Everyone will remember the 108 yard NFL record breaking interception return for a TD to put the Ravens up 29-7 and ice the victory.  At the time the game was still winnable for the Eagles – an unlikely win but nonetheless, winnable. 

Facing a second and goal from the one foot line, I would have bet the house on Andy Reid calling a quarterback sneak in that situation.  A touchdown and a potential two point conversion could have brought the Eagles to within seven at 22-15 with over 7 minutes left in the game.  We all know now that Reid didn’t call the sneak and in the end Reed beat Reid.

But that play aside, Ed Reed’s other interception was just as impressive had he not capped his return off with a boneheaded play that could have been very costly.  That said had the struggling Donovan McNabb taken over at his own 3 yard line, the Quintin Demps kickoff return probably never happens.

But Reed’s play on Sunday was about more than just those two interceptions.  He made a play during a blitz in Eagles territory when he tipped a McNabb pass that was nearly intercepted by Samari Rolle. Later, his inside penetration on a Sav Rocca punt forced a double team that cleared the way for Jameel McClain’s blocked punt.

Maybe Ed Reed is healing.  Maybe he’s coping with the pain better.  Maybe he’s figured out how to manage the discomfort and pick his spots.  Whatever the case, if Ed Reed returns to form on a consistent basis, it bodes well for the Ravens’ ailing secondary.

Besides Reed and a standout performance from Jarret Johnson, perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the Ravens’ win was the improved play of the secondary.  Samari Rolle and Fabian Washington were very good in coverage and even when the Eagles were able to make a catch, the two were in position to minimize the damage and help their team get off the field on third down.  If they can continue that kind of play, it allows Corey Ivy and Frank Walker to do what they do best (be effective nickel and dime backs) and it also may boost Rex Ryan’s confidence to crank up the heat level on opposing QB’s with his exotic blitz packages.

The Ravens offense, especially the running game hit the wall a bit on Sunday against a tough Eagles’ defense.  It seems that each week Cam Cameron has done a pretty decent job determining which of his backs is best equipped to exploit the weaknesses of opposing defenses.  Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain have all had their fair share of success.  It was apparent early on Sunday that the flavor of the day should have been McClain with battering mate Lorenzo Neal yet Cameron didn’t seem to pick up on it. 

The Ravens ran often on first down and looking back you have to wonder why.  On 21 first down plays the Ravens totaled 33 net yards.  That is not going to get it done when facing a team like the Eagles who blitz regularly and get to the quarterback as well as any team in the league, particularly on second and third and long.  With the running game not on all cylinders, maybe the approach should be to set up the run with the pass.  I’m sure they can manage more than 33 yards total on all first down plays doing so.

The Ravens were not as quick to the line of scrimmage this week and it could be argued that against a shifty, moving and aggressive Eagles defense, a premium should be placed on giving Joe Flacco more time to survey the field and get comfortable with his pre-snap reads.  This game almost begged for the no-huddle Flacco is comfortable with to mitigate defensive coordinator Jim Johnson’s sub packages and unorthodox schemes designed to confuse the rookie.

This win was about as unattractive as a 36-7 win could be.  But that said, we’ll take it.

On to Cincinnati…

During our radio program The X Factor this past Saturday, we discussed the hypothetical offseason tag and trade of Terrell Suggs to the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan Boldin.  For many reasons, I think the trade makes sense.

The Ravens impressive scouting department seems to have an innate ability to discover raw talent, particularly at linebacker that fits the Ravens’ style of play and the defensive coaching staff is equally as impressive in developing that talent.  They have turned a 6th round pick (Adalius Thomas) and an undrafted free agent (Bart Scott) into Pro Bowlers. Yet at the position of receiver, the Ravens turn first round picks into future disappointments that never approach the scouting department’s originally projected performance levels. 

So why not then use the organization’s strength to help fortify one of its weaknesses?  Why not bet on their ability to find the next Thomas or Scott instead of the next receiver wearing No. 89 that can’t consistently create separation at the NFL level?

Anquan Boldin will draw attention.  He can make the big play and deliver the yards after catch.  He is tough and well rounded and can make a play in traffic in addition to being an effective blocker in the running game.  Speaking of which, Ravens’ opponents will no longer be able to dedicate so much attention to play inside the box.  Boldin spreads the field.  He provides options and not only could he make Joe Flacco effective, he also helps Todd Heap and Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton because opponents could no longer commitment the resources to double team these players.

It makes too much sense not to pursue this deal – at least that’s how I see it.  But some Ravens’ insiders aren’t as convinced.  They think that Boldin benefits from lining up opposite Larry Fitzgerald and in an offense featuring the quick deliveries of Kurt Warner.  And while these insiders make a strong argument, how do you then explain away Boldin’s rookie accomplishments?

During his rookie season, Boldin had 101 catches for 1,377 yards and 8 scores while Fitzgerald was a sophomore and Heisman runner-up at Pitt.  Throwing the ball to Boldin in 2003 were the not so dynamic pair of Jeff Blake and Josh McCown.

Boldin might not have breakaway speed but he can certainly break away driven by an insatiable desire to compete and a work ethic second to none.

Speaking of work ethic, props go out to Jared Gaither.  While a member of Ralph Friedgen’s club down at the University of Maryland, the book on Gaither read: loads of physical skills; unproven; lazy; lacks motivation.  Sunday was a big step in the right direction for the Ravens starting left tackle.