John Harbaugh and The Big Bad Ravens Offense Bully Little Brother Jim and The Chargers
Just another dominant MNF by Lamar and the Baltimore Ravens.
May have started a little slowly and we may have spotted them 10 points early, but this game is just another example of the Ravens offense simply being inevitable. Once the train starts rolling, there's no stopping it.
Tonight's game was one where they didn't panic and continued to feed Derrick Henry the rock. Down 10 early, most teams (including past versions of the Ravens) would start to ditch the game plan and try to throw their way back into it. Especially when the defense is a sieve and has been the majority of the season, which dials up the pressure of making the most of your drives. But no, no panic from Monken and the O. They fed Henry to open up the drive down 10-0 and he rewarded them with a 19 yard romp followed by a 14 yard romp and all kinds of momentum. That drive went for 70 yards and a touchdown, 54 of them on the ground and the avalanche began.
The most pivotal moments in this game came shortly after, starting with Jim Harbaugh deciding to punt on 4th and 3 near midfield with 4 minutes left in the first half. With the Ravens getting the 2nd half kick, you simply cannot cede this offense the opportunity to seize control of the game script. Period. Jimmy boy was fucked right then and there. To make matters worse for Jimbo, John put his dick on the table with a BALLSY 4th and 1 call at the 2 minute warning at his own 16. The kind of balls we haven't seen in more than a decade.
Of course, the Ravens convert, everyone blinks, and next thing you know the Ravens are in the end zone with the lead and control of the game.
It's quicksand, man. The Ravens converted a couple more 4th downs and ripped off 5 straight scoring drives, which is all too familiar for this offense. When they see one bucket go in, they just keep coming.
The Ravens continued to feed Derrick Henry and take some chunks here and there through the air by Lamar, who played a VERY clean but quiet game after a shaky start (he completed 14 of his last 16 passes for 2 TD's and another on the ground). King Henry got his 140 on 24 carries, but had his touchdown streak snapped… but it was awesome to see Justice Hill break one.
Big big road win against a good AFC team that probably makes the postseason. Gets us back to a half game behind Pittsburgh and I love our chances against them in our barn next month.
Next week is going to be another doozy. Gonna need Roquan back for the Saquon showdown… can't wait for that one.
8-4, bigger things to come.