Ray Rice Continues Blame Game With Ravens
By Samuel Njoku
The Baltimore Ravens are currently preparing to take their team on the road to battle the Miami Dolphins in another pivotal AFC matchup against a team vying for a playoff spot.
Ravens Offense Performing At High Level
Most fans remember the days when Baltimore was known for their defensive prowess. Led by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, the Ravens terrorized the league with a vaunted defense for years. But over the past couple of seasons, the play of this team has shifted into one known for what they can do on the offensive side of the ball. This season more than any other, the Baltimore Ravens have excelled moving the ball down the field against opposing defenses. With Joe Flacco having his best season to date and Justin Forsett running for huge chunks of yards, Baltimore ranks 10th in total offense. This feat hasn’t been achieved this late in the season since their induction in 1996 where led by Vinny Testaverde, Baltimore finished 1st in total offense. Of course that year, Baltimore ranked 31st in total defense. It was a big reason for their 4-12 record.
This year, Baltimore may be dealing with a similar problem as the 2014 Ravens pass defense ranks 31st in the NFL, trailing only the Atlanta Falcons. According to Pro Football Focus, the Ravens have the 3rd best overall offense in the league. The rank PFF gave them is based on their personal grading metrics. But it goes to show how far this team has gone. If the defense can find a way to improve in time, Baltimore could find themselves back in the playoffs.
Ray Rice Blames Ravens for Shattered Image
Former Ravens RB Ray Rice met with the Today Show in an attempt to tell his side of the story and perhaps fix his image – one that Rice claims was tarnished by the Ravens. The interview conducted by Matt Lauer wasn’t groundbreaking in any sense. Rice repeated what he told the media shortly after the video was released and stated he made a “tremendous mistake” not apologizing to his wife. But Rice also stated everything that was said during his May press conference was given to him by the Ravens. This may explain why the running back read his statement from a sheet of paper.
But the approach Rice has taken to place blame on the Ravens organization for an act that he himself is responsible for hasn’t been well received by Ravens fans or from the national media. It appears to be an attempt to garnish some interest from teams that are skeptical of signing a running back with skill but plenty of baggage as well.
For more Ravens news and updates, visit Ravens Central.
Samuel Njoku was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Samuel has covered the Ravens for Examiner.com since 2010. Prior to 2010, Samuel was an avid blogger and radio personality in Salisbury, MD. Samuel Njoku is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @Ravens_Examiner.
