1-1 Isn't So Bad

So, I was pretty close in my prediction of the Ravens-Titans game with each team getting an extra field goal than I predicted. The Panthers-Cardinals game, now that was a whole different story.

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Wins 13-10

The Ravens rode their momentum into Nashville in a physical battle against the Titans. Tennessee beat themselves in this game with 3 turnovers. The turnovers didn't lead to any Ravens points, but they came when Tennessee was so close to scoring. Ed Reed wasn't huge in this game like I thought he might be, but Ray Lewis was with 11 total tackles and a forced fumble. Joe Flacco had a decent game and became the first rookie quarterback to win 2 playoff games. The difference in this game was Tennessee's 3 turnovers and Rob Bironas' missed field goal. The sixth seed taking out the first seed proves that anything is possible in the playoffs. Kudos to the Ravens on this victory.



Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
Arizona Wins 33-13

This evening was probably the worst birthday Jake Delhomme has ever had. He threw 5 interceptions and gave up a fumble. During the game it looked like he forgot what color jerseys his teammates were wearing. Anquan Boldin didn't even dress for the game and yet Arizona still put up 33 points. How did they do that? Larry Fitzgerald. "Circus Catch" Larry caught 8 balls for 166 yards and a touchdown. Regarding what I said about needing more than confidence to stop Carolina's run game, well the Cardinals brought that and then some, holding the Panthers to 75 total rushing yards. Tim Hightower out-rushed DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart on his own with 76 rushing yards. Edgerrin James added 57 rushing yards and a touchdown. Let's not forget Neil Rackers who made 4 field goals. The bottom line is; if you give up 33 straight points and 6 turnovers, you don't establish your punishing running game, and you don't get the ball to your best receiver until the 3rd quarter, you're going to lose. I was definitely wrong with my prediction on this one and I'll think about this harder when they play their next game.