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Ravens Shutouts Heighten Expectations

Dean Pees retirement
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It’s no secret that the topic of Joe Flacco is a lightning rod here in Baltimore, sure to stir debate about the Super Bowl 47 MVP. Supporters will serve up a litany of excuses as to why the Ravens franchise quarterback hasn’t played to the level of his elite contract, while detractors are ready to move on to the post-Flacco era.

Flacco’s 2012 playoff run was unforgettable, aided in part by a fluky 4th-and-29 and the inadequacies of former Denver safety Rahim Moore (Mile High Miracle), who at the age of 27 hasn’t played a down of football since 2015. That said, Flacco’s romp through the playoffs was record-setting. And recently, Barstool Sports pointed out yet another Flacco record.

Ravens shutouts

LADY LUCK GIVES AND TAKES

The Ravens have had their fair share of bad luck as it relates to injuries in 2017 but Lady Luck has been a friend when it comes to facing opponents when missing key players. This week the Ravens will take on the Texans without J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Brian Cushing. Watt and Mercilus are out for the season with injuries while Cushing winds down his 10-game suspension on November 28, one day after the Ravens v. Texans game. The Ravens will also be facing another backup quarterback in the form of Tom Savage.

Looking ahead the Ravens will face the Steelers on December 10, a Sunday Night battle, and they’ll do so while Pittsburgh’s right tackle Marcus Gilbert sits on the sidelines, serving a 4-game suspension for PEDs.

SHOUT OUT FOR SHUTOUTS

Back to the topic of shutouts for a moment, history has been kind to teams that blank opponents 3+ teams in the same season.

Ravens shutouts

THE FANIMAL

This week on The Fanimal (Saturday at 8AM on 105.7 The Fan) we’ll preview the Ravens v. Texans, visit with our salary cap guru Brian McFarland and we’ll be joined by former Ravens safety Bernard Pollard. We’ll get his take on the state of the NFL, how the game has changed, what he’s up to these days PLUS the lowdown-skinny on his shaky relationship with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun

CELEBRITY LOOKALIKES

On Sunday I watched the Ravens at Packers at Lib’s Grill of Perry Hall and as I observed Brett Hundley I wondered, “Who does he remind me of?”

A friend to my immediate left, Brian Faulkner, out of nowhere says, “Doesn’t Hundley remind you of Will Smith?” Ding-ding-ding!

So, I posted the two side-by-side on my Facebook page. Many agreed but others suggested that he looks more like a younger Laurence Fishburne. You make the call…

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MARLON THE MAGICIAN

On Sunday CB Marlon Humphrey registered 49 snaps to CB Brandon Carr’s 26. So quite naturally the media was curious if that meant a shift to Humphrey as a starter. Harbaugh responded.

“It’s just the way it worked out. Like I said last night, all three of those guys are considered starters, and they’re all going to play probably different amounts, different games, [depending on] how they’re feeling [and] what’s going on. Sometimes, it might just be happenstance; I don’t think there’s anything to read into it.”

Humphrey’s performance caught the attention of Pro Football Focus.

The Ravens selection of Humphrey in the 2017 Draft was questioned by many, yours truly included. And at least for a while, his career will be measured against his former Alabama teammate, Tight End O.J. Howard.

Side Note: The “O.J.” is short for O’Terrius Jabari.

Howard got off to a slow start in Tampa but appears to be picking up some momentum. He now has 17 catches for 279 yards (16.4 YPC) and 4 touchdowns.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING

For every touchdown and its might,
For good cheer and laughter after the fight,
For health and tailgating, for love and friends
For everything Thy goodness sends.

From all of us at Russell Street Report, we thank you for all you do to make our jobs possible and wish you a Joyous and Happy Thanksgiving Day.

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