October 19, 2008
The Ravens went on the road again, this time to face the Miami Dolphins with redemption on their minds — redemption for that embarrassing 31-3 loss to the Colts just one week ago; redemption for perhaps an even worse loss a year ago December, against an 0-13 Miami Dolphins club.
You remember that 2007 Dolphins game. Current Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was the Dolphins head coach at the time. And former Berlin Thunder and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Cleo Lemon was at the helm for the Dolphins. Yes, that’s what Cam had to work with in
The Ravens franchise is certainly familiar with the city of
This time you could sense that it was a little more personal. When the Ravens finally secured the win on Sunday it was Cameron who received the Gatorade bath on the sideline, along with a lot of high fives and back slaps from his fellow coaches, notably Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who was passed over when he interviewed for
Just looking around Dolphins Stadium you could tell this was not going to be the usual grueling road game for the men in purple. First, there was the number of empty, orange seats, which rivaled the number of fans at the start to the game. And a good number of those fans were pulling for the Ravens, as evidenced by the familiar “H-E-A-P” cheers that erupted throughout the game.
By the time the Ravens went up 17-6 at half, most of the paltry Dolphins crowd had disappeared and the stadium fell silent. Without much hostility to overcome, The Ravens held on for their third win of the 2008 season, to even their record.
But not without a few nervous moments. Shades of another third quarter collapse crept into the picture, bringing back bad memories of losses to the Steelers and Titans. After taking a 14-point lead mid-way through the third, the Ravens defense seemed to let up. In short order, Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington moved his team down the field for a score, just as Ben Roethlisberger and Kerry Collins had managed in previous third quarter let-ups by the Ravens.
And then, up just seven points but driving, Willis McGahee fumbled at the Dolphins five, raising more doubts about the ability of John Harbaugh’s Ravens to finish teams off. This time, however, the Ravens maintained their poise, stiffened, and came back to score the decisive points, en route to their 27-13 win.
The grades this week reflect a positive, but not particularly spectacular performance for the Ravens, across the board.
Quarterback: B+
Joe Flacco played his best statistical game. He was 17 for 23 for 232 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The touchdown to Derrick Mason was just the second of the year for Joe. He piloted four long scoring drives of nine plays each, 42, 67, 67 and 68 yards. Flacco was particularly impressive on third down, connecting with sharp strikes. Although the Ravens were a pedestrian 6 for 13 on third down, Flacco converted on a number of third and long calls. Joe moves his feet well when pressured but he still shows a tendency to hold onto the ball a bit too long. He spread the ball to six different receivers — a clear step in the right direction although his ability to see the whole field is a work in progress. He again failed to connect on a long throw; the tendency to throw late to covered receivers deep down field is still there.
Running Backs: B
With the line opening up big holes, Willis McGahee ran with a bit more spark and purpose in the second half. Early in the game he seemed to hunt and peck for openings a bit too much. He did show great determination and a nose for the goal line late in the game for the score. But there was also some confusion on a hand-off. Willis seemed to miss the play call and the botched handoff led to a fumble, which Flacco recovered. Lorenzo Neal missed a block on Joey Porter, which led to a sack. Ray Rice showed great change of direction skills as the change of pace back, rumbling for 40 yards on a screen pass late in the game.
Wide Receivers: B-
Derrick Mason continues to play at high level. He hauled in six catches for 87 yards, and importantly, his first TD catch of the season. He showed savvy to settle into the zone and pick up enough yards to set up a field goal on a third and 26 play. He also blocked well, particularly on McGahee’s longest run of the day, 17 yards. Mark Clayton had just one thirteen-yard catch, but showed some nice moves for yards after the catch, and showed good control coming back to an under thrown ball. Demetrius Williams did not factor, except for getting called for offensive pass interference in the endzone.
Tight Ends: B-
Todd Heap was more involved in the game, catching three tosses for 29 yards. He is also blocking well at the point of attack. Todd was wide open in the endzone for a touchdown, but curiously stopped running and saw Flacco’s pass sail out of reach. Todd is not yet on the same page with Flacco and their failure to click has cost the team scoring opportunities.
Tackles: B
This group continues to be very solid when the Ravens run the football. They are at their best in the unbalanced scheme, when they were able to spring some long gainers. Jared Gaither allowed Joey Porter to get one sack, but the argument could be made that Flacco held the ball too long. Willie Anderson improved on his performance against the Colts last week, and was solid all day long.
Interior Line: B-
With Marshal Yanda out, Chris Chester stepped out of this tight end jersey #48 and back into the spotlight as right guard, #65. He appeared to be a guy fighting to prove he belonged, showing aggressiveness and refusing to give ground. He had trouble in space locating defenders or holding blocks, but played well overall. There seemed to be early communication issues with Jason Brown and Ben Grubbs, but they settled down and played well, particularly after the Dolphins Randy Starks was forced to slide to nose guard due to starter Jason Ferguson’s first quarter rib injury. Grubbs was guilty of a false start on a critical drive, but his team overcame the first and 15 hole his penalty created. At other times Grubbs showed tremendous ability in space on screen passes.
Cornerbacks: C+
News that the Ravens would be without starting corners Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle was a huge negative. Thankfully, the Dolphins’ receiver corps of Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn, along with weak-armed quarterback Chad Pennington are not the biggest threats in the league. The Ravens contingent of Frank Walker, Fabian Washington and Corey Ivy were up and down and ultimately adequate this week. The much-maligned Frank Walker was able to provide tight coverage and good run support at times. But he was also guilty of a hold on the goal line and was beaten on a double move and pump fake for a 23-yard completion early. Ivy was a little soft in coverage, particularly in the red zone.
Safeties: B-
The Ravens still seem to have some communication issues when their corners hand off to safeties in zone coverage. Jim Leonard was late sliding over on a few occasions. But when he could get to the spot, he shows an ability to break up passes or pressure the quarterback. Ed Reed was virtually non-existent until 4:45 left in the game when he came up to make a nice tackle, stopping a drive. Tom Zbikowski pressured well behind the line of scrimmage and shut down the primary receiver in the red zone in cruch time.
Linebackers: B
This group remains stellar at the line of scrimmage. It was never more apparent than when a quartet of linebackers–Jarret Johnson, Ray Lewis, Antwaan Barnes and Terrell Suggs—all converged quickly to stop a screen behind the line of scrimmage. They also seemed to take pride in shutting down the Dolphins’ much ballyhooed Wildcat rushing attack. However, they did reveal their weakness in covering the short pass, as Pennington was able to move the ball throwing into the middle third of the field. Ray Lewis had trouble covering Patrick Cobbs in the flat. He was also guilty of a horse collar personal foul. Bart Scott mirrored these coverage difficulties, while playing very strong against the run. Terrell Suggs had a big game, with seven tackles, a sack, and an interception for a touchdown. Even when he got out of position he recovered quickly, at one point stopping a Dolphins reverse for nearly no gain after cheating inside initially.
Defensive Line: B+
When the Dolphins running back tandem of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown combine for 43 yards on 17 carries, you have to credit the defensive line with having a good day. Justin Bannan was particularly strong against the run. No matter whom the Ravens lined up inside, they were able to beat the Dolphins at the line of scrimmage, including newcomer Brandon McKinney. The unit was excellent in run support, but did not manage much pressure up the middle against the pass, when the linebackers were forced to drop back and cover short throws throughout the day.
Special Teams: C+
The group was off to a shaky start, as the Dolphins’ Ted Ginn brought the ball out to the 40 on the opening kick. Against one of the worst kick coverage units in the league the Ravens were pretty average. Ray Rice averaged an adequate 25 yards per kick off return. Jim Leonard got the most out his two punt returns despite defenders in his face, averaging six yards on two attempts. Jameel McLain was caught blocking in back on one return (speaking of the back, why does the back of Jameel’s jersey read, “McLLAIN”?) Antwaan Barnes again received a personal foul call and that gave the Dolphins good field position at the end of the half. Matt Stover was perfect on two field goals, including a 47-yarder. His kick offs were not very deep, however. Sam Koch continues to look like an All-Pro, including escaping a near block to land a 67-yarder out at the three.
Coaching: B
Credit the staff with having the team prepared and avoiding a flat start. Cam Cameron allowed Flacco to run more no-huddle and more shotgun, where he appears more comfortable. The staff showed confidence in Flacco, allowing him to go for it on 4th and 2 at the Miami 35. Rex Ryan had a strong answer for the Dolphins wildcat rushing attack. Credit John Harbaugh with the bold decision to sit Chris McAlister and still manage a win with a depleted secondary.
Officiating: B
Bill Leavy’s crew was steady. They correctly called the rare offensive pass interference on the Ravens. There were other good no-calls, including a flop by Chad Pennington near the end of the half. Side judge Gregg Meyer made a bad call on an imaginary holding penalty against Jared Gaither with 2:00 to go in the game.
Broadcast: B
CBS was guilty of excessive promos for their own slate of prime time shows. But Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon kept the game moving otherwise. The replays were timely and ample.
Gannon’s former team, the Oakland Raiders come to M&T for the Ravens’ next contest, as
