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December 24, 2016

My heart has been on life support after last weeks.  WHY! WHY! WHY! Can’t the Ravens just win a game  with out all the last minute drama.  With five minutes to go we have a ten point lead and the game comes down to a last second defense of an Eagle 2 point conversion attempt to win the game.  The defense was exhausted but they mustered up one last play to stop the Eagles and win the game.  I am not complaining because  you know our mantra, We will take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day.

In the last week I have visited 14 different Santas with my only Christmas wish of BEATING THE STEELERS! I did look kinda silly standing in line with all the other kids but I felt better when I saw another Raven fan standing in line wishing for the same, a win over the Steelers.  You know it’s amazing what you can learn from all those kids in line. Did you know reindeer really can fly and the Steelers really do stink. Although I did get a lot strange looks it was all worth it to support our Ravens.

As if all the Christmas hustle and bustle stress isn’t enough we add Steeler week.  I found it difficult to focus on the game. My mind would wonder, put up the tree, get the perfect gift for Sheila, what can I get for the dog,  NO, NO, NO,- Focus on the game Ray, FOCUS Ray FOCUS!

Who’s playing and who’s not playing, sad to say Jimmy Smith is not playing and I’m sure Roethlisberger  is happy about that.  The key to this week against the Steelers is for the Offensive line to play well and as a cohesive unit.  They have been playing much better with a good showing last week against a good Eagles defense.  But good is going to be enough this week we need to play great!  Last week the Ravens had a defensive game plain of press coverage leaving only Webb or Weddle in the secondary.  We can do the same against Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.  If we can contain RB LeVeon Bell and WR Antonio Brown and stop the Steelers on third down we win this must win game.  Oh yeah, did I mention this is a must win game for the Ravens? The pressure mounts.  Ravens Fans will find it hard to sleep tonight as Roethlisberger sacks and Ravens touch downs dance in their heads.

GO RAVENS!!!

Disclaimer: You know the drill–Our Christmas wish is to beat the Steelers and anyone in our way to the playoffs. Don’t bet the Christmas bonus on our picks but may our Christmas wishes come true.

Thursday Night

Eagles 24, Giants 19
The Eagles needed the win to stay in the Playoff hunt and Molly needed free coffee to stay awake driving home for Christmas.

Saturday (Isn’t life great! We have NFL football on Saturday)
1pm

Bills over Dolphins
We are one game behind the Dolphins in the playoff standings.  Come on Rex get a win for your old team Ravens.

Jets over Patriots
The Patriots have clinched the AFC East but are still playing for the AFC number one seed.

Jaguars over Titans
The Titans have the same AFC record as we do.

Packers over Vikings
The Packers hate the Viking so much that the Green Bay airport grounds crew did a lousy job clearing snow off the runway were the Vikings plane landing causing the plane to slip off the runway.  Now that’s what I call team dedication!

Browns over Chargers
There are still two games for the Browns to win giving the 49ers the first pick in the draft.

Redskins at Bears
Both NFC teams, the Redskins are still playing for a wildcard spot.

Panthers over Falcons
We don’t want Matt Ryan to make the playoffs

Saturday
4:05pm

Raiders over Colts
Do you remember that snowy night, I do.

Saturday
4:25pm

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

Cardinals at Seahawks

Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team Seahawks.

Rams over 49ers
Both NFC teams Rooting for the Rams and the 49ers hopes of that number one draft pick.

Saturday Night
8:25pm

Bengals over Texans
Rooting against the Texans who have the same record as the Ravens.

Sunday
4:30pm

Ravens over Steelers
Christmas day Ravens vs Steelers in Pittsburgh for first place in our division, it doesn’t get any bigger than this.  Enjoy a great Christmas dinner and let the Ravens win be your dessert.  No matter the outcome of the game just remember we are blessed to have a local team to root for.

Sunday
8:30pm

Chiefs over Broncos
We want the Broncos out of the wildcard mix.

Monday
8:30pm

Cowboys over Cowboys
Yes, the Cowboys get another prime time game.

Enjoy the games but hug someone you love knowing that Family is really what matters.

And that’s just The View From 151

Merry Christmas and GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, December 17, 2016

So last Monday night didn’t turn out like we wanted.  To beat the Patriots you can’t make the mistakes we did Monday night.  Dropped passes, pre-snap penalties, blown coverages. To beat the Patriots you need to play better than the Patriots and we didn’t.

We hold our playoff hopes in our hands, win out and we are in and it starts by beating the Eagles Sunday.  The Eagles are definitely not the Patriots.  So that being said we should beat the 5-8 Eagles this week at home.    Philadelphia with their rookie QB Wentz only have one win on the road this season and have lost the last four games.  Wentz has been sacked thirty times and is wearing out and his stats show it.  Eight touch downs, twelve interceptions, twenty six sacks in the last ten games.  Wentz is no Tom Brady.   The Ravens defense will play without Jimmy Smith  but that won’t matter against a rookie QB.  Suggs and the Dline will harass Wentz and stop the run, putting the pressure on Joe and the offense.  The Eagles defense is good but they give up a lot of points  which is one of the reasons they have lost their last four games.  As long as our receivers CATCH THE BALL we will have no problems running the ball especially if the weather is as bad as it is forecasted.  Look for our offense to have a better game than we did against the Dolphins.

GO RAVENS!!!

DISCLAIMER: This is who we want to win. Don’t bet the Christmas bonus on my picks.

Thursday Night

Seahawks 24, Rams 3
The Seahawks spanked the Rams.  LA fired their head coach Jeff Fisher last week and  the team responded by getting their butts kicked on prime time TV Thursday night.

Saturday night
8:30pm

Jets over Dolphins
Rooting against the Dolphins who have a better AFC record than the Ravens.  Don’t interrupt your Christmas shopping this could be a snooze feast.

Sunday
1pm

Ravens over Eagles
We are living and dying with how our offensive line plays.  The line tends to commit the pre-snap penalties when they are over matched like they were against the Patriots Monday night. This won’t be a problem Sunday.  Joe and the offense will have a good day putting up more points than we have all season and look for our defense to join the fun by scoring some of their own.  It will be a long day for Wentz and the Eagles.

GO RAVENS!!! 

Browns over Bills
We are still looking for the Browns to win a game giving the number one pick to the 49ers and keeping it in the NFC.

Packers over Bears
Green Bay is playing to stay in the playoff picture and the Bears are playing for a draft pick.  So much for the big Black and Blue division game that this was going to be when we first looked at the schedule.  Go Pack Go!

Titans over Chiefs
Just looking after the Ravens playoff position. We can still catch the Chiefs in the standings.

Bengals over Steelers
We lost our first place position to the Steelers last week.  So we really, really, really want the Steelers to lose.  The Bengals at 5-7-1 still have a shot at the playoffs.

Lions over Giants
Both NFC teams
I can’t believe I am saying this but this could be a good game but we are rooting for Haloti and the Lions.

Vikings over Colts
NFC over AFC rooting against the Colts and that just feels like the right thing to do.

Jaguars over Texans
Rooting against the Texans and their AFC record.

Sunday
4:05pm

Cardinals over Saints
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team.

Falcons over 49ers
I know, I know this goes against my Matt-Ryan-is-a-bum philosophy but we want the 49ers to get that first pick in the draft.

Sunday
4:25pm

Raiders over Chargers
We can’t pass the Raiders in the standings so we concede to them as winners of the AFC West.

Patriots over Broncos
OK, so They Who Must Not Be Named has won the AFC East (man that hurts to say) but we can pass Denver in the standings. Go They Who Must Not Be Named!

Sunday night
8:30pm

Cowboys over Buccaneers
Yet again another prime time game for the Cowboys.
So the bandwagon Cowboy fan in me is rooting for the Cowboys and the rookies.

Monday Night
8:30pm

Redskins over Panthers
The Redskins at 7-5-1 are only one spot out of the NFC playoffs with a tie game on their record that tie is as good as a win compared to a team with a 7-6 record like the Vikings and Packers.  Go figure the Redskins could get in the playoff because of a tie.  What is this Soccer!

Enjoy the games guilt free even though we both know you have Christmas shopping to do.

And that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!

December 12, 2106

Tonight is now officially declared a must win game after the Steelers win yesterday.

The weather forecast for the game tonight is rainy and 35 degrees, how that plays into the outcome of the game is anyones guess. What we do know is that Tom Brady hates to get knocked down especially if the ground is wet.  Terrell Suggs and Dumervil have been here before, they know rattling Brady is step one to a win tonight.  The Patriots have two losses both at home, one without Brady and one with Brady.  The loss with Brady was to the Seahawks, the only strong defense the Patriots have faced all season.  Seattle’s defense is rated ninth while the Ravens defense is rated first in the NF. Do the math. We should be able to dominate Brady and the Patriots.  The Patriots offense is banged up and vulnerable our defense will take care of business tonight.  But what about the Ravens Offense?  Joe is coming off the best game he and the offense have had in years. The Oline is ready and a sloppy field sets us up  to the take advantage of a weaker Patriots run defense as  they give up a lot of yards but not a lot of points.  So this will be another night for Justin Tucker to shine.  Look for the Ravens to control the ball on offense and shut the Patriots down on Defense.

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just The View from 151.

Enjoy the Game!

December 8, 2016

I am ashamed to say I was sided lined by a non-football related injury and did not get to the game last week missing one of the best regular season win in years.  What an all around great game.  The game ball goes to the Oline and team player of the year goes to Marshal Yanda who, after playing for nine years at right guard, offered to take the left guard spot to help out the rookie left tackle Stanley.  Yanda was replaced at right guard by  #62 Vladimir Ducasse.  Who you might ask is that?  I first sighted Vladimir on the field week 9 against Pittsburgh.  I saw #62 and did not recognize it so I looked in the program and no such number was listed.  The website was no help either. It said we signed him as a free agent 5/16/16 but no other mention until week 6 against the Giants.  So, we still don’t know who the hell he is or where the hell he came from.  But that said he sure has help the Oline and I think we will keep him.  Joe had more time in the pocket last week than he has had all season thanks to the Oline against a very highly rated Dolphins defense.  As I sat at home in my easy chair enjoying the comfort of a 24-0 lead going into the fourth quarter I found myself getting greedy not satisfied with the commanding lead I wanted a shut-out.  Okay so the defense gave up a 6 points after the Dolphins started on our 9 yard line after Pitta fumbled the ball.  We won 38-6, we won 38-6, we won 38-6,  sorry I just like saying we won 38-6!  By the way, did you see Weddle’s interception and run back for 50 yards.  I thought I’d mention it just in case you missed it.  What a great all around win!

This week we go to New England and play the Patriots.  Suggs has said he will not say the name of you know who so I am following his lead and from now on he who must not be named will here by be known as, him or Mr. Deflategate.   The atm0sphere around this game is like a playoff game.  The stage is set on Monday night for the Ravens number 1 defense to face him and the Patriots.  It just doesn’t get any more dramatic them that!    The Ravens need this win to prove to the world we deserve the #1 rating. We have a very good chance to win this game riding the momentum of last week’s 38-6 win (if you didn’t know) facing a Patriots team missing key players like Gronkowski and  Amendola.  The Patriots like to run the ball and they have scored almost half their touch downs via Blount running the ball and that plays right into the teeth of our defense.  No one and I mean no one runs on the Ravens we have shut-down the best in the NFL and will not let New England run on Monday night.  So that leaves he who must not be named throwing over the middle to tight end Bennett again right into our strength we have covered the middle all season.  So. can Mr. Deflategate go long? He hasn’t so far this year and if he does Weddle and Smith will be waiting.  There’s no place for them to go but down and they are going down on Monday Night!

GO RAVENS!!! 

Disclaimer-By week 14 you should know this by now–we pick the teams we want to win, who will help the Ravens in the playoff picture, not who we think will win. Read on!

Thursday Night
8:25pm

Chiefs over Raiders
The way the Ravens are playing the AFC West just doesn’t seem as dominate.

Sunday
1:00pm

Bills over Steelers
The Bills really could win this game in Buffalo.

Titans over Broncos
Rooting for the home team and against the Broncos who are in the AFC West.

Redskins at Eagles: You pick’em
The Redskins need the win to stay in the Wildcard hunt, but Molly gets free Dunkin Donuts coffee if the Eagles win. The Cowboys are so far ahead of both teams that they don’t care who wins. But we play the Eagles next week so do we want them to win so they are not pissed off or lose knowing they have nothing to play for next week.  I don’t know…I can’t make up my mind…too much stress.  GO RAVENS!!!

Cardinals over Dolphins
NFC over AFC
Rooting against the Dolphins.

Jaguars over Vikings
Rooting for the home team Jags and against the Vikings.

Texans over Colts
Rooting against the Colts. I just can’t get over the move.

Panthers over Chargers
NFC over AFC
Both teams are struggling.  Cam Newton didn’t wear a tie on the team plane so he was benched for one play last week, he is looking to make up for his mistake.

Browns over Bengals
Heeees Baaaack RGIII will start for the Browns this week.  Do you think he will make a difference?  NOT!

Lions over Bears
Da Bears at 3-9 are done and the Lions are in first place.

Sunday
4:05pm

Jets over 49ers
Going against my NFC over AFC theme since we want the 49ers to get the number 1 draft pick and keep it in the NFC.

Sunday
4:25pm

Buccaneers over Saints
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team Bucs.

Rams over Falcons
We just don’t want Matt Ryan to look better than Joe.

Packers over Seahawks
The Packers at home need a win to stay in the playoff mix.
GO PACK GO!

Sunday
8:30pm

Cowboys over Giants
OK I have become a Bandwagon Cowboy fan.

Monday Night
8:30pm

Ravens over Patriots
There is NO doubt we can beat the Patriots.  If we play like we are capable of.  NO mistakes, NO stupid penalties, NO turnovers.  IF we pressure him, IF the Oline plays like they have been, IF we don’t give up big plays, IF Joe is Joe Cool in the pocket, IF we catch the ball.  It may all come down to a foot,  and that foot belongs to Justin Tucker the best kicker in the NFL and you have to feel good about that.

GO RAVENS!!!

Enjoy the games knowing you can do online Christmas shopping and watch the games at the same time. Until Monday night of course when you need total concentration on the game.

An that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!!!

December 3, 2016

Beating the Bengals last week means we are technically still in first place of the AFC North even though we have the same record as the Steelers.  Another Ravens ugly win.  We scored a touchdown on our opening drive and adding a Justin Tucker 52 yard field goal going up 10-0 in the first quarter. So do you think we could relax a bit and enjoy the game, NOOOO!  Thank goodness for Justin Tucker hitting three more field goals with the longest being 57 yards.  Justin was the highlight of the game with four field goals, three of them over 50 yards.He has been the difference maker this year.  As I always say,  I will take a ugly win over a pretty loss any day.

The Miami Dolphins come to town this week with some wanting to say an impressive 7-4 record.  Well I say not in the least are the Dolphins impressive.  Look at their 7 wins-have they beaten anyone good?  The Browns at 0-11, no, ( you just have to laugh how can the Browns be so bad year after year) 49ers at 1-10, no, the Jets at 3-8 no.  The Dolphins only have two wins against teams with winning records and they were both games in Miami. They are 2-3 on the road with road wins against Rams and Chargers.  Okay, enough stats, we should look at this game knowing the Ravens are the better team.  Miami can only run the ball but nobody, not even the Cowboys can run against the Ravens defense.  Jimmy Smith will be back this week to shutdown Ryan Tannehill’s 28th ranked passing offense.  Dumervil and Suggs will have a good day rushing the passer who will have nowhere the throw the ball.  Joe and the offense will only need Justin for extra points since scoring Ravens touch downs will be theme of the game.  We could hit a new high for points scored against a weak Dolphins defense.

GO RAVENS!!!

Disclaimer: A quick reminder that my picks are who we want to win not a prediction of who is likely to win.  So don’t bet the farm on the picks.

Thursday Night

Cowboys 17 over Vikings 15
The Cowboys bucked the trend by getting a road win on Thursday night.  I think we are witnessing the start of something very special for the Cowboys.

Sunday
1:00pm

RAVENS over Dolphins
The Dolphins can’t beat a team with a winning record and yes we have a winning record.  But don’t relax and look past the Dolphins.  The only thing that scares me is Miami’s Ndamukong Suh against our offensive line (who by the way has been much better the last couple of weeks) who is older and slower than he use to be but is still the corner stone of their defensive line.  So we run the ball on the outside and throw quick passes to take Suh out of the game.  We shouldn’t need Tucker this week but it sure is nice to know he is there if we do.

GO RAVENS!!!

Falcons over Chiefs
NFC over AFC
Rooting against the Chiefs at 8-3.  it make me sad when you can’t say anything bad about Matt Ryan

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

Rams over Patriots
NFC over AFC
Rooting for the Rams to come all the way across the country from LA to beat the Patriots. We can dream, can’t we?

Jaguars over Broncos
Rooting for the 2-9 Jags over the 7-4 Broncos.  What did I say about dreaming?

Packers over Texans
NFC over AFC
The Packers are desperate for a win, they will be at home with snow in the forecast.
Go Pack Go! 

Eagles over Bengals
NFC over AFC
With a Bengals loss, they would be close to being eliminated from the playoffs.

Bears over 49ers
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team and against the 49ers who are competing against the Browns for the first pick in the draft.

Sunday
4:05pm

Bills over Raiders
Rooting against the Raiders with a 9-2 AFC West record.

Sunday
4:25pm

Giants over Steelers
We really, really, really, want the Steelers to lose.

Redskins over Cardinals
The Redskins are 5 games behind the Cowboys and are playing for one of the NFC wildcard spots.  The funny thing is the tie they had against the Bengals maybe what puts them into the playoffs.

Buccaneers over Chargers
NFC over AFC
Rooting against the Chargers and for the Buccaneers who really don’t stink this season.

Sunday
8:30pm

Seahawks over Panthers
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.  The Panthers were in the Super Bowl last year and compared to last year, they really do stink. What happened Cam?

Monday
8:30pm

Jets over Colts
The Colts got spanked by the Steelers last week.  Thanks for the help, I knew there was some reason I didn’t like you.

We need to win at home this week to win the AFC North.

Enjoy the games with hopes the Steelers are losing.

And that’s just the view from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

PS-Cheers to the Ravens Roosts around the country. I know the Florida Flock will be watching in full force at Kirby’s Bar and Grill in Juno Beach. The Ravens Roost 215 will be watching from Milk Boys South Street. We lift a glass to the Ravens and our Ravens friends in Florida and Philly.

 

 

November 24, 2016

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

I am writing this Thanksgiving morning with the dog by my feet and  the turkey cooking on the grill, driving the neighbors wild with the sweet smell. I have plenty to be thankful for. Our Ravens are in first place, the team is relatively healthy, and our Defense is back to being one of the best in the NFL.  Oh yeah, also family and friends.

After getting my hopes up in the first quarter and being optimistic at the half, hard reality came in midway through the fourth. The Cowboys were just too much for us last week. The duo of Prescott and Elliott are going to be a special pair for a long time and the best part is we won’t play them for another four years, unless we see them in the Super Bowl.

We are now 5-5 but still in first place in the AFC North.  With only 6 games remaining – What? Where has the season gone, it is going by way too fast. We definitely need to make the playoffs, since I am not ready for this to end- 3 are division games, two against the Bengals, and one against the Steelers.  All three games are must win games.  Starting with the Bengals this week. The Bengals at 3-6-1 are not playing well and we need to take advantage of this by stomping on their necks and kicking them while they are down.   We need to make a statement with our #2 defense at home by stopping the Bengals without their #1 receiver, A J Green. We should get Jimmy Smith back who did not play last week and possibly the difference in last week’s game. Without Jimmy we didn’t have a match for Dez Bryant.  But I digress. Back to this week- Our Defensive line was awesome last week  against the #1 running attack in the NFL, holding Elliott under 100 yards.   Sorry, this week we can show the league that we belong in first place (we should have done this last week) by beating the Bengals without Green and starting running back Giovani Bernard. Joe and the offense should put up big numbers on the Bengals defense, who gives up a ton of yards every week.  Did you see Marshal Yanda last week?! He moved from the right side to the left side of the Oline and did a great job!  Back to this week- we must stop the drive-killing penalties on offense.  We will be able to run and pass against the Bengals’ 24th ranked defense.  I predict another division win by at least 10 points.

GO RAVENS!!!

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

12:30pm

Lions over Vikings
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team Lions and against the Vikings

4:30pm

Redskins at Cowboys

You pick em’. Push away from the table to watch this one. It will be the game of the day.  This is the equivalent of Ravens / Steelers.  The Redskins need to win to stay in the race and the Cowboys want to win to keep the #1 seed in the NFC.

8:30pm

Colts over Steelers
We  really want the Colts without starting QB Andrew Luck (out with concussion) to beat up on the Steelers.  Who is the Colts backup QB? Scott Tolzien, well, we still don’t know who the backup is.  As we count our blessings today, send a little blessing Scott’s way.  Go Colts.

Sunday
1:00pm

RAVENS over Bengals
Who will start on our Oline and where will they line up?  Marshal Yanda was a real stud last week and played great in a position he hasn’t played since he has been with the Ravens.  The team needs to feed off Yanda’s energy.  With only 6 games remaining every game is a must win.  Joe will have time to through the ball.  The running backs will have holes to run through to sustain long drives and control the game clock, giving the defense a rest.  Look for the offense to have a big day and win by 10 points or more.
GO RAVENS!!!

Bears over Titans
NFC over AFCRooting for the home team Bears to beat the Titans, who are one game behind the Ravens.

Jaguars over Bills
Rooting against the Bills who have the same record as we do.

Cardinals over Falcons
The Cardinals defense took the #1 spot from us last week and need a win to stay relevant in the NFC West

Browns over Giants
Thanksgiving is always the time of year for Browns fans to start looking toward the draft.  We are rooting for the Browns so they do not get the first overall pick in the draft. We want that honor to go to an NFC team.

Rams at Saints
Both NFC teams with 4-6 records, rooting for the home team Saints.

49ers over Dolphins
I know it’s hard to believe that the worst team in the NFL is not the Browns, it’s the 49ers.  Rooting for the 49ers to beat the Dolphins, who we play next week.

Chargers over Texans
Rooting for the Chargers to beat the Texans who have a better record then us.

4:05pm

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

4:25pm

Jets over Patriots
We can still catch the Patriots who are 8-2.

Panthers over Raiders
NFC over AFC
This could be a good game but, we are rooting for Cam Newton and the Panthers to beat the AFC Raiders.

8:30pm

Chiefs at Broncos

You pick em’. This could be real slug fest.  Stay up and watch this game.

Monday Night
8:30pm

Packers at Eagles

You pick em’. Both NFC teams in desperate need of a win.

No bye teams this week.

Enjoy the games with a big leftover turkey sandwich.

And that is the View from 151

GO RAVENS!!!

Thanksgiving 2011
Ravens vs 49ers

 

 

November 20, 2016

We beat the Browns, the Cowboys beat the Steelers and now we are in sole possession of first place in the AFC North.  Any win is a great win even if we were losing at halftime  to the worst team in the NFL but in the second half we were a different team and went on 22-0 run and won the game.  It was as we were two different teams between the first and second halves.  A win is a win is a win and I will take it!

This week we go from playing the worst team at home to playing the best team on the road. By the way, the Steelers play the Browns so our first place spot is very much in jeopardy this week.

The Cowboys at 8-1 are the hottest team in the NFL with two rookies both competing for rookie of the year or even MVP. QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott  are on pace to set  Cowboy rookie season records.  The stage is set today against the Ravens for Elliott to surpass Tony Dorsett’s rookie rushing record. He will be on the sideline to watch it happen. Wait just one minute,  the Ravens number one rushing defense may have something to say about that.  This week is a match up of number ones.  The Ravens first ranked run defense against the Cowboys first rank run offense. To keep Elliott from breaking the record all the Ravens need to do is hold him to under 2 yards rushing today.  Well, we all need to set goals don’t we?  So this may not happen but I am excited to see what the Ravens can do against the NFL’s best team.

The Ravens and Cowboys are very evenly matched.  We have the best Dline and they have the best Oline.  We have the best kicker and they have the second best kicker.  Joe and our 19th ranked offense vs their 16th ranked defense with the only difference of our offense vs their defense.  So Joe needs to step up and take charge of this game but the key to today’s game is the play of our Oline who will have the 12th different combination of players this season.  Alex Lewis sprained his ankle last week  and will be out at least 6 weeks.  So who will line up in his spot?  We won’t know until kickoff.

This week will be our toughest test so far.  I an excited to see what will happen.  Ezekiel Elliott may get his record but he won’t get a win.  Besides we just can’t get beat by a rookie QB named Dak!  Our defense will keep us in the game and our kicker will win it!

In Tucker we trust!

GO RAVENS!!!

Don’t forget the picks are what we want to happen not what we think will happen.  So don’t bet the farm on my picks.

Thursday night

Panthers 23, Saints 20
We are seeing the aging and slide of our journeymen quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Tony Romo

Sunday
1:00pm

RAVENS over Dallas
We all strive to be the best at what we do and who we are, the only way to improve ourselves and to be the best is testing yourself against the best and that is what the Ravens are doing today.  Any given Sunday, David and Goliath, the little train that could, the tortoise and the hare,  I could go on and on, sometimes it’s not about the numbers or the stats but it’s about the  want inside you.  We have a bunch of rookies and young guys who need to show how bad they want to be the best today against the Cowboys.  Here’s to showing the world it’s not all about perception but will.  Okay, okay, I just don’t want to get beat by a guy name Dak.

Way to go Mary Ellen,  you inspire us all!

GO RAVENS!!! 

Browns over Steelers
Is it to early to ask for an early Christmas present?  If not, this would be a nice one.  Go Browns!

Lions over Jaguars
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team and our Haloti Ngata.

Colts over Titans
Rooting against the Titans who have the better AFC record.

Bills over Bengals
It’s been a rough year for the Bengals ( a good thing) so we are rooting for Tyrod Taylor to hand the ball off to the Bills second ranked running game to beat the Bengals.

Buccaneers over Chiefs
NFC over AFC
The Chiefs are locked up in the AFC West struggle for first place and need to be knocked down so the rest of us can catch up.

Giants over Bears
Both NFC teams, the Giants are the worst 6-3 team and the Bears fit their bad 2-7 record.  This will be the snooze fest of the week.

Cardinals over Vikings
Both NFC teams The Cardinals should crush the Vikings.

4:05pm

Rams over Dolphins
NFC over AFC
Rooting for the home team Rams to beat the AFC Dolphins.

4:25pm

49ers over Patriots
The 7-2 Patriots fly all the way to San Francisco to get beat by the louse 1-8 49ers.

Eagles over Seahawks
Both NFC teams, rooting for the Eagles even though we have many friends in Philly and Seattle our Molly’s Philadelphia will be a better place to be in if the Eagles win.

8:30pm

Redskins over Packers
Both NFC teams, Washington DC needs a winner everyone can get behind and a diversion from all the other chaos.

Monday
8:30pm

Texans over Raiders
Rooting against the Raiders who are also part of the AFC west that needs to be knocked down a couple of wins.

Bye week Falcons, Broncos, Jets, Chargers

Enjoy the games with the thought that no matter who we voted for we are all family on Thanksgiving day.

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just the View From 151

May the Ravens truly be the Untouchables today!

Nobody told Pitta not to smile for this picture.  Maybe he was just thinking about how nice beating the Cowboys it’s going to be.

 

11/11/16

HOW SWEET IT IS TO BEAT THE STEELERS!

We broke our four game losing streak over the backs of the Steelers last week. Up 21-0 going into the fourth quarter was a shock and a situation we weren’t familiar with. But then we all came down to earth and let the Steelers get back in the game by giving up fourteen unanswered points. So it all came down to an onsides kick that, well, was the worst attempt to a behind the leg kick that I have ever seen. So, the Ravens had to keep it exciting and again win a game by less than one score. My heart can’t get a break.

Editors note: This blog was written before the Ravens beat the Browns. Ravens 28, Browns 7

Bring on the Browns Prime Time Thursday night in Baltimore. Week one, when we played the Browns in Cleveland, we spotted them 20 points before we blocked a kick and took over the game and won. At first, we thought okay, we just played and beat an improving Browns team on the road. Not so fast. The Browns who we thought they were were the same old lousy 0-9 lousy Browns we have come to know and love. So we may think this is a gimme game, I remember just about this time last year walking out of M & T Bank Stadium with my head held low after getting beaten by the same old lousy Browns. There is no doubt we should win this game and, as always, the defense will carry the team. The young guys played well last week pressuring Roethlisberger almost getting three interceptions and only allowing 45 years rushing against Bell, one of the best running backs in the league. This week the D line will stop the run and the secondary will hold on to the interceptions they dropped last week. Joe and the offense will put up points against the Browns defense ranked second worst in the NFL. Look for the offense to control the ball and defense to get a lot of rest.

GO RAVENS!

Remember–this is what we want to happen to help the Ravens not necessarily what we think will happen. So don’t bet the farm on my picks!

Thursday night: 8:25pm

Ravens over Browns
Look for the Ravens to control the ball by relying heavily on the running backs, West and Dixon and tight ends Pitta and Waller. The Browns give us almost 150 yards a game on the ground and struggle covering tight ends. We can eat up the clock with short passes and 5 yard runs. Joe will have a good night getting rid of the ball quickly and handing off to the running backs. Our defense should have an easy night against QB Cody Kessler. With six starts this season Kessler only has 5TDS and has been sacked 14 times. Suggs should be Prime Time tonight. The Browns like to run the ball and plays right into what we do best, stop the run. The Ravens are favored by 10 points. I look for us to win by 20 and go home with our heads held high tonight. GO RAVENS

Sunday
1:00pm

Jaguars over Texans
Rooting for the home team Jaguars and against the 5-3 Texans. How are the Texans 5-3, their defense sucks.

Saints over Broncos
NFC over AFC. Rooting against the Broncos who will surely be in the playoff mix at the end of the season.

Rams over Jets
NFC over AFC. Six NFC vs AFC match ups this week which could be good for our Ravens. Rooting against the Jets.

Eagles over Falcons
Both NFC teams but rooting against Matt Ryan and the Falcons

Panthers over Chiefs
NFC over AFC. The Panthers at 3-5 are not as good–or should I say hungry–as last year be we are rooting for them at home to beat the Chiefs.

Buccaneers over Bears
Both NFC teams so we are rooting for the home team Bears. I know, as a fan, what it’s like to lose at home.

Redskins over Vikings
Both NFC teams. Rooting for the home team Redskins. Now the the election is over, the DC newspapers need something good to write about.

Packers over Titans
NFC over AFC. Rooting for the road team Packers to keep the Titans behind us in the AFC standings. GO PACK GO!

Sunday
4:05pm

Chargers over Dolphins
Rooting for the home team and against the Dolphins who have the same AFC record as we do.

Sunday
4:25pm

Cardinals over 49ers
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team Cardinals who went all the way to London only to tie the Bengals. That is just sad.

Cowboys over Steelers
The heck with raking the leaves, watch the Cowboys crush the Steelers in Pittsburgh, sending all those Steelers fans home crying in their Iron City Beer. The Cowboys rookie QB Dak Prescott has been the surprise of the season. With a name like Dak, you better be good. By the way, what kind of name is Dak?

Sunday night
8:30pm

Seahawks over Patriots
NFC over AFC. Hoping the Seahawks can go to New England and dominate the Patriots.

Monday night
8:30pm

Giants over Bengals
NFC over AFC. The last of the NFC vs AFC match ups. So the Bengals go to London and end up with a tie against the Cardinals that can only be good for the Ravens. Come the end of the year the tie in the Bengals record could be what puts them behind us in the standings.

BYE WEEK: Bills, Lions, Colts, Raiders

Enjoy the games knowing that the Presidential election is finally over. God Bless America

And that’s just the View from 151.

GO RAVENS!

 

 

 

 

November 6, 2016

 

Sorry for the late edition of the View but I could not sleep last night worried about this game.  I had a nightmare  that Ben Roethlisberger broke into my house and stole all the pictures on the Roethlisberger wall. (Shown above).

All I can say is we can beat the Steelers by running against a very bad run defense.

GO RAVENS!!!

Disclaimer: Remember, this blog is all about who we want to win, not who is expected to win.

Thursday
Falcons 43, Buccaneers 23

Sunday
1:00pm

Ravens vs Steelers:
We have won the last three games by a total of 9 points.  I am not expecting anything different today, it’s going to be a close one.  Will Roethlisberger play today only his trainer knows for sure, he is a game time decision.  Suggs said “Don’t fall for the tomfoolery”- Ben is going to play.”  No matter who is the Steelers QB, this will be the test of and for the season.  We need to stop the 4 game losing streak now!  This game is for first place in the AFC North.   Do we need any more motivation? Beat the Steelers, end the losing streak, first place in the division, and so I can stop worrying about this team.
GO RAVENS!!!

Lions over Vikings
Both NFC teams
The Lions at 4 – 4 are off to their best start in years thanks to Haloti Ngata.

Eagles over Giants
Both NFC teams
The Giants have the worst offense in the NFL.  How the Hell did they beat us?

Dolphins over Jets
Rooting for the home team Dolphins since we play them week 13 in Baltimore.

Jaguars over Chiefs
The Chiefs are in third place of the AFC West behind Denver and Oakland who play tonight.

Cowboys over Browns
NFC over AFC
The Cowboys are one of the best teams in the NFL (at least so far, this is about that time of year they start to fall apart) playing against the worst team in the NFL.  The Indians just lost  the World Series giving up a three game lead.  The Browns won’t help heal that hurt.  Way to go, Cleveland!

4:05pm

Saints over 49ers
Both NFC teams
The 49ers at 1-6 are challenging the Browns for the first pick in the 2017 draft.

Panthers at Rams
Both NFC teams
Both teams are struggling, rooting for the home team.

4:25

Packers over Colts
NFC over AFC
The Packers are coming off a heart breaking one point loss to Atlanta last week.  The Packers will get back on track by beating the Colts who just can’t get their act together.

Chargers over Titans
Rooting for the home team and against the Titans who have a better AFC record than we do.

8:30pm

Broncos at Raiders
After Ravens / Steelers this could be the game of the week.  Use that extra hour of sleep and stay up and watch this one.  Both teams are 6-2 playing for first place in the AFC West.

Monday
8:30pm

Seahawks over Bills
NFC over AFC
Rooting for the home team Seahawks and against the Bills.  Tyrod Taylor has the 2nd worst passing offense in the league and that is why the Ravens let him go in free agency last year.

BYE: Cardinals, Bears, Bengals, Texans, Patriots, Redskins

Enjoy the games knowing you could be raking leaves.

And that’s just the View From 151

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

October 30, 2016

No beach time and bottomless Mai Tais -how can we enjoy our Bye week when are are on a 4 game losing streak?  But the bye week will help our injured players heal up and get back on the field.  Keep the faith, we are only one game out of first place behind the Steelers.  What? Wait, this week is Steeler week.  How can not get fired up about playing the Steelers in Baltimore for a share of first place.  Go Ravens!!!!

At the time this went to press the Redskins were beating the Bengals 10-7 at the half.

Thursday
Titans 36 Jaguars 22Week 8 doesn’t get a good start, we wanted the Titans to lose

Sunday
9:30am
Redskins over BengalsHail to the Redskins!  After the Ravens 4 game losing steak we are now tied with the Bengals for second place.  If the Bengals lose we will be in sole possession of second place without doing anything.  This is a prefect example of how important it is to root for or against certain teams every week. GO SKINS!

Sunday
1pm

Colts over Chiefs
Rooting for the home team Colts again.  The Chiefs are one game ahead of the Ravens in the AFC standings

Panthers over Cardinals
My, how the mighty have fallen.  The Panthers, who were in the Super Bowl last year, are holding last place in NFC South. Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.

Buccaneers over Raiders
NFC over AFC. The Raiders are 5-2.

Seahawks over Saints
Both NFC teams.  Rooting for the Seahawks and our Seattle fan friends.

Lions over Texans
NFC over AFC.  Texans are one game in front of the Ravens in the AFC standings.  We are hoping Haloti Ngata has a great game.

Bills over Patriots
Both teams are ahead of the Ravens (of course I could say this about most teams in the AFC) but I just can’t bring myself to root for Tom Brady.  We really should be rooting for the Patriots but I did not say that.  So, what ever happens in this game, we can be happy

Jets over Browns
The Cleveland Indians are up 3-1 in the World Series.  The Browns will do their part to bring Cleveland fans back to earth.

Sunday
4:05pm

Chargers over Broncos
Rooting for the Chargers on the road.  QB Phillip Rivers could be having his best season  for the Chargers.

Sunday
4:25pm

Packers over Falcons
Both AFC teams.  Rooting for our Packer fan friends and against Matt Ryan.

Sunday
8:30pm

Eagles at Cowboys, you pick’em
We finally get a prime time game worth watching. This could be the game of the week. NFC East division rivals with the Eagles playing for a share of first place and the Cowboys looking to go up 2 wins over the Eagles.

Monday
8:30pm

Bears over Vikings
Both NFC teams.  The Bears only have one win and the Vikings only have one loss but we are rooting for the home team Bears because we just don’t like the Vikings.

And that’s just the view from 151.

Enjoy the games outside in this great Sunny weather.

Go Ravens!!!