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With a perfectly-timed bye this week, the vibe in Baltimore is a subtle blend of frustration and optimism, second-guessing and un-waiving faith. Three close losses in a row to three good teams can do that to a fan base, even one as fervently proud as the Baltimore RavensÆ. But the team itself hasnÆt lost sight of who they are and what they can do, at least not publicly. ...

OK, the bad news first. For the third week in a row, the Baltimore Ravens lost a game they had the opportunity to win in the final minute. Take away one dropped pass, one blown coverage, and one missed field goal, and the Ravens may be undefeated right now. Instead, theyÆre 3-3 going into their bye. Their defense is still susceptible to the big playùjust ask Brett Favre. Their ...

The fans will cry foul at the referees, and those with an axe to grind may point to a few key opportunities that the team missed on Sunday. But the true explanation for why the Baltimore Ravens lost at home to the Cincinnati Bengals this past weekend is that the Bengals were the better team.They had a better game plan. Their players were better prepared, and their coaches called better ...

Heading into their Week Five showdown with one another, the Baltimore Ravens are keen on bouncing back after a close loss against the New England Patriots last week, while the Cincinnati Bengals want to keep their momentum going after a three-game winning streak.SomethingÆs gotta give.Much of what happens this Sunday in the first big AFC North inter-division game of the season will rely on the shoulders of the quarterbacks. The ...

ItÆs been feared for years; the possibility of the Baltimore Ravens establishing an offense to go along with their dominating defense that has been a staple in Charm City for a decade.One-fourth into the 2009 season: fears realized. The Ravens have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL right now. And hereÆs a scarier thought: The Ravens still have plenty of room for improvement.Dominating wins over bad teams ...

Whether itÆs lamenting the Mark Clayton dropped pass that may have won the game, the numerous penalties both on the field and off, the mounting injuries that could be costly down the line, or the questionable officiating that head coach John Harbaugh had so much to say about but couldnÆt, the Baltimore RavensÆ 21-27 loss against the New England Patriots left BaltimoreÆs fan base with a lot to talk about. ...

When John Harbaugh looks at the New England Patriots, he sees what he envisions his team to be one day. With four Super Bowl appearances and three championships this decade, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has set the bar high for coaches around the NFL. Every team wants to establish a dynasty. BaltimoreÆs head coach is no exception.Except unlike most coaches, he made it clear from day on that was his ...

Now, thatÆs more like it.Despite beginning the season with two solid victories and showing more offensive prowess than Baltimore had seen in years, there were still voices of concern. The defense, which had been the linchpin of one of the more successful NFL franchises of the 21st century, was ranked a mediocre 17th, the secondary was giving up too many big plays, and they were missing Rex Ryan more than ...

As fans and the media alike get over the initial shock that the Ravens have an effective offense for once, let alone an explosive one, it becomes easier to break down what makes Joe Flacco and company so successful. And as the much-hyped “Wildcat” offense continues to leave an impact on the NFL, Baltimore’s bunch is proving you don’t need to be tricky to win.Which isn’t to say that the ...

OK, the Ravens can score points. That much is clear. They can run the ball, pass the ball, protect the passer and look good doing it, too. They can also stop to run and rush the passer with the same elite finesse they have for years. But no team is perfect. Despite a strong 2-0 start, it’s abundantly clear that the Ravens need to improve in their pass coverage. San Diego ...