Does Anyone Else Feel That Our Chances of Winning Went Down Considerably?

[Corndog]

I agree with the OP, this will be added motivation to the team. Also, let's remember, this team didn't have Ray Lewis and several other key players since the middle of the season. Before those injuries, this team was playing some of the best football in the league. So coupled with returning players and this added motivation, this has went from a game I favored the Ravens, but gave the Colts a 40% chance of winning to a game that will be incredibly difficult for the Colts to win, a 10% chance.

Even though I will called negative for this post, I am just very happy with how well this young team did during the regular season. It was an amazing accomplishment just to make the playoffs. With money coming off the books and young players getting more experience, this team will only get better and could be a real contender as soon as next year.

[Qwiz]

If the Rat Birds can't get motivated for playoffs, but need this to give them some artifical motivaton to play, they are beat already; but then again with heir season end slump, maybe Ray Lewis thinks they are that desperate.

I don't think this is "artificial motivation" at all. It's pretty strong motivation, and I don't think Lewis did this to get them fired up. He is just letting his teammates and his fans know, just in case this is his last game. Nothing wrong with that.

[Coltsince4]

I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!  (NEGATIVITY)

 

[JoKeR]

Nope,

I think they are the same as before, which is good.

Exactly and they're not as good as the Texans either IMO.

[ericnan]

That is a very big possibility, and Ravens do know Arians style while Luck doesnt know the Ravens defense like Big Ben does.

....but Pagano does!

[The Fish]

I'm more concerned about Ed Reed intercepting Luck multiple times. The only Ray on the field that will be making plays is Rice. Will Lewis even be able to play with a torn bicep (that can't be 100%) well? I don't think so.

Pagano will be a real asset this week in preparation, beyond the motivational role.

I don't see a veteran leadership discrepancy from either squad.

Freeney and Mathis need to tee off on Flacco, creating difficult passing situations.

I hope Redding is healthy, he's got something for the Ravens, I'm sure.

I can't wait. Playoff football is the cat's meow.

[mark5362]

Ray is still questionable for the game and said he wasn't sure if he'll play or not.

[sb41champs]

Personally - I don't believe the "emotion" that Lewis' announcement creates will "trump the emotion" that the Colts have ridden all season !! 

 

While I don't believe for one moment that this will be a "cake walk" game - I DO believe that the Colts CAN win - IF they play the way they've played all season !!

[Gavin]

I dont think it changes our chances of winning at all, it was small to begin with but Flacco is still Flacco and as good as he can be(which has not been great to begin with) he still makes mistakes at the worst times (such as hanging onto the ball to long). We have to take care of the ball and slow down the run (Thats if the Ravens dont abandon it themselves which they have done sometimes this year which would make our job easier)

[husker61]

no!

 

the ravens aren't that good.

 

the pats and broncos are at a different level than all the other afc teams. anyone can win the afc games this weekend.

[#12]

He's been out all season.  When it initially happened, people thought that was it for him.

[TonyBungee]

Yeah.  If they come out too aggressive, Luck could get them with the hard count like he did against the Texans.  But I think Ray will keep them in check.  Our chances have gone down considerably, but I think we have a good chance of winning.  Before this news, there was little doubt in my mind that we would win.  Now, I could see it coming down to the last possession

I'm afraid the "hard count" will be a total non-factor this Sunday.

[jskinnz]

No the Colts chances did not go down "considerably."  First off the emotional aspect of the game is kid of overstated.  Secondly, I think the Colts want Lewis playing.  He is absolutely not what he used to be.

[NM_Colts]

When I heard about Ray retiring I was feeling as the OP did.

 

To put a smile on your collective faces, does anyone remember who their OC is?

[lollygagger8]

No doubt the Baltimore stadium will be rocking.....but I think we will do alright and squeak out with the win if......

 

Contain Ray Rice on those bootleg plays. Pagano has to know the plays inside and out. It's not like the genius of Caldwell will come out with something crazy.

 

Put Vontae on Torrey Smith regardless of which side he lines up. For the love.... don't leave it up to Vaughn.

 

I think we should bust out that "trick" play (Ballard helicopter spin) that BA got from a college game that we used against the Titans.

 

RUN OUT OF THE 3 TE SET!!! When we do this, we actually run very well.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing Daji Karim carry for a few.....that guy has some serious wheels.

[Dudley Smith]

It isn't going to affect the game one way or another. Sure, the fan base may come out a bit more fired up, and the defense may play harder for the first few snaps, but the game is still going to come down to our offensive execution and stopping Rice on the other side. As far as actual impact on the game, Ray's level of play was dipping even before his injury, so I doubt we see a huge change there. Like someone else said, Ed Reed will be the one to watch on their defense, as well as how well our O-line is able to hold up. I still like our chances in this game.

 

After probably the second offensive drive by the Colts, I doubt we see any difference at all unless the Colts are really struggling to move the ball.

[Gavin]

Rays been injured 2 years in a row I dont think that means he is not what he used to be, 2010 (his last year playing and starting all 16 games) he was every bit as good as he has always been plus he had 57 tackles in only 6 starts this year

[sultan5]

As good as ray Lewis is he has always been overhyped. every time we have played the Ravens the story line was always "Peyton vs. Lewis" and Ray Lewis was ALWAYS a non-factor, likewise it will be the same for Manning's greatest lifetime protege in Luck.  Reed is the one to watch considering B.A.'s offensive style.

[21isSuperman]

I'm afraid the "hard count" will be a total non-factor this Sunday.

 

i disagree with the hard count part completely. We are not gonna get any hard counts there, that place is 2nd only to seattle. Ray was laughing about it earlier this year about how he didnt mind road games cuz he didnt have to yell at teammates on the sidelines. Forget the hard count, i wouldn't be surprised if Luck is preparing the Silent count this week.

 

Yeah, that's true.  Their stadium does get pretty loud.  And it will only be louder since it is Ray's final home game

[Stephen]

Lol

[21isSuperman]

As good as ray Lewis is he has always been overhyped. every time we have played the Ravens the story line was always "Peyton vs. Lewis" and Ray Lewis was ALWAYS a non-factor, likewise it will be the same for Manning's greatest lifetime protege in Luck.  Reed is the one to watch considering B.A.'s offensive style.

 

I don't think Lewis has been overhyped.  The Lewis/Peyton matchup might have been overhyped (Reed/any QB is a more intriguing matchup), but I don't think Ray has been overhyped during his career.

[NewEra]

one dropped pass away from superbowl last season. Never counting any team Ray Lewis leads out. Especially any team thats playing with emotion.

Yeah, and we were also 2-14. Last year is last year. Think we're not playing emotion? You see how we pimp slapped Houston? I don't think it changes anything, will still be a tough game

[FightLikeSin]

The Ravens D was struggling when he was healthy. He'll be coming back from an injury and while i'm sure he'll be excited, sometimes that leads to mistakes. It will be tough and emotional, but I don't think he's going to obtain super-powers because he's retiring. 

[Gavin]

As good as ray Lewis is he has always been overhyped. every time we have played the Ravens the story line was always "Peyton vs. Lewis" and Ray Lewis was ALWAYS a non-factor, likewise it will be the same for Manning's greatest lifetime protege in Luck.  Reed is the one to watch considering B.A.'s offensive style.

3 Sacks in 4 games plus 9 tackles thats pretty affective but not nearly as affective as a couple other players I can think of

[Smonroe]

I don't think Lewis has been overhyped.  The Lewis/Peyton matchup might have been overhyped (Reed/any QB is a more intriguing matchup), but I don't think Ray has been overhyped during his career.

Not in the past. But he's been more of a detriment to the team since about last year. He'll probably play out of his mind since this is his last run, but I'm more concerned about our D than theirs.

[Shiri2]

If the Rat Birds can't get motivated for playoffs, but need this to give them some artifical motivaton to play, they are beat already; but then again with heir season end slump, maybe Ray Lewis thinks they are that desperate.

...just so you know, this is our worst season ever and we still made it to the play-offs as banged up as we are and still are the "repeat" AFC Div Champs.  Going into the Play-offs with or without Ray Lewis will not change the fact that we will "prevail" in front of da Raven Nation, it's just that with Ray Lewis will make it all that more exciting, that's all.  Don't get it twisted! Caw! Caw! Caw!

[Shiri2]

luck has thrown 10 tds and 4 ints against playoff teams this year. I like our chances. Colts are a fighting team and we will climb the wall of emotion and battle a full 60 minutes

we have no doubts the Colts will battle, unfortunately...it's not gonna be enough.  Ya boy Luck has a total of 19 INTs on the season, forget about Play-Off teams.  He can get pass-happy if he want's to, but we got somebody out there waiting on him, and his number is 20.  Come to Poppa!  You can count him out if you like, you can say he's old, or you can say he's missing a step...but he (Ed Reed) still knows how to find the ball.Trust me, there will be no 4th qtr heroics from Luck this time...his Luck has run out!

[Jules]

No.

 

Colts destiny is the Colts destiny.......

 

[Shiri2]

It isn't going to affect the game one way or another. Sure, the fan base may come out a bit more fired up, and the defense may play harder for the first few snaps, but the game is still going to come down to our offensive execution and stopping Rice on the other side. As far as actual impact on the game, Ray's level of play was dipping even before his injury, so I doubt we see a huge change there. Like someone else said, Ed Reed will be the one to watch on their defense, as well as how well our O-line is able to hold up. I still like our chances in this game.

 

After probably the second offensive drive by the Colts, I doubt we see any difference at all unless the Colts are really struggling to move the ball.

fine.  if you stop Ray Rice we'll just go deep to Torrey Smith or Jacoby Jones or Pitta...it don't matter what you do.  We got too many weapons.  And don't forget yall will be coming to our House, where prior to our little 3-game loosing skid we have 15 straight consecutive victories.  We're starting our at-home streak up again...we'll make yall notch number 2 on our way to the Super Bowl, baby!!

[NewEra]

we have no doubts the Colts will battle, unfortunately...it's not gonna be enough.  Ya boy Luck has a total of 19 INTs on the season, forget about Play-Off teams.  He can get pass-happy if he want's to, but we got somebody out there waiting on him, and his number is 20.  Come to Poppa!  You can count him out if you like, you can say he's old, or you can say he's missing a step...but he (Ed Reed) still knows how to find the ball.Trust me, there will be no 4th qtr heroics from Luck this time...his Luck has run out!

 

think we will be trying to run the ball more. also, not really afraid of the vaunted ravens offense either. i think it may be a low scoring game, down to the wire.

[Superman]

I was never that optimistic about our chances of winning this game, so that hasn't changed much with Ray's announcement. I think the line is just right at -6.5, and I think it will take some pretty grown-up play from our offense and defense to win this one. Not that we can't; we absolutely can, and I think this is the best matchup for us. But on the road against a good team has been problematic for us this season.

[Shiri2]

No doubt the Baltimore stadium will be rocking.....but I think we will do alright and squeak out with the win if......

 

Contain Ray Rice on those bootleg plays. Pagano has to know the plays inside and out. It's not like the genius of Caldwell will come out with something crazy.

 

Put Vontae on Torrey Smith regardless of which side he lines up. For the love.... don't leave it up to Vaughn.

 

I think we should bust out that "trick" play (Ballard helicopter spin) that BA got from a college game that we used against the Titans.

 

RUN OUT OF THE 3 TE SET!!! When we do this, we actually run very well.

 

I wouldn't mind seeing Daji Karim carry for a few.....that guy has some serious wheels.

Man, yall aint playing none of those scrub teams now with losing records.  yall in da BIG league now, and you'll find that those last second "victories" don't work anymore.  Just bring your "A" game and make it competitve...I don't wanna see no blow-out!  Our D is pretty much 100% better now, and more importantly they're healthy and rested. Now they're starting to play like yall remember for the last decades...like Ravens! Relentless! Like Ray Lewis says, "Let's HUNT them dudes!""

[JoKeR]

Is Ray gonna play in his last game

[Dudley Smith]

fine.  if you stop Ray Rice we'll just go deep to Torrey Smith or Jacoby Jones or Pitta...it don't matter what you do.  We got too many weapons.  And don't forget yall will be coming to our House, where prior to our little 3-game loosing skid we have 15 straight consecutive victories.  We're starting our at-home streak up again...we'll make yall notch number 2 on our way to the Super Bowl, baby!!

 

Given Joe Flacco's ability, it is probably more likely that he will be going deep to Vontae Davis.

[Gavin]

we have no doubts the Colts will battle, unfortunately...it's not gonna be enough.  Ya boy Luck has a total of 19 INTs on the season, forget about Play-Off teams.  He can get pass-happy if he want's to, but we got somebody out there waiting on him, and his number is 20.  Come to Poppa!  You can count him out if you like, you can say he's old, or you can say he's missing a step...but he (Ed Reed) still knows how to find the ball.Trust me, there will be no 4th qtr heroics from Luck this time...his Luck has run out!

I'd be more worried about if I had an O Coordinator who remembers who Ray Rice is if I was you because if the ball is in Flacco's hand all day long then the Colts a very hang around, Hey I think the Ravens should win but lets not act like Flacco is a great QB because he is prone to mistakes at big moments, This is going to come down to playcalling and taking care of the ball

[chad72]

Man, yall aint playing none of those scrub teams now with losing records.  yall in da BIG league now, and you'll find that those last second "victories" don't work anymore.  Just bring your "A" game and make it competitve...I don't wanna see no blow-out!  Our D is pretty much 100% better now, and more importantly they're healthy and rested. Now they're starting to play like yall remember for the last decades...like Ravens! Relentless! Like Ray Lewis says, "Let's HUNT them dudes!""

 

As long as yall have "Flaky" for QB, yall aint gonna go to no SB!!!

[ConBro]

I think the emotional level of this matchup went up considerably. However, I think that after 17 seasons this surprises nobody. Coach Pagano and all that he went through is still a marvelous booster for our club, and our players who have fought tooth and nail to "extend the season for Chuck" will not quit now. It will be a fun game to watch!

[ConBro]

Man, yall aint playing none of those scrub teams now with losing records.  yall in da BIG league now, and you'll find that those last second "victories" don't work anymore.  Just bring your "A" game and make it competitve...I don't wanna see no blow-out!  Our D is pretty much 100% better now, and more importantly they're healthy and rested. Now they're starting to play like yall remember for the last decades...like Ravens! Relentless! Like Ray Lewis says, "Let's HUNT them dudes!""

Do they not teach grammar in Maryland? WOW... And "for the last decades"? Like 20-3 in 2009? As you put it yourself, "I don't wanna see no blow-out!" SMH

[MR. Blueblood]

Man, yall aint playing none of those scrub teams now with losing records.  yall in da BIG league now, and you'll find that those last second "victories" don't work anymore.  Just bring your "A" game and make it competitve...I don't wanna see no blow-out!  Our D is pretty much 100% better now, and more importantly they're healthy and rested. Now they're starting to play like yall remember for the last decades...like Ravens! Relentless! Like Ray Lewis says, "Let's HUNT them dudes!""

Your record against teams with a winning record this year 2-4, our record against teams with a winning record is 3-3.  Sounds like you need to be bringing your "A" game and make it competitive.

[cmgww]

Heard on 1070....Colts need to "play the man, not the legend"...These guys are in the twilight of their careers. The young Colts can't go in wide-eyed thinking this is the 2000 Ravens D, they are still stout but nowhere near peak form of even last season. Gotta get through that first emotional wave and then keep fighting