Ravens are focused but Sunday provided a lesson
Two cautionary words for the Ravens.
Eagles.
Jets.
Yesterday, as Ravens fans were celebrating a spectacular win that kept Baltimore in charge of its own playoff destiny, two other teams that needed to win out to clinch their own playoff spots squandered the opportunities. And in both cases it was against teams that were out, or nearly out, of the running for the playoffs and should have been all that much more beatable.
The Eagles, who the Ravens actually helped with that victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night, failed to score a touchdown against the struggling Washington Redskins and were stopped a yard short of a game-tying touchdown. The Eagles now need to beat the Cowboys next week in Philadelphia and hope both Tampa Bay and Chicago loses. Good luck on that one since the Bucs play Oakland.
The Jets' loss was even more inexcusable, coming as it did against Seattle, which had nothing more to play for than the game was coach Mike Holmgren's home finale. Now New York needs a win against the Dolphins next week and a loss by either New England or -- and here's where I get back to the point, the Ravens.
Of course, Baltimore plays Jacksonville. The Jaguars have been out of the playoff hunt for weeks. But I do not expect the Ravens to emulate the sleep-walking Eagles or Jets. There are too many leaders on this team, especially on the defensive side. And the offensive side understands its identity and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has proven that he has faith in the running game to provide the muscle and in rookie quarterback Joe Flacco to make the third-down conversion when needed.
Comments
I don't see a let down, and the crowd will be insane. Although I don't appreciate the 4pm start time! Damn flex schedule!
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Craig,
Agreed on the late start. Everyone wants 1 p.m., especially in December.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Fells Point Craig | December 22, 2008 2:41 PM
I would say these are two cautionary words for Ravens' fans rather than the Ravens themselves.
The Jaguars are a better team than their record would indicate. Should their defense awaken, the Ravens could be entrenched in a low-scoring nail-biter.
Fans with tickets need to show up and be vocal.
I have every confidence in the Ravens that they are going about their business correctly -- no matter what actually happens this Sunday.
Additionally, the Ravens have proven themselves to be far less wishy-washy throughout the regular season than the aforementioned Eagles and Jets. The Ravens' five losses have come against superior teams to the Jags including the two duds (Indy and NYG).
I don't expect Jacksonville to get off to the rocking starts those two teams did. Therefore, it is up to the Ravens to impose their will possession after possession for sixty solid minutes.
But, you never know.
Posted by: waspman | December 22, 2008 3:36 PM
"Yesterday, as Ravens fans were celebrating a spectacular win that kept Baltimore in charge of its own playoff destiny, two other teams that needed to win out to clinch their own playoff spots squandered the opportunities."
This is often misused in sports but destiny implies that one's future is already predetermined. Same thing with controlling one's fate.
Posted by: Steve | December 22, 2008 4:24 PM
Apparently, you didn't watch the jaguars self-destruct versus Indy, at home, outscored 17-0 in the 4th quarter, in a national TV game where they supposedly were "Stoked" to win.
The reality is that Jax has only 2 players (garrard, jones-drew)...matt jones, fred taylor shut down, their o-line a joke, a weak linebacker corps, still no pass rush...
This WILL be a laugher. Harbaugh will have this clinched in the 3rd quarter and give his starters valuable rest. Just like draft day, James Harris is gonna accommodate his old buddy Ozzie.
Ravens 27, Jax 6.
Sorry, no "bulletin board - disrespect" is gonna make the jags play any better. If the ravens WERE to lose, it would go down as the biggest choke job in ravens history.
Posted by: doug | December 22, 2008 4:33 PM
Could someone tell me what is going on with the Raven's pass defense late in games. The Steeler's marched 90+ yards on their last drive to score the winning TD, then on Saturday night, the Cowboy's scored two TD late and made it look easy. Are the Ravens trying to play some sort of "Prevent Defense"?? If they are, then I suggest they return to their standard defense.....cause' their "Prevent" ain't working!!
Posted by: John | December 22, 2008 4:34 PM
I have two words for you:
Home
Game
Eagles & Jets both lost on the road in tough places to play. Harbuagh won't allow Ravens to take Jags for granted, and it won't be a walkover, but it will be a win AT HOME!
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Mike,
That is a key point and I should have included it. Being at M&T Bank Stadium should be helpful to the Ravens.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Mike Warshaw | December 22, 2008 5:39 PM
I don't think the fans will let them forget what's at stake.They're pros riding on their pride today.Good offense + great defense = top tier NFL team.They deserve the chance to advance to the playoffs with their record.Hit 'em fast and hard Sunday and I think the Jags will play out the game with vacation time on their minds.Great to play this last game at home;how fitting for the fans in Balto.
Posted by: Dan R. | December 22, 2008 7:29 PM
This is our Home Playoff game! We win we move on, no other motivation needed.
Posted by: Grant | December 22, 2008 9:27 PM
This Raven team will prevail Sunday over the Jags and there will be no let down as the reward is too great and they all know it . With verterans like Ray Lewis , Ed Reed , Derick Mason , Terrell Suggs, Lorenzo Neal, Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle , they will not allow a letdown by the younger players . This is a gutsie team and are willing to play injured unlike Billick's team who could quit at the drop of a hat .
Posted by: Bob Cala | December 23, 2008 8:41 AM
Doug,
The Ravens played soft because of injuries. In the pitt game Washington left in the 3rd and Roll left at half time against the Cowboys. I don't think Rex has faith in Walker or Ivy to play up on the WR's. But there was a difference in the Pitt and Dallas game. Against Pitt he rushed 3, in Dallas he had at least 4 rushing every time.
Posted by: Joe Flacco | December 23, 2008 9:54 AM
Bill , the Ravens has given us such a wonderful year , whatever happens agaisnt the Jaguars and.....assuming Ravens locked up final wild card spot , any wins from here on out , is icing on the cake !
Of course , human nature makes us a bit greedy , yes ?
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Allan,
The fans need at least a playoff showing after all this.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Allan | December 23, 2008 1:02 PM