by Jonathan Storti
NFL Football – Wild Card Games
In another Wild Card weekend upset, the Baltimore Ravens trounced the New England Patriots 33-14. The heavily favored Patriots led by three-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady were unable to overcome three first quarter touchdowns by the Ravens. After the first quarter Baltimore led 24-0, only to see the Patriots climb within two touchdowns. New England couldn’t finish their second half comeback after a key missed field goal. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco only threw the ball 10 times, completing four passes. Lucky for the Ravens they were able to run all over the Patriots throughout the game. Ray Rice ran for two touchdowns and 159 yards, while Willis McGahee added 61 yards and a score. Early interceptions thrown by Tom Brady were converted into touchdown runs for Baltimore. The early deficit forced New England to play catch up the entire game. The Patriots were without Pro Bowl receiver Wes Welker, who tore is ACL last week. His replacement Julian Edelman played well, catching the Patriots only touchdowns of the day. Randy Moss didn’t look 100 percent and the Patriot offense looked inadequate for the first time in a long while. The inability to run the ball forced the Patriots to be a one dimensional team, which played right in Baltimore’s strategy.
The Ravens dominance began from the first play, literally. Ray Rice took the game’s first play from scrimmage 83 yards for a touchdown. Baltimore combined its overpowering running game and play-making defense for the upset victory. The defense of the Ravens has consistently been top 5 in the NFL, even through coaching changes. Brian Billick was fired two years ago and former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan now coaches the New York Jets. Second year head coach John Harbaugh has led his team to the divisional round of the playoffs his first two years. Baltimore will now play arguably the best team in football, the Indianapolis Colts. The match-up of Peyton Manning’s offense against the Ray Lewis led defense will an intriguing game of cat and mouse. Baltimore started the season off with a winning streak, but faltered in the middle of the season, needing a win in its last regular season game to qualify for the NFL playoffs. If Baltimore’s offense can continue to put up points and allow the defense to play aggressively an upset of the Colts is possible, especially with Manning’s penchant for postseason letdowns.
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