On the second Monday of September, the Baltimore Ravens began their 2010 season against the New York Jets in a game that featured January playoff intensity.
It is typical for opening games to be full of sloppy play, as players adjust to full-speed action. When you add additional variables such as Monday Night Football, and several weeks of back-and-forth chatter; it is not surprising that the game tonight was not a thing of beauty.
Coming into tonight, my general feelings on this Ravens team have been to expect some early struggles – followed by dominance after the bye. The results tonight lead me to believe I was right. At some-point this year the Ravens are going to have their full assortment of weapons available to them. They will have Gaither at RT (and Yanda at RG). They will have Reed back at Safety. They will have Cody helping at DT. They will have Webb in the Secondary. They should have Stallworth, they might have Kindle.
The Ravens will improve. Even without the aforementioned players, this team is still pretty good. That illustrates why expectations for this team are so high.
The Good:
1) Baltimore did more than just win their opening game, they made a statement. They also grabbed a head-to-head victory over a team that they might compete with for home-field advantage in January.
2) Nothing kills a defense like giving up third down conversions, and the Ravens offense converted 11 of 19 opportunities. Cam Cameron provided multiple looks that picked-up the Jets pass rush. Flacco did not have his best game, but continued to step-up in the pocket and deliver when needed. In the middle of the 4th Quarter, Flacco kept a drive going by rolling out and finding Boldin. The multiple quality options in the Ravens passing game, led to a lot of single coverage, and the players made plays.
3) Conversely, the Ravens defense held the Jets offense to 1 for 11 on third down.
4) Boldin came alive in the 2nd half, and was just exploiting Jets 1st round pick Kyle Wilson. Boldin finished with 7 catches for 110 yards.
5) The Ravens put together several long drives. Prior to the McGahee fumble, the Ravens held possession for 9 minutes during their 2nd drive. The Ravens first points (and TD) of the 2010 season came on a 4 minute drive to end the 1st half. Cundiff’s initial field-goal came after a 4 minute drive that started on the Ravens 8 yard line and ended on the Jets 7 yard line. Overall, Baltimore dominated time of possession 38:33 to 21:27.
6) Houshmandzadeh’s first catch as a Raven was a good example of what he brings to this team. He is a big, physical veteran player that knows how to get open and provide a target for his QB. His exuberance after the play reminded me how a perception of a player can change depending on the color uniform he is wearing.
7) The Jets were missing Santonio Holmes, but they still had Cotchery, Edwards, and Keller in their passing attack. Even without a lot of pass-rush, the Secondary was excellent. Sanchez was limited to 74 yards passing.
8) Nice special teams play by David Reed as the gunner on a Ravens punt.
9) The Ravens defense over the previous decade has had numerous different players, schemes, and coaches. The constant has been the run defense. They make teams one-dimensional, and some times appear to take away the will of opponents to run. (Though to be fair, LT had some success)
10) Heap and Mason clearly benefited from the additions of Boldin, and TJ. They were getting single coverage, and beating defenders. The Ravens were sending Heap on deeper routes than they have used him the previous two seasons. The 4th quarter diving catch by Heap was gorgeous, as was hearing the chants of ‘Heap’ come through on TV.
11) Twice in the 4th quarter the Ravens were up 10-9, with the Jets holding the ball. Situations like that demand that someone step-up and make a play. Ngata delivered on the first series with a crushing sack of Sanchez. Lewis delivered on the last series with his hit over the middle on Keller.
The Bad:
1) Yanda was just beat off the edge on the Ravens first offensive-series. I think his play improved during the night, and it is true that Flacco held the ball too long. Still, I think that play illustrated how important Gaither is to this team.
2) Heap’s numbers for the night look even better if he holds on to that catch in the end-zone.
3) Zbikowski’s 4 yard loss on the punt return was hard to watch. With Reed out, I still dislike having Zbikowski on punt-coverage anyway.
4) Flacco’s interception occurred in part because Boldin did not break inside as expected. That familiarity between WR and QB should improve over time. (Honestly, they looked plenty comfortable in the 2nd-half)
5) Ravens fans saw 2 years ago how Jim Leonhard regularly made plays, including as a punt-returner. That said, the Ravens punt coverage has to improve.
The Ugly:
1) The 3 turnovers were poor, but I disliked the Ravens play selection after the 2 minute warning more. Baltimore had 1st and 10 on the Jets 29 yard line, clutching to a 1 point lead. The only thoughts here have to be using clock, and getting a chance at a Field Goal. On 1st and 2nd down Rice rushed to the left for 2, and 5 yard losses. On 3rd down Flacco could not connect with the Rookie TE Dickson. With the 7 yard loss, the Ravens were not even able to attempt a FG. The Ravens punted back to the Jets with 1:37 left on the clock, and could have lost the game on a FG. Just because Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense again stepped-up and stopped Sanchez, does not make this acceptable.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.