Manning's Colts prove too much for Ravens in 20-3 win posted by Joe Anello

I guess the Ravens used up all their karma. After everything went Baltimore's way last week against New England, they fell completely flat in Indianapolis Saturday night, missing every opportunity imaginable. Against a lesser foe, they could have mounted a comeback. Against Peyton Manning and the Colts, they had no chance.

While the first quarter saw each squad produce a lengthy drive, neither could punch it into the endzone. Peyton Manning decided the second quarter would be a different story. Capping off an eight minute, 14-play drive, a ten yard pass from Manning to Austin Collie put Indy up 7, giving Joe Flacco two minutes until halftime to respond. From there it all went downhill for the Ravens. 

Taking only 22 seconds off the clock, Baltimore was forced to punt the ball back to Manning, who marched it right back down the field and connected with Reggie Wayne to put the score at 14-3. In the third, the Ravens were their own worst enemies, killing possessions before the offense ever got on the field. Ed Reed managed to intercept Manning on two different passes, only to fumble the first right back and the second called back on defensive pass interference. A fourth quarter Ray Rice fumble and a field goal from Colt kicker Matt Stover put the icing on the Indy cake, ensuring they will host the AFC Championship next week at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts offense was crisp and in rhythm all night long in spite of their extended layoff. Manning had a typically average day (which is still awesome), even as his running game could not accumulate over 50 yards. He spread the ball to seven difference receivers on his 30 completions as the Raven secondary could do nothing but watch. Indy's defense was the real highlight, forcing the Ravens offense into three turnovers and five punts after their opening drive field goal. If they can build off this performance, they're ready for anyone in the NFL.

Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday posted by Joe Anello

In case you haven't heard, we're knee-deep in the NFL playoffs. Today kicks-off the best weekend of football all year. Eight teams remain in the Super Bowl hunt, with the top seeds in each conference joining in on the action. Let's not waste any time, here's the Opening Drive for Divisional Saturday in the NFL!

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
4:30PM ET FOX 

After last Sunday night's shoot-out in the desert, the Cardinals head to the Superdome, ready to repeat last year's post-season success. Quarterback Kurt Warner has a knack for playing his best football in the playoffs and last week was no exception. He is expected to be without receiver Anquan Boldin for the second straight week, but that will be a game-time decision. He'll still have Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston on the outside, so he'll be just fine. Arizona shocked Green Bay with their commitment to the running game last week, gaining over 150 yards on the ground. Concerns arise when discussing their defense, but as we saw in overtime last week, they can make plays when they need them. Darnell Dockett, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Adrian Wilson all have thr ability to affect the outcome.

In New Orleans, they haven't seen a meaningful game in a month since they suffered their first loss of the season to the Cowboys. Followed up by a shocking loss to Tampa Bay and a give-in to Carolina, Drew Brees and the Saints may have significant rust to shake off to start this one. On the plus side, running back Pierre Thomas and tight end Jeremy Shockey will be back from injury, giving Brees his full complement of weapons. Defensively, the Saints lagged in the final stretch of the regular season, but still ended up leading the league with a whopping 39 takeaways. Resigning Deuce McAllister for the post-season won't do much more than provide some inspiration and crowd fervor. 

Pick Six: Wild Card posted by Randolph Charlotin

The loss was the equivalent of a mugging. The Patriots didn’t see it coming, and before they knew it, New England was on the ground, wondering what happened.

There’s no sugar-coating this. They got whipped. Baltimore came out with a fury and the Pats had no answer for the rapid flurry of haymakers.

This is easily the worst loss of the year because the expectations were, despite the difficulties over the course of the year, they would respond to adversity and put up a good fight. But the Pats couldn’t stop the freight train moving at full speed.

Now that the season is over, head coach Bill Belichick has to take a real tough look at his team and no one is spared. Players, coaches, and scouts must be evaluated and determine who’s doing a good job and where there’s room for improvement. Based on Sunday, looks like a lot.

1. The Patriots playoff winning streak at home came to an end. New England won eleven straight home playoff games. The franchise’s first ever home playoff loss was the first home playoff game in 1978.

2. The Pats had their worst two consecutive quarters of the year. After giving up three straight touchdowns to Houston in the fourth quarter last week, Baltimore ripped off a 24-0 start in the first quarter, for a total of 45 straight points.

3. It took until 7:40 left in the first quarter for the Pats to gain their initial first down. New England didn’t have two first downs in a drive until 10:28 left in the third quarter.

4. Believe it or not, but I found a couple of positives. Congratulations to OLB Tully Banta-Cain on his first career playoff interception. And WR Julian Edelman had his first two touchdown game in his career.

WTF of Wild-Card Weekend: Ravens trounce Patriots 33-14 posted by Joe Anello

Well that happened. 

From the very first play from scrimmage, it was obvious: These aren't your dad's Patriots. (If you dad was a Pats fan two years ago.) Ray Rice took the opening hand-off 83 yards to the endzone to put the Ravens up 7-0 en route to embarrassing Bill Belichick's Patriots 33-14.

On the following Patriots possession, Tom Brady was stripped by Terrell Suggs, who also recovered the fumble to set up a Le'Ron Mclain 1-yard touchdown scat. Two Brady interceptions stopped Patriot drives in their tracks, setting up another Rice score and a Billy Cundiff field goal to bring the score to an impossible 24-0 before the first quarter ended. After that, the Baltimore defense only needed to avoid a monumental collapse as the Raven offense dominated the line of scrimmage for 234 yards on the ground. 

The Patriots first touchdown came in the second quarter after questionably recovering a punt that grazed off Raven special teamer Tom Zbikowski. Baltimore Head Coach Jim Harbaugh chose not to challenge, giving the Pats a short field for the Julian Edelman score. At that point it seemed Belichick's boys would use that momentum to get back into the game, but the Ravens' defense refused to yield, forcing three consecutive punts and snagging another interception. Another touchdown and field goal in the third put the game out of reach and ended a phenomenal decade for the Patriots with a whimper.

Joe's Opening Drive: Wild-Card Sunday posted by Joe Anello

After the Cowboys and the Jets dominated their opponents to move onto the divisional round, we've got some great action on tap today with a physical match-up in New England and a (hopefully) high-flying contest in the Arizona desert. Here's the Opening Drive of Wild-Card Sunday!

(9-7) Baltimore Ravens at (10-6) New England Patriots
1:00PM ET CBS

After a deep playoff run last year, the Ravens struggled to find consistency this season on the defensive of the ball, much to everyone's surprise. Running back Ray Rice has the ability to pound the ball as well as catch passes out of the backfield for sophomore QB Joe Flacco. Receiver Derrick Mason hasn't been as dependable in recent weeks, but he still managed another 1000-yard season. Tight end Todd Heap caught 6 touchdowns this season, second on the team. Keep an eye on wide-out Demetrius Williams, who might be Flacco's best downfield threat. On defense, safety Ed Reed should be healthy enough to play after nursing a groin injury for part of the regular season. Ray Lewis is as demonstrative as ever, but that defensive line featuring Haloti Ngata and Trevor Pryce will be the biggest factor in whether Baltimore can pull off the upset.

In New England, things just aren't the same. Tom Brady may be the comeback player of the year, but he's not playing at his best yet. He'll be without Wes Welker until next year, so rookie receiver Julian Edelman has to step in and be that possession receiver. Edelman won't have the experience, but he could be quicker than Welker. I don't think it will be a steep drop-off in production. Randy Moss should see all the double coverage he can handle. Back Laurence Maroney has come on in the second half of the year to bring a running game back to New England. For all the offensive talent, the Patriots' defense has been the problem all year. Young, inconsistent and inexperienced, the secondary has made too many mistakes. They aren't pressuring opposing quarterbacks. It's difficult to win in the postseason with that combination.

Hours Before Kickoff: Wild Card posted by Randolph Charlotin

Don’t buy it when the Baltimore Ravens say they put the week 4 loss behind them. LB Ray Lewis avoided talking about it by saying it was in the past, but it’s on his mind.

Baltimore hasn’t forgotten the game that got away. DL Haloti Ngata has a picture of his contact with QB Tom Brady’s helmet. LB Terrell Suggs will have the time of his personal foul written on the tape on his wrist. WR Mark Clayton spent extra time catching passes so he won’t drop another fourth down pass.

Playing with emotion is encouraged, but to a point. You never want to let your emotions get the better of you. It could lead to costly penalties. But when harnessed right, a team plays with high energy and aggression, without crossing the line.

The Ravens is a team that plays with just enough emotion. Always a tough and physical team, B-more will stride into Gillette Stadium with an impetuous attitude, confident the only obstacle to success is themselves.

There is truth to that. Baltimore shot themselves in the foot on those two penalties. The Patriots capitalized on them and scored touchdowns thanks to those second chances. Take away 14 points and it’s a 21-13 win for the Ravens.

As for the Pats, they come into the game knowing they beat the Ravens once before and can do it again. But they understand it’s going to be tougher the second time around without WR Wes Welker.

Some people will point out that Welker only had six receptions for 48 yards in the game, but his presence on the field was valuable because the defense has to respect Welker. Without him, WR Randy Moss will star in the NFL version of “Three’s Company.”

Line of Defense posted by Randolph Charlotin

The linebackers have a big challenge on their hands. Baltimore’s offensive line is big and physical with a run first mentality. The ground game, led by RBs Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, averaged 137.5 yards per game at a 4.7 yards per gain clip.

It’s going to be very important for the defense to stop the Ravens on the ground. As always, it is easier said than done when Rice averaged 5.7 yards per carry and McGahee 5.0.  But if the Pats can hold Baltimore to short gains on first and second downs, they can attack the Ravens’ pass protection.

Baltimore gave up 36 sacks in 2009. But what sets off alarms is in the last four games, QB Joe Flacco was dropped 10 times in the last three games, eight in the last two.

Now I’m not comparing New England’s meager pass rush to either Pittsburgh’s (47 sacks) or Oakland’s (37) as the Pats finished with 31 sacks, just below the NFL’s Mendoza Line in that category by my standards. But a few players are getting hot at the right time.

Leading the way is prodigal son Tully Banta-Cain with 10 sacks, 4.5 in his last three games. If Baltimore turns their attention to TBC on passing downs, New England can capitalize on the shift by attacking the line elsewhere. Derrick Burgess has a sack in three of his last four games. And Gary Guyton chipped in with 1.5 within the last three games.

A disclaimer: Two of the last three opponents didn’t have strong offensive lines. Buffalo’s O-line (46) was in disarray from day one, starting with the decision to trade LT Jason Peters. By the time New England came to town, they were breaking in OG Ritchie Incognito, just signed after being released by St. Louis and only a few practices with the Bills under his belt. It’s no surprise the Patriots finished with six sacks that afternoon.

Welker Remix posted by Randolph Charlotin

With WR Wes Welker expected to be out for the playoffs, all the attention went to his replacement known as “Mini Wes” to some (I prefer Fat Welker), Julian Edelman.

Sunday Edelman had a Welker-like day as he caught 10 passes for 103 yards, including a 25-yard catch and run that would make Wes proud of Edelman.

Usually teams try to not to change the approach when a player goes down. Under that line of thinking, Edelman gets promoted to starter opposite to WR Randy Moss. Julian will execute Welker’s plays for the afternoon.

I understand the desire to keep the continuity as best as possible, but I hope the offense goes the unpredictable route that QB Tom Brady suggested. The first step would be to start WR Sam Aiken.

No big deal? Yeah, maybe. But this wrinkle could help the passing game along.

One thing we know is Baltimore plays physical. Moss can be effectively be bumped at the line, disrupting his route. Aiken is 6-2 215 pounds, so he should be plenty strong enough to fight through a corner in his grill. Edelman, an even 6-0 and 198, might not have the strength to break away quickly.

Every team tries like hell to keep Moss from getting open downfield and the Ravens will be no different. Anytime Moss goes downfield 15 yards or more, he’ll likely get Secret Service treatment and have at least two defenders surrounding him. That could mean Aiken with single coverage, and he’s shown the speed to get downfield for a big play. Edelman is quick, but his deep speed isn’t proven. Aiken also has the advantage in jump ball situations.

Pick Six: Week 17 posted by Randolph Charlotin

It’s the kind of injury that believers in playing it safe use as an example. WR Wes Welker injured his knee when he planted his left foot to change direction, but the knee gave away. People believe he tore his ACL and MCL, ending Welker’s season just before the playoffs.

When Indianapolis’ head coach Jim Caldwell benched his starters with about 5:30 left in the third quarter in week 16, it was an injury like Welker’s Caldwell wanted to avoid to a key player. The Colts are already without safety Bob Sanders and had several others nursing injuries. It’s better to rest the starters and not put them in harm’s way.

That line of thinking is sound, but playing it safe wasn’t as important as playing to win. There wasn’t a player on the Patriots that would rather sit out a game than suit up and take the field, Welker included. New England needed the best players if they wanted to beat Houston.

Also at stake is momentum for New England. They won their last three games and they were playing better as the season was winding down. Riding the groove through the season finale and into the playoffs by winning the final regular season game, especially a road win, would build positive vibes going into Wild Card Weekend.

For those that think Welker’s injury is proof New England should had protected the starters, don’t forget that no one touched Welker when he injured his knee. Maybe the injury was bound to happen at some point. It could had happened in the next game for all we know. Maybe it wouldn’t happen ever if Welker sat. All we know is Welker collapsed trying to change direction like he has done thousands of time.

Joe's Final Drive: Week 17 posted by Joe Anello

Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

(12-4) Minnesota Vikings 44
(8-8) New York Giants 7 

Way to not show up for the last two weeks of the season G-men. You're ensured some massive roster changes with your less-than stellar effort. Meanwhile, the Vikings jumped back into the two seed with the Eagles' loss, giving old man Favre a week off before mounting a Super Bowl run. There's cause for concern in Minnesota after the Vikings have failed to get Adrian Peterson going heading into the playoffs. We'll see how that plays out in two weeks.

(9-7) Houston Texans 34 
(10-6) New England Patriots 27

The biggest injury of the weekend is clearly the loss of Wes Welker for the Pats. For those of you screaming that Belichick shouldn't have been playing his starters, Welker was injured on the first drive of the game without being contacted. It could have happened warming up. His loss will leave QB Tom Brady without his favorite receiver and plenty of double coverage for Randy Moss. For the Texans, congratulations are due for the first winning season in franchise history, but they couldn't sneak into the playoffs. Regardless, QB Matt Schaub, who led the league in passing yards, gives them hope for the immediate future.

Ravens hire Zorn as quarterbacks coach (AP)

Former Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn has been hired by the Baltimore Ravens to be their quarterbacks coach. Zorn takes over for Hue Jackson, who left to become offensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders. Zorn was fired earlier this month by the Redskins after two seasons as their head coach. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Harbaugh hires Dean Pees, formerly of Patriots, to coach Ravens LBs (The Canadian Press)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Baltimore Ravens have hired former New England Patriots defensive co-ordinator Dean Pees as their new linebackers coach. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Baltimore Ravens hire former Patriots defensive co-ordinator Pees (The Canadian Press)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Baltimore Ravens hired former New England Patriots defensive co-ordinator Dean Pees as their linebackers coach Tuesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Ravens hire Pees to coach LBs (AP)

The Baltimore Ravens have hired former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees as their new linebackers coach. The 60-year-old Pees ran New England's defense over the past four years after serving for two seasons as the Patriots' linebackers coach. Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced the hiring Tuesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Suit against Ravens LB Suggs withdrawn (AP)

An attorney for Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs says the mother of Suggs' two children has withdrawn a $70 million lawsuit against him, and the two are trying to reconcile. Lynn Hoffman, who represents Suggs, says Candace Williams voluntarily withdrew the lawsuit and filed a motion to rescind a protective order she had taken out against him last month. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports