a heck of a challenge going into Heinz Field against the Steelers on Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens 27, Miami Dolphins 9
After turning the ball over 13 times during the entire regular season (an NFL record), Chad Pennington and the Dolphins shockingly gave it away five times to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon. It was brutal. After the first two Pennington interceptions you’d say “It’s Chad, he won’t throw another one.” Then he did, twice. Four interceptions certainly killed Miami’s chances, but they couldn’t do much against the Ravens’ brilliant defense anyway. Ed Reed’s coverage assignments were masterfully disguised throughout the game, especially on his two interceptions. Reed ran the first back 64 yards for Baltimore’s first touchdown, effectively sealing the game in the second quarter. That allowed defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to play with the lead and be more aggressive in his play-calling. Offensively, the Ravens weren’t spectacular. McClain and McGahee’s 137 total rushing yards came later in the second half, and most of it was on McGahee’s 48-yard scamper in the fourth. Ravens rookie QB Joe Flacco was pedestrian at best, completing only 9 of his 23 attempts for 135 yards. He may not have thrown a touchdown, but he ran for one near the end of the game and didn’t throw an interception. As much as I wanted to see the Miami Dolphin’s comeback season continue, they had no chance against Baltimore's defense. Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano have built a solid foundation in Miami, so this loss should only be a building block for the future, not a signal of things to come. The Ravens will march on to Tennessee, where they’ll get the Titans at near full strength. If they plan to win, Flacco will need to make plays, not just avoid the big mistakes.
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