Ravens vs. Redskins: Gameday Open Thread
by Rexx on Dec 7, 2008 9:56 AM EST
Email
PrintEnough of all the talk, let's get it on! The Battle of the Beltway will be just like a backyard brawl with the trash being strewn about by both teams' fans. This is the first time in Baltimore Ravens history that the Washington Redskins have played a regular season game in Baltimore. The previous games between the teams have all been played in the Redskins backyard, but now we get to kick their butts in front of our fans, or at least mostly our fans. There's sure to be more than a few crimson and gold colors in M&T Bank Stadium tonight, but they will be drowned out by the purple and black who plan on turning the 'skins into black and blue by night's end.
The weather will be middle of the winter classic playoff football, with temperatures in the 20's and a stiff breeze. The fans will feel it more than the players, although it may make it tricky to throw the long passes and kick field goals. However, the hitting is expected to be fierce, as both teams have top ten defenses.
This is a must win game for both teams, although one will go home as a loser, with its playoff hopes either dashed or diminished. The Ravens sit at 8-4, good for the second Wild Card slot right now and just a game behind the AFC North division leading Pittsburgh Steelers, who visit the Bank next Sunday for what will most likely be the determining factor in the race for the division title. A win will only solidify their playoff position and hopes, while a loss will throw them back to the pack for the Wild Card fight. Meanwhile, the Redskins are desperate for a win, as they are 7-5 and currently out of the playoffs but could easily get back into the hunt with a win, while a loss would all but eliminate them from postseason consideration.
Unfortunately for the Redskins fans, today's game will not be a fun one to sit in the cold as an enemy fan nor even in the warmth of your own homes or the local brewpub, as there is just no way I can envision Washington winning this game. As it has been similar for the Ravens when they've had to go on the road and beat a tough team, there are just too many things that will need to go right for the Redskins to win this game. They will have to hope that they are able to run the ball effectively, complete the key passes and play a strong defense to stop us and get some turnovers. All in all, a task that they have not looked anywhere good enough to be up to tonight. The 'skins have lost three of their last four, with their only win by three points over the 2-10 Seattle Seahawks. This is nowhere near the same team that went to Dallas and Philly earlier in the season and won, starting the season off with a 6-2 record. Their offense has not been effective and while they have a very good defense, they have not been able to muster much of a pass rush, which will let just about any QB in the league find their open receivers sooner or later.
On the Ravens side, our offense has been clicking on all cylinders. Winners of six of seven, Baltimore has averaged over 30 points per game and now stand in the league's top ten in scoring average. The passing and running attack has been surprisingly well balanced and their choice of star running back for the week changes on a regular basis. Rookie QB Joe Flacco has been finding his receivers on short and long passes, with his recent success with the long ball to Mark Clayton. The Ravens have minimized their mistakes while creating turnovers that have gien them excellent field position leading to quick points.
The Ravens defense needs no introductions. They are #2 in the league and although they were shredded by the Giants, the Redskins bear no resemblance to New York. Therefore, expect a relatively low scoring game by Ravens standards, with both defenses keeping the opponents in check for the first half. The Ravens own the second half, especially the fourth quarter and I expect no difference as the game turns in our favor in the final 30 minutes. The Ravens will wear down the Redskins by throwing fresh running backs at them, mixing in a variety of passes, both short and long, as we all have seen what a great arm Flacco has shown on the deep routes. While Redskin QB Jason Campbell has not thrown too many interceptions, he will throw some tonight, as the Ravens will shut down Clinton Portis and the running game, forcing Campbell to the air much more than he is comfortable with. He is also susceptible to the sack and our pressure will cause him to turn the ball over deep in their own territory.
Call me a homer, but after seeing how the Redskins rolled over in the face of a tough defense in their home loss on Monday Night Football to the Pittsburgh Steelers and last week at home to the NY Giants, I see no reason that the same won't happen in Baltimore when they feel the wrath of this hard hitting opportunistic defense, that incidently leads the NFL in interceptions.
The Ravens have not played well on a national stage, but that has been as an underdog on prime time. However, the last time we were the favorite on either Sunday or Monday Night Football, we destroyed the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on national TV and tonight should show the nation that no one will want to face us in the post season.
As stated earlier, the game will stay close for the first half, but the Ravens will take control in the third quarter and put it out of reach early in the final fifteen minutes. The Ravens move to 9-4 and while I'll hope that we end the night tied with the Steelers after they lose to the Cowboys, I doubt it and thereofre will have to take matters into our own hands next Sunday when we meet in Baltimore.
Ravens: 23-10
(NOTE: Feel free to use this space for a gametime Open Thread, although I won't be able to join you as I will be in my seats at the game.
33 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
REDSKINS GOIN DOWN!
I say this one is going to be real close given the fact that redskins are pretty much win or done here. I can’t believe Portis is starting given that he is injured from head to toe, hes gonna get eaten alive by Sugar Ray. I am so amped that I can watch the game today too now that it’s on at primetime or else I would have had to catch the final moments cause of work. LET’S GO RAVENS!!!!
Don't know if anyone else saw this
but the Giants lost to the Eagles. I think this makes the Ravens victory over Philly that much more impressive.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
na, eagles are not that good, everyone knows that.
Ravens did not win that game, the eagles lost it, DUH!
I hate the Cowboys...
but Let’s Go ’Boys!!!
Kevbo: [to George Sherrill] George, you look a lot like Vin Diesel...
Flatbill: Let's get somethin' straight... Vin Diesel looks like me.
-From "The Making of Orioles Magic"
God Damn it!
Kevbo: [to George Sherrill] George, you look a lot like Vin Diesel...
Flatbill: Let's get somethin' straight... Vin Diesel looks like me.
-From "The Making of Orioles Magic"
Is it
me…or has the NFL East “The best division in football” tended to struggle against our division. Browns beat Giants, Steelers beat Cowboys and Redskins, Ravens wipe the floor with the Eagles…even the Bengals tied the Eagles and then the Eagles beat the Giants.
Crazy nutjob reach for the positive in this Cowboys loss…This serves to set the Cowboys up for the typical late season implosion. Chances are by the Ravens game…The coach is gone, TO does something stupid out of childish frustration, Brittney Simpson or whatever her name is is getting weekly bomb threats for shacking up with Romo, and Jerry Jones signs Mick Vick despite him still being in jail and still suspended.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
Wow...
I had to escape from the living room to see if anyone has been posting. I am guessing everyone is at the game. Right now it’s 14-0 with the Redskins having just punted to inside of the Raven’s 20. Pretty much dominant so far.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
Clinton Portis
is a warrior. He is trying to make anything out of nothing. Meanwhile, our experienced back seems to do whatever he can to get benched again. Willis is seriously disappointed me so far.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
Someone
will have to explain that non call on the pass interference play. I am not sure what the officials are looking at there. Also…why am I commenting to myself….I am so alone right now….Oh well, back to the living room and the keg-erator.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
Watching the Redskins punt
Sam the punter doesn’t get enough credit for how reliable he is with putting teams deep.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
HEAP!!!!
Yeah I did a Heap chant completely by myself…that catch warranted it!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
Halftime Thoughts
1)Both Defenses can to play and are impressive
2) Megahee is killing me. For a guy that sat out last week, he doesn’t seem to want to assert that he deserves the ball
3) Other than the first drive, Flacco is really having trouble making any inroads into the Redskins zone.
4) I really think this game will be deceided by who makes the best halftime adjustments. I think the 14-0 score is not showing just how even matched both teams…well defenses at least…are playing.
5) Yeah!!! I drank my age in beers!!! And I got examss in the mornig!!! Awseome!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:23 PM EST reply actions
Ray Rice
is down with an injury time out. The kid is the hero of the third down. Pure clutch.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:24 PM EST reply actions
4TH AND ONE
HEAP!!!!!! HEAP!!!!! HEAP!!!!!! Wide open!!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:25 PM EST reply actions
FIield Goal is Good
Stover from about 30 yards I think…TV is moving a bit on me but that was the consensus from me and my viewing friends. Looks like Cam made the adjustments to keep the Redskins D on the field to tire them out. I hope all you cats at the game are enjoying this!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:30 PM EST reply actions
Side note
How did the Redskins not get called on roughing the kicker on that field goal? Did I miss the penalty call?
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:32 PM EST reply actions
Late 3rd quarter
:53 left. Flacco throws interception.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:38 PM EST reply actions
Threw three quarters
and the Redskins threatening….still 17-0.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:40 PM EST reply actions
Maybe
the D is setting up a pick 6?!?!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:41 PM EST reply actions
Redskins finally on the board
with a field goal off of the Flacco interception. It is now 17-3. Lets see if Cam and the offense can either answer or at least eat up time on a constructive series. Maybe cause I am drunk but this game feels more like a 3-3 score. Both teams are impressing me on their defenses.
And I am still commenting to myself…I am sorry if this annoys anyone….
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:47 PM EST reply actions
Megahee
fumbled on first down although Harbaugh has thrown the challenge flag. Honestly I have been a Megahee fan since the Ohio-Miami national championship but this is really shown me that he isn’t the man to carry our running game. The play was not reverse. Redskins ball on the 30 or something. First and goal for Washington. Willis….don’t lose us the fucking game!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 10:56 PM EST reply actions
Redskins touchdown
Can’t expect the Ravens defense to be perfect when the Offense gives the ball up so deep. The offense needs a long, and I mean a LONG time consuming scoring drive. Every since the very first drive, nothing has happened on offense other than Willis showing us why he is a risk every down he is on the field. Maybe it’s the beer but that seems to be deal to me…
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:03 PM EST reply actions
17-10
and Megahee has a stinger and is probable to return…question is…do we want him to return. This is a game that the offense could lose for use. Out D needs rest and a score!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:05 PM EST reply actions
First down around the 50
but the offense seems to have a case of the fumbles…play under review for some reason…to drunk to figure out who or why….sorry guys I am dropping the ball here…
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:08 PM EST reply actions
Washington review successful
Still a Ravens first down. Cost us maybe a couple of yards. In this game…can’t fault the challenge. Its close and neither offense is clicking…
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:10 PM EST reply actions
Long Drive
Offensive is just sucking up time…telling the Redskins they are going to run it down their throat and Cam calls a touchdown pass…and Flacco delivers on a stop and go to Derrick Mason I think. Sorry if I am wrong but hey…I’m drunk…Beautiful play. It is now…24-10!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:17 PM EST reply actions
2 minute warning
Redskin’s ball down by 14. Cam called just enough to get success without giving up the big plays against a Redskin’s D that played fantastic. Maybe its the beer but their D seemed to play really…fucking good…sorry but my internal thersausus goes away when I drink.
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:23 PM EST reply actions
ED REED!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not mess with the man!!! HE IS A BEAST!!! HE IS WHAT HAUNTS THE DREAMS OF QUARTERBACKS!!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 7, 2008 11:24 PM EST reply actions
GAME OVER!!!!
Drunken game review…
McClain is a beast!!! With Rice down (please not be serious!!!) and Megahee just ….well being Megahee….McClain got the job done.
Cam is the best offensive genius in Raven’s History period!!! He had the offense do just enough not to fuck up yeat stil pulled the punches to get big plays!!! Against a fantastic secondary Flacco only had one interception which I can only conclude is due to Cam running the offense. Cam, and Harbaugh allowing him to do what he wants, has nerves of steel!!!
Rex Ryan could turn around the Baltimore School System. I honest believe if this man put his mind to anything…it is shortly achieved…A lot of teams could not shut down Clinton Portis…this team did. Enough said.
The Ravens beat a good team in prime time. If anyone thinks that a Billick led team could…well I think your crazy. Its been fun and I am sorry if this came off as the boozy drunken rant that it was. Great quality win by the Ravens!!! Its hard to even picture where this team was last year compare to now. Good night and GOOD WIN!!!
"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."
by UMBC Oriole fan on Dec 8, 2008 12:00 AM EST reply actions
UMBC: I had a great time...
…reading this “Diary of a Drunken Ravens Fan!”
Sorry I missed your party but was freezing my arse off at the game. However, I just revisited the game from a slightly different perspective by reading this Open Thread!
Keep up the posting and perhaps if you fail out of school by drinking heavily the night before finals, you can do this full time!
Thanks again, you ruled last night!
Rexx
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
