Phil Wilson, The Indianapolis Star
In the end, the Ravens will get to Manning just enough. They’ll force a turnover or two. It’s difficult to foresee him not getting sacked at least a couple of times. The pressure will force decisions before he wants to make them. McNair will mix the pass with some Lewis runs against a Colts defense that will play hard but come up just short. A Matt Stover field goal in the final seconds of a hard-fought, competitive struggle sends the Ravens on to try to relive their glory of six postseasons ago. The Colts will come home wondering, as they have in seven playoff disappointments since 1999, what’s it going to take?
Ravens 20, Colts 17
PigInZen ~ Message Board Poster, Indianapolis Star
Anyone else? I mean, seriously, JMV has received messages and phone calls from Ravens/Baltimore fans just GOING OFF about Indianapolis, the Colts’ move in ’84, Bob Irsay, you name it. It’s like a freaking psychotic disorder, an obsession that borders on insanity. And it appears like its more than just a few cranks. The whole Baltimore Sun Ravens board is just lit up with threads about this stuff.
I am so freaking over this it’s not funny. I went into this week with a grudging respect for the city of Baltimore and the Ravens but now I just want the Colts to smack the crap out of the Ravens just so I can get some satisfaction in seeing the angst, wailing and gnashing of teeth from the Ravens fans. I mean, growing up in the SF Bay Area I had a enmity towards the LA Rams (and Raiders, no matter where they were) but that PALES in comparison to this feeling.
I EFFING HATE THAT CITY AND ITS FANS. Nothing would make me happier than to see the Ravens so thoroughly demolished. I realize that’s probably not going to happen on Saturday but seriously, it’s like the fans haven’t even begun to finish the grieving process. Two steps in, 20 plus years later.
The funniest part about it is that everyone I talk to at my office (a rather large company) feels the exact same way. With the Patriots it was a rivalry-based hatred (now evolved into grudging respect) but it’s different with this team, its city and its fans. It truly is. It’s almost as if there is no respect for any of them, as if they’re subhuman for their lack of evolution and emotional growth.
Well, good for them. Let them hate for whatever reason they feel is justification. From now on whomever is playing the Ravens is automatically my new favorite team.
Jimmy Irsay, Owner, Indianapolis Colts
"Harboring resentments is not a good thing for any of us, because it turns on you," Irsay said. "No matter what the situation is in life. … If I forgive you, that frees me. Resentment is bondage. Whatever those feelings are, the cast of characters that existed when my dad was there … and all the things that went on a quarter-century ago, it’s a long time ago.
"I don’t know that if the Lakers go back to Minneapolis, if they ask Jerry Buss’ daughter the same questions. It’s a different era now."
Scouts’ Edge, ESPN.com
This really isn’t a good matchup for either team when looking at team strengths. Watching the Colts’ outstanding offense against Baltimore’s phenomenal defense will be a rare treat. Although Indianapolis’ defense performed admirably last week against Kansas City, it is still a unit that cannot withstand being on the field too long against a physical attack like Baltimore offers. For that reason, we expect this smaller defense to eventually cave in on the road. The Colts will be out in the elements and outside the confines of their RCA Dome. They have lost their past four games on the road, while the Ravens are 7-1 at home. The Colts offense went to the ground last week, but should air it out in Baltimore. Manning will fight valiantly to erase his postseason reputation, but Baltimore plays extremely aggressive, wins this football game and advances to the AFC Championship Game.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Colts 17
The “Lucky†Seven from Sports Illustrated
Don Banks:
Flawed as the Colts may be, I can’t desert my Super Bowl pick now. Peyton Manning gets hot and finds a way to beat a great Ravens defense.
Colts 27, Ravens 24
Jeff Chadiha
If the Chiefs defense can stifle Peyton Manning at home, imagine what the Ravens defense can do with him on the road.
Ravens 21, Colts 10
Nunyo Demasio
Before the season, I predicted that Steve McNair’s Ravens would land in the Super Bowl. But I can’t pick against an Indy offense bent on redemption. Plus, Baltimore’s nifty record masks offensive issues that will surface against a suddenly confident Colts defense.
Colts 30, Ravens 20
Peter King
Classic game. Bart Scott becomes unblockable enemy number one for the Colts. I guarantee you by 7 o’clock Saturday night we’ll all be singing the praises of Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.
Ravens 23, Colts 20
Michael Silver
Larry Johnson couldn’t run on Indy. But Jamal Lewis — remember him? — will move the chains amid more moving-van references than anyone can possibly stomach.
Ravens 23, Colts 21
Paul Zimmerman
Will the Colts’ pinching defense be able to control Steve McNair and Jamal Lewis the way it did the Chiefs? No, but I think Indy will outscore them.
Colts 31, Ravens 27
Tim Layden
The Ravens’ defense is the best in football, which means Peyton Manning is a playoff underdog after all those years as a failed favorite. He’ll like the new role and skillfully manage the upset.
Colts 28, Ravens 27
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News
The Indianapolis defense needs to put Steve McNair in as many predictable passing situations as possible, because it will play right into the hands of pass-rushing ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis and an opportunistic secondary. If this game stays below the teens at halftime, the Colts will be in good shape.
In the second half, against a more tired Ravens defense, that’s when Manning should see something open up one-on-one for wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne against burnable cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. If Manning is more conservative and calculated, a couple of big downfield connections and a couple of clutch kicks from Adam Vinatieri will be all the Colts offense needs to steal the game late.
Colts 20, Ravens 19.
Harmon Forecast, CBS Sportsline
The Colts’ defense limited Pro Bowl RB Larry Johnson to just 32 yards on 13 carries against the Chiefs. Indianapolis will try to do the same against Baltimore RB Jamal Lewis. Colts QB Peyton Manning faces a Ravens defense that thrives on getting to the quarterback. Trevor Pryce, Adalius Thomas, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs each had at least 9 1/2 sacks during the regular season.
Ravens 23, Colts 19
Pete Prisco, CBS Sportsline
This is my favorite game of the week. You have that Colts offense against that Ravens defense in a match of strengths. Who wins that clash? And you have the Colts returning to Baltimore — the city they fled — playing in front of many still-bitter fans. The Colts defense played well in stopping Larry Johnson last week, and I look for them to have some success again this week against the run. Bob Sanders makes a difference, and will again against Jamal Lewis. Look for the Colts to make big plays in the passing game against the Baltimore blitz. This might turn out to be one of Peyton Manning’s best games. The upset happens.
Colts 24, Ravens 20
Other Quotes…
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"[The Ravens] really do challenge you as an offensive unit," Colts center Jeff Saturday said. "It puts everybody on high alert. It’s tiring playing those guys."
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"[The ball] has to get out or [the Ravens] will make you pay," Steelers’ Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said. "There is a soft spot in the short zone. That’s where you can make some plays."
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"Peyton has a great ability to see the blitz," Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith said. "You’re always concerned when you blitz him that you can give up the big play. Both Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne can go the distance. But I think you have to get Peyton off his spot. The teams that had success against him they do get him off his spot where he doesn’t get to set his feet. But you have to be careful. You have to pick your spots where you single those receivers."
ESPN.com Poll
1) Which team will win Saturday’s game in Baltimore?
43.6% Ravens in a close game
37.0% Colts in a close game
12.3% Ravens in a blowout
7.1% Colts in a blowout
2) Which unit would you rather have?
56.3% Baltimore’s defense
43.7% Indianapolis’ offense
3) Which unit would you rather have?
68.6% Baltimore’s offense
31.4% Indianapolis’ defense
4) Which quarterback would you rather have leading a potential game-winning drive in a playoff game?
75.9% Peyton Manning
24.1% Steve McNair
5) What do you make of Peyton Manning’s history of poor playoff performances?
50.1% Better defenses take away what he does best.
25.7% He’s just had bad luck.
24.3% He just chokes in the postseason.
6) Which running back would you rather have carrying the ball 20 times?
51.7% Jamal Lewis
48.3% Joseph Addai
7) What’s your take on the Colts’ defensive performance against the Chiefs?
47.5% The defense isn’t that good, but it’s better than it looked late in the regular season.
26.6% Proof the Colts are a good defense with Bob Sanders healthy.
25.9% A fluke mostly caused by inept Kansas City execution.
8) Which defensive playmaker will have the biggest impact on the outcome?
23.8% Ed Reed, Ravens
23.3% Ray Lewis, Ravens
17.7% Bob Sanders, Colts
17.0% Dwight Freeney, Colts
8.8% Adalius Thomas, Ravens
4.3% Terrell Suggs, Ravens
2.7% Bart Scott, Ravens
1.4% Cato June, Colts
0.8% Robert Mathis, Colts
9) Which coach will do a better job of preparing his team for the opponent?
55.5% Brian Billick
44.5% Tony Dungy
10) On a scale of one to five, with five being the toughest environment, how tough a place to play is Baltimore?
37.5% Four
33.4% Three
20.6% Five
6.2% Two
2.4% One
Total Votes: 79,941
Note: Art work above provided anonomously. Please contact us if anyone knows the actual artist.
