But how do you not block No. 52? How do you not have someone assigned to him on every running play? More importantly, the Chargers had been toasting the Ravens' cornerbacks all game; why run instead of pass, especially when San Diego had height advantages with their receivers against most of the Ravens' cornerbacks?
Lewis just smiled. He smiled again late in the first half with 10 seconds left. On a third-and-goal from the 5, the Chargers decided to kick a 23-yard field goal instead of taking one more shot at scoring a touchdown.
The standard rule in the NFL is that you take one more shot if there are more than 10 seconds and kick the field goal if there are less than 10.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in Monday's Sports section incorrectly reported the field position where Darren Sproles was tackled by Ray Lewis on the San Diego Chargers' final offensive play of Sunday's game. Sproles was tackled at the Ravens' 20-yard line.
The Baltimore Sun regrets the error.
The Chargers were in the middle. Instead of trailing 21-13 at the half, the Chargers were down 21-16.
"I don't know what went into their decision-making," Lewis said.
I do. The Chargers should have taken one more shot. Turner is a knucklehead.
Another big play
Another big play by Lewis came late in the second quarter as he tackled Sproles in the open field on a swing pass for a 1-yard loss, and then on the next play he blitzed and forced Rivers out of the pocket for an incomplete pass. The Chargers had to settle for a 22-yard field goal instead of a touchdown.
Deserving of a dance
I've never been a big fan of wide receiver Kelley Washington dancing after he makes a catch, but his 27-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter was a beauty.
He gave a great move as if he were going to block, and then bolted down the left sideline almost unnoticed.
After that move, bring it on, Mr. Washington. Dance the night away.
Using their size
The Chargers' receivers kept posting up Ravens cornerbacks all day. In fact, I haven't seen so many post-up moves since Bill Russell played for the Boston Celtics and Big Wilt was in a Lakers uniform.
3 questions for Rivers
One major reason San Diego may never get to the Super Bowl is Rivers. He just does some incredibly stupid things at times, like that pass he chucked over his shoulder to Landry midway through the third quarter.
That turnover eventually led to a 9-yard touchdown pass from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to tight end Todd Heap.
My only three questions to Rivers are: Why? Why? Why?
Among the most exciting
After covering almost every Ravens game since they moved here, I can say Sunday's was one of the most exciting. It's just fun to watch points being scored, even though the Ravens kept stuffing San Diego inside the red zone.
