Comeback win empowers Ravens
Because the Ravens, only a half season into John Harbaugh's tenure, remain a work in progress, we learn something new about this team regularly. And it learns something new about itself almost as regularly.
What we (and perhaps, the Ravens) learned in yesterday's 37-27 win in Cleveland, is that they can take a punch. It's one thing to be able to deliver the football version of a right-cross. But it's something else to have the other side hit you in the teeth and then shake out the cobwebs and come back to deliver your own knockout blow.
Harbaugh said after the demoralizing loss in Indianapolis that the defeat could be a learning opportunity. Actually, what the Ravens and Harbaugh needed to learn about themselves was whether they had the moxie to pull out of a three-game losing streak at a point when observers were beginning to wonder about the rookie quarterback, were doubting that the defensive secondary and offensive line could survive the rash of injuries and were mystified by a faltering return game.
Well, for the Miami game, they learned that they could regroup. But yesterday was considerably different. The Ravens had to gather themselves on the fly in the face of an opponent that was beginning to pick up momentum in its own stadium. The Browns went on a 27-3 run that would have doomed prior Ravens teams, but this Ravens team counter-punched with 24 unanswered points of its own.
That was incredibly important because not every game is going to be without adversity. There will be lapses. Missed tackles on special teams. Breakdowns in coverage on defense. The offense will turn the ball over. But now the Ravens know that when those things happen, they have the capacity to overcome them.
And that's empowering.
Comments
I was watching you with Marty (B)Ass last night, I kept wondering, why is Harry Shearer doing Ravens Post game shows? Then I heard you speak. But you do look an awful lot like him, you must admit.
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Bob,
A lot of folks would not have made that association with the comedian and actor. But I beg to differ. I don't look like Harry Shearer, he looks a lot like me. Just kidding. Thanks for writing, reading and watching.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Bob | November 3, 2008 12:23 PM
I agree. Big win for the psyche. It was well documented that the Billick/Boller show could not come back.
However, I cannot fully agree with Harbaugh's "...two starters" analogy from his post game comments when referencing the play of the backup corners. Fabian Washington is just fine, but Oglesby & Ivy are not. We received a huge gift in the form of that drop by Braylon Edwards when it was 27-27. That ball had touchdown written all over it.
I suppose Oglesby is ok as the sixth CB on the roster, but wherever there was a big gainer in the Cleveland passing game, Ivy was right there a few steps behind the pass catcher. Ivy is solid on special teams and rushing the passer, but that guy should not sniff coverage for a second.
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Alex,
Obviously, the coach is going to say all the right things but you are right. Having just two good cover corners on a roster is a lot and asking guys are are really situational players to take every snap against the other team's No. 1or No. 2 WR is, well, that's a tough deal. That Corey Ivy is a gutsy fellow but, no, the Ravens don't want him on an island on a regular basis.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Alex | November 3, 2008 1:17 PM
You had to like a lot of what was exhibited yesterday. However......
The consistent time management and simple assignment missteps when inserting Troy Smith or heavy jumbo packages will prove costly unless they can get simplified or organized. I also didn't like the gimmick call of a pass to Ngata at the goal line after it was first down at the two! Pound it in on three tries, then settle for a field goal if you have to. I believe McLain and the O line could have gotten two yards within three tries against Cleveland. It was a tie game at that point and the FG left the Browns with plenty of time to go down and score 7. Thank goodness Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards self-destructed, or the Ravens would be lamenting instead of celebrating.
As it it is, except for the Indy/McCallister blowout the Ravens only losses have come in OT on the road in Pittsburgh and to an undefeated team by 3!
I'm drinking the Kool-Aid!
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Drewdy,
Excellent point on the goal ine situation. Same applies to that third down and inches. You got a guy who won't be denied, McClain, give him the ball and let him use his shoulder pads.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Drewdy | November 3, 2008 3:08 PM
Bill , during the 3rd quarter , when Browns leading 27-13 , I thought Ravens were going start packing their luggage , what happened from then on showed me what the Ravens made of .
Coming from behind develops team character =)
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Allan,
This is a well of confidence they can drink from in the future.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Allan | November 3, 2008 4:15 PM