Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Is Billy Cundiff the Most Hated Man in Baltimore?

After Billy Cundiff choked on the field goal in the Ravens vs Patriots AFC Championship Game on Sunday, I was very angry at first. After I saw the look on Billy Cundiff's face, my anger turned to pity. I could see the remorse and pain in his face. I started feeling sorry for the guy even though his missed field goal sealed the Ravens fate. Ray Lewis' speech after the loss made me feel better about the situation as well.

It is sad because just last season, Billy Cundiff was one of the best field goal kickers in the NFL. Billy Cundiff made 89.7% of his field goals last year but only 75.7% of his attempts this year. If the Ravens had the Matt Stover of 2000 as our kicker, we would be on our way to the Superbowl. This was probably the worse loss in Baltimore Ravens franchise history and many fans are pointing the finger at Cundiff. Billy Cundiff could very well be the most hated man in the Baltimore area right now. Like Ray Lewis said after the game however, no one person can be blamed. We as fans will have to forgive Cundiff, but we will probably never forget this loss.

View Billy Cundiff's Career Stats



View Matt Stover's Career Stats

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano is Interviewing With Colts

It has been reported that Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano is interviewing for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching job opening. Chuck Pagano has done an outstanding job in his first season in charge of the Ravens defense. Under his leadership Baltimore allowed the third-fewest points and yards in the league in 2011. The Ravens also finished fourth in rushing defense and second in pass defense. The Ravens also led the league in sacks.

Although I wish Chuck Pagano much success in advancing his career, it would be great to have him back for another season as the Ravens Defensive Coordinator. I absolute love what he did with the secondary this year. Ladarius Webb is playing at a super high level and Cary Williams was impressive as well. Both Ed Reed and Ray Lewis have announced that they planned on returning next season. I would love to see what Chuck Pagano could do with the Ravens defense next year. I am confident the Ravens will be back in the playoff hunt for the 5th straight year.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Cundiff Misses Crucial Field Goal, Patriots Win AFC

The AFC Championship shouldn't have come down to a field goal kick but it did. The Baltimore Ravens had an opportunity to win on a perfect pass from Joe Flacco to Lee Evans which was caught and then knocked loose by a Patriots defender. Had Lee Evans held on to that pass, the Ravens would probably be on their way to the Superbowl.

The Ravens however still had a chance to tie and send the game into OT with a 32 yard field goal. Billy Cundiff hooked it so wide left that it wasn't even close to going through the uprights. Many Ravens fans are already posting and tweeting that Billy Cundiff should be cut for blowing that kick. It was a heart breaking loss to say the least. Joe Flacco played well with the exception of one interception.

Final Score: Ravens 20 Patriots 23

Ravens vs Patriots Halftime Report

The Ravens vs Patriots AFC Championship Game has been very close so far. Ray Rice has been held to just 21 yards rushing in the first half. Tom Brady has been able to move the ball on the Ravens defense but doesn't look no where near as sharp as he did against the Broncos. The Ravens offense will need to get the ground game going in the second half and get some more TDs. If the offensive line gives Joe Flacco enough time, he has shown that he can make some big plays against the Patriots.

Halftime Score: Ravens 10 Patriots 13

Ravens vs Patriots Pre-Game Analysis

The Ravens vs Patriots game will be a classic battle of a good offensive team vs a good defensive team. The Ravens will be the toughest team that the Patriots have played all season. The Patriots have the best offense that the Ravens will have faced this season. The last time thest 2 teams met in the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens hit the Patriots in the mouth early and went on to win 33 to 14.

Tom Brady had a record breaking performance last week against the Broncos throwing 6 TD passes while the Ravens won ugly against the Houston Texans. The New England Patriots are heavy favorites to beat the Ravens at home. After being knocked out of the playoffs 3 straight years, I'm expecting the Ravens to play like they are hungry and represent the AFC North to the fullest. I expect the Ravens to shock the world today and win the AFC Championship.

Prediction: Ravens 30 Patriots 27

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Ravens Beat Texans and Advance to AFC Championship Game

The Ravens vs Texans was a tough fought game. Ladarius Webb got 2 picks and Ed Reed got one as well as the Ravens rolled to victory in a close game. Even though Ray Rice was held to just 60 yards rushing, he did get his touches and thus another Ravens win.

The Houston Texans had a good rushing attack and Arian Foster rushed for 132 yards. It wasns't enough though because Joe Flacco threw for 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Ravens will go on the road next week to play the New England Patriots.

Final Score: Ravens 20 Texans 13

Ravens vs Texans Halftime Report

The Baltimore Ravens got out to an early 17 to 3 lead on the Houston Texans but since then the Texans have scored 10 unanswered points. The Baltimore defense has played well but the Texans seem to be wearing it down some now with a continuous Arian Foster running attack.

The Ravens will need to pound the ball with the running game in the 2nd half to keep the defense well rested. They will also need to get more pressure on Texans QB Yates in passing situations.

Halftime Score: Ravens 17 Texans 13

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Joe Flacco Can Silence Critics With Superbowl Victory

Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens are just 2 wins away from the Superbowl. No player on the Ravens team gets criticized more than Joe Flacco. Most people do not deny that Joe Flacco is a good quarterback, but he will probably need to win a Superbowl before he will be considered great.

Even though Joe Flacco has help the team go to the playoffs for 4 years straight, he often gets criticized for his inconsistency. Flacco will probably never put up Drew Brees or Tom Brady like numbers, but how many quarterbacks do? A Superbowl win would definitely help him get more respect.

Go Joe "Fu Manchu" Flacco!



View Joe Flacco's Career Stats

Monday, January 2, 2012

The Baltimore Ravens Did it on New Years Day!

The Baltimore Ravens did not win the Superbowl yet this year but yesterday's win against the Cincinnati Bengals was a major accomplishment. The Ravens are now the AFC North Division Champions for the first time in several years. The Ravens will also have a first round bye in the playoffs and a home game.

The Ravens basically gave the ball to their best weapon on offense Ray Rice yesterday and he was a beast. Ray Rice broke loose for 2 long touchdown runs yesterday and one was for 70 yards. Ray Rice had 24 carries for a whopping 191 yards on the ground. Happy New Year Baltimore!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Ravens vs Bengals Halftime Report

This is a game that the Baltimore Ravens need to clinch the AFC North championship and get the number 2 playoff seed in the AFC. The Ravens looked very good in the first half getting the ball to Ray Rice early who broke one for a TD already. Joe Flacco hit tight end Dennis Pitta for a TD with just 20 seconds to go in the first half.

Halftime Score: Ravens 17 Bengals 3

Ravens vs Bengals Analysis

It will be a playoff type atmosphere as the Baltimore Ravens take on their division opponents the Cincinnati Bengals today. The Ravens can clinch the 2nd seed in the AFC with a win while the Bengals are fighting for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. Even though the Ravens have played poorly on the road all season, the Ravens tend to play well when something is on the line.

Prediction: Ravens 20 Bengals 13

Ravens Go Undefeated at Home During Regular Season

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns last week to finish the season with a 8 win and 0 loss record at M & T Bank Stadium. Ray Rice had 23 carries for 87 yards on the ground and 3 receptions for 48 yards and a TD. Joe Flacco was 11 of 24 for 132 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception.

Final Score: Ravens 20 Browns 14