Hits from the Pipe - Game 7

The Stillers roll into town riding a season-high two game winning streak looking to take full possession of first place in the AFCN. The overachieving Ratbirds welcome the Stillers into Baltimore for what looks to be a pretty solid matchup. The Ravens are playing inspired football, using the typical 'us against the world' theme to carry this surprising team to a 3-3 record. We all knew that the Ravens would win some games this year, and it�s a little early to be calling the Crows an actual playoff team. The Denver victory alone should be reason enough to take this Raven team, or any division game, seriously.

The Ravens come into this game a pass interference call away from a four game winning streak. Yes, Ratbird fans, it was a good call. Another AFCN team that seems to have luck fall the other way. A Cleveland-like curse that is just funny. The Ravens believe, and have an attitude of "we're not supposed to be good anyway, we have nothing to lose". Teams like this are dangerous, and must be taken seriously. Coming of a short week, this will be a tough one.

I give the advantage to the Stillers here.

Despite the blunders so far this season from our ST unit, they have made their share of plays. For the first time all season, the coverage units played well against Indy, and the unit actually did some positive things. Not to be out-done, Petersuck comes in and puts on a pitiful display of kicking that makes me wonder why he is even on the payroll.

Its games like these that the underdog relishes. The Ravens would love to piss on the Stillers win-streak, and steal first place for the time being. If the Ravens win, they will need a play from their ST unit. With a solid kicking game, and the type of inspired play this Raven team has given, I see them making a big play on Sunday. The question will be, will the Stillers have enough points on the board to overcome/afford a big play.

I give the advantage to the Ratbirds here.

The Tommy show is one to watch. I can't remember when I felt so confident in this O scoring points. The Ravens play versions of a 3-4 and a 4-3 with a LB as a down lineman. The Stillers have shown they can play against either. The O will move the ball against Baltimore, but not as easily as the past couple of weeks. The Ravens fans think they have a good D, but it is above-average at best. The key here will be the red zone offense. Can Maddox continue to be deadly in the red-zone? I don't see the Ravens having enough to keep the Stillers from scoring at least 20+ points in this game. Turnovers, along with special teams, will be the other facet that the Ravens will need to upset the Stillers. But, it ain't gonna happen. They would need about three of them to make a difference.

My question is this�durability. Maddox is a cream-puff. I hope he can handle an entire season. The Ravens will come after him, and that will be their demise.

I give the advantage to the Stillers here.

Now that Tim Lewis has removed his head from his ass, the D is playing an attacking, aggressive, go-for-the-throat, type D. This is Stiller football. First year starter Redman will play the quick pass all day. The Ravens do not have the personnel to spread out the Stiller D, but they will get rid of the ball quick in the passing game. This can only be countered by pressure and press coverage. If Lewis continues to employ an aggressive D like the last few weeks, Redman will throw a couple of picks. J. Lewis is a solid runner who will carry the ball 20+ times, effective or not the Ravens will run the ball. Keeping the Stiller O off the field is a must for a Raven victory. Lewis will get some yards, but 80 won't be enough. The Raven O line does not match up well with the Stiller front 7. Heap is the neutralizer here. The Raven TE is their only playmaker in the pass game. He will probably get a score, but the Ravens just don�t have enough offensively to keep up with the Stiller O. Playing from behind, and a late INT will be the dagger for the Ravens.

I give the advantage to the Stillers here.

Stillers 27

Ravens 16

The Panthers are starting a 3^rd string QB trying to play Tampa Bay football against the best D in the league. The Bucs will crush the Panthers and easily cover the 7 points.

The Skins just blow, and they are without Chris Samuels (their best O lineman) and they have no QB. The Colts are looking to amend the poor showing last Mon. night. For some reason this line is very low. This line should be 6 or 7.

Normally I'd say, don�t bet your team, but this is too easy. I would have stayed away from this game if the line was 3 or so, but -1 is too inviting. The Stillers will win this game, and it looks like a pretty good bet at only 1 point.

The point total on this game could be around 70. The Raiders are banged up in their secondary, and have a tough time playing in KC. The Chiefs are the highest scoring team in the league, and the Raiders are close behind. A shootout bodes well for playing the over.

The Lions are not as pitiful as last season with Joey at the helm, but they still are not that good. Momentum from a big victory over a solid Dolphin team is just what the Bills D needed. Bledsoe will have a huge game this weekend.

As us Stiller fans know, an athletic QB can only get you so far, and this Saints team is approaching a 'Best in the NFC' status. I don�t see the Falcons stopping Duce and Co. this week. This line is too low to avoid.

Seattle is not as bad as their record, and the Cowboys are starting Hutchinson (who sucks). The Seattle D will focus on Emmit all game, and when forced to pass, the Cowboys will hand the game away to the Hawks.

I kinda like Denver (+3) to beat a New England team that has lost its identity. Denver has a solid D and a good running game. The Pats have neither.

Will the Bengals (+5 1/2) win their first game? Maybe not, but they could cover the spread. I know that I would not bet on the Titans if I had to.

Stay away from the other games this weekend, and good luck.

Later

Still Pipe