Quarterback: B-

Joe Flacco had trouble finding open receivers and hitting targets against a zone defense, but he still kpet his cool and controlled the game. He made only one major mistake, which certainly hurt, but otherwise he was fine. His completion percentage was down, but many of his incomplete attempts were hitting receivers in the hands, so how much blame can we really assign?

Running backs: B

It is a tale of three backs. Willis McGahee deserves a D for lack of concentration and rust leading to bad numbers and a pair of fumbles. Ray Rice played well when he had the opportunity, but injury kept him from being a real factor. Le’Ron McClain’s efforts deserve an A. He ran for a touchdown and helped to eat up more than seven minutes of clock in the final quarter.

Wide Receivers: C

Rarely open, rarely able to catch. A few moments saved this unit from complete failure, including TE Todd Heap’s big fourth down catch and Derrick Mason’s touchdown reception. For most of the game, the Ravens receivers were invisible in the cloud of Redskins’ DBs.

Offensive Line: B+

The Ravens offensive line did a fine job of keeping pressure off Flacco for most of the game and certainly dominated the running game. They had a little bit of help, though - namely an extra tackle in on numerous plays and heavy use of unbalanced formations. Regardless, the unit redeemed themselves following last week’s weak performance.

Defensive Line: A+

The Ravens defensive line owned the game. Nothing was more satisfying than seeing Terrell Suggs sack Jason Campbell just moments after Chris Samuel left the field due to injury and was replaced by a back-up. At one moment, Suggs even pointed to the new guy while looking at the Ravens bench, appearing to say “This guy is blocking me?” Similar to last week, Jason Campbell had trouble getting any passes off without interference and the ‘Skins running game had no where to go.

Linebackers: A

Ray Lewis totaled 13 tackles, Jarrett Johnson had a solid day, Bart Scott had one of his best games of the season, and Terrell Suggs was on fire (as previously mentioned). Somehow, though, the linebacking unit is not starring in this show the way it once did…

Defensive Backs: A

The Ravens secondary handled Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle-El without blinking. Once the weakest piece of the Ravens defense, the secondary has turned a corner in recent weeks. Ed Reed is playing at his best, but his success is due in large part to the solid play of Samari Rolle and Fabian Washington on the corners. With few exceptions, the Ravens had the passing game completely locked down.

Special Teams: C+

Matt Stover hit his kicks. Steve Hauschka was just okay - hindered a bit by the wind. Sam Koch had some very solid punts. Penalties and poor choices on kick and punt returns, however, continue to be the Ravens MO on special teams.

Coaching: B

Offensively, the Ravens should have been able to do more. The Redskins are a solid defense, but there were plenty of opportunities and the Ravens continued to miss on them.  Low marks for not fixing the special teams yet, too. But otherwise? High marks for winning a night game for the first time in years and for keeping this defense as focused as ever.

Let’s dig right in…

•  First, no need to talk around it: Ed Reed deserves serious consideration for NFL player of the year. We’ve heard the talk about Albert Haynesworth since week one, and more recently we have heard about James Harrison and Joey Porter. But with two interceptions tonight, a forced and recovered fumble, and another touchdown, Reed has planted himself firmly in the hunt for the award. His five interceptions put him in second in the league; his three defensive touchdowns tie him for first. He single-handedly changes games and makes offenses rethink everything they are doing.
• Reed is the single-most feared defensive player in the league. Hands down. No questions asked. In Baltimore, even, he is feared for the erratic way he handles the ball when he gets it. It is the fear he puts into opposing quarterbacks and coaches, though, that makes him so much fun to watch. His performance tonight won the Ravens this game.
• Yes, Ed Reed deserved two bullets (now three) all to himself.
• As for the rest of the defense? The line got plenty of rush and the blitzing packages worked wonders. Terrell Suggs had one of the best games of his season - he too deserves some player of the year consideration. The entire unit clicked.
• In other news…the Ravens book-ended this game, playing well at the start and at the finish, but the middle has to raise some concerns. Between the weather and a tough opposing defense, maybe the offense is just fine. But for the majority of three quarters, the Ravens offense looked defunct - not quite as sharp as we would all like with the Steelers coming to town.
• Dear Willis McGahee, I am sure there will be plenty of excuses for your play in the week to come - by fans and coaches alike - but it must be said: what a sad performance. For starters, when you start dropping pitches and passes, maybe it is time to remove the dark visor … it’s not like you are playing at night time in December. But additionally, your vision and ability were both lacking tonight. This is not what was expected after that extra rest you were given last week that caused so much controversy.
• Take a note from Le’Ron McClain when you get a chance (or was the blocked by the visor too?). McClain again put this offense on his back when it mattered most. On the Ravens final scoring drive, McClain carried the ball eight times and helped to eat up more than seven minutes of game time. In fact, mid-drive, multiple Steelers fans in the area were unhappily noting how much the drive reminded them of Jerome Bettis when he played. Seeing that from an opponent has to be frightening.
• Also regarding the running game, the Ravens introduced and frequently used the super unbalanced line. They took unbalanced to a whole new level. The Ravens not only shifted RT Willie Anderson to the left side, but they would bring in third tackle Adam Terry, and send him to the left as well. The result? A line that looked like this: T-T-T-G-C-G-TE. It had to be intimidating for the Redskins and it was entertaining to watch, but the results were not exactly stellar. The most fun thing about the formation was watching the Ravens call plays to the weak side after spending so much time inflating the strong side… but hey, that’s misdirection, I suppose.
• Otherwise, the Ravens offensive effort was mostly lame. Literally, lame. As in “pulling up lame.” The Ravens receivers were again the biggest disappointment, unable to find any open space in the Redskins zone secondary. John Madden continually noted that the Ravens had to have some plays to cut the zone and they were just not being called. I always though, however, that any play could work against a zone if you have a receiver or two that knows how to find the gap. Apparently, the Ravens do not have any of those receivers. Perhaps it was a mix of confusion and unfamiliarity from Joe Flacco, but I think it was a problem of the entire unit. As for Flacco? He was fine, but did little worth mentioning.
• Now would be a good time to get in a solid word for Lorenzo Neal. The Ravens were beyond wise in grabbing Neal when they had the chance and it has paid off as well as any investment in recent franchise history. John Madden and Al Michaels were not shy about sharing Neal’s impact on this offense. On the obvious side, adding a fullback has allowed the Ravens to move McClain to tailback when necessary. And that has become necessary more than ever anticipated. But additionally, Neal’s ability, experience and knowledge are all unmatched when it comes to fullbacks. He has transformed this offense, in both its play and its mentality, as much as anyone else. He is certainly an unsung hero that deserves a few more nods from fans and analysts alike.
• Overall: The Ravens effort was commendable and it is hard to complain about the result. Discussions about being unable to beat good teams should be fading by now. Next week, expect much more of the same against the Steelers. Offensive mistakes against the Steelers, however, are far more costly. At least the offense had its down day now. The Ravens are ready for Pittsburgh to come to town next weekend and really pound away in the stretch run.
• Gameballs: Ed Reed, Ed Reed, Ed Reed and Le’Ron McClain.

Bonus Note! Kudos to the fans at the stadium today. While the Washington presence was notable, the Ravens fans sounded on top of their game. I was disappointed in the lack of mention by Madden and Michaels. By my count, the crowd was responsible for numerous penalties and timeouts. M&T Bank is underrated as far as stadiums in this league go. It is top notch both as a facility and in atmosphere. Not many places get as loud when it is 20 degrees outside… the studios will pick up on it one of these days.

Well, that went from one of the most dreadfully boring games of football to an entertaining home team blowout in no time. Here’s a few thoughts running across my head as the game winds down…

• Talk about rebounding. The Ravens defense had perhaps its most dominating effort in recent years. They totaled five turnovers (four interceptions and a fumble), a defensive touchdown, a safety, and several sacks. Not only did the Ravens completely shut down Brian Westbrook and the Eagles running game, but they beat up on both Donovan McNabb and replacement Kevin Kolb.
• The Ed Reed antics with the football get old fast - there is no need to pitch the ball at the 5 or 6 yardline - but it is hard to deny that Reed is the game’s most exciting and explosive defensive player. His two interceptions, one for a touchdown and another close, illustrated that.
• A note to Andy Reid: I really do not believe that Donovan McNabb is your problem. The problem is your play-calling. Last week against the Bengals, in a 13-13 tie, the Eagles ran 58 passes to just 18 rushes. 18 rushes against one of the league’s worst defenses and with one of the league’s best running threats. Even John Runyan on your offensive line said that if the run is not established quickly, then Reid abandons it altogether. That is not West Coast. That is stupid. You might not be able to run on the Ravens, but you cannot let them drop seven and read your quarterback every down either.
• It has been a long time since the Ravens defensive backs have performed as well as they did today. Credit Rex Ryan with a great game plan, but also credit the entire unit. Ed Reed, as mentioned, was certainly on his game. So were Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle, who both had interceptions, and Jim Leonhard who was strong in run protection. It was nice to see our defensive backs jumping routes for once. Not one of the Ravens’ interceptions was the result of a bobble or a tip, they were all clean and pretty.
• For Joe Flacco it was the tale of two halves. The first half was rough for the Ravens offense all-around, but especially for Flacco. In the second half we finally saw Joe Flacco break out a bit. The late touchdown to Mark Clayton was the perfect example of what the Ravens should have done in the passing game all game: wait for the safeties to blitz and then expose the weakness over the middle.
• The offensive line for the Ravens gets mixed reviews for its play. Penalties and confusion still hurt the unit in the first half. But for how beat up they were, and for how strong the Eagles pass rush is, it is hard to hold much against them. Flacco did a lot of the work himself in avoiding the pass rushes, but the line deserves some credit.
• Extra credit to the McClains (Le’Ron and Jameel, no relation). Le’Ron led the Ravens in rushing and finally found the endzone on the team’s last drive. He was strong all game long and really kept the Eagles honest. He exploited their small, fast, pass-oriented line and the threat of the run gave Flacco a little bit of room to work. Jameel recorded his second safety of the season, this time on a blocked punt.
• Special teams again proved to be this team’s biggest weakness. No shame in Steven Hauschka’s missed kick, but sloppy play on kick offs, punts and all returns kept the Eagles closer than they should have been.
• Almost forgot to mention Jarrett Johnson. In case anyone is wondering why Bart Scott is the odd-man-out at linebacker come season’s end, Jarrett Johnson is the answer. Scott’s had a fine year, but he is a product of the system. Jarrett Johnson is a part of the system, along side Lewis, Suggs and others,  that is going to make any interior linebacker look solid.
• Game Balls: Le’Ron McClain and Ed Reed.

What’s your take?

The Ravens dominated the Texans today, 41-13, for their fourth straight win and third straight win on the road. That should be the first thought… three road wins? We haven’t seen a team in Baltimore that can win on the road since 2000.

Joe Flacco made great progress as a QB today. With his favorite target going down early he was forced to find other options in the passing game, which lead to Todd Heap finally looking like his old self. Joe stretched the defense with multiple deep throws, one resulting is a TD to WR Yamon Figurs (Congrats to Yamon on his first career receiving TD). Joe has now thrown 6 TD passes in his last four games with no turnovers.

Willis McGahee looked healthy and ran hard the entire game. He went over the 100 yard mark for the second time this season and added two TD runs. And I must add, his new touchdown dance is hilarious.

The Ravens defense was solid through most of the game. The air defense still has some leaks, but they overcame the injuries and picked off Sage Rosenfels four times. Ray Lewis had two interceptions thanks to the great play of NT Haloti Ngata. The return of Samari Rolle was immediately apparent. When Frank Walker, a fomer starter, can be your nickel back, you’ve got some depth. Walker may not be a star, but being able to use him to help Fabian Washington and Rolle is a great advantage to this Ravens defense.

Ngata is probably the Ravens best defensive player. Haloti came up big when he picked off Sage Rosenfels at the goalline which ended a good drive by Houston, he has two interceptions this season (three for his career) which is more than all-pro safety Ed Reed! Ngata has disrupted the QB more times this season than I can count, which has lead to turnovers and missed opportunities for opposing offense. We’ve heard all season about Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Rogers, but there’s no #92 I’d want more on my team right now thatn Ngata.

New kick-off and long field goal specialist Steven Hauschka. If anyone remembers seeing this kid kick in college with NC State, you know the kind of leg he has. I’m going to steal a line I heard on the postgame radio show today, but bringing in Hauschka is bigger than just getting a new leg… it proves that John Harbaugh is learning and, more importantly, willing to learn. Poor special teams play (bad kick offs, bad coverage, refusing to try long field goals) already cost this team a few games (Pittsburgh, Tennessee) and almost cost them a win last week (Cleveland). Kudos to John for making a move.

And let’s just make an overall comment here… The Ravens have now scored 27, 29, 37 and 41 points in their last four games. A lot of help is coming from this defense, but let’s also give credit to an offense that is able to take advantage of a short field and take the points it is given. When was the last time you remember the Ravens scoring more than 25 points in four straight games? Or averaging 33 points per game in a stretch like that? We’re going to have to go look that up, but I can’t remember anytime. Even with those scores, this team is only averaging 21 points per game on the season… which tells you just how poor this offense was for those first five games. Now that the Ravens have both pieces clicking, it’s time for the rest of the league to watch out.

Welcome to Week Two in this 2008 NFL season… er… I mean… Week 10.

The Ravens head to Houston this week to take on the Texans in the game rescheduled from Week Two,  postponed after Hurricane Ike barreled into southeast Texas and damaged the Texans’ Reliant Stadium. The schedule changes brings together two teams in very different situations than eight weeks ago.

Early in the season, the Texans had high hopes. They were supposed to breakout and perhaps even challenge the elite of the AFC South - if not for a playoff position than at least for some standing in the division. Meanwhile, the Ravens were entering this year as a rebuilding process behind a rookie coach, rookie quarterback and aging defensive unit.

How things have changed.

Entering Week 10, the Ravens are now fighting for an AFC North division title and a playoff spot. Their five wins already equals their total from last season. The Texans have been on a rollercoaster of their own, though. Following an ugly 0-4 start,  the Texans had won three straight until last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

As we head into the weekend, here are two key match-ups to keep an eye on as the Ravens and Texans finally get to square off.

Texans Offense vs. Ravens Defense

WR Andre Johnson vs. Ravens Secondary

There are two undeniable facts here. First, that Andre Johnson is proving to be a beast and having a career year in 2008. Second, that the Ravens secondary continues to be the defense’s greatest weakness.

Such a combination - great receiver against weakened defensive backs - seems to always spell trouble for a team that relies heavily on the success of its defense.

Let’s start with Andre Johnson. Johnson entered the 2008 season as a good wide receiver, bordering on greatness, but oft limited by his own team’s ineptitude. Last season, Johnson truly broke out in an injury-shortened season. In just nine games he had more than 850 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. This year, Johnson has continued to the trend from last season. Already in just eight games he has 60 receptions, more than 800 yards, and three touchdowns.

And as if the Ravens needed more trouble from receivers, it’s worth noting that Johnson does his absolute best work at home in Reliant Stadium.  In four home games this season, Johnson has led the Texans to a 3-1 record by averaging more than 10 receptions and 148 yards per game. 148 yards in eight home games alone is enough to give Johnson an 1100-yard season. Read the rest of this entry »

Following two devastating losses in consecutive weeks - in two games the Ravens certainly feel like they should have won - things get no easier as the team hits the road for five of its next six games. The first of these games is against the Colts, and no reference to where they used to play or how Baltimore fans feel about the game is necessary.

Lucky for the Ravens, the Colts might be one of the weaker teams they face in this dreaded six game stretch. At 2-2, the Colts have underperformed so far this season and were only able to squeak out a win against Houston last week thanks to an astonishing 21-point surge in the final four minutes of the game. Once able to score at will against opponents, the Colts’ offense appear to be missing something this year. All the weapons are there, but the functionality is not. Similarly, a strong defense from past seasons is struggling this year to contain the run.

Heading into Sunday, here are two key match-ups to keep an eye on … Read the rest of this entry »

Heading into Sunday, let’s breakdown the fantasy-side of the Ravens-Steelers match-up.

Quarterbacks:

Joe Flacco: Still has yet to throw a touchdown pass and, last week, finally made some mistakes with the football. I know no one owns him, and it should stay that way for now.

Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben got sacked 9 times last week by Philadelphia. Many believe that number could be reached again Monday against the Ravens. If you league counts sacks, you need to be worried. But worry anyway… without proven runner behind him and given two straight questionable starts by Big Ben, it’s time to sit the guy if you can afford it.

Runningbacks:

Willis McGahee: The latest reports are that he will play. If he plays, you play him. The numbers may not be grand, but he is the most likely way the Ravens will find the endzone and he’ll receive most of the carries for the team.

Le’Ron McClain: McClain will be a part of this offensive package all season. He is a great option as a 3rd back, or even a starting back if you have runners on their bye week. He scored his first two rushing touchdowns last week and against a strong Steelers defense, expect him to continue to get goalline carries. The man is a bowling ball, and dare I say again, Jerome Bettis-esque.

Rashard Mendenhall: Perhaps worthy of a spot start in the absence of Parker, but only as a 3rd back. Against a stout Ravens D, he’s hardly worth picking up unless no other option presents itself.

Wide Outs / Tight Ends:

Hines Ward: Has been productive so far this season but has suffered in recent weeks as Big Ben and Parker have struggled. Still worth a start. Always worth a start.

Derrick Mason: Similar to Ward, always worth the start if you have him. He will see the ball and catch the ball and, maybe, will find the endzone. Start him.

Todd Hap: Still struggling, but still a better option than most other tight ends. Heap is going to be a key player in this game and will get frequent looks from Flacco. Start him.

Heath  Miller: He’s yet to be a threat this season, but is still worth the start over many other options. He’s been a poison, much like Ward, to this Ravens defense.

Defenses:

Ravens: They have quickly proven themselves to be the class of the NFL again. The run-stopping power is there and is helping to control the passing game. The pass rush has been brutal, ringing up sacks and helping the secondary get to the ball. Against a weak offensive line and a defeated run game, they deserve the start.

Steelers: At home, they are always tough. The run defense is stout, but is missing one of its biggest contributors in Casey Hampton. Still, the points will come from their ability to control Joe Flacco. At home, with a healthy Troy Polamalu, they might create some fireworks. If you have them, they are probably a good bet to start. It’s not like this will be a high scoring affair…

The Ravens defense lashed out in Week 3 against the a struggling Cleveland offense. The Ravens’ offense found its way after a number of early mistakes. Ultimately, the Ravens dominated on the field and the scoreboard.

Quarterback: C+
Joe Flacco continues to play within himself. He had two interceptions, though one was on a long chuck into the endzone. In fact, without those INTs, Flacco didn’t have an incomplete pass until the second half. Flacco showed that he has a powerful arm and a head to work with it.

Running Backs: B
The interesting thing about the Ravens’ running back situation is that both Willis McGahee and Le’Ron McClain are getting a decent, if not equal, amount of carries. It just doesn’t feel like a “by committee” situation. McGahee scored for one touchdown and McClain added two of of his own. Ray Rice continues to struggle, as he added another fumble.

Receivers: C-
The group did a fine job, but there’s nothing here to really be thrilled about. A few drops, a few nice catches. The crew actually managed to get very open a few times, but Flacco missed them and wasn’t always able to see the open man.

Offensive Line: B
The offensive line continues to contain the opposing team. For most of the game, the line contained the Brown’s defense and protected the quarterback. There were a few breakdowns in the fourth quarter which resulted in Flacco being sacked and hurried a number of times. It was a solid performance for a unit that continues the gel.

Defense: A
Vintage Ravens defense took the field today and imposed its will on the Cleveland Browns. After a bit of a slow start, they played a dominating third quarter amassing two interceptions and several sacks in the course of just minutes.

Special Teams: B
With Yamon Figurs a late subtraction to the lineup due to hamstring injury, “Lionheart” Leonhard stepped up and filled in brilliantly. His returns on both punts and kicks were solid.

Coaching: A
Harbaugh and Camerson showed us that they have some fun plays up their sleeve, but they also know how to contain their creativity when the time comes - including another killer 7-plus minute drive to nearly end the game. And Rex Ryan helped this defense make huge adjustments for the 2nd half.

How would you rank the Ravens?

Phew…. what a game that was!!! The atmosphere in the stadium was electric throughout… the only lag coming in the mid-second quarter, but quickly rejuvenated by a stunning start to the 3rd. Here’s what I see right off the bat…

• Joe Flacco made a few mistakes… but he never lost his confidence and he rebounded by making some pretty impressive plays. Honestly, the second interception should hardly count against his record… it was a known risk going into the gadget play of that type. The first was just a bad pass. He appeared to miss some open receivers for big games, settling for lesser gains instead, but he still had the offense moving.

• Welcome back to Willis McGahee… it was a fine effort by Willis. But the standout was again Le’Ron McClain. The Browns, like the Bengals, simply did not know how to handle the big bowling ball of a mixed-back. My only wish is that we had seen more of Ray Rice. When he came in, especially with McClain in front, you could see the Browns hurting.
• Have to take a moment to think about Dawan Landry. So far all news has been good, but still a scary sight. His injury clearly shook this defense and inspired Ray Lewis… which deserves a bullet of his own.
• Ray was a MAD MAN in the 3rd quarter. Whatever happened in that lockerroom at halftime must have been special. The hit he put on Kellen Winslow set the tone for the second half… and you could see that Anderson, Winslow, and every other receiver on the Browns was worried about what Ray and that D would do.
• We might have an ‘aging secondary,’ but they showed their quick feet tonight. Reed and Rolle had nice little picks, not to mention McAlister’s. And the unit played well overall. No disrespect meant to the injured Landry, but this defense was something to see when Jim Leonhard got in the secondary…
• Leonhard also deserves some loving for his strong game as a returner. He was hurt by a few penalties on good returns, but he sure made believers out of a number of fans today with his returns. In the preseason he looked slow, especially compared to Yamon Figurs, but he seems to have figured something out since then.
• My only concern is Harbaugh’s use of Matt Stover. We simply can’t use him in the 45-50 range, unless absolutely necessary. This team has shown it’s ability to make some great 4th down conversions (a welcome surprise, really), but let’s not stretch Matt … as much as we love him.

Finally, we’ve got to take a minute and give some credit to this coaching staff again. Offensively, Cam Cameron had the Browns on their toes… even if it wasn’t always working. The unit is coming together. The running game is solid, the use of play-action is inspiring, and the misdirection is just plain pretty. Defensively, after a slow start Rex had these guys clicking on all cylinders again and executing a great game plan that neutralized a dangerous passing game. And overall, the team did what it will need to do each week… control the ball, control the clock, and give that defense the chance to make big plays.

Baltimore Ravens 28, Cleveland Browns 10.

It was, oh, 8 months ago that we made a post here called “Fill in the Blank.” The task: who are the team’s missing links? So let’s see what we’ve got here now…

Read the rest of this entry »