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!
Joe Flacco
22 January 2012
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15 January 2012
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:
Continue reading "The Opening Drive: 2012 Divisional Sunday"
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7 September 2011
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.
Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The AFC North"
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16 January 2011
Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Final Drive: Divisional Round"
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15 January 2011
Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Opening Drive: Divisional Round"
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10 January 2011
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
Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"
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11 November 2010
Who
Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Thursday Night Quickie: Week 10"
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4 October 2010
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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20 September 2010
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8 September 2010
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16 January 2010
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10 January 2010
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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21 December 2009
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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20 December 2009
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9 November 2009
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6 November 2009
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3 November 2009
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18 October 2009
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22 September 2009
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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18 January 2009
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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14 January 2009
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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9 January 2009
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19 December 2008
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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7 December 2008
Winners - Baltimore Ravens
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