus the #2 seed, and the Steelers will fall to the #6 seed below the Jets. If both the Ravens and Steelers win, the Ravens would hold the #5 seed, and most likely travel to Indianapolis to play to Colts.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Player of the Game: Ravens S Ed Reed-2 tackles, 2 interceptions
This Sunday, the Ravens will close out the regular season at home against the 4-11 Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens already control the 5th seed in the AFC, but a win coupled with a Steelers loss to the Browns gives the Ravens the 2nd seed along with a first-round bye and a division title. The Ravens met the Bengals back in Week 2, a game Joe Flacco would like to forget, as he threw four interceptions en route to a 15-10 loss. But Flacco has thrown just four interceptions since throwing four back in Week 2, and only one all season at home. The Bengals have actually begun to heat up over the past few weeks without the distractions of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco both on and off the field. Even with a lack of receivers to throw to, Carson Palmer has found a way to win receivers like Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson creating big plays. The Ravens defense also needs to look out for RB Cedric Benson, who has a history of tearing them up. The Bengals have a lot of veteran talent on the defensive side of the ball, but rookie DE Carlos Dunlap leads the team with 8 sacks, and could be a force off the end Sunday. In a bit of a revenge game, I have the Ravens winning, 24-13.
Key Matchups for Bengals at Ravens
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham Edge: Lewis
Ravens LB Jarret Johnson vs. Bengals RB Cedric Benson Edge: Benson
Ravens RT Marshal Yanda vs. Bengals DE Carlos Dunlap Edge: Dunlap
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Bengals secondary Edge: Even
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
LB Tavares Gooden-Shoulder-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-OUT
TE Todd Heap-Thigh-QST
WR David Reed-Wrist/Head-QST
Bengals
Player-Injury-Status
WR Chad Ochocinco-Ankle-OUT
TE Jermaine Gresham-Knee-DBT
CB Johnathan Joseph-Ankle-QST
LB Dan Skuta-Back-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 11 4 --
Ravens 11 4 --
Browns 5 10 6
Bengals 4 11 7
AFC North Outlook: The Steelers can win the division with a win in Cleveland against the Browns. But if the Steelers lose, and the Ravens take care of business, the Ravens take the division, plus the #2 seed, and the Steelers will fall to the #6 seed below the Jets. If both the Ravens and Steelers win, the Ravens would hold the #5 seed, and most likely travel to Indianapolis to play to Colts.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 16 2010
Last Sunday, the Ravens beat the Saints in Baltimore, 30-24. The Saints opened the scoring with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Jimmy Graham. This Saints drive made it seem like it was going to be another long day for the Ravens defense, but they responded well to the immediate adversity. The Ravens offense also responded well, as Joe Flacco dumped it to Ed Dickson, who avoided some tackles to get into the end zone for the tying score. The second quarter belonged to Ray Rice's many talents. First, he ran for a 10-yard touchdown to give the Ravens the lead. Then, Joe Flacco threw a perfect pass to Rice in the end zone for another score. At the end of the second half, the Ravens defense allowed a Saints score on another pass to Graham to make it a one possession game. The score was 24-17 after the third quarter when Cundiff and Garrett Hartley exchanged field goals. In the fourth, the Saints drove down the field, and on third and goal, Drew Brees threw to Marques Colston, who tipped it up into the air, where it was caught by Lance Moore to tie up the game at 24. On their next drive, Billy Cundiff hit another field goal, giving the Saints the ball back down by three. On fourth down deep in their own territory, Brees' pass was tipped and picked by Cory Redding. The Ravens added another field goal for extra effect and took home a good team victory.
Player of the Game: Ravens RB Ray Rice-153 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1 receiving touchdown
Next week, the Ravens will travel to Cleveland to face the 5-9 Browns. If the Ravens win this game, they clinch a playoff berth. These two teams met in Week 3, with the Ravens getting a 24-17 win. Browns RB Peyton Hillis broke out in that game, running all over the Ravens for 144 yards. Expect Ray Lewis and his men to want serious revenge for letting that outbreak happen. Hillis is the main weapon for that Cleveland offense, so containing him is a major step in getting an important win. In that Week 3 matchup, the Browns gave up three touchdowns to Anquan Boldin, who has been a non-factor in the past few weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if Flacco remembers that game, and brings Boldin back into the action on Sunday. But the Browns secondary has improved over the year, with rookies T.J. Ward and Joe Haden leading the way. Joe Flacco will look to tear apart that secondary in order to improve to 6-0 career against the Browns. Flacco could be getting back Todd Heap, his favorite target, for Sunday's game. Heap practiced all week, but is still listed as questionable. In a better game than people think, I have the Ravens winning, 23-13.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Browns
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Browns RB Peyton Hillis Edge: Lewis
Ravens DE Cory Redding vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas Edge: Thomas
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Browns CB Joe Haden Edge: Boldin
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Browns S T.J. Ward Edge: Flacco
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
WR/KR David Reed-Head-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-OUT
CB Chris Carr-Illness-QST
TE Todd Heap-Thigh-QST
Browns
Player-Injury-Status
TE Robert Royal-Shoulder-DBT
LB Eric Alexander-Groin-QST
DE Kenyon Coleman-Knee-QST
DT Shaun Rogers-Ankle-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 10 4 --
Ravens 10 4 1
Browns 5 9 5
Bengals 3 11 7
AFC North Outlook: The Steelers still control the tiebreaker, and with their win Thursday night over the Panthers, all they need to do is beat the Browns in Week 17 to win the division title. If the Ravens win out, and the Browns beat the Steelers, the Ravens win the division. If the Ravens lose this week to the Browns, the Steelers clinch the division.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Player of the Game: Ravens RB Ray Rice-153 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 1 receiving touchdown
Next week, the Ravens will travel to Cleveland to face the 5-9 Browns. If the Ravens win this game, they clinch a playoff berth. These two teams met in Week 3, with the Ravens getting a 24-17 win. Browns RB Peyton Hillis broke out in that game, running all over the Ravens for 144 yards. Expect Ray Lewis and his men to want serious revenge for letting that outbreak happen. Hillis is the main weapon for that Cleveland offense, so containing him is a major step in getting an important win. In that Week 3 matchup, the Browns gave up three touchdowns to Anquan Boldin, who has been a non-factor in the past few weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if Flacco remembers that game, and brings Boldin back into the action on Sunday. But the Browns secondary has improved over the year, with rookies T.J. Ward and Joe Haden leading the way. Joe Flacco will look to tear apart that secondary in order to improve to 6-0 career against the Browns. Flacco could be getting back Todd Heap, his favorite target, for Sunday's game. Heap practiced all week, but is still listed as questionable. In a better game than people think, I have the Ravens winning, 23-13.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Browns
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Browns RB Peyton Hillis Edge: Lewis
Ravens DE Cory Redding vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas Edge: Thomas
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Browns CB Joe Haden Edge: Boldin
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Browns S T.J. Ward Edge: Flacco
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
WR/KR David Reed-Head-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-OUT
CB Chris Carr-Illness-QST
TE Todd Heap-Thigh-QST
Browns
Player-Injury-Status
TE Robert Royal-Shoulder-DBT
LB Eric Alexander-Groin-QST
DE Kenyon Coleman-Knee-QST
DT Shaun Rogers-Ankle-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 10 4 --
Ravens 10 4 1
Browns 5 9 5
Bengals 3 11 7
AFC North Outlook: The Steelers still control the tiebreaker, and with their win Thursday night over the Panthers, all they need to do is beat the Browns in Week 17 to win the division title. If the Ravens win out, and the Browns beat the Steelers, the Ravens win the division. If the Ravens lose this week to the Browns, the Steelers clinch the division.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 15 2010
Last Monday night, the Ravens pulled out a 34-28 overtime win over the Texans. This improves the Ravens record to 9-4 on the season. The Ravens opened up on fire, with a 1-yard McGahee touchdown run. They then put two more scores on the board, two passes from Flacco to Mason to stretch their lead to three possessions. But the defense made a bad mistake at the end of the half, letting up a 45-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson. But the momentum shifted back to the Ravens to begin the second half when KR David Reed returned the kick 103 yards to the end zone for another Ravens score. Neil Rackers hit two field goals to finish the third quarter, the Ravens still holding on to a 28-13 lead. This is when the Texans began their outrageous comeback. After driving 99 yards down the field, Schaub found Jacoby Jones for a 7-yard score. After another three-and-out by the Texans defense, Ravens Punter Sam Koch pinned the Texans inside their five yard-line once again. But once again, the Texans marched down the field at will, scoring on a 5-yard pass to Johnson with less than a minute left. But now, they still had to convert the two-point conversion in order to tie the game. Schaub's pass went to the back of the end zone, looking for Johnson, but Jacoby Jones leaped in front and caught the pass to tie the game, putting all momentum in the Texans' hands. The Ravens won the toss, but were forced to punt again, and again Koch pinned the Texans. On just their second play, Schaub threw an off-balance pass intended for Kevin Walter, but CB Josh Wilson stepped in front of the pass and returned it 12 yards to the house to give the Ravens a victory.
Co-Players of the Game: Ravens Punter Sam Koch-5 punts inside 20 yard-line, punt leading to game winning touchdown
Ravens CB Josh Wilson-7 tackles, game-winning interception returned touchdown
An awful second-half performance gives me the opportunity for yet another Really?!?!?! with Max Buchdahl.
Really Greg Mattison? You can't prepare your defense for one big stop in the second half? Get them ready to go and shut down the Texans. Really?
Really Cam Cameron? You called a pass play on 3rd and 2 that ended in an incompletion? A run play would have taken 40 huge seconds off of the clock. Really?
Really John Harbaugh? The Texans are marching down the field, you have two timeouts, and you don't take one to give the defense a rest. Really?
Next week, the Ravens will host the defending world champions, the 10-3 New Orleans Saints. The Saints high-powered offense will provide a big challenge to the Ravens defense. If the defense can buckle down and shut down the Saints, they will be able to maintain their reputation as a hard-nosed defense, a reputation that they slightly lost in their collapse last week in Houston. There is a small chance of precipitation Sunday, which would help the Ravens because it would be tougher to pass for Drew Brees and the Saints, a pass-heavy offense. The main cause of Brees' success in New Orleans is the number of receivers he has, and his ability to spread the ball around. It seems as if he finds a new receiver he loves each week, and the defense has to figure out who it is. The lack of a running game for the Saints hurts their attempt at a balanced attack, with RBs Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas sharing carries. The Saints also have a top-ten defense, led by LB Jonathan Vilma and veteran S Darren Sharper. Their defensive system is designed to be able to contain all types of offense, and when successful, it isn't easy to move the ball against them. These teams expect to see each other in Dallas come February, and if both teams can improve, it's a likely Super Bowl matchup. I have the Ravens winning this battle on Sunday, 23-17.
Key Matchups for Saints at Ravens
Ravens S Ed Reed vs. Saints QB Drew Brees Edge: Reed
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Saints WR Marques Colston Edge: Colston
Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Saints DE Will Smith Edge: Smith
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Saints CB Tracy Porter Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
TE Todd Heap-Hamstring-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-OUT
FB Le'Ron McClain-Illness-QST
RB Willis McGahee-Illness-QST
Saints
Player-Injury-Status
WR Courtney Roby-Head-OUT
TE David Thomas-Knee-OUT
DT Anthony Hargrove-Knee-QST
RB Chris Ivory-Hamstring-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 10 3 --
Ravens 9 4 1
Browns 5 8 5
Bengals 2 11 8
AFC North Outlook: Again, all the Steelers need to do is win out in order to win the division. But two Steelers losses together with the Ravens winning out gives the Ravens the division title. The Steelers do have an easy ride, as after facing the Jets this week, they play two sub-.500 teams.
Well, that's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and go Ravens!
Co-Players of the Game: Ravens Punter Sam Koch-5 punts inside 20 yard-line, punt leading to game winning touchdown
Ravens CB Josh Wilson-7 tackles, game-winning interception returned touchdown
An awful second-half performance gives me the opportunity for yet another Really?!?!?! with Max Buchdahl.
Really Greg Mattison? You can't prepare your defense for one big stop in the second half? Get them ready to go and shut down the Texans. Really?
Really Cam Cameron? You called a pass play on 3rd and 2 that ended in an incompletion? A run play would have taken 40 huge seconds off of the clock. Really?
Really John Harbaugh? The Texans are marching down the field, you have two timeouts, and you don't take one to give the defense a rest. Really?
Next week, the Ravens will host the defending world champions, the 10-3 New Orleans Saints. The Saints high-powered offense will provide a big challenge to the Ravens defense. If the defense can buckle down and shut down the Saints, they will be able to maintain their reputation as a hard-nosed defense, a reputation that they slightly lost in their collapse last week in Houston. There is a small chance of precipitation Sunday, which would help the Ravens because it would be tougher to pass for Drew Brees and the Saints, a pass-heavy offense. The main cause of Brees' success in New Orleans is the number of receivers he has, and his ability to spread the ball around. It seems as if he finds a new receiver he loves each week, and the defense has to figure out who it is. The lack of a running game for the Saints hurts their attempt at a balanced attack, with RBs Chris Ivory and Pierre Thomas sharing carries. The Saints also have a top-ten defense, led by LB Jonathan Vilma and veteran S Darren Sharper. Their defensive system is designed to be able to contain all types of offense, and when successful, it isn't easy to move the ball against them. These teams expect to see each other in Dallas come February, and if both teams can improve, it's a likely Super Bowl matchup. I have the Ravens winning this battle on Sunday, 23-17.
Key Matchups for Saints at Ravens
Ravens S Ed Reed vs. Saints QB Drew Brees Edge: Reed
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Saints WR Marques Colston Edge: Colston
Ravens LT Michael Oher vs. Saints DE Will Smith Edge: Smith
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Saints CB Tracy Porter Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
TE Todd Heap-Hamstring-OUT
S Tom Zbikowski-Back-OUT
FB Le'Ron McClain-Illness-QST
RB Willis McGahee-Illness-QST
Saints
Player-Injury-Status
WR Courtney Roby-Head-OUT
TE David Thomas-Knee-OUT
DT Anthony Hargrove-Knee-QST
RB Chris Ivory-Hamstring-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 10 3 --
Ravens 9 4 1
Browns 5 8 5
Bengals 2 11 8
AFC North Outlook: Again, all the Steelers need to do is win out in order to win the division. But two Steelers losses together with the Ravens winning out gives the Ravens the division title. The Steelers do have an easy ride, as after facing the Jets this week, they play two sub-.500 teams.
Well, that's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and go Ravens!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 14 2010
Last week, the Ravens lost a heart-breaker to the Steelers, 13-10. This was yet another classic defensive battle between the best rivals in the National Football League. Ravens TE Todd Heap injured his hamstring on the first play of the game, did not return, and will miss at least next week's game. The Ravens began with a first quarter touchdown, a 14-yard pass from Flacco to Boldin. The teams exchanged third quarter field goals, and the Ravens took a 10-3 lead into the fourth quarter. Shaun Suisham hit a 19-yard field goal at the beginning of the fourth to make it 10-6. With just three minutes left in the game on 2nd and 5, Troy Polamalu came unblocked to Flacco, forcing a fumble and giving the Steelers the ball back deep in Ravens territory. On third and goal, Roethlisberger threw to Isaac Redman, who broke through two tackles and rolled into the end zone. On the Ravens next drive, they drew a pass interference, and were later forced into a fourth and two at the Steelers 31 yard line. John Harbaugh decided not to kick the 49-yard field goal, but instead to go for it. Flacco stepped back, but then under-threw his receiver, ending the game. This game left me and other Ravens fans with many questions about decision making and executing plays. These questions have triggered a new feature I'd like to present called Really?!?!?! with Max Buchdahl.
Really Cam Cameron? You called a pass play on 2nd and 5 with less than three minutes left and a 4 point lead. Really?
Really Michael Oher? You let Troy Polamalu come untouched off the blind side for a sack-fumble that caused a game-winning touchdown? Didn't they make a movie about how you protect the blind side? Really?
Really Dawan Landry? You had Isaac Redman in your arms at the five yard line, which would have forced a fourth down, and you let him get away? Really?
Really John Harbaugh? You decided not to kick the field goal? Billy Cundiff said yes, I want to kick it. Trust your kicker John, come on, that's Football 101. He was bombing those kickoffs, you've got to let him kick that. Really?
Really Joe Flacco? You threw a one-hopper to a wide open receiver on just a three yard pass? Aren't you our franchise quarterback? You have to make that throw. No question about it. Really?
Next Monday night, the Ravens visit the 5-7 Houston Texans for a prime-time Monday Night matchup. The Texans began the year with a big win against the Colts triggering playoff expectations, but have since fallen apart and are on the verge of elimination from playoff contention. The Texans have become known for their explosive offense, led by QB Matt Schaub. RB Arian Foster has emerged as a premier back this season, and could be a threat Monday night against a non-consistent Ravens run defense. The pass defense will have a challenge Monday as well, as they'll be forced to contain Andre Johnson, a top-tier wide receiver. Johnson will be playing with an injured ankle which he re-aggravating last week. If he's limited, Schaub will have to look for other options in receiver Kevin Walter and tight end Joel Dreesen. In a complete contrast to their offense, the Texans have one of the worst defenses in the league. Other than average linebacker play from Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans, their pass defense could take a beating from Flacco on Monday. The Texans pass defense allows an NFL-worst 287.4 passing yards per game. Their run defense is just above average, due to the play of former first-round pick Mario Williams. I have the pass-happy Ravens winning in Houston, 27-14.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Texans
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Texans RB Arian Foster Edge: Lewis
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Texans WR Andre Johnson Edge: Johnson
Ravens RT Marshal Yanda vs. Texans DE Mario Williams Edge: Williams
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Texans CB Kareem Jackson Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
TE Todd Heap-Hamstring-OUT
CB Fabian Washington-Thigh-QST
Texans
Player-Injury-Status
TE Garrett Graham-Hamstring-OUT
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 9 3 --
Ravens 8 4 1
Browns 5 7 4
Bengals 2 10 7
AFC North Outlook: All the Steelers need to do in order to win the division is win the rest of their games. Currently, if the Ravens and Steelers end up tied at the end of the year, the Steelers would control the tie-breaker.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Really Cam Cameron? You called a pass play on 2nd and 5 with less than three minutes left and a 4 point lead. Really?
Really Michael Oher? You let Troy Polamalu come untouched off the blind side for a sack-fumble that caused a game-winning touchdown? Didn't they make a movie about how you protect the blind side? Really?
Really Dawan Landry? You had Isaac Redman in your arms at the five yard line, which would have forced a fourth down, and you let him get away? Really?
Really John Harbaugh? You decided not to kick the field goal? Billy Cundiff said yes, I want to kick it. Trust your kicker John, come on, that's Football 101. He was bombing those kickoffs, you've got to let him kick that. Really?
Really Joe Flacco? You threw a one-hopper to a wide open receiver on just a three yard pass? Aren't you our franchise quarterback? You have to make that throw. No question about it. Really?
Next Monday night, the Ravens visit the 5-7 Houston Texans for a prime-time Monday Night matchup. The Texans began the year with a big win against the Colts triggering playoff expectations, but have since fallen apart and are on the verge of elimination from playoff contention. The Texans have become known for their explosive offense, led by QB Matt Schaub. RB Arian Foster has emerged as a premier back this season, and could be a threat Monday night against a non-consistent Ravens run defense. The pass defense will have a challenge Monday as well, as they'll be forced to contain Andre Johnson, a top-tier wide receiver. Johnson will be playing with an injured ankle which he re-aggravating last week. If he's limited, Schaub will have to look for other options in receiver Kevin Walter and tight end Joel Dreesen. In a complete contrast to their offense, the Texans have one of the worst defenses in the league. Other than average linebacker play from Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans, their pass defense could take a beating from Flacco on Monday. The Texans pass defense allows an NFL-worst 287.4 passing yards per game. Their run defense is just above average, due to the play of former first-round pick Mario Williams. I have the pass-happy Ravens winning in Houston, 27-14.
Key Matchups for Ravens at Texans
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Texans RB Arian Foster Edge: Lewis
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Texans WR Andre Johnson Edge: Johnson
Ravens RT Marshal Yanda vs. Texans DE Mario Williams Edge: Williams
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Texans CB Kareem Jackson Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
TE Todd Heap-Hamstring-OUT
CB Fabian Washington-Thigh-QST
Texans
Player-Injury-Status
TE Garrett Graham-Hamstring-OUT
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Steelers 9 3 --
Ravens 8 4 1
Browns 5 7 4
Bengals 2 10 7
AFC North Outlook: All the Steelers need to do in order to win the division is win the rest of their games. Currently, if the Ravens and Steelers end up tied at the end of the year, the Steelers would control the tie-breaker.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Ravens Report-Week 13 2010
Last week, the Ravens improved to 8-3 with a 17-10 win over the Buccaneers. The score doesn't nearly show how dominating a Ravens performance this was. The Ravens pretty much controlled the game all the way through, with just a slight breakdown towards the end that didn't affect much. Joe Flacco rebounded from a tough start to finish the game well. After a scoreless first quarter, Billy Cundiff and Connor Barth exchanged 45 and 22 yard field goals respectively to make it 3-3. Then, the Ravens took the lead when Flacco went over the middle for Todd Heap, who rumbled and bumbled his way into the end zone for a touchdown. The score was 17-3 at the half after another Flacco TD pass, this one to 10 yards to Mason. The second half consisted of mostly good defense and punting on both sides, and the final scoring of the game came when Josh Freeman threw to Kellen Winslow for a touchdown with just a few minutes remaining. Despite this try at a comeback, the Ravens were able to get the ball back and run down the clock for the win. While this could be called a comfortable win, it came with a price. Three key players (Michael Oher, Dawan Landry, Le'Ron McClain) all left the game with injuries and are questionable for next week's game.
Player of the Game: Ravens QB Joe Flacco-25/35, 289 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns
Next Sunday night the Ravens will host the 8-3 Steelers to decide the sole leader in the AFC North. As one of the most physical rivalries around, you can always expect a lot of hard hits, which in the NFL now means a lot of fines going around too. The Ravens beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh earlier this year, but that was without QB Ben Roethlisberger, who is now back from his suspension. The Ravens haven't beat Roethlisberger since 2006, and now would be the ideal time to break the streak. Rumors have been going around about Roethlisberger's right foot all week. At first he just had a sprained ankle, but the reports have changed to a broken right foot and then back to a sprained ankle on the final injury report. Whatever the injury actually is, Roethlisberger will play with a boot on, in weather that could include rain and snow. The effectiveness of the Ravens defense will definitely affect the outcome of this matchup. The defense has looked older and slower each week, and if the Steelers come out in no-huddle offense, it could be a long and tiring day for Ray Lewis' squad. I think the Ravens can step it up, and I have them taking the lead in the division with a 20-17 win.
Key Matchups for Steelers at Ravens
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall Edge: Lewis
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Steelers WR Hines Ward Edge: Ward
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Steelers S Troy Polamalu Edge: Polamalu
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
S Dawan Landry-Head-QST
FB Le'Ron McClain-Ankle-QST
T Michael Oher-Knee-QST
Steelers
Player-Injury-Status
DE Aaron Smith-Triceps-DBT
TE Matt Spaeth-Concussion-DBT
QB Ben Roethlisberger-Foot-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Ravens 8 3 --
Steelers 8 3 --
Browns 4 7 4
Bengals 2 9 6
AFC North Outlook: With the Browns and Bengals mostly out of contention, the Ravens and Steelers are now fighting for the division title. If the Ravens win this week, they will take the sole lead of the top spot, which basically makes it a 2 game lead because the Ravens would control the possible tie-breaker if the teams were to end with the same record. If the Steelers win, than the Ravens will need that tie or better in order to win the division.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!!!
Player of the Game: Ravens QB Joe Flacco-25/35, 289 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns
Next Sunday night the Ravens will host the 8-3 Steelers to decide the sole leader in the AFC North. As one of the most physical rivalries around, you can always expect a lot of hard hits, which in the NFL now means a lot of fines going around too. The Ravens beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh earlier this year, but that was without QB Ben Roethlisberger, who is now back from his suspension. The Ravens haven't beat Roethlisberger since 2006, and now would be the ideal time to break the streak. Rumors have been going around about Roethlisberger's right foot all week. At first he just had a sprained ankle, but the reports have changed to a broken right foot and then back to a sprained ankle on the final injury report. Whatever the injury actually is, Roethlisberger will play with a boot on, in weather that could include rain and snow. The effectiveness of the Ravens defense will definitely affect the outcome of this matchup. The defense has looked older and slower each week, and if the Steelers come out in no-huddle offense, it could be a long and tiring day for Ray Lewis' squad. I think the Ravens can step it up, and I have them taking the lead in the division with a 20-17 win.
Key Matchups for Steelers at Ravens
Ravens LB Ray Lewis vs. Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall Edge: Lewis
Ravens CB Josh Wilson vs. Steelers WR Hines Ward Edge: Ward
Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Steelers S Troy Polamalu Edge: Polamalu
Ravens WR Anquan Boldin vs. Steelers CB Ike Taylor Edge: Boldin
Injury Report
Ravens
Player-Injury-Status
S Dawan Landry-Head-QST
FB Le'Ron McClain-Ankle-QST
T Michael Oher-Knee-QST
Steelers
Player-Injury-Status
DE Aaron Smith-Triceps-DBT
TE Matt Spaeth-Concussion-DBT
QB Ben Roethlisberger-Foot-QST
AFC North Standings
Team W L GB
Ravens 8 3 --
Steelers 8 3 --
Browns 4 7 4
Bengals 2 9 6
AFC North Outlook: With the Browns and Bengals mostly out of contention, the Ravens and Steelers are now fighting for the division title. If the Ravens win this week, they will take the sole lead of the top spot, which basically makes it a 2 game lead because the Ravens would control the possible tie-breaker if the teams were to end with the same record. If the Steelers win, than the Ravens will need that tie or better in order to win the division.
That's it for this week's version of my Ravens Report, see you next week and Go Ravens!!!
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