The Baltimore Ravens were able to put together a solid game in all facets as they defeated the Carolina Panthers 38 – 10. The Ravens vs Panthers was one of those payback games as Steve Smith Sr. went against the team that he played for during the first 13 years of his career. Smith showed up big time. It got a bit chippy at a few points but the fiery receiver kept his cool throughout the game.
The Ravens racked up 454 yards of total offense. Joe Flacco was outstanding as he passed for 327 yards and three touchdowns. His primary target was Steve Smith Sr. Smith got payback against the Panthers by gaining 139 yards receiving on seven receptions. One of his catches was a 61 yard touchdown on a pass that was intended for Owen Daniels and tipped in the direction of Steve Smith Sr. Smith was determined to make his presence felt. He showed the same run after catch ability and strength that fueled him to become the Panthers all time leader in multiple receiving categories.
Random Thoughts:
- Joe Flacco was not sacked in a game for the third straight game. Offensive line coach, Juan Castillo was the target of plenty of criticism last year but has rebounded in a huge way. The Ravens offensive line featured bookend tackles that most people wouldn’t have a clue who they are. Rick Wagner is the starter at right tackle. He’s a second year player out of Wisconsin. Eugene Monroe had a surgical procedure on his knee and was out for the game but James Hurst stepped in at left tackle and did an excellent job. Hurst was an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina.
- Torrey Smith finally connected with Joe Flacco for a deep touchdown. He went up and caught the ball on a nine route after using a subtle push off. He also made a big play down field on a seam route. Smith continues to draw pass interference calls when he beats defensive backs and they hold on for dear life.
- Bernard Pierce dressed for the game and took most of the snaps with the first team during warm ups but he didn’t have a single carry all game. Justin Forsett had 14 carries for 66 yards and Lorenzo Taliaferro had 15 carries for 58 yards. Both scored touchdowns on runs of over 20 yards.
- C.J. Mosely had an outstanding game and was all over the field. He totaled 11 tackles, seven solo and one tackle for a loss.
-Terrell Suggs had a half sack which was his first appearance in the sack column for the season. Elvis Dumervil had 1.5 sacks which gives him 3.5 for the season.
- The Ravens defense held the Panthers to only 67 yards rushing. The Panthers were without Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams was bothered by an ankle injury for most of the game.
- Red zone efficiency had been something that troubled the Ravens earlier in the season but they were able to score a touchdown on two out of three red zone visits against the Panthers.
Next week the Ravens will travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts who are coming off of a 41 – 17 thrashing over the Tennessee Titans.
