The Baltimore Ravens dismantled the Oakland Raiders 55-20, setting a team record for points in the process. Baltimore could have easily scored more points, but put reserves in with about 8:00 left in the fourth quarter. Joe Flacco was the star of the game, finishing with 341 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.
Courtesy: Nick Wass/Associated Press
Besides the Quarterback, the Special Teams really shined, as they added new wrinkles to an already stellar unit. Jacoby Jones took another kickoff to the house, proving he well worth the offseason investment. Justin Tucker has been consistently good all season, and continued that last Sunday. But Punter, Sam Koch, had a career game, with a 4 yard touchdown run on a fake Field Goal. The defensive deficiencies will be less visible if the Special Teams can put up points like they did against the Raiders.
While the Ravens have had ups and downs during the first half of the season, they have improved their record to 7-2, and with a win in Pittsburgh this Sunday, can put a stranglehold on the AFC North Division.
Two Things to Focus on Sunday Night:
1. Respect Byron Leftwich
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Even some Ravens fans will be bummed that Ben won’t be playing this Sunday; it’s not quite the same rivalry without him. However, what’s left of the Ravens defense must respect Byron’s Leftwich’s ability to throw the deep ball. The Steelers will test Baltimore’s run defense early and often. Ed Reed, Cary Williams, and Bernard Pollard must stay patient and dissect plays clearly, otherwise Mike Wallace will get free on play action and create a game changing play.
2. Be Aggressive on Offense
Currently, this game is the best rivalry in the NFL. In previous years, the Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh games took a page out of the movie, “Gladiator” with big hits and frequent knock outs; but over the last few years the game plan for this celebrated match has changed. The Ravens offense now has the weapons to put up points against nearly any opponent, the Steelers included. With the Ravens defense being so fragile and a disaster against the run, Joe Flacco needs to take a page out of the Raiders game (where the offense score six out of their first seven possessions) and quickly establish a lead on the road. If the Ravens can get up ten points early, look for the Baltimore defense to play with confidence and help the organization improve to 8–2.
This is my Note from the Rafters of M&T Bank Stadium.
