Ravens Lose To Bengals, Can Focus On Post Season

It’s a wrap on the Baltimore Ravens 2012 regular season. They finished with a 10-6 record and were crowned AFC North champions. It was a good season despite their banged up defense and inconsistent offense  who somehow managed to set a franchise record for the most points scored in a season (398).

They ended the regular season with a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in a virtually meaningless game for both teams. The Ravens had already clinched the AFC North and the Bengals locked up the No. 6 seed playoff spot. The Ravens had a small chance of moving up to the No. 3 seed IF they won AND the New England Patriots lost.

Despite the Ravens playing to win, the game had a preseason feel since head coach John Harbaugh rested many of his starters including linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Tandon Doss, guard Marshall Yanda and safety Bernard Pollard.

Coach Harbaugh also rested quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice after the second offensive series.

He also pulled center Matt Birk, safety Ed Reed and left tackle Michael Oher, though Oher returned later after another tackle was injured.

Backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor went 15 for 25 for 149 yards. While he did not throw any touchdown passes, he ran one in at the 1 yard line.

Rookie running back Bernard Pierce had 22 carries for 89 yards, no touchdowns.

The Ravens had an injury scare when two players were injured during the game. Fullback Vonta Leach left the game with an undisclosed injury and rookie right tackle Kelechi Osemele suffered a leg injury. Later coach Harbaugh said that the injuries weren’t serious.

It was the first time all season I watched the Ravens play without having a heart attack. I enjoyed watching a game without any pressure to win. I’m glad that coach Harbaugh gave his banged up players a rest and that Tyrod Taylor got to see some playing time.

Now it is time to prepare for the wild-card game next weekend when the Ravens will face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, January 6 at 1pm.