Winning more important than being macho

The Baltimore Ravens started out 3-0. They had good wins over the Chiefs, Chargers and Browns. Many commentators were wondering if the emergence of Joe Flacco combined with a potent defense could make them a big-time contender in the AFC.

Then the Patriots game happened. The Ravens fell 27-21, with a couple of roughing the passer calls and a dropped Derrik Mason pass sunk formerly undefeated Baltimore.

And then the idiot Ravens arrived. Ray Lewis and other Ravens opened their mouths and called out the refs, the NFL rules, and Tom Brady. They took no blame themselves.

The next week they lost to the Bengals 17-14, and a big reason was a late hit by Lewis on Chad Ochocinco, which extended a game-winning Cincinnati drive. He led with his helmet and popped Chad late in the helmet. A completely stupid move that was a big reason why they lost.

That game was followed by a heart-breaking 33-31 loss to Favre and the Vikings.

The season is hardly lost as they come out of a week 7 bye. They play the Broncos this week, and a victory would put them at 4-3 and in decent shape to make the playoffs. But the road would have been much easier if they went into the buy at 4-2 or 5-1.

I think they got what they deserved for whining after the Patriots game. Should they have been upset? Yes, most defensive players think the QB rules are lame. But their comments sounded like a bunch of fans on talk radio, not players who should be more interested in winning than looking like tough guys. And they went on all week about how they would hit even harder in the next game.

And then Lewis kills his team by being a 'tough guy' and laying out Ochocinco in stupid fashion. Last time I checked, the goal of the NFL is to win games, not impress your friends with your machismo. Lewis got exactly what he deserved -- a loss for a very stupid decision at a key point in the game.

Will the Ravens make the playoffs? I don't think so. They have a tough schedule, and the defense isn't as good as it has been. They could get hot, and Flacco is very good. But they will be hard pressed to overcome the their own need to be macho instead of winners.