Editor: Joe Bryant. Game Recap Contributors: Mike Anderson, Michael Brown, Chris Burtt, J.D. Caldwell, David Dodds, Bobby Elder, Jim Enochs, Joel Faulhaber, Michael Flynn, Kevin Goldblum, Clayton Gray, Bob Harris, Fred Hebert, Jesse Hilsenrad, Drew Kendall, Jeff Lewis, Joey Matusek, Justin Oliver, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Cody Smith, Scott Smith, Jeffrey Stout. Baltimore 7 at Miami 26 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Baltimore Ravens: Just when it looked like QB Chris Redman would lose his starting job for sure, Jeff Blake threw up an ugly passing performance. In his defense, he suffered through 6 dropped passes, including 4 by WR Travis Taylor. He was also pressured relentlessly. Blake was unable to move this offense downfield on a consistent basis, if at all. RB Jamal Lewis could not find space to run against a Miami defense that always plays tough at home. While lately he has been used in the short passing game, he was only thrown to one time, but it was a nice 26 yard reception. Lewis has an easy schedule the rest of the year, and after a few bad weeks in a row, it might be a good time to buy low. WR Travis Taylor's continues to grow into the # 1 WR role. He caught 4 balls for 48 yards and a touchdown where he was wide open. He did; however, drop 4 passes. His emergence has coincided with the appearance of QB Jeff Blake in the lineup. While Taylor's numbers have skyrocketed with Blake in the lineup, TE Todd Heap has made a virtual disappearance. He grabbed only one ball and was only targeted twice. He was double covered by a safety and a linebacker for most of the game, in his defense. Miami Dolphins: QB Ray Lucas finally put together a decent performance on the field. The reason for this was mainly the focus of running the ball with Ricky Williams. RB Ricky Williams got back on track with a bruising 26 carry, 102 yard performance (3.9 ypc). He also scored twice, and grabbed 5 balls for 28 yards. Even with LB Ray Lewis returning for Baltimore, Williams could not be stopped. After two poor performances in a row, Williams reminded us why you should never bench your studs. The Dolphins have some cold weather games coming up, and Williams will have to carry the load. The Dolphin Defense was swarming all afternoon, holding Baltimore to less than 200 yards of total offense. They are always a good start when playing at home. A great match up to watch was DE Jason Taylor against Jonathan Ogden. Taylor's final line: 1 tackle, 1 sack. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Baltimore Ravens QB: Jeff Blake was under heat and pressure all day, and often spent more time scrambling than looking for receivers. His receivers dropped 6 passes, including 4 by WR Travis Taylor. Up until this week, it looked like Blake had distanced himself over QB Chris Redman for the starting job. Now, it's not so clear. Blake did have a great 28 yard touchdown pass to Travis Taylor off of a flea-flicker. One thing in Blake's favor is his cannon arm, which means when Baltimore is on offense they can score from anywhere on the field. RB: Jamal Lewis could not find any daylight against the stingy Miami defense. He finished with just 47 yards. With an easy schedule the rest of the way, he is a definite buy low candidate though. He's had trouble amassing yards the last few weeks, and the impatient owner might be ready to deal him. A quick "Boy, that ACL sure is still bothering him," always helps� WR: Travis Taylor has locked on as Baltimore's #1 receiver. He was targeted 9 times, catching 4 balls. Unfortunately, he also dropped 4. He was double-covered for most of the day, and when Brandon Stokely returns he should be freed up a little bit. One concern is that if Chris Redman returns at quarterback, Taylor may go back to "dud" status. Rookie Ron Johnson filled in admirably for Brandon Stokely, but dropped 2 balls that he probably should have caught. Limited fantasy value. TE: Todd Heap faced double coverage all day, and did not even get a look until about 4:00 left in the third quarter. He left the game for a while with a thigh contusion. Miami's game plan seemed to take Heap out of the game, and until more receivers start playing better, his production may be limited. Still, he's about as gifted as they come at that position, and should continue to be in starting lineups. With Heap getting all of the coverage, backup TE Tony Jones hauled in two nice receptions for 22 yards. Rush Defense: Even with the return of MLB Ray Lewis, the Ravens could not stop Ricky Williams. Williams chewed up the Baltimore interior for 102 total yards, and 2 touchdowns. Lewis showed signs of wearing down, most likely due to the fact that he hasn't played in over a month. This was probably an aberration, not a trend. Pass Defense: With Chris McAlister still out of the lineup, the secondary fell prey to the quick strike passing of the Dolphins. QB Ray Lucas spread the ball evenly amongst his receivers, and Baltimore could not stop them when they need to the most. Special Teams: Brightful continues to be a great replacement for Jermaine Lewis. Time and time again he puts the Ravens in great field position. /**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/**/** Miami Dolphins QB: Ray Lucas played solid enough for Miami to win. He was an efficient 18 of 26 for 221 yards, 0 touchdowns, and most importantly, no turnovers. This type of game will be all that is asked from him, so he is not a viable fantasy play. He did vulture a touchdown away from Ricky Williams when he scored on a 1 yard run. RB: Ricky Williams had another outstanding performance, with 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. He beat and bruised the Raven defense all afternoon, totaling 26 carries. The Dolphins first six plays in the red zone all went to Williams. He was also used more in the passing game, with 5 grabs for 28 yards. His value is increasing in leagues that reward receptions. Third-down back Robert Edwards did not touch the football. WR: Chris Chambers hauled in 4 passes for 50 yards. He was only targeted 4 times. As long as Ray Lucas is in a quarterback, expect mediocre results. With the QB situation, he is suffering through a disappointing sophomore campaign. James McKnight caught 4 balls for 59 yards, and was the high yardage receiver in the game. He almost scored on his fourth catch of the day, but was tackled at the 4 yard line. TE: Randy McMichael had 2 receptions for 50 yards. He did not seem to be part of the Dolphins goal line plans, which was a little disturbing compared to the focus that was put on him at the beginning of the season. He has had his best games at home this year, by far. All of his touchdowns this year have come at home. Rush Defense: The Dolphins held Jamal Lewis in check, limiting him to just 47 yards on 17 carries. The Ravens shied away from the running game later on as they were playing catch up. Pass Defense: QB Jeff Blake scrambled for most of the game, and Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain blanketed the Baltimore receivers. They did get burned on a flea-flicker where Travis Taylor scored on a 28 yard pass. DE Jason Taylor could not get any pressure on Jeff Blake, because he was matched up with Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden. Special Teams: Olindo Mare was solid as always, nailing two field goals of over 40 yards. The Dolphins cover teams gave up two huge run backs. It did not cost them, for this game at least.