CHICAGO 23 BALTIMORE 20 /OT (4-6) : Just back from Chicago. It was extremely disappointing, especially since it was another winnable one. If the Ravens expect to be competitive in the NFL they have to be able to close out games like these. There are so many holes in this game; all of which are a reflection of the year as a whole. They are able to score 10 points to start, but the Offense then puts the Bears back in the game. They score again in the second quarter, but not again until the end of the game. With the game on the line and a drive to win, they stall at the goal line (again). The Defense is unable to hold on third down and unable to force turnovers and shift momentum. Special Teams are unable to make big returns; which is probably due to the youth movement. This team seems to be good enough in many ways but does not play sixty minutes of football to act like it. They are unable to win on the road (now 1-5), and have two very strong teams left (Detroit and Cincinnati). Although they are in the hunt for a playoff spot, they have shown nothing to demonstrate an ability to get there. As for the game, Ray Rice had a good running game but he was up against a horrible defense against the run. Then when the game was on the line, he could not score; but that is more a flaw in the play-calling. He is not meant to bull-rush on the goal line, with a line that cannot push for domination of the line. He also failed to make the block on what turned out to be the Pick-6. Of course, I do not understand Flacco throwing that pass. Joe also threw the pass to Clark that is meant for someone who is physical and comes up with a pick. Sam Koch saved a PAT with a bad snap. Although I loved to see Juice lay the lumber on his kick return, I would have preferred to see him juke the guy on the edge and try to pick up more yards. Clark did have a great catch and Doss came up with a pass that picked up a first down, but he then missed an important catch late in the game. Dumervil turns a defensive stop into a first down. The team as a whole is inconsistent and raises hopes; only to dash them. They do enough to win; but then do enough to not win (or to lose). The season now is merely to play each game to win and see where they end up. I doubt it is the playoffs; but even if they make it, it is probably one-and-done. Right now, I am afraid that the Fake Fans will dump their Thanksgiving tickets for Steelers fans and the disappointment of the season will be complete. Of course, it is not complete without commenting on the weather in Chicago. It was indeed the most bizarre football experience that I have had. The day started with light winds but warm at tailgating. Shortly after the game started, it rained. Then we were told to take shelter in the concourse and for nearly two hours we watched the rain come down in buckets and the wind shake everything. Then the game resumed, under a bright sky and a warm sun. Then the sky darkened, the wind picked up and the temperature fell. It rained. I watched the field crew come out with a chain and a level to adjust the goal posts that were shaking in the winds; and those used to end the game in OT. Ponchos, plastic, wrappers and everything else blew all over the field. I have been at the opening game at the Met Life Stadium Monday Night Game that had a lightening delay. I have been at the Super Bowl with the electricity delay. And now I have a tornado warning delay in my resume. And finally, I wish Ozzie Newsome well after his hospital visit in Chicago. Just another reminder that it is just a game; no matter how much it can disappoint us.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 03:09:37 +0000
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