4th and Long

AFC Championship Preview

By Ryan Frisco

Sunday's matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots is a rivalry.  No, the two teams aren't in the same division.  This rivalry doesn't even go back to the glory days when football was football and players could actually make a hit on someone.  The Ravens only go back to 1996.  The tension between these two teams is high though.

Photo Cred www.foxnyc.com

In the last ten years, Baltimore has made the playoffs seven times.  New England has made it nine times, only missing in 2008.  These are two of the perennial powerhouses in the AFC.  Last season, these two met in this very game for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl.  Baltimore fell short in a sloppy game that saw turnover after turnover and a missed field goal that would have sent the game to overtime.  This time, I have a feeling the outcome will be different.

The Ravens have something big to play for this year.  Actually, they have a lot to play for.  The obvious one is Ray Lewis.  The storied legend, mired by conflict through most of his career, has announced his retirement at the end of the season.  This man is arguably the best and most dominating to ever play the Linebacker position, and has been the face of the franchise since its existence.  Coming back from injury early to make one final playoff run, the team has been inspired by his fire and rallied around him in these playoffs.

Photo Cred www.boston.cbslocal.com

The other thing fueling them is the embarrassment of last season's AFC Championship game.  Baltimore played poorly in that game.  New England gave them every chance to win and they let it slip through their hands.  They avenged that loss with a thrilling, controversial victory over the Patriots in week 3 of this season.  But they are most definitely hungry for the big one, that one that means everything, that will send them and Ray Lewis back to the big game.

New England, on the other hand, is just as hungry.  We've all heard it the past couple of weeks; Tom Brady and the Pats haven't won a Super Bowl since 2004 (which, I might add, the Philadelphia Eagles totally handed them on a silver platter).  This is a big year for them.  They've been called a dynasty, but have fallen short for seven years in a row.  This whole team is feeling the pressure to win, and they must win the big one this year to save any shred of dynasty status they still have left.

And to piggy back off of what I mentioned earlier about the Ravens beating the Patriots this season, by a final score of 31-30.  If you don't recall well, this game was played when the replacement refs were still in place.  Rookie Justin Tucker kicked the game winning field goal as time expired, but some feel that the kick actually was no good.  But it was above the uprights so it was not conclusive that it missed.  There's the controversy.  New England feels they should have had that game, and have been waiting for a chance to right the wrong all season long.  Now they've got their shot.

Photo Cred www.espn.go.com

Keys to Victory - Patriots
There is one very important thing the Patriots can do Sunday to seal the deal: establish the ground attack.  They have made the run game a staple of their offense this season, which has done wonders.  Doing this successfully against the Ravens and Ray Lewis won't be easy, but it is a must if they want a shot at a Super Bowl.

Keys to Victory - Ravens
The Ravens can win this game.  They need to do two things well to make that happen.  First, they must exploit the Patriots secondary.  The defensive backs have been shoddy at best this year, and New England has only won because of turnovers and a stellar offense.  Baltimore needs to strike deep in the secondary early and often and take advantage, much like last week.  Second, Joe Flacco and Ray Rice need to keep the ball out of Brady's hands.  Control the clock and don't turn the ball over.  Giving New England too many chances is a recipe for disaster.
   So who wins?  I think this is going to be a great game.  Two of the most storied teams.  Two of the greatest to ever play their respected positions.  This is their third meeting in the past year.  The Patriots took round one, Ravens round two.  This one's for all the marbles.

   I'm going Ravens.  After their miracle last week, I don't think this team can lose.  Ray Lewis has that squad quoting scripture in the locker room.  They are more than fired up.  Let's do it for Ray.  Let's do it for John.  Is it a storybook ending?  Yes.  Is it what everyone wants to see?  It should be.  Root for the underdog people.  This man deserves it.  

Close game, but Tucker won't miss when it counts: Ravens 30 Patriots 27

49ers 38 Falcons 24  -  That's right, I'm choosing Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh Super Bowl!