Stunned: Ravens Have A Clutch Kicker This Year
No one saw this coming. As much as The Patriots are heavy favorites against The Texans, Manning's Broncos were favorites to win the Superbowl. Peyton Manning's playoff resume gets ever more painful. Patriots fans understand the utter disappointment of going 1-and-done, but we can't quite share the pain of wishing for Tim Tebow to come back.
It's just unbelievable that Peyton Manning failed to win a playoff game to justify himself as an upgrade to a QB that couldn't even win a job as a back-up. Sure, Manning did a lot to justify his place in the league post-injury. He proved that he is still has the physical tools to dominate the NFL regular season, but he is to blame for this loss. He had 3 turnovers, including a risky throw in overtime. He had the benefit of 2 Special Teams TDs, and a turnover from his Defense, but he couldn't get it done.
Before the wild finish to the 4th quarter, I was saying that no one would call out Manning for a bad game. However, that was just before the 3rd and 3 play with about a minute left in the game. Joe Flacco had no chance to drive it 77 yards. How can you get beat deep, again? That is literally the only play that can beat you, and it was the only way that The Ravens could stay in the game.
As much I lay blame on Manning, CBs Champ Bailey and Raheem Moore deserve a lot of criticism. I don't like to dish it out because Bailey is a 12 time Pro-Bowler, but he just couldn't handle the vertical routes by himself. His ability to man-up against anyone has been a huge asset for Denver, but he was almost a liability with his penalties and inability to keep up with Torrey Smith. Likewise, Raheem Moore will be kicking himself for letting Jacoby Jones get by him for that 70 yard game-tying touchdown.
Overall, I am stunned. I am happy that this sets up a possible AFCCG in New England, but I am also a little bit disappointed that the Brady-Manning showdown can't happen. Then again, am I really showing some sympathy for Peyton Manning? We still have to take care of business, or else The Ravens will be playing in Texas.
Let's face it though, we have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. Every year we forget how competitive these games really are. Everyone thought Baltimore's road would end in Denver. Everyone thought Denver would roll to a victory when they got that punt return TD. But that's why they play the game.
We've talked this Pats-Texans match-up to death, but its going to be decided between the lines tomorrow. I like The Patriots chances, and I think that this Denver loss will be a reality check for any of the 15 guys on The Patriots who will make their playoff debut tomorrow. I am sure they would have been prepared for anything, but seeing The Broncos lose at home has to hammer home the point. Anything can happen, and you've got to keep grinding until that final whistle blows.
Give a lot of credit to The Ravens. They played great, and they just wouldn't go away. They look like a totally different team with Ray Lewis on the field. Likewise, Lewis just won't go away. He looks like an android or something with that arm brace, but he did manage to make 17 total tackles. Also, Flacco finally woke up again. For whatever reason, Denver just couldn't stop the deep ball. For long stretches, Von Miller and his pass-rushing cronies went invisible. Personally, I have to give a lot props to that massive O-line in front of Flacco. The Ravens look like a very dangerous team all of a sudden (again). Oh yeah, and they have a kicker that can seal a win in Justin Tucker. They don't play that Billy Cundiff nonsense anymore.
Enough of that though. We can't afford to be distracted by what other teams are doing. It's great to know who you might play, but that's no reason to forget about who you are playing. Do you job, and stay focused on the task at hand, The Texans.
Can't Wait! Let's Go Pats! #PoWwWwWwW
It's just unbelievable that Peyton Manning failed to win a playoff game to justify himself as an upgrade to a QB that couldn't even win a job as a back-up. Sure, Manning did a lot to justify his place in the league post-injury. He proved that he is still has the physical tools to dominate the NFL regular season, but he is to blame for this loss. He had 3 turnovers, including a risky throw in overtime. He had the benefit of 2 Special Teams TDs, and a turnover from his Defense, but he couldn't get it done.
Before the wild finish to the 4th quarter, I was saying that no one would call out Manning for a bad game. However, that was just before the 3rd and 3 play with about a minute left in the game. Joe Flacco had no chance to drive it 77 yards. How can you get beat deep, again? That is literally the only play that can beat you, and it was the only way that The Ravens could stay in the game.
As much I lay blame on Manning, CBs Champ Bailey and Raheem Moore deserve a lot of criticism. I don't like to dish it out because Bailey is a 12 time Pro-Bowler, but he just couldn't handle the vertical routes by himself. His ability to man-up against anyone has been a huge asset for Denver, but he was almost a liability with his penalties and inability to keep up with Torrey Smith. Likewise, Raheem Moore will be kicking himself for letting Jacoby Jones get by him for that 70 yard game-tying touchdown.
Overall, I am stunned. I am happy that this sets up a possible AFCCG in New England, but I am also a little bit disappointed that the Brady-Manning showdown can't happen. Then again, am I really showing some sympathy for Peyton Manning? We still have to take care of business, or else The Ravens will be playing in Texas.
Let's face it though, we have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. Every year we forget how competitive these games really are. Everyone thought Baltimore's road would end in Denver. Everyone thought Denver would roll to a victory when they got that punt return TD. But that's why they play the game.
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| Justin Tucker has made over 90% of his FGs this year. |
Give a lot of credit to The Ravens. They played great, and they just wouldn't go away. They look like a totally different team with Ray Lewis on the field. Likewise, Lewis just won't go away. He looks like an android or something with that arm brace, but he did manage to make 17 total tackles. Also, Flacco finally woke up again. For whatever reason, Denver just couldn't stop the deep ball. For long stretches, Von Miller and his pass-rushing cronies went invisible. Personally, I have to give a lot props to that massive O-line in front of Flacco. The Ravens look like a very dangerous team all of a sudden (again). Oh yeah, and they have a kicker that can seal a win in Justin Tucker. They don't play that Billy Cundiff nonsense anymore.
Enough of that though. We can't afford to be distracted by what other teams are doing. It's great to know who you might play, but that's no reason to forget about who you are playing. Do you job, and stay focused on the task at hand, The Texans.
Can't Wait! Let's Go Pats! #PoWwWwWwW
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