Ravens go into the Dog Pound and Pound on those Nasty Browns

While the rain poured down in Cleveland, the Ravens (9-3) poured a heavy dose of Ray Rice all over the Browns (4-8) defense, as they defeated the Browns 24-10.

Ray Rice set a new career rushing record finishing with 204 yards. Rice finished the game with one touchdown off of 29 carries including a huge 67 yard run. In this game he averaged 7.0 yards per carry. The Ravens finished with a total of 290 yards rushing. Backup running back, Ricky Williams finished with his season high of 76 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 16 attempts.

With the ground game being so successful, the Ravens did not need much of an air attack. Unlike any other game, the Ravens had a total of 55 rushing attempts. Joe Flacco managed the game well. While he only threw for 158 yards without a touchdown, he also did not throw an interception.

Next week, the Ravens return to M&T Bank Stadium to face a Peyton Manning-less Indianapolis Colts (0-12). The Colts have been threatening many weeks of the season to win their first game, but they have been unable to do so. The Ravens have lost only three games this season, two to teams under .500. However, they will not be on the road this time, and the Ravens do not lose at home often. At the time of where the playoff race is heating in the AFC, this is a game that the Ravens need to go out and win in the first quarter. A lost here could be devestating as the teams they are tied with, Houston Texans and the New England Patriots are facing teams who are currently outside the playoff picture (Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Redskins respectively).

Ravens Secure a Bold Victory over the Cardinals

Former Arizona Cardinals wide-receiver, Anquan Boldin in his first matchup against his old team proved why he is still one of the more dominant receivers in the league. Boldin finished with seven receptions and 145 yards as the Ravens defeat the Cardinals 30-27.

Coming into the 2011 season, coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco, both in their fourth year with the team, had never lost a game in which they should have won. Many argued that the Titans was the first game that fell into this category.  Upon further review and seeing that the Titans are serious contenders for the AFC South, many realized they were too quick to judge. But then the Ravens faced the Jacksonville Jaguars who came in the game 1-5. This should have been an easy win. However, it was the Ravens that made them look like a Super Bowl team. The Ravens would be held scoreless until the final three minutes of the game. 

Sundays matchup against the Cardinals seemed to be deja vu. Joe Flacco could not find any rhythm and the Ravens looked to be facing another disaster. At halftime, the Ravens found themselves trailing 24-6 against another 1-5 team. Flacco knew he had to get it together. 

Into the second half, the Ravens began to fly high. With Boldin playing in his first game against his former team, he did not want to be outdone by his former side kick, Larry Fitzgerald. Although he did not score, Flacco was able to find Boldin on a few huge plays that led to Ray Rice having a career high of three touchdowns. 

From day one of this franchise, the kicker has been a prominent position on this team. That would not be different today. With the game tied at 27 in the fourth, it would be Billy Cundiff with the game winning field goal as time expired. 

Next Week the Ravens face the hated Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens demolished the Steelers in week one, and since the Steelers have been playing great football including a huge win over the New England Patriots. If the Ravens are going to sweep the Steelers this year, they must play like they did in week one, and everyone must be in sync.