Jerry Coleman: Chargers Shock Ravens

San Diego halted the Ravens November winning streak at 10, narrowly defeating them 34-33. It's the Ravens first loss this season when leading after three quarters. The Purple, and Black did start fast taking only 4:14 off the clock on their first possession with Joe Flacco connecting with Torrey Smith for a 16-yard touchdown.

Despite taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, the Ravens would struggle to capitalize on their red zone opportunities, finishing 3-7 when they had chances to score inside the 20, settling for FGs instead of TDs. The players know they had plenty of chances, and although Torrey Smith finished the day with 2 scores, the only thing that matters was the final score.

"That was huge, it was the difference in the game. We wouldn't have had to worry about them scoring at the end if we had scored more touchdowns at the end of the game. The defense wouldn't have been under pressure like they were, and we have to take responsibility for that."

The lack of touchdowns was not the only aspect the Ravens struggled on Sunday, committing 14 penalties for a total of 98 yards. The 14 tie (three other occasions) for the second most in team history (the record is 21 on 10/9/05 at Det.). One of those 14 was a pivotal moment late in the game. Chargers were driving down field, and quarterback Philip Rivers took a shot toward the end zone to Malcolm Floyd, the pass was ruled incomplete, then came a pass inference call . That vital mistake was made by safety Anthony Levine, resulting in the Chargers game-winning touchdown on the next play.

Here is Harbaugh's reaction after the game.

"My understanding is that both players, the offensive and defensive player, is supposed to have an opportunity to go make a play on the ball. I saw a corner trying to make a play on the ball with a forearm on his chest and clavicle area being held down, not allowed to be jumped for the ball. That's a disappointing situation. I think a corner should be given the chance to defend, and I know he wasn't given a chance to defend on that play. That's not fair to the player. Players should be the guys determining the outcome of the game in a situation like that, without question."

Rivers finished with three touchdowns, and compiled nearly 400 yards passing. The Ravens had their hands full trying to get to the veteran QB. Even though the Ravens were able to sack Rivers twice he was able to make plays when it mattered most and Elvis Dumervil was not pleased with how they Rivers was able to move around in the pocket and escape pressure.

"We didn't do enough. They did a good job up front. Philip Rivers is a pro quarterback. He made a lot of good plays. He kept things alive. We have to do better. Rushing and coverage go hand in hand. They gave us some time to get back there sometimes, and sometimes it was the other way around. Collectively as a team, we just have to be more efficient."

Now that the Ravens absorbed a devastating loss at home, they still have a chance to win the AFC North with just four weeks to go in the regular season. Those final four games set up nicely and veteran LB Terrell Suggs understands the importance of these games. "If we win them all, we're 11-5. Usually that's good enough. It all starts with next week. We definitely need to have that game."

"That game" is at Miami then the Ravens play two teams from the AFC South who have a combined win total of nine. To close out the season they take on a division foe Cleveland in Baltimore. With everybody in the AFC North tied for second, with the exception of the division leading Bengals, it will be a free for all as the season inches closer to the end.
 
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