In a hard fought battle, a missed 4th down conversion cost the Ravens the football game

The Ravens had their toughest task of the year in week 4, playing the New England Patriots.  With seconds left on the clock, Mark Clayton dropped a perfect pass on 4th down that would have given the Ravens a first and goal, down by 6.

The game was a tough battle for the Ravens, who allowed 3 out of 5 Patriot trips to the red zone end up in touchdowns.  Flacco and Brady dueled throughout the game, both throwing over 250 yards and combining for 4 touchdowns (Brady had 1 rushing touchdown).  The run defense continued to be stellar, as the Patriots's highest rusher Fred Taylor gained only 25 yards.

Their pass defense, however, continues to struggle.  With Pro Browl safety Ed Reed gambling and blitzing often, Brady picked his spots, including one 14 yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss (who was inexplicably single covered).  Even though the Ravens lost the game, I certainly haven't lost any faith in their team.  

Ray Rice ran for 103 yards on only 11 carries and both Flacco and top receiver Derrick Mason both played good games.  They were playing in New England, against a team desperate to prove that they are still in the upper echelon of football teams.

Week 5 is looming, and the Ravens look to face the surprisingly 3-1 Bengals. 

The Bengals have been playing good football this year, but showed their weaknesses against the Browns in Week 4.  They have had a strong and efficient air attack with Carson Palmer back under center, and continue to commit to the run with ex-bear RB Cedric Benson.  The Ravens will not have problems gaining yardage against the Bengals.  Ray Rice should get more carries this game, as the Ravens will try and control the ball, and force the Bengals to throw into a few 3 and outs.

To win the game, the Ravens will have to stop the Bengals pass attack.  Marvin Lewis will likely see game tape of the Ravens run defense and choose to go to a pass happy offense.  The Ravens will have to prove that they can stop the pass.  

The home team will win this game.  The Ravens improve to 4-1

Fantasy Insight:  

Ray Rice ran for 103 yards on a ridiculously efficient 11 carries.  Watch for the Ravens to feed Rice and McGahee the ball early and often to try and flatten the blitzing Cincinnati defense.

Player of the Game: Ray Rice - 11 carries 107 yards rushing

Rayray had an impressive 50 yard run in a game where the Ravens passed 47 times.  He will continue to get the majority of the carries in Baltimore.