Colts helped the Ravens Self-Destruct
It’s hard enough to beat Peyton Manning and Indianapolis Colts without making mistakes. But, unfortunately for the Baltimore Ravens, their miscues ended the Ravens season. Late in the 3rd quarter, when Ravens safety, Ed Reed, intercepted Peyton Manning that play should have given the momentum to the Ravens, but it was not meant to be. Because after interception, Reed fumbled the ball when Colts wide-receiver, Pierre Garcon, knocked the ball out of his hands.
However, credit to Ed Reed for coming back and intercepting another pass soon after. But, a costly pass interference penalty on that interception kept the Ravens from having any chance of scoring. Those were heartbreaking plays for the Ravens. And, unlike their game last week, the Baltimore Ravens were the ones making costly errors, which would helped the Colts.
The Colts defense played great in this game. The Indianapolis Colts held the Ravens to only three points. The Colts defense gave Peyton Manning and the offense all they needed to win the game.
For the Baltimore Ravens, they have to look towards next year and try to get younger. Also, the Ravens need to do something about their passing game. It’s not enough to just run the ball effectively, you got to do both. As for the Indianapolis Colts, they move on to the AFC Championship game. And, if the Indianapolis Colts can play like this next week, they will be in the Super Bowl. But, we shall see.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
Ravens stun Patriots early and Never Look Back
Talking about getting knocked out with an uppercut in the 1st quarter, but that’s what happened to the New England Patriots on Sunday. It all started when Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice, ran for an 83-yards touchdown run on the 1st play from scrimmage. Before anyone knew it, the score was 24-0 by the end of the 1st quarter. The Ravens got some help by Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who threw 2 interceptions in that quarter. The Patriots had no answers for the Ravens tough defense lead by Ray Lewis.
However, the main reason why the New England Patriots lost this game was that their superstar players did not show up. Randy Moss was no where to be found. Kevin Faulk was held to only 52-yards rushing. And, Tom Brady played one of his worse games, throwing 3 interceptions and he was sacked 3 times as well.
The reason why the Patriots superstars were a non-factor was because the great play of the Baltimore Ravens defense. The Ravens 24-0 lead was just too much to overcome, even for the great Tom Brady. Now, the Ravens move on the play the Colts. As for the New England Patriots, they need to figure out a way to get younger because the Patriots dynasty may have come to an end.
(Sources: Fox Sports, ESPN)
Bad Plays, Bad Decisions and Ray Lewis equals Ravens Victory
After Monday night’s victory, the San Diego Chargers were looking to get a fast start against the Baltimore Ravens. But, with Ray Lewis and the powerful Ravens defense, it was going to be tough challenge. The Chargers had their chances to score touchdowns inside Baltimore’s 30-yard line several times, but could not take advantage due to some questionable play calling and the Ravens defense. The Chargers had to settle for field goals. Yet, towards the end of the game, the Chargers were only down by 5 points and placed themselves into scoring range.
However, it was not meant to be, as the Chargers were stopped on a fourth and two on Baltimore’s 15-yard line with 33 seconds left. The Chargers needed a first down and tried to run the ball, but Darren Sproles was stopped by Baltimore Ravens, All-Pro linebacker, Ray Lewis. Ravens beat the Chargers 31-26.
Chargers quarterback, Philip Rivers, played a great game throwing for 436-yards and 2 touchdowns. But, in the 3rd quarter, Rivers threw a costly interception, which would lead to a Ravens touchdown. Darren Sproles also played a great game. Sproles gain 278 all purpose yards. And, wide-receiver Vincent Jackson, had a good game as well catching 6 passes for 141-yards. But, it was not enough because the Chargers were unable to score touchdowns.
For the Baltimore Ravens, they were to able to take advantage of Chargers miscues and penalties. The Ravens had no trouble scoring touchdowns. Raven QB, Joe Flacco threw for 190-yards and 2 touchdowns. One player the Chargers had problems with all day was Ray Lewis. And, when the Baltimore Ravens needed someone to make a play to stop the Chargers, it was Ray Lewis.
Even though Chargers had several players out due to injures, the Chargers were still in position to win. Some of the Chargers play calling were suspect. Towards the end of the first half, the Chargers had a third down with 10 seconds left on the clock, but coach Norv Turner decided to kick a field goal instead of trying to score a touchdown. And, with the game on the line, when the Chargers were trying to get a first down, they decided to run the ball. The Chargers had problems running the ball all game long. The decision of trying to get a first down on a running play was a bad call, especially when the Chargers had so much success passing the ball.
Tough lost for the Chargers. It was also a disappointing lost when you know you had a chance to win it, but didn‘t. Now, the San Diego Chargers have to go back and regroup and get ready to play Miami. The San Diego Chargers need to learn to take advantage when an opportunity present itself.
(Sources: ESPN)
Steve McNair will be missed
On July 4th, former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback, Steve McNair was killed as a result of a murder-suicide committed by his 20-year old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi. Police said that Sahel shot McNair four times before turning the gun on herself. Although Steve McNair was married, Sahel suspected that McNair was seeing another woman. Sahel also had increasing financial issues, which may have been added motivation for the shootings, but most likely remain unknown.
Steve McNair player 13 seasons in the NFL. McNair played 11 years for the Tennessee Titans and played the last two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2008. McNair shared the NFL MVP award with Peyton Manning in 2003. Steve McNair also lead the Tennessee Titans to their only Super Bowl appearance in 2000.
On Thursday, a memorial was held where McNair’s casket was on display at Mount Zion Baptist Church. Family, friends, former teammates and fans were all there to view McNair’s closed casket and to show their respects. Several former teammates spoke at the memorial, but Titans coach Jeff Fisher said it best, “…I’m going to miss you No. 9.”
Steve McNair will be surely missed. A funeral for Steve McNair will be held on Saturday in Mississippi. McNair leaves behind a wife and four children. Steve McNair was 36. Rest in Peace, Steve McNair.
(Sources: ESPN)
Will the Chargers Get Off to a Fast Start or Struggle from the Beginning?
The start of the 2009 season will be tough for the San Diego Chargers. During last two seasons, the Chargers have struggled to get off to a fast start. And, this year, it does not get any easier. The Chargers will begin their season at the Oakland Raiders and then come home to play the Baltimore Ravens and their tough defense.
In week 3, the Chargers will play against the Miami Dolphins. The Chargers lost to the Dolphins last season, so this will be a very hard test for the Chargers. And finally, before the bye week, the Chargers will go on the road to play against the Super Bowl defending champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers eliminated the Chargers from the playoffs last year. This could be an opportunity for the Chargers to get their revenge against the Pittsburgh Steelers or will the Steelers get another victory, we shall see.
But, for the San Diego Chargers, they need to get off to a good start. Even though, the Chargers were able to get into the playoffs last season, you do not want to rely on another team to struggle to make the playoffs. Hopefully for the Chargers, they will not struggle from the beginning, but stay tuned to find out.
Super Bowl is Set, Steelers vs. Cardinals
Coming into this year, other than the hardcore Cardinals fans, nobody thought that the Arizona Cardinals were going to be in the Super Bowl. However, once the Cardinals were in the playoffs, nobody was going to stop the Cardinals. In the first round, the Cardinals were able to control the running game of the Atlanta Falcons, which lead to the Cardinals victory. In Carolina, the Panthers turnovers gave the Cardinals all they needed to take control of that game. And, in the NFC Championship game, the Philadelphia Eagles had their chances, but the Eagles tough defense could not deny Kurt Warner and the Cardinals of their destiny. Now, the Arizona are on their way to the Super Bowl to face the AFC Champions, Pittsburgh Steelers.
After the Tennessee Titans lost to the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers gain home field advantage in the AFC. For the Steelers, they were able to take advantage of this opportunity. In the second round of the playoffs, the Steelers were able to control the clock and run the ball on the San Diego Chargers. The Steelers defense were able to stop the high-powered Chargers offense and moved on to the next round. In the AFC Championship game, the Steelers defense and Baltimore Ravens defense battle back and forth. But, in the end, Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco, made the big mistake and the Steelers were finally able to capitalize. Steelers cornerback, Troy Polamalu, interception the ball and returned it for a touchdown, which helped end the Ravens season. The Steelers were able to get on a roll and are rolling on to the Super Bowl to face the Arizona Cardinals. Game time starts in two week, let the countdown to Super Bowl XLIII begin.
Turnovers End Giants, Titans, and Panthers Season
Whether it was fumbles, interceptions or not converting on 4th down situations, this past weekend was bad timing for turnovers. For the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers, turning the ball over during the playoffs ended their dreams of being Super Bowl Champions. All these teams worked hard to gain a bye in the playoffs, but it did not matter as a result of the turnovers.
For the defending Super Bowl Champions New York Giants, even though Eli Manning did throw two interceptions in their lost to the Philadelphia Eagles that was not the major factor that doomed them. The Giants inability to get the 1st down when they tried to go for it on 4th down was very costly. The Eagles stop them a couple of times in the 4th quarter and would then capitalize by scoring a touchdown and then eventually winning the game.
As for the Tennessee Titans, they lost only 3 games all season, but the curial turnovers by the Titans would lead to Baltimore Raves 13-10 victory. Titians quarterback, Kerry Collins, had a costly fumble when the Titans were driving in the 2nd quarter. Later in the quarter, Kerry Collins threw an interception that could had lead to points for the Titans. Towards the end of the 2nd quarter, Titans running back, LenDale White, would also fumble the football, which gave the Titans no chance of getting any points in that quarter. The final turnover that was very costly for Titans was when Alge Crumple fumble the ball at the 5-yard line when the Titans looked like they were going to score. Without these turnovers, the Titans could have scored several times, but it was not meant to be.
Finally for the Carolina Panthers, coming into their game against the Arizona Cardinals, the main issue was if the Cardinals were going to able to handle the Panthers offense, but it was the Panthers that had the issues. The Panthers main issues was their turnovers, especially during crucial times in the game by Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme. Jake Delhomme threw five interceptions, which helped lead to the Cardinals victory. After falling behind, the Panthers tried to get back into this game, but interceptions stopped any chance of that happening and they would lose 33-13 to the Cardinals.
Now, as these teams looked back, they had a great season, but their mistakes in the playoffs will haunted them until next season. Tough break for Giants, Titans and Panthers to gain home field advantage and a first round bye and have it all end in one game. These teams should be back next year, hopefully for them, next time, it will be their opponents that make the mistakes.
Too Many Turnovers by Dolphins, Ravens Win
The main key to this game was whether or not the Miami Dolphins were going to be able to handle the Baltimore Ravens defense. The Dolphins played the Ravens earlier in the season and lost 27-13, so the Dolphins knew what they were in for. The Dolphins did have their chance to stay in this game, but it was the Dolphins turnovers that would doomed them. The Ravens were able to gain control of this game by converting those turnovers into points. The Baltimore Raven would win this game 27-9.
In the beginning of the game, the Dolphins recovered a fumble and drove the ball down the field. However, the Dolphins could not scored a touchdown and had to settle for a field goal. After the Ravens tied the game at 3-3, the Ravens intercepted the ball and cornerback Ed Reed, who returned the ball for a 64-yard touchdown. The Raven would take the lead into halftime 13-3. In the 2nd half, the Raven were able capitalized on the Dolphins turnovers. The Ravens took a 20-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter on a 8-yard touchdown run by Le’Ron McClain.
Early in the 4th quarter, the Dolphins scored a touchdown when Chad Pennington threw a 2-yard pass to Ronnie Brown to get back into this game. Later in the 4th quarter, however, Ray Lewis broke up a reverse play that the Dolphins tried to do, which would helped force the Dolphins to punt the ball after they could not get the 1st down. This missed reverse play probably ruined the chances for a Dolphins comeback. The Ravens were able to get the ball back and drove the ball down the field. Joe Flacco scored by running up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown. The Ravens were finally able to put the Dolphins away.
Now, the Baltimore Ravens will move on and play against the Tennessee Titans. For the Miami Dolphins, this was one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. Last year, the Dolphins were 1-15 and this year, they won the AFC East title. As for the Ravens, this was a great victory and are ready for the next round. The game between the Ravens and Titans will be another defensive struggle and we’ll see if turnovers play a big role in that game.