Links from Baltimore on the Ravens' perspective entering Monday night's game against the Patriots:
A Baltimore Sun poll indicates, as of Saturday morning, that the majority of fans will cheer Patriots LB Adalius Thomas on his return to Baltimore.
The Baltimore Sun looks deeper into the individual matchups that figure to play a significant factor in Monday night's game. Tops on the list is Patriots slot receiver Wes Welker against Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy.
The Carroll County Times examines the challenge facing the Ravens' offensive line, and also notes that the Ravens will wear their all-black alternate uniforms Monday night. The Ravens have lost just once in those uniforms, losing the 2005 season opener to the Colts.
The Carroll County Times looks at how the turnover differential has been tied to the Ravens' success, and lack of it, while the newspaper's Ravens blog touches on the team's seemingly improving injury situation.
Columnist Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun believes it was a mistake that the Ravens signed head coach Brian Billick to a four-year contract extension after the 2006 season. He writes that because of the extension, the Ravens (4-7) are unlikely to fire Billick.
Hopefully the Ravens will try to double on Welker. That, of course, would be good news for Stallworth, Moss, and even Gaffney. And, I have a feeling that we will see Chad Jackson getting involved.
And, of course, what if they slot BOTH Welker and Brown at the same time. How will they handle that?
With the obvious slowdown of Ray Lewis, either by age or injury, the best player on the Ravens defense is no match for the well-oiled machine that is the Patriots. With all due respect, the Ravens are not what they once were. It would have been a joy to watch their Super Bowl defense against this current Patriots offense.
The Baltimore Colts (I mean Ravens) have 2 chances of beating the Pats on Monday night. First, If Brady's shoulder is not ready for prime time. Second, if the entire Pat's team is served week-old crab cakes for dinner on Monday. I well remember the days when the Boston Patriots came to Charm City, and it was a sure "W" for us. The New England Patriots are in a different league than the rest of the teams. It will be a pleasure to watch them Monday Night.
With all due respect to the second poster, but an "obviously slow" Ray Lewis is leading the league in tackles....It's true they weren't what they once were, but hey, any given Sunday....or Monday.....
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