Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens Week 11 Preview

November 22nd, 2009 7:10 am
by Big Dog

Indianapolis have really made an impact in the league this year with their thus-far undefeated run into the season. Admittedly in the last few weeks they have had huge helpings of luck that let them get across the line, but I’m sure that many a fan is willing to argue that a truly great team makes their own luck.

The Ravens still have a legendary defensive unit and have been working to shore up their on-field dominance. At the same time, investment is going into the offensive side of the game and if Baltimore can take advantage of the Colts’ poor run defense then they’re in with a shot.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have caused a bit of a stir having managed to make it this far through the season without a loss. The truth is that while their winning record is very impressive, this isn’t a team of the same calibre as the New England Patriots when they had their unbeaten regular season. On that basis alone, the odds should be stacked against the Colts – but football likes teams and players that can defy the odds.

Which is why I’m basing my view of this game on a few other factors, such as the Colts’ performance in their last few games. Let’s face it, Indianapolis has been lucky, really lucky to make it this far without losing. Last week’s comeback against the Patriots wasn’t a story of pure grit and determination – it was the story of Belichick making a poor judgement call (easy to say in hindsight) and paying for it. In any case, if that were an isolated incident I’d be willing to ignore it, but the Colts have looked shaky recently and they’re due.

If they want to succeed then they need to give Ray Lewis a concussion, shut down the Ravens’ running game and continue their unprecedented lucky streak. In other words, it’s a tall order by anyone’s standards.

Baltimore Ravens

Ok – the Ravens aren’t what they once were, but they’re still a powerful defensive team with a system that works and a tactical military defensive genius in Ray Lewis. Basically they could still make your offense suffer if their entire defense were on crutches. Manning and the Colts have been undeniably good this season but all the Ravens have to do is disrupt them and disruption is something the Ravens do instinctively.

Offensively all the Ravens need to do is run the ball. The Colts still haven’t got to the part of “Football for Dummies” where it tells you that you’re allowed to tackle a running back for a loss, and they’ve proven it with yet another tragic season of running yards allowed.

Prediction

It won’t be pretty and it won’t be particularly easy, but the Ravens will bring the Colts’ streak to an end with solid defense and simple running. Ravens win 27 – 21

Posted in Analysis, Baltimore Ravens, Bill Belichick, Game, Indianapolis Colts, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, New England Patriots, Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis | No Comments »

Vale Steve McNair 1973 – 2009

July 5th, 2009 10:24 pm
by Pro Set

Steve McNair died over the weekend past from four gunshot wounds. Sympathy and prayers are extended to all who were close to the great quarterback. He was a truly great football player.

The details of McNair’s career are well known. I want to focus on two matches that defined his greatest attributes: outstanding individual ability and leadership in the toughest circumstances.

Tennessee Oilers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1998 season Week 10)

This was the first time that I saw McNair in prime time. Jeff Fisher still looked so young. The Bucs had made it to the NFC Divisional Playoff Round in 1997 and already had a reputation as a strong defense. McNair was electric. What struck me most was his decisiveness. He would make a read, and either throw or run.  After the first quarter he continually hit pass rush gaps and evaded open field defenders. Ultimately he won the game on a 71 yd touchdown run into the north endzone. The first instinct to break up the middle differentiated McNair from Steve Young and John Elway. Those 90s legends would scramble out of the pocket, keeping the pass alive, but never threatened to cause continuous carnage as a runner.

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans (2000 season AFC Divisional Playoff)

By the 2000 season McNair was a national star. His final play Super Bowl slant pass to WR Kevin Dyson was one of the most famous failed plays in NFL history. The Titans were AFC Central Champions and #1 seed. The Ravens were the most fearsome defensive unit, in my opinion, that the game has ever seen. RB Eddie George had been crushed by an early LB Ray Lewis tackle only weeks earlier. McNair’s eyes as he fought for his team are my abiding memory. His courage was exemplary but unrewarded. With the score tied 10-10 in the fourth quarter, K Al Del Greco had a 37 yd FG blocked and returned for a Ravens TD. Then George dropped a pass into the hands of Ray Lewis for an INT TD. McNair deserved better from his teammates that day. To illustrate what he faced, one week later Raiders QB Rich Gannon was embedded in the ground by Ravens DT Tony Siragusa.

As tributes well deserved continue to pour in, our thoughts are with McNair’s loved ones and also with the family of Sahel Kazemi in their time of grief. The loss that we as football fans have suffered pales in comparison. We will always remember McNair as one of the greatest, but we hope that his children will have enduring memories of a loving father.

Posted in Baltimore Ravens, Jeff Fisher, NFL, NFL on television, Oakland Raiders, Ray Lewis, Steve McNair, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans | No Comments »