Jerry Coleman: The Ravens Fly Past Division Leader
The Ravens earned win number four on the season after outlasting the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 in OT. It was an uncharacteristic beginning for Baltimore as they started fast, something that the team has been pressing for, and was the first time they held a lead since week five at Miami. It was the arm of Quarterback Joe Flacco that carried the team in the first half . During the first quarter the team would jump out to an early 7-0 lead with the help of Dallas Clark catching a 1-yard pass in the red zone for their first points in the opening quarter since Week 1. Flacco continues to guide the Ravens on a hot streak in November at home. With the win Baltimore is now 9-1 at M&T Bank Stadium in the month of November. And as he stated: "We'll take them, it's not matter how you get them".
But besides the performance of Flacco - who did have 3 turnovers- the Ravens defense looked like their predecessors. Being in Baltimore didn't hurt. Since the 2003 season, they rank first in fewest points allowed per game, among NFL home teams. With the 3 interceptions and 5 sacks that the Ravens D racked up in the game they have a total of 120 INT's and 236 sacks at the Bank, which is the most in the NFL since 2003. "That's why you have to play until the end, things happen, but we were able to finish." Linebacker Elvis Dumervil said after the game.
Dumervil 1-on-1
It will be a game that will be remembered not only for the play at the end to force overtime but for the "Purple and Black's "relentless effort to not give up. That is a major part of being a playoff team, one that plays until the final whistle. Head Coach John Harbaugh said, "I felt they showed the heart of champions." That's what happens when a team practices hard and executes to the best of their abilities. Now that the Ravens are 4-5 they are 1 ½ games back, and still in the hunt for the AFC North Division title. With a trip to Cincy still to come in the final week.
Hear from Kicker Justin Tucker on his 5th game winning Field Goal since joining the Ravens:
Tucker 1-on-1
Hear from Safety James Ihedigbo on his 2 INT's , 6 tackles, and 1 poor pass deflection:
