*Article written by Social Media by Marketing Director Gabrielle DiPaula.*
Photo by: Baltimore.cbslocal.com
Since Joe Flacco was drafted in 2008, he has not missed a game….until Monday night. Last week against the St. Louis Rams, Joe Flacco was hit hard in the last couple minutes of the game. Flacco ended up staying in the game through his injury (torn MCL and ACL). The Ravens ended up losing the game by three points.
What my question is, why does everyone fret about players? A more defined question is, is there really a huge difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stringers? Do you actually believe one player is significantly better than the other. Although, I do understand for example, in the quarterback position that some players are better at running the ball than throwing it. Some players, like Joe Flacco have a stronger arm, so he is better at throwing compared to other quarterbacks. Most of the Baltimore Ravens who were on the field on November 30 were second stringers. It is shocking to some people how well the Ravens played.
Last night, Matt Schaub made his first appearance in the regular season as a Baltimore Raven. Last night was Schaub’s first start since 2013. Schaub has played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans, and the Oakland Raiders. Schaub threw for 232 yards and also had two touchdowns. Last night, Schaub played great, especially with the countless number of players who are hurt on the Ravens. The Ravens have 17 players on injured reserve including Justin Forsett, Lorenzo, Taliaferro, Terrell Suggs, and Michael Campanaro. These are all first string players.
One second string player who made an impact last night was Brent Urban, who blocked the attempt field goal from Cleveland’s kicker Travis Coons. The kick was blocked from 51 yards.
Meanwhile Josh McCown injured his collarbone in the fourth quarter. As the crowd was stunned that Johnny Manziel was not put, here comes walking in Austin Davis. Davis’ touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin tied the game late in the fourth quarter.
When the Ravens played the Browns back in October, they played pretty well. When the Ravens went into the third quarter on October 11, they were up by 12 points. On November 30th, the Ravens were only up by four points going into the third quarter.
Although the Ravens are now 4-7, they are not a terrible team. All eleven of their games were decided by fewer than eight points. Will the Ravens keep up there good work for next week? The next game on the Ravens schedule is against the Dolphins at Miami.
