Ravens:
We didn’t lose! And actually, we gained a little with the Browns and steelers losing. The Ravens signed Free Agent Running Back Bernard Scott to strengthen our backfield with Rice and Pierce nursing injuries. This weekend starts a string of 8 must win games, but Cleveland will be no cake walk. Jason Campbell put up good numbers against an undefeated Kansas City Team, only losing by 6 points. In our first meeting in Baltimore, the Ravens depended on 2 second half touchdowns to post a win, but this time it’s in Cleveland, where they seem to bring extra venom for some reason.

Ravens:
We SUCK. Can you find a more descriptive term? We gave up gobs of yardage on the ground to a team that averaged 60 yards a game, we still can’t run the ball, and pass protection still had it’s lapses. Our pass rush bordered on non-existent, and we once again posted only mid-teen on points. It’s a bye week, and Harbs has some asses to kick for 2 weeks. Losing to the steelers is inexcusable with the way their season has been going. We need answers, and we need them now, because if a trip to Cleveland doesn’t right this ship immediately after the bye week, it’s going to be a long 2nd half to this season.

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.

I would put Rice at 50/50 for next weeks game against Buffalo. Jacoby “Sweet Pea” Jones is trying to recover his humility.

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.

I expect Rice to miss the next game, but that isn’t bad. Pierce has often been more effective when giving Rice a breather, now we will see what he can do as the premier back, assuming I am right about the injury, which appears to be a day-to-day issue, with a high chance of re-injury. Houston is next on the list, and they haven’t been the sharpened tool set so far, but then again, their opponents
the first two weeks might be better than predicted. The Ravens will have to play better to beat Houston, and I am not sure we are capable of that yet.

Ravens:
You saw the game. You felt the pain. Everything turned on the failure of Harbaugh to throw the red challenge flag on what he was being told on the field to flag, but was too slow being relayed from the booth. What should have been 4th down and a punt turned into a long gain… and a long
game. The problem was exacerbated by our inability to catch the ball, and “own injuries” (Like the soccer term “Own Goal,” I am coining this phrase for Ravens players injuring Ravens players). We killed ourselves. The Broncos were just there to administer the sentence.

Next up is the Browns. A favorite rebound game, but the same questions remain. Can we get a running game going, can our receivers catch the ball, and can our inexperienced secondary avoid getting torched by one of the historically worst teams in the league?

Ravens:
Denver fans have been outraged by the NFL’s promotion of this weeks’ season opening game against the Ravens. Apparently, a larger than life size head shot of Joe Flacco, alongside Peyton Manning has offended their die hard fans to the point where they have taken to deface the poster whenever and where ever possible. Personally, I still get extreme bouts of anger and nausea when they display john elway’s picture ANY WHERE! I also refuse to drink any Coors products since they used him as a spokesman. At least I have real grounds for my anger. Denver Fans? Get over it. It’s only a game!

Ravens:
Ogden becomes the charter member of the Ravens in the Hall of Fame, but half you guys were there for the induction! Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Ravens prepare for their first preseason game, where a lot of fringe players will need to be noticed or dust off that college resume for an alternate career path.