Biggest Game Of The Year?

[eandb17]

The Ravens beat the Steelers twice this year, the Texans, Jets, but this game versus the Bengals is by far the biggest game of the year for several different reasons.

1) The AFC North will be on the line, a first round bye, and a #2 or #1 seed. How awesome would it be to have a home game at the bank?

2) Recently the Ravens have been slumping (blown out by Chargers, nearly lost to Browns.) If we want any momentum going into the playoffs the Ravens must win and win convincingly.

3) If the Ravens win here, we will have swept the AFC North and asserted our dominance for this year and years to come.

4) Though the playoffs have not started yet, this could be Flacco's proving ground. Flacco has been under much scrutiny for his performance as of late. This week, he can silence the haters or just make them louder.

5) The Ravens need a bye in order to get Boldin healthy. As much as I love Torrey Smith, we can not go into the playoffs with Torrey Smith as our #1 Wide Receiver.

6) A dominating win here would silence the Ravens haters from around the league (for the time being.) Though this is less instrumental to the team's success, it could not hurt Flacco's confidence if NFL Network and ESPN were not ragging on him all the time.

As you can see, there is so much at stake in this game and I am really excited to see how we will perform under all of this pressure, thoughts?

[BenDufusberger]

It's almost as critical as an actual playoff game because the bye week and home game advantage can have a huge influence on how well we do in the playoffs.

It's also big as a test of our pass defense. We failed the most recent test - against the Chargers - and we've got to be able to stop the teams with good QB/receiver combos to have any chance of getting to and winning the SB.

[ravens2daplayoffs]

I am really excited for this game. We always play well under pressure so I'm not expecting a Jacksonsville/Seattle kind of game, but AJ Green makes me nervous. I'm not sure our corners (aside from Webb) can handle a big, fast Wide Receiver, but I think we can hold him to maybe 5 catches and a TD. I also want them to win so I can FINALLY go to a home playoff game.

[flynismo]

[quote name='ravens2daplayoffs' timestamp='1325200533' post='926364']
I am really excited for this game. We always play well under pressure so I'm not expecting a Jacksonsville/Seattle kind of game, but AJ Green makes me nervous. I'm not sure our corners (aside from Webb) can handle a big, fast Wide Receiver, but I think we can hold him to maybe 5 catches and a TD. I also want them to win so I can FINALLY go to a home playoff game.
[/quote]


Not to worry, The Jimmy shut AJ down in college; and Webb will be fine against him as well

[Ozzsome]

When we get the #2 seed i think we go to indianapolis. because in the divisional round the steelers IMO would beat the patriots and the texans would come to the bank. and in the championship game we would have a very slight edge over the steelers because of homefield advantage and win a hard fought game

[gabefergy]

I guess this game is the biggest game of the year, but only because the Ravens made it that way. If we hadnt lost to Jax, Sea, SD this game would be pretty meaningless. Looking back I still think winning @ Pitt was a bigger game than this, but that's only true if we win this game so it all comes down to perspective. Needless to say this game is a must win and as the guys in the locker room have been saying, the playoffs start in week 17.

[arnie_uk]

As Gabe said, weve made it the biggest, we could easily be resting starters if we just pulled our act together in an early game or two. Every week from now on in this same thread could be started

[K-Dog]

AJ is going to get tangled in Lardarius s webb.

NOTHING, NOTHING about this game has me feeling confidant.

It is the biggest game thus far. I hate to sound cliche' but it is game one of the playoffs for us.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

We must win. Period.

[GTRavens]

Screw humility, we don't have to win. We've had to go through the road every single year and we've done a pretty admirable job. There's no team in the AFC that we can't beat on the road in the playoffs, regardless of how bad we're supposed to be there. This game doesn't eliminate us, so no, this isn't "like" a playoff game regardless of how little confidence you have in this team.

[eandb17]

[quote name='GTRavens' timestamp='1325210231' post='926494']
Screw humility, we don't have to win. We've had to go through the road every single year and we've done a pretty admirable job. There's no team in the AFC that we can't beat on the road in the playoffs, regardless of how bad we're supposed to be there. This game doesn't eliminate us, so no, this isn't "like" a playoff game regardless of how little confidence you have in this team.
[/quote]

If we can't beat the Bengals on the road this week, we can't beat the Patriots or Steelers on the road

[Gordo52]

Both steeler games were.

[GTRavens]

[quote name='eandb17' timestamp='1325211180' post='926513']

If we can't beat the Bengals on the road this week, we can't beat the Patriots or Steelers on the road
[/quote]

Sure we can. We already did beat one of them.

[surlamer1052]

[quote name='eandb17' timestamp='1325199882' post='926352']
The Ravens beat the Steelers twice this year, the Texans, Jets, but this game versus the Bengals is by far the biggest game of the year for several different reasons.

1) The AFC North will be on the line, a first round bye, and a #2 or #1 seed. How awesome would it be to have a home game at the bank?

2) Recently the Ravens have been slumping (blown out by Chargers, nearly lost to Browns.) If we want any momentum going into the playoffs the Ravens must win and win convincingly.

3) If the Ravens win here, we will have swept the AFC North and asserted our dominance for this year and years to come.

4) Though the playoffs have not started yet, this could be Flacco's proving ground. Flacco has been under much scrutiny for his performance as of late. This week, he can silence the haters or just make them louder.

5) The Ravens need a bye in order to get Boldin healthy. As much as I love Torrey Smith, we can not go into the playoffs with Torrey Smith as our #1 Wide Receiver.

6) A dominating win here would silence the Ravens haters from around the league (for the time being.) Though this is less instrumental to the team's success, it could not hurt Flacco's confidence if NFL Network and ESPN were not ragging on him all the time.

As you can see, there is so much at stake in this game and I am really excited to see how we will perform under all of this pressure, thoughts?
[/quote]
This being the very first time I have posted anything on here.....I feel compelled to comment on this posting. I am 100% in agreement on it. I became a a converted Ravens fan after my Mothers's death almost 4 years ago. Living here in York,Pa. and alternating between the Ravens & Steelers..I was always torn between the 2. But not Mom, she had lived in Baltimore since 1960, and had always been a loyal fan. So last year I finally came to my sences and devoted my loyalty to the Ravens. But in these last 4 years I have always said to everyone that You just watch..Flaco will become 1 of the best quarterbacks in the NFL....I hope that this season will prove me right, and if not......then next year WILL!!!!

[surlamer1052]

[quote name='eandb17' timestamp='1325211180' post='926513']

If we can't beat the Bengals on the road this week, we can't beat the Patriots or Steelers on the road
[/quote]
Oh ye of little faith....last season would you have believed we beat the steelers twice this year?? and 1 of them being in their home court??Have faith my child...all things are possible

[Tank 92]

[quote name='K-Dog' timestamp='1325202780' post='926400']
[u][i][b]AJ is going to get tangled in Lardarius s webb.[/b][/i][/u] [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/wink.png[/img]

NOTHING, NOTHING about this game has me feeling confidant. [font=comic sans ms,cursive][b][size=2]Don't worry, be happy![/size][/b][/font]

It is the biggest game thus far. I hate to sound cliche' but it is game one of the playoffs for us.
[/quote]

Did you really say that? Really? [font=comic sans ms,cursive][b][size=2]Just yankin' your chain.[/size][/b][/font]


[quote name='BenDufusberger' timestamp='1325200488' post='926363']
It's almost as critical as an actual playoff game because the bye week and home game advantage can have a huge influence on how well we do in the playoffs.

It's also big as a test of our pass defense. We failed the most recent test - against the Chargers - and we've got to be able to stop the teams with good QB/receiver combos to have any chance of getting to and winning the SB.
[/quote]


This IS like the first game of the playoffs. The kittys need the win to guarantee a playoff berth. The Ravens need the win to guarantee the AFC North crown, a week off and a home Festivus game. It's almost one and done for both teams. I'm getting stoked already!

This game will define our season; We win and we pretty much meet the regular season goals. We lose, it's back on the road like the past 3 years and many others.

Even with an 11 and 4 record, the Ravens have been somewhat disappointing to many. (When)We win this game, and a lot of opinions and criticisms should change.

This is the biggest game since last year's Festivus. I hope and pray that we play like we did in the games that seemed to carry that extra incentive; both squealers games, jets, 49ers, etc..

Come on boys, kick some kitty butt!

[Alexir]

This game is most certainly the most important game of the year. If we lose, we go on the road to Denver or Houston and then NE or Pittsburgh. I don't like that at all....

This team cannot win on the road just 1-4 with games outside the division, and a perfect 2-0 inside division.

We need to go in there like first week of playoffs is Jan 1st.

[GTRavens]

And for those saying this is the most important game of the year, if we don't beat Pittsburgh twice we're not having this conversation. The fact that they were earlier does not make them count any less in the standings.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='GTRavens' timestamp='1325216098' post='926601']
And for those saying this is the most important game of the year, if we don't beat Pittsburgh twice we're not having this conversation. The fact that they were earlier does not make them count any less in the standings.
[/quote]

Or if we had taken care of business against other teams, the teams we were supposed to beat, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all. Every game is just as important as every other game, because you never know where you'll be at the end of the season.

[AsianRice]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1325216433' post='926607']

Or if we had taken care of business against other teams, the teams we were supposed to beat, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all. [b]Every game is just as important as every other game[/b], because you never know where you'll be at the end of the season.
[/quote]
It's true, but it's tough to come out every game with the same intensity as the last game, especially in the AFC.

[Tank 92]

[quote name='GTRavens' timestamp='1325216098' post='926601']
And for those saying this is the most important game of the year, if we don't beat Pittsburgh twice we're not having this conversation. The fact that they were earlier does not make them count any less in the standings.
[/quote]
[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1325216433' post='926607']

Or if we had taken care of business against other teams, the teams we were supposed to beat, we wouldn't be having this conversation at all. Every game is just as important as every other game, because you never know where you'll be at the end of the season.
[/quote]


The point is why even think about what has happened during the previous 16 weeks. It's a moot point and this game IS now the biggest game of the season. I hope the whole organization is focused on that fact and we go to cincy and take care of business.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1325211518' post='926521']
Both steeler games were.
[/quote]


Are you willing to chance another one on...on the road in Pitt? This game is huge for us. Those games mean nothing if we lose this. We lose division and play in Pitt. Those games will be worthless.

[JO_75]

Cam Cameron better call the game like it's the biggest game he has ever called and not go conservative. Cam better keep the foot on the pedal and not let up for 60 minutes.

The only thing standing in the way of the Ravens winning the North and securing a 1st Round Bye and a Home Playoff game is Cam Cameron's play calling.

[BenDufusberger]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1325216896' post='926619']
Cam Cameron better call the game like it's the biggest game he has ever called and not go conservative. [b]Cam better keep the foot on the pedal and not let up for 60 minutes.[/b]

The only thing standing in the way of the Ravens winning the North and securing a 1st Round Bye and a Home Playoff game is Cam Cameron's play calling.
[/quote]

No Cam do.

Sorry.

[Ravens549]

People that are shrugging this game off and saying we can go on the road and win three playoff games...WHAT?
So, we lose to the Bengals and you feel we will then roll on and beat 3 better teams in their houses with a playoff atmosphere?

Boy, I need some of your happy pills too! [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/sohappy.gif[/img]

[Grapple Raven]

This game seems like it is taking forever to get here, if it doesn't hurry up I will be in a heartburn treatment center by then, lol. If I get an ulcer it is going to be Cam's fault!
(jk)

Set out that bowl of milk and let's go get us some kitty's boys!!!

[Gordo52]

[quote name='Mick0311' timestamp='1325216836' post='926616']


Are you willing to chance another one on...on the road in Pitt? This game is huge for us. Those games mean nothing if we lose this. We lose division and play in Pitt. Those games will be worthless.
[/quote]
This game wouldnt matter as much if PITT would have beat us.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='AsianRice' timestamp='1325216656' post='926611']
It's true, but it's tough to come out every game with the same intensity as the last game, especially in the AFC.
[/quote]

Absolutely, but I guess my point was that every game, division rival or not, to me anyway, means the same thing. We're in the position we're in because of how we performed in the other 15 games we played. If we don't have 5 division wins already, we're not talking about this. If we didn't come back against the Cardinals, we're not talking about this. If we don't drop games to any one of the Seahawks, Titans, Jags, or Chargers, we're not talking about this. I don't like to consider any game bigger than the other during the regular season, because if you're in the position you find yourself in, you can look back and point to almost every other game, good or bad, and say "If something went differently here, we may be better or worse off than before".

However, I will say this. Securing home field advantage is going to be big for us, I think, because we've played so well at home and so inconsistently on the road.

[AsianRice]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1325259391' post='926808']

Absolutely, but I guess my point was that every game, division rival or not, to me anyway, means the same thing. We're in the position we're in because of how we performed in the other 15 games we played. If we don't have 5 division wins already, we're not talking about this. If we didn't come back against the Cardinals, we're not talking about this. If we don't drop games to any one of the Seahawks, Titans, Jags, or Chargers, we're not talking about this. I don't like to consider any game bigger than the other during the regular season, because if you're in the position you find yourself in, you can look back and point to almost every other game, good or bad, and say "If something went differently here, we may be better or worse off than before".

However, I will say this. Securing home field advantage is going to be big for us, I think, because we've played so well at home and so inconsistently on the road.
[/quote]
Yup and I think our players would definitely know that they work so hard and win all the divison games but 1 last game on Sunday to get into the position of sweeping the division with a bye and a home playoff game or even throughout the playoff.

It is a playoff this coming Sunday; there is no tomorrow....

[Dudeman]

Oh but isn't every game the most important game of the season? Such an odd thing but trust me, after Sunday the next game will be the most important, and then the next and the next if we get to the next game.

At least it's not do or die yet, but if we lose then we may feel a little like dying. But make no mistake, win or lose we wont be dead yet.