Ravens Backups Lose To Bengals, No One Notices: Game Notes

December 30, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) tries to get away from Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

In what has to be the least relevant Ravens game in recent memory, the Ravens lost to the Cincinnati Bengals in what basically amounted to a pre-season game. The Ravens starters played 2 series, Ray Rice played even less than that, nothing really happened(bad or good) and then the Backups came in. The Bengals sent in their backups around halftime.

-Tyrod Taylor started off well leading an electrifying 80 yard scoring drive including a long and elusive run by Tyrod to set up a first down, but after that drive, he was largely ineffective. His passing was suspect and his decision making was spotty at best as he looked a little jumpy in the pocket on almost every drop back. He did end up getting a TD later in the game but he also had a terrible read which resulted in a pick six that basically put the game away for the Bengals. Carlos Dunlop was able to get his entire body in the way of Taylors pass before Taylor got the ball off, it was a timing play, but Taylor has to have more awareness than that, you have to know when a play is busted. I for one hope todays game will shut up some of the twisted fans that actually believe that Tyrod would be a better starter than Flacco. Tyrod is a fine player and one day he might be a good starter in the league, but today confirmed my suspicion that he is nowhere near ready to play with the big boys yet. He still needs more development.

-Bernard Pierce had another solid day. He had 22 carries for 89 yards, he also had 1 reception for 4 yards. Pierce has a bright future in the NFL and I wouldnt be surprised if the Ravens had the best backfield in the NFL next year by utilizing a real 1-2 punch rotation with Pierce getting 10-12 carries a game and Rice getting about 17-19 touches(pass and run).

– The Ravens will face the Colts next week, The Colts put a smack down on the Reeling Texans who have now lost 3 of their past 4 and haven’t had the snap out of it game like the Ravens had last week to end their 3 game losing streak. The Bengals will face the Texans if the Broncos and Patriots both win this afternoon, as I write this both Ne and DEN are leading their games but it is still very early.