The Ravens anemic offense was manhandled by the Jags defense and could only manage to squeeze out 16 total yards in the first half, a franchise record for Jacksonville. “They basically beat us with their defense,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I don’t think it was any one thing. It was a lack of execution. It’s almost as bad as you can play on offense.” Harabaugh was probably thinking of the fans that purchased Ravens tickets for this game and how embarrassed he is for their poor play.

The Jaguars defense didn’t allow a first down until late in the third quarter, and Ravens QB Joe Flacco who was under constant harassment in the pocket, was held to a grand total of 1 yard passing in the opening half.

For Scobee, the 3 field goals of 51, 54, and 54 yards tied an NFL record for most field goals of 50 yards or more in a game. Scobee has made 14 for 14 field goals this season, and has continued a team record of least one field goal in the last 15 consecutive games. But he wouldn’t even have gotten a chance to attempt three of them today had it not been for some crucial mistakes by the Ravens, and some second thoughts by Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio.

On Scobee’s first 54 yard field goal in the first quarter, Del Rio sent out the punting team before reconsidering his decision and calling them back off the field. Scobee got the nod and didn’t disappoint, as he booted it right through the uprights to put the Jaguars up 3-0.

In the second quarter Scobee got his chance again, when Jacksonville lined up to punt from the Ravens 40 yard line on fourth-and-12. But DE Paul Kruger was called for running into the kicker – a five yard penalty. That moved the ball five yards closer and Del Rio sent out Scobee once more, who nailed it again from 54 yards out. Del Rio said later he wasn’t going to let Scobee try from 59 yards.

Scobee tacked on a 22 yard field goal in the third quarter, when TE Marcedes Lewis dropped a third-down pass at the Ravens 4 yard line. That gave Jacksonville a 9-0 lead.

Baltimore finally got on the score board with a little over two minutes left in the game, when WR Anquan Boldin hauled in a 5 yard touchdown pass from QB Joe Flacco. The extra point was good and the score stood at 9-7 in favor of the Jaguars.

The Ravens had one final chance to try an onside kick, but they blew it when the kick stopped just inches short of the required 10 yards. Jacksonville had the ball and after running three plays, Scobee was called upon once more. He kicked his fourth and final field goal of the game, a 51 yard kick with 1:43 left to make the final score 12-7 Jaguars. This was a mere hiccup for the Ravens, as they will learn from their mistakes from this game. Sitting only one game away from first place, I am sure many fans will purchase Raven tickets for the next game to watch their team top the charts.

On the ensuing kickoff, Joe McKnight then takes the kickoff the distance and scores on a back of the end zone play for 107 yards, which was the longest play in Jets history. That play would tie the game at 7 still in the first quarter. So far its been a pretty exciting match for those that bought Ravens tickets for this game.

During the 2nd quarters there were two miscues by the Jets as Mark Sanchez fumbled 2 snaps given him by backup centers. The first was recovered by 3rd year pro Paul Kruger out of Utah. The next big play in the 2nd quarter was result of a big hit on Sanchez by Haloti Ngata. Outside linebacker Jerret Johnson took the fumble into the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown. At that point in the game, Baltimore already had a 27-7 lead. Before the end of the 2nd quarter though, Joe Flacco was looking for Ray Rice over the middle when David Harris picked off Flacco for a 33 yard interception return, bringing the Jets within 10 headed into the locker room after a field goal from the Jets.

The third quarter of this game was continuing on a back and forth see saw battle with Flacco once again being pressured and forced into another turnover, fumbling the ball on a scramble. Then with Sanchez’s own struggles continuing, being picked off by Lardarius Webb, a 3rd year pro out of Nicholls State. The Ravens and Jets were headed for the record 5 returns for touchdowns including 2 interceptions, 2 off fumbles and one kickoff return for the Jets. The other turnover by the Jets was the result of a Calvin Pace strip off a Ricky Williams run, which the Jets recovered on the play.

The fourth quarter saw little action as the Ravens held the ball for the 34-17 win.

The game saw little offensive game play as the defenses were dominant on both sides. 3 Defensive touchdowns for the Ravens was a franchise record. Very good job by the defense in making big plays and taking advantage of weaknesses of the Jets offense. The offensive will really have to start stepping it up if they want continue selling out of Ravens tickets.

Rex Ryan coached many of the Ravens players for several years as the defensive coordinator that the Ravens. It was an emotional time for Ray Lewis and other teammates who had only good things to say about their former coach.

Heading into the bye week, the Ravens have a 3-1 record and have a lead in the AFC west. If the Ravens are to continue to try and dominate at this level of play they will have to improve offensively and lead with the running game with better ball control through less forced turnovers by Flacco and company. There were only 3 receptions by wide receivers in this game for a total of 43 yards. The deep and intermediate passing game will have to come through in later games as they get ready for a playoff push.

Chris Carr – Thigh

Seven year pro defensive back Chris Carr from Boise State, is a solid contributor as a substitute defensive player and on special teams.  His thigh injury is expected to keep him out until week six.  For now he is still listed as questionable.  This veteran’s return will add needed depth to a perennially strong Ravens defensive squad.

Dannell Ellerbe – Hamstring

Injured defending against the Rams in week 3, Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe has just 75 tackles in a little more than two NFL seasons.  While he is considered a contributor, his injury is not considered a major loss for the Ravens.  Currently listed as questionable, expect Ellerbe’s return during week six vs Houston.

Lee Evans – Ankle

In his first year with the Ravens, Lee Evans the 8 Year pro receiver from Wisconsin has been out two weeks with an ankle injury.  The former Buffalo Bill is still being evaluated for a possible return in week 6 against Houston.  Evans’ best season came in 2006 when he racked up 1292 receiving yards on 82 receptions.  His last two seasons have produced only 1190 yards combined, but with five or hist first seven seasons over 800 yards receiving he is still considered a solid pro that can help quarterback Joe Flacco and the Baltimore offense down the stretch.

Haruki Nakamura – Knee

Playing mostly on special teams, free safety Nakamura isn’t expected to take any playing time away from starter Ed Reed. The former Cincinnati Bearcat is listed as questionable for a week six return against the Texans.  However as next on the depth chart at free safety, his return is important.

David Reed – Shoulder

The speedy wideout from Utah maintains his greatest value as a return man.  However, with much of the kickoff game diminished under new rules this season, expect his contributions to be limited. David began the season with a suspension and now needs to get past this injury to have the opportunity to show his teammates and coaches that he is ready to contribute. Expect a probable return week 6 against the Texans.

Jimmy Smith – Ankle

Rookie defensive back Jimmy Smith from Colorado is aiming to be ready to play the Texans during week 6 and is listed as questionable.  For now he is still considered to be more of a prospective talent than an impact player.  The Ravens fully expect that to change in the future as he should only improve with more playing time. Jimmy Smith should prove detrimental in keeping fans interested in buying Ravens tickets to the game.

Lost to injured reserve are defensive back Domonique Foxworth (knee), wide receiver James Hardy (unknown), Tackle Ramon Harewood (unknown), running back Matt Lawrence (concussion), and linebacker Mike McAdoo (knee).  None of these players were expected to have a big impact on the Ravens 2011 season.

As some had predicted going in, the game was initially a defensive stare-down, as each team exchanged punts, turnovers and missed scoring opportunities in the games first nine possessions. The Ravens defensive end/ outside linebacker Terrel Suggs picked off Hasselbeck on the Titans second possession, but Baltimore was unable to capitalize as quarterback Matt Flacco threw a pick of his own.

The first score of the contest came in the second quarter when the Titans drove the field against the vaunted Ravens defense, knocking in a field goal from 25 yards as the Ravens defense held deep in their own red zone. Baltimore would answer back on its very next possession, driving 81 yards in seven plays to take a 7-3 lead. Quarterback Joe Falcco found running back Ray Rice in the flat for the 31 yard score with just under five minutes remaining in the half.

With just under a minute to go, the Titans would score their first touchdown of the game, taking their drive 80 yards in nine plays and finishing it with a scoring strike from Hasselbeck to receiver Kenny Britt. Despite having less than a minute to make something happen, the Ravens returned the favor by scoring a field goal as the first half clock expired, with kicker Billy Cundiff booting one in from 41 yards out. The Ravens used a short field set up by a long kick return to get the score, as their four plays netted just seven yards.

The Ravens late second half life seemed to have given the team momentum heading into the second half, but that notion was easily dismissed when the Titans took their first two drives of the second half for ten points.

Baltimore yielded drives of 75 and 65 yards, giving up big plays through the air and significant chunks on the ground. The Titans added to their lead with their first drive of the fourth quarter, going up 23-10 on another field goal by Bironas. Baltimore’s attempts to get back in the game were thwarted by a surprisingly strong Tennessee defense. Baltimore had five drives in the second half, none of which went for a touchdown and four of which went for under 40 yards.

Flacco, who dominated in his first game against the Steelers, struggled in the second half as well, throwing his second interception of the game. While the passing struggles were evident, Baltimore finished with under 200 yards passing, its inability to mount a complimentary running game compounded the problems for the Flacco led unit. Baltimore rushed for a total 45 yards on 17 carries, as the team was forced to abandon the running game early due to its inefficiency and the deficit. Linebacker Ray Lewis had a solid game, accumulating eight tackles including one for a loss. All in all, this team will have to start playing more consistently if they want their fans to continue having interest in buying Ravens tickets.

Baltimore scored touchdowns on two of its first three drives, moving the ball a total of 103 yards on the combined drives. In their first series of the season, Joe Flacco led his unit and went 66 yards in just three plays. Using a 36 yard run from Ray Rice and finishing it with a 27 yard touchdown pass from Flacco to star receiver Anquan Boldin. The Ravens defense was stifling all game long, putting pressure on Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and containing his running game. The Ravens held the Steelers to just one successful drive in the first half, forcing three punts and one fumble on its other possessions. After the Steelers second punt of the game, a three and out, the Ravens came back with their second score by using a short field. Another long pass from Flacco, this time 29 yards, started the drive. The Ravens needed just two more plays to get a two touchdown lead on the defending AFC champions.

While Baltimore was dominant in the first half, somewhat of a surprise given the two team’s long history and the fact that the Steelers were coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Ravens were even more dominant in the second half. Baltimore’s defense created a total of five turnovers, harassing Roethlisberger into poor decisions and wild scrambles that led him directly into the teeth of the Ravens defense that features Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. The Ravens sacked Roethlisberger four times but he pressured him five more, causing him to fumble twice — both of which were lost. As per usual, Baltimore was led by its aforementioned stars Lewis and Reed, who combined for a staggering three interceptions, including two from Reed, one of the best ball hawks in NFL history. While Lewis led the vaunted Ravens’ line backing core and Reed the secondary, defensive end and outside linebacker Terrel Suggs led its pass rush. Suggs, the once great pass rusher for the ASU Sun Devils who’s etched out a career as a rush specialist with Baltimore, added three sacks in the contest.

As a unit, Baltimore held Pittsburgh to just over 300 yards. Offensively, much of the damage was done in the first half, though the Ravens were able to milk the clock in the second. Flacco finished with three touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 117.6, while the elusive yet deceptively powerful running back Ray Rice finished with 107 yards on over five yards per carry. The Ravens top receiver was Boldin who finished with 74 yards, though Flacco distributes the wealth, even finding new tight end target Ed Dickson, an Oregon graduate, five times for close to 60 yards. The two rivals typically play hard-fought, low scoring games, and the blow-out in week one is unlikely to occur again should the two teams meet in the playoffs as they so often seem to do. Make sure you their for the next time they blow out their rivals by buying your Ravens tickets now!

The full schedule is listed below. In week one, the Ravens face their divisional foes, the Steelers, in what is becoming one of the best defensive rivalries in all of football. Last year, the teams’ two regular season games were decided by a total of 6 points, and the Steelers beat the Ravens in the playoffs by a touchdown. In week 4, the Jets come to Baltimore. This is another match-up of two of the best defenses in football as the Jets seek to prove that they are a Super Bowl contender again in 2011-2012.

A week 6 match-up against the Houston Texans should provide an interesting contrast. Houston is a young team with elite offensive firepower, while the Ravens pride themselves on playing smash-mouth defense. In week 9, the Ravens travel to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh to face the Steelers again. This mid-season game could already have playoff implications, as these two teams may very well be neck and neck fighting for the divisional title all season. The Ravens play the Bengals in week 11 in a divisional game that may either be part of Cincinnati’s battle for a wild-card spot, or their attempt to spoil the Ravens’ bid for the division title.

In week 14, the Ravens host the Colts. This game may be significant in that Colts quarterback Peyton Manning may be returning from a serious neck injury near the end of the season. While it probably won’t have the playoff implications it was expected to, it would be interesting to see Manning tested early by a tough Ravens defense. The Ravens week 15 match-up, however, could represent a playoff game preview as the Ravens travel to San Diego to take on Philip Rivers and the high-powered Chargers’ offense.

Ravens 2011-2012 Schedule

Week 1: Steelers at Ravens

Week 2: Ravens at Titans

Week 3: Ravens at Rams

Week 4: Jets at Ravens

Week 5: Bye

Week 6: Texans at Ravens

Week 7: Ravens at Jaguars

Week 8: Cardinals at Ravens

Week 9: Steelers at Ravens

Week 10: Ravens at Seahawks

Week 11: Bengals at Ravens

Week 12: 49ers at Ravens

Week 13: Ravens at Browns

Week 14: Colts at Ravens

Week 15: Ravens at Chargers

Week 16: Browns at Ravens

Week 17: Ravens at Bengals

Designed by the world-famous architectural firm of HOK Sports (now known as Populous), it was one of the first to make a departure from the traditional bowl-shape.  The distinctive upper concourse has V-shaped notches which divides it into four sections, having the effect of eliminating the unpopular corner seats.  It also gives spectacular views of the city, which are particularly impressive at night.  The Ravens have nicknamed the V-shaped openings as their “victory notches”.

The open-air stadium has a seating capacity of 71,008 seats arranged on three levels.  There are 128 luxury suites and 8,196 club seats.  The regular seats are covered in purple, with the club seats having a matching silver color.  Two massive Smartvision video boards are in both end zones at the club level, making them closer and easier to view for most spectators.

The Ravens had their home opener at the newly constructed Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards on September 6, 1998, against the Pittsburg Steelers.  The final construction cost was U.S. $220 million (U.S. $290 million in 2011 dollars) for the high-tech sports complex.  It was briefly known as the PSINet Stadium when the internet company acquired the naming rights, but it reverted back to Raven Stadium in 2002 when PSINet had to file for bandruptcy. In 2003, M & T Bank acquired the naming rights, and it has been known as M & T Stadium ever since.

The architects made a concerted effort to try to blend the modern stadium in with the historic roots in the city.  At eye level, they constructed the stadium with more than one million bricks that is in keeping with the character of the surrounding buildings.  Along with the brick, the stadium has exposed steel, reinforced concrete and mega glass surfaces.  The mix of the old and the new styles conveys the image of a throw-back to Baltimore’s historical roots combined with a step into the future.

The stadium has 42 entry points surrounded by parking for more than 2,000 cars at surface level M & T Stadium was originally constructed with natural grass. It was converted to Field Turf in 2010, after going through a trial period of using Sportexe Momentum Turf for six years.  The Video Boards were also upgraded in 2010 with a cost of $6 million.

With state-of-the-art engineering located in the heart of the city, the Baltimore Ravens stadium is one of the exemplary designs that architects try to emulate for newer NFL stadiums.  Combined with Memorial Stadium next door, the sports complex is a major destination point in the city of Baltimore.

John grew up in the Michigan area and graduated through Pioneer high school in Ann Arbor. He was a defensive back when he played football for Miami University. John has coached many times throughout the years starting in 1987, but it wasn’t until 1998 when the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, Ray Rhodes hired him to be one of four assistants at the time. However, he was a coach for many colleges before his first NFL job in 1998.

John was a special teams coach for plenty of years and was ecstatic when he was announced as Defensive Backs coach. Andy Reid allowed this to happen so that he would possibly obtain a head coach position later on in his career. Little did he know that the following year, he would be announced as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. It was made official on January 19, 2008, and he went on to helping the Ravens very well throughout his rookie season. In fact, throughout this time, John was able to lead the Baltimore Ravens to 11-5 throughout the regular season. One of the highlights of his career throughout the time he coached the Baltimore Ravens is when he lead them to a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7, 2008. It was John’s official debut as a head coach, along with the debut of Joe Flacci, the quarterback of the Ravens. Throughout that time, no coach and quarterback had ever won on the day of their debut.

As of today, he has now renewed his contract with the Baltimore Ravens, giving him three more years to coach them throughout the NFL. Ravens fans show their appreciation by buying Ravens tixs to support their team. It was finalized on February 14, 2011 and is excited to keep playing. What’s nice about John is that he had always set a goal that he would become a coach before he was 45. He did exactly that and was able to accomplish much more than that one goal. Other people would usually just give up after some difficulties, but John kept going, he kept on learning more and he made it his main goal to achieve such a thing. John Harbaugh is not only a great football coach, but his words of wisdom that he always gives to his players is always extraordinary.

St. Louis came into the season with high hopes of returning the Rams to the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but has been a big disappointment so far. They have been plagued by injuries and don’t resemble the feisty defensive team that nearly slipped into the playoffs last year. The Ravens took advantage of the Rams troubles and Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns, all to rookie Torrey Smith. Amazingly, the three touchdowns were Smith’s first three receptions as a pro.

The Ravens defense was punishing as well, sacking St. Louis quarterback phenom Sam Bradford five times. Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata had a fumble recovery for a touchdown for the last points of the game. Billy Cundiff made three field goals, and the Ravens coasted to a 37-7 win.

Next week, fans have already purchased their Ravens tickets for the highly anticipated game. The Ravens will host the New York Jets in a potential playoff preview. The Jets are reeling from a loss to the Oakland Raiders, and will be anxious to prove that their Super Bowl hopes are still alive. As the Jets secondary had difficulty keeping up with the Raiders’ receivers, however, Flacco may be looking to air it out again. At least until next week, the Baltimore Ravens news will remain hopeful as they relish their recent win and prepare for the Jets to come to town.