Friday, October 08, 2004
Baltimore Ravens are still the odds-on favourites
Baltimore Ravens are still the odds-on favourites to win the AFC North
despite losing at home to a rejuvenated Kansas City Chiefs. The defeat
dropped the Ravens (2-2) from first position in the division, one game
behind Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1).
Those looking to back the Ravens or already with a financial
investment should though have one or two concerns.
The Baltimore defence failed to live up to expectations, as Priest
Holmes became the first running back in the past 10 games to rush for
more than 100 yards against the Ravens D.
In offence Jamal Lewis was limited to 73 yards rushing, which
ultimately proved the difference between the two teams. When the
running back carries less than 20 times as was so against Kansas, the
AFC North favourites are 2-5 over the past two seasons.
Upcoming opponents of the Baltimore Ravens will not only have taken
note of the defensive tactics employed by Kansas, but also whether
Jamal Lewis will have to miss playing time due to court time, jail
time, an NFL suspension.
Losing Lewis to suspension would put a severe dent in Baltimore's
playoff hopes. The Ravens' next four games are against Washington,
Buffalo, Philadelphia and Cleveland. After that, their next three
games are against the Jets, Dallas and New England, who are a combined
8-1.
With or without Jamal Lewis this is a tough looking schedule and it is
not inconceivable that Baltimore might lose more than they win giving
the other teams in the division a superb chance of making the
play-offs.
despite losing at home to a rejuvenated Kansas City Chiefs. The defeat
dropped the Ravens (2-2) from first position in the division, one game
behind Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1).
Those looking to back the Ravens or already with a financial
investment should though have one or two concerns.
The Baltimore defence failed to live up to expectations, as Priest
Holmes became the first running back in the past 10 games to rush for
more than 100 yards against the Ravens D.
In offence Jamal Lewis was limited to 73 yards rushing, which
ultimately proved the difference between the two teams. When the
running back carries less than 20 times as was so against Kansas, the
AFC North favourites are 2-5 over the past two seasons.
Upcoming opponents of the Baltimore Ravens will not only have taken
note of the defensive tactics employed by Kansas, but also whether
Jamal Lewis will have to miss playing time due to court time, jail
time, an NFL suspension.
Losing Lewis to suspension would put a severe dent in Baltimore's
playoff hopes. The Ravens' next four games are against Washington,
Buffalo, Philadelphia and Cleveland. After that, their next three
games are against the Jets, Dallas and New England, who are a combined
8-1.
With or without Jamal Lewis this is a tough looking schedule and it is
not inconceivable that Baltimore might lose more than they win giving
the other teams in the division a superb chance of making the
play-offs.
