Ravens Game Notes (10/26/08)

WEEK 8 - BALTIMORE RAVENS (3-3) VS. OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-4)

The Baltimore Ravens (3-3) return home to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Oakland Raiders (2-4), in a battle of two reputably physical teams.

The Ravens, sometimes referred to as "the Raiders of the East," share more than toughness with their West Coast counterparts -- both teams' defensive coordinators are sons of defensive coaching legend, Buddy Ryan.

Baltimore's Ryan (Rex) is the architect of the NFL's 2nd-ranked defense, and is known for exotic blitzing schemes that have helped the Ravens rank in the top 10 in defense since taking the reins from Mike Nolan in 2005. Meanwhile, Oakland's Ryan (Rob) has found less success than his twin, having fielded a top 10 defense only once in his Raiders tenure (2005).

The last time this sibling rivalry unfolded on an NFL stage was a 28-6 Baltimore blowout of Oakland in Week 2 of the 2006 season.

The Ravens are looking to build upon their dominant performance in last week's 27-13 road victory over the Miami Dolphins, in the last home game they play for nearly a month. Conversely, the Raiders seek a road victory to prove that their 16-13 overtime win over the New York Jets was not a fluke.

MATCH-UPS

Ravens offense vs. Raiders defense: Ravens QB Joe Flacco has played mostly well in spite of the 25th-place ranking of Baltimore's passing offense. The continued development of the Delaware product is reflected in his completion ratings in each game, reaching a career-high of 73.9% in last week's road win over Miami. In that contest, Flacco tallied his second career passing TD on his way to a career-high 120.2 passer rating, after rebounding from three early sacks by the Dolphins and a near-interception in the endzone.

Against the Raiders' 22nd-ranked pass defense, Flacco will have opportunities to make plays, but will still be called upon to take care of the ball rather than take shots downfield. To balance this, Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will again utilize the three-headed monster of Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain, and Ray Rice on the ground, ranked 7th in the league. McGahee had his breakout game against Miami with his first 100-yard rushing effort (roughly 150 yards from scrimmage total), and could have another great performance against a Raiders rushing defense that ranks 24th in the league.

The Raiders defense will need to pressure Flacco early and often, but need to be wary of his strong arm. The Ravens offensive line is still in flux, but has largely done a good job of protecting the QB and opening holes for the running backs. If Flacco can get enough protection to make reads, he will exploit weaknesses in the defensive secondary that Rob Ryan has had difficulty shoring up in recent weeks. Though he is no Brett Favre, Flacco could have a career day at home if Ryan's scheme cannot contain him.

Raiders offense vs. Ravens defense: The Raiders' 23rd-ranked offense has been wholly inconsistent this season, largely due to their 27th-ranked passing offense. Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell has yet to prove his worth as the 1st-overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, and Oakland's receivers have been particularly invisible.

The Ravens' top-ranked rushing defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher for 25 consecutive games (the longest active streak in the NFL). However, the streak will be tested by Oakland's own three-headed monster in rookie phenom Darren McFadden, veteran Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush. The Raiders' 5th-ranked rushing offense has surprised many in the league, and Baltimore will have to be careful not to be too aggressive in trying to contain it.

Special teams: Oakland has an explosive young returner in Johnnie Lee Higgins that will prove to be a challenge for a Ravens coverage unit that has been inconsistent with speedier returners this season. Last week, the Ravens were able to shut down Miami's Ted Ginn, Jr., but not before giving up big yardage early. Baltimore will need to clamp down fast, or risk giving up a return for a TD that could be the deciding factor in the game.

Veteran kicker Matt Stover has finally rebounded from his slump, but will need another big day to prove that he has shaken the cobwebs from earlier this season. His Oakland counterpart, Sebastian Janikowski, was the heor in last week's win over the Jets, and will likely be prepared to do the same this week if the Ravens cannot capitalize on every opportunity. Punter Sam Koch had a career day last week, pinning the majority of his kicks within the 20-yard line, even when nearly blocked. Koch, however, will need to help the Ravens win the field position battle again if Baltimore expects to take pressure off their rookie QB.

RAVENS INJURY REPORT

Out:
Dawan Landry (SS) - Neck
Samari Rolle (CB) - Shoulder
Adam Terry (OT) - Knee

Doubtful:
Yamon Figurs (WR/KR) - Knee

Questionable:
Mark Clayton (WR) - Thigh
Derrick Mason (WR) - Illness
Chris McAlister (CB) - Knee
Ed Reed (FS) - Thigh
Demetrius Williams (WR) - Ankle

Probable:
Jared Gaither (OT) - Neck
Derrick Martin (CB) - Shoulder
Willis McGahee (RB) - Knee
Fabian Washington (CB) - Neck

Injured Reserve:
Kyle Boller (QB)
Prescott Burgess (LB)
P.J. Daniels (RB)
Dwan Edwards (DL)
Tavares Gooden (LB)
Kelly Gregg (DT)
Scott Kuhn (TE)
Quinn Sypniewski (TE)
Kelly Talavou (DT)
Marshal Yanda (OL)

UPCOMING RAVENS GAMES

The Ravens head back on the road for their return match against the Cleveland Browns, kicking off a string of three consecutive road games. This series is marked by the rescheduled road game from Week 2 against the Texans, followed by a tough match-up against the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. The Ravens then return home to face the Philadelphia Eagles, before heading back on the road for another AFC North match-up with the Cincinnati Bengals.

In this upcoming stretch, the Ravens play four of their next five games on the road, and will not play another home game for nearly a month. Of these next five, two are against tough NFC East teams, while another two are against divisional opponents.

Ravens Game Review (Week 7 - 10/19/08)

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Miami Dolphins to end their seven-game road losing streak, with a final tally of 27-13. The victory also marked the end of the Ravens' three-game losing streak, putting them firmly in second place in the AFC North behind the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rookie QB Joe Flacco had a masterful day, completing 17-of-23 passes for 232 yards and 1 TD with no INTs, to amass a career-high QB rating of 120.2. Veteran WR Derrick Mason reeled in Flacco's second career passing TD on an 11-yard strike that followed a near-interception on the previous play.

RB Willis McGahee celebrated his 27th birthday early by carrying the Ravens to victory on the strength of his 19 carries for 105 yards and a TD. McGahee also had 2 catches for 47 yards (the longest, a 35-yarder that ended with a goal-line fumble), raising his total output to 152 total yards from scrimmage.

The Ravens defense did its part to give the offense ample opportunities to score, shutting down the Dolphins' vaunted Wildcat formation all day; Miami's gadgetry only amassed 5 net yards on 6 attempts, and the ground attack was limited to 70 yards with no TDs.

Dolphins QB Chad Pennington had a statistically-efficient day, completing 24-of-35 passes for 295 yards and a TD, but had difficulty converting on third down passes. In addition, Pennington's early interception returned 44 yards for a TD by hybrid LB/DE Terrell Suggs set the tone for the offensive woes that Miami would face all day.

Even with a battered secondary, the Ravens were able to make the most of their personnel and shut down the Dolphins offense by simple penetration. Miami's offense line struggled in pass protection, allowing Baltimore to pressure the QB on every play. The Dolphins' run blocking was scarcely better, but not enough to yield a TD.

Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's return to Miami was an emotional one, as evident by his willingness to open up the playbook and exploit every defensive weakness of the Dolphins. Flacco's play was conservative but effective, and the ground attack was smashmouth football at its best, never giving Miami's defense a chance to rest.

In a game that the Ravens needed to win to keep pace in the AFC North, Baltimore came through and lived up to Terrell Suggs' proclamation that "this [was] a make-or-break game."

With a .500 record, the 3-3 Ravens return home for a Week 8 contest with the 2-4 Oakland Raiders before heading back on the road for a divisional match-up with the Cleveland Browns, beginning another tough stretch of four road games in five weeks.

Ravens Game Notes (10/19/08)

WEEK 7 - BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-3)

The Baltimore Ravens (2-3) travel to Miami to face the fledgling Dolphins (2-3), in a showdown of the league's top-ranked defense and the NFL's most electrifying offense.

This game is a rematch of last season, where the Dolphins bested the Ravens in overtime to pick up their first (and only) victory of the year, preventing the first 0-16 season in NFL history.

The Ravens, coming off a complete team loss against the Indianapolis Colts, need to rebound this week to keep pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins need a victory to stay within a crowded AFC East that has been blown wide open with the season-ending injury to Patriots QB Tom Brady.

MATCH-UPS

Ravens offense vs. Dolphins defense: The Ravens' 29th-ranked aerial attack gets a respite of sorts, after having faced four passing defenses this season currently ranked in the top ten (Cleveland's defense is 11th). The Dolphins are 29th in the league against the pass, which creates an even match-up on paper. The development of QB Joe Flacco has been shaky in recent weeks, making his play the biggest factor for the Ravens offense. However, he should be more comfortable making reads against a Miami secondary that has been susceptible to big plays; the Dolphins have allowed 20 completions of 20+ yards and 5 completions of 40+ yards (both second in the league).

As for the Ravens' 7th-ranked ground attack, the Miami Dolphins boast an 8th-ranked rushing defense that is far more aggressive than the Indianapolis Colts' -- which does not bode well for Willis McGahee & co., after last week's dismal performance in Lucas Oil Stadium. Part-time tailback, natural FB Le'Ron "L-Train" McClain will need to wear down the Dolphins' stout defensive line to take the sting off of the hits McGahee will take today. Rookie RB Ray Rice may not get as many carries for the rest of this season until he improves his ball-handling skills, as his size and inexperience has made him susceptible to fumbling.

Ravens offensive coordinator (and former Dolphins head coach) Cam Cameron is expected to open up the playbook for Joe Flacco, and the results will be either hit or miss. Cameron may have downplayed the revenge aspect of this game, but there is no doubt that he would take pleasure in defeating his former team. Cameron knows the personnel on this Dolphins defense, despite the massive roster turnover under new head coach Tony Sparano, and he will exploit every mistake his old players make.

Dolphins offense vs. Ravens defense: The Miami Dolphins' 10th-ranked offense has enjoyed much success since the debut of their modified Wildcat formation. However, this 'Cat might be tamed by a Ravens defense that is ranked 1st in the league in defending both the run and the pass. Ronnie Brown has made his case to be the most dominant RB in the NFL this season, and Ricky Williams is experiencing a career resurgence. Chad Pennington has played the most efficient football of his career, and the Dolphins are reaping the benefits.

Baltimore's defense, though statistically-dominant, has been vulnerable to big plays in the second half. In close losses to the Steelers and Titans, the Ravens allowed late scoring drives in consecutive weeks, resulting from lapses in discipline and focus. This week, the Ravens may need to play more conservative than usual, as the Wildcat formation of the Dolphins takes advantage of breakdowns in the secondary. Without the services of SS Dawan Landry, CB Samari Rolle, and DT Kelly Gregg, the Ravens defense cannot afford to take too many risks.

Special teams: The Ravens will be without returner Yamon Figurs this week, who has been inconsistent in recent weeks. Jim Leonhard will take over return duties, in addition to filling Dawan Landry's spot at strong safety. Veteran kicker Matt Stover has been shaky thus far, but will need a big day to prove that he can still help this Ravens squad. Punter Sam Koch will be called upon to help the Ravens win the crucial field position battle, should the offense struggle again.

RAVENS INJURY REPORT

Out:
Yamon Figurs (WR/KR) - Knee
Dawan Landry (SS) - Neck
Samari Rolle (CB) - Shoulder
Adam Terry (OT) - Knee

Questionable:
Ed Reed (FS) - Hamstring (expected to play)
Demetrius Williams (WR) - Ankle (expected to play)

Probable:
Lamar Divens (DT) - Illness
Jared Gaither (OT) - Neck
Fabian Washington (CB) - Shoulder (expected to play)
Tom Zbikowski (S) - Shoulder

Injured Reserve:
Kyle Boller (QB)
Prescott Burgess (LB)
P.J. Daniels (RB)
Dwan Edwards (DL)
Tavares Gooden (LB)
Kelly Gregg (DT)
Scott Kuhn (TE)
Quinn Sypniewski (TE)
Kelly Talavou (DT)
Marshal Yanda (OL)

UPCOMING RAVENS GAMES

The Ravens return home to face a struggling Oakland Raiders squad, before heading back on the road for three consecutive games against the Browns, Texans, and defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.

2008 Blue Hens No Longer Fightin'

After dropping three consecutive games against winnable opponents, the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens simply have no fight left.

Starting the season with a 2-2 record, Delaware was considered a favorite in the CAA to clinch a second consecutive playoff berth. Last season's squad posted an 8-3 regular season record on the strength of eventual first round NFL draft pick, QB Joe Flacco, and record-setting FCS RB Omar Cuff. With a loss in the FCS National Championship game, head coach K.C. Keeler was expected to field a Blue Hens team, on paper, capable of going over the championship hump.

However, games are not decided on paper, and championships are not won in writing.

NO JOE FLACCO

With Ohio State transfer Robby Schoenhoft under center, the only resemblance this team has to a Joe Flacco-led squad this season is the number of wins that both quarterbacks' teams currently have (two). The big difference? Flacco's Baltimore Ravens are still realistically in playoff contention, while Schoenhoft's Blue Hens are all but eliminated from the postseason picture.

LOSSES ON TOP OF LOSSES

A 2-5 mark with five remaining games is not the only issue the Blue Hens have to contend with. This week, backup freshman QB Lou Ritacco was lost for the season after sustaining an eye injury that may require surgery. In the same week, LB Walter Blair and S Anthony Walters were each handed one-game suspensions after an off-campus incident involving police. Additionally, one of the team's captains, WR Kervin Michaud, was lost for the year and his college career after sustaining a broken collarbone earlier in the season; this injury followed the season-ending injury to S Anthony Bratton the week prior.

After dropping three straight games and losing so many players to injury and suspensions, could things have gotten any worse? Absolutely; following the 27-3 Homecoming loss to William & Mary, Delaware will be without the services of starting QB Robby Schoenhoft after sustaining a mild concussion in the closing minutes of the game. Third-string QB Sean Hakes, a transfer from Akron, will get his first start on the road against Hofstra.

WHAT NEXT?

After this Saturday's road meeting against Hofstra, the season does not get any easier for the Blue Hens. Delaware travels to James Madison the following week, before receiving a brief respite at home against Towson. However, the bleeding does not stop, as a road game against Richmond precedes the annual Battle of the Blue game against Villanova.

With an outlook this bleak, the powers that be, may be regretting K.C. Keeler's 10-year contract extension awarded before the start of this season.