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Watching last night's Monday Night game with the Ravens and Browns showed me some harsh realities about the team that I love so dearly. It's amazing how, before the season started, I was convinced the Ravens were a great team, ready to become a force in the AFC on a consistent basis, instead of the every-other-year pattern that they have shown in years past. But what a difference 4 weeks makes. The Ravens went from being called a great team, to not even knowing what their identity is.
The Ravens used to thrive on playing aggressive, strong defense and a great running game. The defense was ranked 2nd overall in 2008 and was 4th in the league in rushing on offense. This year, the identity of the Ravens have changed. The Ravens have become a pass happy team, going for more passing plays than running plays. Flacco has had 3- 3oo yds pass games already, something he wasn't able to do during his rookie season. And the Ravens defense is currently ranked 7th overall. But they have also played the likes of Kansas City, Cleveland (twice), and the Broncos. All teams who don't have a high powered offenses. Against quality teams like the Chargers, Vikings and Bengals, the Ravens have given up over 400 yards in total offense.
Last night against Cleveland, the Ravens confirmed the following things: They have extremely slow starts, waiting until the 2nd half to create rhythm in games. They have a defense that is no longer dominate, due to age, lack of size in the secondary and yes, even the scheme. And they have a kicker that can't consistently make field goals inside the 40 yard line.
The Ravens also tend play on the level of their opponent, something that they do way too often and last night was no different.
The Ravens play the Colts, Steelers and Packers the next 3 weeks. This will be a test to see what team we have in the land of Johnny U. But pardon me for being cynical.... I'm still looking for a reason not to be.
1 comments:
I think Baltimore would be better served in working thru Ray Rice and letting him get off in the ways that Westbrook and MJD get off in the small back mode. Make Flacco's job easier, throw screens, swing passes, shovels, etc. You can quickly get a flow of the game by doing that.
Seems to me that they try to make Flacco the next Johnny U...instead of letting him build up into being great. He flashed it, now they expect it. Can't do that with a young QB.
-Ed.
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