Ravens Slay Cinderella

The Kansas City Chiefs were the Cinderella story of the NFL playoffs. No one thought they’d make the postseason, much less host a game. But the Baltimore Ravens put an end to their Cinderella run by destroying the Chiefs by a final score of 30-7. After the Chiefs took a 7-3 lead, the Ravens went on a 27-0 run to end the game and advance to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Joe Flacco, the quarterback for the Ravens, had 265 yards and two touchdowns. Ray Rice and Willis McGahee combined for 101 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Rice also had a touchdown reception. However, Rice pointed to the defense as being the true stars of the game.

Said Rice: “Our defense played phenomenal. They came out in the second half and gutted that offense. It was impressive.”

“Gutted” is a good way of saying it. Matt Cassel, who enjoyed a fine regular season, was completely shut down by the Ravens. He finished 9-for-18 for 70 yards and three interceptions. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City’s Pro Bowl wide receiver, was held without a catch.

The Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers next Saturday at 4:30 PM EST.

Baltimore Ravens got off to a good playoff start (Image: TSN.ca)