J ohn Harbaugh didn't know where to begin in talking about his team's turnaround from a year ago after the 11-5 Ravens clinched a playoff spot yesterday with a 27-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. But there are three major reasons.
The biggest difference from a year ago is Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Billick as coach after a 5-11 season. Harbaugh put together a quality coaching staff, and the final piece was the development of rookie Joe Flacco, the franchise-changing quarterback that this team has coveted for so long.
Harbaugh not only preached the team concept, but he also brought a strong work ethic with him, something the Ravens desperately lacked. And he never backed away from his philosophy.
Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome put together one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL, one that includes offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, offensive line coach John Matsko and quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson.
Matsko tutored a young offensive line, and Cameron and Jackson have done an excellent job in developing Flacco, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 297 yards yesterday.
The Ravens aren't the most talented team in the league, but they outwork other teams and grind them down.
Excluding the 2000 Super Bowl season, this has been the best and most satisfying season in the team's short history.
Prayers answered
If the Ravens couldn't find a church service last night, they should look for one this morning. They should drop down on their knees and be thankful they don't have to travel to face the New England Patriots this weekend. Instead, the Ravens travel to Miami.
But when things are going right, those kinds of things happen. Miami held on for a victory over the New York Jets yesterday, and New England was eliminated.
If the Jets had won, Baltimore would be playing in New England this weekend against Bill Belichick and the Patriots.
"It's zero-zero, and nothing you did earlier in the season matters anymore," Ravens running back Le'Ron McClain said.
Drop zone
Jacksonville receivers dropped four passes, including one over the middle in the end zone. Wide receiver Reggie Williams dropped two.
It's amazing that players can get to this level and not hold on to passes. According to one representative from Jacksonville, the Jaguars have dropped 41 passes this season.
Veteran moves
