Hello Sherwood friends, in light of our football pool I thought it would be cool to do an article......a little synopsis of the Baltimore Ravens games. I know........not everyone is a Ravens fan, and I apologize for that. that's the team I follow and know well.

My credentials as far as writing an article on football you ask? Well I was a head coach for 21 years.........yes, I know it was only rec ball. When people say that's way different then the NFL besides being incredibly obvious it reminds me of a conversation I had the pleasure of with the former head coach of the Green Bay Packers Mike Holmgren..........he told me that the only difference between my babies and his is that his get paid. I played football my entire youth all the way through high school. Not to mention being a complete student of the game for as long as I can remember.......so here goes. No I am not a professional writer so please don't hold that against me.....lol I hope you enjoy

Being this my first installment I am going to cover the final thoughts on the Browns game first then do a bit of a preview of the Steelers game.

The Ravens went on the road to Cleveland to play the Browns and thier #1 defense. If you didn't know the Browns defensive coordinator Jim Shwartz is from Baltimore and is a Mt. St. Joe grad. But I digress. The Ravens having a new offensive coordinator themselves have had some consistency issues. Jackson and company are still learning the nuances of the new system. Early in the game the Browns defense was playing a really good game holding the Ravens to a single touchdown. The Browns defense was playing with a lot of confidence and bravado. Then the Ravens went back to what the Ravens are known for.....ground and pound by running the ball. Shortly before halftime the Ravens marched 93 yards and basically snatched the heart out of the vaunted Cleveland defense. The game was basically over. The Ravens spent the second half just running out the clock.

Clevelands high paid QB Deshaun Watson decided to sit the game out even though he had been cleared by the medical staff. Frankly I think he was dodging the aggressive Baltimore defense. In his place was a 5th round rookie. The Ravens defense knew this guy wasn't going to beat them. He was running for his life the entire game. The Ravens walk away with a 28-3 win. A statement win against the NFL's #1 defense.

On to Steelers week! No matter the records, no matter the rosters this game is historically a knock down drag out street fight. This game shouldn't be any different. The Steelers have been struggling so far this season, their starting QB is dinged up. They have offensive line trouble and other than JJ Watt they are missing a lot of talent they once had. NO Rothlisburger making last minute come backs, No Polamalo making crucial defensive plays when they needed it.

Mike Tomlin is very much like John Harbaugh, he will say all the right things to have his team prepared to play......thing is will the Steelers answer the call? This is a huge game for the Steelers in more ways than one. Tomlin knows this game is a test for his team.......does his team have the heart? He knows this will be the measuring stick for his team..

Well I have had some time to digest the Ravens Steelers game and wanted to give my thoughts.......first Congratulations goes out to the Steelers and the Steeler faithful. The Steelers won the game fair and square.

With all the pleasantries out of the way let's chat about this game from a Ravens fan point of view. When a game like this goes south fans want to point fingers........there has to be a reason, we instinctively want to cast blame on someone or something.....Harbaugh's fault, Lamar Jackson's fault, the referee's fault. In this game there is plenty of blame to go around. Everyone has their hands dirty

The receivers dropped a total of 8.....EIGHT passes! Three of them were clearly touchdown passes. The internet lit up for the miscue right before halftime when Lamar was caught off guard and just slung the ball through the back of the endzone, the internet wanted to hang Harbaugh from a flag post at the Inner Harbor right then and there. But after the game we learned that our center Tyler Linderbaum made a crucial judgement error, Harbaugh had made the call to try and get the Steelers to jump....if they didn't he was going to call a time out with 4 seconds and let Tucker kick it. Linderbaum thought he seen a Steeler jump so he snapped the ball.........referees never called the penalty which resulted in the miscue.

But that wasn't the entire story of the game, There were special team problems.......again. Blocked punt in the endzone. Lamar throwing a crucial interception in the endzone. The Ravens had first and goal and instead of running the ball down the Steelers throat Todd Monken in his infinite wisdom threw on two downs the last resulting in an interception. Lamar should have never thrown the ball. Which takes us to Lamar Jackson, the $260 million dollar wunderkind. Jackson plays great when the Ravens are leading but struggles when the team needs to come from behind.......when crucial plays need to be made. In 2019 he was the unanimous NFL MVP but has yet to live up to the award since. He leads all NFL QB's in fumbles in 2023. He has as many fumbles as he has touchdowns.

As a Baltimore Ravens fan if there was any Steelers game you wanted to throw the remote through the TV it would have been this one. The Ravens could have put this game away on more than one occasion. For some reason at half time I knew that this was going to be the typical game where the Ravens beat the hell out of the Steelers but once again are left standing looking like the village fool at the end. The Ravens lead the game in every aspect until the last 2 minutes. In the end the Steelers once again.....deservedly so, stood atop

All week I have been fighting Covid, Sunday was the first day I started to feel better.......till the final whistle of this game. Then I had to endure the Orioles fiasco. By Sunday evening I just wanted to go back to bed and pull the covers over my head.

Next week the Ravens are off to another crime scene.......London England. Look for my preview.

Sherwood Friends, it's been a tough week. I don't know whats been harder fighting Covid or trying to get the taste of the Steelers loss out of my mouth. You would think the best way to do that is just to move one.......so on to London!

This weeks game worries as much as last week, reasons? first the Ravens are playing the Tennessee Titans. Like the Steelers the Ravens have a storied past with this franchise........anyone remember the Harbaugh versus the entire Tennessee team? Two years ago the Titans were playing the Ravens at M&T Bank when the entire Titans team met at midfield on the Ravens logo. John Harbaugh took um bridge to this as a sign of disrespect. John Harbaugh went out and started a back and forth with the Titans team and had to be separated. There is no love lost between these teams......they genuinely dislike one another. it goes back to the Eddie George versus Ray Lewis days. Those epic playoff battles. That grudge match mentality still lives on.....

SOmething else we as ravens fans might remember about games being played in London England, in 2017 the Ravens first appeared in London....it was the infamous "kneeling" game. Tyrell Suggs and many others on the Ravens decided that they would use that opportunity to show their support for Colin Kaepernick and kneel for the national anthem. This caused a huge controversy. There are fans to this day who refuse to watch NFL football because of this one game. The Ravens also were embarrassed on the field by getting beat by the Jacksonville Jaguars 44-7. To this day it is one of the worst beatings by a Ravens opponent. It's been 6 years and the wound is still raw.

The Ravens defense is ranked #2 in the NFL, Derrick Henry has done well in the past against the Ravens and should be a player of note to watch. This game is going to be a battle and will remind us all of the Steelers games. I am not at all confident going in to this week. But I think the Ravens are embarrassed over what happened last week.......well at least they should be. I don't see the Ravens having 7 dropped balls and I think Zay Flowers has a breakout game. I look for the Ravens to come away with a win.......a Tucker field goal to win it at the end.

So have your eggs and bacon in bed Sunday morning with a side order of Ravens football. The game starts at 9:00 am.......for some un-Godly reason. Mimosa's for everyone!

Welp, we went to London and came back victors! They don't award style points in the NFL and that's a good thing because that wasn't the prettiest football game we have seen. I just don't understand how the Ravens can win a game and it still feel uncomfortable? However a win is a win I suppose.

The Ravens actually dominated the game statistically and the Ravens defense before the game today were ranked #2 behind the Cleveland Browns........big shout out to the Cleveland Browns they beat the former unbeaten San Francisco 49er's! But I digress, the Ravens defense has been the bright spot on the team. The ravens had 6 sacks today and held the Titans to only 1 3rd down conversion........and yet it felt like we barely won the game?

Lamar Jackson had a nice day statistically completing 70% of his passes but had his weekly turnover with throwing one interception. Lamar Jackson is still the Ravens biggest running threat and I would like to see more attempts......even though most fans would disagree. He's still one of the most electric players in the NFL with the ball in his hands.

So the Ravens leave the Motherland with their bellies full of Bangers and mash........and a win. You think the Bangers and Mash has wiped out the taste of the Steelers loss?.....yeah, me either. Next week the Ravens get to enjoy some home cooking......they're going to need it, they play the Detroit Lions. A legitimate playoff contender and maybe the toughest opponent yet this season. Next weekend I will be at my palatial estate at Sherwood acres.......if you see me wave hello!

Good morning Sherwood acres, I sat through the Ravens game yesterday and watched a transformation. Lamar Jackson had a watershed moment with the performance against the Detroit Lions yesterday. It seemed like the game slowed down for Jackson, his steps were measured, he looked comfortable in the pocket. He had a pocket awareness the seemed lacking up till now. In my opinion Jackson had his best game as a pro, statistically he has had better games but I think in those games he got by on his natural athletic ability. Yesterday Jackson took a major step in his maturation process in becoming a complete NFL QB. He now has to start stacking performances like that to be a part of conversations with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Jaylen Hurts. The Ravens offense hasn't looked that good since 2019.

The Ravens defense also took a major step yesterday......but for a different reason. The Ravens pitched a shut out till the fourth quarter......in doing so they announced to the NFL world that they are the best defense in the NFL. The Detroit Lions came in to yesterday's game with a lot of confidence, averaging 28 points a game and sporting a 5-1 record. First place in the NFC north division. The lions were also 4-0 in their last four games. The Lions and Jared Goff went to Baltimore with the intent of spanking the Ravens, what they received was a beat down. The Ravens were up 28-0 by half time......the game was basically over

NFL players will tell you....never get to high or to low, the Ravens should feel this way as well. It's one game of 17, next week the Ravens are in Arizona and what they should be looking for is consistency. This Lions game was a game that they can point to as a turning point for the season. As long as the Ravens stay healthy they should be contenders.

P.S. This helps but I still am stinging over the Steelers loss. That one is going to take some time..

Happy Friday Sherwood acres!!!! Wow! There was a lot of buzz around the Ravens last week after their drubbing of the Detroit Lions. The Ravens scored 28 points before Detroit registered a first down. Lamar Jackson had a solid performance and won offensive player of the week honors. This week they travel to the 1-5 Arizonia Cardinals, I don't see the Cardinals as a threat to the NFL's #1 defense. The Ravens lead the league with 29 sacks. Kyle Murray who has missed more than a season worth of games was cleared to practice but I don't see the coaching staff letting him anywhere near the Ravens. Some people are calling this a trap game....not me. The Ravens spank the Cardinals....the game will be over by halftime!

Happy Monday Sherwood Acres!!!!!!! It seems the Ravens have caught the NFL world by storm, they dismantled the first place NFC West Seattle Seahawks. By all accounts this wasn't supposed to be an easy game, the Seahawks had one of the best wide receiver corps in the league. They kept it close..........for about a quarter.

I have to be honest, I wasn't a huge Lamar Jackson fan. I thought that he has risen to this level by sheer athletic ability. That he had bad mechanics and bad decision making skills in the pocket. I believed he sat out the last few games of last season due to a contract dispute. Didn't like his demeanor one bit. However I guess the fact he got the contract done....or for whatever reason there has been a huge change in Lamar Jackson. No more wearing sun glasses on the sidelines......or big gold chains. He's matured, has been a leader. Say's all the right things. His hard, work has showed, his mechanics improved, his decision making could use more work but that too has improved. This is a new Lamar Jackson.

The Ravens completely destroyed the Seattle Seahawks, There wasn't one positive thing the Seahawks could take from this game unless they were able to get some crab cakes while they were in town. The Ravens now set their sights on the Cleveland Browns. I haven't done well in predicting these last two games but I think it's safe to say this will be the same physical AFC north game we have come to love and appreciate. The down side of this three game home stand is that after playing the Browns we come back on a short week and have to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night football. Then the Ravens can enjoy a much needed bye week. If they can run this gauntlet and come out on the other end of the home stand 3-0.........it will send a message to the league that the 2023 Baltimore Ravens has arrived. I will go on record and say I think the Ravens lose one of the next two games........I hope they don't. Good news is that I don't do well predicting games.....huh?

Thinking about it I won't predict a score for the Cleveland game.......the last three weeks humbled me. WHat I will say is Deshaun Watson ducked the Ravens the last time, I think he plays scared and doesn't finish the game this week. The Browns are missing both starting tackles........Roquan Smith and company eat this week. Ravens get 4 sacks and win.............Deshaun Watson isn't the same QB that we saw in his younger days with Houston. Until he shows us something different he's a pedestrian QB.

The Ravens confidence couldn't be any higher than it is right now. The Ravens #1 concern should be ball security.....DON"T FUMBLE! The defense is playing lights out and the offense has finally gelled. All the talk about the Ravens throwing more is crap, the Ravens just needed to be more efficient, Lamar Jackson has only thrown 9 touchdowns in 9 games.........average at best. But he leads the league in completion percentage, which shows efficiency. The Ravens are still the Ravens, play defense and run the ball.

Last week the Ravens ran for 298 yds, that's just a crazy number. Half of that would be a good days total. This Ravens team is built to run the ball and now has a legit passing attack. It's no wonder they are getting so much love from the media. I know not all of those reading this are Ravens fans......and I do apologize. I invite any of you to write a post for your favorite team. I also invite posters to chime in with their opinions of all things NFL. I think my next post will be about the NFL in general......will mention some other teams. Anywho.........don't be shy.......chime in!

Hello Sherwood acre neighbors, time for my Ravens review. First I want to give the Cleveland Browns credit, they beat the pants off the Ravens........If you simply watched the game and never kept score you would swear the Browns would have won by 20. The Ravens simply got out played......out hustled......period. Frankly I am growing weary of these 4th quarter melt downs. Over the years we have seen it over and over. I am a huge John Harbaugh fan.....I always believe the coach gets to much credit for winning and to much criticism for losing. But this has been an on going thing in Harbaugh's regime for as long as I can remember.

How many games Steeler games have we seen this exact scenario play out? The Ravens lead this 60 minute game for 59 minutes and 59 seconds. They had two double digit leads in the game. At one point the Ravens were winning 31-17 going in to the fourth quarter. This shouldn't happen.....no way, no how.

Another thing that's bothered me is Justin Tucker is 1-5 in field goals over 50 yards. All four were blocked. What the hell is going on-on the offensive line? This is a "this year" problem and it needs to be fixed.

Like I said in a previous post, this is a "week by week" league.......you just never know. You can go from hero to zero in seven days. Last week the ravens were considered the best team in the NFL and this week they look like garbage. The defense couldn't stop a nose bleed. Lamar throws a pick 6.... off a guys helmet, and another one right to a defender. Had another in the end zone but that was called back.......which takes me to my next gripe.....officiating.

Is it me or has the officiating been particularly bad this season? There were a few fouls called against the Browns that I thought were ticky tacky......I also had a real problem with the officials letting the clock run while a Browns player was laying on the ground.......then throwing a flag for delay of game when the Ravens didn't snap the ball on time. There were at least three occasions the officials had a problem with the game clock. This has been an on going problem through out the league. Did you know the officials are "part time employees"? Most have other jobs and do this on the side.......it's time to make officials a full time job. They like the players should be practicing and watching film all week........officiating needs to be addressed in the off season.

SO we have a short week, the Ravens play the Bengals on Thursday night. Give me a day or so and I will right a preview for the game. Just when I was getting over that Pittsburgh game I now have to endure this fiasco. Excuse me while I go make it up to my cat......he thought I was yelling at him during the game.

Sorry for not editing my post when I write them, I like to post how I feel and what I think as I am writing. It's not the first time I went back and read a post and thought WTH?

Good Morning Sherwood acres, is it me or did this year pass us by even quicker then usual? One week away from Thanksgiving.......we're also in week 10 of the football season! WEEK TEN!!!!! So if you haven't hear Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns sustained a shoulder injury in the Ravens game last week and requires surgery and will be out for the rest of the season. Someone needs to explain to me how this guy throws 14/14 in the second half to beat the Ravens with this injury? You have to tip your cap to him as a player, he was also limping around from an ankle injury he sustained. The Browns clearly wanted that game more than the Ravens.........sometimes it all comes down to the "want to".........do you WANT TO do what it takes to win a game? Deshaun Watson wanted to win that game

Which leads us to a short week and a home game against the struggling 5-4 Cincinnati Bengals. In my opinion the Ravens should be coming in to this game pissed off. Seething mad they let that last game slip through their fingers. This is a Nationally televised game......the only game on TV. The entire world is watching. The Ravens need to have the..........want to. The Bengals if they lose could find themselves 5-5 and basically out of it. They would be in last place in the division with seven weeks to go. The Ravens would come out of a three game home stand 1-2 in which they started out as serious Super Bowl contenders to being Super Bowl pretenders. I say this is as big a game for the Ravens as it is for the Bengals. The good news is this Bengals team is no where the team the Browns are. Don't get me wrong as long as Burrow is playing the Bengals have a legit shot. But this defense isn't no where near the same defense the Browns have ( yeah, I know the Ravens scored 31 points on the Browns). In my opinion the Ravens should win this game.

I see the Ravens bouncing back and winning this game, I also see Lamar Jackson having a big game. If he wants to be the elite quarterback he and the Baltimore Ravens thinks he is he needs to step up and right this ship........I think he does. The Ravens in the three biggest games of the year so far Detroit, Seattle and Cleveland they have scored over 30 points. ( who would have ever thought a Ravens team would score more then thirty points in three games in one season?) I think the Ravens are going to score more than 30 this game as well. Nope, I won't predict a score........but Ravens win!.

Hello Sherwood Acres neighbors, hope everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Heading in to the home stretch of the season the Ravens find themselves on a bye week as far as the schedule is concerned. In my opinion it couldn't come at a better time. Mark Andrews has been lost for the season and the Ravens offensive line has been banged up. After missing another field goal in the Chargers game Justin Tucker needs some time to regroup, if you remember I mentioned this issue in a previous post. Something is just....."off" with Tuck, let's just hope he recaptures his magic going in to the playoffs.

One part of the team that isn't struggling is the Ravens defense, they are ranked 2nd in the league and really was the driving force behind the Ravens win against the Chargers. 4 turnovers and limiting the Chargers to 10 points brings back memories of great Ravens defenses of the past. I can't help but mention safety Kyle Hamilton, he doesn't have the interceptions of a Ed Reed but all season he has been making huge plays. I think he's been playing at a Pro Bowl level and hope he gets voted in. Another pleasant surprise has been Jadaveon Clowney, he has 7.5 sacks, the Ravens signed him after he had been released by a couple other teams. Clowney wasn't getting much attention when the Ravens signed him. He's been a complete wrecking machine. I also have to mention Justin Madubuike, with 10 sacks. He leads the team which leads the entire NFL with 29 sacks.

After the Ravens plat the Rams at home the havd a grueling schedule, they play the Jaguars, 49ers, Dolphins and the divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Most people think this game will have huge divisional and Playoff seeding..... I do to.

Ho Ho Ho! Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas Sherwood Acres! The NFL season is coming down the stretch and playoff season will be upon us soon. If you've been watching any of the games you might be scratching your head wondering what the heck is going on? In a complete surprise last night the 4-8 Tennessee Titans surprise the AFC #1 seed Miami Dolphins in historical fashion and score 2 touchdowns with 3 minutes left in the game. No other team in NFL history has lost a game when up by 14 or more points with 3 minutes left.

On Sunday the Kansas City Chiefs were beat by the 6-6 Buffalo Bills who are fighting for their playoff lives.......not only sending the Chiefs to an 8-5 record but sending Patrick Mahomes off his rocker on a controversial Offensive off sides call. Anyone who seen the play could see the wide receiver was clearly lined up off sides. My take is.....if the referee didn't make that call the Buffalo Bills and their fans would have had every right to scream and holler that the referees were giving the game to the Chiefs. The receiver was off sides......period. Sure the refs miss calls.......not this one.

Not sure how I am supposed to feel how this season is playing out for the ravens? Don't get me wrong, I am as excited for the season as I have been about any season in a long time. Things are just falling in to place for the Baltimore ravens. There's a lot of football to be played and the Ravens have one of if not the toughest schedule left in the NFL but you can't help but to look around the league and feel pretty good about our chances. Kansas City doesn't look invincible as they have the past couple years, Miami loses to a 4-8 team last night, the Ravens have some that ol' Ravens magic show up.......we'll get to that in a minute. It just seems the stars are aligning for the Ravens to make a deep championship run.

The Ravens faced a desperate LA Rams team on Sunday, another team fighting for their playoff lives. The Rams are a very talented and well coached team.......two years removed from winning a Super Bowl. They came to Baltimore ready to play. The Ravens didn't play what anyone would consider a quality game. John Harbaugh made a couple mistakes, Lamar Jackson throws a pick and bounces a pass off a defenders helmet. The offense stalled at the worst moments but in the end the Ravens pulled off some magic.......ylan Wallce runs back a punt for a touchdown in overtime! This was only the fourth time in NFL history a walk off punt return has happened.....EVER! This season just has a special kind of feel to it. There's an ol' sayin' that goes.............sometimes it's better to be lucky then good. That's how I have been feeling about the ravens. Sometimes the ball just has to bounce your way. Next up is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Another tough AFC opponent. I feel pretty confident about this game, although they have given the Ravens problems over the years. Lamar Jackson will be playing in front of a lot of family and friends. I suspect he's going to go all out......Ravens win.

Good morning Sherwood Acres and Happy Holidays!!!!!

The NFL season is heating up, with only a few games left in the regular season teams are fighting for playoff seeding, some teams have fought through adversity and some have wilted under the pressure. There's even been a Joe Flacco sighting.

Before we get to my favorite team......the Ravens let's talk about a few other teams that maybe a favorite of yours. The Washington Commanders.......I am sorry but I will never get used to saying that. The Commanders have struggled all season, they just were never able to get their collective feet under neath them. I think Ron Rivera is a gonner after the season. Good guy but really hasn't enjoyed much success as a head coach, with new ownership the Commanders will be looking for a new head coach. Next up is the Philadelphia Eagles. This Super Bowl team from last season has also struggled of late, losing the last couple games. Last week they lost to the Seattle Seahawks which stunned the Eagles. It looks like the window is closing on two perennial powers of the NFL......Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City chiefs. The Chiefs record is a surprising 8-5. They still have a chance to get that coveted #1 seed but the chances are slim. The road to the Super Bowl will not be going through Kansas City in 2023, I am sure the rest of the AFC is extremely happy about that. Both the Chiefs and Eagles will be "road" teams

On to my favorite team the Ravens, the Ravens won a tough road game in Jacksonville Sunday night. For me this team still hasn't put together four good quarters of football. Every game they have moments that leave you scratching your head.......and yet here we are 11-3 atop the AFC with the #1 seed. The Ravens are a solid football team with play makers all over the place. The Ravens like many teams have had significant injuries and have done a really good job replacing those players. The Ravens depth has played a significant roll in their success this season. The latest injury was the horrible knee injury to running back Keaton Mitchell. I have no doubt that Gus Edwards and Justice hill can fill the void.

The Ravens have their toughest battle of the season this week playing the #1 seed in the NFC the San Francisco 49ers. Much like the Ravens the 49ers are strong across the entire roster. However they are not invincible, the 49ers had a stretch of losing three games in a row. The Ravens will be their biggest test of the season as well. This Christmas night match up is turning in to the must see game of the year........both teams are physical and both teams like to run the ball. This game will be football the way it's supposed to be played. A slobber knocker......

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday, If you see Santa and have a moment and you don't mind please put in a good word for me, I would appreciate it. Merry Christmas!!!!!.

Gooooood Morning Sherwood Acres!!!!!!!! I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas. I get to celebrate with my grandchildren today. They have to travel a long way......please keep them in your prayers for a safe trip.

There is no other way to describe the Ravens game last night then to call it what it was.......just an old fashion butt kicking. The Ravens dominated on both sides of the ball. The San Francisco 49ers came in to this game as being the best team in the NFL, Brock Purdy the leading MVP candidate. The 49ers had play makers all over the field and Lamar Jackson and the Ravens spanked them. The ravens got in to Brock Purdy's head and Purdy ended up tapping out. He had enough.

This was a complete team win, offense, defense and special teams. Jackson had zero interceptions, zero fumbles. When the whole world was watching the Ravens put together the best performance of the season. Very few people thought the Ravens had a chance winning this game.......including yours truly, but they made a statement. This was a signature win.....they told the world they were the best team in the NFL and I believe them after that performance.

There should be credit given out everywhere, Kyle Hamilton who re aggravated his knee had two interceptions, the Ravens Offensive line who has had a tough couple weeks coming in to this game, they kept Jackson and the pocket pretty clean for most of the night. The Defensive line, they were in Brock Purdy's face from the first whistle to the last. The 49ers Christian McCaffery had a couple long gains but the defense pretty much shut down this highly touted 49ers offense. The Ravens defense had 5 interceptions!!!!!!!!! FIVE! and could have had more. Lamar Jackson........Lamar Jackson was the best player on the field, 100% without a doubt. At this point the MVP is Lamar Jackson's trophy to lose.

Lastly, the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff. Mike McDonald the ravens defensive coordinator did a masterful job, confusing Brock Purdy with disguised blitz's and coverage's. This guy is going to be a head coach somewhere. My biggest shout out goes to the Ravens Head coach John Harbaugh, he took his team across country, on Christmas day, a 5 point underdog, to play the extremely favored San Francisco 49ers. Not only did he have his team prepared to play but played the part of the Grinch and stole the 49ers Christmas. Pulled their pants down and spanked them on national television in front of the whole world.

Next up......Miami Dolphins in Baltimore on New Years eve day for the #1 seed in the AFC, and no I will not be picking against the Ravens.........not for the rest of the season. Nope.......no way.......no how.

Hello my Sherwood Acres neighbors, I had a reader ( really.......I am incredibly thankful someone looked forward to my amateur sports opinion column) suggest an interesting subject for me to comment on........that subject is Joe Flacco. He was right, that's a extremely interesting subject in light of what it may or may not mean to the Baltimore Ravens

Let's first take a look back at the history of Joe Flacco and the Ravens. The Ravens drafted Joe Flacco in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft, he was a star quarterback out of Delaware State college.......not exactly a Division one powerhouse. Flacco transferred to Delaware from Pittsburgh university because of a lack of playing time. But the Ravens saw something in Flacco. He was tall, smart and had a strong arm.

Flacco was Baltimore's starting quarterback from 2008 until midway through the 2018 season, and helped lead the Ravens to the playoffs six times; during his tenure in Baltimore the Ravens won the AFC North twice, appeared in three AFC Championship Games, and beat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season. Flacco was named Super Bowl XLVII's MVP, concluding a postseason run in which he tied Joe Montana's single postseason record for touchdown passes (11) without an interception. That off-season, he signed a six-year contract worth $120.6 million, a record high for a quarterback at the time.

In 2018 the Ravens traded away picks to get back in the first round of the draft at #32.....last pick of the draft and stunned the NFL world by drafting Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson was passed by every team in the draft. The Ravens had already picked their first rounder (Hayden Hurst) before jumping in to snatch the promising QB. Most teams thought of Lamar Jackson as a wide receiver. But again, the Ravens saw something in the young prospect. With a hip injury and a decline in performance the Ravens were forced in to starting Jackson. Jackson not only put performed Flacco but essentially took his job. Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos where once again he suffered an injury (neck) and was cut. Spent some time on the New York Jets roster with little success. In 2021 Flcco signed a one year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles but failed to make an appearance. Late that same year Joe Flacco ended up once again with the New York Jets as a backup. Played there till 2022.

AT the ripe age of 38 Joe Flacco wasn't given up his dream of playing again in the NFL. He was working out everyday throwing the ball to his brother and father.......keeping his arm strong. After a severe shoulder injury to the Cleveland Browns quarterback Desean Watson the Browns came a calling.....

Flacco immediately found a connection with Cleveland's top receivers Amari Cooper and Eliijah Moore. In four starts Joe Flacco has thrown more yards than any other QB. Flacco has lead the re surging Browns to an 11-5 record......right on the heels of the AFC leading Baltimore Ravens 12-3. After struggling to reah 500 the Browns clinched a Playoff spot by beating the New York Jets Thursday night by drubbing the Jets 37-20.

The irony in this entire story is that as most of us know the baltimore Ravens were the Cleveland Browns till owner Art Modell under economic pressure moved his team to Baltimore. Three years later Cleveland was awarded an expansion team and they kept the beloved name of the Browns. because of the move the Browns fans have never really forgiven Baltimore. Joe Flacco was the quarterback of the Ravens when Baltimore won their second Super Bowl trophy. Now that same Joe Flacco finds himself engineering a hopeful Super Bowl run for those same Cleveland Browns......and their loyal fan base.

Honestly, as happy as I am for Joe Flacco and his newly found resurgence I want no parts of seeing Joe Flacco in a Browns jersey playing the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs in M&T Bank......no way.....no how. I don't even want to chance it. The story is to big......after almost 30 years the Browns have their chance for revenge? With our Super Bowl MVP that was sent packing leading the charge? Oh hell no! I want no parts of that. The Ravens have clinched a spot and now Cleveland has clinched a spot......my worst nightmare is on a collision course to happen. Lamar Jackson took Flacco's job and Flacco was not real happy about it at the time. He would like nothing better then to knock off the #1 seed of the AFC.

This story book season for the Baltimore Ravens ended by a almost 39 year old QB that was sitting on his couch just a few months ago........if this is a nightmare........please wake me up. For the love of the little baby Jesus and all things holy.......someone please knock off the Cleveland Browns......Thank you..

Good Morning Sherwood Acres!!!!!!!!! It's game day!!!!! Happy New Year!!!!!! Please have a safe and happy celebration.

It's game day!!!!!! I am going to make this one short and sweet, unlike the novel I wrote last time.

This game will be much like last week, the difference is that it's for all the marbles as far as the regular season is concerned. Up for grabs is the AFC #1 seed in the playoffs, the AFC North division crown and many perceive this game as the game that may determine the League MVP winner. There's a lot riding on this game and every Ravens player understands that. The Ravens will come out firing on all cylinders. The key to the game will be if the Dolphins can with stand the onslaught the Ravens are going to come with. The biggest mismatch of the game is the Dolphin O line against the Ravens Pro Bowl level D line. The Ravens D line must be chopping at the bit for this game to start. If the Ravens cn control the Dolphins run game and control the clock it's going to be a long day for the Dolphins.

No I haven't forgot about Tyreek Hill, he's going to get his......the Ravens just need to limit the damage. They can't let Hill go off and get a 200 yard game. He's going to score........just how much is key. Will the Ravens run the ball this game or come out and sling it like they did last week? I have no clue but at this point in the seasn and given the season we've had I am just going to trust the Ravens coaching staff. No second guessing here.

Won't predict a score but will predict a Ravens win. Have no idea if it will be close or another blow out.........I just think the leadership on the Ravens will not allow the team to be beat. This week like last week will be a slobber knocker. The Dolphins better tighten the chin strap cause the Ravens are coming. I am worried more about injuries than I am about a loss. Be safe and let it rip boys......

Dateline: December 31, 2023 4:31 Authorities from the Dept. of Natural Resources ( DNR ) visit M&T bank stadium and issue John Harbaugh and the Baltimore Ravens several citations for the abuse and cruelty to animals in their 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins........LOLOLOLOL 

Good Morning Sherwood Acres and Happy New Year! The Ravens carved up the Miami Dolphins yesterday and had sushi for their New Years eve celebration. There's no other way to describe what took place yesterday. It might as well been my 6-8 pee wee team at Middle River playing the Ravens. The Baltimore Ravens out played the Dolphins in every aspect of the game. Offense, Defense and special teams.

The Dolphins came in to the game as a legitimate contender, Tua Tagovailoa was a legit MVP candidate and the Ravens completely dismantled the Dolphins. Lamar Jackson cementing his own MVP campaign with 5 touchdown passes and a perfect QBR rating. I don't think you can underestimate how important the last two games have been for the Ravens. San Francisco and the Miami Dolphins were considered the top of the class......two of the best offenses in the NFL. These two teams were the best the NFL had to offer and the Ravens laid the smack down on both teams. These were not games where the Ravens won with 4th quarter heroics.......Tucker kicking walk off field goals. No.......these were dominate......over before the fourth quarter even started. 

This week against the Steelers I am not playing any starters. maybe for one series. Huntley is playing for Lamar, the girl that runs around giving water bottles to players.......suit up you are in for Ronnie Stanley, equipment guy, you're in for Roquan Smith.....Ball boy you are going in for Humphry. If I was John Harbaugh I would call Mike Tomlin of the Steelers and just forfeit the game.........No way I am going to jeopardize the health of my starters in a meaningless game. We sat down our starters in the last preseasn game and it will be the same for this game.

SO now, we will have almost THREE weeks until this team plays again. We seen what happened in 2019 when the team got the #1 seed and had a long rest, they came out rusty and completely wet the bed and lost to the Tennessee Titans. I don't see that happening with this team.....this head coach and these players. This is a veteran team and a much better coaching staff. They will navigate this time off much better then they did in 2019. That year the Ravens were young, it was Lamar Jackson's second season. They thought all they had to do was throw their helmets out on the field and win. This team won't do that. They will be locked in, they will come with the same focus. They understand what is needed. 

So on to the playoffs!!!!!!! I think the Ravens are poised for a great run......enjoy the ride. Happy New Year everyone! description