The Baltimore Ravens (7-3) took care of business like they were supposed to Sunday afternoon. Quarterback Joe Flacco and the offense struck early. On Baltimore’s second play of the game Flacco hit T.J. Houshmandzadeh on a post pattern for 56 yards. The strike gave Baltimore a 7-0 lead. The Ravens never looked en route to their 37-13 victory.
Carolina (1-9) gave it a good effort for the first three quarters of the game, but looked to be just playing out the string in the fourth quarter. Brian St. Pierre, who was signed off the street Tuesday, played fairly well considering the circumstances. Baltimore was able to return two of St. Pierre’s passes for touchdowns, their first two defensive touchdowns of the season.
Baltimore’s defense was solid, except they gave up 120 yards to fourth-string running back Mike Goodson. Goodson is obviously out to prove he can be a starting running back in the NFL, but the Ravens, who want to be thought of as elite, shouldn’t be giving up 120 yards to him. The defense did put pressure on the quarterback, getting three sacks and allowing 173 passing yards.
On special teams, Billy Cundiff and Sam Koch were good as usual. The difference was David Reed. Reed returned a kickoff 84 yards setting up the Ravens in good field position. All season long, the Ravens have been waiting for good returns and Reed finally provided one Sunday afternoon.
Baltimore now has Tampa Bay next Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium.
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