RPM & Black and Gold-
Cmac will be in man coverage on Ward on Sunday night not Plex. I'm too close to this game, and do not have any thoughts on it other than what has been talked about here already. That being said, Pitts always presents a prob for the Ravens in Baltimore, and it has a lot to do with the 10K+ Steeler fans that come to the house and take over. The crowd has been awesome this year, and I'm hopeful that some of the Pitts backers that bought tickets early in the year, scalped them back to Ravens fans after they were eliminated- ohh the irony that would be. The Ravens fans will be pumped with the Art Model induction to the Ring of Honor, Jamal's quest for 2K and the all-time record, and the Steeler-Ravens rivalry all wrapped up in 1 game.
I expect the defense to be loose, but the O may be tight. Wright can bury the Ravens early with an ill-timed pass or underthrown jump ball. Jamal will have his game on, and play action to Heap or Jones should work all day.
There are 2 forces here that are working on 1 number-154. I suspect Pitts will bite on anything that smells like a run to keep JL under the number, and Ogden & Mulitado will do everything to plow holes open and get the record. Cavanaugh play calling will make the difference in this one.
When I first saw the line I was shocked. I figured Balti by 3 maybe 4 tops. I will not bet against the Ravens in this game for karma purposes, but I may lay a couple hundred on the over.
One thing is for sure- with an extra 4 hours of drinking going on they better have extra security in the house. Ravens and Steeler fans do not get along, and if Pitts happens to get off to an early lead or win it will get very ugly. That is a guarantee.
I fully expect Cincy to do their part, making this game the most important home game in Ravens history-and yes I'm including the SUperbowl year and the great Denver playoff win.
Best of luck-
Slade