Divisional - Baltimore Ravens (11-6) vs. New England Patriots (12-4)

[LordRavens]

30-24 patriots. That secondary scares me ):

[AsianRice]

bloody hell...Sat didn't come soon enough....All I was thinking about the game, reminding me my first lover....

[Canadian_Raven]

 From:  http://profootballguru.com/articles/nfl-referee-breakdowns-2014-afc-nfc-divisional-playoffs

 

A different take on this weekend’s NFL Divisional Playoff Games.

Baltimore at New England: Bill Vinovich

Vinovich will referee the early Saturday divisional game. On the season, Vinovich’s .600 home team winning percentage tied for fifth-best among 2014’s referees. Similarly, his .667 percentage of home teams having fewer penalties was tied for fourth-highest in the NFL.

The Ravens are 3-3 with Vinovich and have had fewer penalties than the opposition 4/6 times. On challenges, Baltimore is 0/5 while opponents are 1/3. Replay Assistant is 0/5 with three of those decisions benefiting the Ravens.

The Patriots are 3-1 under Vinovich and have had fewer penalties 2/4 times. Bill Belichick has never had to throw the challenge flag from his socks with Vinovich. Opponents have tried twice and are 0/2. Replay Assistant is 1/1.

Vinovich is a CPA and actually refereed an NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament game between Virginia Tech and Illinois in 2007. For the NFL, he has refereed four playoff games. Home teams are 1-2 and have had fewer penalties on 1/3 occasions.

 

I remembered that Divisional game against Denver, which he refereed. I thought the guy was fair. I don't remember any questionable calls... Glad he was there to let the players play.

[Minionhunter]

I could have sworn that Clete Blakeman was listed to ref this game as late as two days ago and now it seems like it has been scrubbed from the Web. Does anyone else remember this? I'm going to have to go back to archiving all Web pages viewed. Either way I just want to see a fair and consistent game. 

 

Let's just go win this [Joe's quote] game. 

[Minionhunter]

My pic is me predicting this game in May. Let's just win and celebrate at the dead center of Gillette. 

 

I promise not to talk to my best friend Saturday until after the game is over, that should do it. Every time even if just at the end if I talk to him during the game, we loose. I sincerely apologize for the ending the perfect season game and for last year's game last year (what was I thinking I had him over to my house because we couldn't loose...). Never again.

 

Let's just go win this [Joe's quote]  game. 

[Minionhunter]

I sent my daughter off to "Patriots day" at her elementary school today wearing her purple and black polka-dot dress with black pants. She wanted to wear her flacco jersey but I knew that she would be teased too much for her to handle so I had her wear the dress and said not to say anything about the Ravens. I said if anyone says anything to tell them that she is wearing purple and black because that is the color of the bruises that football players get when they play.  I told her she didn't have to do anything to support the Patriots. 

 

The best part was after she agreed that it was a good and sneaky plan not to wear the jersey she said:

 

"Well, if they have a steelers day, I'm wearing my flacco jersey."

 

That's my girl. (big grin and hug) 

[Moderator 3]

I could have sworn that Clete Blakeman was listed to ref this game as late as two days ago and now it seems like it has been scrubbed from the Web. Does anyone else remember this? I'm going to have to go back to archiving all Web pages viewed. Either way I just want to see a fair and consistent game. 

 

Let's just go win this [Joe's quote] game.

Blakeman was last week.

[AsianRice]

Anyone check out our players' picture heading to Foxborough?

 

They are well dressed and looked sharp for big game.

 

I'm pumped!!!

[cursona pirate]

The good thing about my anxiety I get pumped up for things that I really dont have a variable in. Im pumped. Really pumped.

[Alaska Alaska!]

I'm not pumped.  I'm nervous.  I really don't wanna lose to NE.  I really REALLY don't wanna lose to them and their fanbase.  

[Minionhunter]

Blakeman was last week.

 

Agreed Blakeman was last week and I swear I read several articles the next day that said he would be Refereeing this game too. I thought it was weird but he had a good game and just wished him well and that he would have a good game this week too. Then it seemed to switch and I can't find the articles. ESPN and others are known to edit articles to purge things th hey don't like. If it was a change in crews my guess is the NFL wants the most sound crew possible and a fair game will be called. I hope that it is fair for both teams favoring no one and the players and coaches decide the game without controversy. 

 

I think that most people want a uniform playing officiating job. 

I could have sworn that Clete Blakeman was listed to ref this game as late as two days ago and now it seems like it has been scrubbed from the Web. Does anyone else remember this? I'm going to have to go back to archiving all Web pages viewed. Either way I just want to see a fair and consistent game. 

 

Let's just go win this [Joe's quote] game. 

[Moderator 3]

Finally, some really good news:

@RavensInsider: Ravens' team bus got into an extremely minor accident, no injuries sustained, a taxi cab side view mirror got scraped.

We all know what happens when the team bus gets into an accident.

[argoLUBAL528]

All I have to say is!

 

Great moments are born from great opportunity.

And that's what you have here tonight, boys.

 

That's what you've earned here, tonight.

 

One game.

 

If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine.

 

But not this game. Not tonight.

 

Tonight, we play with 'em.

Tonight, we stay with 'em, and we shut them down because we can!

 Tonight, we are the greatest football team in the world.

 

You were born to be football players -- every one of ya.

 

And you were meant to be here tonight.

 

This is your time.

 

Their time -- is done. It's over.

 

 I'm sick and tired of hearin' about what a great football team the Patriots have.

 Screw 'em!

 

This is your time!!

 

 

 

 

Now go out there and take it!

 

LETS GO RAVENS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Alaska Alaska!]

Finally, some really good news:

@RavensInsider: Ravens' team bus got into an extremely minor accident, no injuries sustained, a taxi cab side view mirror got scraped.

We all know what happens when the team bus gets into an accident.

Oh god.  I hope after winning tomorrow, that we won't have to rely on that as a positive sign us getting a victory. 

[Inqui]

My nerves have been building over the past 48 hours and I'm slowly devolving into a wreck.

I like how our defence matches up. Hit Brady, jump on the short routes, whack Gronk and co and keep them to FGs. I think our bend but don't break philosophy will keep us close.

Offensively I'd be a blind homer to say I don't fear these guys. We've had our share of breaks going our way in the past but this unit looks really good. Joe and the OL will both need to be lights-out, but I'm optimistic about guys like Daniels, Camp, Brown and Aiken quietly stepping up and playing well for us.

Predictions:

*We lose by one score, with less than 40 points scored in the game combined.

*The majority of Patriots fans will be insufferable and I'll be begging for an NFC Lombardi winner.

*Even despite that, the season will have been an unmitigated success and the future will be looking even better.

[1/28/01]

I've started drinking. And when I drink, we mostly win.

[beanfigger]

I've started drinking. And when I drink, we mostly win.

...or so you think. Hard to remember.

[beanfigger]

All I have to say is!

Great moments are born from great opportunity.

And that's what you have here tonight, boys.

That's what you've earned here, tonight.

One game.

If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine.

But not this game. Not tonight.

Tonight, we play with 'em.

Tonight, we stay with 'em, and we shut them down because we can!

Tonight, we are the greatest football team in the world.

You were born to be football players -- every one of ya.

And you were meant to be here tonight.

This is your time.

Their time -- is done. It's over.

I'm sick and tired of hearin' about what a great football team the Patriots have.

Screw 'em!

This is your time!!

Now go out there and take it!

LETS GO RAVENS!

Great post.

I wish there was a clock that could somehow be posted in the OP of these threads that counts down the seconds until kickoff. That would be awesome.

[Gordo52]

Saved Phelps for something special... Great touch.

[RavensPunkXVX]

I haven't really watched Browner play too much. What's he like on the speed side of things? I know he's physical, but is there any chance Torrey can roast him?

If so, I like that match up and then Steve Smith getting chippy with Revis. Should be interesting to watch. Gonna keep my eye on Jamie Collins too. 

[FerrariFan87]

I haven't really watched Browner play too much. What's he like on the speed side of things? I know he's physical, but is there any chance Torrey can roast him?

If so, I like that match up and then Steve Smith getting chippy with Revis. Should be interesting to watch. Gonna keep my eye on Jamie Collins too. 

Browner was the most penalized DB in the NFL I believe... I foresee at least 1 PI and/or Holding tomorrow.

 

Also, I think Torrey can smoke him, but he's going to get help over the top all game with Revis on his island.

[1/28/01]

Saved Phelps for something special... Great touch.

Who knows what he was doing there when they took that pic.

[Gordo52]

Who knows what he was doing there when they took that pic.

Eh, just assuming he was either drunk or high at the time and was wondering that himself.

[allblackraven]

Who knows what he was doing there when they took that pic.

Lol, we have pretty good idea, I reckon...

[codizzle]

I haven't really watched Browner play too much. What's he like on the speed side of things? I know he's physical, but is there any chance Torrey can roast him?

If so, I like that match up and then Steve Smith getting chippy with Revis. Should be interesting to watch. Gonna keep my eye on Jamie Collins too.

Torrey can destroy browner if he can get off the line.. But browner will definitely have help top side

Consistently working the middle will be key...

Need some solid receptions from Owen and Aiken over the middle

[ROH522155]

It's game day. Let's go beat these fools.

[arnie_uk]

Nervous as hell now

[Grapple Raven]

I really want the Ravens to win this game so bad!  I would really love to see Brady throw a couple of his hissy fits, lol.   But no matter what happens later today, I am really proud of our team for what they have accomplished this season!  That being said, let's go win this game Ravens! Time to PurpleUp!!!

[allblackraven]

11 more hours. Hope I'll manage at least a nap tonight.

 

Uffffffffffffffffff...

[Inqui]

11 more hours. Hope I'll manage at least a nap tonight.

Uffffffffffffffffff...

Ugh, I'm the same. This season it's been nice to wake up at a decent hour and start the day with the Ravens, but right now it's time to pay the piper for that luxury.