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!