The Baltimore Ravens walked onto Lucas Oil Field last night with all the confidence in the world. They were coming off a huge win vs. the once invincible New England Patriots and seemed primed to give the Indianapolis Colts a very competitive game. In my opinion, the game was pretty much over at halftime. I got chastised for saying it at the time but deep down I know most people agreed. The season is over and once again the Colts were the team to knock the Ravens out of the playoffs. The Colts are the Ravens daddy just like the Yankees were Pedro’s daddy. 8 straight losses and counting.
To me there were 4 pivotal moments that changed this game. Of course, there were many plays that went into determining the final outcome but these 4 topped the list.
1. Settling for a field goal on the 1st drive: We all saw what settling for field goals vs. the Colts can lead to when the 2 teams faced each other in the regular season. The Ravens kicked 5 of them lost 17-15. But it was deja vu last night when they marched down the field on their 1st drive only to stall inside the 10. Le’ Ron McClain had a key drop on 2nd down and then Joe Flacco threw an ill advised pass (very similar to the one during the regular season game) that should’ve been a pick 6. It was a great drive that only netted 3 points. I have to think that took the wind out of the teams’ sails.
2. Giving the Colts the ball back on a 3 and out with under 2 minutes to play: This was when I got that sinking feeling in my stomach. Not only could the offense not move the ball but they couldn’t catch the ball to keep the clock moving which would have forced the Colts to use timeouts. Flacco threw a very poor pass on 2nd down that was incomplete and then Ray Rice dropped a dump off pass which allowed the Colts to keep their 2 remaining time outs. Of course, they marched down the field and scored with 3 seconds left while using their time outs to extend the drive.
3. Ray Lewis’ penalty: We can debate whether of not the call should’ve been made but it was made and it allowed the Colt a chance to score a touchdown instead of trying to kick a field goal. It sure looked like Lewis let with his shoulder but ended up contacting Austin Collie with a helmet to helmet hit. And I certainly don’t think Collie was defenseless. But I’m used to not getting any benefit of the doubt when it comes to calls and that was no different than countless other situations throughout the year.
4. Ed Reed fumbling on interception return: It’s ironic that Reed fumbled the ball when it looked like he was actually going to do what most players do when they return a pick: HOLDING ONTO THE BALL. Of course, he was still running with it like it was a loaf of bread. The result of the play was devastating. The Ravens went from possibly having the ball on Colts 30 to giving it right back to them and losing all the momentum big turnovers create.
And so another season ends in bitter defeat. The Colts absolutely own the Ravens and that’s hard to stomach. But it’s the truth and it was on full display once again last night.
I believe the adage that says that if the defense gives up more than 21 points, then shame on the defense. If the offense cannot score 21 points, shame on the offense.
This one was on Flacco, the O line, the receivers, and even the backfield. Oh, let's not forget Cam Cameron.
This was a classic Ravens' game. Inability to produce on offense, a defense that is stout but slowly gives way, and a knack for giving up multiple big opportunities and shooting themselves in the foot.
In that I'm not surprised and not particularly upset. Ah well, reload with a couple corners and wideouts and they have a good shot at next year…
I don't exactly know about that Shelia. I think the Ravens are gonna have an off year. Have you seen the lists of free agents on this team.