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I don't post much, but I have a unique perspective to help everyone who is considering a short term investment on the Ravens/Colts tomorrow.
Folks don't fully appreciate the meaning of this game to most fans in Baltimore tomorrow. For those of us in Baltimore that grew up living for the Horseshoe, this is our chance to finally bring closure to the Colts saga.
I lived the Colts. My sons have Baltimore Colt memorabilia in their rooms. My autographs of Johnny U, Artie Donovan, Lenny Moore, etc. My Baltimore Colt pennants are on their walls alongside the Ravens. Did I mention we HATE the Indy Colts?
We've accepted history, and felt like we got over it in 2000 when our Ravens won the Super Bowl. We live the Ravens now.
But for those in my generation (and there are a lot us), we've talked for 27 years about how one day we want the chance the Colts here for a playoff game - to knock them out. After 27 years, the day is tomorrow.
I know this is lost on a lot of today's players. The Colts have no clue. Some of the Ravens don't get it. BUT, A LOT OF THE RAVENS do. They know they are playing for the city. And believe me, the City gets it. The city is Purple. There is purple everywhere - you'd think this is the Super Bowl. And Billick knows what he's doing. He pushed hard for the players to get into the community this week, and they have. There have been a god zilliion appearances this week, where the city has gone nuts over them. Those players now get it. They don't understand why, and probably most people don't, but they understand that they are playing for that means the world to a lot folks. And they are enthused and loving it.
There are 14 current/former Pro Bowlers on this roster. They've combined for 115 playoff games, 14 Super Bowl rings and 17 of them have played in the big game. The kicker is as accurate as they come. Four defensive lineman/linebackers have 10+ sacks. Two former defensive players of the year. A shutdown cornerback. A lineman who can play safety. They have outgained their last 9 opponents. They have 60 sacks, and have given up 17. This is a complete football team, and they are playing an average one with a great quarterback. They understand what they have, and what they want. They are focused and they are excited.
Believe me, the city is PASSIONATE for this one. Like no other football game we've seen. Parking passes for the best lots for the game are selling for between $300-$500. FOR PARKING! You can barely get on an outer lot for $125. I'm telling you - it is electric.
But beyond all that, the Ravens are better. They're rested and healthy. The team has THE CHEMISTRY. It is their year. Watching them all year, you can see they have that 'something special'. You'll see it tomorrow. And next week, and again 2 weeks later.
I'm a homer, no doubt. But I'm a smart homer. One that took Cle + the points on 9/24 when the rest of the world was all over the Ravens. My wallet goes with my head.
My head has been telling me each week that the Ravens are having the magical ride of a season that makes Championships. I believe it, No question.
But back to tomorrow. This Ravens team feeds off its fans. We have the best home record in the past 5 years. The Colts are getting the public after looking so good last week. This gives us value. The Colts now feel good about themselves. They exercised the 'our run defense stinks demon'. And they are walking into a buzz saw. Heck, there's a group of fans organizing to set up outside the Colts hotel to make noise all night to keep the Colts up. They reason that it even takes noise to get arrested, and noise is the plan!
I say it again. WE HATE THE COLTS. WE ARE PASSIONATE and WE WILL BE AS LOUD AS WE CAN BE. After 27 years, this town is ready. This will feed the Ravens birds tomorrow.
Without the crowd info, I think the Ravens set up as a good bet tomorrow. With the crowd and the excitement factored in, it sets up as a GREAT BET tomorrow.
Lay the points. Huge. I will be laying 90% of the my largest wager of the year.
And good luck.
Doctor Z
ps - I tailgate next to Lenny Moore - what a class guy that ex Baltimore Colt is.
Folks don't fully appreciate the meaning of this game to most fans in Baltimore tomorrow. For those of us in Baltimore that grew up living for the Horseshoe, this is our chance to finally bring closure to the Colts saga.
I lived the Colts. My sons have Baltimore Colt memorabilia in their rooms. My autographs of Johnny U, Artie Donovan, Lenny Moore, etc. My Baltimore Colt pennants are on their walls alongside the Ravens. Did I mention we HATE the Indy Colts?
We've accepted history, and felt like we got over it in 2000 when our Ravens won the Super Bowl. We live the Ravens now.
But for those in my generation (and there are a lot us), we've talked for 27 years about how one day we want the chance the Colts here for a playoff game - to knock them out. After 27 years, the day is tomorrow.
I know this is lost on a lot of today's players. The Colts have no clue. Some of the Ravens don't get it. BUT, A LOT OF THE RAVENS do. They know they are playing for the city. And believe me, the City gets it. The city is Purple. There is purple everywhere - you'd think this is the Super Bowl. And Billick knows what he's doing. He pushed hard for the players to get into the community this week, and they have. There have been a god zilliion appearances this week, where the city has gone nuts over them. Those players now get it. They don't understand why, and probably most people don't, but they understand that they are playing for that means the world to a lot folks. And they are enthused and loving it.
There are 14 current/former Pro Bowlers on this roster. They've combined for 115 playoff games, 14 Super Bowl rings and 17 of them have played in the big game. The kicker is as accurate as they come. Four defensive lineman/linebackers have 10+ sacks. Two former defensive players of the year. A shutdown cornerback. A lineman who can play safety. They have outgained their last 9 opponents. They have 60 sacks, and have given up 17. This is a complete football team, and they are playing an average one with a great quarterback. They understand what they have, and what they want. They are focused and they are excited.
Believe me, the city is PASSIONATE for this one. Like no other football game we've seen. Parking passes for the best lots for the game are selling for between $300-$500. FOR PARKING! You can barely get on an outer lot for $125. I'm telling you - it is electric.
But beyond all that, the Ravens are better. They're rested and healthy. The team has THE CHEMISTRY. It is their year. Watching them all year, you can see they have that 'something special'. You'll see it tomorrow. And next week, and again 2 weeks later.
I'm a homer, no doubt. But I'm a smart homer. One that took Cle + the points on 9/24 when the rest of the world was all over the Ravens. My wallet goes with my head.
My head has been telling me each week that the Ravens are having the magical ride of a season that makes Championships. I believe it, No question.
But back to tomorrow. This Ravens team feeds off its fans. We have the best home record in the past 5 years. The Colts are getting the public after looking so good last week. This gives us value. The Colts now feel good about themselves. They exercised the 'our run defense stinks demon'. And they are walking into a buzz saw. Heck, there's a group of fans organizing to set up outside the Colts hotel to make noise all night to keep the Colts up. They reason that it even takes noise to get arrested, and noise is the plan!
I say it again. WE HATE THE COLTS. WE ARE PASSIONATE and WE WILL BE AS LOUD AS WE CAN BE. After 27 years, this town is ready. This will feed the Ravens birds tomorrow.
Without the crowd info, I think the Ravens set up as a good bet tomorrow. With the crowd and the excitement factored in, it sets up as a GREAT BET tomorrow.
Lay the points. Huge. I will be laying 90% of the my largest wager of the year.
And good luck.
Doctor Z
ps - I tailgate next to Lenny Moore - what a class guy that ex Baltimore Colt is.
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