Baltimore: 24: Atlanta: 10
RAVENS WAKE UP IN SECOND HALF TO DOMINATE FALCONS
After coming out sluggish in the first half and squandering their few opportunities, the Ravens rediscovered their emotions and sense of urgency to win the Battle of the Birds. B. J. Sams ignited the rally with 3 spectacular returns (212 total combined return yards) to give the offense excellent field position. Jamal Lewis proved this pundit wrong again by displaying his former leg-churning prowess and ability to make some quick cuts to hit pay dirt three times — tying his career high. McNair was not the story in this game as the Ravens showed they have a well-balanced team even without Ray Lewis on the field.
Up by only 7 points late in the fourth quarter, the Ravens engineered a dominating drive that featured great work by the offensive line and solid running by Jamal Lewis. They ate the time off the clock and re-established their identity as a smash-mouth running team. This reputation should help open things up for the rest of their offense in the games to come. Having opened up a huge lead over their division rivals, the Ravens will need to maintain their passion as they compete for that
playoff bye.
OBSERVATIONS:
- Samari Rolle still was victimized several times. He needs a confidence boost.
- The defensive line showed their quickness and speed in sacking Vick several times for large losses.
- The blocking on the special teams squad was outstanding. It will be embarrassing for the Falcons to watch this tape.
- McNair seemed out of synch in the first half — even on passes he was able to complete, he did not put the ball exactly where he wanted. The fumble at the end of the first half could have been a big story.
- It was a good game for Stover to muff a field goal — Mr. Reliable will be there when we need him.
- The offensive line is improving each game — although their procedure penalties in the first half must have driven Billick wild at half time. The Falcons were fielding a patched-up defensive squad … but this is the NFL and everyone should be able to play. Those holes in the red zone were unbelievable . . . and Jamal made the most of them.
- Clayton continues to have a breakout season. Let’s keep stretching those hammies and make sure he stays healthy.
- Give Billick all the credit in the world for connecting with his players and regaining the chemistry that had eluded us in recent years.
- 8-2 — How sweet it is!
Related posts:
