The Ravens 31-13 victory of the Chiefs finally gave fans a reason to cheer, and also breathe a sigh of relief. The previous Ravens’ loss against the “dream team” sent fans into panic mode after the offense’s dismal showing. This week was a completely different story on offense, scoring three TD’s in the 4th quarter. The stories of this game were the level of play of the young players on both offense and defense.
Offense
· This offense recovered from their dismal showing in Philadelphia scoring 31 points, and 21 unanswered in the fourth quarter
· The biggest hole on the offense was the offensive line. They gave up 6 sacks against the Eagles, and looked like they were dead meat against Pittsburg week 1. They responded by not allowing a sack until the 2nd half when the 2nd stringers were in.
· Highlighting the offensive line would be rookie right tackle Jah Reid. Reid faced a tough assignment against Tamba Hali, one of the best pass rushers in the league. Reid did not allow a sack, and Hali did not even record a tackle
· After less than a week with the team, Lee Evans already made his mark on the offense with three receptions for 68 yards, and one that look like a sure TD had it not been for a good tackle.
· Anthony Allen, Ravens’ 7th round pick came in and ran the ball like an established veteran. The only carry that did not get 5 yards or more was his TD run.
· Did anyone see Vonta Leach out there? Man oh man I have never seen anyone throw a block while running with the ball, or lower their shoulder and level a pass rushing linebacker! The Ravens certainly found a winner with him. McClain did not show his presence for KC, but without Leach, we have a lot less rushing yards, and many Kansas City defenders would not have been wrecked. Finally, did anyone else hear chants of LEEEEEEEAAAAACH!!!!!!!!!!
Defense
· Friday’s game only increased my faith in new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano. It’s been a while since we really put pressure on a Quarterback that wasn’t Flacco, and not play prevent when we get a lead. Bottom line, it was nice to get back to a “no, no NOOOOO… YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!” type of defense.
· Again, the Ravens answer a gaping hole from the draft, and from within. The corner back situation looks to be strong after their showing on Friday. Jimmy Smith got his feet wet in the NFL going up against Dwayne Bowe, and Cary Williams was all over the place. Williams was not giving the Chiefs receivers any room to work, forcing incompletions and almost coming away with a pick-6.
· What stole the show was the defensive play of DT’s Pernell McPhee and Arthur Jones. Every time they were playing, they attacked the ball. I have never seen a defensive tackle get to the QB so quickly. McPhee would have come away with a fumble recovery that Jones forced had it not been for the first Tom Brady rule. Darn tuck rule! In the end, Jones finished with two tackles and two assisted tackles and McPhee finished with two tackles and one assist.
