Joe Flacco

How many of you had to get an oxygen tank at some point today? These playoffs are been thrilling down to the wire in almost every game, and Conference Championship Sunday lived up to expectations. Both games went down to the wire and left us with two worthy Super Bowl contestants. Let’s break them down in The Final Drive!

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With all the pressure on Joe Flacco, you’d think it would be the time for him to rise to the occasion. I’m not buying it. He’s slow in the pocket and doesn’t get the ball out quickly. That means the Patriots could get a few good hits on Joe. If you see Flacco struggling on third down and the kicking unit coming on the field early, the Ravens will be in trouble.

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7 points on that T.J.

As much as Houston’s offense could struggle, so too could the Ravens. Joe Flacco could have a mediocre game or an utterly abysmal one. I can never tell. Against the Texans, he’ll face a defense that can get after the passer and produce takeaways through the air. Jonathan Joseph could lock in on Anquan Boldin, but I’d venture than Boldin is too inside too often to get Joseph on coverage. Joseph may stay on the outside against Torrey Smith or Lee Evans. As always, Baltimore must rely on Ray Rice and the running game in order to control time of possession and keep that aging defense off the field. If Rice can get over 150 total yards, I like the Ravens’ chances.The Odds:

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1 Prediction: 12-4

I'll never get tired of using this pic. 

Baltimore Ravens

Poor Joe Flacco. Were he in any other division he’d probably have gotten much more praise, considering where he’s at in his career. Unfortunately he has to look up at Ben and the Steelers every year. This season could be a different story with the addition of speedy receiver Lee Evans. Coming over from Buffalo, Evans gives Flacco the deep threat he needs to compliment Anquan Boldin. The offensive line has been re-tooled, installing Bryant McKinnie at left tackle, rookie Marshal Yanda at right guard and Michael Oher back to right tackle, where he likely fits best. Fullback Vontae Leach was a huge pick-up in free agency and should clear holes for Ray Rice just like he did for Arian Foster, the leading rusher last season. As great as the defense has always been, this current incarnation of the Ravens unit has little depth at the corner position. Drafting Jimmy Smith was a great call, but he needs time to develop before he can be a true number one. Terrence Cody is a mountain in the middle of their 3-4 scheme, sucking up blockers meant for Ray Lewis, the man that won’t shut up. After missing the entirety of last season, first round pick Sergio Kindle will see the field as a pass-rushing specialist, giving the Ravens a much needed play-maker. Oh yeah, and Ed Reed’s still at safety. (But he is going to slow down, right?) They probably won’t win the division, but they’ll get to the playoffs for certain.

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ked up by Cory Redding), the Ravens returned the favor and threw away their shots at the AFC title. Joe Flacco once again showed his inexperience, only completing 16 of his 30 attempts for 125 yards. Baltimore never found or committed to its running game, which handicapped them as they tried to control the clock. (It didn’t help that Ray Rice fumbled for the first time this entire year either.)

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Their victory lies in Joe Flacco’s hands. If Flacco avoids costly mistakes as he has most of the year (unlike that fumble in the last game these teams met), they’ll keep this road show going.

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Hm. That’s my general reaction to Wildcard Weekend in the NFL. The playoffs got started with what is unquestionably one of the biggest upsets in recent memory, which was followed up by a drama-filled finish in Indianapolis. Sunday saw a drilling in Kansas City and a comeback story ended early in Philly. Here’s the story behind the first round of the NFL playoffs.(8-9) Seattle Seahawks 41

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Against the Falcons' decent defensive backfield, Joe Flacco should have some open targets. I'm leaning towards Baltimore but I won't be surprised by anything... unless there's a blow-out.

Who

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s 14

FINALLY someone had the stones to knock off the freaking Steelers from the undefeated ranks. Joe Flacco, I heart you. (Well, I actually love Jay Cutler, but you get the idea.) Hitting stride on their final drive, Flacco hit the Housh in the endzone for the game-winning TD and Ray Lewis followed up with the game-sealing INT of Charlie Batch on the next series. When Big Ben makes his return in week six, this Steeler team is going to be scary good if the defense keeps playing like this. Mike Tomlin would win coach of the year... if it was awarded after four games.

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er the Jets, the Ravens came back after a short week and dropped another tough game to the Bengals. Joe Flacco looked horrible, throwing a whopping four interceptions. While Carson Palmer didn't exactly light it up with a less than 50% completion percentage, he didn't commit any turnovers, controlled the clock and kept his team in the game. Now the AFC North belongs to the Steelers (for this week). Did anyone see that coming?

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), the Ravens made some massive upgrades on the offensive side of the ball to help out the emerging Joe Flacco. They traded for Anquan Boldin, signed Donte Stallworth, re-signed Derrick Mason and signed T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Unfortunately Stallworth, the only speed guy of the bunch is out for the first month or so because of a broken foot. Still, having possession receivers like Boldin, Housh and Mason is always a good thing. Having three of them is gravy. Expect Ray Rice to put up monster numbers this year out of the backfield. Michael Oher has been moved over to left tackle, an odd move because of how well Jared Gaither was playing there. Baltimore drafted tight ends Ed Dickson (3rd round) and Dennis Pitta (4th) to help out the offense behind the catch-happy Todd Heap.

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Now they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy to meet Peyton Manning. QB Joe Flacco's hip injury was overblown, so he'll be ready to sling it downfield if he has to. However, I won't be surprised if the Ravens come out with the same gameplan as last weekend, running the ball 52 times and only attempting ten passes. Lewis and safety Ed Reed keep their emotional defense in check and disciplined against Manning or it could be a long day.

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Well that happened. 

From the very first play from scrimmage, it was obvious: These aren't your dad's Patriots. (If you dad was a Pats fan two years ago.) Ray Rice took the opening hand-off 83 yards to the endzone to put the Ravens up 7-0 en route to embarrassing Bill Belichick's Patriots 33-14.

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ice has the ability to pound the ball as well as catch passes out of the backfield for sophomore QB Joe Flacco. Receiver Derrick Mason hasn't been as dependable in recent weeks, but he still managed another 1000-yard season. Tight end Todd Heap caught 6 touchdowns this season, second on the team. Keep an eye on wide-out Demetrius Williams, who might be Flacco's best downfield threat. On defense, safety Ed Reed should be healthy enough to play after nursing a groin injury for part of the regular season. Ray Lewis is as demonstrative as ever, but that defensive line featuring Haloti Ngata and Trevor Pryce will be the biggest factor in whether Baltimore can pull off the upset.

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Two fumbles and four interceptions completely destroyed any possibility of a decent outing. Joe Flacco took advantage of the non-stop turnovers and cashed in on four touchdown throws, the first two of which went to tight end Todd Heap. The lone Bears score came on special teams thanks to an Earl Bennett 49-yard punt return to the endzone in the second quarter. Even at 14-7, I never for once thought my Bears could pull out a victory. I know better by now.

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ound a more balanced attack in recent weeks thanks to the re-emergence of Ray Rice at running back. Joe Flacco has regressed slightly in his sophomore season and will throw at least two ripe for the picking passes. If the Bear defense can capitalize on those mistakes, then they have a fair chance of leaving the wintry field with a victory. I'm not holding my breath though.

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Who saw that coming? Joe Flacco was less than his usual efficient self while Carson Palmer aired it out enough to win. The real difference maker was the running game. Baltimore’s Ray Rice only carried the ball 12 times for 48 yards while Cedric Benson garnered 117 yards on 34 carries. Benson definitely grinded it out, but he’s had two 100+ yard rushing days against the Ravens defense. That can’t be ignored. Also hard to miss is that Bengals defense. Yikes.

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Who saw that coming? Joe Flacco was less than his usual efficient self while Carson Palmer aired it out enough to win. The real difference maker was the running game. Baltimore’s Ray Rice only carried the ball 12 times for 48 yards while Cedric Benson garnered 117 yards on 34 carries. Benson definitely grinded it out, but he’s had two 100+ yard rushing days against the Ravens defense. That can’t be ignored. Also hard to miss is that Bengals defense. Yikes.

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The Ravens dominated Denver in the second half of last week’s game, thanks to Joe Flacco’s efficiency with the football. He’ll need a repeat performance if he’s going to keep up with Carson Palmer, who is playing on a Pro Bowl level. Both offenses have depending on a balanced attack, so look for each defense to shut down the run.

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*Slow clapping* It’s about time you lived up to your massive hype and trash-talking. QB Joe Flacco was efficient and careful with the football against what has been a great Denver defense. While its only one loss, I’m thankful to see the Broncos come back down to earth. Still, they look in full control of the AFC West.

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I’d be scared. Still, Minnesota has a stout defense of its own. Favre and Joe Flacco need to protect the ball because each offense excels at cashing in on turnovers. Man I hope the Ravens win. 

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1-1) San Diego Chargers  26

Uh… don’t look now, but the Ravens have an offense. Joe Flacco isn’t just “managing” the game anymore. In San Diego, what was Norv Turner thinking with that Darren Sproles run up the middle on fourth down? Shoddy play-calling.

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           Each week, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will prognosticate on all the playoff games each week.  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

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ame, but Hightower runs with enough effectiveness to open up that prolific passing attack. 

Joe Flacco, Delaware.  Do I really need to go into it?  Everyone knows that this guy has done.  Only rookie to win two playoff games, and he has done it on the road.  I know most of the credit for the Ravens success should and does go to their defense.  But Flacco doesn’t make mistakes.  He runs the offense efficiently and consistently which is more than can be said for most rookie QB’s.  Also, according to his teammates he is very even keeled in the huddle.  He is cool and does not let things rattle him.  It usually takes QB’s three years to get that way, if they get that way at all. 

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e.  The vaunted Baltimore defense, led by Ray Lewis, will be up to the challenge though.  Joe Flacco has been playing beyond his years, and has the Ravens offense on the right track.  This game will be played close to the vest, and I don’t anticipate much scoring.  Baltimore will win, but the Titans will make them earn it.  Baltimore 18, Tennessee 13.  

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           Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend’s games.  I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two or more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you).  Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling.  That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!  

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I'll go with my gut and pick Baltimore in this one at home. Joe Flacco and company have played well this season.

Winners - Baltimore Ravens

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