Bob Haynie: Ravens Are 3 Wins From A World Championship
The NFL Playoffs start this weekend and the Baltimore Ravens will not be playing. And that's a good thing.
The reason for their absence from the action is that they won the AFC North and earned a first-round bye. A much needed and deserved bye.
When the Ravens do return to the field on January 15th at M & T Bank Stadium, they will be three victories away from winning the Super Bowl.
For the first time in the history of the franchise, Baltimore finished it's regular season home schedule undefeated. As a matter of fact, the Ravens have won 18 ot their last 19 games at M & T. Home-field is a major advantage for them.
The AFC features three teams that are considered favorites to win the conference championship. Along with the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens are one of them.
Baltimore is the most balanced of the three.
Although explosive on offense, New England allows over 400 YPG on defense to rank 31st in the league. The Steelers are a banged up group that just lost RB Rashard Mendenhall for the postseason with a knee injury.
The Ravens do have some players dealing with bumps and bruises. But, thanks to the bye, most of them will be ready for the first playoff game.
Are the Ravens the perfect football machine? Nope. that team doesn't exist in 2011-12. Are they a dangerous team with plenty of postseason experience? You bet.
For those who would still rather complain about what doesn't go right, how about you lighten up and enjoy the ride.
Keep in mind, the Ravens are three wins away from being World Champions.
BH
