I dragged myself off the bye week beach just to get slapped in the face with the reality that we are three games back from both the Bengals and Steelers.  Not a pretty view from way back there.  And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

It’s always darkest before the dawn, and that’s just where we are the dawn of a new era for Ravens football with the possibility of Lamar Jackson starting against the Bengals on Sunday.  Lamar Jackson starting on Sunday against the Bengals defense who are statically the worst in the NFL may not be a bad thing.  If your are going to start your Rookie quarterback in his first NFL game, the scenario couldn’t be better.  At home, coming off the bye, against a defense that has given up over five hundred yards in each of their last three games and just fired their defensive coordinator , the O-line is getting healthy, the defense is getting healthy, and I could go on and on.  It all sets Lamar up to really have a chance of winning his first game.  All that being said we don’t have a clue who will start at quarterback for the Ravens this Sunday it could be Joe, it could be RG III,  around and around the wheel spins, where it stops nobody knows.  We may not know until 1:00 on Sunday so stay tuned and we will find out together.

GO RAVENS!!!

Since we spent all our money at the beach during the bye, I don’t need to tell you not to bet on my picks because there is no money to bet with.

Thursday Night 8:00

Packers over Seahawks
Both teams have four wins just like the Ravens.  With all the media love these two teams get yet they have the same number of wins as we do.  Where’s the love for the Ravens?

Sunday
1:00

RAVENS over Bengals
I don’t care what the records are or what the statics say DON”T LOOK PASSED THE BENGALS!  The Bengals have ruined more of my Sundays than I can count not to mention my New Years.  On paper WHAT?  WHAT? STOP THE PRESSES I just got a text that Lamar Jackson sat out practice today!  So that quarterback wheel is still spinning.  Are we looking at RG III starting Sunday?  I think I can hear John Harbaugh hitting his head against the wall.  Now I’m a little nervous, before I was kinda excited to see what Lamar could do but now I just don’t know.  Good thing we spent all our money at the beach because we sure don’t want to bet on this game.  Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride to victory on Sunday.

GO RAVENS!!!

Jaguars over Steelers
We need the Steelers lose!

Cowboys over Falcons
Both NFC teams at 4-5

Buccaneers over Giants
Say it with me “The Giants are on the clock” and that’s just what we want the number one pick in the NFC.

Redskins over Texans
NFC over AFC and for our friends to the south.
This will be a true test to see what the Redskins are made of.

Colts over Titans
It’s all about the standings and how this game can help the Ravens.

Panther over Lions
Both NFC teams and just because.

4:00

Broncos over Chargers
Rooting against the Chargers.

Raiders over Cardinals
I know this goes against the NFC over AFC rule but The Raiders have the worst record in the NFL and are truly on the clock.

Eagles over Saints
The Eagles need a win.

Sunday Night 8:00

Bears over Vikings
We just don’t like the Vikings.

Monday Night 8:00

Rams over Chiefs
We can stick with the NFC over AFC rule for this game.
After the Ravens game this will be the game of the week.

Bye Week: Bills, Browns, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets, 49ers

Enjoy the games knowing that raking the leaves (or shoveling snow) can wait till next week.

And that’s just The View from 151

GO RAVENS!!!

IT’S STEELER WEEK!

At the beginning of the season you may have penciled in a loss against the Panthers in Charlotte.  But that doesn’t make it any easier to accept the loss last week.  It’s not just that we lost but how we lost, it was a total team loss.  Passes thrown in the dirt when the receivers are wide open, fumbles and interceptions just killed us on offense.  Our number one defense was not so number one, Cam Newton found open receivers way too many times and we couldn’t stop the run. The one bright stop was the banged up O-line played better than expected.

Enough about last week the Steelers are coming to town and I can’t help but tell you I’m just a little nervous about this game.  The Steelers have won their last three games and we have lost three out of our last four games, not a real confidence building stat.   I am not sure how this year’s Ravens team reacts to the words ” It’s Steeler week”.  We only have few players who grew up in the NFL with the Ravens learning to despise the Steelers like the Baltimore fans do.  Joe Flacco, Terrell Suggs, Marshal Yanda, Jimmy Smith, maybe Brandon Williams and C.J. Mosley-not that many.  When more than a third of the starting lineup have been with the Ravens for only two years or less how can they truly have the knot in their stomach knowing that the psyche of all of Baltimore is depending on them.  The cloud that hangs over downtown on the Monday after the Ravens lose to the Steelers is like a heavy LA smog.  It’s just not pretty. I can imagine Terrell Suggs setting the rookies on his lap and telling them stories of RAVENS / Steelers battles past and how Haloti Ngata broke Roethlisberger’s nose on Monday Night Football, of how a wounded Todd Heap stayed on the field with his team mates for one last play only to be victimized by Joey Porter,  and how Roethlisberger was Sacked some say eight times in one game.  Suggs will tell of the true meaning of RAVENS / Steelers and all will have a good night and a happy Monday.   So here’s to happy thoughts and a Ravens win!

Now for the good news.  Of all the Stadiums Ben Roethlisberger has played in his quarterback rating is the lowest in M&T bank stadium.  More interceptions than touchdowns, fewest yards passing per game, and a 35% completion percentage.  So why am I so nervous?!  We just don’t know what Ravens team is going to show up, the team that went toe to toe with Drew Breeze and the Saints just to miss it by that much or the team that Cam Newton showed the rest of the league how to beat the Ravens.   While the list on injured Ravens gets longer every day it will definitely be time for the young guys to PLAY LIKE A RAVEN.

GO RAVENS!!!

Thursday Night

49ers 34 Raiders 3 (This is what we wanted)
Man the Raiders are horrible, they spent all their money on the coach and not the players.

Sunday 1:00

RAVENS over Steelers
This will be our bounce back game, it has to be- if we lose this week against the Steelers we will be three games back with only seven games to play.  No more bad news. Think only happy thoughts. Keep telling yourself that the Ravens are going to win, the Ravens are going to win, the Ravens are going to win!  Justin Tucker is the best kicker of all times.  The Ravens defense is still ranked number one.  Joe has receivers who can catch the ball.  Roethlisberger is terrible in M&T.  And repeat.

GO RAVENS!!!

Bears over Bills
Can you say the Bills are on the clock?

Buccaneers over Panthers
This would be embarrassing after the way the Panthers just beat us.

Browns over the Chiefs
This is going to be like watching  a train wreck-you know whats going to happen but you just can’t turn away.  Flip to this one during commercials on the Ravens game.

Jets over Dolphins
The Dolphins are 4-4 same as the Ravens

Lions over Vikings
Just don’t like the Vikings

Redskins over Falcons
Redskin fans are cautiously optimistic about their 5-2 team.  Enjoy it.

4:00

Broncos over Texans
The Texans are a supersizing 5-3

Seahawks over Chargers
NFC over AFC and the Chargers are 5-2

Rams vs Saints you pick’em
This will be the four o’clock game to watch.

8:20pm

Packers over Patriots
In New England, this will be the Game of the Week after RAVENS / Steelers.
GO PACK GO-beat the Patriots!

Monday Night 8:00

Cowboys over Titans
NFC over AFC
Both teams are 3-4 but this could be a good game to watch.

BYE WEEK: Cardinals, Bengals, Colts, Jaguars, Giants, Eagles

My advice to you this week is no talking politics, just enjoy the games with family and friends.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

Between work and family,  I have not practiced all week and was a game time decision whether I would get this weeks blog out.  I am happy to say we may not be 100% but the View From 151 is on the active list and will play in today’s game.

All that needs to be said about last weeks game against the Saints is ” Wide Right”.

We are on the road in Charlotte playing against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.  No more number one defense against number one offense this week it’s the number one defense against the number eighteen offense.  Yes, even after playing the Saints last week we are still the best defense in the league.  CB Marlon Humphreys is not playing today which means Jimmy Smith needs to play better than he did last week against our old friend Torrey Smith.  The Ravens O-line is banged up and could have Hurst and Lewis out for today replaced by Orlando Brown Jr and either one of three other Ravens Bozeman (listed as questionable), Eluemunor (just brought up from the practice squad), or Grasu (has not started a game for the Ravens before).    So we have a plug and play offensive line this week but the way Joe and the offense have been playing with the passing game leading the way Carolina’s defense will need to focus on stopping the pass rather than rushing after Joe.   Look for Joe to have a good day.  We almost beat the number one offense we definitely can beat the eighteenth ranked Panther offense.

 

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember, don’t bet your trick or treat candy money on my picks it’s probably to late anyway.  Although the Lock of the week is Texans over Dolphins.

Thursday 8:15

Texan 42 Dolphins 23

Sunday

9:30 AM
Eagles over Jaguars
NFC over AFC and we are rooting for the Eagles this year.

1:00
Set up three TVs today (sorry for the short notice, but I know you can do it) RAVENS, Steelers, Browns , and Bengals all play at 1:00 today.

RAVENS over Panthers
Another team that likes to run the ball playing against our defense who has not let any team beat us on the ground.  Cam Newton will be running for his life today.  Justin Tucker will be starting a new streak today and you can say you were there when the streak started.  The Ravens win today!

GO RAVENS!!!

Browns over Steelers
I can’t believe the Steelers are in first place and they didn’t even play last week!  No tie today the Browns win outright.

Buccaneers over Bengals
We are in third place behind the Bengals and the Steelers.  This just shows you how important every game is. If we won last week and we would be in first place not third.

Broncos over Chiefs
The Chiefs have the worst defense in the league but are 6-1.

Redskins over Giants
The Redskins are in first place after beating the Cowboys in DC last week and I must say I received a lot of orders last week.

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

Bears over Jets
NFC over AFC.

4:00

Raiders over Colts
Both teams are bad but we are rooting for the home team Raiders.

49ers vs Cardinals you pick’em
Both teams are 1-6 doen’t even waste your time watching this game.

Packers over Rams
The Rams are 7-0 the only undefeated team but the Packers need a win to keep pace with the Vikings who are in first place of the NFC North.  This is the 4:00 game to watch.

9:00

Saints over Vikings
A Vikings loss is what the Packers need.

Monday 9:00

Bills over Patriots
I am just saying stranger things have happened.

The Steelers play in Pittsburgh today.  Just keep the ones you love a little closer today while you enjoy the games.

BYE: Falcons, Cowboys, Chargers, Titans

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just The View From 151.

 

 

 

 

The Ravens finished their three game road trip in historic fashion recording eleven sacks against the Titans last week.  So we make history for the second time this season: first scoring thirteen touchdowns in the first thirteen red zone appearances to start the season which has never been done before, then setting a new Ravens record with eleven sacks in one game. Winning two of the three games on the road-I’ll take that.   You know, something special could be happening here.

I asked for a statement game last week and we got it.  The Ravens just dominated the Titans the whole game.  The Titans couldn’t do anything on offense, and their defense couldn’t stop Joe and our offense.  I have never seen a defense just totally shut-down another team like the Ravens did last week.  The Titans only had one hundred and six total yards which looks great on the stat sheet, but the best number was zero points scored by the Titans, it doesn’t get any better than that.  On offense we controlled the ball for almost two thirds of the game!  Joe scored a touchdown in each of the first three quarters with three long clock burning drives.  In the fourth quarter we didn’t score any points but we did hold on to the ball for over eleven of the fifteen minutes.  That was a statement game!

So we didn’t know that the Titans were such a bad team, but what we do know is the Saints are coming to Baltimore this week with Drew Brees and the number one scoring offense in the league.  This is going to be the game of the week and the Ravens will come out on top.  The Ravens defense against the Saints offense in Baltimore-what a match up!  The Saints are coming off their bye week so they are rested and they will get a little more rest sitting on the bench watching Joe and the Ravens number one offense with time of possession stay on the field.  Keep the Saints offense off the field and they can’t score any points.  Sunday will be another test for the Ravens secondary and with CB Marlon Humphrey questionable whether he will play, it’s time for Jimmy Smith to step up and shut-down Saint leading receiver Micheal Thomas. This is going to be a great game! This is why the game is on at 4:05 so sleep in and get that extra rest you are going to need it.  I give you permission to watch the 9:30 AM London game in bed.

GO RAVENS!!!

THIS SAINT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A RAVENS FAN!

We swallowed our pride last week and wanted the Steelers and Patriots to win and they did, that’s good for the Ravens.  So don’t bet the Buffalo wing money on my picks because they are who we want to  win not who we think will win.

Thursday Night 8:00
Broncs 45 Cardinals 10
The Cardinals just got crushed at home. We wanted the Cardinals to win

Sunday 9:30 AM London
Titans over Chargers
Like that will really happen.  Can the Titans recover from last weeks Ravens beat down?

1:00

Texans over Jaguars
Both AFC teams with 3-3 records.  Rooting against the Jaguars because of what they did to us last year in London.

Eagles over Panthers
We play the Panthers in Charlotte next week and we want Cam Newton who is not playing very well to be in ne of this pouting and ready to give up on football moods.

Vikings over Jets
NFC over AFC, We just love the Vikings.

Bears over Patriots
Khalil Mack needs to squish Tom Brady three or four times in this game.

Colts over Bills
Just two really bad teams.

Buccaneers over Browns
I still can’t believe we lost to the Browns.

Lions over Dolphins
The Dolphins have the same 4-2 record as we do.

4:05

RAVENS over Saints
Buckle up I think this is going to be a wild ride.  Two good teams clinging on to the top of their divisions.  #1 Saints offense against #1 Ravens defense in Baltimore it truly doesn’t get any better than that! Ravens starting left guard Alex Lewis is out for this game and we have no clue who will replace him or how the O-line will be configured. Will it be Orlando Brown or Bradley Bozeman? We will need to wait until game time to find out.  Look for Ravens rookie RB Gus Edwards to get more carries against a mediocre Saints run defense along with Alex Collins and Buck Allen running the ball. That is how we keep Drew Brees off the field.  Drew Brees has never beaten the Ravens and he won’t get that first win on Sunday!

GO RAVENS!!!

4:25

Redskins over Cowboys
The NFC East version of Ravens Steelers, these two team hate each other.  The trash talking in DC has been nonstop but we are rooting for the Redskins.  I am waiting on a big order and I want my DC customer to be happy on Monday.

Rams over 49ers
Rams are 6-0,the 49ers are 1-5-this one won’t be close.

Sunday Night 8:20

Chiefs over Bengals
We need the Bengals to lose.

Monday Night 8:15

Giants over Falcons
The Falcons offense can’t keep up with all the points their defense is giving up.

Bye week for Packers, Raiders, Steelers, Seahawks

Enjoy the games knowing you have football on from 9:30 AM to midnight!

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!

He’s one lucky dog!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We gave the Browns a win last Sunday.  Our offense payed like they didn’t want to win this game.  Joe threw an interception on the Browns two yard line taking points off the board, we fumbled the ball on our own thirty five yard line giving the Brown great field position allowing them to kick a field goal.  Two turn overs with possibly a ten point swing keeping the Browns in the game.  But  on the other hand our defense held the Browns offense who had scored forty two points week four to nine points in regulation last week.  We had this game won!  But we made too many mistakes.  The worst part of last week wasn’t that we lost the game but that we had another field goal attempt blocked,  the second blocked kick in five games.  Two blocked kicks shouldn’t happen in a season let alone five games.  Our tried and true special teams has not been very special.  Justin Tucker can’t do his job if the O-line can’t stop the defensive rush to block his kick.  Mr. automatic isn’t automatic any more and my nerves just can’t take it. I don’t need more stress in my life!  I want to be able to gloat not just commiserate with the Redskin fans at work.

All can be right in the world this week if the Ravens go to Tennessee and put an old fashioned whoop’n on the Titans.  I mean a skull dragging, mopping them up and down the field beat down.  I just need this-I can’t tell you why but I just need it.  Maybe we just need some confidence back and it’s right there in Nashville Tennessee.  QB Marcus Mariota and the Titans offense are not exactly lighting the league on fire, they only have two passing touchdowns with four interceptions.  The Titans have beaten the Jaguars and the Eagles then go and lose to the Bills last week, kind of a head scratcher.  They have the same 3-2 record as we do, only because of their defense who keep them in games.  Sound familiar?  Joe and the offense will need to bring their “A” game this week, because we will need it to beat the strong Titan defense.

Also, one more thing please, CATCH THE BALL!

Don’t forget we have a 4:25 kick off this week so plan accordingly.

GO RAVENS!!! 

We need some help this week, we were the only team in the AFC north to lose last week.

Thursday 8:00

Eagles over Giants (Update: Eagles 34-Giants 13) 
The Eagles need this win just to get to 3-3.  The Giants are just as bad as they were last year.

Sunday 1:00

Buccaneers over Falcons
The Falcons stink!  They couldn’t even beat the Steelers for us last week.

Redskins over Panthers
The Redskins lost big time to the Saints last week.  I think it’s going to be a long season for Redskins fans.  But we still root for the Skins because there’s nothing worse than a unhappy Redskins fan on Monday morning.

Seahawks over Raiders
NFC over AFC,  John Gruden’s return as the head coach of the Raiders has not gone too well- they are only 1-4.

Colts over Jets
It’s all about how the outcome of the games can help the Ravens.  The Colts are 1-4, the Jets are 2-3 and they are both AFC teams.

Cardinals over Vikings
We just don’t like the Vikings.

This next game is going to make my head explode!

Steelers over Bengals
WHAT!  I can’t believe I am rooting for the Steelers but sad to say we are.  After the Ravens losing last week we are now two game back from the Bengals.  So we need to sell our souls to the devil and root for the Steelers.

Chargers over Browns
Was I dreaming, did we really lose to the Browns?

Bills over Texans
We hold the tie breaker over the Bills since we beat them week one.

Bears over Dolphins
NFC over AFC

4:05

Rams over Broncos
NFC over AFC

4:25

RAVENS over Titans
We NEED this win.  The last game in a three road game stretch, it would be fantastic if we won two of the three games.  Also our two loses are in our division and we could use a AFC win.  We can win in Nashville Sunday if we just play like we are capable of, with a dominating defense and an offense that can put points on the board as long as we don’t turn the ball over and we CATCH THE BALL!  Micheal Pierce and Tavon Young two big parts in our defensive run stopping ability have not practiced this week.  Let’s hope they play on Sunday to help stop the Titans very good run game.   Flacco and Crabtree have said all the right things this week to correct the mistakes they had last week.  Hopefully the corrections show up on the field this Sunday.  We should and can win this game, putting us back on track to the playoffs.

GO RAVENS!!!

Cowboys over Jaguars
The Cowboys at home need a win to get to 3-3.

8:00

Patriots over Chiefs
NOOOOO NOT AGAIN! The Chiefs are 5-0 so we need to root for Beelzebub in two games this week.

Monday 8:00

Packers over 49ers
The Packers are in second place in the NFC North they need a win to keep pace with the first place Bears.

BYE WEEK: Lion, Saints (Great, just what we need is the Saints coming to Baltimore next week with an extra week rest)

Enjoy the games, but don’t forget to raise a glass for the people in Florida hit hard by Hurricane Micheal, they have a lot of work a head of them.

And that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!!!

PS: Speaking of the View—Last Sunday we watched the MD Fleet Week Air Show and the game from a rooftop in Canton. Pretty cool! Go Ravens!

October 3, 2018

My face hurts from smiling so much.  What a statement-making win on the road in the evil empire Pittsburgh.  The Steelers had no answers for what the Ravens did to them last Sunday night.  We showed the football word that we are the biggest, baddest kid on the block.

I don’t know where to start.  Joe and the offense played almost flawless football. They started strong scoring 14 points in the first quarter. They ran the ball when we needed to made crucial first downs late in the game.  We controlled the ball over 12 minutes in the fourth quarter.  I could go on but I need to mention the defense and how they totally dominated Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.  We let them hang around in the second quarter just to mess with them and keep it interesting.  In the second half the Steelers had to punt three straight times. They threw an interception to Anthony Levine, and had a failed fourth down attempt.  The defense should be well rested for this week since they only were on the field for eight minutes in the second half.  How do you beat the Steelers?  Keep Roethlisberger off the field and hold them to under twenty yards rushing.  That’s correct you read it we held them to only nineteen yards rushing.  Some will say we beat a Steeler team without Le’Veon Bell but I say he doesn’t play on defense and our offense could not be stopped by the Steelers.  A great win on the road!

The NFL season has turned the quarter pole heeding into week five.  This is a good time to look at how your team is doing.  The Ravens are 3-1 over all, 2-0 at home, 1-1 on the road I say that pretty good.  Since when we originally looked at the schedule we thought 2-2 would be where we would be with road game in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The win in Pittsburgh is going to turn out to be huge!  I like where we are four game into the season.

Another road game this week in Cleveland.  The Browns have won one game (I’m still mad that I missed the free beer mayham after the Thursday night game in week three. The national media is saying they should be 4-0-are you kidding me?!  The Ravens are only favored by 3 points-are you kidding me?! Did they see what we did to the Steelers?  Do they know we have the number two ranked defense and a top ten offense? Since the Browns can’t throw the ball they rely on running the ball and we love to stop the run.  Their defense has taken a slide this season and is ranked 25th-looks like Joe is going to have another good day on the road.

GO RAVENS!!!

My picks are who we want to win not who we think will win.  Last week, not too many of our picks came truebut the only one that truly counted was the RAVENS over the Steelers. Don’t bet on these games, just enjoy them.

Thursday 8:00

Colts over Patriots
The Patriots are 2-2 and “they” still have them going to the Super Bowl.

Sunday 1:00

RAVENS over Browns
The Browns feature a rookie QB Baker Mayfield and a rookie RB Nick Chubb to do all the heavy lifting on offense.  This will be only Mayfield’s second start and you know what the Ravens like to do to rookie quarterbacks, confuse and crush them.  Chubb has been making the highlight reel but he has not faced a quality run defense like the Ravens.  With the return Jimmy Smith and possibly Willie Henry, this would put our defense at almost full strength.  Imagine the possibilities.  Hayden Hurst should be in the offensive line up this week, just another weapon for Joe.  I need to give the O-line a shout out for the job they have done so far protecting Joe.  For being a little banged up and a so call rag tag group they look good to me and should have no problems with the pathetic Browns defense.  But one thing we can’t do is let our guard down and look past the Browns.  So look to the Ravens to stay full throttle and just run over the Browns.

GO RAVENS!!!

Bills over Titans
The Titans have the same record as we do and we play them next week.

Falcons over Steelers
For the second week in a row we want to be friends with Matt Ryan.  Lets hope this week will have a better outcome since the Falcons didn’t do us any favors losing to the Bengals last week.

Jets over Broncos
Rooting for the home team with the 1-3 record.

Jaguars over Chiefs
DVR this game so you can watch it after the Ravens beat the Browns.  This could be a good one.

Packers over Lions
Rooting for the Packers and our Packer fan friends. Go Pack Go!

Panthers over Giants
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home team.

Dolphins over Bengals
Both team have terrible stats but both are 3-1 this is tells me the Bengals are due for a loss.

4:00

Raiders over Chargers
We play both of these teams this season, Raiders in Baltimore and Chargers in LA. So watch this game to scout both teams.

Cardinals vs 49ers -You Pick’em
Both NFC teams. A total of one win between both teams don’t waste your time watching this game.

Eagles over Vikings
Fly Eagles fly!

Seahawks over Rams
Rooting for the home team

8:00

Cowboys over Texans
NFC over AFC, the Cowboys should have no problem beating the Texans on Prime Time Sunday night football.

Monday 8:00

Redskins over Saints
Both NFC teams rooting for our friends in DC.

Enjoy the games with a friend.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

IT’S STEELER WEEK!
Or should I say Steeler weekend due to my tardiness for getting this out.  Before I start on how we are going to beat up on the Steelers I need to reflect on last weeks win over the Broncos.

After spotting the Broncs 14 points in the first quarter our defense pitched a shutout for the remainder of the game.  They did this without starters CB Jimmy Smith, LB C J Mosley, and DT Michael Pierce.  The young guys are stepping up with the help of Eric Weddle calling the plays.  Stepping in for injured C J Mosley Rookie LB Kenny Young has done a great job leading the team in tackles last week.  Brandon Williams and the D-line held the Broncos leading rusher to only 53 yards and forced 6 consecutive three and outs.  Most importantly we did not back off the pressure late in the game not allowing Denver to score in the second half.  I wish I could say the same about the our offense after scoring 20 points in the first half not to mention an illegally blocked field goal attempt that would have added 3 more points we only scored seven in the third quarter and zero in the fourth.  The explanation was we were working on the run game.  My feeling is stomp them while you have them down.  We were passing all over them and they could not stop it.  We have receivers who can catch the ball.  You can look at the receptions we are making this year and say to yourself, “That one is dropped last year”.   In the first three games we have seen defenses stack seven or eight guys in the box to stop the run and they have but they can’t stop the pass.  SOOOO, throw the ball where they’re not and keep going unit Joe and the passing game gets the respect they deserve and wait for the box to open up allowing us to run the ball.   We also witnessed history last week our Ravens have a red zone touchdown percentage of 100% with 12 touchdowns in twelve trips to the red zone, this has never been done before in NFL history.  All in all another great Ravens win.

Speaking of winning if you didn’t already know we play the Steelers on prime time Sunday night  in the evil empire of Pittsburgh. (I forsee another groggy Monday morning)  Vegas has the Steelers favored by three points. This could not have been an easy spread to post.  Ben Roethlisberger and the  Steelers have been one of the NFL’s most inconsistent teams this year with a record of 1-1-1 and in last place of our division the AFC North.  Man I love saying that!  Nothing has changed, season after season you just can’t trust a word of what is said about the Steelers or what comes out of their locker room.  One thing I have heard that you can trust is the reason Le’Veon Bell is holding out and has not reported to Pittsburgh is he just dosen’t want to play against the Ravens #1 ranked defense.  Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense is ranked 3rd but they have not faced a defense ranked higher than 24th.  Ben is shaking in his boots knowing what our defense can do to him including a roughing the passer penalty or two. (I won’t have a problem with that) He knows all the young and new Ravens players aren’t true Ravens until they go into Pittsburgh and make a name for themselves.

This week is a must win for the Ravens we can’t lose two divisional games.  I am excited about our chances with our defense and much improved offense.  We can walk onto Heinz field and show the nation we are the biggest, baddest kid on the block.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember,  my picks are for the teams who can help the Ravens and not who we think will win.  So don’t beat the nacho money on my picks.

Many thanks to Dennis Pitta #88 for showing up at the Jimmy’s Famous Seafood Tailgate.

Thursday Night 8:00

Rams 38 over Vikings 31
You can take this one to the bank it’s my lock of the week!  Also, this is what we wanted.

Sunday 1:00

Jets over Jaguars
Jets will win on the road with their Rookie QB Sam Darnold.

Dolphins over Patriots
This is a tough pick since the Dolphins are 3-0 and the Patriots are 1-2.  Okay it’s not that hard to root against Tom Brady but we just can’t count them out this early in the season.

Eagles over Titans
We are Eagle fans this year for beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl.  The Titans need to be knocked down a peg or two as they are playing well this year.

Texans over Colts
Texans are 0-3 and need help, playing the Colts could be that help.

Packers over Bills
Aaron Rodgers is giving it the old college try playing with his injured knee, but the Packers are just not the same without him healthy.  This week could be the game to rest Rodgers against a lousy Bills team.  Can Clay Mathews make it 4 for 4 with another roughing the passer penalty?

Cowboys over Lions
Rooting for the home team. Cowboys Dak Presott and Ezekiel Elliot, who were the talk of the town last year, have definitely hit the sophomore slump.

Bears over Buccaneers
Rooting for the home team.  The Bucs are the true yin and yang team this season with their offense ranked 1st and their defense 31st.  Tough to win like that but they are 2-1.

Falcons over Bengals
We are best friends with Matt Ryan this week.

4:00

Cardinals over Seahawks
Cardinals looking for their first win but both teams are struggling this season so this could be ugly.

Raiders over Browns
Raiders also looking for their first win which is the only reason to watch this game.  Well,  if you think about it there is no reason to waste your time watching this game.

Giants over Saints
Rooting for the home team.  The Saints are a points scoring machine but their defense stinks so look for Eli Manning to have a big day.

49ers over Chargers
Both teams are 1-2 but we are rooting for the NFC over the AFC team.

8:00

RAVENS over Steelers
Where do I begin?  With the Steelers who are on a three game winning streak against the Ravens since that disastrous loss on Christmas night or how we have had the lead late in all three games and couldn’t keep the Steelers from scoring.  NOT this year we have weapons.  We have receivers who can hold on to the ball. We have a secondary who can cover the Steelers wide receivers including Antonio Brown.  We have Justin Tucker who is the only kicker in the league never to have missed a field goal in Heinz field. We have the number one defense in the NFL.  We have C J Mosley and Micheal Peirce back in the line up to make our number one defense even better.  Did I mention the Steelers defense is ranked 29th?  Look at this, how can we lose! I know this is a road game in Pittsburgh, but I’m serious -look at this-how can we lose?  This won’t be easy but, Trustin Tucker will be difference in this game.  He will remain perfect in Heinz Field.  Take my advice, no strenuous activity on Sunday leading up to the game because your going to need all your strength watching this game.

GO RAVENS!!!

Monday 8:00

Broncos over Chiefs
The Chiefs are 3-0 and we hold the tie breaker with the Broncos since we beat them last week.

Orioles note:
By the time the Ravens take the field Sunday night we may have seen the last time Buck Showalter and Adam Jones will wear a Orioles uniform.  I tip my hat farewell to two men who have done so much for Baltimore and to wish them well in the future.  Thanks for all you have done for us.

Enjoy the games and remember to pace yourself.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

September 20, 2018

Suppressed memories that I didn’t want to talk about last week came exploding back in my head as the Bengals piled up a 21-0 lead against our Ravens, who came out just as flat as a team can be both on offense and defense.   Those suppressed memories were from previous seasons when the Ravens have just looked like a team on the way to winning the Super Bowl only to lose the Week Two games in as bad a fashion as a team can.  We just stand there with our mouths hanging open in disbelief of what we just witnessed.   In 2016 we won our first three games only to lose the next four.  In 2017 we win the first two games only to lose five of the next seven.  They say memory suppression is a defense mechanism, well we didn’t have any defense last week.  I could go on about looking on the bright side but there isn’t any.  Bottom line, WE LOST THE GAME!

So in the spirit of suppressing memories let’s forget about last week and move on to the Broncos this Sunday at M&T.

The Broncs are off to a 2-0 start.  The wins have not been pretty but as I always say I’ll take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day.  The Broncos offense did only what they needed to do while letting  their defense carry the load.  Denver’s defensive end Von Miller leads the league in sacks.  This is cause to sound the alarm since our starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley may not play on Sunday.   The Ravens offensive line look overwhelmed by the Bengals pass rush last week.  Bad news, Denver’s defense  is better than the Bengals.  So let’s hope the coaches used the couple extra days to prepare game planning for Von Miller and the Broncos pass rush.  We need to run the ball this week, something we have not done so far this season.  The big question mark starting the season was how well would the O-line perform-not so much week one but they struggled week two.  Again we need to run the ball this week to slow down the Broncs pass rush.  We have the offensive weapons to beat the Broncos but it’s all about the Ravens O-line.  I’m not so concerned about our defense.  Even though the Bengals torched them in the first half we made adjustments in the second half only allowing six points.  The largest adjustment was shifting the defensive play calling from the rookie linebacker Kenny Young to Eric Weddle.  Kenny Young was standing in after C J Mosley went down with an injury early in the first quarter, boy did we miss him.  I like the match up between the Broncos QB Case Keenum and their receivers against our secondary.  Keenum has 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.  Denver likes to run the ball and the Ravens love to stop the run. We have given up the second fewest yards in the NFL.  If C J Mosley doesn’t play, while he definitely will be missed, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.   We are playing at home and I see this as a win.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember,  my picks are who we want to win or lose not who we think will win or lose.  So, don’t crack open the piggy bank to bet on my picks.

Thursday Night, 8:20 PM
Jets over Browns
Not just because we want the Browns to lose, but I don’t want to miss the free beer riots.  If they win Thursday night I will be asleep and won’t get to see the mayhem live.

Sunday, 1:00 PM
RAVENS over Broncos
In weeks one and two the Ravens started out throwing the ball.  I don’t see this happening this week.  Look for a heavy dose of Alex Collins and Buck Allen running up the middle.  This will slow down Denver’s pass rush.   Eric Weddle will need to earn his pay this week,  he will take over the play calling in the absence of C J Mosley.  Keep watch on the inside linebacker position to see who the Ravens start in place of C J Mosley.  We can stop Denver’s running attack and put pressure on Case Keenum and cause him to throw a couple more of those interceptions he is so good at throwing. Denver’s defense is ranked 24th in the league.  As long as we contain Von Miller (which won’t be easy)  and the O-line give Joe time to throw the ball we will be fine.

GO RAVENS!!!

Saints over Falcons
Both NFC teams at 1-1.  Rooting against Matt Ryan.  I just don’t like to see him show up Joe.  They were in the same draft class and the media loves Matt Ryan and rags on Joe.  But who has the ring?

Redskins over Packers
We are picking our Washington friends / customers over our Green Bay friends.  Since our Washington customer help us keep the lights on and we need them to be happy.  The Redskins signed Beshad Perriman this week, that will surly make them better.

Eagles over Colts
NFC over AFC both at 1-1.  The Eagles are playing like they really do have a Super Bowl hangover.

Vikings over Bills
And the Bills are on the clock.  With the Browns with a tie it looks like the Bills will get the first pick in the draft.

Raiders over Dolphins
The Dolphins are 2-0 and the Raiders are 0-2, we are rooting against the Dolphins.

Panthers over Bengals
NFC over AFC and against a team in our division the AFC North.

Giants over Texans
NFC over AFC both teams are 0-2.

49ers over Chiefs
NFC over AFC the Chiefs are 2-0

4:00 PM

Rams over Chargers
NFC over AFC, interesting cross town match up as both teams are in Los Angeles.

Cowboys over Seahawks
Both NFC teams, how the mighty have fallen the Seahawks are 0-2 and look bad.

Cardinals over Bears
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.  Sometimes we root for the home team since we know what it’s like to be the poor schmoe sitting in the stands who has spent a pocket full of money just to see their team lose.

Sunday Night, 8:00 PM
Lions over Patriots
Wouldn’t this be wonderful!  The lions are terrible and are 0-2.  I would just love to see them beat the Patriots and on prime time TV.  The Lions head coach was the Patriot defensive coordinator last season.

Monday Night, 8:00 PM
Buccaneers over Steelers
The Steelers are winless!  Man I love saying that.  The Steelers look more like Aluminum foil.  I love saying that too.  Their locker room is out of control and full of drama only two weeks into the season.  The Bucs are 2-0 and at home on Monday night. This could be worth staying up for just to see the Steelers lose.

Enjoy the games knowing the Steelers are in last place in the division!

And that’s just The View From 151

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

September 11, 2018

47 TO 3! Can somebody please tell the Buffalo Bills that the regular season has begun.  I’m not sure the Bills knew because when they looked across the field at the Ravens sideline and saw  Joe Flacco and most of the starting offense sitting on the bench for most of the second half of last weeks game, the Bills surely must have thought they were still in the preseason.  The way the Bills played last Sunday they still need a few more weeks of preseason to get ready.

So, are the Ravens that good or are the Bills that bad?  Maybe a little of both.  But play after play you could see a vast improvement over last years Ravens team.  Joe threw for three touchdowns.  One to each of the three new receivers Crabtree, Brown, and Sneed.  For sure two of the three touchdown passes would have been dropped last year.  Our corners were knocking down passes left and right and, guess what, no pass interference penalties.  The only PI we had called on us was when we were on offense, thanks to a Willie Sneed pick on the Bills defender.  The Ravens corners played so well the old man Eric Weddle was blitzing the Bills quarterback and not worried about covering the Bills receivers.  The offensive line protected Joe and Lamar very well.  But, again was this a true test or were the Bills still in preseason mode?

As Coach Harbaugh said in his post game press conference “On to the Cincinnati Bengals”.  It’s a very short week when you go on the road for Thursday Night football.  Practice on Monday and Tuesday Travel on Wednesday, and play on Thursday.  Each team only plays on Thursday once during the season and the positive part of playing this early in the season is that it’s done and we play the Bengals who we know and don’t need a lot of game planning for.

The Bengals beat the Colts last week, so this week will be a much better test for the Ravens and we will get a better picture of how good we are.  On the road on Thursday night.

GO RAVENS!

Thursday, 8:20pm

RAVENS over Bengals
Okay I have gone this long and have not said a word about last years New Years Eve game against the Bengals, or 4th and 12, or losing the game, or missing the playoffs, or the freezing cold.  Now it’s personal and I want to make them pay.  It took  until July for my feet to thaw out.  I want another skull dragging beat down like last week.  I want to send a message to the league that we are the biggest baddest team on the block and the Bengals are just a bump in the road.  There’s no sitting on the bench this week, I don’t care if we are leading 50-0 in the first quarter.  THE BENGALS MUST PAY!

Now that I got that out of my system (it’s been bottled up all year, thanks for letting me vent).  We can beat the Bengals in their house on prime time Thursday Night Football.  This week the Bengals will be more of a test, but they do not match up against this years Ravens team.  Joe looked sharp,  our receivers can catch the ball (did you see the Bills had Breshad Perriman in for a tryout this week, they are desperate) the O-line can protect the quarterback, and the tight ends can block as well as catch the ball.  The good defense we had last year is better this year.    Andy Dalton is not getting much sleep this week worried about our defense.  There are so many intriguing match ups in this game all I can say is sit back and enjoy the ride this will be worth staying up late and paying for it the next morning.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember, I pick the teams with the Ravens in mind.  So don’t bet the beer money on my picks.

Sunday, 1pm

Panthers over Falcons
Matt Ryan and the Falcons got beat by the Eagles last week and looked bad doing it.  The Panthers won but they did it ugly.  Both teams need a better showing this week and that won’t be easy since both teams lost a starter to a season ending injury.

Redskins over Colts
NFC over AFC
The Skins are undefeated and the Colts are 0-1!  I can’t say the Redskins beat a very good team last week but like the Ravens this week will be more of a challenge.   The Redskins new quarterback Alex Smith look comfortable and played well in his new offense.

Titans over Texans
Both AFC teams who did not win last week.  The Texans didn’t beat the Patriots like we wanted them to do so we are rooting against the Texans and for the home team Titans.

Eagles over Buccaneers
The Eagles won last week but it wasn’t pretty.  But we are rooting for the Eagles this year in thanks for betting the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Chiefs over Steelers
The Chiefs beat the Chargers in a good game last week and the Steelers are in last place in the AFC North.  Man I like the sound of that, so much I am going to say it again.  The Steelers are in last place in the AFC North.  By the way the reason the Steelers are in last place is because they tied with the Browns. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I just can’t stop laughing.  

Dolphins at Jets
Both AFC teams who won last week, so we are rooting for a tie.

 Chargers over Bills
Both AFC teams who lost last week.  Rooting for the Chargers, I just wouldn’t want to put them through the humiliation of losing to the Bills.

Packers over Vikings
Packers played in what turned out to be the game of the week (second only to the Ravens game).  The drama of having the Packers QB Aaron Rodgers get carted off the field with a knee injury only to come back and win in the last minutes of the game was memorable.

Saints over Browns
NFC over AFC
The Browns ended their winless streak last week playing against the Steelers (HAHAHA) with out winning the game.  So the free beer riot watch continues another week.

Sunday, 4:05 pm

49ers over Lions
Both NFC teams rooting for the home team.  That will teach the Lions for getting rid of Haloti Ngata.

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

Sunday, 4:25 pm

Jaguars over Patriots
Rooting against the Patriots.

Broncos over Raiders
We play the Broncos next week in Baltimore I want them looking past us thinking they are better than we are. That will be a mistake.

Sunday, 8:20 pm

Cowboys over Giants
Cowboys didn’t look very good last week so we are rooting for the home team.

Monday, 8:15 pm

Seahawks at Bears
YOU PICK’EM
Both NFC teams looking for their first win.  Rooting for a good game.

Enjoy the games, but keep a thought out for the people in the path of Hurricane Florence and the Carolina Panther fans who may not be having a very good day.

And that’s Just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

I don’t ever want to live through that again!  Five weeks of preseason football was entirely way too long.  And what did it tell us was absolutely nothing.  Out of five games Joe Flacco and the starting offense played a total of 31 snaps.  While I applaud the attempt to keep the guys injury free (it worked) we have no clue how good we are.   But boy, on parer we look much better than we did last year and I am excited about this team.

So, for you those who are new to The View From 151 and for those who have been reading for a while but forgot our purpose because the off season is too damn long– The “View From 151.com” is a weekly blog of observations and thoughts through the eyes of a die hard Ravens fan who sits in section 151 at M&T Bank Stadium on Sundays and has Baltimore football roots going back to my Father who worked for the Baltimore Colts when their colors were green and gray.  This all started with a weekly email sent to my daughter away at college to give her Ravens updates and a list of teams to root for each week who could help the Ravens in the standings.  At one point, my daughter started forwarding the email to her friends and she soon became known as the girl who’s father writes the Ravens email.  As demand grow we went prime time a few years ago and started TheViewFrom151.com.  I hope you enjoy my lighthearted attempt at sports writing to help you become an informed Raven Maniac and enjoy the games just a little more.  GO RAVENS!!!

Back to the task at hand.  The Ravens play the Bills at M&T this Sunday.  FINALLY THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE!  Where do I start, offense, defense or special teams?  They all looked good in preseason and so much has changed.  So lets start with the offense.  I am truly excited about the possibilities.  Along with Joe who is healthy and looks sharp for the first time in two years, we also have three new receivers who can catch the ball and a running back group that can run through other teams.  We have two backup quarterbacks for the first time in nine years, with one of them being a first round draft pick. If we just look at the quarterbacks, there’s Joe Flacco (Super Bowl MVP), Robert Griffin III (former Rookie of the year), and (Heisman trophy winner / Ravens first round draft pick) Lamar Jackson.  If that doesn’t turn your beer purple nothing will.  WOW!  The possibilities are endless on how we could put these guys on the field and maybe on the field at the same time.  WOW!  But, and there’s always a but, our offensive line is the only weak link we have on offense.  The offensive line needs to play well in order for any of the above to excel.  We are starting our third center in as many years.  Our O-line is young except for RG Yanda who is the old man of the group. We have RT Hurst opening the season as a starter for the first time,  LT Stanley, LG Lewis and Center Skura who were all rookies last year.  Lets hope this group comes together and plays like a Raven.

I am so pumped up this could go on forever, but I need to get to this week’s games. The defense will be next week.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember,  my picks are for teams we want to win or lose to help the Ravens, not who I think will win or lose.  So don’t bet the rent on my picks!

Thursday night 

Eagles over Falcons 18-12
For this season only and in appreciation of the Eagles beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl, I will not mock  them in the weekly game breakdown. And we just don’t like Matt Ryan.

Sunday 1:00
RAVENS over Bills
The Ravens get a soft opening to this season with the Bills coming to Baltimore.  Our defense will have no problems against Bills’ QB Nate Peterman, who is known for throwing five interceptions in one half.  I can’t wait to see what Eric Weddle and the secondary can do.  Can you say “PICK 6”!?  Keep an eye on our O-line. If they show up we should have no trouble running the ball to set up the Pass.  Again I can’t wait to see the starting offense on the field .  This will be a big game for Joe.  Will Lamar or RGIII make an appearance? It’s going to be fun! Special teams will have an easy day. I predict all extra points and kick offs, no punts this week. I will not sleep Saturday night in anticipation of the game on Sunday.
GO RAVENS!!!

Browns over Steelers
Budweiser has placed ten electrically locked refrigerators full of free Bud Light around Cleveland set to open the second the Browns win a game. I think this is hilarious.  Three of those refrigerators are in the Brown stadium. Just imagine the Browns beating the Steelers and fifty thousand Browns fan rioting to get their hands on one of the free beers.

Colts over Bengals
I was in Indianapolis a few weeks ago and you know I am still not over the Colts leaving Baltimore but this week I am a Colts fan.

Jaguars vs Giants you PICK’EM
Both NFC teams doesn’t mean anything to the Ravens this early in the season.

Buccaneers over Saints
We play the NFC south this season so we will play both of these teams.  The Saints are the better team so we are rooting against them.

Texans over Patriots
Let’s stop all the Patriots undefeated season talk this week.

49ers over Vikings
Both NFC teams but we just don’t like the Vikings.

Titans over Dolphins
Both AFC teams, but we play the Titans week 6 and we can beat them that day.

4:00

Chargers over Chiefs
Both AFC teams that we play this year.  Rooting for the home team.

Seahawks over Broncos
NFC over AFC

Cowboys over Panthers
Both NFC teams but we play the Panthers week 8.

Redskins over Cardinals
We root for the Redskins when we can to support our friends to the south.

8:00

Packers over Bears
Rooting for our Packer friends

Monday Night (we have two Monday night games. Isn’t life great!)
7:10pm
Lion over Jets
NFC over AFC

10:20pm
Rams over Raiders
NFC over AFC

Enjoy the games with a cold beer and someone you love.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!