Examiner staff writer Ron Cassie caught up with former Colt great Tom Matte during the big game against Cincinnati. The Bengals came into Baltimore with three straight wins in a row over the Ravens.
» Ron Cassie: I grew up in Pennsylvania, Tom, and there are small towns there I even hate driving through because they beat us in high schoolthree times in a row. Is this a real rivalry?
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» Tom Matte: It?ll always be Pittsburgh first, but because Marvin Lewis is there and they?ve beaten us three straight, it?s becoming a rivalry.
» RC: Like I said, I still can?t stand some of these towns in Pennsylvania where there was a lot of hostility from the locals. Any places you didn?t like?
» TM: Chicago was brutal. Not just to play ? they were mean and dirty ? but the fans were right on top of you, too. They?d be shouting and throwing anything they could get their hands at you the whole game. In Buffalo, it was the same way; they?d throw beer bottles at their old stadium. We kept our helmets on walking from the ballpark to our bus.
(Ravens recover an opening kickoff fumble and then Samari Rolle and Ed Reed return an interception for a touchdown and it?s 14-0 after five minutes. Stover makes it 17-0).
» RC: Who?s stolen the Ravens? jerseys? This can?t be the same offense.
» TM: Billick is throwing out some new formations; Mike Anderson took two direct snaps. They?re having fun, mixing it up and getting everybody involved.
(Bengals cut the lead to 17-7 before half, and later kick a field goal, but Stover responds to make it 23-10 after three quarters).
» TM: The Ravens secondary is the key. Keep getting after these guys and no more big plays. Carson Palmer is dangerous.
(On cue, Palmer throws a 71-yard bomb; 23-17).
» TM: Christ.
(Stover hits his 34th straight boot, 26-17; then with 4:01 left, the Bengals hit one, 26-20).
» RC: The Ravens go three and out, twice. Aggghhhh. Why does it have to be like this?
(Ravens hang on when a crucial fourth down pass is broken up and a shy referee keeps his hands in his pockets. Ravens are 6-2).
» TM: McNair threw into coverage at the end, but he?s getting to know this team and they?re playing for each other.
» RC: OK. Pittsburgh plays Denver right after this at 4 p.m. – let?s root for them to lose.
» TM: You got it, partner.
You can reach Examiner staff writer Ron Cassie at [email protected].
