It is something that I have been meaning to write about for some time, and after the draft, I feel like it’s a good time to look back at where the Ravens have come from. All in all, I’m proud of this team, where they’ve come from and the future of the franchise. More than anything, thinking back makes me appreciate the character and toughness of the Ravens even more.

That was the most cold and windy game I have ever gone to in the 8 years Ive been going to the games. Literally 50 mph winds.

But loved that game for Willis and Kyle. As always, rocking my black McGahee jersey, the man stepped it up and ran all over the Pats. Remember him making Seau do a full 540 spin trying to tackle him? So funny.

Those refs were just terrible to. Calling the most ludicrous penalties. Those definitely would not have been called against the Pats, that’s for sure.

Then the always famous, Rex Ryan timeout when we stop Brady on a QB sneak 4th and 1. Ray coming out of the pile with a hand in the air, thinking he just sealed the game. But of course with the Billick luck, someone else calls a timeout.

Kyle had his best performance ever. He may have not put up numbers like he did in the past, but he managed that offense in a way that has rarely been seen by Ravens fans. Poised, calm, and collective, he made nearly all the right decisions, accept for that interception. But cant knock on the guy for out doing arguably the greatest QB to ever play the game.

When I look back, I am glad we lost that game. Cause when the Pats lost in the Superbowl, it really made it that much sweeter knowing that it was their first loss in their last game.

But it would have been nice to win that one.

the first one I ever spent a bunch of time inside watching while drowning my sorrows at the bar.

What the Ravens lacked in 07 was heart. They just stopped believing in themselves and especially in Brian Billick. They hit the field that year already beaten in their minds. I told the author of this blog that they played like they didn’t care and most of them didn’t. I was at the Colts and Pats game last year. Against the Pats, they played for keeps leaving nothing on the field except some self disciplin. Against the Colts, they took the field and played like they just didn’t care. It was embarassing. The proof of my point was last years season. Last year, everyone played through their injuries and they played their hearts out pushing until there was nothing left. They had totally bought into the Harbaugh system and Joe Flacco in particular. In 09, we’ll have the injured players back like Gregg and Williams, we’ll get a bye and we won’t have to play a seemingly endless road stand. But, most important, we’ll play like winners, with heart. I can’t wait.

Rexx, Thanks for the slap in the face. It’s always refreshing to have your opinions shoved down your throat and get kicked in the ass to boot. I appreciate it. All in a public venue too. No, I’ve never played pro football. Have you? If so, Bravo, I bow to your supior first hand knowledge.

But, I watched every game in 07 and followed the team. I saw the injuries. Everyone did. I have played football and I do own a business with a number of employees. I know the difference between just putting in your time and putting your heart and sole into something. Take the 07 Pats for instance. Are you honestly telling me that the Pats would have played that game with exactly the same desire, belief, enthusiasm, or “heart” if the had been say 4 and 6? If your point is valid, then how do you explain the Colts game a week later. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more lackluster performance. Do you expect me the believe that the Ravens played as hard and with the same drive and “heart” as they did just a week earlier? If so, maybe you’re not such an expert.