It's one unique component to possess New England quarterback Tom Brady(notes) toss 44 passes in direction of the Ravens. it might be quite yet another once the likes of Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes) or even the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan(notes) are firing aside with abandon. Moreover, the Falcons didn't even make an effort to cover their prepare Thursday evening in the Georgia Dome, opening the gambling in the spread-formation, no-huddle assault and closing it making a 33-yard touchdown pass that still left Ravens cornerback Josh Wilson(notes) sprawled regarding the soil and complaining to an official about becoming mistreated.
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Talk about juxtaposition. It utilized to become Ravens defenders who still left opponents sprawled about, attempting to collect themselves actually and figuratively.
although the Ravens experienced a huge amount of chances to maintain apart from falling 26-21 to Atlanta, the storyline works much deeper than this one unique gambling and all the normal questionable calls that go with any contest. Fact is, Baltimore's defense is getting taken on by comprehensive throttle assault. A group that put in a decade defining malevolence and dread is getting challenged.
throughout the previous 4 games, the Ravens defense has permitted a minimal of 23 factors three times, these sorts of as being a season-high 34 in direction of Buffalo. In just about every of individuals three games, all featuring blown fourth-quarter leads, the opposing quarterback threw a minimal of 43 passes (Fitzpatrick's comprehensive as he fired his method to 373 yards).
Worse, Baltimore's third-down defense in direction of Atlanta was atrocious. The Falcons converted 12-of-20 3rd downs knowning that doesn't consist of three alot more that experienced been converted by Baltimore penalties. Of individuals twelve conversions, nine arrived by way of pass plays and yet another arrived on a scramble by Ryan.
area of Atlanta's accomplishment was an up-tempo attack, featuring a constant mixture of no-huddle calls, which swiftly wore down Baltimore defenders. By late within the first quarter, some Baltimore defensive game enthusiasts experienced been attempting to find the oxygen tanks.
"I don't know if it experienced been that individuals just played Sunday, but i experienced been tired," explained defensive tackle Haloti Ngata(notes), whose sentiments experienced been echoed by Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson(notes). "They do a good employment of preserving the tempo up. i have just obtained to become prepared for it."
although teammates admitted to fatigue, special ed hardy Reed(notes) brushed faraway from any sense of concern.
"Those stats are for you all to be bothered about. We only be bothered about one unique stat wins," Reed said, who later on yelled out jokingly to some teammate, "Just admit it, we gave it away."
And Ryan with season highs in completions (32), efforts (50) and yards (321) as well as three touchdown passes surely was in the getting mood. The Falcons simply series the gambling in his hands, not even pretending to series up the operate (the Falcons completed with 23 carries).
Yet, getting picked apart with a third-year passer didn't appear to be to bother Reed.
"Naw, we've noticed that several time, even from the begin of games," Reed said. "We experienced Peyton Manning(notes) do that to us once."
OK, that's Manning. although Ryan deserves a good offer of credit history for his quick development, the fact is the fact that he's a lengthy way from becoming regarding the specific same level as Manning. appropriate now, however, Baltimore is getting attacked by just about every level of quarterback.
one unique from the reasons is obvious: Injuries have still left the Ravens ridiculously thin at cornerback. The Falcons went appropriate right after second-year corner Lardarius Webb(notes) after which challenged Wilson, who was picked up in training camp from Seattle, regarding the game-winner.
"I understood they experienced been arriving appropriate after me," explained Webb, who also fumbled a punt come back within the first 1 / 2 and was visibly disappointed. "I didn't have whatever near for the type of gambling I expected. This isn't what I worked so tough on all day to do."
White and Ryan celebrate their game-winning connection.(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
As for Wilson, the very last touchdown was the defining moment. Facing a first down from the Baltimore 33-yard collection with 27 mere seconds remaining, the Falcons experienced been down 21-20 and hoping to some minimal of get in much better place for a area goal. Instead, they shipped the knockout punch.
great receiver Roddy White(notes), who ongoing his Pro Bowl-caliber season with twelve catches for 138 yards and two touchdowns, ran appropriate at Wilson. At roughly the 20-yard line, White created get in contact with with Wilson. The replay didn't existing precisely what White did, but there is minor make any difference he strike Wilson tough sufficient to knock him down, a perform that effortlessly could are actually categorised as offensive pass interference.
Ryan then tossed for the abruptly wide-open White, who carried it the sleep from the way in which for the go-ahead score. Wilson ran for the official, waving his arms within the refreshing air in dismay, but obtained no sympathy and no banner for his complaint.
"It is what it really is," Wilson explained appropriate following the game, declining to repeat what he explained for the official.
although the White-Wilson perform was debated lengthy to the night, what's apparent is the fact that this exploitation of Baltimore's leaky defense isn't running to stop. On Atlanta's first touchdown, operating back yet again Jason Snelling(notes) obtained cost-free for a 28-yard rating in direction of a busted coverage. White's first touchdown a 4-yard catch previously within the fourth quarter arrived on a bread-and-butter perform the Falcons operate all the time. Nonetheless, it experienced been barely contested by Baltimore.
In short, it isn't what the sports world has can come to expect from the Ravens, who permitted no alot more than 17 factors in just about every of the first 5 contests. At 6-3, they even now contain the seem of your playoff team, however it might good be tight within the AFC. At 7-2, the Falcons seem just like a group that could effortlessly article twelve wins and grab a top seed within the NFC.
"This was surely a playoff atmosphere," Reed said. "Hopefully, we see individuals guys in Dallas."
That could well be the extremely Bowl. At this rate and with this pass defense it is tough envisioning that scenario.
Jason Cole is recognized as being a nationwide NFL writer for Yahoo! Sports. deliver Jason a make any difference or comment for achievab
