Cheers and Jeers for Ravens/Bengals

Ravens 14            Bengals 17

In probably one of the most pathetic performance by a usually clutch defense, the Baltimore Ravens failed to capitalize on extending their lead in the AFC North.  Instead, they have relinquished that lead to the much improved Cincinnati Bengals, and now sit second in the division at 3-2, a half game ahead of the Steelers. 

Never in all my time as a Ravens fan have I seen a defense so desperate to stop plays on that final drive.  When we did stop them with just third down to go, the defense came up with bone-head penalties that, frankly, cost us the game and the lead in the division. Our defense looked desperate, tired, and undisciplined during the game winning drive for the Bengals, and I am disgusted by their lack of enthusiasm and lack of basic fundamentals on how to defend the pass. Something needs to give, because we giving up too many yards to too many good offenses, and that is NOT how you “Play Like A Raven”. Here are my cheers and jeers for this game:

Cheers:

The Offensive Treat: Ray Rice had a phenomenal day, picking up the slack for a lack luster Ravens offense. Rice finished his day as both the leading rusher and receiver, carrying the ball 14 for 69 yards and catching seven balls for 74 yards and one touchdown. He is proving himself to be an every down back and is a great safety valve to Joe Flacco when the wide receivers are covered in the open field.

Just Another Day At the Office: This is what we have come to expect from the greatest safety in the NFL, Ed Reed.  Reed was tremendous stepping up for a lousy secondary.  Reed finished the day with one interception returned 52 yards for the touchdown and one forced fumble on Chad Ochocinco.

The Resurgence of the Heap: Seven receptions for 47 yards…looks like they are beginning to trust Todd Heap in the passing game, and that’s what you need from your tight end.

Get Off the Field: Even though it was completely unnecessary and was flagged, the huge hit Ray Lewis had on that loud mouth Ochocinco was sweet. He’ll think twice before coming over the middle again.

New Return Specialist: When I saw Chris Carr, once again, returning kickoffs, I wondered out loud about the lack of oxygen that gets to John Harbaugh’s head. Finally, a change was made, as Ladarius Webbreturned a kickoff for 43 yards and put the Ravens in great field position. Message to coach Harbaugh, WEBB IS THE GUY!

Jeers:

Same Ol Song and Dance: Steven Tyler said it best, and I’m getting sick and tired of saying it, THE SECONDARY IS LOUSY! To give up 8.2 yards per passing play to an offense as potent as the Bengals is very dangerous. Let’s work on the fundamentals and lay off the grabbing, tugging, and pulling to try and stop receivers and work on defending the pass properly.

Spread the Ball Around: Maybe this isn’t fair, seeing as the Bengals secondary covered the receivers like white on rice, but when your leading receiver is a running back, there is something seriously wrong with that picture.

Streak Over: Cedric Benson rushed for over 100+ yards against a defense that hasn’t given up a 100 yard rusher in 40 games, that’s depressing and unacceptable.

Zebra Poaching: Can we get a competent refereeing crew to officiate one Ravens game this year, please?! When Clayton was ruled down by contact at the 25 yard line, why did the ball get placed back at the 20? Instead of having a 3rd and 5, we now have a 3rd and 12. Are you kidding me?

It doesn’t get any easier for the Ravens, as they will have to go against Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. This game is a wake up call for the defense, and hopefully Lewis, Reed, and all the other defensive players will see that light, get off their high horse, and stop the damn ball like they did last year!