Now that the Ravens' scrimmage with the Indianapolis Colts is over, it is time to get back to the real games in the NFL this week when they fly to San Diego.
Before the weekend, the Chargers versus Ravens game was drawing as much interest as Colts/Ravens. But San Diego (6-7) has won two straight after losing six in a row.
They're back in the playoff hunt, just two games behind the Denver Broncos (8-5) in the AFC West with three games remaining. So when the Ravens visit the Chargers Sunday night, this game has meaning and will be played on national TV.
After watching and struggling through the Ravens/Colts game, this is a great relief.
"As far as the Chargers, it's going to be a huge challenge," said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. "That's a tremendously talented offense with a premiere quarterback."
With the back-to-back wins against Cleveland and Indianapolis, the Ravens have proven they can beat subpar teams. But with the postseason about a month away, the Ravens want challenges, and they should get two in the final three weeks with road games against San Diego and Cleveland.
After playing poorly early in the season, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has played well the past two weeks and he completed 24 of 33 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns against Buffalo Sunday.
The Chargers, ranked No. 8 in total offense in both points and total yards, have two big receivers in Vincent Jackson and tight end Antonio Gates. San Diego has the No. 21 ranked defense and is allowing 128.9 rushing yards per game.
"Keep working hard. Keep getting better," said Ravens center Matt Birk of the Ravens success. "We can get where we want to go but all that stuff — the external stuff about playoff scenarios and what ifs — it doesn't matter. All we have to do is focus on our opponents this week and work hard and get as good as we can."
Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta said: "Every game is important from here on out to top the AFC and we understand that. We've got to play hard each week, and this is the most important game on our schedule this week out in San Diego."
Hello, Lee
Ravens receiver Lee Evans was the target of three Joe Flacco passes Sunday and had one reception of 21 yards, a real beauty where he kept his feet in bounds along the left side line.
Despite the success of rookie receiver Torrey Smith, it's important for Flacco to develop chemistry with Evans. In the postseason, the Ravens might need to use more three receiver sets. Like Smith, Evans has outstanding speed.
Changing it up
The Ravens grind other teams down partially because of their substitution packages on defense.
They have great depth at linebacker with backups like Dannell Ellerbe, Albert McClellan, Brendon Ayanbadejo and Paul Kruger, and they rotate some of them as much as reserve defensive linemen Arthur Jones, Pernell McPhee and Brandon McKinney.
"They are very smart and they always know down and distance," said Colts center Jeff Saturday. "They keep switching up all the time and it makes them very tough to block. They make you one-dimensional, and are as good as anyone in the league at doing that."
No quit
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney had two sacks against the Ravens, but overall left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie did a nice job on Freeney.
Freeney disrupted some plays because of his quickness, but once McKinnie got those big paws on him, he handled him. The two sacks were the only tackles Freeney had.
The best thing you can say about Freeney is that despite having no wins this season, he hasn't quit. You can't say that about a lot of the other Colts.
Help needed
The Ravens continue to struggle covering kickoffs. Indianapolis returned four for an average of 30 yards per return. In the past, if teams blocked Ayanbadejo, they usually got big yards.
Someone other than Ayanbadejo and reserve safety Haruki Nakamura have to step up on special teams.
Competition for Billy
I liked the idea of Harbaugh bringing in kicker Shayne Graham last week.
Regular kicker Billy Cundiff reportedly had a calf injury, but he did miss two field goals the week before in Cleveland. Regardless, competition is a good thing. I'm sure Mr. Cundiff was motivated a little more last week.
Should have sat 'em
A lot of Ravens fans were disappointed that the team gave up a 12 play, 76 yard touchdown drive at the end of the game.
I had no problem with it because the Ravens had a lot of backup players on the field. I had more problem with Harbaugh keeping starting running back Ray Rice and Flacco on the field late in the game.
I know the Ravens wanted Rice to hit the 100 yard rushing mark, but not at the sake of possibly risking injury. Fortunately, the Ravens made it out of their scrimmage Sunday with no serious injuries.
And after watching that debacle, now you know why the Ravens could afford to rest linebacker Ray Lewis for another week.
