tsylvester

Well, with this game a mystery, and then 2 week off, (your might need 2 weeks to get through this, here is the latest PunchLine podcasts

Well you know the drill young lady, follow the thread, watch when it is safe

I am curious to Huntley in Todd's system. Huntley is nothing if not accurate on short to intermediate throws. If given time, with these new route combinations, Huntley might thrive, at least enough to move the ball, score some points. The only 2 questions are; can avoid the turnovers that cost games & 2, can the back up defenders play well enough to keep this game close?

Signs with the Ravens, nice depth move. Per Shefty

I would not count on Andrews, tib fracture and ligament damage. I know, several players lately have had this same injury and come back, but not quite at full strength. Even if he did he would need a full game to get back in playing shape. Likely has proven to not only he dependable, but a true weapon. So bring Andrews back slowly, if at all, to maybe- be ready for the Super Bowl should they make it that far.

They seem to be focussed, know that this year, they really have a chance to win it all. They have the talent, the health for the most part, while other teams, normally much better, have major issues. I hope Harbs keeps them around, so they don't get tempted to do "team bonding" on cruises, which will take your legs away.

Half of the playoff teams, that are locked in to a spot, are sitting their starting qbs and key players who may or may not be dinged. Good move, I don't buy into the rust settling in, this isn't baseball nor basketball where you may lose your "eye" for the ball or hoop with time off. The key is what they do in the days off, how do they spend their time? I use to coach, several sports. Helped lead my softball team to back to back championship games. We had the best team, there was a 2 week layoff between seasons end and the game. This was summer, the players late teens, 20 somethings mostly. I told them NOT to go swimming and to get plenty of fluids 10 out from the game. Why? Swimming wipes you out. It is the best form of exercise there is, low impact but works every muscle group. Even just playing water games, NO! What did they do? They went swimming, most every day, came out flat in the game, we got smoked. 2nd year? Some followed my advice, a few, my star shortstop one of them, went to a head banging concert and got injured in the mosh pit 2 days before the game, sprained his knee, could not play. We lost again. So what these guys do in the time off is key, especially in football, hydrate, rest, do safe activities with family, NOT CRUISES, the sun, the waves, the sea sickness, lingers.

Yes it is Steeler week, but this isn't any normal Steeler vs Ravens game on late Saturday afternoon. No, the Ravens have nothing to lose, except players to injury. While a loss for Pitt would likely eliminate them from playoff contention. These are not the same Steelers the Raven faced in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago. Once again they changed quarterbacks, turning to journeymen backup Mason Rudolph. Since installing him to lead their putrid offense, the Steelers have scored 30+ pts, averaging 400 total yards in each of their past 2 wins. Rudolph, not Blitzen, has thrown for more than 250 yards in those games as well. Their defense, while still able to bite with their pass rush, has fallen and one wonders if they can get up. They currently sit 22nd in the league in total defense, allowing 349 total yards per game, 233 through the air, 115 on the ground, 19 points per game. While the Ravens are one of the top offenses, 4th, 1st in rushing, with the only risk being that of injury, one has to wonder who, and how many players will sit out. Yes, it would be, from a fans stand point, fun to not only pummel the Stoolers, but also knock them out of the playoffs, this team is rolling, tip 5 in offense, defense and special teams. They not only have the best record in the league, but have the best points differential, especially against teams with winning records. Why risk a real shot at the Super Bowl, for nothing more than pride? Surely this team, with its depth, can squeeze past the Stillers.

A little deeper dive, red zone passing Lamar is "9th" throwing inside the 20, completing 67% with 16 tds and 2 picks. Inside the 10, 64%, with 11 tds and 1 pick.

Okay, what a great game, a fantastic season season thus far. We know their record, it is clear that they are playing the best football in the league. But how? Let us dive into the numbers this year. We shall start in the redzone, where this team has really improved over the previous years. No, they are not the best, but they are top 10, 7th to be exact. In what you may ask? In turning redzone trips into touchdowns at a rate of 62.69%, 69.7% at home. Last year we saw their failings in the redzone, so many field goals that ended up costing wins.. just 44% ... Quite an improvement. But what about the rest of the field? Surely this offense must have top 10 players, right? Maybe at qb? Receiver? Runningback? No, no and nope. Even as great as Lamar has played this season, it has been a team game, he is currently 14th in the league in yards, 3,678, averaging just 229 yards per game. However, a closer look sees him 4th in average yard per pass (8), key, in moving the chains, with a long of 80 yards, also 4th. And 4th in qbr, 65.3, 102.7, 6th in completion %, 67.2, all vital in scoring. Yes, he has been sacked quite often, 37 times, but that was mostly earlier in the season, before the line had time to mesh, when injuries were starting to pile up. No, there is not a top 10 receiver in yards, in fact, the leading receiver, Flowers, is 37th in the league with 858. But, there are several others with 500 or more. Yes, he spreads the ball around in this offense. Nope, no 1,000 yard rusher either, but a backfield that moves the chains when needed, produces big runs, yes Lamar leads them with just over 800 yards, with a long of 30, Gus with 762, long of 40, Hill, surprising many, 387, long of 41. Gus has 13 touchdowns, good for 4th in the league. This does not count their key receptions that converted 3rd downs, some, changing the game entirely, Gus with 12 receptions for 180 yards, with a long of 80. Hill with 25 for 180 with a long of 24. Lamar and Gus with 48 1st downs each, Hill with 18. That is how you control a game, moving the ball, holding the ball, not give the defense a player to key on. Likely (4 tds), Bateman(1) Agholor(4 tds) each with 300+ yards receiving, averaging 13, 11, 11 yards per receptions, respectfully. Did I mention OBj, who has come up with some big catches in his 565 yards with a long of 51, averaging a whopping 16 yards per reception. Yes, all of this has been hoe we see this offense move down the field, score on their 1st possession, score after half time, score on multiple possessions in a row. It has been fun, but maybe, the fun is just beginning. The move to Todd Monken as offensive coordinator has clearly been a success.

Back to back weeks, top 2 offenses held to under 20 pts. Sure, they got their yards, a touchdown pass was dropped. But when you know that pts are precious, you sometimes try too hard. That counts toward how good this defense is this year. Now, can they get healthy, stay focussed, not be rusty after the rest? This is clearly the best team in league, not just the AFC, their record proves it, their margin of victory proves. No team has a record like the Ravens. Now, can they? Yes, will they? Stay tuned

Lamar, 18 of 21, 321 yards and 5 touchdowns, No picks nor fumbles. A perfect passer rating

Just an incredible game plan, offense and defense. Todd Monken called an incredible game, Lamar was, well Lamsrvelous. The line was incredible, dominant. Defense, bent but did not break, got a good hit on Tua and he folded like an old rusty lawn chair. A mix of man and zone, well done Mike Mc! 13-3 and they could legitimately be 16-0, maybe it is good that they lost those 3 games in the way they lost them.

2:28 Papa, my old friend, where are you?

Kolar from Huntley, touchdown! 56 -19

Fumble at the 19, Ravens recover, all starters are out for both teams. AFC North Champs! number 1 seed baby!

49-19 Ravens! Is there any doubt that this is the best team in the league? That Lamar is MVP?

Gordon for 7 Gordon works hard for 4 flags all over after pushing and shoving all on the Phins, 1st and goal Approaching the 5 min mark Gordon for no gain Gordon fights for a touchdown!

Coming up on 7 mins 2nd and 7 Lamar keeps it after a 10 yard gain 1st and 10 from their 19 False start, Melvin fumble Gordon is in, yikes

Come enjoy the win now

2nd and 10 Screen pass gets 2 Coming up on 9 mins left 3rd and 8 Sacked, Owe, who was off sides, but previous play their wide out lined up in the neutral zone, not called 4th and 14 They go for it, Tua forced to run, slides short Ravens ball at the Miami 32

42-19 Ravens 9:34 left in the game From their 26 Naked boot, Clowney nocks the pass down

Yes

Gus up the middle for 2, 2nd snand goal Gus again, no gain Under 10 mins. Lamar to Riccard for 6!

Lamar rolls, finds Bateman for 12 Bateman again on a slant for 13 Miami in man Gus up the middle for 3 12:20 2nd and 7 From the Miami 48 Hill off the left to the Miami 5 for 41 yards