Ravens-Vikings: Frustrating Loss, But Ravens Have Shown They Won't Quit

OK, the bad news first. For the third week in a row, the Baltimore Ravens lost a game they had the opportunity to win in the final minute. Take away one dropped pass, one blown coverage, and one missed field goal, and the Ravens may be undefeated right now.

Instead, they’re 3-3 going into their bye. Their defense is still susceptible to the big play—just ask Brett Favre. Their offensive line misses the presence of Jared Gaither—just ask Michael Oher. And their second-year field goal kicker Steve Hauschka blew his first real shot at being the hero of the day—just ask every sports fan in Baltimore.

But here’s the good news: this team doesn’t give up.

After being outplayed for three quarters against the Minnesota Vikings, the Ravens managed to score 21 points in the fourth to make it a game. Joe Flacco was knocked around all day by the likes of Jared Allen, Pat Williams, and Kevin Williams, but he kept making plays, and continues to prove he’ll be a force in the NFL for years to come.

These tidbits may come as little comfort for the fans in Baltimore, who will now have two weeks to steam over this three-game losing streak.

Despite the bad taste in their mouths, the Ravens’ players and coaches are likely glad to have a bye next week, as it will afford time to work on all the little things that are costing them on the field.

Perhaps fans can take solace in one thing: this time last year, the Ravens were 2-3 after an embarrassing lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

Of course, as we all know by now, they reached the AFC title game.

They were good enough last year to do it, and they’ve proven they won’t give up despite a lot of things going against them. Time will tell if they rebound as well as they did in 2008, but as frustrated as Baltimore fans should be right now, they should also be at least a little proud.