August 29, 2018

Only one more meaningless preseason game to go. After four meaningless games, what have we learned? Not a whole hell of a lot. The first team offense has been on the field possibly thirty plays in four games. Joe Flacco didn’t even dress last week. The offensive line has been fill in city, with Marshall Yanda not playing (reserved for game one against the Bills), Ronnie Stanley and Alex Lewis, the left guard and tackle, barely even practicing. We also start the third center in as many years. The defense has depth at almost every position. With no roster cut downs until after the last preseason games, we have seen too many players to really tell who will make the final 53 man roster. So…….

What have we learned?

• The defense is healthy and stacked with young players like LB Tyus Bowser, CB Maurice Canady and S Chuck Clark–all good players.
• We can still stop the run with the big guys up from like Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce
• The secondary has depth for the first time in years. Even with Jimmy Smith suspended for the first four games, I think we will be okay without him.
• Joe Flacco came into camp healthy for the first time in two years. Joe looks sharp and motivated since we drafted Lamar Jackson in the first round.
• We now have receivers who can catch the ball. Sadly, our number one draft pick TE Hayden Hurst, who can catch everything thrown his way, had surgery on his foot to repair a stress fracture. He will miss at least three or four games.
• Robert Griffin III looks like a very capable backup quarterback. Lamar Jackson is not ready for prime time. We will be keeping three quarterback this season for the first time under John Harbaugh.

With the new cut down rule, the roster cuts from 90 to the final 53 man line up doesn’t come until after the last preseason game. This makes it hard for the average fan to know who will be in the starting line up on opening day. So, look for the three or four players who standout and they may be the final couple of guys who make the team. Your guess is as good as mine on who that will be.

Enjoy the game and let’s hope no one gets injured.

GO RAVENS!

And that’s the View from 151.

Let me set the scene.  It’s a dark and cold (some would say DAMN cold) New Years Eve night as I walked out of Ravens stadium not with the exciting anticipation of what a new year will bring but with the thoughts of what the hell just happened.  How could 2017 end like this.  No way we just missed the playoffs again losing in the last minutes of the game to the Bengals AGAIN!

So, to me 2018 is just off to a late start, eight months and 9 days late to be exact.  The new year has finally begun.  HAPPY NEW SEASON!

The Ravens are back in M&T to play the Rams on Thursday night.  With every new season brings new hope of a playoff bound team.  A team of young healthy players. Some players are coming off season ending injuries, some were really banged up at the end of last season  (if Jimmy Smith was healthy and playing in that New Years Eve we would have beaten the Bengals and gone on to the playoffs) and some coming off suspensions, many are wide eyed Rookies all with the goal of the Super Bowl or bust.

Count me in as a wide eyed Rookie because I have never seen the Ravens put so much emphasis on improving the offense.  I can’t believe how the Ravens have transformed the offense with free agent wide receivers, two first round draft picks (the last time we had two first round picks was Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis, I’m just saying) and also the next two draft picks offensive players.  All four of the players Hayden Hurst TE, Lamar Jackson QB, Orlando Brown JR OT, and Mark Andrews TE should and will make an impact this season.  The wide receivers are in the later stage of their careers but are an improvement over last year.  Joe came in the training camp healthy for the first time in two years with a fire under his butt,  with  first round pick quarterback Lamar Jackson stoking the fire.

 

We play the Rams Thursday night and the coaches are approaching this as the first preseason game.  Joe will play one or two series in the first quarter and, oh, did I forget to mention we signed RG III as a backup QB?  Again, a very interesting move for the Ravens.  So we will see a lot of RG III and Lamar Jackson.

Watch how the offensive line plays-this again is a area of concern.  We are starting our third center in as many years.  Not a good thing.  Keep an eye on how they protect Joe against the good Rams defense. This week will be a much better test playing a very good Rams team.  But don’t sweat it, remember this game doesn’t count.

Next week we will talk about the defense.

So grab a cold one sit in the easy chair and cross your fingers, legs, and eyes that nobody get hurt.

Enjoy the game!

And that’s just the view from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

On the last day of the year society dictates we reflect on the year past to better ourselves in the coming year.  I say balderdash we can’t think about the past when your season could end today, today is the only day we can think about.  We win and we are in the playoffs.  Although we could get in if either the Titans or Bills lose.  We don’t want to back into the playoffs– we need to kick the door open and screaming like a Banshee telling the world we are the biggest baddest team on the block.  So no reflection today just living in the moment.

That being said I will not rehash last week only to say we won keeping our playoff hopes alive.

The Bengals come to our block this week with nothing to play for but pride and the possibility this could be Marvin Lewis’s last game as head coach of the team.  We can’t look past the emotion of this game for the Bengals and the talent they have on offense.  QB Andy Dalton and WR A J Green are the Bengals only hope.  So CB Marlon Humphery and the Ravens secondary will need to kick that door open and take charge of this game. Joe and the offense need to play a ball control game by running the ball with RB Alex Collins to keep the Bengals offense off the field and run the clock.  Not only to win the game but to speed the game up so the poor slobs sitting in the upper deck don’t freeze to death.  I am not saying this will rival the Green Bay Ice Bowl but for Baltimore it doesn’t get much colder than what it will be tonight.  So Raven fans try to stay warm and SCREAM LIKE A BANSHEE!

GO RAVENS!!!

JOE COOL

Disclaimer: Remember my pick are for who we want to win not who we think will win.  So start the New Year off right and don’t bet your long johns on my picks– you are going to need them.  Stay warm!

ALL GAMES THIS WEEK ON SUNDAY! All playoff potential games flexed to 4:25pm

1:00pm

Packers at Lions You pick’em
Just a pride game with no playoff hopes

Bears over Vikings
Just because we don’t like the Vikings who have clinked the NFC North

Texans at Colts you pick’em
The loser will be last in the AFC South.

Browns over Steelers
Wouldn’t it be a great way to end the year with the Browns beating the Steelers.  We don’t want the Steelers to have the AFC #1 seed.

Patriots over Jets
The Patriots have won the AFC East and are playing for the AFC #1 seed.

Redskins over Giants
The Redskins are playing for a some what respectable 8-8 season.

Eagles at Cowboys you pick’em
The Eagles have the NFC #1 seed rapped up and will rest players.  The Cowboys are playing for a 8-8 season.

4:25pm

RAVENS over Bengals
We win and we are in the Playoffs as the AFC #5 seed.  This will be one of the coldest games ever played at M&T.  So, as fans, we brave the cold to root for our team knowing some of us may not see 2018.  But that’s just what we do here in Baltimore.  The statistics may show we should win in a blow out, but the Bengals always play us tough and will make it a close game.  The cold will make it difficult to catch the ball, so look for a lot of Alex Collins and Buck Allen tonight.  The Wolf Pack Justin Tucker, Sam Koch, Morgan Cox, and the special teams will be the difference tonight.

GO RAVENS!!!

Jaguars over Titans
The Ravens make the playoffs with a Titans loss

Dolphins over Bills
The Ravens make the playoffs with a Bills loss.

Raiders over Chargers
The Chargers make the playoffs with a Titans or Bills loss.

Seahawks over Cardinals
The Seahawks need to win and get help for a playoff spot.  The Cardinals would love to be the spoiler.

Rams over 49ers
Rams are playing for the NFC #1 seed.

Panthers over Falcons
Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be out of the playoffs with a loss.

Broncos over Chiefs
We want the Chiefs to lose and get the AFC #4 seed so we play them next week in the Wildcard game.

Saints over Buccaneers
With a win the Saint clinch the NFC South,  it would be nice to see Drew Brees back in the playoffs.

Happy New Year everyone!

PS: My New Years resolution is to get this blog posted in a more timely manner, not 15 minutes before kick off.

Stay warm and enjoy the games with someone who keeps your soul warm.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

December 23, 2017

So the Browns were who we thought they were.  Just plain bad!  What I want to know is why we let them score 10 points last week.  But still, we got a solid win in Cleveland against a team we should have beat.

The Ravens come home for the holidays with our last two games in Baltimore against teams we should beat.  The formula is the same: don’t overlook the Colts today and dominate on defense.  I heard a disturbing stat this week that the Colts have been in Indianapolis longer than they were in Baltimore.  I know, I know. We should give up the hateful thoughts we have about the Colts moving out of Baltimore in the middle of the night, but I just can’t! We went without an NFL team for 12 years. 12 years of my prime football fan life! So I just can’t let it go after all that Irsay’s stolen from me.  The Colts limp back into Baltimore as a banged up demoralized team going no where but home after next week. The Colts QB is named Brissett which sounds like Brisket, and the southern boys on our defense love them some brisket.  Brissett has been sacked 49 times, which is the worst in the NFL.  Suggs and company are going to have a great day!

GO RAVENS!!!

Saturday
4:30pm

RAVENS over Colts
The offensive line has gotten healthy and have come together as a unit just in time for the final playoff push.  Joe is looking much more comfortable in the pocket and maybe a little healthier than he did at the beginning of the season.  Joe has always been a slow starter and can peak for the playoffs.  How ’bout the special teams! Sam Koch landed three punts inside the five yard line last week.  Bottom line is we are playing our best football now and will crush the Colts on our way to the playoffs!

GO RAVENS!!!

 

Saturday
8:30 pm

Packers over Vikings
The Packers have been eliminated for the playoff hunt but would love to beat up on their division rival Vikings.

Sunday
1:00 pm

Rams over Titans
We could get the fifth seed if the Titans lose.

Patriots over Bills
We are Patriots fans this week.

Browns over Bears
There’s still a chance the Giants get the number on pick in the draft but for now the Browns have been on the clock, it seems, since week two of the season.

Saints over Falcons
This could be the game of the week. Both teams are battling for first place in their division.

Bengals over Lions
We play the Bengals next week in what could be Marvin Lewis’s last game as the Bengals head coach.

Panthers over Buccaneers
The Panthers have a shot to win their division and we want the Bucs to get a high draft pick, keeping it in the NFC.

Dolphins over Chiefs
We want the Chiefs to win the AFC West and be the fourth seed so we can face them in the playoffs as the fifth seed.

Broncos over Redskins
It’s all about the draft picks staying in the NFC.

Jets over Chargers
This will eliminate the Chargers from the Playoffs.

Sunday
4:05pm

Jaguars over 49ers
We don’t want to face the Jaguars in the wildcard game.

Sunday
4:25pm

Cardinals over Giants
We want the Giants on the clock instead of the Browns

Monday, Christmas Day
4:30pm

Texans over Steelers
I still haven’t forgiven the Steelers for ruining my Christmas last year.

Monday
8:30pm

Eagles over Raiders
Can you say Ravens vs Eagles Super Bowl?

Enjoy the games knowing the best time to buy Christmas presents is during the day after Christmas sales.

And that’s just The View From 151

Merry Christmas, everyone!

GO RAVENS!!!

December 16, 2017

If I told you last week Joe and the offense scored 38 points the 3rd most in the NFL that would be a good thing right?  Not last week, the Steelers scored the second most points in the NFL last week. Beating us on a last minute field goal by ONE POINT!  ONE POINT! I can’t believe we lost by ONE POINT!  Why….Why…Why did it have to be on a Sunday night -no less it took me until 2:00 AM to wind down and fall asleep.  That 5:00 AM wake up call came way to early.  ONE POINT are you kidding me?

I am not going to dwell in the past, so let’s forget about last week and move on on to the Browns, the 0-13 Browns, the winless Browns, the Browns with the worst turnover ratio in the NFL,  the Browns who we have beaten the last three straight games, the Browns with a higher ranked defense than us, the Browns with a higher ranked offense than us.  What?  Stop there, hold the phone!  The Browns have a better offense and defense than we do?  According to the numbers the Browns should be heading to the Super Bowl.  And this is what scares me with games like his.  The Browns may be 0 and 13 but they still have good players who put up numbers but can’t play as a team and win a game.  Did notice I said “a game” since they have not won any games this year, in fact they have only won one game in the last two seasons.  It must really suck to be a Browns fan.

So I can’t ignore the Thursday Night game like I usually do and have a Sunday morning drop dead dead line because we have NFL game on Saturday!   Isn’t life grand!

Disclaimer: Remember my picks are who we want to win to help the Ravens playoff chances not who we think will win.  So don’t hock your Christmas presents to bet on my picks.

Go Ravens!!!

 

Thursday Night

Broncos 25, Colts 13
So, the Colts are trying to repeat the ” Suck of Luck” season.

Saturday
4:30pm

Detroit over Chicago:
Both NFC teams with the Lions playing for a wildcard spot.

8:30pm

LA Chargers at Chiefs
The winner of this game will most likely be the AFC West champs and the loser probably out of a wildcard race.  This could be the game of the week.

Sunday
1:00pm

Ravens over Browns
This is the ultimate trap game.  When the Ravens coaches bring out script #3 about how good this weeks opponent is and they are better than their record indicates they are not lying.   We will travel to Cleveland and show the Browns fans what a real team looks like.   The Browns QB DeShone Kizer likes to throw interceptions and Eric Weddle will oblige him.

GO RAVENS!!! 

Dolphins over Bills
The Bills have the same record as we do.

Packers over Panthers
Arron Rodgers comes back this week and that’s not good for the Vikings.  Go Pack Go!

Texans over Jaguars
It’s all about the records and next years draft.

Vikings over Bengals
If the Bengals lose tomorrow they will out of the playoffs and will have nothing to play for in two weeks when we play them.

Saints over Jets
A Jets loss will eliminate them from the playoffs.

Eagles over Giants
The Eagles lost their QB Carson Wentz for the season last week.  But they have a good enough team to overcome and get the number seed in the NFC.

Cardinals at Redskins
The Redskins still have a shot at the playoffs.

Sunday
4:05pm

Rams at Seahawks you pick’em
This is a battle for first place in the NFC West.

Sunday
4:25pm

Patriots over Steelers
I just can’t think what Steeler fans would be like if they have the number 1 seed in the AFC.

49ers over Titans
The Titans are one game ahead of us.

Sunday
8:30pm

Cowboys over Oakland
This would knock the Raiders out of the playoffs.

Monday
8:30pm

Buccaneers over Falcons
Because you know how much I like Matt Ryan.

The most wonderful time of the year, is the push for the playoff.

Enjoy the games starting on Saturday!

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

12/10/17

IT’S STEELER WEEK!

Before we move on to the Steelers we must reflect last week’s impressive 20 to 44 victory over the Lions.  Forty four points! Are you kidding me?  Forty four points was the most score by any team last week. Great all around win-offense, defense and special teams all played well. Eric Weddle had a pick six late in the fourth quarter to put the nail in the Lion’s coffin.   Only 2 penalties against the Ravens, Detroit turned the ball over 3 times we had zero turnovers, I could go on and on.  Did you see Eric Weddle’s pick six?

Last week we faced and beat a real quarterback. This week we travel to Pittsburgh and face a real quarterback times two.  As I said in the blog last week about the Bengals Steelers Monday night game go to bed and delay the disappointment until Tuesday morning.   I took my own advise and went to bed with the Bengals beating the Steelers 17-0 only to be depressed to see Tuesday morning the Bengals truly stink allowing the Steelers to out score them 23 to 3 in the second half.  So the Steelers are 3 games ahead of us with 4 games to play.  By the numbers we can still win the division.  We need to win out and the Steelers need to lose out, and that starts tonight on Sunday Night Football in Pittsburgh.  Did I mention Eric Weddle had a pick six last week?  First a shout out to Ryan Shazier ILB for the Steelers who was carted off the field Monday night with a spinal cord injury and remains in the hospital.  Get well soon Ryan!  The Steelers are a beatable team for out of  their last 5 games they have needed to come from behind and win late in the game by an average of only 3 points. They truly are beatable. Not only are they beatable they are banged up and missing players.  Four starting players are out for tonight’s game ILB Ryan Shzier, CB Joe Haden, and with WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, and OT Marcus Gilbert both suspended.  Of course we will miss Jimmy Smith but for the rest of the team is healthy.  If the Ravens play like they did last week we can beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh tonight.

On the subject of Ben Roethlisberger, I quote the famous philosopher Terrell Suggs “His soul may belong to God, but his ass belongs to me”

As a side note Roethlisberger for the last two weeks has been talking above the week 15 game against New England.  He is looking past the Ravens and we are going to make him pay for it.

GO RAVENS!!!

Thursday Night 8:30

Saints 17 Falcons 20

Sunday 1:00

Colts over Bills
Flash back to the old days of being a Colts Fan.

Cowboys over Giants
The Giants are 2-10 and hoping for the first pick in the draft and that’s a good thing keeping it in the NFC.

Lions over Bucceneers
Matt Stafford should play today after getting his throwing hand stepped on by Suggs last week.

Raiders over Chiefs
Both teams are 6-6, one game behind us but we beat the Raiders so we hold the tie breaker.

Texans over 49ers
Even though this is a NFC / AFC game we are rooting for the Texans to help the NFC team get the better draft pick.

Browns over Packers
Sorry Packer fans, we don’t want the Browns to have the first pick in the draft.

Bears over Bengals
The Bengals could be eliminated from the playoffs with a loss today.

Panthers over Vikings
Rooting for the home team and against the Vikings

Sunday
4:00

Redskins over Chargers
NFC over AFC
It must be really hard to be a Redskin fan. There’s always so much drama with the team.  They just can’t get their act together to have a good season.

Broncos over Jets
You always get the same old lousy Jets but what happened to the Broncos? They are 3-9 and last in the mediocre AFC West.

Cardinals over Titans
NFC over AFC
The Titans have a better record than we do.

Eagles over Rams
This could be the number 2 game of the week just behind Raven / Steelers.

Seahawks over Jaguars
NFC over AFC
The Jaguars have a better record than we do and I just can’t believe what they did to us in London.

8:30
RAVENS over Steelers.
Let me start out by saying we will miss Jimmy Smith tonight.  But if we play like we did last week we CAN win this game.  The Steelers have a balanced offense leaning heavy on the fourth quarter passing of Roethlisberger.  It’s hard to say they don’t run the ball, after all, they have one of the best running backs in the league.  But since they are behind late in game they lean on the passing to win the game.  Leaving LeVeon Bell to pass block.  We can run the ball against the Steelers defensive line.  With Collins running around the end and Allen up the middle this should open up the passing game for Joe. We have gone into Pittsburgh and won and will again tonight. Eric Weddle will have another pick six.

GO RAVENS!!!

Monday Night
8:30

Dolphins over Patriots
Even though it probably would be better for the Ravens if the Patriots were to win, but we could still be the number one seed in the AFC.  OK  OK I really an drinking the purple cool aide but it is possible.  There’s always hope until there’s note.

Did I remind you of Eric Weddle’s pick six last week?

Enjoy the games knowing the Ravens play on the 23rd giving you Christmas eve to get you shopping done.

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just the View from 151.

December 2, 2017

Did you see the catch Chris Moore made to convert on fourth down?  That was one of the best go get’em catches a Ravens player has made all season.  Even more spectacular, the pass was thrown by our punter Sam Koch.  The special teams were just that, special last Monday night.  After giving up a opening drive touchdown the Ravens defense tightened up and only allowed 9 more points the remainder of the game.Thank goodness they did since Joe and the offense only put up 23 points.  But no turnovers for the Ravens while Houston coughed it up three times,allowing our defense to remain the NFL leaders in the league for turnovers.

Week 13 brings the six and five Detroit Lions to Baltimore.  The Ravens defense has actually gotten some national attention in the last few weeks.  Do we deserve it?  After all we have been playing a lot of backup quarterbacks.   Sunday will be a test for our defense because we are facing Matt Stafford and he is no backup.  Stafford has 21 touchdowns and has only thrown 6 interceptions all season.  So our ball hawking secondary will need some home field magic if we want to add to our league leading 18 interceptions. While we are one of the best at stopping the run the Lions are one of the worst at running the ball and that could be a good thing.  Same formula different week -stop, the run pressure the quarterback and win the game, it’s just that simple.

GO RAVENS!!!

Thursday 
8:30pm

Cowboys over Redskins 38-14
It’s tough to win a road Thursday night game and the Redskins just could not overcome the challenge.  DC was a very sad place Friday morning.

Sunday
1:00pm

RAVENS over Lions
While our defense is getting accolades, Joe and the offense trudge along under the radar but winning the last two games including a win against a good Texans defense.   You know, I think the offense is improving.  If we are not improving them we are very efficient, scoring 23 points with under 300 yards of offense.  The running from Alex Collins and the catch from Chris Moore just gives me a glimmer of hope.  Or maybe I am just looking at a Lions defense that stinks and hoping we can score some points.  Because we will need to against Matt Stafford.

GO RAVENS!!!

Vikings over Falcons
Just rooting against Matt Ryan.  Here’s to having all the quarterbacks named Matt losing this week.

Patriots over Bills
The Bills have the same record as we do and I don’t want the Steelers to be the number one seed in the AFC.  I just can’t imagine what the Steeler fans would be like if they had the number one seed with home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  So we are now truly rooting for the Patriots. I can’t believe I just wrote that.

Bears over 49ers
The 49ers still have a shot at the first pick in the draft and to keep it in the NFC.

Packers over Buccaneers
Rooting for the Packers at home.  My, they were so nice to us when we were there.

Colts over Jaguars
We are two games behind the Jags and could go ahead of them in the Wildcard race.

Broncos over Dolphins
Both teams are basically out of the playoff hunt, so now it’s all about the early draft picks and keeping them in the NFC.

Saints over Panthers
Rooting for the home team.   

Jets over Chiefs
The Chiefs have the same record as we do.

Texans over Titans
We are only one game behind the Titans.

Sunday
4:05pm

Browns over Chargers
Don’t want the Browns to get the first pick.  I have been saying this for weeks and they just can’t win even one game.

Sunday
4:25pm

Rams at Cardinals you pick’em
Both NFC teams

Giants over Raiders
NFC over AFC, the Giants have benched Eli Manning, let’s see if  they get any better because they can’t get any worse.

Sunday
8:30pm 

Eagles over Seahawks
The Eagles are ten and one with the best record in the NFL.  I don’t think they will be booing Santa Clause this year.

Monday
8:30pm

Bengals over Steelers
I always make my picks knowing the Ravens will win every week.  Don’t lose any sleep staying up to watch this one.  We can all get the bad news when we wake up in the morning.

Ignore the fact that Christmas is only three weeks away and enjoy the games.

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just The View From 151.

 

 

November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Another shut-out in Green Bay.  The Ravens defense was so hot last week we could not feel the game time temperature of 28 degrees and winds of 20 MPH. The Packers had five turn overs, it just didn’t seem fair to play the backup QB Hundley against our defense that is leading the NFL with 16 interceptions.  On offense we had another rearranged    O-line with LT Stanley out still in the concussion protocol.   Hurst shifted from left guard to left tackle to fill Stanley’s spot and Luke Bowanko made his first start at left guard.  So the end result was that Joe was running for his life again.  But we did manage to score 23 points and that was more than enough to win the game.  I will take the win!

Having three shut-outs so far this season (the 2000 Super Bowl defense had 4 shut-outs that season) we are now getting some love from the NFL world.  After all,  if the season ended today the Ravens would be in the playoffs with the AFC sixth seed.  That’s right I said the P word.  After all that’s why we play the game, to win and go to the playoffs.

The Ravens are hosting the Texans with a “Blackout” Monday night game.  The team will wear the all black uniforms and are asking the fans to do the same.  I guess I need to dig out my black football pants.  We are hoping the see the same Ravens team as last week since the Texans will be starting backup QB Tom Savage (again I say, who?).  The scenario sets up the same as last week the backup QB coming off a win the week before.  The Texans are prone to fumbling the ball, the QB has 3 interceptions in 2 games,  they like to run the ball.  Any part of that scare you?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!  This plays right into the hands of one of the best defenses in the NFL.  Can you say shutout?

GO RAVENS!

Thanksgiving Day
12:30pm

Lions over Vikings
The Lions are chasing the Vikings for first place in the NFC North.  And we just don’t like the Vikings.

4:30pm

Cowboys over Chargers
NFC over AFC,  The Cowboys need to win just to stay in the NFC wildcard race since they have no chance in catching the Eagles who lead Dallas by 4 games in the NFC East.

8:30pm

Redskins over Giants
This is a must win for the Redskins to have any hope of a wildcard spot.  If you are not in a turkey coma, this is a chance to stay up watch the other team that plays in Maryland and not worry about getting up for work the next morning.  Unless you one of those people who stay up all night for the Black Friday sales.

Sunday
1:00pm

Buccaneers over Falcons
We just don’t root for the Falcons and Matt Ryan

Browns over Bengals
The Browns are still winless and are on the clock for the first pick in the draft and the Bengals are only one game behind us.

Colts over Titans
The Titans are one game ahead of us in the fifth seed in the AFC.

Chiefs over Bills
The Chiefs lead the AFC West and the Bills are in the AFC wildcard race.

Patriots over Dolphins
I can’t believe we are rooting for the Patriots but it’s all about the Ravens playoff chances.  So suck it up and take one for the team.

Panthers over Jets
NFC over AFC.  This could knock the Jets out of the wildcard race.

Eagles over Bears
Rooting for the Eagles so maybe they won’t boo Santa Claus this year.

4:05pm

Saints at Rams 
Both NFC teams-This should be a good game to postpone putting up the outside Christmas lights.

Seahawks over 49ers
Hoping to keep the first draft pick in the NFC.  The 49ers have one win.

4:25pm

Cardinals over Jaguars
I still can’t get over what the Jaguars did to us in London.

Broncos over Raiders
This will put both the Raiders and the Broncos two games behind us.

8:30pm

Packers over Steelers
The Steelers are three games ahead of us.  Is it to early to wish for a Christmas miracle

Monday
8:30pm

RAVENS over Texans
Are you ready for some football! Monday night football comes to Baltimore this week.  The Ravens have the defense other teams are starting to fear and in prime time we are really scary. Historically we have played well on prime time.   We still have a offensive line in the state of flux. Stanley should be back but Howard could be out.  The Texans defense is banged up giving us the opportunity to run the ball to help out Joe and the passing game.  Last week the defense played a very aggressive game against a backup QB, look for the same this week.  We should remain the interception leader.  So let’s get loud and “Blackout” the Texans.

GO RAVENS!!!

Enjoy the games even though we are not playing  on Sunday the leaves in the back yard can wait.

And that’s just the view from 151

GO RAVENS!!!

HAPPY 100th win for Coach Harbaugh from the View from 151!

November 16, 2017

We are coming off the bye week -aren’t we suppose to feel refreshed and ready to go?  Well I don’t!  Instead I worked more to suppress my feelings about the loss to the Titans. The interceptions that are bouncing off our receivers and into the other teams hands are driving me bananas.  I can understand this happening to a team once or twice a season, but not once or twice a game!  We could be 6 and 3 right there with the Steelers if we could just catch the stupid ball!  I need to stop before I pop and blood vessel or something.  Crazy, it’s just crazy!

On top of losing to Tennessee two weeks ago we wasted a golden opportunity.  We were 10 and 1 in week 9 predictions / wants.  Every team we wanted to win or lose did but the Packers.  Every game that could help the Ravens went our way except the game that could help the most when we lost to the Titans.  The week 9 loss really puts us in a hole maybe too deep to climb out of.  But we have a couple of stats going in our favor.  All the other teams in the AFC Wild Card race lost week 9 and our remaining schedule is one of the easiest in the league.  So, as I always say, there’s always a chance until there’s not.

This week we travel to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.  I hope not to be frozen since I will be there to root the Ravens on to victory.  This week it’s the View from 127, where ever that is (I think it’s on the Visitors side).  The Packers are more banged up than the Ravens.  At least we have our starting quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is out for the season.  So, can we please take advantage of a back up quarterback this week.

GO RAVENS!!!

Disclaimer
Save your money for the thanksgiving turkey and don’t waste it on my picks

Thursday
8:30pm

Titans over Steelers
The Steelers are running away with the AFC North. Not a good thing.

Sunday
1:00pm

Ravens over Packers
We go on the road to play another back up QB Brett Hundley (Who?) the Packers sure like those QBs name Brett.  Hundley has played in 2-1/2 games taking over for the injured Arron Rodgers week 8.  The Packers and back up QB Hundley beat the Bears in Chicago last week.  Does that tell us anything?  Not really. The Bears are not very good, but they beat us.  So who knows?  Hundley has 2 TDs and 4 INTs in 2-1/2 games.  Green Bay’s run game is good but our run defense is better.  Our secondary has become the best squad on the Ravens and should have a good day against a one-dimensional Packers offense.  We can win at Lambeau Field for the first time ever if we stop the run and make the inexperienced Hundley try and throw the ball.  This could be another 4 or 5 interception day for our secondary.  The biggest question is who are we going to play on offense?  Will Woodhead be activated, will the O-line be healthy? We just don’t know.  So all Joe needs to do is manage the game against the 24th ranked Packer defense and let the Ravens defense and special teams score the points.  I don’t think it will take more than 18 points to win against a hurting Green Bay Packer team.

GO RAVENS!!!

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

Browns over Jaguars
Cleveland is the only team without a win this season.  We don’t want the Browns on the clock for the first pick in the draft.

Cardinals over Texans
NFC over AFC, we are one game ahead of the Texans lets make it two this week.

Buccaneers over Dolphins
NFC over AFC, the Dolphins have the same record as we do.

Rams over Vikings
The Rams are actually good this year.

Giants over Chiefs
NFC over AFC, the Chefs have six wins, we can still catch them.

Redskins over Saints
This will be a tough one for the Redskins, the Saints are on a roll.

Sunday
4:05 pm

Chargers over Bills
The Bills are one game ahead of us.

Sunday
4:25 pm

Broncos over Bengals
The Bengals are only one game behind us.  That’s way too close.

Patriots over Raiders
I can’t believe we are rooting for the Patriots but we have the same record as the Raiders.

Sunday
8:30 pm

Eagles over Cowboys
Are the Eagles that good? They are 8-1.  This could be the game of the week.  Stay up to watch this one.

Monday 
8:30 pm

Seahawks over Falcons
Rooting for the home team and against Matt Ryan.

BYES: Colts Jets, Panthers, 49ers

Enjoy the games with someone you are thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just the view from 151

 

 

November 5, 2017

ITS WEEK NINE I CAN’T BELIEVE THE SEASON IS HALF OVER!

How often do we get to bask in the glory of a 40-0 win and on top of that have an extra 3 days between games to do so.  NEVER!  So that is the excuse I am using for why the blog is late yet again this week.  We are half way through the season and you would think I could figure out how to get this done on time.

One of the hardest things to do in the NFL is get a shutout and we have done it twice this year, so 50% of our wins are with the Defense pitching a shutout.  Some teams can and do go years between shutouts if they get one at all.  This is why I am scratching my head wondering why I can’t get the blog completed on time and who the Ravens really are.  I should find other things to think about because this is hurting my brain.  The Ravens look great one week and lay an egg the next.  So what team will show up this week against the Titans?

Today we face a healthy actual starting quarterback for only the third time this season.  Marcus Mariota is a dual threat QB that can beat you throwing and running the ball.  Suggs and company will need to spy on Mariota to keep him contained in the pocket so our secondary can do what they have been doing all year, covering the receivers and getting interceptions.  Tennessee likes to and can run the ball but Brandon Williams looked healthy last week and should have no problem stopping the run.

There was a lot of good news coming out of Owings Mills about our offense getting healthier.  Joe passed through concussion protocol and was full practice all week.  Running back, my man Alex Collins, could be the find of the season. Wide receivers Mike Wallace, Jeremy Maclin, and Breshad Perriman should all play today for what seems like the first time ever.  The Oline is a little banged up but should have all the starters playing.  So with all that good news sure sounds like a no-brainer, we will win today.

GO RAVENS!!!

Disclaimer: You know the drill–who we want to win!

Thursday: Jets over Bills 34-21
We needed the Bills to lose

Sunday
1:00pm

RAVENS over Titans
The Ravens are 4-4 and will probability need at least ten wins to be in the playoffs, well, you do the math.  We must win today!

GO RAVENS!!!

Panthers over Falcons
After starting the season 3-0 the Falcons have lost 3 out of the last 4 games.  Matt Ryan and the Falcons are falling apart.  What a shame.

Colts over Texans
The Texans have the better AFC record.  Record this game to scout both teams who we play later this season.

Jaguars over Bengals
The Bengals are only a half game behind us.

Saints over Buccaneers
Both NFC teams, rooting for the home town Saints who are on a roll.

Rams over Giants
Put a fork in the Giants they are done, with only one win let’s keep the high draft pick in the NFC.

Eagles over Broncos
NFC over AFC, The Broncos are in the AFC wildcard race and we don’t want that.

Sunday
4:05pm

Redskins over Seahawks
And we thought we had injury problems. The Redskins were that close to putting defensive lineman on their offensive line in the game last week.  The Redskins have 21 out of their 53 players on the injury report.

Sunday
4:25pm

Cowboys over Chiefs
NFC over AFC, The Cowboys keeps avoiding Ezekiel Elliot’s suspension and he will play today. Man, he must have some good lawyers.

Sunday
8:30pm

Raiders over Dolphins
Both AFC teams that could be in the Wildcard race and the Dolphins have a the better record.

Monday
8:30pm

Packers over Lions
The Packers, coming off their bye, will play the first game with out Arron Rodgers.  Watch this game-we play the Packers next after our bye.

BYES: Bears, Browns, LA Chargers, Vikings, Patriots, Steelers This may be the only week the Browns don’t lose.

Enjoy the games with someone close to keep you warm on this chilly damp day.

And that’s just the view from 151

GO RAVENS!!!