In an effort to get closer to the truth about what will happen this weekend during the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs, we talked to bloggers representing all eight teams still left in the chase. For each participant, we asked the same batch of questions. This is the preview for Baltimore and Indianapolis.
Ravens-Colts Playoff Preview: SBN NFL Blogs Break Down The Matchup
Ravens @ Colts
8:15 PM ET, January 16, 2010
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
CBS
Team: Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
Blog: Baltimore Beatdown
Give us a couple of reasons the Ravens will win on Saturday.
The Ravens are playing their best football of the year and everyone knows it’s how you finish. Defensively, we are returning to that hard hitting chaotic dominance of the past and have re-focused the offense to the overwhelming running game. The limiting of mistakes and costly penalties has also helped this team overcome it’s biggest obstacle - themselves.
One guy from the opposition you would add to the Ravens.
Gee, is it a cop out to obviously say “Manning?” Could you believe the team we’d have with one of the best QB’s in history with this running attack much less the defense? Other than Manning, I’d love to see a great pass rusher to help the defense even more, or perhaps a great receiving target in TE Dallas Clark.
Who is the Ravens MVP?
Without a doubt, it's been the 2nd year RB, Ray Rice. Ravens fans knew Rice was special after seeing him in a limited role last season but since then he's added 10-15 pounds of muscle and is not only quick and elusive running or receiving, but tough to bring down by one guy on first contact.
Who is the X-Factor?
I’m going to put this title on QB Joe Flacco. Flacco didn’t need to step up big time this past weekend because the running game took over. However, he did have a key 3rd down completion and a 7 yard run for a first down on the final TD drive, and has the arm to throw the ball. However, if he has to air it out 40 times, it will be bad news.
Scouting report on the Colts.
Same as everyone else. Manning works like a robot, scanning the defense looking for the weak link every time he steps up to the line. They aren’t run focused and don’t care as they have a ton of targets short (D. Clark) or long (R. Wayne). They play fast defense starting with their pass rush and usually feed off of other teams’ mistakes while only making a few themselves.
Give us a prediction.
The Ravens are looking for revenge and own the best road playoff record in league history so playing up in Indy will not faze them, especially since they say “defense travels well.” I’ve seen all too often how a rested team is not in sync or consistent as the one who is playing week after week for it’s life at a high level. For Indy, this will be their first meaningful game in a month and that’s the difference they will be talking about all off season that will begin for Indy late Saturday night as the Ravens continue their playoff road trip to Miami, 28-20.
Team: Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Blog: Stampede Blue
Give us a couple of reasons the Colts will win on Saturday.
One reason is the four time NFL MVP, Peyton Manning. Traditionally, he has played very well against the Ravens, and there is mutual respect between Ravens defenders like Ed Reed and Manning. Another reason is the Colts are hungry and are angry at how the final two games of the season played out. Several players were upset that starters were pulled from the Jets game in Week Sixteen, forfeiting a potential undefeated season. For nearly a month, the Colts have not played a game the coaching staff or management have deemed as "meaningful." Players are looking to tear someone apart, and the Ravens just happen to be in their way.
One guy from the opposition you would add to the Colts.
Ed Reed; absolutely no question about it. With 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders out for the season, having a similar All-World safety like Ed Reed would ease my nerves about the Colts safety position as the move forward in the playoffs. While Melvin Bullitt has done a remarkable job filling in for Sanders, Melvin Bullitt is not Ed Reed.
Who is the Colts MVP?
Peyton Manning. He is the most valuable player in the NFL and the NFL’s best quarterback. He lead an NFL record seven fourth quarter comebacks this season, passed for 33 TDs, and helped his team win an NFL record 23 straight regular season games.
Who is the X-Factor?
Rookie running back Donald Brown. Seemingly silly injuries have slowed him this season, but when he has been on the field he has shown tremendous flashes of speed, toughness, and big play ability. In the 2006 playoffs, the Colts were able to defeat the Ravens by running the football and controlling the clock in the fourth quarter. They utilized then-Colts back Dominic Rhodes to chew up yardage and ice the game. Donald Brown will need to fill a similar role for the Colts to succeed against a Ravens team in 2009 that is better than the 2006 Ravens.
Scouting report on the Ravens.
Tough, physical team with a very strong running game. Their defense is suspect against the pass, and their passing game is poor due to injuries to the quarterback and a lack of skill position players at receiver. Their special teams coverage units seem strong, and they are very well coached. As they have shown, great coaching and preparation can mask weaknesses and enhance strengths. The 2009 Ravens are very similar to the 2005 Steelers who, by the way, were a #6 seed in the AFC playoffs and knocked off the then-#1 seeded Colts that season.
Give us a prediction.
While the 2009 Ravens are a much better team than the Ravens who last faced the Colts in the playoffs, the 2009 Colts have proven to be a resilient, dedicated bunch who can play hard, fast, and physical with any team in the league. The game will likely come down to which quarterback will solve the other team’s defense and make plays to win the game. With that, Peyton Manning is your guy and the Colts defeat the Ravens 27-14.
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