By Neill Thupari
A Ravens fan looks back on the past season, and the heartbreaking game that ended it.
Before we get too deep into the tragedy that took place at Gillette Stadium, there are a few things that need to be ironed out:
Cundiff went 28-37 on field goals this season. When he missed, his kicks routinely went right. I distinctly remember four or five of Cundiff’s misses that starting out looking good before fading to the right of the goalposts. On the missed field goal last night, Cundiff kicked from the right hash mark at the 32 yard line: prime territory for the fade to come into play. Aware of his penchant for pushing his kicks, Cundiff overcompensated and hooked it too far. Heartbreaking.
5. There should be no more questioning of Joe Flacco’s ability in the postseason.
I wrote yesterday that Sunday’s game was put up or shut up time for Joe Cool. Well, Joe did everything he could yesterday to lead his team to victory, short of catching his own balls and attempting his own field goals. Flacco outdueled his counterpart, finishing with 306 yards on 22 of 36 passing, with 2 TDs, 1 interception and a 95.6 QB rating. Flacco also took to the ground four times, putting his head down and barreling for 27 yards. He played downright impressive football, and had the Ravens come away with a W, I’m sure Flacco would have been lauded for ridding himself of his demons and carrying the team on his shoulders. Under tremendous scrutiny, Flacco demonstrated his true potential, and for that reason, Ravens fans should take some solace. The important questions facing the Ravens now surround the other parts of their team, and only time will shed light on the direction Baltimore goes next year.
Speaking of which…
Last July, I wrote a piece for Began in ’96 about the need for the Ravens to make one last run at the Super Bowl this year. The crux of that article rested on the fact that Baltimore’s window of opportunity was closing, and the thought of the Ravens making the playoffs four years in a row with no hardware to show for it would be devastating for fans of the Purple and Black.
Lo and behold, here we are. The Black Birds have suffered yet another gutwrenching loss in January, and my fears have come to fruition: Given multiple golden opportunities, the Ravens failed to capitalize on any of them, and fell far short of reaching their full potential.
This May, future Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis turns 36 years old, ancient by the standards of the NFL. Anyone who saw Ray struggling to keep up with tight ends and running backs in these past few playoff games knows he is well into the twilight of his career.
Even so, the fact remains that both Lewis and Reed may be back next year, and there is no question that they would enter training camp as hungry as ever. Still, I can't help but be saddened at what has transpired over the past four years in Baltimore. And although the Ravens are an above-average team with strong organizational pillars, I believe that this chapter in Ravens football history has come to a close. The harsh reality of these past few seasons persists amongst the players and fans alike, and unfortunately, it appears that the window to glory and greatness has been sealed shut.
That’s not to say it's all tears and unhappiness. Baltimore fans were treated to a four-year stretch where their team was the only one to make it to the playoffs each year. They made it to the AFC Championship twice, and the Ravens never played meaningless games.
But damn, it sure would have been nice to win that Superbowl.
[1] No, Patriot fans, Tom Terrific was not going to lead the Pats downfield for a game-winning touchdown with just 22 seconds left. Not against the Ravens.
1. That was one hell of a football game.
Full of momentum swings, fiery intensity and the teams' genuine dislike for one another, that was a great football game from start to finish. New England overcame an uninspiring performance by Tom Brady (22/36, 239 yards, 2 INTs and a 57.5 rating), and showed that their defense can and stand tall if need be. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (68 yards, 1 TD, 4.5 yards per carry) demonstrated what an average/subpar running back can do if a defense is primarily anticipating the pass.
Full of momentum swings, fiery intensity and the teams' genuine dislike for one another, that was a great football game from start to finish. New England overcame an uninspiring performance by Tom Brady (22/36, 239 yards, 2 INTs and a 57.5 rating), and showed that their defense can and stand tall if need be. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (68 yards, 1 TD, 4.5 yards per carry) demonstrated what an average/subpar running back can do if a defense is primarily anticipating the pass.
All kidding aside, there were plenty of times following turnovers when New England could have folded. Instead, they persevered and forced the Ravens to make big-time plays to beat them, which they fell dreadfully short of doing.
2. Lee Evans should have caught that touchdown pass with 22 seconds remaining.
Sterling Moore ought to have a statute built for him in Foxborough. When I saw the attempted pass happen in real time, it looked just like a routine slap of the ball away, but on the slow motion replay, Lee Evans had possession of that ball and had one foot down. But before Evans' second foot came down, Moore knocked the ball out of his hands[1]. Credit goes to the refs, who made the right call on a bang-bang play.
3. The Patriots committed only one penalty for five yards all game. I am not going to expand further on this[2].
2. Lee Evans should have caught that touchdown pass with 22 seconds remaining.
Sterling Moore ought to have a statute built for him in Foxborough. When I saw the attempted pass happen in real time, it looked just like a routine slap of the ball away, but on the slow motion replay, Lee Evans had possession of that ball and had one foot down. But before Evans' second foot came down, Moore knocked the ball out of his hands[1]. Credit goes to the refs, who made the right call on a bang-bang play.
3. The Patriots committed only one penalty for five yards all game. I am not going to expand further on this[2].
4. There’s a reason Billy Cundiff pushed his potential game-tying kick so far to the left.
Cundiff went 28-37 on field goals this season. When he missed, his kicks routinely went right. I distinctly remember four or five of Cundiff’s misses that starting out looking good before fading to the right of the goalposts. On the missed field goal last night, Cundiff kicked from the right hash mark at the 32 yard line: prime territory for the fade to come into play. Aware of his penchant for pushing his kicks, Cundiff overcompensated and hooked it too far. Heartbreaking.
5. There should be no more questioning of Joe Flacco’s ability in the postseason.
I wrote yesterday that Sunday’s game was put up or shut up time for Joe Cool. Well, Joe did everything he could yesterday to lead his team to victory, short of catching his own balls and attempting his own field goals. Flacco outdueled his counterpart, finishing with 306 yards on 22 of 36 passing, with 2 TDs, 1 interception and a 95.6 QB rating. Flacco also took to the ground four times, putting his head down and barreling for 27 yards. He played downright impressive football, and had the Ravens come away with a W, I’m sure Flacco would have been lauded for ridding himself of his demons and carrying the team on his shoulders. Under tremendous scrutiny, Flacco demonstrated his true potential, and for that reason, Ravens fans should take some solace. The important questions facing the Ravens now surround the other parts of their team, and only time will shed light on the direction Baltimore goes next year.
Speaking of which…
Last July, I wrote a piece for Began in ’96 about the need for the Ravens to make one last run at the Super Bowl this year. The crux of that article rested on the fact that Baltimore’s window of opportunity was closing, and the thought of the Ravens making the playoffs four years in a row with no hardware to show for it would be devastating for fans of the Purple and Black.
Lo and behold, here we are. The Black Birds have suffered yet another gutwrenching loss in January, and my fears have come to fruition: Given multiple golden opportunities, the Ravens failed to capitalize on any of them, and fell far short of reaching their full potential.
This May, future Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis turns 36 years old, ancient by the standards of the NFL. Anyone who saw Ray struggling to keep up with tight ends and running backs in these past few playoff games knows he is well into the twilight of his career.
“Is this my last time as a Raven? Absolutely not,” Lewis said Sunday night, and while his spirit is admirable, it's painfully apparent that his body is wearing down.
Lewis’ fellow defender, Ed Reed, turns 34 this year, and his best days are behind him as well. Baltimore fans are too familiar with the sight of Reed failing to wrap up a tackle as he once was able to due to his lingering neck injury[3], or crumpling to the ground after another collision. The thought of him laying it all on the line for another 16+ games next year makes me cringe, to say the least.
Even so, the fact remains that both Lewis and Reed may be back next year, and there is no question that they would enter training camp as hungry as ever. Still, I can't help but be saddened at what has transpired over the past four years in Baltimore. And although the Ravens are an above-average team with strong organizational pillars, I believe that this chapter in Ravens football history has come to a close. The harsh reality of these past few seasons persists amongst the players and fans alike, and unfortunately, it appears that the window to glory and greatness has been sealed shut.
That’s not to say it's all tears and unhappiness. Baltimore fans were treated to a four-year stretch where their team was the only one to make it to the playoffs each year. They made it to the AFC Championship twice, and the Ravens never played meaningless games.
More importantly, over that time the city of Baltimore adopted the Ravens' swagger. Ball So Hard University shirts are prevalent throughout the city, and no matter where you dine, drink, read, or spend time around town, people are forever thankful for their Black and Purple Gang. The collective chip on the shoulder of Ravens players is now interchangeable with that of the citizens of Charm City and its surrounding areas, and there remains hope for a bright, successful, winning future in Baltimore.
I wrote last July that if the Ravens failed to make a trip to the Super Bowl this season, their fans would look back at these past few years as the treading water era, where the Ravens were constantly in the mix, but never went anywhere. While those things are still be partially true, I'm grateful for what this team accomplished over the past decade. They restored a culture of winning and hope to a city that had most of its sporting dreams dashed by the lamentable Orioles. As a changing of the guard looms in the Ravens' future, I am confident that the fans will not take for granted the spectacular careers of men like Lewis and Reed. Instead, they'll learn from their leadership and determination, and cheer on the next generation of players like Suggs, Ngata, Flacco and Rice.
I wrote last July that if the Ravens failed to make a trip to the Super Bowl this season, their fans would look back at these past few years as the treading water era, where the Ravens were constantly in the mix, but never went anywhere. While those things are still be partially true, I'm grateful for what this team accomplished over the past decade. They restored a culture of winning and hope to a city that had most of its sporting dreams dashed by the lamentable Orioles. As a changing of the guard looms in the Ravens' future, I am confident that the fans will not take for granted the spectacular careers of men like Lewis and Reed. Instead, they'll learn from their leadership and determination, and cheer on the next generation of players like Suggs, Ngata, Flacco and Rice.
But damn, it sure would have been nice to win that Superbowl.
[1] No, Patriot fans, Tom Terrific was not going to lead the Pats downfield for a game-winning touchdown with just 22 seconds left. Not against the Ravens.
[2] I’m well aware that last week against Houston the Ravens did not record a single penalty. I’m not saying that was fair either, but just because Baltimore wasn’t called for a penalty last week does not forgive the refs this week for their blatant lack of calling penalties against New England. Again, I’m not saying this even cost the Ravens the game, it’s just an interesting stat.
[3] The same neck injury that befell Peyton Manning, with the only difference being that Reed did not opt for surgery because he is almost positive that surgery will end his career completely.
The Week Ahead (all times EST)- Your guide to what to watch-- and what to watch for-- this coming week
College Basketball
Texas A&M at Kansas- Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Tennessee at Vanderbilt- Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (ESPNU
Baylor at Oklahoma- Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Duke at Maryland- Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Harvard at Yale- Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Texas at Baylor- Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. (CBS)
Mississippi St. at Florida- Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Eastern Illinois at Murray St.- Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Notre Dame at UConn- Jan. 29 at noon (ESPN3)
Michigan at Ohio St.- Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. (CBS)
NBA
Magic at Celtics- Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Pacers at Bulls- Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. (Comcast Sports Chicago/NBA TV)
Clippers at Lakers- Jan. 25 at 10:30 p.m. (FOX WEST/NBA TV)
NHL
Blues at Red Wings- Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (FSD+/NBCSN)
Bruins at Capitals- Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (NESN/CSNB)
Flyers at Panthers- Jan. 24 at 7:30 (COMCAST/FOX FLORIDA)
In the Kitchen- Tracking the major hot stove stories
Coming Up- What's next at Began in '96
Tennessee at Vanderbilt- Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (ESPNU
Baylor at Oklahoma- Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Duke at Maryland- Jan. 25 at 9 p.m. (ESPN)
Harvard at Yale- Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
Texas at Baylor- Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. (CBS)
Mississippi St. at Florida- Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m. (ESPN3)
Eastern Illinois at Murray St.- Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. (ESPN3)
Notre Dame at UConn- Jan. 29 at noon (ESPN3)
Michigan at Ohio St.- Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. (CBS)
NBA
Magic at Celtics- Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Pacers at Bulls- Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. (Comcast Sports Chicago/NBA TV)
Clippers at Lakers- Jan. 25 at 10:30 p.m. (FOX WEST/NBA TV)
NHL
Blues at Red Wings- Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. (FSD+/NBCSN)
Bruins at Capitals- Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. (NESN/CSNB)
Flyers at Panthers- Jan. 24 at 7:30 (COMCAST/FOX FLORIDA)
In the Kitchen- Tracking the major hot stove stories
- Shortstop David Eckstein has retired from Major League Baseball at age 37. Eckstein played 10 years in the big leagues, winning a World Series MVP with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. However, he will most likely be remembered as a point of contention between baseball's traditionalists-- who praised him as a "gritty" player with "hustle" and "heart"-- and the newer sabermetric crowd that criticized his lack of production. Viva El Birdos has a retrospective on Eckstein's career, his intangibles and his lasting impact on the game.
- The Colorado Rockies acquired infielder Marco Scutaro from the Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Clayton Mortenson. Scutaro will likely end up at second base and hitting in the two hole, after the 36-year-old hit a career-high .299 last season.
- The Scutaro trade could have a ripple effect for the Sox, who are trying to free up cash to sign former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt. Also on Boston's wish list is outfielder Cody Ross, who would fill in for Carl Crawford while he recovers from wrist surgery.
- Closer Ryan Madson finally found a home, signing with the Cincinnati Reds for $8.5 million over the next year. The market for closers has dried up this offseason, forcing many to take short-term deals. Madson's contract includes a $11 million mutual option for 2013.
- Longtime New York Yankees backstop Jorge Posada is expected to announce his retirement early this week. The 40-year-old spent his entire career with the Yankees, but saw his role diminished last year as he struggled at the plate. Posada won four world championships during his time in New York.
EA lawsuit doesn't mean Madden's exclusive is a license to be killed- Kotaku's Owen Good breaks down Electronic Arts' latest legal maneuvers and what they mean for the video game company's stranglehold on the NFL license.
What happened last night- Community news site Onward State explains the decisions and mistakes that led it to prematurely report Joe Paterno's death.
Yes, this is CBS host James Brown interviewing a fake baby- Fresh off of falsely claiming the scoop about Paterno's death as its own and then turning around and blaming Onward State when the news turned out to be premature, CBS further debases itself by "interviewing" the E*Trade baby. FOX later got in on the act as well
New generation of 49er success- The New York Times' Greg Bishop goes deep on the San Francisco 49ers.
Joe Flacco: An appreciation- Baltimore Sun columnist Kevin Van Valkenburg pens an open letter to the Ravens' much-maligned quarterback.
- Tuesday: New Montana resident Jason Bacaj chronicles his first time skiing The Ridge.
- Thursday: Adam Cancryn on what Saturday night taught us about the media, and why it's not all bad
- Friday: Joe Schackman on the late Joe Paterno.
6 comments:
Go RAVENS..... There you go Neill, thanks for your critical, truthfull opinion, we fans have hope in our Purple and Black Ravens, classy members. Thanks guys for putting a great show, look forward to another great seasson 2012-2013.Vashista/JNT
I'm sorry, but how can anyone call Bernard Pollard classy?
Care to explain how he is not classy?
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/05/bernard-pollards-late-hit-could-cost-anthony-gonzalez-his-season/
http://thepigskindoctors.com/2010/09/bernard-pollard-cusses-reggie-wayne-on-live-tv/
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/houston-texans-bernard-pollard-fined-for-hit-120310
Let alone Brady. Calling him not classy may be the wrong description, but he is definitely a head hunter, and for me, with NFL players the two classifications go hand in hand. I have no respect for head hunters. Make big hits all you want, but don't unnecessarily destroy someone. Regardless of the fact that I'm scared s**tless of them, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are tough players, but not headhunters. Pollard has played dirty on every team hes been on.
Not saying I totally disagree with you but ironic you choose Ray Lewis as your opposite spectrum example.
I don't think so. Obviously he's not the most put together guy in his personal life, but I think he's very respectful towards football. Just cuz he talks smack about players to try and get in their head and plays very hard doesn't mean he runs around trying to take players' heads off. At least not on the field. He was basically crying during the national anthem yesterday.
Also, I think is more an observation on older Ray. When he was younger definitely a different opinion existed.
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