Rice runs through the Browns
When a team walks away from draft day before the season begins it’s hard to envision how much the players selected will factor into the success for the current campaign.

The Ravens got huge contributions from two of its rookies in Joe Flacco and Ray Rice to beat divisional rival, Cleveland Browns 37-27 and push their record to 5 and 3.

Joe Flacco continues to prove correct those around Baltimore who have nicknamed him Joe “Cool”. With Baltimore down two scores in the third quarter, he calmly directed two drives to tie the score at 27 with a 28 yard pitch and catch to Derrick Mason. He finished throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns and most importantly no turnovers.


The Baltimore rushing attack is an important part of the their offensive attack and with Willis McGahee a game time scratch due to an ankle injury their was at least some cause for concern. Ray Rice removed any doubt as he rushed for a career high 154 yards, including huge runs to set up scores later in the game. The game seems to have slowed down for him and he is now another viable weapon either on the ground or catching passes out of the backfield.

Derek Anderson had a decent day tossing two touchdowns of his own and could have had a third that fell through the hands of Braylon Edwards. But, his costly interception to Terrell Suggs slammed the door on any chance of a Cleveland comeback with 2:43 left in the game.

The Ravens will continue it’s travels on the road as they head to play their bye week makeup at Houston, while the Browns drop to 3-5 and will welcome the Denver Broncos to the shores of Lake Erie to open football on Thursday night.

Points to Ponder

- Mark Clayton. Nice of you to join us for the 2008 season. Clayton caught 4 for 87 and a touchdown. Nice recovery since he dropped an early touchdown in the first quarter. With Demetrius Williams now on IR, it becomes even more imperative for Clayton to step up and validate his first round selection.

- Haloti Ngata is a beast. He is having a breakout season and with Kelly Gregg on the shelf he is establishing a run clogging presence and he should be heading to his first of many trips to Hawaii.

- I’ve been more than pleased with Cam Cameron’s offensive game plan. But, on that last drive, I would have liked to see them run McClain off tackle and then on third down, ball fake and look to Todd Heap.

- Speaking of Heap, I’ll say it again. With Daniel Wilcox out AGAIN, why wouldn’t the team sign a blocking tight end and allow Heap to do what he does best, catch the football?

- With the team at its halfway point, things are ahead of schedule. I’ll give out my mid-term grade report later this week. Stay tuned.