Baltimore Ravens: What I Thought I Knew

Now that my heart rate has recovered from a crazy divisional playoff weekend, it's time to do a little posting. This is going to be a 12-part posting about every team in the playoffs. For each team, I am going to do a little post about what I thought I knew, what I know now, and what I expect. 

What I Thought I Knew Heading into the Playoffs: RAVENS

1. It is impossible to move the ball consistently against their defense. Post-divisional round analysis: FALSE

Please don't get me wrong here. The Ravens still have the second best defense in the NFL. However, both the Dolphins, and, to a much larger extent, Titans were able to move the ball on this Baltimore defense, and they did it the same way. Largely forget that running the ball exists, and throw short curls and slants. The reason is two-fold. The Ravens bring exotic blitzes that confuse quarterbacks and offensive lines, but if you get rid of the ball quickly enough, it doesn't matter. The other reason is that these routes will be open, because Samari Rolle and Fabian Washington are both finesse quarterbacks who will play five yards off you at all times. 

2. You can't beat the Ravens deep. Post-divisional round analysis: TRUE

The reason for this is one of the same reasons as number 1. Rolle and Washington both can't tackle anyone to save their souls, but they can run with everyone and don't let anyone get behind them. The bigger reason is that if you throw a ball in-bounds more than 30 yards in the air against the Ravens, it is just as likely to be picked off by Ed Reed, one of the greatest free safeties in NFL history, as caught by one of your receivers. And if Reed picks it off (pictured, above), it's coming back the other way. 

3. Joe Flacco doesn't lose his composure - ever. Post-divisional round analysis: TRUE

Flacco (pictured, right) hasn't been pristine by any means in his first two games. Less than 50% completion rate in his first game, 50% in his second. It hasn't been because he's been rattled, though. Sometimes he's just inaccurate. He's a rookie. It happens. You know he hasn't been rattled because he hasn't turned the ball over once, or even taken a sack yet in the playoffs. Now that's impressive. 

(Photo Credits: AP)