Ravens and Redskins Headliners
Some thoughts on 2 big NFL games this weekend as we hit the quarter pole in the 2010 season.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Not the oldest rivalry in the NFL but it might be the best. Two tough teams that enjoy being bullies and love to try to prove it to each other at least twice a year. No Big Ben no problem, Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch it doesn't matter. The Steelers have rattled off 3 straight wins and it looks like all the doom and gloom from the off-season is ancient history.
The Ravens have been sluggish in their first three games but a win Sunday puts them at 3-1. Considering 3 of their first 4 games are on the road a 3-1 start is a damn good one. Anquon Boldin is coming off a three TD game and leads a group of Raven receivers that can spread out the Steelers and take advantage of match-ups.
The Ravens haven't had much luck in Pittsburgh, Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh are looking for their first win at Heinz Field (0-4 including the post season). The Steelers have won 7 of their last 8 at home against the Ravens.
It looks like a typical Ravens-Steelers battle, I think it'll be decided late in the 4th quarter possibly on the leg of Billy Cundiff or Jeff Reed. The Ravens need this one a little more than the Steelers, if they can get pressure on Charlie Batch and make sure Rashard Mendenhall doesn't turn into Peyton Hillis I like their chances.
Washington at Philadelphia
Remember when this game was all about Donovan McNabb returning to South Philly, sure that's still a big deal but the way it's turned out McNabb is the co-star with Michael Vick. 6 Pro Bowl's, 5 NFC championship games, a trip to the Super Bowl and 148 games the most ever by an Eagles quarterback all listed on McNabb's resume.
What have you done for me lately? Michael Vick has been amazing. Given a shot when Kevin Kolb got concussed in the opener Vick has won two straight starts and is the NFC offensive player of the month. It's the story of the year so far in this NFL season. Last week Vick threw for 291 yards and three TD's without an interception.
His play has been phenomenal, he's making good decisions throwing with pin point accuracy and if the pass isn't there he's running like the best running QB in the history of the game. He's been brilliant for 2 and a half games, if he can come close to this level for 16 weeks the Eagles could have a special season.
McNabb had a terrific (and underappreciated) career in Philly, he's still a top-tier quarterback but I like Vick and the Eagles to steal the show on Sunday.
