Another unexpected defeat after a big win and my head hurts. What conclusions can we draw based on a 22-17 defeat to the Seahawks?
It’s obvious that most teams can’t overcome two lost fumbles on kickoff returns, two missed field goals attempts and a short punt. Special teams hasn’t been very special on coverage and now the return team is failing.
I get dizzy just thinking about the offense. Ray Rice continues to disappear. Is it the game plan or is it the game situation? What happened to running behind Vonta Leach? When the Ravens run on first down it has left them in second and long situations. Not a great situation for his offense. The passing game continues to be Jekyll and Hyde. The wide receivers giveth and taketh away.
With all due respect to Anquan Boldin, he is dropping far too many balls. Torrey Smith is doing a nice job for a rookie and hopefully will become more consistent. Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta are the centerpiece of the passing attack. If and when Lee Evans returns, will he help open up the field? Coach Harbaugh described the personality of this offense as aggressive, neither passing nor running. I can’t put my finger on it as it doesn’t look aggressive. They aren’t forcing the issue. Once again, is that the game plan or the dictated game situation?
The defense has been good although when they needed keys stops they didn’t make them. I had that feeling in my gut that the defense would make the big play and either get a much needed three and out or come up with a big turnover and we would get out of his game with a 24-22 win. None of that happened. The defense hasn’t been forcing many turnovers after forcing 7 in the home opener. The defense did keep the Ravens in the game after the special teams turnovers.
At 6-3 and facing the Bengals the Ravens can’t afford to get behind early or make any silly mistakes. Get Ray Rice into the game early and often. If not by runs get him the ball on screens or short passes, just get him the ball.
The sky isn’t falling…did the Ravens blow another opportunity? Yes! Can they still get better and win the division? Yes!
Who would have thought the Ravens would have lost to Matt Hasselbeck, Blaine Gabbert and Tavaris Jackson while beating Sanchez, Big Ben (2) and Schaub?
My head hurts…time for two Tylenol and a good night’s sleep.
