The bye week for the Baltimore Ravens was a very interesting one. After watching other teams in the AFC, it's clear that the Indy Colts are head and shoulders above everyone else in the conferences, at this time. Peyton Manning has the Colts dealing and they look impressive. They've beaten their opponents by an average of 31-11 over the past month.

 

After a beat down layed to the Chicago Bears, the Bengals aren't going anywhere, at this point. Cedric Benson told his former team that they made a big mistake by letting him go. Carson Palmer looks to be a quarterback that's returned to his Pro-Bowl status of several years ago, and the artist formerly known as Chad Johnson has re-focused to become one of the best receivers in the game.

 

As much as I hate the Minnesota Vikings, okay Brett Favre, I was really hoping they'd lay the smackdown on the Steelers. That did not happen as the Steelers defense stepped-up and had two late scores to win the game and keep pace with the Bengals in the AFC North.

 

The Houston Texans had a close call but the San Diego Chargers routed Kansas City. Those are two seperate three-loss teams who the Ravens have to be concerned about.

 

What those teams did really mean nothing for John Harbaugh and the Ravens. As you look at the schedule, Joe Flacco and company can take matters into their own hands. The issue for the Ravens is not what's being done by other teams, it's all about what they are, or aren't, doing.

 

The Ravens have had problems with their defense. For years, this team has prided themselves on being one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. They bullied everyone around and won games and a championship with that style of play.

 

That championship came after the 2000 season and the team didn't get close again until losing in the AFC Championship game last season. Championships have been won, more often than not, by teams who can score more than 17-points and then rely on their defense to win for them. That's what the Ravens did for more than a decade.

 

While the defense needs to get better, it seems to be more about technique than skill. Technique can be fixed, skill can't. I'll take my chances with an offense that can score with anyone over a defense that hopes the offense doesn't make mistakes. There hasn't been a dynasty built on defense since the Steelers of the 70's, and even they had Hall Of Fame offensive players.

 

Rob Long