I guess the Ravens used up all their karma. After everything went Baltimore's way last week against New England, they fell completely flat in Indianapolis Saturday night, missing every opportunity imaginable. Against a lesser foe, they could have mounted a comeback. Against Peyton Manning and the Colts, they had no chance.
While the first quarter saw each squad produce a lengthy drive, neither could punch it into the endzone. Peyton Manning decided the second quarter would be a different story. Capping off an eight minute, 14-play drive, a ten yard pass from Manning to Austin Collie put Indy up 7, giving Joe Flacco two minutes until halftime to respond. From there it all went downhill for the Ravens.
Taking only 22 seconds off the clock, Baltimore was forced to punt the ball back to Manning, who marched it right back down the field and connected with Reggie Wayne to put the score at 14-3. In the third, the Ravens were their own worst enemies, killing possessions before the offense ever got on the field. Ed Reed managed to intercept Manning on two different passes, only to fumble the first right back and the second called back on defensive pass interference. A fourth quarter Ray Rice fumble and a field goal from Colt kicker Matt Stover put the icing on the Indy cake, ensuring they will host the AFC Championship next week at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts offense was crisp and in rhythm all night long in spite of their extended layoff. Manning had a typically average day (which is still awesome), even as his running game could not accumulate over 50 yards. He spread the ball to seven difference receivers on his 30 completions as the Raven secondary could do nothing but watch. Indy's defense was the real highlight, forcing the Ravens offense into three turnovers and five punts after their opening drive field goal. If they can build off this performance, they're ready for anyone in the NFL.
Penalties, turnovers and missed opportunities crippled the Ravens' chances. When Ed Reed picks off Peyton Manning twice on the same drive and the Ravens offense can't even get on the field, you've got problems. Flacco's two fourth quarter interceptions were forced by solid pressure. Regardless, the Ravens fans shouldn't focus on the negative coming out of this game. Ray Rice is a star at running back and Flacco will improve going into his third year. The defense is getting older, but holding the Colts to 20 points is no easy feat. In the end, they just couldn't keep up.
