I have never witnessed such a perfect performance like what the Ravens portrayed last Monday night.  Offense, Defense, and Special Teams. All phases were, can I say perfect?  I think I can. How else would you describe what happened on the field of the LA Coliseum Monday night? Dominant, masterful, beautiful, historic, fantastic, or maybe just a good old fashion beat-down. No matter what you call it, it made me smile…. a lot.  When the Ravens had the ball, the drive ended in a touchdown.  When the Ravens were on defense, the Rams could only score two field goals.  When the Ravens were on special teams, we returned punts to good field positions, Tucker was 100%, and Sam Koch got the night off.  Did we punt the ball at all?  I could go on and on but I’m running out of positive adjectives.

Are we watching the game of football change before our very eyes? In the last 24 drives with Lamar as quarterback we have scored touchdowns seventeen times, made two field goals, knelt-down for the end of the game or half three times and only not scored any points twice.  Not bad for a running back.  Can the face of football be changing to a much more mobile style quarter back? It’s an exciting time for Ravens fans. I don’t know where this ride is going to take us, but I’m willing to go.

This week, the San Francisco 49ers are coming to “The Wire” town Baltimore.  The West coast, pretty boy 49ers defense think they’re bad, but they have not seen anything like Lamar and the Ravens offense.  The 49ers like to run the ball and the Ravens are ranked third stopping the run.  The Ravens have the best running offense in the league and the 49ers are average at best stopping the run.  The weather is going to be nasty, cold, and rainy and the 49ers don’t like to get their uniforms dirty.  The 49ers may be highly ranked but seven out of their 10 wins are against teams who are under five hundred, two of the teams with winning records are teams the Ravens have beaten, and last week’s Green Bay win was against a average team.  When you look at the 49ers number, I am not worried.

GO RAVENS!!!

BY the way Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Sorry about missing the last two weeks. It’s a bitch when work gets in the way.

Remember not to bet on my picks unless it’s on the Ravens to win.

Thursday
12:30

Lions over Bears
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team.

4:30
Cowboys over Bills
The Cowboys didn’t help us last week by beating the Patriots, but this week the Boys can help by beating the Bills who are only one game behind the Ravens.  Also this would be a good time to watch a meaningful game so you don’t get roped into washing the dishes.

8:20

Saints over Falcons
Both NFC teams and we just don’t like Matt Ryan.

Sunday
1:00

RAVENS over 49ers
Early in last weeks game we lost our starting center Matt Skura to a season ending knee injury, but the offense did not skip a beat when Patrick Mekari filled in.  At this time, we don’t know who our starting center will be but if it’s Mekari I’m OK with that.  I can’t begin to predict this game since last week I thought it was going to be a close one.  But what I can tell you the Ravens are going to run the ball, run the ball, and run the ball some more.  With this Ravens team all we can do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

GO RAVENS!!!

Titans over Colts
I still can’t get over how the Colts ripped my heart out just like the poor turkey that’s in my oven right now.

Bengals over Jets
I don’t want the Bengals on the clock.

Panthers over Redskins
Sorry Redskin fans it’s time to throw in the towel and get a better draft pick.

Buccaneers VS Jaguars
Both NFC teams in a meaningless game. You pick’em.

Browns over Steelers
Sometimes in life you have to make hard chooses.

Packers over Giants
The Packers need a bounce back game after the beat-down they took last week.

Dolphins over Eagles
We don’t want the AFC Dolphins with a early draft pick.

4:00

Rams over Cardinals
Did we beat a good Rams team?

Broncos over Chargers
How did the Chargers beat us in the playoffs last year?

Raiders over Chiefs
This could be a good game to watch after the Ravens Beat the 49ers.

8:00

Texans over Patriots
When the Ravens win and the Patriots lose, the Ravens can have the number one seed in the AFC.

Monday 8:00

Seahawks over Viking
Just because we don’t like the Vikings.

Enjoy the games and your Thanksgiving weekend being thankful we don’t live in Cleveland.

GO RAVENS!!!

And That’s the View from 151!

 

BEATABLE!

That was one hell of a entertaining game!  The Patriots didn’t know what hit them.  Bill Belichick had no answers, he looked dazed and confused on the sideline, he couldn’t believe what was happening.  But we knew exactly what was happening Sunday night, the Ravens were kicking their butts.  The Ravens ran the ball, threw the ball, and held onto the ball for two thirds of the game against a defense that was labeled possibly the best of all times.  Well I say, if that defense was the best of all time, where does that put our Ravens offense who just dragged them up and down the field all night long?  The best defense on Sunday night was the Ravens defense.  True to form, our defense with the highest number of QB hits in the NFL harassed and tormented Tom Brady with two sacks and 10 hits.  Half of the points scored by the Patriots were when we turned the ball over deep in our own territory.  The Patriots had one good scoring drive all night and that was too little and too late in the game.  The Ravens controlled the ball most of the game, which kept Tom Brady on the bench pouting. The game plan was to keep Brady off the field, and we did.

What a memorable game and a total team victory!  I think we have the NFL world’s attention now.

What makes a great win even better is following it up with another win this week in Cincinnati against the 0-8 Bengals.  It’s going to be a challenge to take the winless Bengals as a serious threat, but we can’t let our guard down since this could be a trap game and, if the Ravens don’t remember, we have a history of struggling in Cincinnati.

The Bengals coming off their bye week will start a rookie quarterback Ryan Finley and you know what that means- our defense is going to have a good day.  The Bengals have the worst run offense in the NFL, so that puts the pressure on Finley to throw the ball.  I will just say that, if Tom Brady couldn’t throw on our defense, this kid doesn’t have a chance.  On the other hand, Lamar, who shredded the proclaimed best defense last week, will face the all around worst defense in the NFL.  I think it’s going to be a long day for the Bengals.  Just to keep our heads on straight, remember that we lost to the Browns in week four, but we are definitely a better team now.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember my picks are for who we want to win, not who we think will win.  Now that we’re half way though the season, my normal picks may change since we are wanting to keep the early draft picks in the NFC and to get the Ravens a higher seed in the playoffs, and after last week’s win maybe home field advantage.  I know, I know it way too early but it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead.  So don’t bet on my picks.

Thursday Night 8:00

Raiders over Chargers
Both AFC teams who are one game behind the Ravens, so we are rooting against the Chargers because they beat us in the playoffs last year and for the home team Raiders.

Sunday

1:00

RAVENS over Bengals
Look for several Ravens to touch the ball this week both on offense and defense.  The Bengals will not be able to run the ball so the new QB Finley will be throwing interceptions to just about every Raven defender on the field, even the fat guys on the line.  That’s right, some of Finley’s passes won’t make it past the line of scrimmage.   I am not going to say Lamar is going to have the day off but he will be sharing the load handing the ball to Mark, Gus, and rookie Justice Hill.  Lamar and the receivers could have another day like they did against Miami week one.  We could see RGIII on the field by halftime.

GO RAVENS!!!

Browns over Bills
Like I said things change this time of year.  The Browns are pathetic but the Bills are ahead of us in the AFC standing and we want them to lose.

Lions vs Bears
Both NFC teams with only three wins, we are rooting for a tie.

Jets over Giants
Even though this is a NFC team against an AFC team and we usually root for the NFC team, the Jets only have one win and it’s about the draft pick for them.

Titans over Chiefs
We are currently tied with the Chiefs, so a Ravens win and a Chiefs loss would put us ahead of them in the standings.

Cardinals over Buccaneers
Both NFC looking for an early draft pick.

Saints over Falcons
The Falcons will be looking for a Quarterback with that first pick in next year’s draft.

4:00

Dolphins over Colts
I won’t care about any other reason to root against the Colts but for the fact they didn’t beat the Steelers last week.

Rams over Steelers
Back in the comfort zone.  NFC over AFC, and rooting against the Steelers.

Packers over Panthers
Rooting for the home team Packers. Go Pack Go!

Sunday Night 8:00

Cowboys over Vikings
Both NFC teams, rooting against the Vikings and for the Cowboys.

Monday Night 8:00

49ers over Seahawks
Both NFC teams, I want the 49ers to be undefeated when we play them week 13 in Baltimore.

Bye week:
Patriots, I love the thought of Tom Brady having an extra week to chew on the beat down they took in Baltimore.
Redskins, they need a week off.
Broncos, Joe Flacco was put on IR and will be out for the remainder of the season.  Could this be the end of Joe’s career?  Good luck, Joe.
Texans, Jaguars, and Eagles

Enjoy the games knowing we can do this because of what our Veterans, men and women sacrificed so we can be free. If you are one of those Veterans we thank you for what you have done for us and our country.  So watch the games with a Vet, put a crow bar in that wallet and buy a round of drinks.  Happy Veterans Day and God bless America.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re not fired up for this game, you better check your pulse.  The stage is set for another statement game for the Ravens, coming off a great win in Seattle, well rested after the bye week, we face another marquise quarterback, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.  All on Sunday Night prime time TV.  And let’s not forget Bill Belichick who won his 300th game as a head coach last week.

The NFL schedule set them up and the Ravens will knock them down. Last game Russell Wilson, this week Tom Brady.  The Patriots don’t scare me (Happy Halloween everyone).  Sure, they are 8-0, but who have they beaten? Nobody!  The Patriots have only beaten one team with a winning record, the Bills.  But look at who the Bills have beaten. Again, nobody! They have five wins which are all against teams with losing records.  After showing the football world that we could beat the Seahawks, I think it’s a bigger test for the Patriots trying to beat the Ravens.  This game is going to be won or lost in the coaches meeting rooms.  The real question this week is not “How do the Ravens stop Tom Brady?” It’s “How do the Patriots stop Lamar Jackson?” How will Bill Belichick game plan for Lamar?  If they try and stop Lamar, Mark Ingram runs free up the middle. If they try and stop Mark, Lamar runs around the end. If they try to shut down the run, we have all seen what Lamar can do throwing the ball.  I don’t think Belichick is getting much sleep this week.

The Ravens could be at full strength with Jimmy Smith, Marquise Brown, and Patrick Onwuasor (spell check can’t help with that name)  all on track to play on Sunday.  With Jimmy and Patrick back in the lineup of our much improved defense, I can’t wait to see what we can do against the Patriots offense.  I could go on and on about how the new guys have made a huge difference,  how our run defense will stop the Patriots from running the ball, and how the Ravens may not have a lot of QB sacks but we do have the second most QB hits in the league, and if there is one thing Tom Brady hates is getting hit.  (big smile)

GO RAVENS!!!

This week you could bet your leftover Halloween candy on my picks.

Thursday Night 8:00

Cardinals over 49ers
This is the week the undefeated teams go down, the 49ers will get their first loss.

Sunday

9:30 AM
Jaguars over Texans
It’s all about helping the Ravens.

1:00

Colts over Steelers
Have I told you how often I root for the Colts?

Eagles over Bears
Both NFC teams, we are rooting for the home team.

Vikings over Chiefs
The Vikings are another one of my favorite teams.

Dolphins over Jets
The Jets are 1-6– this may be the only chance Miami has to get a win.

Redskins over Bills
What did I tell you? Another weak team for the Bills to play.

Panthers over Titans
NFC over AFC

4:00

Broncos over Browns
The Browns are in a melt down,  even with Joe Flacco out for 4-5 weeks with a neck injury, the Bronco still win this game.
Great scheduling, today we get to watch the Steelers lose at 1:00, and the Browns lose at 4:00 before the Ravens play at 8:00.  Thanks NFL.

Lions over Raiders
NFC over AFC

Seahawks over Buccaneers
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team.

Packers over Chargers
Green Bay beat the Chiefs for us last week and will do the same against the Chargers this week.  Thanks Green Bay.  For some reason, I am in a thankful mood today.

Sunday Night 8:00

RAVENS over Patriots
The Ravens and Patriots have a history of close, knock down, drag out games.  With some of the most memorable games being in the playoffs, all of them in New England where we have lost on a wide right field goal and won in a dominating fashion that started with a run from scrimmage for a touchdown and Terrell Suggs strip sacking Brady on their first play on offense.  But one of the most memorable was in 2007 and the last time the Patriots played in Baltimore on Sunday Night, we lost in a very close game that came down to a couple of penalties late and Bart Scott picking up a thrown yellow penalty flag and heaving it into the stands.   This week should be no different, it will be a back and forth game that the Ravens will win.  How this happens is anyone guess, and that’s what keeps us coming back for more.

GO RAVENS!!!

Monday Night 8:00

Cowboys over Giants
The Cowboys need a division win.

Bye week: Falcons, Saints, Rams, Bengals (finally the Bengals won’t lose this week)

Enjoy the games, but start hiding the tick or treat candy from the kids so you have enough to last from 9:30 AM to midnight.  It’s going to be a long day.

PS: Congratulations to the Washington Nationals for winning the World Series! (Washington Redskins who?)

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

The jinx theorist that I am tells me I should never write the View From 151 ever again.  Since I didn’t post last week and the Ravens went in to Seattle as an underdog and demolished the Seahawks.  It must be a sign.  But I am going to challenge my phobias and write a bye week post anyway.  So here goes.

What a great game!

I can’t believe how well the defense has improved.  A pick six by Marcus Peters who had only been with the team for three days, a scoop and score by Marlon Humphreys.  We have not seen this kind of defensive dominance all season.  The credit must go to the Coaches for the way they have patched together this defense that shut-down the possible league MVP Russell Wilson.  Flash back to week three of the preseason when I said “some of the players that would make up the fifty three may not be on the team right now” I was suggesting we may pick up a player or two possibly as late as week one of the regular season not week seven. Who will be added to the defense this week?  We still need a pass rusher.

The offense didn’t have their best game with a couple of drive halting dropped passes and a running attack that was 90% Lamar.  We can’t keep relying on Lamar to us bail out, other players need to step it up.  Although Lamar sure is fun to watch.  I need a show of hands who was yelling at the TV, when it was 4th and 2 after a timeout and Lamar ran back out on the field to go for the first down.  Come on be honest you were with me yelling NO… NO… NO… YES… YES… TOUCHDOWN!!!   The league MVP may have been on the field in Seattle last week and it wasn’t Russell Wilson.

At the bye we are 5-2 and in first place in the AFC North 2-1/2 games ahead of the Browns.  We needed this break and after last week’s win it is well deserved.  With the possibility of getting Jimmy Smith and Marquise Brown back next week both the offense and defense would be at full strength.  Even though we are on Vacation this week do I dare mention Tom Brady and the Patriots come to Baltimore next week for Sunday Night Football.  No forget that, we’re still on vacation.

GO RAVENS!!!

Don’t forget not to bet the Tiki bar money on my picks since this is what we want to happen not what we think will happen.

Thursday night 8:00

Vikings 19 Washington 9
Is Washington on the clock yet?

Sunday
1:00

Bengals over Rams
We are rooting for the Bengals and against them having the first pick in the draft.

Seahawks over Falcons
The Falcons are in the race for the first pick.

Bears over Chargers
NFC over AFC

Lions over Giants
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.

Jets over Jaguars
The Jets only have one win and is all about the draft this week.

Buccaneers over Titans
NFC over AFC

Eagles over Bills
NFC over AFC and this times it’s for real.  The Bills have a better record than the Ravens.

Broncos over Colts
Lets go Joe!

Saints over Cardinals
Drew Brees may play this week after missing four weeks.

4:00

Patriots over Browns
I want an undefeated Patriots team coming to Baltimore (Ray be careful of what you wish for) and also we want the Browns to lose.

49ers over Panthers
Cam Newton may be back this week.

Raiders over Texans
It’s all about helping the Ravens in the standings.

Sunday Night 8:00

Packers over Chiefs
Maybe a good Sunday night game for a change, and we really want the Chiefs to lose.
Go Pack Go!

Monday Night 8:00

Dolphins over Steelers
This could happen: the winless Dolphins could win if the Steelers bus breaks down on the way to the Stadium.

Bye week
Ravens, Cowboys

Enjoy the week off and watch the games knowing you don’t need to rake the leaves since they are going to blow into your neighbors yard.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

Last Sunday wasn’t pretty, but when is it ever pretty in Pittsburgh?  The Steelers lost their quarterback and we lost safety Tony Jefferson for the rest of the year from the Ravens secondary that has been picked on all season.  I will always say we will take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day.  There were no surprises Sunday  it was a typical Ravens-Steelers game with players being carried off or limping off the field and going into overtime to win the game by 3 points. The difference in the game was the Ravens special teams, pinning the Steelers inside their own twenty yard line on almost every kickoff or punt and two clutch field goals by Justin Tucker- one to take the game into overtime and one to win.  That man must have ice running through his veins he just goes out on the field and does what most people would find terrifying.  Way to go Tuck!  Thanks for the win!

The 0-5 Cincinnati Bengals come the M&T this week. Wait a minute, before we go on to week 6 and the Bengals, I need to go back to last week and happily mention that Baker Mayfield and the Browns got smashed by the 49ers 31 to 3 on Monday night. What a great way to wake up Tuesday morning and see replays of Mayfield throwing interception after interception after interception! It was a beautiful thing. With the Ravens winning and the Browns losing, we are back in first place of the AFC North.

While I can’t say mathematically that the Bengals are eliminated from the playoffs, I can say no team in the 100 year history of the NFL has ever made the playoffs after starting the season 0-5. That being said, the Bengals will come to Baltimore this Sunday with basically nothing to play for. So what does that mean? It means a Ravens win.  Even though we have our problems, and boy do we have our problems on defense, we should have no problem beating the Bengals.  The Ravens brought in two new veteran defensive players linebackers, Josh Bynes and L J Fort, who both played last week .  Did it help?  Josh Bynes picked off a pass early in the game, but it’s hard to tell if they made a difference since the Steelers started a second string QB and he was replaced by the third string QB.  The Ravens have no pass rush. We can’t put pressure on the quarterback and that hurts our banged up secondary. The Bengals will have their first string QB Andy Dalton playing on Sunday, so our defense will be tested.  Even though the Cincinnati is winless, Andy Dalton is a very good NFL quarterback and could be trouble for our defense.  I think Lamar has been energized by beating the Steelers and it will carry over to this week against the Bengals.  Again it may not be pretty but it will be a win on Sunday.

GO RAVENS!!!

The outcome of the games last week was great for the Ravens!  With The Browns, Steelers, and Bengals all losing we are back in the drivers seat of the AFC North.  But don’t forget my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win.

Thursday Night 8:00

Giants over Patriots
NFC over AFC,  The Giants have a terrible defense Tom Brady may not need to even play in the second half.

The NFL Gods are smiling down on us this week football starts at 9:30 Sunday morning with another game in London.

Sunday 8:00 AM

Buccaneers over Panthers
This game will go well with your pancakes and coffee.
I may have flashbacks of the Ravens London game, so I will need to limit the coffee.

1:00

Now we can switch to pizza and beer.

RAVENS over Bengals
The Bengals are coming to Baltimore at just the right time.  The Ravens need a confidence building game and I think the Bengals are just what the doctor ordered.  Can I say we have looked sloppy the last couple of games and this needs to be fixed?  I want to see Lamar get the protection he needs to throw the ball down the field.  I want to see our defense have a decent pass rush.  I want to see our secondary not blow assignments and give up big plays.  I what to see our D line stop the run with authority.  Man, I sound like spoiled brat, but I am not asking for anything that the players and coaches aren’t trying to deliver.  The Ravens know what they need to do against the 0-5 Bengals and I think they will.

GO RAVENS!!!

Dolphins over Redskins

I just needed to add the above because, I didn’t think you would believe me when I said that both of these teams are so bad I would be surprised if either one of them could find the field on Sunday.   Normally we would root for the NFC team over the AFC team but not in the case.  We don’t want the number one pick in next years draft to be in the AFC, so we are rooting for the AFC Dolphins to win.

Eagles over Vikings
Both NFC teams, We just don’t like the Vikings.

Texans over Chiefs
Chiefs lost last week so lets kick them while they are down.

Saints over Jaguars
Back to normal, NFC over AFC

Seahawks over Browns
The Browns lost 31-3 to the 49ers last Monday Night. (big smile…No, huge smile)

4:00

Rams over 49ers
Both NFC teams just rooting for the home team.

Cardinals over Falcons
Still don’t like Matt Ryan.

Jets over Cowboys
AFC Jets are winless and we don’t want them having the number one pick.

Broncos over Titans
Joe Flacco and the Broncos got their first win last week.  Way to go, Joe!

Sunday Night 8:00

Chargers over Steelers
Need I say more?

Monday Night 8:00

Packers over Lions
Go Pack Go!

BYE WEEK: Bills, Colts, Bears, and Raiders

Enjoy the games with some leftover pancakes for dinner.

And that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!!!

 

As I sat in 151 at M&T last Sunday watching our once dominate defense get slashed by Baker Mayfield and the Browns, I thought of and old depressing song from the 60’s ( I know I am dating myself). The title is Abraham, Martin, and John. It’s about how the singer misses some old friends and it made me think of some old friends that the Ravens defense is missing.  The song kinda goes like this:

Has anybody seen my old friend Za’Darius? Can you tell me where he’s gone? (Packers) You know, he stopped a lot of runners. But it seems the good move on, yeah I just looked around and he’s gone.

(verse 2)
Has anybody seen my old friend C J? Can you tell me where he’s gone? (Jets) You know, he sacked a lot of quarter backs. But it seems the good move on, yeah I just looked around and he was gone.

(verse 3)
Has anybody seen my old friend Eric? Can you tell me where he’s gone? (Rams) You, know he broke up a lot of passes.  But it seems the good move on, yeah I just looked around and he was gone.

(verse 4)
Has anybody seen my old friend Terrell? Can you tell me where he’s gone? (Cardinals) You know, he caused a lot of havoc. But it seems the good move on, yeah I just looked around and he was gone.

So, this song helped me sink deeper into depression and allowed me to ignore the reality that the Ravens once mighty defense has sunk on par with the likes of the Dolphins.   Where has the defense gone?

Thank you for indulging me and allowing me to wallow in my self-pity.

But as my father said to me when I was a boy “SUCK IT UP AND MOVE ON”. We all must move on to the Steelers.

WHAT! Holy crap! I almost forgot-it’s Steelers Week!

Hey, everybody it’s Steelers Week! I have some catching up to do since I’m a couple of days behind.

The Ravens go to Pittsburgh to face what some may say is a depleted Steeler team.  I say no way can we think any less of this Steeler team than any other Steeler team we have faced in years past.  Yes, Roethlisberger is out for the season, Bell and Brown are no longer with the team, their running back Conner is gimpy at best, and they will start a back up quarterback Mason Rudolph.  We can’t look past Rudolph or this team.  I can remember sitting in 151 on a September Sunday afternoon when Ray Lewis sacked Steelers quarterback Tommy Maddox and knocked him out of the game. The back up quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, took over, scoring two touchdowns and almost winning the game.  So, this may not be the Steeler team we are use to playing, but it’s still the hated Steelers and this is a must win for the Ravens to get back on track defending our division title.

OK, enough with the past, back to the present and the unknown.  I desperately want to say the Ravens will go the Pittsburgh and easily beat the Steelers in front of all those obnoxious fans.  But, even after four games we just don’t know who our team is.   The Ravens are 2-2 in second place of the AFC North behind the Browns and we have a defense giving up more yards in one game this year than we gave up in three last year.  Brandon Williams missed last week against the Browns, but should be back to play on Sunday. This should help stop the Steelers from running the ball, but we still need to tighten up the secondary to stop their passing game.

I hope you enjoyed my song this week. I encourage you to look up and listen to the song so I don’t look like a total fool. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5hFMy4pTrs

The highlight of last week’s game was meeting fellow Ravens fans from across the pond.  The Scottish Ravens were at the game. Follow them on twitter @scottishravens

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember my picks are teams we want to win not teams that we think will win.  It’s all about helping the Ravens in the standings.  So save your vintage vinyl  record money and don’t bet on my picks.

Thursday Night 8:00

Seahawks 30 over Rams 29
Finally a Thursday night game worth watching.

Sunday 1:00

RAVENS over Steelers
We need to protect Lamar against the Steelers pass rush that sacked Andy Dalton eight times last Monday night.  The Ravens offensive game plan this week is, run the ball, run the ball, RUN THE FREAKING BALL!  The Steelers give up a lot of yards on the ground and we should be able to exploit that weakness.  Wink Martindale and the defensive coaches are working overtime to get things fixed on defense.  Somebody needs to step up and take charge on defense and they need to start this week.  The Ravens go into Pittsburgh and control the game on the ground and come out with a win.

GO RAVENS!!!

Panthers over Jaguars
NFC over AFC

Redskins over Patriots
I just thank God I’m not a Redskin fan.

Titans over Bills
We play the Bills week 14 and they have a better record than the Ravens

Cardinals over Bengals
Put a fork in the Bengals, they’re done.

Falcons over Texans
NFC over AFC

Saints over Buccaneers
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team

Giants over Vikings
Both 2-2 NFC teams, rooting for the home team

Bears over Raiders
NFC over AFC, and the Raiders have the same record as the Ravens

Eagles over Jets
The 2-2 Eagles need a win over the 0-3 Jets

4:00

Broncos over Chargers
Joe Flacco and the Broncos are 0-4.

Packers at Cowboys
You pick’em. If you have the strength after the Ravens beat the Steelers, this will be a great game to watch.

Sunday Night 8:00

Chiefs over Colts
The Colts are 2-2 same as the Ravens.

Monday Night 8:00

49ers over Browns
The Browns are on prime time again?

BYE WEEK: Lions and Dolphins

Enjoy the games knowing things could be worse, we could be Redskin fans.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

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!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9/19/19

Late in the fourth quarter,  Arizona’s last two possessions went three and out for a total of one yard.  This allowed Lamar and the offense to run the clock out with the help of a huge pass play for 41 yards to Marquise Hollywood Brown.  So I’m saying, yes, the defense won the game.  We have not had this type of team for a long time.  A team where, if the offense is having an off day, the defense picks up the slack and we win the game as a team.  It seems strange to say the offense had an off day when Lamar set an all time NFL record for a QB running for over 125 yards and passing for over 250 yards.  Are we spoiled already?  A solid home opening win.  Although, I must say that Kyler Murray will make a good NFL QB- even at a respectable height of 5′ 5″.

We are now 2-0 and still hold first place of the AFC North.  With the Steelers and Bengals losing, they both remain win-less.  The Browns beat a pathetic Jets team just riddled with injuries, but it’s a win bringing them to 1-1 and second place in the AFC North.

Week three, Lamar and company go to Arrowhead Stadium in a face off with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.  The word of the week is “smash mouth football.” I know that’s three words but this is what the Ravens will need to do to the Chiefs receivers all day long.  Just smash them in the mouth right on the line of scrimmage to disrupt their routes and throw off the timing with Mahomes.   Lamar had this game marked on his calendar as soon as the schedule came out because the Chiefs are the only team he has lost to during the regular season. And it’s good timing since the Chiefs are a little banged up at receiver, left tackle, and running back, so this is a great time to stomp them while they’re down.  The Ravens defense must be relentless rushing Mahomes, he is slippery but he would get away from Judon who will have a three sack day.  You will not want to miss a second of this game it’s going to be the game of the century!  The networks would have flexed this game to Sunday night if it was later in the season.  That’s what they get for giving the Browns another prime time game- they play the Rams who will have this game won by halftime.

GO RAVENS!!!

Week 3 games

Remember my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win.  So save your money to buy a face mask since the spit is going to be flying out of the TV with the Ravens game.

Thursday Night 8:00

Jaguars over Titans
This could be a close 3-0 game but not very exciting.

Sunday

1:00

RAVENS over Chiefs
Last year we went toe to toe with the Chiefs, took them to overtime and only lost by a field goal. That was only Lamar’s fourth game as the starter, it was on the road in Kansas City, and was, by the way his only regular season loss.  We have a better team this year and the Chiefs are banged up. We can win this game.  Our secondary just needs to slow the game down by keeping the Chiefs receivers in front of them and stopping the big play.  The secondary needs to slow things down enough so Matt Judon, Brandon Williams and company on the front line can stop the run and pressure Mahomes.  The Chiefs have one of the worst running games in the NFL so stopping the run should be no problem for the Ravens number two defense.  Stopping the Chiefs passing game will be a bit more difficult, but that’s where Lamar and the offense come in. We should have no problem running the clock and the ball against the nineteenth ranked Chiefs defense.  Control the clock, keep Mahomes off the field.  We control the game, we win the game.  This is really going to be a great game.  So don’t forget your face mask, because this is going to be a snot knocker and you wouldn’t want to get any on you.

GO RAVENS!!!

Bills over Bengals
Even though the Bills are 2-0, it’s not time to start rooting for the Bengals and an early draft pick.

Eagles over Lions
Both NFC teams
Rooting for our Eagle fan friends.

Jets over Patriots
This is going to be another face mask game. Not because of the snot, but because of the blood.  It’s going to be a blood bath.

Vikings over Raiders
NFC over AFC
The Raiders are a mess and they should just start packing for Las Vegas.

Falcons over Colts
How many years has it been and I still can’t get over the Colts move from Baltimore.
GO RAVENS!!!

Packers over Broncos
0-2 Joe Flacco vs 2-0 Arron Rodgers

Cowboys over Dolphins
Comparing the Dolphins against the Jets, at least the Dolphins are trying to win on Sunday.

4:00

Giants over Buccaneers
Eli Manning will ride the bench this week and Daniel Jones will get his start regular season game.  Good luck Daniel.

Cardinals over Panthers
Both win-less NFC team
Maybe someone will win or could it be another tie?

49ers over Steelers
So this is the part where I start to smile.  Pittsburgh is 0-2, Ben Roethlisberger is out for the rest of the season, this game is in San Francisco, and the Steelers have no chance of winning. (big smile)

Seahawks over Saints
Both NFC teams
Rooting for the home team

Texans over Chargers
If I haven’t gotten over the Colts leaving, however many years ago, I’m surely not over the Chargers beating us in the playoffs just last year.

Sunday Night 8:00

Rams over Browns
The Rams should have no problem beating the Browns. You know Baker Mayfield just makes my skin crawl.

Monday Night 8:00

Redskins over Bears
Both NFC teams, we are rooting for the home team Redskins and their fans.  If you didn’t know, nothing gets done in our federal government on Mondays and Fridays and now with the Redskins on Monday night it means a very short week of Wednesday and Thursday only.  This could be a good thing.

Enjoy the games knowing it’s only week three and the Steelers have no way of making the playoffs. (Bigger smile)

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

In the post game press conference after the Ravens crushed the Dolphins, Lamar Jackson was asked what he thought about his performance. He smiled and said “Not bad for a running back”.  All of the preseason talk about Lamar asked, “Can he throw the ball?” Well, I think he answered that question with five touchdowns in less than three quarters (only because he was pulled from the game late in the third quarter).  Although I also think someone forgot to tell Miami that the regular season has started, you can’t take away from the all-around great game the Ravens played.  Receivers caught the passes which were perfectly thrown by Lamar.  The O-Line gave Lamar enough time to have a cup of coffee. Mark Ingram looked like he is worth every penny of his free agent contract.  No turn overs by the Ravens.  The defense had one interception and a fumble recovery. The Dolphins were held to twenty one rushing yards and only two hundred total yards.  Our defense played less than twenty minutes.  The bottom line is every Ravens player had a great day.  Did I mention we won 59 to 10??

Now that’s how you start a season!  But (and you know there is always a but), we have been here before. In the past, after winning the first game with a bang, we lay an egg in the second game.  Last year- Week One we beat the Bills 47 to 3, but Week Two we lost to the Bengals 34 to 23.  So let’s not get too excited. No… I take that back let’s get excited!  We could be witnessing something special.

So the test doesn’t get much harder this week when Terrell Suggs and the Arizona Cardinals come to Baltimore.  Last week, the Cardinals defense gave up almost five hundred yards in a game that ended in a tie with the Lions.  Arizona will start a rookie quarterback Kyler Murray who, at a respectable height of 5’5″, may be the smallest starting QB in the league.  This kid is going to be lying awake at night just thinking about our Ravens defense, I don’t know how he gets out of bed in the morning.  If Murray watches the tape from last week he might want to just pull the covers over his head and call out sick on Sunday.  One player who definitely won’t call out sick is Terrell Suggs who comes into M&T Bank stadium wearing a red uniform and will sit on the visitor’s sideline after spending 16 seasons on the Ravens sideline. Suggs had 2.5 sacks last week, so the challenge for the Ravens is to keep him out of Lamar’s backfield, but, if he does get close, I think Lamar knows what to do.  It will be good to see Suggs again but just not in the our backfield.

Can the Ravens carry the momentum into the home opener on Sunday and can they get better?  Although it’s hard to improve on perfection, the improvement will come with better opponents.  This week the Cardinals, next week the Chiefs.  We can’t look past the Cardinals, well maybe we can, but as long as the players and coaches don’t we will remain in first place in the AFC North.  Oh, I forgot to mention the Browns and Steelers both got their butts kick last week, so much for them leading the AFC north.  The Bengals also lost, putting our Ravens in sole possession of first place.

GO RAVENS!!!

Don’t forget my picks are for who we want to win not who we think will win.  So save your money and go out and buy a Lamar Jackson “Not bad for a Running Back” tee shirt.  I just have to smile every time I say that.

Thursday Night

Panthers over Buccaneers
Cam Newton is already a little banged up, but a hobbling Cam Newton will always be better than healthy Jameis Winston, who has not been the franchise QB he was drafted to be.  Both teams are in the NFC so this game doesn’t really mean anything for the Ravens.  Enjoy the start of week two.

Sunday

1:00

RAVENS over Cardinals
Last week, none of the so called experts had the Ravens scoring more than 29 points. This week, everyone has them scoring 30 points or more.  Look for the defense to be an outright blitz machine to go after the rookie QB.  Kyler Murray had one interception last week look for at least three this week. This poor kid just won’t know how to handle the Ravens blitz.  Lamar and company will put on another show that will keep the country watching with the Steelers, Browns, and Bengals shaking in their boots.  I can’t wait to see this live on Sunday!

GO RAVENS!!! 

Redskins over Cowboys
Just down the road at FEDEX Field there’s going to be a blood bath and this time it will be the Cowboys creaming the Redskins.  As much as I am rooting for our Redskin fan friends and customers, it just ain’t going to happen.  Better luck next year.

Colts over Titans
Both AFC teams and the Titans have a 1-0 record.

Seahawks over Steelers
OF COURSE,  the Steelers looked bad last week without Antonio Brown and that’s the way we like it!  This game is in Pittsburgh, so just think how depressed the Steelers fans will be when they go 0-2. (I’m smiling at the thought)

Giants over Bills
NFC over AFC
Eli Manning should be sitting next to his brother Peyton eating pizza and watching this game, not playing in it.

49ers over Bengals
NFC over AFC
The Bengals did not disgrace themselves last week like the Browns and Steelers did.

Lions over Chargers
NFC over AFC
Rooting for the home town.

Packers over Vikings
The winner will be in first place in the NFC North.
GO PACK GO!

Texans over Jaguars
Both teams lost last week so this was almost a you pick’em game, but I still can’t get over the Jaguars beating the Ravens in London.

Dolphins over Patriots.
Wouldn’t that show the league…

4:00

Chiefs over Raiders
Just don’t want the Chiefs pissed off when we play them next week.

Saints vs Rams
Both AFC teams who won last week so you pick’em.

Bears over Broncos
Both teams lost last week.  We are rooting for the NFC over AFC.  Joe looked like Joe last week.  No disrespect to Joe, but I am sure glad we have Lamar. Sorry, Joe.

8:00

Eagles over Falcons
Fly Eagles fly!  And we still don’t like Matt Ryan.

Monday Night

8:00

Jets over Browns
After last week I thought the Jets had a good chance of beating the Browns, but not now.  The Jets QB Sam Darnold has Mononucleosis and will be out for at least a month.  So let’s hope the Browns are the true train wreck we think they are.

Enjoy the games with a first responder,  remembering 9/11.

I gotta get me one of those tee shirts!

And that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, September 5, 2019

So, no surprises during the Week Four preseason game with plenty of dropped balls and penalties. Guys were playing to make the Ravens 53 man roster. Some dreams were fulfilled, others were dashed but they all called home with news of their future. For the players who made the team, their future is in Miami where the Ravens will face the Dolphins in Week one of the regular season.

Wait? Is that true?! Have we finally gotten through the dregs of preseason and into games that mean something? I have been waiting for this like a schoolboy waiting to go back to school. What? No, that doesn’t fit but you know what I mean.

As usual, the Ravens start the season with possibly more questions to answer than when they started training camp.

• Can we make a run first offense work in today’s pass happy NFL?
• Will the defense dominate in a style in which we are accustomed?

This is why it is the most wonderful time of the year! This is why we keep coming back season after season to see if this year’s batch of players and coaches is the correct mixture to win the Super Bowl.

I must say I am excited, no very excited, no very very excited to see what the Ravens can do this year.  The Ravens put their emphasis on improving the offense and they did.  The signing of free agent RB Mark Ingram makes the Ravens one of the strongest, oldest, and youngest backfields in the NFL.  Couple Ingram (29 years old, will be the oldest starting RB in the league but he doesn’t look like it)  with second year Gus (The Bus) Edwards, rookie Justice Hill and I almost forgot the Lamar show also a sophomore player we will control the ball and the clock.  So you thing that’s scary add the most talented wide receiver course the Ravens have ever had, including two rookies Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin who will break the Ravens jinx of drafting receivers who just don’t pan out.  On top of that add the tight ends Hayden Hurst, Nick Boyle, and Mark Andrews who are good blocking tight ends with great hand to catch the ball.  I mention the blocking tight ends since the O-Line may needs some help when we play some of the stronger defenses we have on the schedule.

How can I describe the defense?  I will just say unproven.  When you lose veteran plays like Suggs, Weddle, and Mosley somebody’s got to step up and that’s were the unproven part comes in.  Can Matthew Judon replace Mosley, YES, can Earl Thomas replace Weddle, YES,  can rookie Jaylon Ferguson replace Suggs, maybe, (just kidding) if you look at Terrell’s stats from last year they weren’t that good, so yes Jaylon can replace an aging Suggs.  The Ravens secondary is getting all the press and I am hoping they can live up the the hype.  I’m not worried about the D-Line with Brandon Williams and Michael Piece anchoring the middle.

The Ravens road to the Super Bowl starts this week in Miami where we play the Dolphins who are rated the worst team in the league and who just traded away two of their better offensive players.  The Dolphins are already playing for the first pick in the 2020 draft, how would you like to be that poor schmo who just paid for their season tickets.  So what does this mean, all of the pressure is on the Ravens.   We just can’t lose to the worst team in the the NFL.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember don’t bet the mortgage on my picks, they are who we want to win and help the Ravens, not who we think will win.

This week’s games:

Thursday night 8:20 pm

The 100th season of the NFL starts with the Packers vs da Bears
I’m not picking this game because I just want to set back and watch knowing this game counts, and that it doesn’t affect the Ravens at the point in the season since they are both NFC teams.  And even better this first game is usually a show casing of the Super Bowl winning team so we don’t have to endure a three hour Tom Brady love fest.

Sunday 1:00 pm

RAVENS over Dolphins
Let’s start this season with a shot across the bow of the NFL by crushing the Dolphins. I truly can’t wait to see what the offense can do.  I want to see Lamar stay in the pocket and throw the ball and leaving the ground game to the running backs. I want to see receivers get open and catch the ball.  It’s a simple game.  You could almost say playing the Dolphins is just am extension of the preseason.  Ryan Fitzpatrick was named the starting QB just this week and I am sure he was not happy to hear his blindside left guard was traded to Houston.  Look for Fitzpatrick to be running for his life while the 2019 Ravens defense proves that yes we do have a pass rush.  The Ravens will get a road win in Miami.

GO RAVENS!!!

Redskins over Eagles
This will never happen but I have to work with some of those Redskin fans and I just don’t want to hear their whining.

Jets over Bills
We play both of these teams later this season so it doesn’t matter who wins since we will beat both of them.  Rooting for the home team.  Side note LeVeon Bell will play for the first time since holding out last year while he was with the Steelers.

Falcons over Vikings
Now that Joe is gone I guess I can stop comparing him to Matt Ryan, but I still don’t like the Vikings so we are rooting against the Vikings.

Chiefs over Jaguars
We play the Chiefs week three and we don’t want them pissed off.

Titans over Browns
Don’t get me started on the Browns.  I am just waiting for that locker room to explode from the huge egos of Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr.

Panthers over Rams
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.

Sunday 4:00 pm

Seahawks over Bengals
No one knows what the Bengals will do this year but I know they will lose to the Seahawks this week.

Chargers over Colts
Rooting for the home team.

Buccaneers over 49ers
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.

Cowboys over Giants
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.

Cardinals over Lions
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team>

Sunday night 8:00

Patriots over Steelers
I would rather poke a stick in my eye them root for the Patriots so we are rooting against the Steelers.

Skip out of work early and take a nap it’s going to be a long night we have two games on Monday.

Monday night 7:10

Saints over Texans
NFC over AFC

10:20

Broncos over Raiders
Yea maybe I still have feelings for Joe and the Raiders stink so this may happen.

Enjoy the games with an old Friend you haven’t seen in a while.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!