Ed Norris: When It's All On The Line... Gimme Joe
We have talked all week about tomorrow's game. Opinions given and heard. We even got pranked by a former Patriot tight end to further heighten the anticipation.
The work week is over and tomorrow is the game and I want to be on record with both my prediction and explanation.
I have given my prediction both on radio and television this week and as you may know I have said the Ravens take this one 27-24. I say this not as a "blind homer" but with confidence for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, the NE offensive line is good but not great and has been banged up this season. They have been listed as healthy and ready to go but we will see come game time. I bring this up because the Ravens' pass rush can have a huge day particularly if pressure comes from the interior. Suggs and Dumervil I believe will have their usual impact but Tom Brady likes to step forward under pressure unlike say Aaron Rodgers. Pressure on Brady up the middle makes the secondary that much better.
The Patriots have not had a great pass rush and the Ravens' O line has stepped up admirably in the face of injuries and given Joe time to throw which is key.
That brings me to the reason I feel so strongly that the Ravens's will move forward after Saturday. We all know the Ravens are 2-1 in Foxboro and should be 3-0 if not for the Evans drop and Cundiff miss. More importantly though Flacco elevates his game not just in Foxboro but wherever the team plays their 17th game and beyond. The stats don't lie. In the last nine playoff games spanning four years he has thrown 20 touchdowns with two picks. He is nothing short of spectacular. Keep in mind that most of this is done on the road. Simply stated there is no one I'd rather have under center than Joe come playoff time. I take him over Manning, Brady, Brees... anyone. He is simply the best, hands down. Football is a team sport and anything can happen but I choose Flacco and I say the Ravens win.
