Ravens: Mind game
If you checked out our staff predictions on the Web site or in today's print edition, you'll probably notice that I picked the Patriots to win Sunday's playoff game at Gillette Stadium, but don't take it personally.
The betting line has been narrowing gradually and New England is now only a three-point favorite to advance into a Divisional Round game against the Indianapolis Colts. That means the Ravens and Patriots are pretty much equal from a talent standpoint, so it's probably going to come down to whether the Ravens can keep their heads about them in that pressure-packed environment.
If they do, I'll happily admit my poor judgment in picking against them, but I'm going to need more proof than the Raiders victory to believe that the Ravens have solved their on-field discipline issues.
I'm heading north to see for myself. Talk amongst yourselves.
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Comments
The ravens are gonna win 2-0, ill bet my life on that, i dare someone to channelnege. me
Posted by: t.o | January 8, 2010 3:49 PM
The ravens are gonna win 2-0, ill bet my life on that, i dare someone to channelnege. me
Posted by: t.o | January 8, 2010 3:50 PM
The ravens are gonna win 2-0, ill bet my life on that, i dare someone to channelnege. me
Posted by: t.o | January 8, 2010 3:50 PM
weak follow up to the last blog post... I think people know the Ravens will lose this game in NE and are ready to talk about how the orioles stink.
Posted by: John | January 8, 2010 3:56 PM
The Ravens are a good team but nobody beats the pats in NE in the playoffs...
Posted by: 2 bagga | January 8, 2010 3:58 PM
I don't think I've ever "channelneged" anyone...
Posted by: not brooks | January 8, 2010 4:24 PM
Both teams have had something of a Jekyll and Hyde nature this season. One week they look great, the next you wonder if you're watching the same team. It all depends on which teams show up on Sunday. If the good Ravens show up against the Sloppy Pats. then the Ravens can get out with a tough win. If the Good Pats end up playing the Sloppy Ravens, it could be a drubbing.
It should be a fun game, but I'm sticking with the Ravens in a low scoring affair.
Posted by: Roy | January 8, 2010 4:43 PM
channelnege.....sounds vaguely obscene. Go Ravens!!
Posted by: dave taylor | January 8, 2010 5:35 PM
You can't let Bundschin dictate throwing the ball against a weak defense.It would be fitting for our top tier defense to play like one in the cold and subdue the explosiveness of long drives so our offense can control the time of poss.....If Cameron throws in a couple new wrinkles I'd like to believe we can take and keep the lead and a final drive by the Pats won't matter by then.Ravens by more than a td.
Posted by: Dan R. | January 8, 2010 5:37 PM
amongst and channelnege. mrs. english, high school english teacher,
southern high school, circa 1960's would be displeased with your misuse of our language. neither steadman nor tanten,ever misspoke,one may only hope the ravens do not misplay!!
Posted by: mike bohle | January 8, 2010 6:39 PM
Pete Carroll is going to manage the Orioles to avoid investigations at USC. Its like an 80s comedy movie.
Posted by: 222 222 222222222222222222BAGGA!!!! | January 8, 2010 7:39 PM
2 bagga,
like hiding out? LOL
Posted by: Anonymous | January 8, 2010 8:27 PM
Ravens : disciplined :: Orioles : competitive
Yeah, the Ravens have issues that will likely lead to a playoff exit. Hope they can take out the whiny one at QB up there in New England and go to Indy.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 9, 2010 12:45 AM
I'm worried about this game coming down to our FG kicker.I don't think he can handle the presure. It's time for Flacco to step up and win a big game also. But really the biggest problem is our swiss cheese secondary.
Posted by: John | January 9, 2010 2:51 AM
I have a hard time accepting a blog comment from a Raven's fan that picks the Ravens to lose by just a few points. Who cares about that prediction? Doing that just shows you aren't a true fan. For example: We all know it will be difficult for the Ravens to beat the Patriots, but read Kevin Van Valkenburg's Insider comments on the Ravens, on which flawed team has a better chance of making a surprise Super Bowl run, for the type of comments a real fan should make.
..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Leo, thanks for pointing out what I've been trying to get across to a lot of "fans" who don't understand what I do. I am NOT a Ravens fan. I'll be happy if they win, but my job is to analyze the game and comment on sports in Baltimore. By the way, Kevin is NOT a fan either. You are a real fan. That's your job, not ours.
Posted by: A True Raven's Fan... | January 9, 2010 3:51 AM
Our Ravens not only have to play "the other team" but the refs as well. I am sure the refs will be creative and come up with THE penalty to decide the game. Can't wait for baseball!
Posted by: Dean | January 9, 2010 8:09 AM
I was thinking for sure that it was going to be NE by a field goal or even a touchdown. Then, I saw what can happen when Colt got taken out on the fifth play of the game the other night. Get to Brady early--pound on those ribs-- even if it means you give up a big play, that time. Lose a battle, and win the war. If these guys can play as a TEAM, and not a bunch of self-centered, hot-dog knuckleheads, they've got every chance to end this NE home field run.
Posted by: JohnBoy | January 9, 2010 9:53 AM
Maybe he meant Charlemange?
Posted by: Rich | January 9, 2010 10:24 AM
I'm so sick of that little turd Brady. I may not be a Ravens fan, but I hope you guys kill him Sunday.
Posted by: Tommy The Cat | January 9, 2010 2:11 PM
Baltimore--31
New England--27
David Tyree makes a big play on special teams, jarring loose a fumble that Jameel McClain scoops up and takes to the end zone.
Dawan Landry picks off two Tom Brady passes.
Ray Rice is the player of the game.
Posted by: Barry | January 9, 2010 5:39 PM
Little bit of nitpicking. If the Patriots win they won't go to Indy for Round 2. As the 3 seed, they would go to San Diego, and the winner of 4 seed Cincy and 5 seed Jets would go to 1 seed Indy.
And *I* channelnege ANY of you to refutinate that!
"U" is for "English"
Posted by: Big Daddy (Not Lipscomb) | January 9, 2010 5:39 PM