Courtesy: Baltimore Sun
In another exciting contest, the Baltimore Ravens overcame a 13-0 first half deficit to beat the New England Patriots 31-30 on a last second field goal by rookie Justin Tucker, during Sunday Night’s matchup. The game, by two of the the NFL’s premier franchises, was one for the ages. Tom Brady was in classic form and while Joe Flacco started out slow, but in the fourth quarter he once again out played the Hall of Famer, pulling out the victory. Torrey Smith stood out across the league, with his dominant performance less than 24 hours after his brother’s passing.
Both the Patriots and Ravens offenses will have to carry their respective teams for the rest of their year, because the defenses of both squads proven to be average a best. A far cry from these franchises stood the past decade. The Patriots secondary is among the league’s worst, while the Ravens pass rush, without Terrell Suggs, is simply non-existent.
Courtesy: SI.com
On a side note, the officiating was terrible for both teams, but with an agreement between the NFL and referees looming, it looks like Ed Hochuli and crew will be back for this weekend’s games. Fear should strike any fan that chants, “Bullshit” at the chest and biceps (see photo) Hochuli sports every Sunday. There were several calls that were questionable at best by the replacement refs last Sunday, including the game-winning Field Goal, which no one is really sure if it was actually good. The status for who will be in pinstripes tomorrow night is still unsure, but likely will remain with the scabs for at least one more game.
The Ravens have a short week, playing the Cleveland Browns at home on Thursday, while the Patriots play at Buffalo this Sunday. More than likely these two teams will face each other in the playoffs, but this year, with the win in Baltimore, the Ravens should retain the home field advantage it needs to advance.
This is another Note from the Rafters at M&T Bank Stadium.
