Baltimore Ravens

3 Hot Takes From Ravens Win Over Eagles

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:07 p.m. ET

Fansided, Joe Schiller/FanSided via Ebony Bird

Here are my post game reactions after the Baltimore Ravens 27-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles

The Baltimore Ravens kept their season alive by the skin of their teeth.

It was a close game throughout and they barely pulled out a 27-26 win over the Philadelphia Eagles to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Ravens had multiple opportunities to put the game away, but could not. Because of their inability to finish, the Eagles were able to mount a comeback and almost win the game.

The Eagles had all of the momentum in the 4th quarter and the Ravens are lucky that they did not force the game into overtime. Instead, they decided to go for 2 and could not convert it.

Next week’s Christmas Day match-up against the Steelers will most likely decide the AFC North winner. A win will put the Ravens in first place in the division and in the driver’s seat for the playoffs. Things are just starting to get fun…

Here are my post-game reactions

The Joe Flacco interception: An awful play call

It seems like no matter how well Joe Flacco plays he always has to have an interception in his stat line.

I will never be able to understand why the Ravens threw the ball on the Flacco interception. With a 1st and 10 on the Eagles 11 yard line, Joe Flacco threw an awful interception. Keep in mind, the Ravens were up by 10 and only just needed a field goal to make it a 13 point lead. This is football 101. Even if Marty Morningweg call the pass, Joe Flacco should have audibled to the run. The interception led to a score, which allowed them to get back into the game.

There is a difference between trying to be aggressive and just being plain stupid. If the Ravens were to have lost the game, the fans would be calling for the coaches heads. That is the kind of play call that can get a coach fired. It is a major concern that the coaches even thought of passing the ball in that situation. With playoff football likely ahead, closing games are going to be key.

A not so mighty run defense

Coming into today, the Ravens were only allowing 75 rushing yards per game.

Ryan Matthews must not read stats because he did not have any problem running the ball. He ran all over the Ravens for 128 yards and a touchdown. Matthews had his way on the ground all game. This is not the Cowboy’s offensive line that the defense was going up against. The defense line was able to get into the back field, but could not bring down Matthews. He was able to convert key 2nd and 3rd downs that sustained drives for the Eagles offense. The Eagles offensive line was banged up and were missing key components like starting guard Lane Johnson.

This is a concern for the defense, especially since they will be up against Le’Veon Bell next week. Bell is undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the NFL and. In their first match-up the Ravens were able to hold him to just 32 yards, but I cannot see that happening again. In a cold winter game, the ground game is going to be key for both teams.

The Terrance West/Kenneth Dixon Duo is really good

The Ravens have struggled to find an identity in the run game this season, but they were able to find rhythm today.

Running backs Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon combined to go over 100 yards on the ground. West also added 2 catches for 45 yards in the receiving game. The production from the duo helped take the pressure out off Joe Flacco, who did not have to throw as much as he has in recent weeks. When Flacco does not have 35+ pass attempts, that is always a good sign.

The offense is at their best when they are balanced in the run and pass game. The coaching staff hs done a very good job at managing the snap count between the two backs. West has stayed as the starting back and Dixon is slowly working his way into the offense. These two are the future for the Ravens ground game.

Over the years, the Ravens have created their identity through running the football. Being able to have a solid ground game sets up all of the other aspects of the offense as well. When opposing teams have to focus on West and Dixon, Joe Flacco is at his best. He can set up the play-action pass and throw the deep bombs.