Ray Rice told everyone that the Ravens have been to the playoffs only to fall short for the past three years. He said that something needed to change. That something, playing at home. On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-16 and clinched the AFC North division and a first round bye.
This is the Ravens first division title and first round since the 2006 season where they lost to the Indianapolis Colts 15-6 at home. Rice, who was very outspoken on trying to gain the home playoff game for the fans of Baltimore had another career day rushing for 191 yards with two touchdowns. He average eight yards per carry.
The bye week for the Ravens allows veterans such as Anquan Boldin and Ray Lewis to nurse their injuries. Lewis was very instrumental in this win with seven tackles. However, John Harbaugh believes that Terrell Suggs sealed the deal for his quest of defensive player of the year. Suggs finished the game with six tackles and one sack. Suggs finished the 2011 season with 64 tackles and 13 sacks.
