Ready for Round 3

Well we may be limping in but the Ravens are in while the Steelers have just been playing excellent football for the past two months. At least we are in the tournament! Of course I think this played out perfectly for the NFL to have arguably the league's greatest rivalry lined up for the Saturday night game. There is just something different about playing in primetime on a Saturday. It means more,

It is like a heavyweight title fight. We have our undercard light featherweight bout in Arizona versus Carolina (which you know ESPN is going to spin as the greatest game ever played leading up to it) that most people aren't going to be into because of what they know is coming up in the final bout of the night.

Before I get the, "well each game was decided by 20 points," crap let me just point out that yes both games were completely one sided. The mere fact is that the teams are truly tied. Splitting the season series with the total points being an equal amount of 49. The problem with that is that 43 of Pittsburgh's 49 came in the last game (you know, where Big Ben went off for six TDs) which left a sour taste in Baltimore's mouth.

The Steelers tend to do that a lot to the Ravens. The Ravens have redeemed all of their playoff losses except to one team. Pittsburgh is 3-0 against the Ravens in the postseason and have created some horrible moments for Ravens fans. Ryan Clark's devastating hit on Willis McGahee in the AFC title game back in 2009. They last played in a divisional game back in 2010 where the Steelers came back after we had owned them for the entire first half. We lost 31-24.

The biggest issue for both teams (the Steelers seem to have put a band aid on theirs) is the secondary. Both teams can easily get beat in the passing game but seem to still be stout against the rushing attack. In both games this year Bell (who may not be playing at all) was not a major factor in either game totaling 58 yards in their last meeting. Antonio Brown is the difference maker for the Steelers. He ate our souls for a total of 26 catches for 234 yards and three TDs. Dominant. The Ravens best hope to compete with Brown is to double him and possibly put Webb on Bryant. Without Bell, his touches will have to go to someone and I would guess we will see more of Bryant and Heath Miller. Ben's safety blanket will be active. On the flip side, we have a revolving door of receivers that should be well rested. More than likely the Steelers will find a way to eliminate Torrey Smith from the game plan. Leaving more opportunities for young guys like Marlon Brown and Mike Camponero to emerge out of the slot. Can Flacco keep pace with the likes of Big Ben in each of their best statistical seasons?

If we are all being honest here I am not sure. Of course I think we can pull out the victory but it will be tough against a hot Steeler team after we have been proving for a few weeks now that we are slow starters and can't seem to get anything going until late in the game. Hopefully we pull it out and head on to another tough test in New England. More good news, I would have bragging rights in the house instead of the wife!

So go restock the fridge for Saturday night! You know you drank all your beer on New Year's. Throw some wings in the sauce, make sure the blue cheese is on ice, stock up on chips and get your fellow Raven buddies over to the house! Or in my case, talk smack to your spouse all day until the game is over and either excitedly or disappointingly say, "good game."

A New Career Opportunity

Hey there gents. Do you have an interest in football? Tired of whiny diva receivers talking smack during Raven games? Want to have a season ending injury after you only get two games under your belt? Perhaps being in the Ravens secondary is for you!

Don't worry, you don't have to actually be decent. I mean it would be awesome if you could even cover Miles Austin. Screw it, just cover the guy for four to six seconds. It is all we need for Terrell Suggs and/or Elvis Dumervil to reak havoc in the backfield. The pass rush has saved our depleted secondary for most of the season.

It seems crazy to have to recap all of the fallen. Lardarius Webb was first on the list with his back issues, he returns only to have Jimmy Smith suffer a season ending foot injury a mere two weeks after Webb's return. Asa Jackson on two separate occasions has been injured (his latest knee injury has shut down his season) but in his short time he was far better than released players like Chykie Brown or Dominique Franks. Not to mention rookie safety Terrance Brooks also leaving Sunday's game with a season ending knee injury. We need to find a different adjective to describe this secondary other than depleted, it is far worse than that. All the injuries put recently acquired vet Antoine Cason and Rashaan Melvin (who?) into starting roles.

I'm Case Keenum, who the hell are you?

The good news is that Denver or New England aren't on the schedule (yet) so they get a couple weeks to hopefully gel together (and not die or get injured in the process) against some unproven QBs. Anyone curious what had happened to Case Keenum? No? His mom didn't even know he was still playing in the NFL. Keenum is sounding like the sacrificial lamb to the Ravens powerful defensive front this week mostly due to his familiarity with coach Bill O'Brien's system in Houston. Our biggest concern lies in the backfield with Arian Foster. Against strong rush defenses(which he hasn't faced many especially playing in the AFC South) though Foster has struggled. He is still their best weapon on offense totaling  nearly five yards per rush (1,127 yds total) with eight TDs, not to mention his 8.1 yards per reception with four TDs.

Credit: NFLMemes

Oh Watts that? DidJJa say something? Watts this about weapons on the Texans? Honestly if we can control J.J. Watt we should be fine on offense. The Texans aren't scaring anyone with their mediocre defense so allowing Watt to get sacks but not strip fumblerooski ones(you know, the fumbles that turn into defensive TDs) would be fine. I mean, the guy is a straight up beast. He's going to get his, hopefully "his" are limited. Who the hell knows who will be in our backfield to assist in blocking that behemoth. Forsett claims this is the best he has felt on a Wednesday in weeks (per Jerry Coleman's report) and Taliaferro is now done for the season.

The good news out of Ravens camp is that Bernard Pierce(along with our other backs) is showing up lately, mostly toward the end of games. So come crunch time when we need to lock it down the backs are getting it done. A few games against crappy (unproven I guess is more PC) QBs should help this secondary get it together for a playoff run. Once their in the tourney, it's anyone's game.

Only Just a Dream

If you are reading this now than good for you! You weren't one of the thousands who were arrested during Sunday night's riot after the Dolphins beatdown the Ravens on Sunday. Ryan Tannehill looked like Tom Brady out there throwing for nearly 400 yards and five TDs. Mike Wallace had a career day, it was like the old days when he torched us in Pittsburgh.

Lamar Miller totaled 175 yards with a TD along with the defense taking two more to the house in what was a beatdown of epic proportions. Losing 59-15, only mustering field goals from unfortunately injured Justin Tucker, now out for the year. The radio waves(and Central Booking) have been filled with nothing but negativity and pissed off Ravens fans.

Not buying it? Me either. This town has been just losing it lately when it comes to Orioles baseball and the Ravens. Luckily they won this past Sunday. After a slow start they turned it around to easily win on the road. Something that hasn't been easy for them this season. After a three game road losing streak the Ravens have now won two in a row. One more and that's a winning streak, it has happened before. Everyone got involved in the offense with clearly two of our recent stars, Justin Forsett and Torrey Smith, hampered by injuries. We had a Lorenzo Taliaferro sighting and Kamar Aiken filled in quite nicely for Torrey. Both players had career days and look to continue to do that this week against the less than subpar 2-11 London, er I mean, Jacksonville Jaguars.

The schedule has been a focus of my past few posts for the simple fact that the only team in the last three for the Ravens that scares me is the Texans. A road game and J. J. Watt never spells success to me. The good news is that Pittsburgh also has a rough go heading to Atlanta this week (they just don't play well against the NFC South) while San Diego welcomes Pey Pey and the Broncos. By Monday we could be in a playoff position with our eyes on the division should Cincinnati falter.

The phone lines at radio stations will be going nuts, all the liquor stores will be sold out of Natty Boh (BLASPHEMY!), fireworks will be shot off (Katy Perry's "Firework" will be overplayed), people will be missing work(hangovers), Skins fans will slowly creep away from Landover to appreciate a quality franchise, for every ecstatic Ravens fan there will be 25 pissed off Steeler fans when/if they miss the postseason, my editor might get more creative blogs from me, THE LIST IS ENDLESS! THIS IS MADNESS! NO! THIS IS SPAR...BALTIMORE!

That being said, we handle business against a scrappy Jacksonville team while resting a few beat up players (Torrey and Forsett) and we are setting ourselves up for a nice little playoff run. Even in our Super Bowl year we didn't have that. We had the division locked up with a couple games to play. The suspense is a killer but a nice one that would want to cuddle first. 

It's Not Over

Whoa everyone! Calm down! Yes, we just lost to that guy. Philip Rivers stuck it to our 31st ranked pass defense in the fourth quarter which led his team to 21 points. Snatching victory from what we all thought were the jaws of defeat. Yes, winning would have put us into the driver's seat when it comes to our playoff seeding. Yes, we are now the ninth seeded team in the AFC. Yes, Philip Rivers makes weird faces when he is excited.

The city of Baltimore has had a rough week so far. First, Maryland loses a heartbreaker on senior day to Rutgers. Second, Rivers (and his stupid bolo ties) makes a miraculous comeback. Third, Nelson Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuz will not be an Oriole next season. Now long tenured Oriole right fielder Nick Markakis is heading to Atlanta. If that wasn't the worst news yet, now reports emerge that Haloti Ngata has been suspended the remainder of the season for using adderall. Thank God he didn't use some bogus excuse that his Royal Farms chicken was laced with it. All this bad news in town has left Baltimore sports fans speed dialing their local suicide hotline.

All that aside, we are given yet another opportunity this week against a team that would make the playoffs instead of us due to tie breakers. The Dolphins are currently the sixth seeded team in the AFC and would be marching into a division winners house more than likely to lose, unless it's Cincy (prove me wrong Dalton, oh wait you can't!). The same Dolphins team that barely eeked out a win to a "professional" football team, the New Jersey, er I mean New York Jets. Let's think about that for a second. Geno Smith and a barrage of running backs nearly beat them. They, the Jets, had 210 rushing yards not in the game, in the first half! I think even Rex Ryan was averaging six yards a carry.

That being said, I would expect a heavy dose of Justin Forsett against the 21st ranked rushing defense in the league. Miami is very tough against the pass and have a decent rush headed by Cameron Wake. I'm predicting Forsett will be going off for a tune of 155 yards and two TDs. Expect even Taliaferro to get some work in. If Flacco passes more than 25 times something is seriously wrong. Not that their D is that good (seriously are we not doing phrasing?) but clearly the run is very effective. I mean the Dolphins do rank second in the league against the pass. I would expect them to use a decent amount of play action passes where I think Joe will be a hell of a lot better than Geno Smith. Who knows, maybe a Jacoby Jones siting in the backfield could happen. Nah, Kubiak will probably stick to the three headed monster in Forsett, Pierce and Taliaferro. Each could total over 50 yards.

That three headed monster will get a lot of use due to us hopefully protecting a lead. Miami isn't a deep pass happy team. They are 22nd in the league in pass offense while ranking 28th in yards per attempt. To put that in perspective sports fans, even Tampa Bay has a better passing offense. That isn't to say that Miami is without weapons. Mike Wallace is still a speedster (with alligator arms) and Jarvis Landry has been coming on as of late. The linebackers and safeties also need to keep an eye out for tight end Charles Clay (you know, if he actually plays). Our defense has made world beaters out of worse QBs (but they kept Brees mostly under wraps, by Brees standards that is).

So step back off the ledge friends. Remember our recent successes and hope for more in this season and hopefully postseason. If you are one of those poor souls who just hates everyone right now I get it but you got to believe! This season isn't over! Don't be such a pessimist!

Black (and Purple) Friday

What a game! Ray who? Monday night, Forsett showed the world in primetime why he is our savior at running back this season. Patiently attacking the Saints porous D for 182 yards and 2 TDs. Securing a three way tie for second (or last if you want to be a jerk about it) in the division. Leaving us all to wonder what we want as Ravens fans at a discount price the rest of this season to get us to the top and possibly win the division.

We saw a lot of positives in Monday night's game (besides Forsett styling on them and Steve Smith inciting a riot) that we would like to see continue.

So without further adieu, in no particular order, here is what we fans desire this black (and purple) Friday from our team.

JUSTIN FORSETT, DO YOUR THING PLAYA!

When I wrote a post a few weeks ago regarding Forsett as the greatest pickup we had this offseason it was met with conflicting arguments for Steve Smith Sr. Well those folks can suck it because clearly I was right. Forsett is approaching the 1,000 yard mark while Smith Sr.(until Monday night) has been M.I.A. for a month. He is the head of the sixth ranked rushing attack in the NFL. A hell of an improvement from that God awful rushing attack we had last year. The gift I want is a 1,400 yard season. That means Forsett averages about 100 yards a game which would make seven in a row. That is some kind of dominant streak!

GIMME 28 TDS JOE!

You are so close buddy. That is just two a game! Brees does that in his bad games! Come on! In all seriousness Joe Cool is at 18 on the season with only 8 interceptions. 28 would be a career high for Flacco and would mean, along with the above request, that our offense is clicking on all cylinders. Flacco is still without his biggest security blanket in Dennis Pitta but has found new members to spread the ball to. Steve Smith Sr., Kyle Jusczyzk and Owen Daniels. The third down play in Monday night's game where he faked out their linebackers as if he was going to run and then dropped a dime to Steve Smith, awesome. More of that and none of this...

1,300 YARDS FROM STEVE SMITH!

At the beginning of the season when he started on a tear I thought he would blow away the Ravens record for receiving yards. It is only a mere 1,201 yards set back in our inaugural season in 1996 by Michael Jackson (sha-mon). A season that also saw Derrick Alexander eclipse the 1,000 yard mark. How awesome would that be for Smith and Smith Receivers at Law to do that. I mean it is not completely out of reach. Torrey would have to average 100 yards a game with Steve nearly doing the same to break the receiving record. Steve needs about 77 yards a game to just break the record. Personally, I want him to just blow it out of the water. We play weak secondaries outside of Miami so I'm saying, there's a chance.

IMPROVE ON THIRD DOWN CONVERSIONS

We are currently 14th in the league when it comes to converting on third downs. A whopping 43 percent. The issue I think we have all seen is our inability to pick up the short yardage downs to achieve the first. Going for it on third and fourth and one and not getting it is unacceptable. The stat I kept hearing over the bye was that we were last in the league in converting third and one. Insane considering the power backs we have at our disposal. Our damn QB is 6'6" for God sake. If he snaps the ball, turns around and sneezes we are going to get it. Harbaugh doesn't like QB sneaks because of the possibility of injury. Well how about you start liking them for the possibility of winning close games. Get it to Juszczyk, I'm sure he can fall forward for a yard. I'm just saying we have these big bodies that can do the job. We have put Ngata out there for pushing people around purposes before so why not get some Refrigerator Perry action going on. Give Ngata the damn ball. Big bodies can get short yardage downs. Hopefully a healthy Kelechi Osemele will help with those types of situations as well.

DENVER "STYLE ON" THE BUNGLES

For those who may be unfamiliar with this term, just straight up embarrass them in their house. I'm talking like 45-10. I'm not opposed to them pitching a shutout. I would consider it an early Christmas present. It's not like Pey Pey and the Broncos won't need the game to stave off the surging Chiefs. If you can call having your winning streak snapped by the Raiders surging that is. My thoughts are these, remember when the Pats smashed Cincy? I would just like them to crush them at the end of the season and then eliminated from playoff contention by the Steelers the following week. Sounds like a plan to me. Even if that does put the Steelers in the playoffs. I know this has nothing to do with Thanksgiving and Black Friday but hey, we would get the reward by Christmas so I call technicality here.

There you have it folks. Just a few things I would like to happen to benefit the Ravens this purple and black Friday. I'm sticking to my prediction of them winning the division but all of the above factors are more than likely going to happen for them to succeed in the end of the season and on into the playoffs. This is shopping I can enjoy without getting a black eye! Be safe if you are shopping out there this Black Friday. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Around the North

image courtesy of  www.thesidelinereport.com

Man, what the hell are we all going to do this week? No Ravens to watch, maybe a fantasy team is your liking. Personally I enjoy contemplating how in the world we can make it out of this division and into the playoffs. The only division where every team is above .500! More than likely stuck in front my TV hopefully laughing at one of our division foes going down in a barrel of flames.

Before I do all that, I figure why not go around the division and figure out just how teams got there and if they stand a chance of staying there (cough cough CLEVELAND cough cough). We are going to travel from first to worst in the division.

The Browns shocked not only the Bengals last Thursday but everyone in the division(perhaps the world), claiming sole possession of first place for the first time in 18 years. September 24, 1995 was the last time they were a first place team. You know, the season right before they became the Ravens! The team is currently 6-3 while wearing the division crown.

How they got here: The three headed monster they have in their backfield of Ben Tate (3.3 YPC), Isiah Crowell(4.6 YPC) and Terrance West(3.7 YPC). No one can honestly tell who is going to be the dominant back out of the bunch most weeks (recently it has been the rookie West) but they all produce. West leads the pack with 396 rushing yards, Tate has 342 and Crowell comes in last with 296. The trio has a total of 12 TDs! Which is more than their QB has (10). That production has only eased the passing game for Hoyer who just keeps on winning. He isn't lighting up the stat sheet, as mentioned, but he sure is doing it in the win column. A defense that bends (20th in total defense) but doesn't break (sixth in points allowed) has helped.

A look at the schedule: Man, who thought at the beginning of the year that the division could come down to us and the Browns in that last game? If you said, "me!," you are totally full of it. The Browns will be taking their talents on the road four out of their last seven games including Atlanta (much better at home, let's face it even the Jags beat the Browns when they were the home team) and coming to Baltimore. Any team with a rushing attack is going to give them problems, they rank 28th in the league against the run. Most of these teams at home will try to gain the lead and build that lead with the run (see Jacksonville). Their toughest opponent will be visiting them on December 7th when the Colts come to town. I could see them only getting out of this stretch with two wins but if they can go 4-3 they might take the division.

Important future knowledge: Josh Gordon, arguably the league's best WR will be back in week 12. We are talking about a guy who led the league in receiving last season only playing in 14 games. Their missing passing attack will shine when Gordon returns.

Prediction: 9-7, tied for second in the division

This team was the toast of the league during the first month of the season. Sure they swept us but they have looked piss poor in a decent amount of their games this season. Dalton is proving that when the pressure is on he can't close the deal. In Thursday's contest Dalton had more interceptions (3) than his passer rating (2.0), insane! However the team still remains in second place (stupid tie, no one likes getting ties, not even for Christmas!) at 5-3-1.

How they got here: We have already discussed the disaster on Thursday that ended their 15 game winning streak at home. Started off going 3-0 and being a Super Bowl favorite. Then the massacre in New England happened. The following week was the now infamous tie. Which leads me to ask, how do you tie the Panthers at home? They stink! The biggest news out of that game was A.J. Green's injured toe. Green missed when they were shutout against the Colts and their victory at home against the Ravens. Now they are dealing with Gio Bernard missing time giving the rookie Jeremy Hill some time as the lead back. 50/50 so far. Two weeks ago he was great, against a poor rush defense in Cleveland he was awful. However they were down the entire game so that had a little something to do with it. The team is in the middle of the pack offensively and among the bottom dwellers in a couple defensive categories. Mostly due to Dalton's ineptitude to succeed, he is having his worst season after being overpaid back in August. Doesn't scream, "division winner."

A look at the schedule: It's not looking much better for the Bengals as they prepare for a pissed off New Orleans team who just lost a heartbreaker to the 49ers. The Saints rarely lose at home and I don't anticipate them starting a losing streak. Five of the seven games remaining are on the road for the Bengals. A team that has managed just 40 points in three games on the road. 13-14 points is not going to win this Sunday and it might not even beat Arian Foster and the Texans the following week. They still have four games in the division and more than likely will split the two they have with the Steelers. It's just what division opponents do. However I fully expect them to succumb to the season sweep at the hands of the Browns. They will be a different team with Gordon back for their next meeting and it doesn't help to be in Cleveland's domain. I see them tanking the rest of the season due to their lulls on the road.  Let us not forget that Pey Pey is coming to town with his Bronco buddies on December 22nd. So even though they have two games at home, they will be lucky to be a resident of splitsville and go 1-1.

Important future knowledge: Giovani Bernard is due to return soon which will bolster this lackluster offense who hasn't been 100% since week 4. When Green returned to the lineup he tagged out Bernard who has missed the past two games.

Prediction: 7-8-1, last in the division

Oh boy, time for some home cookin'! We ho hummed our way through the Ray Rice scandal to start the year, going 2-1. While we were dismantling the NFC South (who hasn't really) we started getting some praise. Then Roethlisberger happpened. Nevertheless we are still within striking distance of the division leading Browns even though we are tied for last place with the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 6-4 record.

How they got here: Getting swept by the Bengals is honestly what has us at the bottom of the barrel of the division. Splitting with the Steelers and losing to Indy were things we knew could/would happen before the season began. What we didn't know was the resurgence of Steve Smith Sr. or Justin Forsett. Forsett has only gone on to lead the league in yards per carry, something the Ravens were 32nd (yeah sports fans, that was last place in the league) last season. Currently we are the eighth ranked rushing team in the NFL. Mostly due to Forsett. Sure Smith Sr. has slowed down these past few weeks but he is still nearly 400 yards ahead of our second place receiver. While the offense is a little ahead of the middle of the pack the defense. Ranking third in points allowed, something this team has been known for some time now. We all know about Suggs, Ngata and the rest of our veterans but the leading tackler for this team is the rookie C.J. Mosley. Definitely the front runner for defensive rookie of the year, he currently has 90 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions. Our biggest issue has been our pass defense and Jimmy Smith's season ending foot injury/surgery is not helping that. Last week against the Titans we looked okay after that first drive. However, that was the Titans.

A look at the schedule: Coming off the bye week we are off to the Big Breesy for a Monday night date with the Saints. We have won there before but with a much better pass defense. Honestly we are done with the meaty part of our schedule. Among our division, our remaining opponents have the worst winning percentage. We have three at home (San Diego, Jacksonville and Cleveland) and three on the road (New Orleans, Miami and Houston). All very winnable games but we all know the parity of the NFL where any team can pull one out that maybe they shouldn't. Hear me out, we already saw what happened to San Diego coming across country, a beatdown in Miami. Jacksonville is scrappy but should not scare us at home. The division may come down to the Cleveland game. They are going to be the best team that we play the rest of the season. They again will be a different team with a totally different game plan with Gordon in the lineup. However, by then we hope, the secondary will have pulled together. Our biggest challenge on the road comes against the Dolphins in week 13. Hear me out! The Fins are quietly one of the best defensive teams in the league, ahead of us in many of the stats. They are fourth in the league in total defense including being the second ranked team in pass defense. We also will be battling it out with them with the thoughts of a playoff spot being out there. The winning team would have a leg up in the wild card and possibly catch up to their division leader. Let's face it, the Dolphins are a wild card or bust team. They won't catch the Pats.

Important future knowledge: Flacco could turn out to have his best season this year. The only decent defense he will face is Miami. He is only two TDs behind last year's total with far less interceptions. A mere eight away from his career high. We can only hope that the money we spent after his Super Bowl MVP is finally going to show through in his regular season numbers.

Prediction: 11-5, first place in the division

We save the worst for last! Okay okay, tie for worst. The Steelers have been very inconsistent this season and are either the best team on the planet or worse than the Jets...and Bucs. I mean it is hard to consider this team a contender when they do what they do against less than mediocre opponents. No way they should have lost to either of those teams but somehow they found a way to play worse than them. When they lost to Tampa they were still trying to find their offense. They find their offense but lose it against a decent Jets defense. Antonio Brown actually is human and did something wrong(a lost fumble).

How they got here: Horrible losses to the Bucs and Jets that in my honest opinion should have been wins which would catapult them into first place in this division. You have to play to your schedule and the Steelers have not beaten all of the opponents that they should have. On the bright side, this season has been Le'Veon Bell's coming out party. He has been a beast out of the backfield totaling 1,213 yards from scrimmage. Just not sniffing the end zone. Big Ben has been up and down this season, most recently he had the peak of 12 TDs in two games (tying an NFL record). However against the Jets he was back to the Ben Raven fans love, throwing red zone interceptions. The defense has come around since the beginning of the season but is still old and lacking when it comes to pass defense. They are a middle of the pack defense with tremendous upside on the offense, if they are clicking watch the scoreboard go. Also let's not forget the coming out party of Martavis Bryant. He has played in 4 games this season and has 6 TDs. I wish the Ravens could draft a receiver like that.

A look at the schedule: How in the world the Titans got a Monday night home game I have not a clue. However, you got to know that Tomlin is going to be asking his men to step up and show up against another low quality team. Who knows? Maybe they will. Considering their piss poor record against such an opponent I doubt it. They are one of the few teams that have not had their bye week, which will happen next week. This team, like us, can benefit from a late bye. It could help push them into the playoffs. They still play the Bengals twice, if they sweep that could be the division for them. At the very least a wild card. Not that they don't travel well but just where they have to travel makes me believe they won't win another road game this year. Is it possible they can win in Atlanta and Tennessee (cue Arrested Development)? Sure! Have they proven that they will win? Not so much. Their home games are New Orleans (terrible on the road), Kansas City(these Chiefs ain't royal) and finishing out the year against Cincy. Odds are that either this game or the Ravens/Browns game will be moved into primetime. The division could be on the line in either game.

Important future knowledge: The defense will get a boost when Ike Taylor returns from his broken forearm. He wasn't the shutdown corner he used to be but he is clearly their best option. I already mentioned the emergence of Martavis Bryant. He is what this team has been missing since Plaxico Burress left.

Prediction: 9-7, tied for second in the division

Yeah, I know it seems like a homer pick to take the Ravens but in reality they should end the season that way. The back end of their schedule is much easier than their division opponents so why not. 10-6 could win this division but 11-5 just sounds better. We could have two division champs in our town for the first time in my life. That would be awesome!

Dismember the Titans

So last week was a big bowl of suck with a side of garbage. We had to eat it just like Steeler fans had to do back in week 2 when we drubbed them by 20. Luckily for us, a familiar face is about to walk into M&T Bank stadium this Sunday. A former rival of ours and honestly it couldn't have happened at a better time for the hapless Tennessee Titans to come to town.

Before anyone says it, no I am not looking past them nor do I think anyone on the Ravens will be doing that either. Just look at the facts behind this Titan team. They are 2-6 with only the Jags behind them in the AFC South. Tied for a league worst 15 TDs and in the bottom tier of all offensive categories. That puts them at 29th in the league in scoring at a whopping 17.1 points per game. Not to say that their defense is much better, allowing nearly 135 yards a game rushing (good for 28th in the league) along with 241 yards passing (getting them the 16th spot). Not to mention their 25.2 points allowed per game(22nd in the league). There isn't much that is scaring me about this team. There has been a revolving door for QBs with all three on their depth chart getting some time. This week happens to be Mettenberger's turn. No rookie QBs fair well in our house especially on a team with as poor of an offense as the Titans. It isn't like they lack weapons. Delanie Walker, Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter to name a few. However the inconsistencies at the QB position effect not only the passing game but Bishop Sankey, Shonn Greene (yeah remember him?) and the rest of their running game. Let us not forget we can test Michael Oh *whistles*, false start, number 72! Anyway we can see how many times we can get Oher to commit his ever favorite penalty, the false start. The truth is even great offenses get stifled by the Ravens D when they pay us a visit.

Mettenberger has less attempts in his career than Joe Flacco had in the season opener. Yeah yeah I know, just one game but still! Suggs and Dumervil have to be licking their chops to get after this kid. "When you go against a rookie quarterback -- traditionally, usually -- you can make it a hard time for them," said Suggs when questioned about Mettenberger, "but the way the game is played these days, it's pretty much in favor of the quarterback and the offense, so I don't really think that plays into our favor any." Well add that to the news of Jimmy Smith being out for the rest of the season after foot surgery and our piss poor performance last week (seriously six TDs! AND AN NFL RECORD! WHY?!?!?) who knows what can happen. We have two new corners this week and (praise football Jesus) released Chykie Brown and Dominique Franks. Danny Gorrer (former Raven and recently released by the Lions) and practice squad rookie Tramain Jacobs are hoping to right the ship. All they have to do is keep up that horrible passer rating rookie quarterbacks have against us and all will be right in the world. Honestly just don't play like those two and you both will be just fine.

We need this win. We can't go into the bye at 5-5 and sitting in last place. By Sunday we all will know what happened in Thursday's Browns/Bengals game (go Browns and Jeremy Hill, for selfish fantasy purposes!) but anyway you slice it, last feels terrible. 6-4 feels better than .500 besides, that only wins you the NFC South.

Scary Things About Ravens Steelers

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to discuss some of the scary facts regarding Ravens and Steelers? Maybe you would prefer throwing pumpkins into the streets, teepeeing your neighbors house or maybe running around and getting free butterfingers from strangers. Me, I like thinking all day about how I can tie in Halloween to arguably the greatest rivalry in the NFL.

Jimmy Smith's Injury

This couldn't have possibly happened at a worse time. Smith has come around to being one of the top corners in the NFL. He has been shutting down some of the leagues top talent in recent weeks (Julio Jones and Vincent Jackson to name a few). The crazy thing about this injury is how the news broke. We all knew he was hurt, just not how serious the injury was. Initially, "No way it's lisfranc," to,"it's a lisfranc sprain," followed by, "oh my God I think they had to amputate it and give him a robotic one! He's part cyborg now!" Well maybe not that last one, but the competing reports regarding his injury have been downright ridiculous. Anyway you slice it, he's not playing this week against one of the upstart offenses in the league.

Yes, I hate to admit it, the Steelers offense finally doesn't look like dried cat vomit. With a fan base that recently was calling for their Coach's head, Haley the OC as well, on a pike. They were ready to collect heads like they were baseball cards. Much like the Steelers were doing last week when they demolished the Colts at home. This is the same field that Mike Glennon could win on. Andrew Luck, ran out of his last name. Mostly it was, similar to what the Ravens are going to be dealing with Sunday, losing their top corner and Antonio Brown making them pay. Heavily. Big Ben had a career day amassing six TDs (which totally ruined my wife's fantasy experience this past week. That moment a Steeler fan is like, COME ON BEN! THROW THE PICK!) He could do no wrong last week, making those typical throws on the run that he makes with ease to wide open receivers. They made a stout Colts defense that shut down (and shut out) the Bengals the week before look miserable. If we had a few weeks for Smith(or hell even Asa Jackson) to come back I wouldn't be that concerned. However we have no depth at the corner position which is why we should maybe take another look at Champ Bailey. We can pay him in crab cakes for all I care, he can't be as bad as Franks was last week. Both Smith and Asa Jackson are out so I am surprised that we haven't made a move to at least add depth to the position.

Expect more of the same this week. As far as, Ben taking advantage of a poor matchup. So basically if Webb isn't on Brown, he's getting the ball.

Le'Veon Bell Has Arrived 

Trick or treat, smell his feet, give him something good to eat...because he has the munchies. Anyway, with all this passing offense, don't forget about Le'Veon Bell. He is not just productive running the ball but catching as well. Totaling over 100 yards from scrimmage in each and every game this season. He already has 1,086 yards from scrimmage and averages 5.93 yards per touch. Get him the ball twice and they get a first down. Which the Ravens were just giving away last week. Especially on third down where they had been performing well this season, the Bengals unfortunately converted over 50 percent of their third downs. He has proven to be one of the top running backs in the game today. Even though he may not be lighting up the scoreboard (only crossing the goal line twice this season) he has still turned into being the most consistent back today.

With as tight as a game like this could be you know those third down conversions are going to be crucial to sustain long drives to keep the ball out of Big Ben's grubby, gigantic hands. Who knows, maybe when our boys drive 80 yards we will actually put points on the board instead of running yet another play-action pass that doesn't work.

Tight Games Plus All My Daughter's Halloween Candy....

Just means that everyone should stay away from me on Monday morning. Come hell or high water I will be watching the game in its entirety. Win or lose I'm going to be grumpy and probably not want any of your crap. 

Now that my silliness is out of the way, these games constantly come down to the last seconds. I will never forget the game when the Steelers were up by 10 and we came back with a game winning Torrey Smith touchdown to win the game. My wife, went to sleep victorious until I woke her up upon the game's completion to rub it in her face how awesome the ending was...for me. Imagine being able to actually sleep in the bed that night kiddies! 9 out of the last 13 have been decided by three or four points.

Home field usually matters in this matchup but this late in their careers both quarterbacks are comfortable shutting up the Steeler/Raven faithful. Ben and Joe have both won on the opposing grid iron. Both have swept the other (Joe is the last to do it in 2011) and yes Steeler fan, I know you guys have that trifecta year where you beat us three times. We all know, prime time game, division on the line, its going to be a hard fought game. Whoever has the ball last is probably going to win the game.

This game could make or break the Ravens season. Winning would put us basically 2 games up on the Steelers and keeping pace with the Bengals who could stumble to this Steeler team (hell maybe the Browns next week as well). Losing could move us into Browntown. We don't belong there, that is reserved for classy organizations from Cleveland. Wait, I meant crappy. 

What a Difference a Month Makes

Man, I remember September 22nd like it was 30 days ago. The Orioles were wrapping up their AL East crown, the weather hadn't changed to actually being fall yet and everyone was crowning the Bengals as Super Bowl contenders. Obviously being the class of the AFC North division.

What a difference on October 22nd. Currently it is a cool rainy fall day, chiming in at 50 some degrees. The Orioles were unfortunately swept in the ALCS and the Bengals have fallen off the wagon like a recovering alcoholic. Did all the hype get too real for them?

They were 3-0 and living the high life going into their prime time matchup against the Patriots. Whom had faltered the week prior. Which only meant one thing, Tom Brady coming out party! The Pats stomped them 43-17 making Bengals fans shout, "Just one game, we still own the division! WHO DEY!" Well "dey" played a much improved game the following week, unfortunately nothing screams failure like a tie in the NFL. It's worse than kissing your sister, it is just terrible. They tied a Panthers team(whose defense is just plain terrible this season, a high school team could drive 80 yards on them!), in Cincy, who had just gotten smashed by the Steelers in Carolina and the Ravens at the Big Crab Cake. Their defense looked soft and their best player came out of the game with toe injury that has sidelined him ever since. Maybe that is why they couldn't even muster a point this past week against the stout Colts defense, being completely demolished 27-0.

Not only is their offense struggling but the defense hasn't been as stout as they were at the beginning of the season. They have given up a total of 1,442 yards in the past three weeks. Along with a whopping 107 points. They have currently dropped to number 13 in ESPN's power rankings this week. Two spots ahead of the Steelers and four spots below our Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens have earned that ranking from having a pretty decent month compared to that of the Bengals. In their past four games they are 3-1 with that one being a tough loss to the Colts 20-13. The good news is that our defense has been consistent this season. The Ravens are number one in scoring defense and red zone defense. Sure you might gain a bunch of yards on them, hell you might even get into the red zone. Get your kicker loose, because that is all you are going to get. Yes, I know we have basically been destroying the NFC South but that is what you do. You play your schedule and demolish the weaklings in the way. That is just what they have done. Sacking everyone (except Andrew Luck) and putting up big offensive numbers on some poor defenses.

It helps that the offense has had such good performances out of Joe Flacco, Steve Smith Sr. ,Torrey Smith has shown up and of course Justin Forsett. In their wins this season there was only the game in Cleveland that came down to a last second field goal. Everything else has been one sided. Pittsburgh (20-6), Carolina (38-10), Tampa (48-17) and this week's victim Atlanta (29-7). Their points margin is the highest in the NFL at 12.7. Nearly two touchdowns! Quite impressive.

That being said I hope the Ravens are able to twist the knife into the Bengals to continue their downward spiral. Kicking a team when they are down to take complete control of our division sounds like a win win to me. This is our chance to do it, hopefully they seize the opportunity. It's right there men, now take it!

Who was the Better Acquisition: Steve Smith Sr. OR Justin Forsett

Well folks we are 6 weeks into what has been an interesting season so far not just in Baltimore but all over the league. Before the season started we were looking like a pretty solid team. We had a decent draft class headed by C.J. Mosley who has become a tackling machine in the middle. We also made a few pickups in key areas. We first had to solve a major issue with our team, the line. We picked up Zuttah to solidify the middle of the line. What about those key skill spots? Of course I am talking about the ageless wonder, Steve Smith Sr., and Justin Forsett. Which one was a better pickup?

We never were the same last season without a veteran presence at receiver. Boldin's departure and Pitta's injury took its toll on our passing game. Insert Smith Sr. who not only fulfills the veteran presence, he is also doing what he used to in his prime! He is setting NFL receiving records at the age of 35, no one has been this dominant this late in their career. I can't name a time when we had a receiver with over 100 yards 4 out of 6 games. Through those 6 games he has 35 catches, 573 receiving yards and 4 TDs. Call a nerd or a calculator if you don't want to do the math but he is on pace for over 1,500 yards receiving this season. That would be more than Pitta has in his career! It would easily shatter the team record of 1,201 set by Michael Jackson(not that one, the other one) back in our inaugural season of 1996.

This past weekend allowed for some more records to be broken when Joe Flacco was the fastest QB ever to pass for 5 TD passes, 1 going to Steve Smith Sr and 2 going to Torrey Smith (no relation). For years this has been a run heavy offense that beat you up for 4 quarters on both sides of the ball. Of course this offense has a very good running game. That is all due to Justin Forsett.

Forsett leads the league in yards per carry (6.4) and is fifth in yards (408). Like everyone else this past Sunday he had his best game of the season snagging his first 100 yard game of the year. Forsett followed Kubiak from Houston and thank goodness because where would this offense be without him? It is hard to predict what Taliaferro can/would do if given the chance.We all have seen what would happen to Bernard Pierce. A man I have affectionately called "Mr. Glass" since his rookie season due to his ineptitude to make it through an entire year without getting hurt. He doesn't seem to have the burst or familiarity that Forsett does with this system.

The edge for me goes to Forsett. Giving Ravens fans what we missed so much last season. Wait, you mean if they give it to the back twice he'll have a first down? If Rice/Pierce did that last year on 4 downs we would have a turnover on downs. Forsett has been this running game's savior during the Rice saga and Pierce's injury/fumble issues. Many fans saw this possibly happening because of Forsett's success in Houston and Seattle. Also his familiarity with Kubiak and his blocking/rushing scheme (which is similar to what we used last year with backs that didn't work) has helped. His patience waiting for holes to open up has helped him blow up big runs (tied for the league lead with 6 runs of 20+ runs) which in turn helps Smith Sr. get open for a big play action pass.

It's great to have arguments with fans about a topic like this. Who would have thought Smith or Forsett would be having the seasons they are having? Forsett has turned a running game around that was absolutely miserable last year. Smith Sr. somehow looks like he is 26 again. Whatever it is, I just hope they keep dominating the way they have so far, it means more wins for the Ravens if they do.

This Win Should Only Cost One Buc

What a time to be a Baltimore sports fan! Ravens season is in full swing and the O's are heading to the ALCS for the first time in 17 years. Luckily for the Ravens the O's stamped their ticket mere hours after they dropped a close game (that they had no right winning). It was fortunate for them but it has everyone wondering, could they possibly blow another game on the road to a poor team?

The Ravens are below .500 away from the big crabcake under Harbaugh and we have definitely thrown some stinkers out there. I'm sure everyone remembers that crap fest we had back in Jacksonville in primetime a few years back. Yeah, we lost to the Jaguars. Not a group of the animal (which would be acceptable), the team. That being said, now we have another division bottom dweller we need to visit who, as of late, has been playing tough against decent opponents.

The Bucs beat the Steelers at home and then traveled to the big easy only to blow a late lead to their Lord Breesus Christ. So it's easy to dismiss them and their 1-4 record(just a reminder for my Steeler loving spouse, that 1 win, was YOUR team). However since Mike Glennon has taken over they are a different team offensively. Vincent Jackson, who was invisible in the beginning of the season, has come alive since Glennon has taken over. Not to mention how well Bobby Rainey has played spelling Doug Martin, or completely taking over for him due to his immense injury issues. Did they get smashed in their Thursday night game at Atlanta? Oh yeah they did. Who hasn't this season? Every game on Thursday has been completely one sided. With only the Giants proving a road team can put on the beat down.

Back to Glennon who has put together some decent, not all be it world beating, numbers. His QBR has stayed in the low 70's, he has thrown for multiple TDs in the past 2 games (that is like winning the Super Bowl to a Bucs fan these days), and averaged about 250 yards per game. He had ice in his veins in Pittsburgh on that final drive reminding their fans more of classic Roethlisberger, who could only muster a 3 and out on their final drive before Glennon's winning drive. There may have been a different result last week but that game should not have been that close in New Orleans. Maybe the Saints aren't who we thought they were and Tampa let them off the hook. It's still a late loss to Drew Brees who is one of the most clutch QBs in the league especially at home. I think the bigger issues for the Bucs may be on the other side of the ball.

Where Lovie Smith is still stuck on the prehistoric Tampa 2 defense. I don't think it will take Joe Flacco long to start picking that team with those poor corners apart. We just have to hold up against their strong front 7 long enough for Joe to pick apart the league's 30th ranked pass defense. Especially with our line looking as poor and depleted as they did last week. In addition to that, has anyone looked at our injury report? If a guy is on the offensive line he is on there this week. At least that is how it feels to me. I think Torrey Smith has a big turnaround game this week. He needs to redeem himself for what many critics have been trashing him for from last week. Show you have hands Torrey, show you can be a dynamic receiver. That is all you have to do.

This is a turnaround game for the Ravens. They are playing a bad team after a rough week that will hopefully push them to becoming a 4-2 team and back in the hunt for the division crown. Cincy losing the way they did and now having to deal without having A.J. Green for whatever amount of time that is helps the Ravens immensely. Add that to the fact that having a win over a common opponent from your division is very helpful to our playoff chances. A win this week can push them in the right direction for Atlanta at home next week. Then off to Cincy to hopefully split the season series with the Bengals.

All in all it is going to be a great sports weekend in Baltimore. While the Ravens are on the road, Baltimore's faithful will enjoy watching their O's at Camden Yards Friday and Saturday. All eyes will be on their TV sets to watch the Ravens hopefully dominate Tampa on Sunday. Let's go bad birds of Baltimore!

O-Mazing Experience

When J.J. Hardy slid across home plate Friday I assisted with thousands of others in blowing the roof (if there was one) off of Camden Yards. The eruption from the crowd was deafening, headache inducing and by far the loudest cheers I have ever heard at Oriole Park. As I reflected today about the game, the epic moment (that still gives me chills when I watch the video) I just couldn't stop thinking about all the things I wanted to say about it.

Let us start from the beginning. Many things had to fall into place for me to even be able to head to said game. For years I have been going to games with my girlfriend/now wife to the point that she actually gives a damn about the Orioles. Thank goodness as she felt the need to go ahead and put down a hefty deposit for tickets next season(with zero push from me, "We have a chance to go to the World Series, don't we?") just for the opportunity to go to Postseason games at a reasonable price. I like to take credit for turning a football girl, although she is a Steeler fan, into someone who was able to lose her mind as much as me Friday. Has she endured as much of the sucking as me and many other Oriole fans? No. She did endure the Oriole season where we won zero games on Sunday (2006?) while we had the 13 game package, all of them being Sundays.

Along with needing a supportive wife I needed a somewhat supportive job to let me go. I mean a 12 o'clock start, on short notice, was not helpful to that. While the answer I got wasn't an all supportive yes, it had things tied to it. Luckily I only got a list of a few things that I had to do (seriously the situation made me feel like I am a brain surgeon of Lowe's, "we don't have anyone that can do it, shorthanded..." I tuned out after I lost hope of even going.) Needless to say I was able to go in WAY early to bang out what I had to do to even be able to go.

Able to go, not able to find parking. Holy crap, when I say we had to park a mile away I may not be kidding. Driving around for a half an hour scouring the area for parking. We parked at a garage for only $9 all the way in front of Lexington Market. We walked up like many other O's fans during the player introductions (I heard the CrUUUUUUUUUUUUUUz chant) along with the national anthem. I managed to get in the, "O!" All be it from the entrance gate before my bag of snacks could be checked. We got to our seats literally seconds before the first pitch.

Unlike the last playoff game we went to there weren't many opposing fans to deal with. I guess the trek from Detroit is a little far. We did manage to get a few 10 rows back from us who felt the need to slowly chant, "Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiger baaaaaaaaaaseball" after anything good they did. Single, strike, homerun, get an out but not after your bullpen blew open the game! Boom roasted! Anyway I digress. Suck it annoying Tiger fan! Okay seriously, I'm done.

The game started off with Chen getting through the first allowing only one hit. Verlander came up and preceded to get us 1-2-3. It really seemed like it was going to be a pitchers matchup through the first 3 innings. Chen looked great, made an unbelievable play in the third snagging a line drive to end the inning. Verlander had no hit us through 2 2/3 innings. Before Markakis eked a homerun to the right field wall. Then came the 4th. I got to hear that Tiger fan a bunch that inning. Hunter single, Cabrera single, V.Martinez double and then J.D. Martinez hit a 3 run bomb. Just when you thought that was enough Castallenos hits another bomb to make it 5-2. The crowd was starting to lose trust in Chen and so was Buck. He left him in until Rajai Davis slapped a single into left. The crowd clapped for Chen but mainly just to support our guy. In came our future in Kevin Gausman.

In all honesty I wasn't surprised to see Chen get rocked the way he did. The Tigers have owned left handed pitching this season.

What followed after the 5 run inning for the Tigers felt like an eternity for me. Sure, we put up a run in the bottom of the inning. Verlander was cruising after that. The game seemed to lose its muster. Gausman was in control for much of his relief appearance. The 5th inning gave us that outstanding double play started by Ryan Flaherty and enabled by Miguel Cabrera's inability to hit a treadmill. Everything was still coming up Tigers. If we got runners, Verlander got out of it. Gausman was also mowing down the boys from Motown until the 8th when he was touched up for a run. All in all I couldn't have been happier with Gausman in his relief appearance. He threw strikes and got out of jams in his first playoff pressure game. Gausman walked off to booming applause and support while Buck waved in Brad Brach. Who I believe should start coming out to altered entrance music from "The Rock."

If ya smelllllllllllllllllll, what Brad Brach is cooking! Brad Brach says, Brad Brach says, Brad Brach says, Brad Brach says know your damn role! Sorry sidetracked.

I'm losing focus because I'm getting excited. I know what happens next in this tale. I'm ruining the ending to the movie like one of my annoying relatives. With one exception, everyone in Baltimore knows what happens next.

Verlander had been removed for Anibal Sanchez, who appeared to be the only reliable guy out of their pen thus far. He had gone untouchable for 2 innings before Ausmus felt that he had reached his pitch limit. So in the 8th he decided to intelligently, at least to Oriole fans who erupted when he jogged out, bring in Joba Chamberlain. We all started cheering as if we had already won the game. Ausmus was Old Mother Hubbard and only Joba was in the cupboard. Needless to say, Joba was a good sport about it, tipping his cap to the ecstatic O's fans. Started off okay by getting a ground out by De Aza. It was all downhill from there. He hit Jones, Cruz singled and was followed by Pearce who drove Jones in on yet another single. Things were heating up. Joba was removed for yet another reliable Tiger from the bullpen, Joakim Soria. The events that followed will go down as arguably the greatest moment in Orioles postseason history.

Soria walked J.J. Hardy on 5 pitches. The Yard was rocking, we needed something big to happen. Down 2 with the bases loaded and 1 out, the time was now. Flaherty was pulled for former Tiger postseason hero Delmon Young (yeah did anyone remember he was the 2011 ALCS MVP for them? Good me neither.). Young stepped in to much of our joy. Even my daughter, who seemed bored during the middle innings of the game, was on her feet(on her chair) doing the "Seven Nation Army" chant. With my arm around her and my Orioles postseason towel waving in the air we waited for the pitch. BAM! Young drove the ball into the left field corner for what we all knew could be a game winning double. My voice was going, everyone in my section (every section) started going nuts watching Cruz rumble across the plate, followed by Pearce and here comes Hardy. He hook slides to the back end of home, HE'S SAFE!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! HOLY CRAP! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I high fived Caylie (my daughter), my wife and 7 others around me who could not believe what we just saw. No way did that just happen! 

"I love you Tigers bullpen! You are my second choice for MVP of this game behind Delmon Young!," I shouted. 

It didn't matter what happened the rest of the inning we had the lead. Kelly Johnson sacrificed Young over to third on a fly ball to center. Schoop popped out. Here comes Zach Britton, attempting to get his first postseason save. Britton was throwing bowling balls out there. His fastball with that sinking movement has owned a lot of the league this season. The bottom of Detroit's order was their last hope. They had no chance. Herman Perez came in for Avila, ground out to Pearce. One down. The place was starting to go even more nuts, if that was possible. Romine their starting shortstop, struck out. I channeled my inner Rosie O'Donnell from A League of Their Own. "Come on Britton, ONE MORE! JUST ONE MORE!" When Suarez came in off the bench and grounded to Hardy we all knew he got that last out. Pearce squeezed it and we all went crazy. High fives and screams a plenty. I was looking for those annoying Tigers fans who must have left when Soria came in. 

I will never forget that moment. Sharing it with my family adds even more meaning to it. Sure hanging with my buddies would also have been awesome, I am hoping Caylie remembers that moment as much as I will. I sure won't ever let her forget it. 

Up for Debate: Has Luck Passed Flacco?

Seems like a valid question. Sure Luck is still a newborn baby in this league (his beard is deceiving) compared to Flacco (who thank the Gods hasn't tried to grow that handle bar 'stache back) but without either player their teams would be in for a world of hurt. However when it comes to national attention Luck seems to get a whole lot more support for MVP talks. Yes I know it is early but these are the same people who make Super Bowl picks before training camp.

Luck is merely entering his third year in the league. Flacco, his seventh. When comparing their first two seasons Luck is superior to Flacco. Except for that whole, winning in the playoffs thing. Was Flacco the reason we won during his rookie campaign? No way! Our defense carried us all the way to AFC Championship game. Although thanks to research I get to remember 2008 as the year we got swept by the Steelers. Excuse me while I sarcastically shout "Yay!" Was Flacco the reason Luck lost in the playoffs? Sprinkle in two TDs, a 125.6 passer rating and our defense trying to help Ray Lew 52 ride off into the sunset in style. You bet your sweet crabcake he was! Anyway, Luck has better numbers across the board in the regular season. Luck has had 23 TDs in each of his last two seasons. While Flacco had a mere 14 in his rookie season and followed that up with 21 the following year. However this was when the Steelers defense was still elite/young/gave a crap (unlike now as it seems) while Luck faced cupcakes like the Jags and Titans twice. So while some might say "numbers don't lie" others might retort with,"competition does."

As far as their opponents go this season Flacco has faced better defensive squads than Luck. Unless you consider the Jags or Titans and their "not too shabby" tagline as elite. If that is the case, have another and don't drink and drive. Luck has passed for nearly 800 yards in the past two weeks against those goons. Flacco hasn't looked too bad in the past few weeks himself. This after both had rough outings against tough opponents in week one. Both accounted for a lot of yardage but we all know of Flacco's time management issues against Cincy as well as Luck's ability to start a game/season flat against Denver. Both are dealing with separate issues in their respective offenses. Whether its Trent Richardson being a waste of time/carries or Dennis Pitta's hip injury, both are significant to what their teams can do in the passing game. Overall I would say on numbers alone Luck would take the title in this one. I would argue with any and every Colts fan that their division is garbage. Let me see how Luck does against a formidable Bengal defense. The biggest effect on the two has got to be the personnel on offense.

This season's shining star has been the offensive line's performance in Baltimore. Flacco has only been sacked three times in four games (second in the league to Andy Dalton) and it has helped the run game improve to seventh in the league. This with our third and fourth options at the position! Steve Smith Sr. has been doing laps in the fountain of youth as he is off to the greatest start of his career. He has the potential to not only set career bests but to break NFL records for a receiver 35 or older. We all thought he would boost the offense, we had no idea how much. While on the flip side we have some crafty veteran receivers in Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton. In all honesty I would take Hilton over Torrey Smith. He has just been a better overall receiver in his career thus far. He has the numbers to back it up and was even explosive on special teams his rookie season.

Where we will dominate is at the line. Indy is lacking a pass rush with no Robert Mathis who will still be serving a suspension which leads me to believe Flacco should have a relatively clean jersey for yet another week. Also on the defensive side I have the Suggernaut all over the Colts backfield with their inexperienced line which gives up about two sacks a game. Luck surprisingly does have the ability to scramble (similar to Flacco honestly, let's remember he was our best rush threat last season...unfortunately). Those scrambles usually lead to first downs and sustained drives. While the Colts may be first in total offense, I have to give Flacco and the rest of our offensive personnel. Based nearly on running backs alone. How did Trent Richardson go from first round gem to trade trash? Justin Forsett meanwhile is leading the league in average yards per carry while Lorenzo Taliaferro has played the role as the closer in the past two games. Rumbling over tired opponents who couldn't keep up with Forsett only to get trucked by Taliaferro. Where they effect the passing game is mainly on play action since neither is heavily used out of the backfield the way Ray Rice used to. Only getting about 3 or 4 balls thrown their way. Well Forsett's way, Taliaferro hasn't made a reception as of yet. 

The interesting thing about Andrew Luck is he has yet to beat Joe Flacco however he was able to beat Peyton Manning his first try. This will be their second meeting, while not in the playoffs will be just as important on potential seeding in this year's postseason. Without Luck the Colts would be lucky to finish with six wins. The same could be said for the Ravens. Especially in their tough division. Both are very clutch when it comes down to tight situations and want the ball for that final drive to win the game. Until Luck proves himself in the postseason he stays behind Flacco. He may not be flashy but that unibrowed Jersey boy knows how to win! Two top 10 offenses going at it this Sunday, hopefully the Ravens will come out victorious.

Replacing Dennis Pitta

At least this week Raven fans can loom and gloom regarding the unfortunate non contact injury suffered by one of their own. As opposed to the negative light being shown to the world while the Ray Rice experience continues. However, as I have stated before there are still games to be played. If the Ravens look across the parking lot at the Orioles they can learn something about dealing with injuries. No all star catcher? They had a Caleb Joseph for that. No big eared platinum glover at third? Let's throw anyone and everyone who has ever played third base since grade school over there. Throw some overachievers on the mound and we got ourselves a bonafide division winner at Camden Yards.

So without Pitta once again, how will the offense look? Who will step up and help produce? How will people's fantasy team survive? When will I stop asking so many questions that I am about to answer?

First and foremost, if you didn't grab Steve Smith Sr. in the late rounds of your draft or scoop him up off the waiver wire than shame on you! Smith is going to apparently make it rain blood and guts against his former team this Sunday so make sure you got your goggles. After his case of drop-itis back in Week 1 Smith Sr. has been Flacco's go to receiver. We all saw that late in the Cleveland game when Flacco hit Smith Sr. with that 32 yard pass that set up Optimus 9's (Justin Tucker for those who don't know) game winner. Expect him, Smith Sr. , to be even more involved in the offense. Especially this week against his former squad of 13 years. The Panthers might have to double up on him.

Kyle Juszczyk also looked great coming out of the backfield on Sunday. He couldn't have been more open on his touchdown catch from the flat where he barreled into the end zone. Preceding to imitate LeBron James' powder entrance, I didn't know Juszczyk had that in him. I expected him to be a huge step up from Leach when it came to the passing game. Juszczyk has more speed and better hands than Leach had. Being a former tight end in the Ivy League helps.

Speaking of tight ends did everyone forget we have Owen Daniels? Is he injury prone? Abso-freaking-lutely. Has he dominated in Kubiak's offense before? You betcha! Daniels is certainly not the player he once was but he is certainly better than most expected. For those expecting something like Dallas Clark was last year, you were wrong. A warm body that would drop more passes than he caught, thank goodness that is not the case. Daniels wasn't used much in last week's game but during weeks 1 and 2 he fared well. For the 2nd tight end that is, having 9 catches for 72 yards with 2 TDs. He figures to have many more targets being the number one option at TE with Pitta down for the year. He will also have the highest acquisition rate for anyone who owned or thought about owning Pitta in fantasy football.

My original sleeper before the season started was Lorenzo Taliaferro. Thank the fantasy football gods he performed when given the chance last week as he rumbled all over Cleveland. It only took a Ray Rice release and a, shocker, Bernard Pierce injury. As long as he can hold on to the ball I don't see why he wouldn't keep getting opportunities in the future. Pierce is still hampered by the quad injury and running back committee seems to be what everyone is doing these days. That Carolina D didn't look too sharp at home against Cheech and Chong(Le'Veon Bell and LaGerrette Blount) last week. So why not let Forsett and Taliaferro  keep the trend going by running all over those Panthers!

There are plenty of others who may step up that I have forgotten to mention. Marlon Brown, last season's end zone bloodhound, could be seen with more 3 receiver formations. He is superior to how Jacoby Jones has looked so far and obviously once you are inside the opponent's 30 Jacoby can go relax. Not to mention he has had a case of butter fingers this season. Also where in the world is Torrey Smith? He has been nonexistent in this post and this offense so far this year. A few days ago I saw his post about his brother's passing 2 years ago. It made me think back to that epic performance he dropped on the Pats in his brother's remembrance. Where is that guy? He's in there somewhere!

So let's hope for another home win this week with some more dominance. I expect to see some flags fly this week and possibly Steve Smith Sr.'s fist. Let's remember he punched someone when he was actually on the team. Should make for an excellent game to watch.

Browns Players ? I Should Care...Why?

Looking past their alleged upset over the Saints at home this week some might feel like the Browns are the cupcake in the AFC North. "The Saints play soft on the road," some may say or, "who cares it was their home opener!" Well I am here to tell you, that was the first time the Browns have won a home opener in 10 years. It's kind of a big deal.

They fought back against a subpar Steelers team at the big ketchup stain (Heinz Field, whatever) while the Ravens looked lackluster against the Bengals. Before surprisingly smacking around the Steelers last week. These Browns are going to give our squad a tight game. Here are 5 guys we need to worry about this week.

Joe Haden

Was he completely owned by Jimmy Graham? Absolutely. Who wouldn't be? Even self proclaimed greatest corner in the league Richard Sherman had safety help against the likes of Graham and Rob Gronkowski. Haden tied Sherman for second in the league last season with 24 passes defended. Haden has shutdown ability and more than likely will be working on Torrey Smith for most of the game. Considering how little Torrey has done so far his matchup could change. Either way Flacco has to be aware of where Haden is at anytime. He is one of, surprisingly, many Cleveland Pro Bowlers from a year ago. While he currently has only one defended pass and few tackles one thing is certain, Haden is a talented corner with above average tackling ability.

Joe Thomas

No not all of their worrisome players are named Joe. This isn't a flashy pick but let's think about this for a second. How often was Hoyer on his back Sunday? Once. Not a result of Thomas' outstanding play. His match-up from the left tackle position with Terrell Suggs will be a fun one to watch. Suggs managed to get to a Browns QB once in each game last season. Hopefully he should be able to do it again. Thomas is one of the top tackles in the league and has yet to miss a game in his career. Add to the fact that we haven't proven to be consistent with our pass rush and that entices this match-up even more. 

Terrance West

For years the Ravens have preached and survived off their ability to run and stop the run. Drafting this young man from nearby Towson University would have helped them immensely in replacing Ray Rice. West has gone on to be the Browns savior in the backfield so far this season. Drafted as an insurance policy for Ben "if I sneeze too hard I'm out 3 weeks" Tate, West shined against the Steelers rushing for 100 yards on 16 carries in week 1. Then followed that this past week in a starting role, rushing for 68 yards and a TD. West is currently averaging a decent 4.8 YPC meaning if he gets the ball twice, get ready to move those chains. The Ravens have yet to prove their ability to stop the run giving up 125.5 YPG. Placing them in the middle of the pack in the NFL. This could lead to a big day for West who will not only effect the running game. He also can play a role in the passing game making catches out of a backfield and his ability to pick up the blitz.

Paul Kruger

There is something about former players facing their former team that concerns me. Has Kruger been a nightmare since leaving Baltimore? Other than "never wearing his pads correctly" (seriously wifey let it go) not really. Kruger hasn't proven anything to Cleveland mustering only 4.5 sacks last season. However this season has been different. Kruger was a maniac against the Saints on Sunday, hurrying Brees several times and managing a sack. He currently has 2 on the season. He will be battling with Ricky "Is any Raven fan 100% confident in this guy yet?" Wagner. While our line has held up so far, including Wagner, Kruger could still raise some havoc. Hopefully we won't all need prescriptions for Hypnocil post Kruger's nightmare inception. A dream within a dream within a nightmare within a paradigm within a, let's just hope we stop him.

Karlos Dansby

So we go from a guy who was on the Ravens to someone that was rumored to possibly come to the team. Also is it really a surprise that the new leader of this defense is someone we should be worried about? Dansby was a menace with Arizona and Miami before jumping ship to the Browns this season. Effective in passing and rushing defense he is someone we need to be concerned with. Tackling anything in his path and knocking balls in the air to cause the occasional interception are just a few of the things this guy can do. He currently ranks 10th among linebackers in the league with 18 tackles.

I know what some of you might be thinking, what about Billy Cundiff? First of all screw that guy and second (long pause) screw that guy. Although if I have to give an honorable mention it has to go to Brian Hoyer. Without much talent receiver wise this kid is still finding a way to win. Nearly going undefeated in his 5 starts for the Browns. Clearly unaffected by pressure, this game is going to be closer than people think. Cleveland is not going to be a cake walk.

There IS a Game This Week....Right?

I'm sure by now we all have seen the terrible Ray Rice video and all of the actions that have followed. Backlash, suspensions, accusations, depression. Just doesn't feel like there is about to be a game on Thursday night. Most haven't been able to focus on the true meaning of Steelers week. So without further adieu here are some fun things I have gotten to do this week.

Marvel at the fact that in my home there are equal amounts Steeler memorabilia as Raven stuff. 

I mean why not? What Ravens fan doesn't have a handful of shirts, jerseys, huddler (NFL Snuggie ripoff), blankets, and bobbleheads scattered through their home? What Ravens fan gets to look over every morning on his wife's night stand and see Terry Bradshaw's goofy face? I'll give you a hint, he has two thumbs and is overusing questions in this paragraph.

Make a Steelers fan spell Roethlisberger without using their phone, newspaper, jersey, computer or speak and spell.

No seriously give it a shot. In fact do it to one that still hasn't gotten their GED. Shouldn't be too hard to find one of those, right?

The mere mention of Santonio Holmes and goal line in the same sentence...

Still makes me cringe. Coworker did this to me the other day and immediately began laughing at my face. The ruling on the field what?!? No way. He wasn't in. THE LACES WERE IN! 

No matter what the context, Bart Scott

If you have no idea the meaning of that last sentence I'm going to need you to hand in all that memorabilia we spoke about earlier. Here, let me refresh your memory. We were smashing the Steelers to a tune of 35-7 when Scott came off the edge untouched and completely obliterated Big Ben. I get "the look" when I bring that up to Steeler fans. That look, priceless.

Ngata broken nose

Sure Steelers fans talk about how we have thugs and wife beaters on our team. Oh yeah? Well Ngata just broke Ben's nose. So, take that!

Argue with some idiot Pats fan about the greatest rivalry in football

Here is an example of how that one starts, "Brady/Manning is the greatest rivalry in football!" Oh really? Sure it is one of the greatest matchups between arguably the top 2 QBs in the sport over the past decade but last time I checked those games tend to be pretty one sided. Give me an old fashioned punch me and I'll punch you back game that ends in a 16-13 victory. Both teams being evenly matched not only at the QB position but in all parts of the game. In the same division, it is just hard to sell the Pats against Manning. They maybe meet once or twice a year and after that there may be a hiatus. Ravens and Steelers are teams with the same tough guy bravado that plain don't like each other. It's like a bad 80's movie that you can't turn away from.

Figure out what excuse to use on Friday when you show up to work and still smell like you watched a late night football game

Personally speaking I have to beat the sun to work. It is not going to be a good day. I'm leaning towards using, "I got a fever," in my best Christopher Walken voice. Especially if I have to see the face of smiling Steeler fans there for 8 hours straight.

Remind the Steelers that Baltimore already gained 100 yards on them

Yeah, Terrance West graduated from Towson. He counts. He did that on 16 carries while 4 Browns backs gained at least 50 yards. Remember when you saw they tied the game? Raise your hand if you couldn't believe it. I honestly thought I was being punked. They blew a 24 point lead, at home to. . . THE BROWNS? Not Johnny Foosball, but Hoyer, a truckload of running backs and the hurry up offense? Get out of here.

All in all we just need to focus on football. Hopefully this has made you forget about that stupid. overplayed video. Don't hone in on that negative. Come on people, Steelers week is upon us. So get out there and mock a fan today!