OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -Much has changed for the Baltimore Ravens in the span of a month.
Five weeks into John Harbaugh’s first season as an NFL head coach, the Ravens were 2-3. They had lost three straight, were coming off a humbling 31-3 loss to Indianapolis and faced the prospect of playing four of their next five games on the road.
Baltimore has since won four in a row and stands tied atop the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens (6-3) already have more wins than last year, and their three-game road winning streak matches a franchise high.
The run began with a 27-13 win at Miami. Then, after a 29-10 rout of Oakland at home, Baltimore rallied to beat Cleveland 37-27 before disposing of Houston 41-13 Sunday.
So, how in the world did the Ravens bounce back from three consecutive defeats to win four straight by a collective 134-63 score?
wondering how this was going to go, but they didn’t bat an eye.
“They went out there against Miami when we were 2-3 and losing three in a row – as everybody here pointed out – and overcame a tough road trip down there against what’s turned out to be a heck of a football team.”
The Ravens built on that win to become a surprise playoff contender in the AFC. Under former coach Brian Billick, Baltimore was known for its defensive prowess. But Harbaugh insists that this team’s reputation should not be centered upon one particular unit.
Rather, he wants the Ravens to be known for the manner in which they perform.
“Our identity in our minds is a rough, tough, clean, disciplined football team,” he said. “That’s all three phases: offense, defense and special teams. We’re proud of the team we put out there on Sunday for sure, and we’re excited to see the team that we’re going to be next Sunday.”
The Ravens have done well thus far, but the Dolphins are the only team they’ve beaten that currently has a winning record. The schedule becomes far more difficult down the stretch, beginning with Sunday’s game on the road against the defending Super Bowl champion Giants.
“We have to get better between last Sunday and next Sunday to even have a chance to compete in this football game,” Harbaugh said.
to beat the Browns, the Ravens buried the Texans in the second half after leading by only 12-6 at the break.
Asked if Baltimore is developing the killer instinct required for a potential playoff push, wide receiver Derrick Mason replied, “We’ll have to. Teams make the playoffs in November and December, and then you win championships in January. So, we’re just slowly but surely setting ourselves up for next month. We’ll see where it goes from there.”
Mason, Baltimore’s leading receiver with 46 catches for 598 yards, dislocated his left shoulder in the first quarter against Houston but returned in the second half. He received treatment Monday and is expected to play against the Giants.
Offensive tackle Willie Anderson injured his left ankle against Houston. His status for Sunday is uncertain, and while the return of tackle/guard Adam Terry against the Texans was a plus, Harbaugh would prefer to have both players available for the Giants.
“Willie is going to fight like crazy to be back,” Harbaugh said, “and there’s a chance he will be back. But we don’t know.”
Add A Comment