Monday primer on Ravens-Browns game
After losing four of their last five games, the Ravens get just what they need -- a weak, vulnerable opponent whose season has already imploded. There is no pretending for the Browns; they are arguably the worst team in the NFL. At the very least, they're the worst organization in the league, and that's saying something with the Raiders still bungling things.
All systems should be go for the Ravens. And all their problems should go away on Monday night.
They should have no trouble scoring early against the Browns' lame defense. They should have no problem giving Joe Flacco time to throw, or Ray Rice room to run. They should even have plenty of opportunity to get Willis McGahee and Demetrius Williams some much-needed work. They may even be able to give Troy Smith a couple series at quarterback.
The defense should be able to recoup some of the swagger it lost in October, as well. The last time the Ravens played the Browns, Brady Quinn was the starting quarterback and didn't throw a pass over 10 yards until deep into the second quarter. The Browns were so intent on keeping the pass rush off Quinn, they played right into Baltimore's hands. The Ravens cornerbacks were more than capable of covering Cleveland receivers at short distances. It's the longer go- and crossing-routes where the Ravens often get in trouble.
It should be clear by now that the Ravens are scrambling after a wild-card playoff berth. With Cincinnati's victory in Pittsburgh on Sunday, it should also be clear they'll have to knock out the Steelers to do it. And they get the Steelers twice in the second half of the season.
This is a key stretch for the Ravens. After Cleveland, they get the Colts and Steelers at home. They cannot lose both of those games. Whatever they accomplish in Cleveland needs to be carried over into those games. Remarkably, the season still seems to be in the Ravens' hands, however rough the trip may look.
Comments
Come on, man. Optimism is one thing, but you've already got the backups in the game because of the Ravens' expected dominance. This is football, the things that should happen rarely do, and often you have to struggle to beat even a very bad team. I think the Ravens are going to win but I'm not trying to get ahead of myself, and I hope the Ravens aren't either.
Posted by: Ben | November 16, 2009 7:08 AM
Well said Ken. People can whine all they want about how tough the schedule is but if you can not beat the Colts and Steelers at home, you don't belong in the playoffs. If the Ravens are a playoff team, they will finish no worse than 10-6. If they are not, they will finish 9-7 (or worse) on the outside looking in.
Posted by: frox | November 16, 2009 8:22 AM
..... and they should be able to get Paul Kruger some playing time .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | November 16, 2009 8:46 AM
Hey Coach - If you get into a situation tonight where u have a 4th and 1, with less than 2 minutes to play on your own 28 - punt - You're welcome - I'm here for ya !
Posted by: hitmanoc | November 16, 2009 9:35 AM
Exactly how many chickens will these eggs produce once hatched, Ken? I'd wait to answer that until we see which Ravens team shows up tonight - the one that played Denver, or the one that played Cincy twice. I still can envision a perfect storm where the Browns, pissed about the fans' kickoff boycott and hoping to reduce their 1-7 humiliation via a good national showing on MNF, led by a coach hanging on for dear life, a QB energized by another chance, and Jamal's last dance vs. his old team, upset a seriously inconsistent and slow starting Ravens team.
But as long as you're looking past this game, It was comforting to see Big Ben and Peyton struggle yesterday. We'll need them both to look that shaky (or worse) later in the month.
Posted by: Tucker in Sec. 527 | November 16, 2009 1:23 PM
We will know for sure just how much of a shot the Ravens have to make the playoffs over the next three weeks. I think in order to stay in the running, they need to win at least two of the next three, and one of those should be against Pitt. If they lose tonight, it's all over. If they lose against the Colts, but win tonight and against Pit, they are still in in mathematically. But, to be honest, it is very unlikely they'll be going to the playoffs this year.
Posted by: Sean Tully | November 16, 2009 1:35 PM
If we're a PLAYOFF team, we need to step up and play the big boys the RAVNES way. If we're good enough to battle the big names, then we should win 2 outta next 3. To send a message, study Peyton Manning as much as possible, and end their winning streak. Peyton has OWNED us the past 4+ years and NO BETTER time to end it than NOW, the 2009-10 season! We have the talent, we have great coaching staff, and we're good enough to make the playoffs. Our losses were all close, except the one in Cincy which would have been closer if our kicker had made the 38 yarder! Shoot, we could be 2-6 if it was not for Ray Lewis's GREATNESS and our Defense & Offense vs. KC. Things could have been different, but they are NOT. We're 4-4 and in order to make it to the playoffs, we need to WIN some games regardless of who the opponent is. We HAVE TO Start fast, play solid, finish strong. If every single RAVEN plays that way, we'll be up there at the end of the aseason.
Posted by: Ali Vali | November 16, 2009 3:06 PM
Ken, just a refresher, what was Troy's stat line on Monday night? "All their problems should go away" my butt.
Posted by: Ben | November 17, 2009 11:30 PM