indianapolis colts

With other teams’ big problems, the road to Super Bowl is open

BALTIMORE — the Ravens’ road to the Super Bowl might never be easier.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning isn’t playing. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is playing on one leg. new England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is playing at an all-world level but without a defense.

the Denver Broncos have a quarterback who can’t throw, and the Houston Texans’ is a rookie.

In the three previous seasons under coach John Harbaugh, the path to the Super Bowl was more difficult because the Ravens had to play on the road. but if they win their final two NFL regular-season games, the Ravens would be ensured at least a No. 2 seed in the playoffs, a first-round bye and an AFC divisional-round home game.

Everything seems to fit.

“The playoffs is something that I’m used to, (quarterback) Joe Flacco is used to, Coach Harbaugh is used to,” running back Ray Rice said. “There are a few guys that we molded our team around that are used to playing in the playoffs. It is an expectation to make the playoffs, but I don’t think making it is something that the Ravens can say, ‘Oh, yeah, we made the playoffs.’

“We’re expected to make the playoffs. We’ve got to get over that hump now, and let’s try to get to the (Super Bowl). I’m going to be honest, that’s so far away right now. we know that Saturday is the first road to get to that big dance. we look at it for what it’s at. the playoffs ain’t starting yet, but every game from here on out is essentially a playoff game.”

why shouldn’t the Ravens get to the Super Bowl?

with Houston’s starting quarterback Matt Schaub injured, the Ravens have the fewest weaknesses in the AFC. They should beat the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, and the key to an appearance in the Super Bowl will be the season finale Jan.1 against the Bengals in Cincinnati.

if the Ravens lose that one and drop below the top two seeds, the road becomes more difficult. if they win, the Ravens probably make it at least to the AFC championship game because they’ve won 17 of their past 18 at home, including a nine-game winning streak.

I still like the Ravens’ chances regardless of the stinker they turned in Sunday night against the San Diego Chargers. As inconsistent as the Ravens have been, other playoff contenders, such as the Oakland Raiders and the Bengals, have been even more so.

And what about the new York Jets? They’ve got no offense, and their defense is falling apart.

Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has become the darling of the national media, but he can’t beat the Ravens running that one-dimensional offense. the Ravens would smack him silly whether the game were in Denver or Baltimore.

5 Things the Indianapolis Colts Should Do Once the Season Is over

Donald Brown, Anthony Gonzalez and Jerry Hughes have been terrible for the Colts. at times these players have hurt the Colts more then helped them. 

Donald Brown has been a complete and total bust for the Indianapolis Colts. Brown, a late first round pick in the 2009 draft, has been a below average player. Brown has shown some greatness, and then he does stuff that just makes you want to beat your head against the wall. Through three years, he has 820 yards on 220 carries and a terrible 3.9 career average. the Colts need to part ways with Mr. Brown. 

Anthony Gonzalez has the potential to be a great wide receiver in the NFL, if he can stay healthy. Gonzalez has not seen playing time since his sophomore year due to injuries. the Colts should get rid of Gonzalez, he is a waste of cap room. 

Jerry Hughes is another first round bust for the Indianapolis Colts. Hughes is another below average player on the Colts roster that they need to part ways with. Hughes has 8 tackles and 1 sack in 2 years of play. Hughes is a waste of cap space, and should be released.