Glenn Younes: Ravens Regular Season Thoughts
What a feeling it is for the Baltimore Ravens after a 12-4 regular season and despite many noted struggles the prize comes in the form of the AFC North division title, a second seed and a first round bye. The struggle is part of the journey and part of the growth process for a winning team.
In looking back, being fair, this team really did well for themselves. The moves early on at offensive line to get McKinnie and Gurode and the injury to Grubbs were dealt with well. The lack of a true number one corner to start the season went well as Webb and Williams proved to be capable of holding their own, Webb looking like a pro bowler. While QB Joe Flacco didn't take the huge step forward most wanted and expected, he did help the team to twelve wins and a fourth consecutive playoff berth. There were the much publicized lack of run game / too much throwing battles that, while valid or not, was worked through well enough to sweep the division for the first time in team history. Questions about the o-line: ANSWERED. Questions about the DB's when Foxworth went on IR: ANSWERED. Questions about the run game: ANSWERED.
12-4 wipes away a lot of mistakes, so does talent and the Ravens have plenty of talent. Don't fall into the mistake that the journey and struggles are over. This team is on a mission to a place called Indy and as good as things are, better is now required. Enjoy the bye, it's time to crank it up another notch Jan 15th here at M&T. In the next several days we'll figure out how the Ravens can get better, because staying the same equals getting worse this time of year.
Happy New Year, God Bless in 2012
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