Sure it was a meaningless game, but the Ravens won’t be walking into the playoffs convincingly after narrowly defeating the Bengals 13-7 on Sunday. Here are my thoughts on the game.
- Other playoff teams got it done – In a week where Atlanta took care of Carolina, Pittsburgh manhandled Cleveland and New England embarrassed Miami, Baltimore escaped the Bengals with a few key turnovers and virtually nothing from their offense. The Ravens end the season 12-4, but didn’t prove to their playoff opponents that they’ll be taking momentum with them into the postseason.
- Thank you Carson! – Despite 305 yards passing, Carson Palmer single handedly kept the Ravens in the game with his two interceptions and fumble. The Bengals QB threw a costly interception in the red zone in the first half and dropped the ball while running during Cincinnati’s potential game winning drive.
- Banged up – The Ravens will be facing a few injuries going into the postseason after this game. Michael Oher, Dannelle Ellerbe and Josh Wilson all left the game after being banged up. None of them returned. The Ravens also sat kick returner David Reed.
- No offense – Joe Flacco finished with 14 completions from 125 yards and threw a costly interception on an under thrown pass to the wide open Todd Heap. The Ravens never established Ray Rice on the ground, he had 20 carries for 77 yards and the team’s only touchdown.
- Cundiff proves he a Pro Bowler – Billy Cundiff tied the league record with 40 touchbacks during this game and drained a 47 yard field goal. The guy deserves his trip to Hawaii.
So what do you think? Did the Ravens look flat the week before their first playoff game, or did this game just not matter?
Touchbacks?! Touchbacks aren't important. If you can get a good deep, high kick you can hold the opposition inside the 20. (Tongue firmly in cheek).
UH OH…… What a great way to take this team into the Playoffs Mr. Harbaugh! You got the other teams thinking the Ravens will be a cakewalk, thus they will be taking the Ravens lightly because you and I say you made a smart move, not showing alot on offense most of the year so you can surprise the teams in the Playoffs! Pure Genius Mr. Harbaugh!
I mean and I know it was you Mr. Harbaugh with help from that elite QB, Joe Flacco, who took a Pro Bowl receiver in Anquan Boldin and only got him 64 catches this year and held him under 1,000 yards receiving for the 2nd time in the last 6 years. And this was smart because now you kept him fresh for the Playoffs plus now other teams in the Playoffs will think you won't throw to him. Not many great coaches like yourself and great QB's like Flacco can make a Pro Bowler obsolete during the season only to fool teams during the Playoffs.
And don't get me started with your conservative play when the Ravens are winning… Rushing 3 linemen, doing a run, run, screen pass to Rice, punt when the Ravens have possession…. I sit here in shock at how you will fool all those other Playoff teams… Look out Steelers, Patriots, Falcons! Who cares you are rocking with those annihilations you did on those teams today. Come Playoffs you will be caught off guard by Mr. Harbaugh and Joe "Cool" Flacco!
The Raves caught a break playing KC (who also backed into the play-offs) and MAYBE just maybe the Ravens will find their play book before next Sunday??! Jobot, Cam and Hardballs make the three stooges look like geniues.
First off, 12 wins is 12 wins. Nobody is taking the Ravens lightly, we're the team nobody wants to play. Really, we're the only team in the AFC who can match up to play the Patriots tough. Don't say the Steelers because Tom Brady and company have shreaded them the last few times. The Ravens go 12-4 and you guys talk the same as if they were 4-12. Where are some insighful posts on this…Sadler, Pole?
RGB- I am still recovering from my long day traveling to B'more,tailgating, watching the game, and getting home at 9:30.Yesterday was awful. If the Ravens play that way again, they will notget any further. I also know, if the Ravens play at their best, theycan win the Super Bowl. I am cautiously optimistic.
You are a tool RGB… If you read the pundits, most of them agree that the Ravens are the least impressive 12-4 teams to ever make the Playoffs… Look, I want them to win but I don't see it happening with Harbaugh and Flacco…
Now think about this and truthfully I am not insinuating anything but its something to think about. Maybe you or someone else can shed some light on this. Why hasn't Biscotti signed Harbaugh yet? If Harbaugh is so great why is Biscotti letting him hit the Coaching Free Agent list? Seriously, I would like to hear everyone's thoughts. I just find it perplexing…
2488… we don't call other bloggers names. Shame… Shame…. It's inthe rules……
This is reminiscent of their super bowl season. Not much from the qb, just enough from the running back, place kicker putting points on the board and a defense making some plays … jussss sayin …
Donnie – You are forgetting that defense was a record setter only allowing only 165 points all year – still an NFL record. This defense just gave up 395 yards to the Bengals and finished 21st against the pass. Peyton Manning could have took me, Sadler, and 2488 and put up 400 yards next week, so they are darned lucky to face KC in the first round. It's a one win playoff season for the Ravens, despite all of the talent. No 1999-2000 lightning in bottle this year.
Looking at the score, 13 – 7 and the result, a "W" and how they got it … jusssssssss sayin …
You even said yourself "..that defense was a record setter only allowing only 165 points all year – still an NFL record .." and my statement mentioned nothing about how many yards the team gave up to the bungles. Do you even have a point other than trying to discount my opinion? Didn't think so, you're done.
Rules? RULES? I have no stinking rules….
Sadler – All the names I toss out and your saying something on about the 245th name I've delivered? And "Tool" at that… I've used worse…
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