Ravens, Don't Tell Us Showdown With Denver Is Just Another Game

Let's face it, if the boss shows up at the office and you don't because you're playing golf or sitting home watching TV, this will not help your career.

Not in the NFL.

Sure, it might help your state of mind to get away for a day or two.

But then you'll end up being nice and relaxed and out of a job.

One thing the Ravens have definitely been working on is what to do about a secondary that keeps getting lit up.

Another thing they've worked on is helping the offense get its mojo back, the same mojo it had in the first three games when the running game clicked and quarterback Joe Flacco was throwing the ball all over the field.

Mason, in fact, came up with the analogy of the year Wednesday when talking about the offense.

Asked whether it needs time to warm up in games, he ran with the, um, heat concept.

"Yeah, the last three weeks, we've kind of been like that thermostat, you know?" he said. "We've been on 65 or 70 [degrees]. And then all of a sudden, we kick it up to 90 or a 100.

"It's good at times," he continued, "but we have to be able to start off at 100 like we did in the first three games. To be able to come out on the first three drives and establish ourselves, whether it be run or pass or both, and force our will on the other team. And I'm very confident that from here on out, we will do that."

Well, we'll find out soon enough whether he's right.

Me, I happen to think the Ravens will beat the Broncos.

They're favored by 3 1/2 points, which means the bookmakers think they're a pretty good bet to win, too.

Go over this team's recent history. The Ravens have played some of their best games when they've been bruised and battered and everyone counted them out.

That's why I can't wait to see what happens Sunday.

But please don't tell me it's just another game.

Listen to Kevin Cowherd Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Jerry Coleman on Fox 1370 AM Sports.