NFL: Flying Higher, Ravens Head To Tennessee

By Chrys Kefalas CPKSports.com Editor-in-Chief

BALTIMORE, MD. So you are an NFL player ready to take on the Denver Broncos in the biggest game of the season and how to you spend the day before?

For Baltimore Ravens backup fullback and special teams player Chuck Evans the answer is at Costas Inn, sitting at the bar and watching other NFL playoff games just like any other guy. Of course this guy wears Giorgio Armani accented with Brun-Amali shoes and a Rolex watch.

Still, that Killian’s Red draft beer tastes the same, offering that slightly bitter aftertaste, and those Rams miscues seem just as horrible.

Chuck Evans and the Baltimore Ravens, though, left no bitter aftertaste in a performance of sheer brilliance on defense, solid play on special teams, and excellent power run offensive execution by the Raven’s offensive line and Jamal Lewis against the Broncos this past Sunday.

To the relief of Costas Inn’s management, Chuck Evans didn’t fumble the ball and end up costing the Ravens the win. No -- he just watched, for the most part, as Ray Lewis & company dismantled the Broncos rushing attack, held Gus Frerotte to only 124 yards, and kept Denver without a touchdown for the first time in their three decade long playoff history.

The Ravens dominated the No. 1 ranked offense in the AFC and found themselves in a 21-3 thumping of the Super Bowl XXXIII Champions.

Sunday they will take on the No. 1 ranked defense in the National Football League. Tennessee and Al Del Greco will have the opportunity to avenge the 24-23 loss at home to Baltimore during the regular season.

Around Costas Inn’s bar and on national radio talk shows people chatter about whether the Ravens defense will stop Eddie George. One radio talk show host exclaimed: “The real litmus test for the Ravens defense comes Sunday when they must stop Eddie George to win.”

Still, after decimating the Broncos offense the Ravens defense must continue to prove, to some, the validity of their greatness. Eddie George was held to 28 yards in his last game versus the Ravens, though, injuries limited his ability.

Sunday is an entirely different story. Fresh off a 84-yard performance against the Cowboys in week seventeen and scoring three TDs and running for 176 yards in week sixteen, George arrives to Adelphia Coliseum as the triumphant Gladiator awaiting his next challenge. Healthy and determined to lead the Titans to a Super Bowl Championship, George will present the Ravens with something they have yet to face at any point in the season or in their history.

Their are certain players whose performance level rises when the games are of the utmost import, Eddie George is one of those players. The Ravens will have to douse the fire that burns in his eyes and somehow pull the plug on his energy to persevere and his will to succeed.

Once that is complete, Baltimore defenders must limit the big plays generated by Steve McNair. McNair may not be the league’s best quarterback but he has shown excellent leadership skills and the ability to thrive in tough situations. Defensive backs Chris McAlister and Duane Starks must contain Chris Sanders and Yancey Thigpen to avoid major damage.

The task ahead for the Baltimore Ravens is a daunting and difficult one, however it is not mission impossible. This Baltimore team had 252 more yards, 19 more first downs, and controlled the clock for approximately 20 more minutes in head-to-head action with the Titans in 2000.

The excitement builds, the moment of kick off edges closer with each passing minute. Chuck Evans prepares and those at Costas Inn await another visit from him, this time though as a member of the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.

Article courtesy of CPKSports.com