The mini bye-week could have been just what the doctor ordered for the Ravens after a bruiser of a game against the Steelers.
“Our team got a little bit of rest which is a positive,” said John Harbaugh. “It gave them a chance to heal this time of year going into December so that’s a big plus for us.”
The extra time off could be beneficial for a Ravens team that suffered some bumps and bruises in their last outing including injuries to Jimmy Smith, Elvis Dumervil and Brandon Stokley.
“Jimmy seems to be doing really well,” Harbaugh said. “He was doing well right after the game. He’s going through the concussion protocol now. That was what it was during the course of the game, but everything looks really, really good for Jimmy.
“Should be fine. You never know with that, but it looks like he’s going to be able to even practice on Wednesday, so we’ll be feeling good about that.”
Let’s hope that is the case about Jimmy. After looking at the film of that goal line hit he exchanged with Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell, it is a wonder they both can even walk.
Smith, who has seemingly turned the corner this year, has finally looked like the first-round pick the Ravens chose in 2011.
The 27th overall pick is enjoying a solid year at cornerback and the Ravens are going to need him as they prepare for their postseason push.
Over the course of the last nine games only 20 passes thrown Smith’s way have been completed while opposing QB’s have struggled to the tune of a 68.5 passer rating, as noted by RSR’s Tony Lombardi in the above link.
With the high octane offenses of the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots and even the Cincinnati Bengals looming, any set back to Smith could be devastating for the Ravens secondary.
There are some benefits to playing on a short week – especially at home – as the team gets an extra few days rest before their next game. For the Ravens, it serves as a mini-bye week and that to me is huge heading into December football.
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