Too Early??

No, I'm not going to go on and on about an opportunity lost or a chance to get to the "big one" that slipped away. I'm going the other way. It was a great year by any standard. Forget what this team wanted to do or what fans and media thought before the season. This was a great season, the Ravens made it to the second most important game of the year. Period. All but three other teams in the league would give anything to say that. Nobody likes loser talk but the Ravens are far from losers. Here's the real question, did Baltimore peak too soon? Did this flash come too quick? The team will certainly lose a player or two; Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs just to name a few. But who knows. I've written about this plenty of times, the front office in Baltimore is one of a hand full that is the best in the league. They find talent, make talent and keep talent. They will have this team ready next year. So, to answer my own question... NO they did not peak too soon. Next year knowing the QB, Coach etc will be a huge help. Losing Rex Ryan will hurt but that side of the ball has enough leaders to overcome. As for holes to be filled. Corner needs some work. Another WR won't hurt anybody, and the Ravens have the foresight to draft linemen on both sides of the ball needed or not. It's smart, linemen go down left and right. Build from the inside out, keep it simple. The Ravens have plenty of talent, they just need to fill a few gaps and let the mind wander about the future. Congrats Ravens and Ravens fans... it was one hell of a season.

Glenn Younes
Sirius XM Satellite Radio

HYPE

Lots and Lots of media types are hyping the Ravens, Yes, I'm in the media too, but unlike the rest I look at reality. I'm here to tell you...don't believe the hype. What? You think I'm saying the Ravens can't win. Oh no, not true. I'm saying they can win. I'm saying don't believe the hype, because it ain't hype. It's the truth. And like the Ravens defense... Oh baby does it hurt. There is only substance behind what the Ravens have accomplished. Not sure about you, but I wanted the Steelers to win. Not because I think they are a pushover. Pittsburgh is super tough, but Baltimore knows them. That's a team they can beat, that's a team they've played, that they owe! They need to get past Pittsburgh to get to where they want to go. I mean that both ways, like the Bulls with the Pistons. It was both a mental and physical hurdle. It's just so perfect that the AFC Championship could be redemption for all the wrong from the regular season. What bad call on Suggs in Baltimore against Tennessee? Right now that call means nothing to me. Could it have meant home field? Maybe, but you never know. Through hard times people learn, winners use losing as motivation. Maybe it helped, maybe it hurt, but who cares. Now they are here and here is all anyone should care about. The injuries should be a concern, but others can and will step up. One game, one team. A team they know, a team they owe. This time it’s not just talk… I will see you in Pitt.

Glenn Younes
Sirius XM Satellite Radio

OVER THE SHOULDER

Over the Shoulder is not just the title and not just the Willie Mays way Ed Reed changed the Playoff Game in Mia Sunday, it’s a metaphor for this Ravens team. Yes, it was unreal how Ed caught that ball going the wrong way, turned up field left, then back right and down the sidelines to the endzone for yet another pick 6. The game would never be the same. The Ravens took the lead and did so for good. Ed added yet another spectacular interception; in the RedZone I might add, coming clear out of the blue jumping the route. Add a fumble recovery and two other interceptions and the Ravens D turned over the Dolphins 5 times. That’s how it was won on paper, but remember “Over The Shoulder” should be the story. The team has all others looking over their shoulders, scared about the pass rush, scared of the run stoppers, scared of throwing the deep ball, scared to open up at the risk of turnovers a plenty. The reverse, however, is true for the Ravens . Each player can look over their shoulder and know a teammate has their back. This is a true team like I’ve written before and it’s so clear it smacks you in the face. The Pass rush is the reason the DBs can sit back and pick off QBs. DBs picking off QBs is the reason the Pass Rush is so strong. The Linebackers stop the run with the best of them because they get a good push from the D-line. But the D-line’s huge push is predicated on them knowing they have backers behind them making stops. The DB’s can take risks, jump routes and play possum knowing they have the push upfront. Each player knows they DON’T have to look over their shoulders, except to pat one another on the butt. This team is nasty, fast and more importantly smart. It’s coached well, has poise and will never let itself out of a game. I’m not saying the Ravens are a lock for Tampa but I am saying what I’ve been screaming all season. THIS TEAM HAS A SHOT and that’s all you can ask.

Congrats on the 1st playoff win since 2001 and to do it off a 5-11 season speaks to the entire franchise. See you in Nashville .

Stats to chew on: Ed Reed has 5 games, just this season, with 2 interceptions. 5 interceptions in 3 playoff games. 11 interceptions this season. 44 interceptions in his career along with12 TD. He’s a Safety and maybe the best ever.

Glenn Younes
Sirius XM Satellite Radio