January 5, 2009
Ravens roll over Dolphins, and await the Titans
Was there ever any doubt? Did anyone really think the Dolphins were physical enough to slow down the Baltimore Ravens defense? Well, the reality of it is, no they weren't. Reminiscent of the Ravens 2000 defense this unit shut down everything the Dolphins could throw at them. Miami quarterback Chad Pennington had only thrown 7 interceptions coming into this game, and by the time it was over he had increased that number to 11, as the oppertunistic Ravens defense picked Pennington 4 times.
The Ravens defense knew they would win out when Ed Reed picked off a Pennington pass and returned it for a quick 6 points. This was a kidney punch which sent the Dolphins into distress mode, and they could never find an answer for it. The Ravens defense constantly pounded the Dolphins offensive line, harrassing Pennington into making mistakes, and the Ravens D was there to capitlize on them, taking the heart out of them every time they showed any sign of life. But then, we've begun to expect this from this team haven't we.
What can you say about Ed Reed? As Joe Flacco didn't get a single vote for Rookie of the Year, and John Harbaugh didn't receive a single vote for coach of the year, (though Miami's Tony Sparano got 24 votes) Reed will most likely not become the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Anyone who wants to argue which player deserves it more will find an argument right here. Bring it on.
The Ravens offense didn't have their best day, but then they didn't really need to, having a shut down defense to guide the way. Joe Flacco made some spectacular throws, threading the needle when he had to to keep drives alive. LeRon McLain pounded the ball, and scored a touchdown, but he really does need to learn to protect the ball better, coughing up another fumble. Derrick Mason made big time catches when it mattered, Todd Heap had his, and Willis McGahee came up big when the Ravens needed him most, with McLain on the sideline gasping for breath and holding his chest. McGahee busted through the line, stiff arming a Dolphin defender, and scampered 48 yards in the 4th quarter set up Flacco's 4 yard dive into the end zone that would put this one to bed. Domination on both sides of the ball was what won this one for the Ravens.
Where was Joey Porter? After making a good tackle on McLain in the 1st quarter he wasn't a factor for the rest of the game. The former Sqeeler likes to talk a good game, but he can't produce one when faced with better talent. Seems the Dolphins MVP might not be as important as they think. This shows why the Dolphins were never a real threat.
Raven punter Sam Koch once again showed why he's the best in the business, even if the Pro Bowl voting doesn't reflect it. Koch pinned the Dolphins inside the 10 yard line 3 times, and he's been a huge part of every Ravens victory this season. This team seems to be hitting on all cylinders at the right time, getting big plays that change the tide of the game. I've seen this before, say, 8 years ago. Can lightning strike twice? Yes it can, and this team has the Thunder to go along with it.
Savor the victory, as the road gets tougher next Saturday when the Ravens face the well rested Titans. But this team has already shown they can go toe to toe with the powder blue Titans, and at this point I'd say the Ravens are a far better team then they were when the two teams first faced each other. I don't think the Titans can say the same. We'll see..
If you'd like to see some of the high lights of this game click here.
Discussion
6 Comments on "Ravens roll over Dolphins, and await the Titans"
#1
Posted by Molly Lauryssens, January 5, 2009 6:01 AM
What a great game. Gerry Sandusky's voice is echoing in the opening of ESPN's Sports Center- it is a beautiful day to be a Baltimore Raven fan. Ed Reed is a monster.
#2
Posted by Markus, January 5, 2009 5:44 PM
Of the 2 teams to draw, it had to be Baltimore! I was hoping for SD b/c TN matches up very favorably with them, but alas here we are. Many people are jumping on the "Ravens to the SB" bandwagon...but let's be realistic. They played the Dolphins. The Fish did not block, run, pass, or play D. The Titans best assets are their lines. KC will have a lot more time than Pennington did, and Fisher will run the ball 35+ times, regardless of whether the YPC is 1 or 10. This is going to be a bloodbath. I love it!!! 2 premier defenses...I'm not going to say "First one to XX wins", but I will say the winner will win the turnover battle....hope it's my Titans, but let's all gear up for a great game!!!!! I do see the winner of this game taking it to Tampa....
Ravens fans: Flacco looks awesome, and with D-Mase, Willis, and McClain, look out...is the D ever going to age? They are better than they have been in a while! Love it!
#3
Posted by Mike Brown, January 5, 2009 6:53 PM
Markus,
The Ravens and Titans are about as close as two football teams can be, as witnessed by the 13-10 final back on Oct. 5th. It was a game many thought the Ravens had won until the blown call in the final minutes that gave the Titans a new lease om life.
I know Jeff Fisher has no love for Baltimore and I'm certain he doesn't want a repeat of that game back in October. I think the Titans will pull out all the stops in this one, as will Cam Cameron for the Ravens. It should be the best game of the playoffs.
#4
Posted by Thomas Jackson, January 5, 2009 7:29 PM
It was a joy to watch the Ravens execute a near-perfect game plan. I can't diminish the 'Fins or what they accomplished this past season; I simply think the Ravens took them to a different level of competition they will not soon forget. Congrats to Ravens' fans and their coaching staff.
#5
Posted by A. G., January 5, 2009 10:41 PM
I have a few post-hoc comments:
1. Flacco maturation is significant. If you noticed how he did not force the pass when it wasn't there and preferred to look for the short pass rather then the canon arm most of the time.
2. More then anything else the Ravens looked prepared. They knew the tendencies of the QB with the least interceptions this season. They new what to do against the pussycat offense. They knew what they can expect on offense. Prepared.
3. It looks like the Ravens D' is practicing the 'post interception' route building, running and blocking. They just look too coordinated for that to be a fluke time and again. Prepared.
4. The key for this Saturday game will be more of the same: be prepared, keep the focus, know where your strength lies and what weaknesses you can exploit.
And one more thing. Show us why this season should have ended as a 12-4. No stupid penalties after the play is dead. No alianating the refs by arguing. No opportunities for a blown call of rughing the passer. Be prepared.
BTW, to all of you who think Fisher has Ravens nightmares: I disagree. But we can change that...
#6
Posted by Mike Brown, January 6, 2009 2:49 AM
A.G.,
Excellent observations. The one thing that impressed me the most with Flacco was how he waited for the offensive line to open up a running lane before he took off into the end zone for a touchdown. You would think that most rookie quarterbacks playing in their first playoff game would have been too excited and took off at the snap of the ball. As you've stated,it shows preperation!
And while Fisher may not still have nightmares about that 2000 loss, I believe he still has a hatred for the Ravens, something I'll touch on soon.
Rave on brother.
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