Ravens:
The Ravens inability to establish themselves on offense produced this loss. A heavy dependency (again) on a passing attack using yet to be proven receivers because the running game went no where cost the Ravens the game as was exhibited on the 4 failed running plays inside the 5 yard line that resulted in a turnover on downs. More creativity needs to be employed to open up running holes and to protect Flacco from more punt-like INTs (last week), and the sack-fumble at the end of the first half which gave them a second chance at those 3 points they just conceded to us on their previous possession with the wide right kick. The fumble and the failure to punch the ball into the end zone cost us the game. Not to mention, our pass rush put up 3 early sacks on Rodgers, but then failed to produce another one throughout the rest of the game. This was another game that will haunt us down the road, but not as much as next weeks matchup could. The trip to pittsburgh is a MUST-WIN to maintain pace within the division, and to squash any dreams they might have after their first win last week against the Jets. A loss will virtually tie us with them, with both teams sporting 4 losses on the season.

Ravens:
A Raven’s Win! What is more important? Miami proved that they need an offensive line by giving up 6 sacks to the Ravens to lead the league in sacks allowed, while the Ravens are getting false hopes in their ability to run the ball. Suiting up only 3 WRs, the Ravens resigned Brandon Stokely today after cutting him on Saturday in a strategic move (?) that brought in an extra TE that we did not use. The Ravens are obviously in a high stakes poker match, trying to get the right personal on a per game basis, and they are going to need it this weekend against the ever dangerous Aaron Rodgers, who could mimic the week 1 debacle in Denver, if the Ravens can’t find a to tighten up their secondary, or further increase pressure on Rodgers, which could also be disastrous given his ability to throw on the run.

Iggy’s Baltimore Sports Report – September 24, 2013

News & Commentary

News and Personal Thoughts:
News article today told story of a 24-year old Annapolis man who was hit by a truck bicycling to Miami to complete his 30 ballpark charity tour.

Ravens:
Another shaky offensive performance, but this time bolstered by a pick-6 and kick return TD. The Defense has not allowed a touchdown since Peyton Manning scorched them for 7 TDs in week 1, meanwhile the offensive struggles are centered around an inability to maintain a rhythm on offense. Penalties were a major issue on Sunday, but the Texans set a record of their own for penalties, so it might have been partially attributable to some early flag-happy referees. Pierce did OK substituting for the injured Ray Rice, but holes are not being opened.

Ravens:
Better result, but it wasn’t pretty. 2 Missed field goals that could have come back to bite us, and allowing “Cleveland” to shred our secondary on a number of occasions. This young defense has a long way to come, and our schedule doesn’t get much easier than Cleveland.