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American Football Spectacular: Baltimore vs Indianapolis vs Baltimore vs Cleveland

I12648-2004Dec19.jpgIn the most angry game of this 2007 postseason, the ex-Baltimore Colts go to Baltimore to play the ex-Cleveland Browns Ravens.

* Indianapolis vs. Baltimore
Saturday, January 13, 2007. 1:30 PM, PST.
2007 Divisional Playoffs
The Battle Of The Stolen

Much has been made of the Colts' exit from Charm City -- one of the most ignominious financial maneuvers in American sports history. Cue the footage of the Mayflower moving trucks leaving in the middle of the night.

But the Ravens are no better, are they?

Once the Cleveland Browns, the franchise went from Ohio to Baltimore for sake of money as well. Owner Art Modell is reviled in CLE, even after a fresh expansion Browns team was seeded.

So which is better? The team uprooted from Baltimore, or the team uprooted to Baltimore.

Obviously, the most exciting matchup within this game will be between the Ravens' marauding, adaptable defense and the Colts' led-by-Peyton Manning spread offense.

Peyton is unquestionably the best (regular season) quarterback in the NFL. You notice the parenthesis. He leads his squad with poise and play-calling. Then comes the post-season. And he has his reputation of not being able to get over the hump of the Big Offseason Game.

The Colts had no postseason bye by this season. No homefield advantage No safety of the Indy Superdome to coddle their precision-based offense. The Colts have an uphill climb up the steepest hill -- the Ravens' defense.

rayandpeyton.jpgLed by Rob's brother Rex Ryan, the Ravens' defense is one of the most technically sound in the NFL. They can hit, they can ball-hawk, they can tackle, they can play 4-3 or 3-4 at will, they can pressure the QB, and they are positively larded with Pro Bowl players.

The only thing they can't do is play offense for Charm City.

Here's the weak link, and where Peyton will be looking within the Ravens' D: rookie Dawan Landry is starting for the Ravens at strong safety. Though he has been playing fine this season, he is the weakest link in this defense. Expect him to be tested all game long by the Colts' multi-receiver sets.

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