Baltimore Ravens seek win over New England Patriots to settle past season’s score – NFL Preview
The Baltimore Ravens have let go kicker Billy Cundiff, whose missed field goal attempt is blamed for loss of the conference title game to the New England Patriots last season, but the Ravens’ memories of the defeat are as fresh as were on the day, and Sunday
(September 23) is the opportunity for them to settle the score with the old rivals when they host them for third game of the season.
Had Billy scored the 32-yard goal, some commentators agree, the game could have headed for a finish in the overtime, and although they do not see a win guaranteed for the Ravens on the day, they think there was at least a chance to go for it.
Now Billy is no more there – he after having carried the hidden guilt of the failure was let go unceremoniously this preseason and replaced by kicker Justin Tucker.
It’s not just the kickers who are going to count much in the game; it will be a challenge between completely transformed Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and Patriots veteran offence leader Tom Brady. Flacco will come into the game with an edge over Brady because
he had outperformed him in the game which the Ravens lost last season.
Flacco has shown some extraordinary skills this season so far and he is expected to run through Patriots’ defence. Brady on the other hand might also have an easygoing against Ravens’ defence which is yet to click to its old form.
Veteran safety Ed Reed has expressed loathness regarding any concerns about the game so far. He in fact has strategically thrown some words of commendation for Brady and other Patriots.
He said:
"It's a long season and you do things in a certain way preparing for the weeks to come. I wouldn't read too much into it. Wes Welker's still a great receiver and I'm sure New England, Brady and everybody knows that. It's just that people probably want to
make news of something that's probably not something big in the organisation."
In any sense the game is seen as a rematch between the two sides, irrespective of the question about the results. The Ravens definitely have the advantage of home ground and crowd, and cannot possibly have another opportunity to topple the visitors better
than this.
The only problem that can come in their way to victory is their loss in the last game, but it can also help them stage a strong comeback, as hoped by coach John Harbaugh. He said:
"Anytime you lose it creates an opportunity. When you lose, man, that sting really forces you to dig deep. All of us. It's human nature.”
So while the Patriots have the edge of the past season’s win over the Ravens, it is no way a guarantee that the victory will play into their advantage now. The Ravens have greater chances for a win.
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