Press Play or read the transcript below…
The Ravens really do have their backs up against the wall and oftentimes that brings out the best in them. A loss on Sunday AT HOME would be disastrous against a divisional rival given their (0-2) start. An (0-3) start for all intents and purposes would dash any hopes for a 7th playoff appearance in the team’s 8 seasons under John Harbaugh.
Let’s not forget that since the current NFL playoff format was established in 1990 only 3 teams have made it to the postseason after an (0-3) start – the ’92 Chargers, ’95 Lions and the ’98 Bills. A loss would leave us all hoping that the Ravens would be the fourth and the first in 17 seasons to do so. Clearly that’s a position in the standings to avoid.
To improve to (1-2) the Ravens need to start fast AND THEY WILL. Joe Flacco will come out in the no huddle with a hot hand and carve up the Bengals defense for a score on the team’s first possession going 80 yards on 9 plays capped by a TD toss to Michael Campanaro.
After their initial success the offense will struggle for much of the day but muster up another 13 points on their way to a 20-16 win as Dean Pees’ defense FINALLY gets a stop on the Bengals last possession while in the Ravens red zone.
And then we’ll all sit back and say, “See what press coverage can do?”
Last week’s prediction: 26-9 Ravens (0-1 on season)
