Ravens hold off Seahawks win 21 - 17

It was a game the ravens tried to give away. They tried to give away through turn-overs, through missed opportunities, through a failure to kill-off a team in the 4th quarter. In the end though the random madden turn-overs would lead to the seahawks giving the game away through two lost fumbles in the final three minutes.

The seahawks opening drive took just two plays. A strong run to the left to Jones followed by a run to the right when Jones did his best 'beast-mode' impersonation beating any number of tacklers to rumble 60 yards. The ravens response was quick with two throws to Reggie Bush to lock the score up at 7 - 7.

The next three quarters were (probably) frustrating for both teams. The Cassel for the Ravens would throw two interceptions including one over-throw ball in the end-zone while Seahawks struggled also to move the ball consistently. After giving up the big two runs on the opening drive the natural size and speed of the ravens defense locked up the run and it was only throw excellent passing by Seattle that they established a 3 point lead in the 4th.

The ravens, spread them out approach finally broke Seattle opening when TE Ed Dickson took a fly route 60 yards to give the Ravens a lead with about 4min to go. Seattle responded with drive that took them into FG range. Lining up for a FG I had a sense that something wasn't right and kept my conventional defence on the field. Sure enough it was a fake and the seahawks turned it over on downs.

The next 3 mins was excruciating. The Ravens couldn't move the football to kill the clock thanks to excellent defense from the 'hawks. For their part the Seahawks went deep and with around 2 min to go got inside the 20.

On the next play former Raven, now 'hawk Joe Flacco rolled left but was stripped (I think) by Ed Reed. Ravens recover. Three plays later - though - again the Ravens would be forced to punt. With 1min 30 remaining & one time-out, down by 4 points Seattle would start at mid-field.

Using short completions they would move down field before launching the ball... complete in the redzone. The Seahawks WR though after making the catch would have the ball stripped again by Ed Reed causing the turn-over that would give the Ravens the win 21 - 17.

Tough loss for Seattle who really needed to win to keep their play-offs chances alive. They play the eagles next.

The Ravens who still harbour hopes of finnishing at .500 must lift their game considerably to keep it close against the Browns.

Thanks for the game John F.

It was a great game! Nice write up also. I really need to draft a WR who will hold onto the ball Good luck the rest of the way.