If you’re a Ravens fan who sat on the edge of your seat during their victory over the Titans yesterday evening you have to like the little things that the Ravens did to defeat the top seeded Titans.
The Ravens discipline through rookie Head Coach John Harbaugh has shined through all year long. It really showed up against the Titans yesterday. With only 8 penalties for 40 yards the Ravens out matched the Titans with their 12 penalties for 89 yards. It should be noted that the Ravens had zero personal foul penalties while Tennessee recorded a couple.
John Harbaugh’s challenge of the completed pass to Bo Scaife backed up a Titans field goal chance from Baltimore’s 28 yard line to their 33. While it was simply 5 yards, this made the difference as Rob Bironas missed the 51 yard field goal early in the 3rd quarter. Smart challenge coach.
The controversial delay of game that was not called against the Ravens allowed for a deep pass from Joe Flacco to Todd Heap that would set up Matt Stover’s 43 yard game winning field goal. The call was very close, but went in the Ravens favor.
Finally, the Ravens really won this game because they won (yet again) the turnover battle. Jarrett Johnson forced a fumble on Lendale White on the Ravens 22 yard line which was recovered by Jim Leonhard. Then in the 4th quarter Alge Crumpler fumbled on the Ravens 13 yard line and turned the ball over again. The Titans fumbled 5 times and lost 2 of them. Kerry Collins also threw an inteception to Samari Rolle.
If the Ravens continue to do the little things right a trip to Tampa is in the works.
