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Ravens seeking national stage breakthrough
A win over the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight would move the Ravens into first place in the AFC North.
But a victory on national television would have a ripple effect beyond the Ravens' standing in the division.
There's a national perception that the Ravens are not an underachieving team but simply a mediocre one.
Cris Collinsworth, an NFL analyst for NBC, called the Ravens "a fraud" after they lost at Buffalo.
A reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called the Ravens' defense "overrated" in a question-and-answer session with readers.
And ESPN.com joked that the Ravens' playbook has two pages: "One page has a 5-yard slant. The other has a draw."
Even the point spread reflects the growing skepticism about the Ravens, the NFL's biggest underdogs this week.
"What are we, 35-point underdogs?" Ravens linebacker Bart Scott said of the spread, which is actually nine. "Hopefully we can get off the bus without tripping."
The Ravens (4-3) can change the balance of power in the AFC North as well as make over their image tonight in prime time, the root of their mundane national reputation.
They have lost four straight times on national television, often in bumbling fashion:
• In their first Monday night appearance last season, quarterback Steve McNair threw three interceptions in a 13-3 loss to the Broncos in Denver.
• On a Thursday night game in late November, the defense was fooled on a flea flicker and the offense was shut out for the first 58 minutes in a 13-7 loss to the Bengals in Cincinnati.
• In the playoffs, the Ravens committed four turnovers -- including McNair's interception at the goal line -- in a 15-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
• Then, opening this season on a Monday night, the Ravens turned over the ball six times in a 27-20 loss in Cincinnati.
Unlike the Steelers -- who haven't lost a home Monday night game since 1992 -- the Ravens' last prime-time win came in December 2005.
"We know what we're capable of," Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said. "It is an opportunity to play on a national stage and to show everybody how good this team is."
Surprisingly, the Ravens' problems on the national stage over the past two years have centered around McNair, who is known for his clutch play.
In his four nationally televised games with the Ravens, McNair has thrown one touchdown pass and six interceptions. He has averaged 192 passing yards and 5.5 yards per attempt for a 59.4 rating.
"We have to maintain the confidence that we have and not let the outside world bother us," McNair said. "In this room, we know we've got a good team. We just have to go out there and prove it [tonight]."
McNair hasn't struggled just on national television this season. Bothered by groin and back injuries, he has guided the Ravens to only three touchdowns in 15 quarters and none in his past 13 series.
Given three weeks to rest -- he didn't play in the two games before the bye -- McNair looks fresh and is throwing the ball well in practice, according to coaches and teammates.
"I don't mean to be the doctor here, but I think he's 100 percent healthy," Ravens coach Brian Billick said.
Even with McNair returning, the Ravens might not be at full strength tonight as previously expected.
Read More: Ravens have stumbled on national stage [Baltimore Sun]
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