4th and Long

Road to the Super Bowl

A Ravens Story

By Ryan Frisco



The Baltimore Ravens ended last season too early.  Ray Lewis’ season ended too early.  Joe Flacco’s season ended too early.  They were the AFC’s first loser, in a game they should have won.  This year, the tables turned; big time.

Photo Cred www.bleacherreport.com

With 2011’s AFC Championship loss fresh in their minds, John Harbaugh’s Ravens team came out in 2012 with a vengeance.  This much was obvious based off of the season opener Monday night against Division rival Cincinnati Bengals, where Baltimore went on a hometown romping, 44-13.  That win was over a talented Bengal team that finished second in the AFC North and made playoffs as the second wild card.  Not too shabby.

After a great start to their redemption season, Baltimore fell embarrassingly to the Philadelphia Eagles.  The same Philly team that finished the year 4-12.  In Baltimore’s defense, the team they faced week two was not the same team we saw the rest of the season, but still shameful and sloppy.  Things were about to pick up though.

The NFL brought in one of the year’s headline games early this year, with a rematch of last years AFC Championship in week three.  In their second Prime Time game in the first three contests, Baltimore inched by the Patriots 31-30 with a last second boot off the foot of rookie Justin Tucker, who was key to Baltimore’s success.  Record: 2-1.

Photo Cred www.blackchristiannews.com

That win sparked a run for the Ravens, who would win their next three games, all by only one score.  They won a tough game against the rival Cleveland Browns in week four.  They squeaked by the Kansas City Chiefs in week five in a barn burner, 9-6.  Week six against the Dallas Cowboys looked to be in the bag, but Tony Romo did what he somehow does best, lead a comeback.  Dallas scored a touchdown down by eight with four minutes left in the game, but Baltimore stopped the two point conversion and held on to win 31-29.  Record: 5-1

Week seven was the most forgettable week of the year for Baltimore, as they fell to the Houston Texans 43-13.  They looked horrible.  They couldn’t run, they couldn’t pass, they couldn’t defend…most of their points and yardage was during garbage time.  At this point, many were wondering how viable a threat the Ravens were.  This was a good time for the Bye week.

And, from what we saw the next four weeks, the bye came just in time.  Baltimore went on a four game winning streak.  First was a 10 point victory over Cleveland for the season sweep over them.  Next was one of the greatest blowouts of the year, as they steamrolled the Oakland Raiders 55-20.  The next two wins were each by three points over two very capable teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers.  Record: 9-2.

At this point, the Ravens held a commanding upper hand in the AFC North.  It seemed only a colossal collapse would see the Ravens losing the division…and it almost happened.

Photo Cred www.profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Over the next five games, Baltimore lost four of them.  The first was to Pittsburgh in an offense-less competition.  The second of these losses came in an embarrassing way to the Washington Redskins.  The Ravens had the game locked up and somehow blew it, losing in the end by three after a massive comeback.  They then lost to the AFC best Denver Broncos, and the last game (which didn’t matter) to Cincinnati.  In that span they beat the New York Giants, who were in the middle of their collapse. 

Baltimore won their division, but only because the division fell around them.  Pittsburgh lost their Quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and their defensive leader, Troy Polomalu, and couldn’t keep up.  The Bengals are good, but not good enough to contend for the division just yet.  Baltimore lucked out in making the playoffs, but what happened next is no joke.

Wild Card Playoff: Indianapolis Colts.  In the first game all season that saw Baltimore’s big four playing together on defense, Indy’s Luck ran out (gotta love that pun!).  Unable to get anything at all going on the ground or through the air, Ray Lewis and his Ravens defense cruised to an easy 24-9 victory.  On to Denver!

Divisional Round Playoff: Denver Broncos.  Something special was in the air during this game.  It’s not everyday that Champ Bailey gets burned twice for touchdowns in one game.  It’s not common place for Denver’s stellar defense to let up 38 points.  And it’s unheard of for a safety to let up a 70 yard touchdown to tie the game with 30 seconds left in a game.  I still have no idea how it happened, but Baltimore pulled off the Mile High Miracle.



Photo Cred www.bangordailynews.com



AFC Championship: New England Patriots: You can see the review of last week’s game in an earlier article.  But, to put it plainly, Baltimore handled Tom Brady and the Patriot’s offense.  In the rematch of last year’s Championship game, Baltimore completed their turning of the tables revenge.  Onward and Upward from here!



So now what?  How do the Ravens stop the streaking 49ers?

1. Stop the RUN GAME!!! – The San Francisco offense is built around the run.  Frank Gore.  LaMichael James. Anthony Dixon.  Oh, and let’s not forget Colin Kaepernick.  This newly restored Baltimore defense has stymied the run so far in the playoffs.  They cannot afford to stop now.

2. Contain Vernon Davis – We saw last week how deadly Vernon Davis can be, when he’s playing for the team an not himself.  He is the fastest man on the 49ers offense, and he plays Tight End.  Ray Lewis needs to cover him in the middle, and the Safeties need to keep an eye out in the secondary.  Do not let #85 behind you!

Photo Cred www.thenosebleeds.com

3. Attack the 49ers Secondary – Getting anything going on the ground is near impossible against San Fran.  I think they let up only one rushing touchdowns last year, and maybe four this season.  The weakest part of this D (and it’s not really weak) is the defensive backs.  Flacco needs to get that ball 20+ yards down the field (and this time, Caleb, wind will not get in the way).  Split Ray Rice out wide and let him get in the passing game (this is a must!).  I’d also add in a little trickery as well, say, let Ray Rice make a pass or two…

An interesting tidbit I'd like to add: Three years ago, the Eagles home opener was against the New Orleans Saints, who won the Super Bowl.  Two years ago, the Eagles home opener was against the Green Bay Packers, who won the Super Bowl. Last year, the Eagles home opener was against the New York Giants, who won the Super Bowl.  This season, the Eagles home opener was against the Baltimore Ravens, who...

Bring on the Souper Bowl!