Initial Thoughts On The Ravens 2014 Schedule
First off, I like it. I like it a lot. We’ve known who the opponents were going to be for a while, but now we know where the chips fall in terms of when. It’s hard not to get excited about the opportunities that are presented with this schedule. Here are my initial thoughts:
– First thing that jumps out is the three game stretch to start the season. Clearly it’s a tremendous opportunity for Joe and Co. to come out and make a statement that last year’s 8-8 finish was an anomaly. I’m thrilled about it. The way I see it, this division is a two horse race with the Bengals. I can’t think of a better way to start the season than putting a beatdown on em. Some people are concerned about facing Pittsburgh 4 days later, but they’re up against the same circumstances. Worst case scenario, I see the Ravens at 2-1 through 3 weeks, and very possibly 3-0 in the division.
– 3 primetime games are the fewest they’ve had since 2009. I don’t mind it one bit. That’s what happens when you miss the playoffs. Plus it’s fewer opportunities to listen to mind-numbing Joe Flacco “elite” discussions from national pundits.
– On another AFC North note, Baltimore only plays one divisional game after the week 11 bye. This accentuates the importance of getting a strong start out of the gate. A lot of negative nancies out there are worried about the Ravens breaking down physically come Week 9 or 10, but I’m not at all. Late bye will allow them to be fresher for the home stretch.
– Final three games play VERY favorably into the Ravens’ hands. 3 bottom of the barrel teams, including 2 at home. If they haven’t run away with the division already, this will turn out to be a tremendous blessing.
– Cold weather games won’t be as common this year. After week 10, the road games are at NO, MIA, and HOU. Barring another insane Vikings-type game at home, I don’t see the elements playing a huge factor in the regular season.
Should-win games (10): vs. CIN, vs. PIT, at CLE, at TB, vs. ATL, vs. TEN, vs. SD, vs. JAC, at HOU, vs. CLE
Coin-flip games (3): vs. CAR, at PIT, at MIA
Uphill battles (3): at IND, at CIN at NO
Given one or two slip-ups, flip the coins, and one steal of a tough road game and I think we’re looking at an 11-5 or 12-4 football team. We’ll split with Cincinnati one way or another and win the other 5 AFC North games, which will be good enough to get us back on top. Time to draft another stud class and take home another division title.