... for the Ravens to salvage any remote chance at a winning season and, dare I say...playoffs.
Jim Mora: "...playoffs?...did you say playoffs!?..."
Yes, I am not on performance enhancing drugs and I still said it. I have to, I'm a diehard Ravens fan and this team was supposed to be a whole lot better than it has been. Unfortunately, it has to rank among the biggest disappointments in the entire league this season.
However, there is still a chance to turn this thing around, and it must begin today with a victory over the visiting Cleveland Browns. While most people are picking the Browns to roll over the Ravens, I am still not convinced that Cleveland is for real. Winning on the road in the NFL is a tough task and the Browns have not proven this wrong up to now. Cleveland is 1-3 on the road and has not been able to stop the run, allowing seven 100 yard rushers in their nine games so far.
I fully expect Willis McGahee to get his 100 yards as well, and former Ravens castoff Jamal Lewis to be limited to a minimal threat. Kyle Boller will inject life and a renewed enthusiasm into this offense and make enough downfield passes to keep the Cleveland defense honest. His versatility in scrambling along with his strong arm will invigorate what has been a virtually dormant passing game. Even without favorite target Todd Heap, Boller will get his other receivers into the game, and confirm the fans' who have clamored for him most of this season.
On the other side of the ball, the Ravens will pressure Browns QB Derek Anderson all day. Trevor Pryce has had another full week to get back to full strength and his addition will only help both Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott return to 2006 form. The secondary will welcome cornerback Chris McAlister back, who will be better suited to cover Braylon Edwards than any other Raven. Even wothout Samari Rolle, the Ravens secondary will come up with the turnovers necessary to create short field that Baltimore will take advantage of. Ray Lewis will have every reason to rant and rave for once this season as the Ravens finally take their frustrations out on the Browns in front of their home fans.
Ravens: 23-13