RAVENS BEAT THEMSELVES...DENVER NEXT TO FALL

Raven players knocking each other out of the game (including two starters that may be out for weeks) was the least of Baltimore's problems. Harbough ignored screaming players alerting him to challenge an obvious dropped ball by Denver. A simple challenge makes it 4th down, prevents a Bronco TD and the Denver scoring orgy that ensued. When you see this level of disorganization and veterans like Dallas Clarke dropping not one - but two balls - the blame for lack of preparation falls squarely on the coach.

The Baltimore offensive line did not open a hole all night. This left Rice zig zagging in the backfield the entire game.  Tom Brady signed for 57 million. Flacco's $120 Million dollar contract reminds me of the Peanuts insurance commercial. Some things should be five cents. Flacco wasn't great last year to begin with. The Ravens were erratic and mediocre most of last year. They somehow snuck into the playoffs and got lucky - verses superior teams with faulty game plans. 

Flacco threw first quarter pick sixes in two separate preseason games this year and I do not see things improving. I predict he loses the starting job to Tyrod Taylor by mid season. Taylor  secured two second half preseason victories following lack luster Flacco performance's. They will need a mobile QB with an offensive line unable to produce any kind of run game. That was Harbough's second huge blunder tonight. Down by 3 TDs he didn't give his enormously talented back up a chance to prove himself late in the game. Harbough needs to take a lesson from his brother in SF.  However, the price tag they paid Flacco will likely prevent them from benching Flacco any time soon. "Buh Bye now Ravens". Call me when you smell the coffee.

Denver has no run game. Manning has viable targets. But if you can't run - you cant pass. The impact of the loss of McGehee has been gravely underestimated. Moreno is not the answer. Defenses will tee off on Peyton all year long.  Wes Welker is one of the few reasons they will win half their games this year. Sending him back to return punts may prove to be a costly mistake down the road. 

Put this one in your back pocket. These two teams will beat up on the lower end of the NFL gene pool and get creamed by any team with a pass rush and prolific offense.  Baltimore is toast as long as Flacco remains at the helm. Without a run game - Manning will probably not survive the season. Don't let the network celebration of the emperor's news cloths mislead you. The ineptitude of the Baltimore offense required the Raven defense to stay on the field the majority of the game. That and only that allowed Denver to shine in the second half.  Here's the good news. You can still get +7 or more when Denver plays a decent team and gets their ass handed to them. Can you say Moneyline?