These are not the traditional Ravens Baltimore is used to, which has made it hard to watch for some at times.
The offense is ninth in the league in scoring and total yards gained with 26.8 point-per-game and 385 yards-per-game.
As the great John Madden would say: “You have to score more points than the other team to win the game.”
That has been the Ravens’ formula for success all year and will have to be throughout the rest of the season. The one concern I have with this team moving forward has to be the amount of time the defense is spending on the field.
Yesterday, the Cowboys controlled the ball for virtually 40 minutes of the 60-minute game. The defense was out on the field for entirely too long and the offense wasn’t exactly aiding the woeful defense, gaining one total yard in the third quarter. At the same time, when the opposition’s fourth string running back is gaining substantial yardage on your defense, there should be cause for concern.
One might argue that the “sugar huddle” is boosting the Ravens offense and hurting the Ravens defense and I say bologna.
The Ravens’ offensive output has improved this year with this style of play, while also returning to their roots in huddling up and handing the ball to number 27. The Ravens’ offense has also showed inconsistency at times. I said once during our Weekend Warriors program that: “This offense is one of the more dominant passing attacks in the NFL.”
Call me crazy, but they can be, just not all the time.
This team has found a way to overcome adversity within themselves, unlike teams like the Cowboys. Henceforth why the Ravens are 5-1 and the Cowboys are 2-3.
Yes, Dan Bailey missed the game-winning field goal, but Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Dez Bryant, head coach Jason Garrett and the rest of the Cowboys gift-wrapped that win for the Ravens. Being lucky in some cases is what separates the good teams from those that play in $2 billion stadiums.
As far as Ray Lewis goes, I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen from number 52. It doesn’t look pretty, but I hope this isn’t how his career ends. He has shown his age this season, but a warrior and student of the game like him deserves to not only go out on top, but also with his health in tact.
The Ravens have already had to play inspired this season for the late Art Modell (former Ravens owner) and Tevin Jones (the deceased brother of Torrey Smith). Now, the Ravens will have to come together and win this one for the irreplaceable Ray Lewis.
Since it’s only a triceps injury, hopefully he can still do his dance. No pressure, Ray.
Follow me on Twitter @Jeff_Kryglik.
Also, if you don’t get pumped up at 1:38 of the link I provided, you probably don’t have a pulse.
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