Two cautionary words for the Ravens.
Eagles.
Jets.
Yesterday, as Ravens fans were celebrating a spectacular win that kept Baltimore in charge of its own playoff destiny, two other teams that needed to win out to clinch their own playoff spots squandered the opportunities. And in both cases it was against teams that were out, or nearly out, of the running for the playoffs and should have been all that much more beatable.
The Eagles, who the Ravens actually helped with that victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night, failed to score a touchdown against the struggling Washington Redskins and were stopped a yard short of a game-tying touchdown. The Eagles now need to beat the Cowboys next week in Philadelphia and hope both Tampa Bay and Chicago loses. Good luck on that one since the Bucs play Oakland.
The Jets' loss was even more inexcusable, coming as it did against Seattle, which had nothing more to play for than the game was coach Mike Holmgren's home finale. Now New York needs a win against the Dolphins next week and a loss by either New England or -- and here's where I get back to the point, the Ravens.
Of course, Baltimore plays Jacksonville. The Jaguars have been out of the playoff hunt for weeks. But I do not expect the Ravens to emulate the sleep-walking Eagles or Jets. There are too many leaders on this team, especially on the defensive side. And the offensive side understands its identity and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has proven that he has faith in the running game to provide the muscle and in rookie quarterback Joe Flacco to make the third-down conversion when needed.
Dienstag, 23. Dezember 2008
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