2013 AFC Championship Game: #4 Baltimore Ravens at #2 New England Patriots

[BazookaJoe5]

 

[Len B]

I've calmed down a bit, congrats Ravens.

People were ripping me in chat last night for saying it, but it's as true a statement as it gets, Wes Welker's drop killed momentum and was a huge swing. I said before the game he doesn't show up in playoffs usually, and sure enough he had another below average game. His one yard TD was on miscommunication by the Ravens. Was glad that when I put on two different national radio stations this morning they said the same thing. Brady also is to blame for completely botching the clock before the half. That's a mistake Blaine Gabbert would make, really disappointed.

Brady didn't have a bad game, but at the end of the day you have to put the L on him and his WR's, and give credit to the Ravens defense for being the more physical team. I think the Patriots had four drives in the first quarter in Baltimore territory and only got 3 points? A disgrace. I don't blame the defense, they held the Ravens to 7 points through 2 1/2 quarters which is more than enough for the offense to take a commanding league.

I'm still mixed on Flacco. I realize he's having a great post season, but I still don't buy the hype. He was ass cheeks first half until Talib went down. I credit him for taking what was given to him, but I can't help but think any QB could make the throws he did when its one of the best veteran WR's in the NFL vs. Cole, and Torrey Smith vs. Arrington.

I'll admit I'm bitter about the 'Flacco outplays Brady again' topic when Flacco is throwing vs. trash and Brady is throwing vs. nearly half a dozen pro bowlers and a couple of hall of famers.

That said, the better team won twice this year. Don't make mistakes and you win big games, kudos to Flacco and the Ravens for playing mistake free.

 

[MrBill]

I really find the use of scripture as a team slogan lame, but my team is in the Superbowl, so I don't care.....whatever keeps them focused I'm cool with.

I'm fine with the Ravens winning. I like to see different teams get the chance for a ring if my team can't win it. Agreed that the use of scripture is a bit lame. I'm getting a little tired of Lewis' arrogance in thinking the supreme power of the universe really cares who wins a football game.

Do you know who that guy in the suit was that was shadowing Lewis at the end of the game and on the field? Looked like some Tony Robbins MFer.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

The Pats need to work on getting more physical on defense. They didn't match up on Boldin or Pitta very well at all, and don't have much size in the secondary.

Len, you can answer this better than most. The Pats defense has been average for some time, and I think it's hurt them in the playoffs. What's the problem with it? Does the coaching staff think the unit it fine? Have draft picks not panned out?

 

[Len B]

The Pats need to work on getting more physical on defense. They didn't match up on Boldin or Pitta very well at all, and don't have much size in the secondary.

Len, you can answer this better than most. The Pats defense has been average for some time, and I think it's hurt them in the playoffs. What's the problem with it? Does the coaching staff think the unit it fine? Have draft picks not panned out?

Well, you have to take two things into consideration last night when looking at that game:

1) The Patriots defense was missing its best pass rusher (Chandler Jones) and its best cover man (Talib).

2) The defense is built on a bend but don't break mentality, assuming the offense can always play ball control and keep the defense in good spots.

I'm not blaming the loss on the injuries, but the game changed as soon as Talib left and the Ravens correctly changed their gameplan. The Patriots are stout up the middle with Wilfork/Spikes/Mayo, and Baltimore couldn't run on first down.

After that, Flacco had all day to throw and the Patriots coverage can't match up with the talent the Ravens have.

It's bad drafting that is getting better. The bad drafting is why losing one player (Talib) killed the team, which shouldn't be the case. The defense as a unit has to get better to withstand a regular injury that happens to every team. Again, no excuses, as the Ravens were more banged up on D. The difference is they can still play once a player goes down.

The defense is going to be a top 12 unit next year. They were by the end of this season. Dennard and Talib is a solid CB duo and their front seven is arguably one of the best up and coming units in the league. One more solid pass rusher and a solid nickel corner and I think they are sturdy.

 

[x0xHumblex0x]

Wes Walker dropped that pass cause he got scared of getting cracked like he did on previous catch when it took a few to get up.

Ravens were hitting hard last night, making the Pats pay on catches and runs. ask Ridley if liked taking that hit on the fumble.
no cheap shots either; just pure hard hitting and making them pay.

goes back before some ya"ll were old enough
but
reminds of the Miami vs. Penn State game when Penn State just pounded every Miami receiver and runner
and PSU was also a big underdog........

 

[Len B]

True enough, Humble.

They earned the W.

 

[BazookaJoe5]

 

[Realist]

 

[Realist]

 

[number_55]

New England does not have the talent to beat Baltimore. They need better players. The Ravens can match the patriots in the chess match and when that happens it comes down to who has the better player match up. This year and last year the Ravens have had a better match up at key positions. Flacco is a good QB, it is irrelevant to compare him to Brady because they don't play against each other in this great team game. With that said Brady needs a gut check and the patriots were physically beat. Go Ravens!!!

 

[BazookaJoe5]