#5 pick Jamal Lewis leads all
rookie running backs with 925 yards.
Giving Jamal the ball
Rookie
sensation provides huge lift
When the Baltimore Ravens selected Jamal
Lewis with the 5th pick in the draft, they did so amid
sneers and jeers. Many "experts" labeled Lewis
"injury-riddled", a "high-risk pick"
with excess baggage, etc. etc. To date, Lewis has been
the Ravens' offensive highlight, mowing down would-be
tacklers and racking up yardage much like a 10 year pro.
Jamal has rushed for 4.6 yards/carry, near the top of the
league's standings. What is particularly impressive about
this young man, however, is his businesslike approach to
the game. A rarity indeed, Lewis has shunned the
outlandish celebratory dances in favor of the "give
me the ball and let me run" approach. Already a star
in the making, Baltimore fans look forward to many years
of "entertainment" from #31.
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Ravens/Browns:
Rivalry is on hold for now
In time, the Baltimore
Ravens-Cleveland Browns matchups have all of the makings
of an intense rivalry. For the time being, however,
Ohio's second-year team, decimated by injuries, are
resigned to struggling along, looking for any sort of
moral victory. This week's visit to Baltimore's PSINet
offers little hope for any progress being made by the
Browns. Baltimore seems to be just hitting their stride,
with stronger performances in each of the last three
weeks. This game has all of the makings of an ugly outing
for Cleveland. The Ravens' defense is on a narrow mission:
To be the best of all time. Baltimore is in the midst of
a 29-game streak in which an opposing runner has not
broken the 100-yard barrier. It is unlikely that the
streak is in any jeopardy this coming Sunday. The Ravens
should be able to dominate and control the line of
scrimmage both offensively and defensively in waltzing to
an easy victory. Trent Dilfer, since taking over the
reins, has transformed a confused and self-defeating
offense into a potential powerhouse. The offensive line
is just beginning to flex their muscle and rookie running
back Jamal Lewis is proving himself worthy of the #5 pick
in the draft with each passing week. Lewis runs with a
defensive player's mentality, that is, clearing out all
obstacles in his path. He currently leads all rookies
with 925 yards rushing, despite not being in the starting
lineup until game 4. Dilfer, for his part, is just now
realizing that his dream job is at hand. Surrounded by
potent weapons and offensive schemes, there is no longer
the need to carry the load by himself, his downfall in
years past. The Ravens, should they remain relatively
healthy, have a clear shot to the top and more
importantly, control their own destiny.
Prediction:
Ravens 34, Browns 6
Week 13 Predictions:
Season Record: (106-67)
| Minnesota
at Dallas |
Minnesota
will roll up the score |
MIN |
| New England
at Detroit |
Lions
fighting for postseason; Pats just fighting |
DET |
| Atlanta at
Oakland |
An upset
here? No. |
OAK |
| Buffalo at
Tampa Bay |
Bucs are
very close to do or die |
T.B. |
| Chicago at
N.Y. Jets |
Jets seem
to be back on track...for the time being |
N.Y. |
| Cleveland
at Baltimore |
It won't be
pretty |
BAL |
| Denver at
Seattle |
Broncos in
a squeaker |
DEN |
| Kansas City
at San Diego |
It's the
Chargers first win |
S.D. |
| Miami at
Indianapolis |
Colts come
up big....finally |
IND |
| New Orleans
at St. Louis |
Saints
would have had a chance with Blake & Williams |
STL |
| Philadelphia
at Washington |
On-again,
off-again Redskins squeak by |
WAS |
| Pittsburgh
at Cincinnati |
Steelers
get to take out their frustrations |
PIT |
| Tennessee
at Jacksonville |
Jags may
have one proud game left in them |
JAX |
| N.Y. Giants
at Arizona |
Giants
giving thanks for the Cardinals |
N.Y. |
| Green Bay
at Carolina |
The Pack is
a hard team to count out |
G.B. |
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Preview
