The Baltimore Ravens lost a close game to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 15th by the final score of 24-23. The game was a nail biter as the winner was decided in the last minute of play. The Ravens lost the game despite forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over four times. However, the Ravens offense was unable to capitalize on these opportunities presented to them by the defense.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco completed only 8 out of 25 passes in the second half Sunday against the Eagles. Flacco was also 1-7 on passes that traveled more than 15 yards down the field and responsible for both of Baltimore’s turnovers in the game. Ray Rice led the Ravens offensively with 99 yards rushing on 16 carries and 6 receptions for an additional 53 yards.
Some Ravens fans blame the replacement officials for this loss due to their lack of control in the game. ESPN Blogger Jamison Hensley said, “The replacement referees lost control of the Ravens-Eagles game early and often. There was shoving. There were fights. It was obvious that the players had no respect for any man with a whistle. It was hard for anyone to take the replacement refs seriously when they couldn’t keep track of timeouts and had 2 two-minute warnings in the fourth quarter. The officials took forever to sort out calls, which is why the game lasted 3 hours, 38 minutes.”
Perhaps the player of the game for the Ravens was rookie kicker Justin Tucker who connected on three field goals from distances of 48, 51, and 56 yards.
Hopefully the Ravens will bounce back to their winning ways when they take on the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium next Sunday Night.