Just because the book tells you to do something doesn’t mean you should do it.  We are witnessing the game of football change right before our very eyes with young quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes writing a new book on how to play football.  I’m just glad Lamar is on our side while the new book is being written.

Last week we saw a game plan from the Ravens that we have never seen before.  Going for it on fourth down and two point conversions are not what we are use to seeing from the Ravens.  So, were John Harbaugh and the Ravens coaches game planning from the new book last week? I don’t know, but what I do know is that my heart can’t stand much more of  this.

So, I don’t think I was the only one screaming at the TV “kick the ball”… especially when we’re on the road!

Did the Ravens beat themselves last week?  Was going for two point conversions after every touchdown the right thing to do?  Is it wise to go for it on fourth down when you’re still on your end of the field?  Was our new free agent safety Earl Thomas even on the field?  Why were we throwing the ball when we could run the ball almost at will against one of the worst run defenses in the league?  Maybe these are all questions that in time will be answered by the new book on football.

On to the Cleveland Browns this week in Baltimore.  One things for sure, Cleveland has not seen the new book. They are who we thought they were, the same old Cleveland Browns.  With all of the preseason hype that the Browns are the team to beat in the AFC north, turns out it’s true, they are the team to beat, spank, skull  drag up and down the football field, and leave in the dust.  I think Baker Mayfield spent too much time making TV commercials this off season when he should have been practicing like Lamar.  Cleveland is 1-2 and Mayfield has stunk up the field with five interceptions and only three touchdowns.  There’s only one Browns player who concerns me. It’s not Mayfield, it’s not Odell Beckham, it’s Myles Garrett, their defensive end, who has 6 sacks in three games.  Cleveland’s defense may be the best squad we’ll face all season.  So I think John and the coaching staff  will need to pull out the old book on stopping the pass rush of Garrett.  Look for the Ravens wide receivers to have a great day since the tight ends will be busy blocking the Browns pass rush.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win.  So don’t bet the beer money on my picks.

Thursday Night 8:00

Eagles vs Packers
You pick’em.  I am rooting for a good Thursday night game for a change.

Sunday

1:00

RAVENS over Browns
Guess who has the overall number one offense in the NFL! That’s right, the Ravens.  Now, I never thought I would hear myself say that, but it’s true. We do have the best offense in the NFL.  We also have the most balanced run/pass offense which makes us very dangerous against the Browns defense who gives up a ton of yards per game.  Lamar and company will light it up in the air, not because we need to, but because we want to and there won’t be a damn thing Cleveland can do about it.  What little time Mayfield spends on the field he will be running for his life trying to find Beckham who will be no were to be found.  With Mayfield throwing under duress all day, we add to his interception total with two or three more, and will get sacked three or four times.  It’s going to be a long day for Mayfield.

GO RAVENS!!!

Falcons over Titans
Rooting for Matt Ryan is not something we usually do but it’s a NFC team against a AFC team. Rooting for the Falcons at home.

Redskins over Giants
The Giants have the second worst defense in the league so maybe this will be Washington’s week to win.  On second thought, probably not, it’s on the road in NJ.

Dolphins over Chargers
Both teams are struggling, I just feel more sorry for the Dolphin fans, and since the Chargers beat us in the playoffs last year.  I just can’t let go.

Raiders over Colts
Speaking of not letting go.

Panthers over Texans
NFC over AFC
Even with Cam Newton sidelined with an injured foot the Panthers still have a chance to win this game.

Lions over Chiefs
NFC over AFC
It’s been less than a week I’m surely not going to let last week’s loss go.

Bills over Patriots
Both AFC teams at 3-0, but there is no way I’m rooting for the Patriots in this game.

4:00

Rams over Buccaneers
Both NFC teams. Rooting for the home team.

Seahawks over Cardinals
Both NFC teams. Rooting for the home team and our Seattle fan friends.

Bears over Vikings
Big NFC North match up, the loser will be in last place in the division.

Broncos over Jaguars
Joe Flacco and the Broncos are 0-3 with the Jaguars not much better at 1-2, maybe Joe can get a win at home. (Denver is Joe’s new home, I don’t think he liking the altitude)

Sunday Night 8:00

Cowboys over Saints.
Both NFC teams. Rooting for our Cowboy fan friends.

Monday Night 8:00

Bengals over Steelers
Both teams are 0-3, isn’t that a shame?  Somebody will win this game I am hoping it’s not the Steelers.  I just love the thought of the Steelers going 0-4 at home in front of all those Pittsburgh fans.

Bye week

Jet, 49ers

In this new age of football we will be kicking old school against the Browns, so enjoy the games with an old friend and a cold Natty Boh.

And that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!!!