1. The woeful Baltimore Ravens discovered a new rock bottom, digging an even deeper hole this time by stamping themselves as arguably the worst team in franchise history with a 22-16 overtime loss to the previously-winless Miami Dolphins. It was the Dolphins’ first victory in 17 games, a streak dating back to last season. It extended the Ravens’ franchise-record losing streak to eight games. Traditionally automatic kicker Matt Stover pushed a 44-yard field goal attempt wide left, hooking an attempt he routinely makes. Then, the Dolphins (1-13) capitalized on the golden opportunity. On their third play of the extra period, former Baltimore castoff quarterback Cleo Lemon hit Greg Camarillo over the middle for a 64-yard game-winning touchdown. The Dolphins’ first victory since a Dec. 10, 2006 win over the New England Patriots set off pandemonium on the field and in the stands. It happened with the majority of the 1972 perfect Dolphins team watching from the sidelines and serving as honorary game captains.
2. Ravens coach Brian Billick wound up paying dearly for a conservative decision at the end of regulation. Instead of going for the touchdown on 4th-and-goal at the Dolphins’ 1-yard line, Billick opted to have Stover kick an 18-yard field goal to tie the game. Jason Taylor blocked Stover’s 50-yard field goal attempt to end the first half, also recording two sacks and three quarterback hits.
3. Quarterback Kyle Boller got knocked out of the game with a mild concussion and middle linebacker Ray Lewis left the game with a dislocated, bloody finger that was initially described as a broken hand. With rookie quarterback Troy Smith operating in relief for the second half of the fourth quarter, Baltimore’s offense suddenly woke up. His mobility helped him avoid a safety on his first drive. Then, he drove Baltimore 59 yards on 11 plays, passing for three first downs and a throw that was almost a touchdown. Officials ruled that Devard Darling went out of bounds at the Miami 1-yard line even though it appeared that he might have gotten his knee down in the end zone.
4. Leading 13-10 in the second half, a deep Boller pass richocheted off Darling’s hand to cornerback Michael Lehan for an interception. If Darling had been able to hold on, it could have set up another score. Instead, Miami answered with a 22-yard field goal to tie the score at 13.
5. A shorthanded Ravens defense playing without cornerbacks Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, defensive end Trevor Pryce and Lewis was incapable of containing Lemon. He completed 23 of 39 passes for 315 yards, one touchdown and no interception for a 93.4 quarterback rating.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
