Courtesy: kctv.com
The Ravens failed to impress yet again in a 9-6 victory last Sunday in Kansas City. Jamal Charles rushed for 125 yards in the first half; a record against a defense that has took pride in stopping the run since the franchise moved to Baltimore in 1996. If not for a multitude of turnovers by the Chiefs, the Ravens would have lost and found themselves tied with Cincinnati for supremacy in the AFC north (since Pittsburgh lost Thursday night).
Joe Flacco had an up and down game, failing to complete a Touchdown pass. He looked very inconsistent on all his throws, while pressure was in his face a lot. While Ray Rice rushed for over 100 yards, he too failed to find the end zone, settling for 3 Justin Tucker field goals.
It’s hard to criticize a team who is 4-1 and played their first 4 games in 18 days to start the year, but the team looks passive and lethargic. In year’s past, this is a game the Ravens normally loose (Jacksonville last season is a prime example). So on a positive note, not leaving Kansas City with a loss is a bit of an improvement.
Courtesy: NFL.com
This week against the Dallas, look for the Ravens to rise to their competition and play a solid game against the Cowboys. Home field advantage should play a major factor, with the crowd noise slowing an up-tempo offense. Their skill players are highly talented (Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray), yet are world class underachievers, heading into hostile territory.
The one player to really fear for the Cowboys is DeMarcus Ware, who is probably the premier pass rusher in the league. Michael Oher will have his hands full (maybe literally with his propensity for holding penalties), but the Muddle-Huddle should at least slow down the Outside Linebacker for plays at a time.
After ESPN.com’s article, naming M&T Bank Stadium as the best home-field advantage, the Ravens back it up and not have another dud like last Sunday.
This is my Note from the Rafters of Arrowhead Stadium.
