I was nervous about this game going in. The Ravens were getting back Ed Reed (one of the scariest guys in the NFL) and Ray Lewis (the heart and soul of the Ravens). Ray Lewis announced his retirement at the end of this season. That gave the Ravens an emotional edge that has been what gave the Colts and edge all season. This was only compounded when Bruce Arians, who served as Head Coach in Chuck’s absence, Offensive Coordinator, and Play-Caller, went to the hospital instead of the game. There went our strategy.
The Ravens and Colts both started with some strong drives, both resulting in losing fumbles. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed both made their presences felt quickly. It’s a tribute that this was the longest the Colts were held without a score this season. Finally, the two teams exchanged field goals, then the Ravens closed out the first half with a touchdown, the Colts with a Field Goal.
The second half was a lot of TDs traded for FG attempts. The huge offense of the Ravens wore down the Colts D. The Colts offense just couldn’t find the end zone all day. The Ravens kept tipping the ball and almost picking it off, and finally Luck’s luck ran out, but to his credit, he saved the touchdown by running down the DB.
As I’ve said, the Colts’ offensive line really wasn’t very good, as Luck was shaking hits all day long, and Reggie Wayne was the only reliable receiver. I hope in the draft we work on building Luck and offensive line he can count on for running and pass protection. Then, let’s get Reggie some help out there.
I also have to acknowledge the Ravens fans. Their noise gave us huge problem. Beyond that, I’m glad Ray Lewis gave the home crowd one last win. When things were decided and they began chanting “We want Ray,” if even got me choked up. I wish we could have given players like Manning, Saturday, and even going back to Bob Sanders to send them out like that.
Rest of the League:
Texans-Bengals. Houston managed to get hungry again. J.J. Watt was dominant and the Texans D looked like it did early in this season. The Bengals looked like they might put up a fight with that INT return early, but they didn’t do much after that.
Packers-Vikings. This wasn’t a game. It was a beating. The only shame was that was a sad way for AP to end a great season.
Seahawks-Redskins. That’s a shame. I wish RG III could have finished his last game healthy. Poor kid probably feels like he let his team down. But, he and Luck have been right there together all season, so I guess it makes since that they get kicked out at the same time.
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