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This was the biggest game of the season. I was worried that the Ravens I didn’t want to show up might show up. They showed up. I get the same feeling when I know my paranoid schizophrenic cousin might show up to important family events like weddings, funerals and court. When he’s on his meds, he’s ok. When he’s not, his day usually ends the same way the Ravens ended their season – with an ass-whoopin. The Ravens scored three points, had four turnovers and committed seven penalties for 64 yards. I’ve seen old ladies put up better numbers playing ping pong. When Ed Reed and Ray Rice are fumbling, you know it’s gonna be a long day.
Grandma ain’t scared!
Simply put, the Colts were better than the Ravens Saturday night. They played smarter and faster and took away the running game. What else can you say about Peyton Manning that hasn’t already been said? The guy is phenomenal and he has our number. Peyton says it’s not easy playing against the Ravens but he makes it look like he’s throwing against fans that were just pulled out of their seats.
Does this dude own a mirror?
After the pain fades remember this, Joe Flacco is only a second year quarterback. Getting to the AFC Championship game in his first season and the AFC Divisional game in his second season is incredible. Let’s not forget we have a second year head coach and a second year running back. The offensive line is young and talented and the defense is among the elite every year. A play-making wide receiver here, a shutdown corner there…smells like the makings of a dynasty to me.
Next up…a long off-season. Eddie Reed – don’t retire. Give us a few more years.
Kuh Kaw!
- Ryan Sickler, Ravens Blogger
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Joe Flacco completed four out of ten passes for 34 yards and the Ravens turned the ball over twice. You can’t win playoff games with stats like that especially against the Patriots in Foxboro. But the Ravens did and they did it with a punishing running game and a nasty defense. It was total domination. It’s clear to me that the Patriots are a different team when they’re not cheating.
On the first play from scrimmage, Ray Rice broke loose for an 83-yard touchdown run that set the tone for the game. By the end of the first quarter it was 24-0. The Ravens kept their foot on the Patriots throats and never let up. They played fast and physical on both sides of the ball. The running game was unstoppable with Rice, McGahee and McClain combining for 27 points on 52 attempts. The defense was relentless forcing Tom Brady into four turnovers and the offense capitalized scoring 20 points off those mistakes.
I have to give credit where credit is due; Frank Walker – you played a very solid, physical game. Let’s be frank, Frank – until today’s game, you’ve been paid to do card tricks on the team plane.
Hey Ray, pick a card.
Most importantly Frank and the team played smart, committing only three penalties for 15 yards. It’s good to have Ed Reed back doing what Ed does. And how about Ray Lewis? In his words, “You can’t hurt this! I’m a machine, jerk!” He is a machine. The guy is absolutely phenomenal. Ray led the team with 13 tackles and had a huge sack on Brady.
The Ravens know what lies ahead of them and so do the fans. This is the postseason – one bad game and it’s over. In the words of Apollo Creed, “There is no tomorrow!”
Any fighter wearing this outfit deserves to die in the ring.
Next up, our old team. If the same Ravens show up in Indy it could be a long day for Peyton Manning and the Colts. If not, it could be a long offseason.
Kuh Kaw!
- Ryan Sickler, Ravens Blogger
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THE NFL HAS AN IMAGE TO UPHOLD. SO DO I.
11 penalties for 113 yards, two touchdowns called back and Derrick Mason dropped an easy one in the endzone. The Ravens cost themselves 21 points, the game and possibly the playoffs. Keep this in mind – the Steelers rushed for a total of 48 yards. The Ravens’ penalties more than doubled that. You’re welcome Pittsburgh.
The Ravens are by far the most undisciplined team in the league and it’s always the same guys committing the same dumb penalties. Frank Walker waited until the last play to get flagged or we might have been able to score again. Frank Walker isn’t the only guy to blame in this game (see Suggs, Washington and Mason) but week after week I write about Walker doing something stupid. Why is he still on the team? We could play better with 10 guys. Frank Walker reminds me of a former undisciplined Baltimore athlete – Alan Wiggins. Remember when Alan played for the Baltimore Orioles? Alan Wiggins was so undisciplined that he was picked off with the “hidden ball trick” – twice in the same season!
Cocaine makes me focus. RIP, Alan.
John Harbaugh needs to quit preaching about “Mighty Men”. How about disciplined men? How about guys that don’t block in the back or hold or take cheap shots out of bounds that cost the team points, games and possibly the playoffs? The truth is the Ravens are a good team but the difference between good and great is leadership, focus and discipline and the Ravens have none of it. They better get it together or their season is over on Sunday.
Next up, the Raiders. They say if we win, we’re in but it won’t be easy. Here we go again…again.
Kuh Kaw!
- Ryan Sickler, Ravens Blogger
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THE NFL HAS AN IMAGE TO UPHOLD. SO DO I.
Crime is nothing new to Baltimore and the Ravens should’ve been arrested for the beating they gave the Bears on Sunday. Joe Flacco threw a career high four TD’s to three different receivers. It was nice to see Todd Heap snag a couple without spraining something. Demetrius Williams decided to show up and he played well. If he can keep it up, this offense could become a real threat. And Derrick Mason just keeps on doing what he does although his Michael Jackson dance is probably the worst end zone celebration in the NFL. That said, Mason could do the Rerun for all I care as long as he keeps scoring.
Was Rerun French?
The defense looked rock solid, forcing six turnovers. The offense actually capitalized by scoring TD’s instead of field goals. That’s what separates good teams from great teams. Injuries continue to take their toll on the Ravens and another big one has been added to the list. Rookie corner, Lardarius Webb, is out for the season with a torn ACL. It couldn’t come at a worse time. Webb and Domonique Foxworth have been playing great. At this point, we’re left with Chris Carr and Frank Walker. That’s like Vance & Coy Duke replacing Bo & Luke Duke. There’s no comparison and ultimately it could ruin everything.
Turkey ham is no substitute for real ham.
Frank Walker is one of the most undisciplined players in the league. He makes bonehead mistakes week after week. However, I have to give credit where credit is due – Frank did intercept a Jay Cutler pass…and then threw the ball and was flagged for a delay of game penalty (I’m taking the credit back now). What in the hell is wrong with you Frank? You haven’t had a problem holding on to things all season – jerseys, grudges, the past – you couldn’t hold on to the ball? That’s the kind of stupid penalty that costs your team in the playoffs.
And then there’s the Special Teams. They looked special…again. Bad snaps, missed field goals, poor coverage and giving up points lose playoff games. Isn’t it ironic that when a position coach becomes a head coach, his strength becomes his weakness?
Next up, the Steelers. This one is gonna be brutal. Every season it seems like this game is a must win for a spot in the playoffs. Here we go again…
Kuh Kaw!
- Ryan Sickler, Ravens Blogger
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THE NFL HAS AN IMAGE TO UPHOLD. SO DO I.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon in Baltimore, the Ravens did what they had to do. They beat the Detroit Lions. At this point, beating the Lions is like arm wrestling your grandmother. You’re supposed to win. And if Grandma has the balls to step up to the table, you beat her down. No mercy.
Strike first, strike hard, no mercy.
This was a must win for the Ravens who are in a logjam for one of the two wild card spots. After the game I had a positive feeling and a warm sensation came over me. I’ve had that feeling before – in a wave pool at the water park. I hope the outcome isn’t the same.
Who had asparagus??
Three games remain. If the Ravens want a ticket to the dance they’re gonna have to win out. We’ll find out who this team is and what they’re all about over the next few weeks. The Ravens have shown that they can compete with the best in the game. The question is will they give themselves a chance to prove that they can beat the best in the game?
It starts on Sunday with another must win against Da Bears.
Kuh Kaw!
- Ryan Sickler, Ravens Blogger
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THE NFL HAS AN IMAGE TO UPHOLD. SO DO I.
By now, you’ve all heard the story of Robert Irsay sneaking the Baltimore Colts out of town in Mayflower moving trucks. What you haven’t heard is my personal story and how that move affected me directly.
Robert Irsay. Dead and still hated in Baltimore
My dad used to take my brothers and me to the old Baltimore Colts training complex in Owings Mills, back when you could still attend practices and mingle with the players. One day I played catch with wide receiver, Raymond Butler. Wore #80.
Not to be confused with Raymond Berry
Raymond asked me if I’d like to be a ball boy the following season. I couldn’t believe it! Hell yes I wanted be a ball boy! My dad talked with some of the Colts staff and, next season, I was gonna be a ball boy for the Baltimore Colts! I was so fired up! My dad was fired up too because he knew it meant free tickets. We couldn’t wait! But next season never came.
It was a cold, snowy night on March 28, 1984. I was sleeping soundly next to my fraternal twin brother in our identical twin beds. My dad woke me out of my sleep. He had this look in his eye. I knew it was something serious. He said, “The Colts are gone.” Huh? “The Colts left. They’re gone. Snuck out of town. We don’t have a football team anymore. They’re headed for Indianapolis.” Wait. What?!?! Where?!?! I knew about Annapolis but I’d never heard of Indianapolis. I was so confused. Imagine if someone woke you out of your sleep tonight and told you that pizza was gone. It doesn’t exist anymore. You’d freak out! That’s how big this was to me.
By the time Baltimore got a new football team it was 1996. My dad had been dead for almost seven years. He didn’t live long enough to see football return to Baltimore. Anytime the Ravens play the Colts, the games always mean a little something more to me. When the Ravens won their Super Bowl it helped dull the pain but I can’t root for the Colts – even when the Ravens need them to win. It’s like rooting for your ex-wife to hit the lotto. Not gonna happen.
Kuh Kaw!
- Ryan Sickler, Ravens Blogger
