I think a shot at the division is a bit optimistic --- even if we did go 10-6 (and we have a tendency to play poorly in Cleveland, so I'm far from sold on a sweep of the next three), Pittsburgh would have to play .500 ball the rest of the way just to tie us. Yeah, they've got an even tougher schedule, but that's probably asking a lot, especially considering how well they recovered from the Eagles thrashing that was their only loss..

Bill,

If you are right about 9-7. Do you honesty see them getting out of the first round of the playoffs?
-------------------------------------------------
Capt.,
Look, if they get there the fans will be ecstatic. No one gave the Giants any chance either but if you get to the dance, who knows.
-- Bill O.

Pittsburgh can play .500 ball from now on and win the division at 10-6. I think the wild cards also go 10-6, probably Indy and New England. Indy has the tie-breaker on Baltimore. San Diego, Denver and Jacksonville will also be in the mix near 9-7. Remember, 10-6 didn't do it for the Browns last year. If the Ravens had taken either the Pittsburgh or Tennessee game, I would b'lieve, but I'm not there yet.
-------------------------------------------
Ed,
The game that could come back to haunt them is that Titans game, mainly because they had that one won.
-- Bill O.

Sure, why not? Parity has become parody in the NFL.

The Browns beat the Giants, the Rams (and Cards) beat Dallas. Heck, anything is possible. Who thought the Bills, Titans and Bucs would be so good this year?

But seriously, to answer your question, Ravens won't be there because of one reason - passing. We can't do it and we can't stop it.

Hey Bill! Yea, you really should of held these thoughts until after the next three games are out of the way. I agree that a couple of those "tough" games are winnable, but as you stated, alot will depend on who comes back from injury and the growth of Flacco. Of the tough games, I think Jacksonville can be beat based on current play. Pittsburgh is almost a must win at home. Should of beaten them first time around but for the penalty on Bannan. By the way, I know you saw the sideline hit on the Ravens after the whistle this past week, very reminisant on the Bannan penalty, w/o the call. Funny, huh? Also, if the Boyz don't turn it around soon, the game could be winnable also. That would total 9 wins and anything else is icing!

Hi,

I think we just need to hold serve and go into the last part of the Season after this road stretch 6-4. We would have 4 out of the last 6 games at home and be well setup for a playoff run. The key is the team getting better each week and some of these other teams going backwards.

AFC wins are paramount here. If we lost all four of the big bad so called NFC east games and won all the remaining AFC games we would be better situated playoffs wise as far as tie breakers.

9-7 with 9 AFC wins is better than

9-7 with lets say 7 AFC wins if we were squeaking into the playoffs.

Yeah, it's a possibility, but the next three games are crucial!! If they win all 3, then sky's the limit. The locker room will be pumped up for the TOUGH part of the schedule. I just hope they stay healthy because that's what hurting us the most. "INJURIES". I'd love to see the Ravens play the Titans in the playoffs cuz I know the next time we play them, it'll be a BLOOD BATTLE!! Squealers are welcome too!!

Sounds possible even if not probable!

I disagree with the premise that the Ravens must win the next 3 games in order to make the playoffs. My thinking is if they are 5-5 after playing the Giants they have a shot as they will have 4 of the last 6 games at home and could get to 9-7 realistically, 10-6 would be a stretch but 9-7 may be good enough this year. If they get to 6-3 and don't make the playoffs that would be extremely disappointing.

I agree! Why not playoffs! There is hope.

No chance 9-7 is enough for a wild card. Assuming Buffalo and Tennessee win their divisions, that leaves the colts and patriots who will both be most likely over 10-6. I do think we have a great shot to make the playoffs but it will be as a division winner id have to say

even though i think you would agree that its to early to talk playoffs im on board

All three teams you mentioned seem to have found their mojo. Lets face it, it's the Steelers.

Why not? Because last time everyone started talking playoffs the Ravens lost 3 straight.

I think you are definently right. After all, we took the two "elite" teams in the afc down to the wire and really shouldve come away with both of those victories. As for the colts, we looked like a injured, tired, depleted team after two back to back slugfests so i would think, because we havent played like that in any of the other 5 games, that the colts game was an abberation..... for now. if they play ravens football (strong d, smash mouth run game) they can pull out some road games and the ravens are always tough at home so anything is a possibility

I don't get why you and others are so giddy about three straight wins. I'd be happy with one straight. The browns always play us tough in their stadium and Braylon Edwards usually plays big. The Texans have won 2 straight at home, and it should have been 3 if you count the collapse against The Colts.

Every time you raise expectations, it comes back to bite you. The ravens have always played down to weak opposition, and played up when they meet a formidable challenge (like New England last year).

It seems that the Sun staff and Ravens fans in general have amnesia.

After every victory the playoff buzz starts. After every loss Joe Flacco is a bust, Harbaugh is an overmatches ST coach, and this team is headed for a Top 5 pick.

This team is talented but the injuries will pile up, and the consistency is not enough. The division is going to the Steelers, and one of the wild card spots will be taken by either the Pats or Bills, whoever doesn't win that division.

So the Ravens would have to beat out the Colts, Jaguars, Broncos/Chargers, and Jets for the wild card spot.

Look at the end of our season. 6 of our final 7 games are against top flight teams, with the NFC East to play as well as the Steelers and Jags. That's brutal.

This is an 8-8 team, and always has been. There is talent, but the Ravens are neither consistent nor disciplined enough to put it together for 17 weeks. They will show promise in the next couple of weeks against cushy opponents and then fade down the stretch. Flacco's got real talent though, and nobody should be down on him if we do end up 8-8. Joe's a keeper. The key is building an offense around him.

Bill , I think Ravens have decent chance against Raiders, Browns and Texans , the keyword is decent because who do you which Ravens team will show up? Which player available and which are injured ? Is the second half of NFC east teams tough ? Yes , but suppose those teams fall into slump and injuries ?
That is why I believe 'one game at a time ' approach is better method .

Why not playoffs? Well even though they're playing better than expected, here's a few reasons. First, the rookie QB, despite the obvious upside that he's shown us all, is still a turnover machine. The many, many good teams that the RAVENS have to play will take advantage of this. Second, the disappearing pass rush. Where has it gone? They haven't touched a QB for about 3 weeks now and ANY QB can pick apart this secondary. They would've beaten the Titans if they could've put ANY pressure at all on that sorry Kerry Collins. Again, GOOD teams will take advantage of this. And last, injuries. They're already pretty banged up, and with no bye week, they aren't gonna have that 2-week healing break that other teams will get. I like this team, love the new atmosphere that Harbaugh has brought, but they aren't quite ready to make the playoffs yet --- especially with THIS schedule!!!

I'm just excited about finally having a QB that will be talked about for years to come. It would be nice to have a rookie QB take us to the playoffs but just seeing him improve week to week is enough for me. It took a lot of guts to draft this kid in the first round and there will be many teams lamenting passing on Lazer Joe.....Outstanding!

Hi Bill. Be careful glossing over the next 3 games. Don't you think we'll be underdogs at Cleve and Houston? Either way, a 3 game sweep is a tall order.
------------------------------------------
Bear,
Not trying to gloss over them but making the point that they are winnable, at least to the point where the Ravens should be favored. I will be shocked if they are underdogs against the Browns and Texans but, of course, the line is also a function of the results of each preceding game.
-- Bill O.

I just read on sports book that the Browns have better odds to win the division than the Ravens. Maybe that is due to a weaker schedule but someboday must think the Browns are a better team.
---------------------------------------
Wow, that's curious.
-- Bill O.

Its interesting to note the effect of two controversial penalties on a team's chances of making the playoffs. Had those calls gone our way we would be sitting on a 5-1 record, and have a very probable chance of making the playoffs. Just comes to show you how quickly the tide can turn in the NFL.
--------------------------------------------
Mike,
I would just settle for the Suggs call in the Tennessee game. Get that one and the Ravens are 5-2 and looking good.
-- Bill O.