Oops, they did it again…After an explosive week one win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens fell short in their 24-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
This has become a familiar pattern for the Ravens as it is the third straight week two loss after a week one win.
It was an ugly game, full of turnovers, penalties, injuries and botched calls.
The first half wasn’t bad, the Ravens left for half-time with a 17-7 lead, the lead shrank to 17-14 at the start of the fourth quarter; they couldn’t hold it to it and lost in last minutes when Philly scored a touchdown to win the game.
While the replacement referees can be blamed for some of the botched calls, they can’t be blamed for the loss. The Ravens can only blame themselves for not converting and blowing several missed opportunities to win the game.
Quarterback Joe Flacco pointed the finger and blamed the refs saying they the refs were “affecting the integrity of the game.”
Flacco went from offensive stud, to dud, showing his all too familiar pattern of inconsistency from last season. He went 22 for 42 for 232 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He had a quarterback rating of 66.8.
By comparison, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick went 23 for 32 for 371 yards and one touchdown.
It was disappointing and frustrating for them not to use their best offensive weapon, running back Ray Rice.
CSN.BALTIMORE’s J. Michael spoke about Rice on SportsNet Central. According to Michael, the offense was predictable and the Eagles were ready for it. Rice had 16 carries for 99 yards and didn’t get carries late in the game.
Michael also said that head coach John Harbaugh said they had to pass more in the second half because of the way the Eagles were playing. The Ravens passed on first downs and third and long situations. They even passed in third and short situations.
The no-huddle offense fell flat, they need to rethink their game plan to make the offense more effective.
The defense had a tough time containing the Eagles; they gave up nearly 500 yards. Even with the Eagles four turnovers, the Ravens couldn’t pull off the win. They need to improve their pass rush.
On a positive note, 2012 top draft pick, linebacker Courtney Upshaw had his first NFL start. He played for Paul Kruger who was out with a back injury. Upshaw had six tackles including one tackle for a loss.
Rookie kicker Justin Tucker was perfect on all three field goals. He hit them from 56, 51 and 48 yards.
After an impressive performance in week one, it was hard to watch the Ravens fall apart. Thankfully it is still early, too soon to push the panic button. They have to put the loss behind them and focus on the next game.
The Ravens need to evaluate their mistakes and find ways to fix them. I hope this isn’t the start of another roller coaster season, I’m not sure I can handle the ride, but I have faith that the Ravens can.
The New England Patriots roll into town next week for a nationally televised Sunday night game. With the nation watching; it is time for the Ravens to shine again.
Zennie Abraham