THE WINNING STREAK STARTS THIS WEEK
Before we start the discussion, we must recognize Dennis Pitta and the roll he has played this year. Dennis was put on Injured Reserve Wednesday-that means he will not take the field for us this season. The Ravens had a deadline of Wednesday to activate Dennis or put him on IR. So, after consulting the doctors and what I am sure was great thought, Dennis and the Ravens decided going on IR was the best thing to do for the future, even though that future may include Dennis never taking the field again. He has not played one down this year so what kind of roll has he had? He has been on the sidelines in the roll of coach, working with our first and second year tight ends. By the way, for a group of one second year and two rookies they have played great, truly a shining point this season. Dennis was on the Physically Unable to Perform List and could have stayed home but he decided to stay with the team and help out. I can’t help but think that Dennis is a huge part of why our tight ends are playing so well. Thank you Dennis Pitta, good luck and we are pulling for you to get back on the field.
The second half of the season starts this week and we still don’t know who this team is. We are still learning new names, Brent Urban and Terrance West (a local from Towson University) practiced this week. Brent could help the D line and Terrance is on the practice squad. With the next two games at home we will get answers to the nagging questions:
• Will the receiving corps be able to carry the load without Steve Smith?
• Can the defensive secondary cover anyone?
• Will the offensive line be able to protect Joe and get jump start the running game?
I sure hope so because I haven’t given up on us making the playoffs.
So the winning steak starts this week when the Jaguars come to M&T for a battle of 2-6 teams. By the numbers the Ravens and Jaguars are almost perfectly matched. While the Jaguars put up big numbers when they play at home, they have lost the last 14 road games. The Jags have a young second year Quarterback, Blake Bortles who does not like to go on the road. Bortles gets rattled by the crowds and has thrown 9 of his 10 interceptions on the road. The Ravens coming off the bye should be fresh and ready to go. Playing at home, the Ravens have been almost unbeatable. This week the match up to watch is Blake Bortles against our secondary and our D line against their O line Bortles has been sacked 25 times already this season. Joe has always played well after a bye and will do so this week. This week the passing game sets up the running game. Look for Joe to come out slinging the ball down field to open up the running game. We need to control the clock in the second half and finish strong. I predict that, by the end of the game, Joe will have hit seven different receivers and we will run for 150 yards on a Jaguars team that won’t know what hit them. So do your part and get loud Baltimore!
WEEK TEN RUNDOWN: Remember this is what we want to happen to help the Ravens, not necessarily what we think will happen. Don’t bet the farm on my picks
Thursday night:
8:30
Bills over Jets
The Jets had an incident in the locker room before the season started where Gino Smith, their starting quarterback, got his jaw broken by a punch thrown by IK Enemkpali, who the Jets cut quickly. So what does Rex Ryan do? He signs IK Enemkpali to his defense. The Jets and Bills play in New Jersey so what does Rex Ryan do? He makes IK Enemkpali (did I spell his name the same each time?) to be the Defensive captain of the game so he will go out for the coin toss. Way to go, Rex! I love that guy.
Sunday
1:00
RAVENS over Jaguars
Sunday will have great football weather with the air a little crisp and bright sunshine-just a beautiful day for a Ravens win. John Harbaugh will have this team ready. The offense will be sharp and the defense strong. We will control the ball and finish the game It’s going to be a fun day. GO RAVENS!
Browns over Steelers
Roethlisberger is hurt and will be out 2-6 weeks. So, do the Browns have a chance of beating the Steelers without Roethlisberger? NO, but we can always hope. We need the Steelers to lose since they are ahead of us in the wildcard standings.
Cowboys over Buccaneers
The Cowboys will be without Tony Romo again this week but still have a chance to beat a healthy Bucs team who just isn’t very good. I won’t say anything about how much of a mess the Cowboys are in the locker room. They need to get that under control or their season is over.
Panthers over Titans
NFC vs AFC. Cam Newton and the Panthers will stay the only undefeated NFC team and the Titans will go down another game behind the Ravens.
Rams over Bears
The Bears are struggling and we play the Rams next week and we don’t want them mad after a loss. So DVR this game to scout the Rams.
Redskins over Saints
Surprise, surprise the Redskins didn’t beat the Patriots last week, thanks a lot. The Redskins are at home and will be saluting are war veterans so let’s get a win for our vets.
Eagles over Dolphins
NFC vs AFC The home team Eagles at 4-4 are only one game in back of the division behind the Giants. We want the Dolphins to lose as they are ahead of us in the wildcard standings.
Sunday
4:05
Viking over Raiders
NFC vs AFC. Yes, we are rooting for the Vikings this week The Raiders are ahead of us in the wildcard standings. I keep saying who’s ahead of us in the wildcard standings…isn’t above everybody at this point? Hopefully, not for long because some of these games are going to go our way.
Sunday
4:25
Giants over Patriots
Of course we are rooting for the Giants– it’s a NFC vs AFC game, not because we hate the Patriots
Broncos over Chiefs
YES, YES again, the Chiefs are ahead of us in the wildcard standings. So we are rooting for the old man Payton Manning and the Broncos who are going to win their division.
Sunday Night
8:30
Seahawks over Cardinals
Rooting for the home team Seahawks who are coming off a bye against a Cardinal team who has been playing very well. This could be worth staying up for. Thinking about our special intention in Seattle.
Monday Night
8:30pm
Bengals over Texans
I think we can safely say the Bengals are going to win our division. So we are rooting against the Texans who (say it with me now) are ahead of us in the wildcard standings.
Bye week for
Falcons, Colts (Who desperately need it), Charges, 49ers
We need for our predictions to start going our way to help out the Ravens but it all starts win a Ravens win this week. I am truly excited to see how this turns out. I like our guys!
And that’s just the view from151
GO RAVENS!!!!
The View From 151 