Watch CBS News

Scott Garceau: 4 Down 12 To Go

Take your pads off, put your feet up and have a cold beverage you've earned some much deserved rest. After winning 2 games in 5 days the Ravens get a mini-bye before they play in Kansas City a week from Sunday. From here the first quarter of the season went as scripted. An impressive spanking of the Bengals in the opener followed by a split in their back to back heavy-lifting games against the Eagles and Patriots.

The Thursday night win over the Browns wasn't a classic but it was a win and really that's all that matters. The first quarter of the season continued a Ravens trend. John Harbaugh's Mighty Men can't be beat at home but on the road they are rather ordinary. Just the facts. The Ravens have won 20 of their last 21 regular season home games but on the road, including playoff games, they've lost 7 of their last 11. There's some road work ahead with 3 of the last 4 away from M&T Bank Stadium. Road trips to KC, Houston and Cleveland will be separated by a home game against Dallas and a bye week.

No team has ever won the Super Bowl in September but you can lose one this time of the year, just ask the 0-3 Saints who are teetering on the edge of the NFL cliff. The Ravens are in a transition period with the defense trending down and the offense on the rise so far so good. They look like the Ravens team we've been watching for several years, ups and downs but more good than bad and in the end a top contender in the AFC.

The Ravens suffered a crushing blow in the off-season when they lost the AFC Defensive Payer of the Year, but Terrell Suggs is on the mend and the Ravens got through the first 4 games without any major injuries. Like their 3-1 record so far so good.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.