Game Balls

I’m just now shaking off the cobwebs in the brain from staying up till the wee hours.  What a heart breaker in the Steel City.  The Ravens gave it everything but came up short on a game winning field goal in overtime.  Here are this week’s game balls…

Offense – Cam Cameron.  Joe Flacco showed last night that he is still not 100% ready for the pace of the NFL game but Cameron put a game plan in place to get the most out of the rookie.  It was obvious that the run game was not going to be effective against a tough Steelers line so the passing game became vital to moving the ball.  Flacco ended up 16/31 for 192 yards and a touchdown.  It’s obvious that there is great chemistry with Derrick Mason (137 yards), who became the safety valve.  The offense didn’t try to do too much but moved the ball down the field most of the game.  What is missing right now is the long ball.  The plays that were called down field were essentially jump balls.  Overall it seems that Cameron is getting the most out of an offense that has mightily struggled in years past.

Defense – Ray Lewis.  The coverage leading up to last nights game was focused on how Lewis is still getting it done this late in his career.  All Lewis did was go out there and prove it to a national audience.  He finished with 13 tackles and once again provided the spark to an already ferocious defense.  The defensive line had another great game so it kept Ray free to do what he does best.  In the pregame he said his best years are still to come…I can only imagine what he has in store.

Special Teams – Sam Koch.  Stover was Stover so I can’t get too excited.  Figurs doesn’t seem to be ready yet.  His explosive first step just doesn’t seem to be there yet.  It was obvious going into the game that punters would play a vital role on both sides.  Koch had eight punts and a 47 yards average.  In a battle of field position, he kept the Ravens in the game.

 

Honorary Ball – He’s not a Raven but I’ve got to give one to Matt Bryant.  I cannot even begin to imagine the pain he was feeling this week after losing his infant son Tryson.  He kicked three field goals in a win over Tampa Bay.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.