After a 153 yard effort against the New Orleans Saints, Ray Rice and the Ravens have proven to the NFL that they can beat teams on the ground. Baltimore has attempted to spread the ball around to their star studded receiving corps all year and prior to Sunday, have failed to execute a full four quarters of football on offense.
It was Rice’s second 100+ yard rushing game of the year, but it secured his second 1,000+ yard season. “That’s two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Rice told Aaron Wilson. “Maybe a steak or some early Christmas gifts. I’m gonna help those guys out.”
Baltimore’s offense has failed to get Rice started this season, despite him averaging four yards per carry. Rice has only been given the ball over 20 times in five of the Ravens 14 games.
“I think we’ve established our team mentality back,” Rice said.
Against the Saints, Baltimore also established the screen pass that they had so much success with in 2009. Rice averaged 16 yards per reception against the Saints and reached the end zone on a short pass from Joe Flacco. It was Rice first TD reception of the year and his second two touchdown game.
After it was all said and done, the Ravens put together their first full four quarter effort and proved that they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in football, if they get Ray Rice and the running game started.
