First off, for a team that's 9-2, they get about as much respect as Rodney Dangerfield. It takes me back to the 2000-2001 Super Bowl season when everyone was criticizing the Ravens over their lack of offensive prowess. I can remember one game during that season where a sideline reporter caught coach Brian Billick coming off of the field at halftime. She said, "So, Brian. Your team seemed to struggle in the first half. What do you plan to do differently in the second half?"I was no huge fan of Billick, but I loved his response. He looked up at the scoreboard and in that condescending Billick-like way, he replied, "We're up by fourteen points!" And then he trotted off to the the locker room. It was a classic example of how the Raven's were viewed around the football world. Even after winning the Super Bowl, people still criticized them. Most notably, for going five straight games during the regular season without an offensive touchdown.
Back to this year....
In his fifth season, QB Joe Flacco continues to be a magnet for criticism. Say what you want to about Joe, but you can't deny that the guy wins. If I'm not mistaken, he has more wins in his first five seasons than any other quarterback (during the same stretch) in NFL history. So, why hasn't the guy won the adoration of all Raven's fans by now? Well, for one, his lack of emotion can't be ignored. After an interception, Cool Joe will simply walk off the field and take a solitary seat on the bench. Dropping an emphatic F-bomb would surely have a more dramatic impact, especially with fans.
Personally, the thing that really bothers me about Joe is his apparent lack of peripheral vision. I know the offensive line hasn't been stellar this year, but Flacco has got to recognize when the pocket is collapsing. I can't even count how many times he's been blindsided by pass rushers this season.
Is Flacco ever going to be the top-five quarterback that many Raven's fans had hoped for? In my opinion, probably not. But the guy is a perennial winner! What more could a fan really ask for?
Now, the spark plug of the team is, no doubt, running back Ray Rice. This guy is one of the best all-around backs in the game. He might be the smallest guy on the field but he plays with the biggest heart. Watching him make that first down on 4th and 29 against the Chargers this past Sunday was one of the most clutch football plays that I've ever seen. And I've been watching football for a long time! When Rice plays the game, you can tell that he is really enjoying himself. He's also does a lot around the community, especially for kids. He's truly a class act.
Torrey Smith continues to grow into one the NFL's best receivers. The guy not only has blazing speed, but he's not afraid to go up and get the ball, even in double coverage. Watching his performance right after he learned of his younger brother's death earlier this year was beyond inspirational. He could have easily sat the game out and it would have been perfectly acceptable. But instead he showed us, in poetic fashion, that it doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down, it's how many times you get back up that really matters.
And I love the ferocity in which Anquan Boldin plays the game. When he's steamrolling down field with the ball and lays that shoulder into the unsuspecting defender.....OUCH! The guy hits like a linebacker. Not surprising, he's always a highlight at our football gatherings.
And Jacoby Jones has turned out to be a pretty decent punt returner, always having potential to break the big one. And I've got to mention rookie kicker Justin Tucker. We didn't know know what to expect after Billy Cundiff packed his bags. But so far, Trucker looks like he's the real deal.
I've mentioned several offensive guys but we certainly can't forget of the defense. I think it's fair to say that this year's defense isn't quite as efficient as in previous years. The have had major issues stopping the run and the pass defense has been porous at times. And until Tyrell Suggs rejoined the team, the pass rush was pretty much non-existent. But they are still making impressive plays at times and creating turnovers. And opposing teams still fear them.
Of course, having Ray Lewis watching from the sidelines over the past few weeks hasn't really been a positive thing. Yeah, I know Ray's lost a step or two, but the guy is still a force to be reckoned with. If there was ever a general on the football field, it would be Lewis. His presence alone brings something to the Raven's. Ray Lewis makes everyone around him a better player. In my opinion, he's the greatest linebacker ever to play the game.
Safety Ed Reed has been hobbled all season but he still remains a major distraction for quarterbacks throwing the deep ball. And he can still deliver a highlight-reel hit.
So, what's not to like about this team??
At 9-2, it would take a catastrophic collapse to keep them out of the playoffs. If they beat Pittsburgh on Sunday, they pretty much lock up the AFC North. This would be the earliest that this has ever happened for the Ravens. And if Houston manages to drop a game or two, Baltimore could be looking at a number one seed in the playoffs.
At this point of the season, with only two losses, it really amazes me that the Ravens are still so readily criticized. I have to wonder if they'll get a break from the critics if they go on to win the Super Bowl. Somehow, I doubt it.....
kw
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