With a 20-10 win over the Browns in Cleveland, the Baltimore Ravens secured their place in the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive season.

The Good:

1) Liked the early pick from Webb. He watched McCoy the entire way, and made a  better play on the ball than the Cleveland WR.

2) As Dan Fouts pointed out, it is hard to believe anyone runs better routes in the NFL than Derrick Mason. Another thing I like about Mason, is that Flacco does not have to make a perfect throw for him to come up with the reception. If he retires after this season, it will be a significant blow to the Ravens offense.

3) After the Browns initial touchdown, the Ravens answered with an 8 minute 22 second 80 yard drive that resulted in a FG. Even without punching the ball into the endzone, the Ravens reestablished control with the long possession.

4) Chris Carr came back from being burned on the TD, to rip away the ball from Massaquoi and regain possession for Baltimore.

5) Houshmandzadeh cashed in the excellent field possession with his 15 yard TD grab over the middle.

6) The Ravens defense was running to the ball, and gang tackling against Peyton Hillis. Hillis was limited to 35 yards on 12 carries and was never a factor.

7) Baltimore made Cleveland pay for their on-side attempt to start the 2nd half.

8) Jarrett Johnson’s play has gone up in recent weeks. There were reports earlier in the year that he was dealing with injuries. The last couple of games he looks refreshed, with additional burst.

9) Fantastic hit by Cary Williams on Special Teams.

10) Nice pass defense from Josh Wilson.

11) Rice, McGahee, and McClain combined for 33 rushing attempts.

12) I thought McCoy had a decent game overall, he got rid of the ball quickly and was decisive. Reed’s experience and knowledge helped bait the rookie into 2 of his 3 picks.

The Bad:

1) The Ravens had trouble with the Browns trick plays today. Obviously there was the TD, but Cleveland was also able to convert several first downs as well.

2) Landry does himself a disservice trying to knock people out, instead of wrapping-up and just making the tackle. If Zbikowski was available, I think Landry’s playing time would be limited. (Yes, I know Zbikowski is a FS). Maybe Nakamura will also get another look?

3) Boldin had 5 catches for 118 yards and a TD against Pittsburgh on December 5th. In the four November games, and the other two December games (including today) Boldin has had 16 catches for 151 yards and 1 TD. His presence on the field helps the offense overall, but there are too many games where his play itself is a non-factor.

4) Reed’s pitch-back on the interception could have ended poorly. How many times does this have to happen?

5) Maybe the worst outcomes from today were the injuries to the Long-snapper Morgan Cox, and ILB Tavares Gooden.

The Ugly:

1) I didn’t like the Ravens decision to cut Demetrius Williams. With Stallworth’s injury at the time, I thought Williams represented the best chance to provide a stretch the field receiver on the roster. Williams was out there running poor routes for the Browns today, and still has zero receptions in this 2010 season. Another example of the Ravens being right, and me being wrong.

Up-Next:

The 11-4 Ravens return to Baltimore to face the Cincinnati Bengals to complete the regular season.

The Ravens are now secure as no worse than the 5th seed overall in the AFC Playoffs. If the Ravens beat the Bengals, and the Steelers lose in Cleveland; than Baltimore would be the 2nd seed. If Oakland beats Kansas City, the Colts would wind-up as the 3rd seed, and the Ravens would face the Chiefs.

The more likely outcome of course is that Pittsburgh, and KC take care of business, and the Ravens face a scenario of needing to win @Indianapolis, @New England, and @Pittsburgh to reach Dallas.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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