If there was any doubt that the Baltimore Ravens have reemerged as top contenders in the NFL, those doubts were put to rest, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday’s impressive 27-0 assault at M&T Bank Stadium. On a national stage, in front of the pundits, critics and cynics, the Ravens showed that they have arrived.
To be sure, there are many factors for why the Ravens have turned things around after compiling a disappointing 8-14 record since starting the 2004 season at 7-3. Here is a rundown of those key factors:
1) Turnover ratio: The number one indicator of winning and losing in the NFL is based on this statistic. The Ravens lead the NFL in turnover ratio, with a +15 differential. The combination of creating turnovers at a high rate and securing the ball has led to Baltimore being as solid in that category as they currently are. Compared to last year, the defense only forced 26 turnovers and had the third worst turnover margin in the league, at -11. The Ravens have been particularly good at protecting the ball on the road, which is a tough feat to accomplish in the NFL.
2) Road Warriors: By protecting the ball on the road, the Ravens have put together a 4-1 record away from M&T Bank Stadium. In two of those games, the Ravens had to come from behind to win at Tennessee and at Cleveland. At the same time, the Ravens also blew out Tampa Bay and New Orleans, jumping out to large leads before the end of the first-half. In fact, it was Baltimore’s first win of the season against the Buccaneers that may have sparked the momentum and confidence that the team is riding on right now. The Ravens snapped an 11 game road losing streak, a streak that started back in the 2004 season against the New England Patriots.
3) Pass Protection: There is a combination of factors for why the offensive line is having its best season since Billick took over as head coach in 1999. One, Steve McNair makes the line look good at times by getting rid of the football quickly, and using his footwork to elude rushers or to get outside of the pocket.
Two, the line has been sound in blitz pickup situations, in terms of sliding and identifying who the extra rushers are.
Three, the backs and tight-ends who have stayed in to help the line in protection situations, have done an excellent job. All of these reasons have led to the Ravens having a more efficient passing game, and the offense losing fewer yards due to giving up less sacks than a year ago. All in all, the Ravens rank fourth in the league, only giving up 16 sacks through 11 games.
4) Mental toughness: Despite facing deficits at half-time in four games against Cleveland, San Diego, Tennessee and Atlanta, the Ravens were able to come back to win in all four situations. Against Cleveland and San Diego, Steve McNair led game-winning drives at the end of both games. Against Tennessee and Atlanta, the Ravens completely turned their play around in the second-half after being outplayed in the first-half. No matter what they needed to do to win these games, the Ravens made the plays necessary to outclass their opponents. Versus the Chargers in particular, Baltimore overcame a number of tough plays which went against them, including a dropped touchdown pass by Derrick Mason, a bobbled fumble recovery by Chris McAlister, and a fumble at the goal line by Daniel Wilcox. These are the types of mistakes that the team was not able to handle in years past.
5) Steve McNair: If anyone was asked to point out the number one reason why Baltimore has turned things around to finally realize their full potential as a team, one would inevitably refer to Baltimore’s new starting quarterback. Steve McNair has been everything the organization thought he would be when they traded for him in June. He has been a leader. He has been a manager. He has been the tempo setter on offense. McNair’s calmness and poise in the huddle and the pocket has reverberated to the rest of the offensive players. Now, whenever the team is faced with any level of adversity, the offense doesn’t press or panic to make plays, only to end up making mistakes in the end. The offense has been efficient and clutch; a direct reflection of their leader.
With McNair at the helm, the coaches have the confidence to run any style of offense, whether that means opening things up and using spread formations in the passing game, or having McNair throw the ball only 15-to-20 times while the running game is emphasized. He has the experience of successfully running both offensive game plans with Tennessee.
Perhaps the most important asset that No.9 brings to the ball-club is his experience in playoff games. This will prove valuable as the Ravens take the next step.
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join the GAMETIME crew, Ravens mascot Poe, Ravens cheerleaders and other surprises at Della Rose’s Avenue Tavern in White Marsh prior to the Ravens @ the Bengals on Thursday Nov. 30 at 6:30PM. There will be authentic autographed memorabilia given away and there is a free sign up for a Toyota raffle — the prize being a brand new 2007 Yaris!
