Ravens Struggle to Produce: Settling for Stover, We Must Knock on Wood

     I was at the Steelers game. I went with my friend and was overjoyed to find I would be watching the smackdown from about the 20th row, literally feet from the Ravens' bench. But then, the stadium lights came on, and things turned awry. And no I will not spare you my complaints about the officiating. Clearly they are legitimate complaints, seeing as the analysts on ESPN, NFL Network, CBS, NBC, and local stations across the country have been voicing similar ones for the past eight days (although it seems longer than that.) A) Did he have complete control of the ball? B) Did the ball cross the plane of the goal-line? C) Even if the answer is yes to both A and B, was there enough indisputable evidence to overturn the ruling on the field? I think not. And jeez, we thought Ed Hocules screwed over the Chargers. 

     As my dad noted sarcastically, "the zebras are our best friends." Yeah? Well, not exactly. All I'm saying is our bone-crushing defense isn't the only reason the record-books couldn't keep up with Ravens' penalties last season. My bet is that the refs are just intimidated by our fierceness black uniforms. It's okay, those uniforms scare my mom, too. She finds them.. menacing. 

     I think the most worrisome thing that came out of the loss to the Steelers was on account of the Ravens' own play, however, rather than any foul play on the part of the referees. The Ravens' offense looked not only conservative, but one-dimensional. They relied almost completely on the ground game, which is effective to an extent, but will not get you large gains. Furthermore, the Ravens relied on one back, a converted back at that, Le'Ron McClain. McClain is a strong back, but he's a big guy (around 240 lbs) and you can't have him carrying the ball over 25 times a game. It's a shame that Rice is injured, and Willis is so..well.. undependable. 

     Cam Cameron, usually such a gifted mind, left Joe Flacco up to his own devices, and I think he forgot to put in the batteries. I couldn't tell you where Mark Clayton, Todd Heap, and Derrick Mason were.. really, don't ask. But Joe would be easy for anyone to track down, as demonstrated by Troy Polamalu and the Pittsburgh defense. (I have a theory that if the Ravens' defense could play against the Ravens' offense, they would be the number one defensive unit in the league, and that it is simply the impossibility of this that gives the Steelers the "#1 Defense.") 

     Joe forgot my advice (about running to the sideline and getting rid of the ball), and as a result became well acquainted with the turf by night's end. Did I mention he has a tendency to fumble the ball when he's hit? Lack of offensive production has always been a problem in Charm City, and I can only hope this team, which has made such great strides, will not regress to its old self. The field goal after field goal game does well for Matt Stover's resume, but not for much else. Not to mention that kind of game is reminiscent to their crushing downfall at the merciless hands of the Indianapolis Colts just two seasons ago, when the Ravens (13-3) were AFC North regular season champs and favorites to go to the Super Bowl.

    The other troubling aspect of the Ravens' late game collapse was the defense, which I myself have touted as the best in the league, and their implosion. It seemed that the Ravens' playoff dreams had turned to smoke almost as expediently as the remains of the RCA Dome did. But seriously, since when does Baltimore defense give up 90+ yards on a closing drive? To their arch rivals? When the Ravens are winning? As Fabian Washington, who had a phenomenal game, joined Terrell Suggs on the bench with a late injury, the game became downright horrifying. The Steelers capitalized, and exploited the Ravens' weaknesses in Frank Walker, and the injured Samari Rolle, drawing big gains on passes to Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. 

     Somehow Big Ben avoided our nimble defensive line, and led his team to a conclusive defeat. Injuries and weakness in the secondary are two things to be wary of in the coming week, and, knock on wood, the post season.  Also, the line must be careful to pursue a sack only when it has a clear shot at the QB, and without sacrificing body position on the block. 

     The Ravens better fix these things and keep their cool next week, or we'll be looking at an embarrassing loss to Jacksonville and a premature beginning to the off-season (which will only bring more consternation as we sort through the countless and invaluable free agents and our limited resources.) And the number one lesson from the Steelers game: if we get another shot at Hines Ward, please Terrell, stick to your word. Don't let him off easy.