Ravens' Harbaugh up to the challenge
The Ravens got off to a slow start on challenging officials' call at the beginning of the season. It probably was an organizational problem with the team having a first-year coach and a new coaching staff.
But the best challenge of the season was Ravens coach John Harbaugh challenging the catch of Bo Scaife in the third quarter. That catch would have put the Titans on the Ravens' 28 instead of the 33. The Ravens won, and the Titans ended up missing a 51-yard attempt instead of one that would have been 46. The Titans also had the wind at their back.
Comments
I'm glad you pointed this out, Mike. This was a problem in the beginning of the year, especially in the first Steelers game.
It definitely shows growth from the Ravens rookie coach.
Posted by: J | January 11, 2009 1:26 PM
That's a great point, Mike. See how insightful you can be when you're not just trying to find the anti-Billick angle in everything.
Posted by: Bernie | January 11, 2009 1:35 PM
Any update on Willie Anderson and Suggs?
Posted by: Nikki | January 11, 2009 5:12 PM
Oh and Bernie, I'd say Mike's "anti-Billick" attitude, if that's how you interpret his realistic view of our team that definitely had coaching issues prior to this year, was right on the money. The coaching staff has made this rookie-laden team what it is. Keep up the great work Mike.
Posted by: Nikki | January 11, 2009 5:18 PM
This part of the season is where everything is important during a game.Thanks coach Harbaugh for an astute observation.Well,Mike,you get at least one more week to pick things apart for us again.Please behave while you do it!
Posted by: Dan R. | January 11, 2009 7:28 PM
Weary Legs, that is the one thing that I thought, began to show itself during the Titans game this past weekend. The Ravens have been so fast to the ball on defense this year, but on Saturday I think they looked a step slow. Chris Johnson had something to do with that in the 1st half, but 17 strait weeks with games, has that ever been done before in NFL history?? Can they get their legs back for 60 minutes with the Steelers this Sunday?
Posted by: Ulmstead1 | January 12, 2009 9:22 AM
apparently he missed a big one. it looks like on that long 2nd quarter drive from the titans one, suggs stopped chris johnson in the end zone for a saftety, then after the did get a first down after ray's crushing hit there was a 15 yard penalty after that game and they gave the titan's an extra down. I just heard about this on the radio but I would think a student of the game such as yourself would have noticed this? I missed it as well watching, but that could of been the beer!!!
Posted by: jamaltimore | January 12, 2009 9:39 AM
Where is Ray Rice ? Still hurt ? Why aren't we using him ?
Posted by: Lorne | January 12, 2009 10:57 AM
I think Harbaugh's challenge was one of the three most important plays of the game. Unfortunately, the pathetic announcers and post-game analysts completely missed it.
Posted by: Jose | January 12, 2009 4:49 PM
You are right he is getting better at managing the games. That challange was critical.
Do you have any information about why Ray Rice did not play?
Posted by: Ed | January 12, 2009 4:53 PM
The coaching staff and the team are better then they were at any point this season. Its good they have made the challenge rule effective. They should let Flacco call some of his best practice plays in the huddle if they want to beat Pittsburgh this weekend. Cutting Joe loose in this game could win it. If the Ravens don't let him throw the ball Pittsburgh will win. Its the only chance the Ravens have. Go Ravens. Go for it win or lose. This has been a GREAT year. Nothing can shame it. I'd rather lose the AFC championship then the Superbowl.
Posted by: Jb Lapree | January 12, 2009 5:27 PM