If you buy Einstein’s definition then the Ravens are absolutely insane!
Why?
Every time they play the Indianapolis Colts it’s the same result. Well at least it’s been the same for the past 8 times these two teams have taken the field together.
And as fans, we are equally insane to think that anything will change when the Ravens battle Peyton Manning and the Colts’ vastly underrated defense unless the Ravens themselves change.
Here’s a stat that should alarm you and if it doesn’t maybe you haven’t sobered up yet…
The Ravens haven’t scored a meaningful touchdown against the Colts since 2002.
Let me repeat that…
The Ravens haven’t scored a meaningful touchdown against the Colts since 2002.
The game that season marks the beginning of the Colts’ current 8 game winning streak against the Ravens. In that game, Jamal Lewis rushed for two touchdowns the second of which occurred late in the fourth quarter to stake the Ravens to a 20-19 lead. They would eventually fall to the Colts by the score of 22-20.
Since then the Ravens have scored only five touchdowns during the succeeding seven games – none of which impacted the outcome of any contest in a meaningful way.
* In 2004, the Ravens lost to the Colts by the score of 20-10, the last seven points courtesy of a Kyle Boller to Todd Heap TD pass (and PAT) with 2:38 left in the game.
* Fast forward to the first season with Steve McNair when the Ravens (13-3) hosted the Colts in a Divisional Playoff Game on Saturday, January 13, 2007. McNair & Co. could only register two field goals and lost 15-6.
* In 2007, a season that cost Brian Billick his job, the (4-8) Ravens while in the grips of a 6 game slide hosted the Colts again on a Sunday night, less than a week removed from an impressive but unsuccessful battle against the undefeated New England Patriots. The Colts trounced the Ravens and at one point held a 30-0 lead in the second quarter before Yamon Figurs’ 94 yard kickoff return for a score. Later in the game, the Colts led by 44-7 before the Ravens would tack on two late scores courtesy of the charitable Colts.
* In 2008 the Ravens visited Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time and left as 31-3 losers.
* And then of course there was this season, when the Ravens dropped a 17-15 game at home and then last night’s 20-3 drubbing in Indianapolis. Eight quarters against the Colts during the ’09 season produced 6 field goals.
Clearly the Colts are a match up nightmare for Harbaugh’s boys.
Thankfully the Ravens have a full season to improve because they are not scheduled to play the Colts in 2010, unless of course they meet up again in the post season.
Uh-oh!
You thinking what I’m thinking?
In the end, it’s hard not to wonder what a difference a week can make. Last week we feasted on the nectar of a fruitful victory. We bathed in the glow of a dominant victory over the mighty New England Patriots. Afterwards we were like children on Christmas morning surrounded by new toys.
Last night we were slapped in the face with the sobering reality that our new toys came without batteries.
Let’s hope Ozzie & Company can recruit the Energizer Bunny this offseason.
Until then, let’s all adopt the Jimmy Buffett mantra and go crazy before we all go insane.
