The Baltimore Ravens were able to pull out a 31-29 victory over the Dallas Cowboys last weekend, improving to 5-1 heading into their Week 7 matchup versus the Houston Texans. The biggest news of the weekend however, came on the injury report. Both Ray Lewis (Torn Triceps) and Lardarius Webb (ACL/Meniscus Tear) will be out for the rest of the season. The Ravens placed Lewis on IR with the chance to return, a new rule instituted this year by the NFL. This would give Lewis the opportunity to return for the playoffs if he heals quickly.
Courtesy: SI.com
While #52 is the face of the Ravens organization, Webb is the most talented and versatile player on the defensive side of the ball and his skill set will be sorely missed. He is a rare breed of cornerback, as he excels in coverage, while also supporting the run; traits that few new age cornerbacks in the NFL possess. In a defense that lost Jarrett Johnson, and Corey Redding to free agency, and Terrell Suggs to an offseason Achilles injury, these blows to Lewis and Webb are another disappointment to a defense that is currently ranked 28th in the league.
The remedy for the Ravens aging and undermanned defense is Joe Flacco. Flacco will have to play at an MVP level for the rest of the season if the Ravens want to make plans in New Orleans come February. Consistency is the key for Flacco, he cannot play like he did in Philadelphia and Kansas City and expect the Ravens defense to bail him out like they have for so many years. He has the weapons to excel; Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin, and Jacoby Jones make up the most talented receiving core the Ravens have seen since Michael Jackson and Derrick Alexander were catching balls from Vinny Testaverde in ’96 in the franchises inaugural season. Ray Rice is the balancing force to the offense and should be used in heavy doses from here on out. As an added bonus, he is the most reliable safety valve for Flacco, who has witnessed his offensive line struggle at points during the season.
Courtesy: USA Today
Ray Lewis is the best middle linebacker the NFL has ever seen and is not only a legend in Baltimore, but in the entire league. Though his play has steadily declined to an all-time low this season, his impact is still felt as a field general and emotional leader. It’s now time for Joe Flacco to create his own legacy and become the new leader of the Baltimore Ravens. In a pass happy league, where quarterbacks are the stars, Flacco is the only player to determine this teams fate from here moving forward.
This is my Note from the Rafters at 1 Winning Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland.
